{Fabric Friday} vintage vera…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on January 14, 2011 in Fabric Friday, Nostalgia, textiles, vera neumann, vintage inspiration | No Comments

I have really fond memories of playing in my mom’s scarf box. The feeling of the silks & chiffons, the patterns & colors, and the wafting scent of Charlie Perfume come to mind when I think about it. A while back I spotted a basket of scarves at the antique mall. They were all packaged in ziploc baggies & I really didn’t have time to sift through them. But I thought about them & saved that activity for a rainy day- when I need a studio break. That studio break came this week. I was completely delighted searching through the basket – the colors were amazing! But what really got my heart pumping was that the ones I kept picking up, were Vera Neumann scarves- and they were $6 a piece!

Vera was considered the “queen of mod” by many. Popular in the 60’s &’70’s, her textiles were infused with happiness and her painting background was evident in all of her designs. I’m drawn to her philosophy as much as her designs. Here is a snippet written about why she became so successful.

“...I think the biggest reason was that she painted up to the public. She was of the belief that fine art shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. It should be available to all and it should be incorporated in everyone’s everydays. By wearing a Vera dress, you can take your art with you. By wearing a Vera scarf, you can dress up pretty much anything. By having Vera linens in your kitchen, it puts a smile on your face while you’re doing the drabbest duties. Vera had the philosophy that you should change the art around you every once in a while because you soon stop seeing it. She made it to where a person can change their art as often as they change their clothes. Literally. ” – source

These scarves make me really happy. The colors just sing and the patterns are great! I felt really strongly about having them in my studio. I don’t know what part they are going to play in my creating, but just being able to juggle them on whim is worth a lot. They also make for a good rainy day activity with the kiddo. Playing dress up has never been so glamorous…

If you are fond of Vera as well and would like a little piece of fine art to wear, check out this Etsy Shop that has 297 Vera scarfs in stock! I don’t know about you, but I needed a little bit of cheerful color on this rainy day. Happy Fabric Friday!

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 29, 2010 in Etsy treasury, Fisher Price, Nostalgia, vintage inspiration | No Comments

Dr. Doodle was under the tree for me this year & he made my heart go all a flutter. I had spotted him at my favorite antique mall about a month ago and told Chris all about his wise ducky charm. I was just thrilled to see his eyes peaking up at me from inside my Christmas package. He appears to be a perfect studio companion – all eager to offer up inspiration & help remedy any creative conundrums I may find myself in.

This addition to my Fisher Price collection called for some re-organization. I decided that the FP toys that were made before 1970 would go in my studio. And the ones from the 1970’s could stay in Sayer’s room. This need for re-organization also came in part from the playmobil explosion in Sayer’s room that came with Christmas. So I cleaned off a spot for my collection of old friends in my studio – but they appeared to need another friend in the group to make a true collection. So, I decided it was time to visit my many FP “favorites” on Etsy.

{jalopy photos via here}

I found this guy a long time ago- he was way at in the middle of my favorites and rather than buying him right away, I created a whole circus treasury around him. Thinking that filled the void, I went to bed. However, it didn’t & I bought him the next afternoon- adding another cool circus find (an awesome vintage pop up book) in it’s place. Can’t wait to see this old jalopy in my studio. In my mindless Etsy cruisin’ (in an attempt to relax) I did happen to stumble on a few more VERY tempting FP toys that I have been thinking about ever since. I will have to practice restraint for now- I sort of go on the whole toy fate thing. If it is truly meant to be… it will still be there when I’m ready.

View “Take me to the circus” Etsy treasury here if you need to take a circus break like I did.

What sort of things do you like to collect?

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 29, 2010 in Etsy treasury, Fisher Price, Nostalgia, vintage inspiration | 4 Comments

Dr. Doodle was under the tree for me this year & he made my heart go all a flutter. I had spotted him at my favorite antique mall about a month ago and told Chris all about his wise ducky charm. I was just thrilled to see his eyes peaking up at me from inside my Christmas package. He appears to be a perfect studio companion – all eager to offer up inspiration & help remedy any creative conundrums I may find myself in.

This addition to my Fisher Price collection called for some re-organization. I decided that the FP toys that were made before 1970 would go in my studio. And the ones from the 1970’s could stay in Sayer’s room. This need for re-organization also came in part from the playmobil explosion in Sayer’s room that came with Christmas. So I cleaned off a spot for my collection of old friends in my studio – but they appeared to need another friend in the group to make a true collection. So, I decided it was time to visit my many FP “favorites” on Etsy.

{jalopy photos via here}

I found this guy a long time ago- he was way at in the middle of my favorites and rather than buying him right away, I created a whole circus treasury around him. Thinking that filled the void, I went to bed. However, it didn’t & I bought him the next afternoon- adding another cool circus find (an awesome vintage pop up book) in it’s place. Can’t wait to see this old jalopy in my studio. In my mindless Etsy cruisin’ (in an attempt to relax) I did happen to stumble on a few more VERY tempting FP toys that I have been thinking about ever since. I will have to practice restraint for now- I sort of go on the whole toy fate thing. If it is truly meant to be… it will still be there when I’m ready.

View “Take me to the circus” Etsy treasury here if you need to take a circus break like I did.

What sort of things do you like to collect?

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 29, 2010 in Etsy treasury, Fisher Price, Nostalgia, Uncategorized, vintage inspiration | No Comments

Dr. Doodle was under the tree for me this year & he made my heart go all a flutter. I had spotted him at my favorite antique mall about a month ago and told Chris all about his wise ducky charm. I was just thrilled to see his eyes peaking up at me from inside my Christmas package. He appears to be a perfect studio companion – all eager to offer up inspiration & help remedy any creative conundrums I may find myself in.

This addition to my Fisher Price collection called for some re-organization. I decided that the FP toys that were made before 1970 would go in my studio. And the ones from the 1970’s could stay in Sayer’s room. This need for re-organization also came in part from the playmobil explosion in Sayer’s room that came with Christmas. So I cleaned off a spot for my collection of old friends in my studio – but they appeared to need another friend in the group to make a true collection. So, I decided it was time to visit my many FP “favorites” on Etsy.

{jalopy photos via here}

I found this guy a long time ago- he was way at in the middle of my favorites and rather than buying him right away, I created a whole circus treasury around him. Thinking that filled the void, I went to bed. However, it didn’t & I bought him the next afternoon- adding another cool circus find (an awesome vintage pop up book) in it’s place. Can’t wait to see this old jalopy in my studio. In my mindless Etsy cruisin’ (in an attempt to relax) I did happen to stumble on a few more VERY tempting FP toys that I have been thinking about ever since. I will have to practice restraint for now- I sort of go on the whole toy fate thing. If it is truly meant to be… it will still be there when I’m ready.

View “Take me to the circus” Etsy treasury here if you need to take a circus break like I did.

What sort of things do you like to collect?

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 16, 2010 in antiques, Everyday Inspiration, Nostalgia, puppets, vintage | No Comments

It’s really just the tiniest things that can inspire & entertain me. A habit that started when I was in college 10+ years ago still prevails today. When I get stressed out & need to clear my head, I just stop by my favorite antique mall & get my nostalgia fix. It’s all about the colors, designs, & feelings of comfort that a place like that evokes. The idea that I might stumble on a treasure is what keeps me coming back again & again.

I’ve been a sewing, packing & shipping machine lately. On my way home from the post office a few days ago, I stopped by an antique mall that I like to browse in for a quick, much needed, break. It was all decked out in vintage Christmas decorations & was newly stocked since my last visit. I quickly headed to my favorite areas first & started my little pile of finds. When I spotted this puppet box on the ground, beneath a display, I seriously started to get butterflies. I would have bought the box by itself just for the palette & graphics alone. But look at what was inside! Those of you that have followed this blog awhile know about my love of puppets.

It’s so funny, but I snatched up that box like it was the must have toy of the season and it was Christmas Eve. I don’t think I can even explain or understand myself completely, how happy this sweet $4 prize made me (yes, I said $4). It was the best break ever. I was inspired & ready to go back to work with a pile of nostalgia to help me get through the holiday rush. What do you like to do when you are stressed & in need of a pick me up?

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 16, 2010 in antiques, Everyday Inspiration, Nostalgia, puppets, vintage | No Comments

It’s really just the tiniest things that can inspire & entertain me. A habit that started when I was in college 10+ years ago still prevails today. When I get stressed out & need to clear my head, I just stop by my favorite antique mall & get my nostalgia fix. It’s all about the colors, designs, & feelings of comfort that a place like that evokes. The idea that I might stumble on a treasure is what keeps me coming back again & again.

I’ve been a sewing, packing & shipping machine lately. On my way home from the post office a few days ago, I stopped by an antique mall that I like to browse in for a quick, much needed, break. It was all decked out in vintage Christmas decorations & was newly stocked since my last visit. I quickly headed to my favorite areas first & started my little pile of finds. When I spotted this puppet box on the ground, beneath a display, I seriously started to get butterflies. I would have bought the box by itself just for the palette & graphics alone. But look at what was inside! Those of you that have followed this blog awhile know about my love of puppets.

It’s so funny, but I snatched up that box like it was the must have toy of the season and it was Christmas Eve. I don’t think I can even explain or understand myself completely, how happy this sweet $4 prize made me (yes, I said $4). It was the best break ever. I was inspired & ready to go back to work with a pile of nostalgia to help me get through the holiday rush. What do you like to do when you are stressed & in need of a pick me up?

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on December 16, 2010 in antiques, Everyday Inspiration, Nostalgia, puppets, Uncategorized, vintage | 20 Comments

It’s really just the tiniest things that can inspire & entertain me. A habit that started when I was in college 10+ years ago still prevails today. When I get stressed out & need to clear my head, I just stop by my favorite antique mall & get my nostalgia fix. It’s all about the colors, designs, & feelings of comfort that a place like that evokes. The idea that I might stumble on a treasure is what keeps me coming back again & again.

I’ve been a sewing, packing & shipping machine lately. On my way home from the post office a few days ago, I stopped by an antique mall that I like to browse in for a quick, much needed, break. It was all decked out in vintage Christmas decorations & was newly stocked since my last visit. I quickly headed to my favorite areas first & started my little pile of finds. When I spotted this puppet box on the ground, beneath a display, I seriously started to get butterflies. I would have bought the box by itself just for the palette & graphics alone. But look at what was inside! Those of you that have followed this blog awhile know about my love of puppets.

It’s so funny, but I snatched up that box like it was the must have toy of the season and it was Christmas Eve. I don’t think I can even explain or understand myself completely, how happy this sweet $4 prize made me (yes, I said $4). It was the best break ever. I was inspired & ready to go back to work with a pile of nostalgia to help me get through the holiday rush. What do you like to do when you are stressed & in need of a pick me up?

{Vintage Inspiration} Fisher Price love….

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on September 28, 2010 in Fisher Price, Nostalgia, vintage inspiration | No Comments

I have a source… a cool, local spot where I am in nostalgic heaven. There is an antique store downtown where Chris and I go to find treasures & inspiration. Chris searches out interesting items for the whirly gigs that he makes for hutch studio & I head straight back to the vendor that carries vintage toys & books. This Spring, I found Sayer a Fisher Price TV and that is how it all started. I had such a strong reaction to it. I know my brother must have had one – or maybe a friend of mine did. But, I knew I wanted Sayer to have it and he loved it!

Since then, my collection has grown. I found a cash register (like the one my brother had), a very cool camera (so Sayer can assist me on klt:photoshoots), a little clock radio,…. and one that I couldn’t resist- the Jack-in-the-Box. The cash register is set up for Sayer to play “milkshake stand” (& he is also the klt:cashier). I think it’s one of his favorite toys. The radio & TV are are fun music boxes too – the handles are a just a bonus.

I admit it, the Jack-in-the-Box was really for me. I thought about it for awhile and bought it for myself today with the thought that it would serve as inspiration in the studio. However, Sayer latched right on to it. It appears to crack him up as much as it does me. One of the funniest things about it, you will have to take my word for it, is the very odd squeeeaaaak that comes out of the little Jack’s mouth.

It is a toss up as to who enjoys these toys more, me or Sayer. It is fun for me to watch him play with these pieces of history. Not to mention, I get a lot of inspiration from them. Most of these treasures were under $6 each – so really, how could I go wrong? I have to mention as well, that not only did I find the awesome Jack this week, but I have a stash of cool books to share with you soon too. Also, did you notice that sweet little plaid jacket? That was delivered yesterday- another fun vintage find from one of my Etsy favs, 3ringcircus. Sounds like the milkshake store is in full swing, better go order one now…

{Vintage Inspiration} Fisher Price love….

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on September 28, 2010 in Fisher Price, Nostalgia, Uncategorized, vintage inspiration | 23 Comments

I have a source… a cool, local spot where I am in nostalgic heaven. There is an antique store downtown where Chris and I go to find treasures & inspiration. Chris searches out interesting items for the whirly gigs that he makes for hutch studio & I head straight back to the vendor that carries vintage toys & books. This Spring, I found Sayer a Fisher Price TV and that is how it all started. I had such a strong reaction to it. I know my brother must have had one – or maybe a friend of mine did. But, I knew I wanted Sayer to have it and he loved it!

Since then, my collection has grown. I found a cash register (like the one my brother had), a very cool camera (so Sayer can assist me on klt:photoshoots), a little clock radio,…. and one that I couldn’t resist- the Jack-in-the-Box. The cash register is set up for Sayer to play “milkshake stand” (& he is also the klt:cashier). I think it’s one of his favorite toys. The radio & TV are are fun music boxes too – the handles are a just a bonus.

I admit it, the Jack-in-the-Box was really for me. I thought about it for awhile and bought it for myself today with the thought that it would serve as inspiration in the studio. However, Sayer latched right on to it. It appears to crack him up as much as it does me. One of the funniest things about it, you will have to take my word for it, is the very odd squeeeaaaak that comes out of the little Jack’s mouth.

It is a toss up as to who enjoys these toys more, me or Sayer. It is fun for me to watch him play with these pieces of history. Not to mention, I get a lot of inspiration from them. Most of these treasures were under $6 each – so really, how could I go wrong? I have to mention as well, that not only did I find the awesome Jack this week, but I have a stash of cool books to share with you soon too. Also, did you notice that sweet little plaid jacket? That was delivered yesterday- another fun vintage find from one of my Etsy favs, 3ringcircus. Sounds like the milkshake store is in full swing, better go order one now…

{Flash Back} weekend getaway…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on September 14, 2010 in Nostalgia, vacation | 9 Comments

Piling into the car and driving for four hours, over the mountains, to Lake Chelan every summer is a strong childhood memory. The always rotating tapes of the Chipmunks, Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, & Eddy Rabbit played while my brother and I had to have an ice chest placed between us in the back seat so that we wouldn’t poke each other. Somehow our magic slates just didn’t occupy us the whole time. When Sayer was born, we started up the tradition again of having a mini summer vacation in Lake Chelan with all of our families together. We just got back yesterday from a long weekend there and I wanted to document and share the nostalgia.

The first year, we actually stayed in one of the same exact rooms that we stayed in 36 years ago! Nothing had really changed except the painting above the couch was a little more modern (not much though). Since then, we have been staying in a place just a few blocks away from our original hotel. However, Brian (my brother) and I snuck over and tripped through memory lane before the weekend was over. As you see, things don’t change that much (these photos are actually taken in the same spots as the original photos).

The Lakeview Drive-In is still one of the first stops once we get to Chelan. Although, they don’t serve the hotdogs in the little wiener dog paper packaging anymore, the experience is still how we remember it.

The next stop is The Variety Store (used to be Sprouse-Reitz) which looks exactly the same inside as it used to. The three most important purchases used to be, and still are : buckets, inflatable ball (or air mattress), and thongs.

The pool is also one of the first destinations. My glasses still sit on the little table next to the lounge chair… just the beverage has changed.

Renting a ski boat to tube or ski behind was something we used to do almost every year as well. This year, Brian was the only one that jumped in to be towed behind the boat. But we all went along for the ride. Sayer thought it was pretty darn cool to watch. We go off season now, so the water (and weather) isn’t quite as warm as what we remember.

On our way home, we stopped at a little Bavarian inspired town called Leavenworth. It has changed a bit from the 70’s and ’80’s, but not a lot. The whole trip sort of felt like we stepped into a time warp.

And there you have it- a peek into our weekend getaway. I love being able to share some of my childhood memories with Chris and Sayer while making new memories as a family. Do you have a traditional vacation spot?

{Fabric Friday} vintage vera…

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

{Vintage Fisher Price} Welcome to my studio Dr. Doodle…

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

{Everyday Inspiration} puppet break…

{Vintage Inspiration} Fisher Price love….

{Vintage Inspiration} Fisher Price love….

{Flash Back} weekend getaway…

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