KiTsChY CoTtAgE

A Must For The Boudoir

2010-12-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Sadly, hardly anyone knows what a bed jacket is anymore. Like dressing gowns, they were designed for sitting up and dawdling in bed, but in a fashionable or seductive way. They are short numbers stopping at the waist to keep from being bunched up and easy to put on and take off. A practical and fashionable way to cover up your arms to ward off any chill in the air or for lounging around in on those days you just can't bring yourself to put on real clothes.

Bed jackets are still available these days, yet many are made of yucky fabrics, grumpy fleece or they are just plain tacky Federick's of Hollywood versions. Back in the 30's & 40's they were made of lace, satin, tulle, sheer fabric and/or marabou. One might have ribboned or feathered edges. Some would have jewel encrusted closures. No matter what...they can be glamorous.

Think fabulously sexy Hollywood actresses like Jean Harlow, Rita Hayward, Hedy Lamarr or Veronica Lake lying in satin sheets wearing a gorgeous marabou trimmed satin bed jacket taking vistors only it's you!

Christmas Aprons...my NEW obsession

2010-11-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

I love vintage aprons, but I really love vintage Christmas aprons! Aprons evoke a forgotten era when women stayed home to care for the home and rear the children while daddy worked outside the house. Of course not everyone wore aprons to vacuum or help little Johnny with his homework.

Reminds me of the Farm Chicks

This one makes me think Christmas cocktail party at the Drapers.

Retro Style Sexy

My personal favorite!

Another fav

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Day from our cottage to yours.

Damn You Martha!

2010-11-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Martha Martha Martha...oh Martha, how I love to hate you and hate that I love you. Your smirk, your condescending tone as you walk me through yet another craft project that makes me feel stupid and unworthy. Why do I care? Why must you make it look so easy? Why do I keep trying to glitter everything in my path? From greeting cards to ornaments and candles only to end up with more glitter on myself and my floor than on any project.

There are no words to express how I feel about your sugar cookies. How is it even possible to get the icing so smooth and close to the edges? My attempt to make your ornament shaped cookies ended up looking like I had either mini seizures or a horrible case of the hiccups! I gave up after just a few cookies while swearing like a trucker and cursing your smugness.

Of course I keep trying to make wreaths, fairy jars, candles, soap, rubber stamping and half the craft projects in your magazine just to end up inventing new swear word combinations. Now I'm pining for a craft room, which may or not be in my best interest. As I clean up the room and contemplate paint color swatches and furniture layout, I daydream of all the nifty supplies I'm going to fill the room with. I know where the sewing machine (I don't know how to sew) is going. I can see all the fabrics neatly folded in stacks on the bookcases. I've figured out where all the Cricut machines (never used one before) are going. In my head I have taken care of every detail for the perfect craft room, but of course my head is also where my talent is and thank you Martha for making that so painfully apparent.

February's Kitschy Kitten

2010-02-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

Once again Kitschy Cottage is thrilled to bring you the "Kitschy Kitten" segment where we feature a blogger, Indie artist, craftnista or Etsy shop owner that we want you to know about.

This month's Kitschy Kitten is an Etsy shop called Shabby Chic Boutique. You are going to love this shop as much as we do. Looking for vintage silver flatware at a great price? LoVe Pyrex as much as us? Need a costume jewelry fix? You'll find these and more at Shabby Chic Boutique.

Grab a cup of coffee, we'll take a martini, and sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know our featured Kitschy Kitten for February.

Tell us about yourself -

I am a stay at home mom to two beautiful girls- a two year old and a 7 month old. I have always enjoyed thrift shopping and garage sale hunting and I love Etsy, so I decided to put the two together and open a vintage shop on Etsy.

Describe your style -

I definitely think my vintage style varies. I like retro, shabby chic and kitschy. Some of my favorite vintage items are aprons, tablecloths, teacups, dishes and Pyrex. I love pretty much anything for the kitchen.

What inspires you? -

I am inspired mostly by many other Etsy shop owners who have blogs, like yours.

What has been your biggest challenge? -

My biggest challenge has been time management. I don't really have any free time until the girls go to bed.

Last thing you bought? -

The last thing I bought was a beautiul set of 8 china dishes and a matching platter today at my Salvation Army. Today it was half off, so I only spent $6 for everything. They have a beautiful floral pattern that will be perfect for using in the spring.

Most valued possession? -

I would say that my most valued possession is my girls, but since you can't possess anyone, I will have to say my engagement ring and wedding ring. I am happy to know that I can pass them on to my girls.

Anything left on your wish list? -

As far as my wish list, I hope for two things. One, I wish for continued success for my new Etsy shop. Two, I wish success for my two little girls in whatever it is they want to do in life.

Other than Etsy, where else can we find you? -

You can find me on twitter: http://twitter.com/shabbychic72 or you can find me in a thrift shop hunting for my next treasure!

~ Shabby Chic Boutique ~ Etsy shop can be found here.

Retro & vintage things you'll find here:::Pyrex::Costume Jewelry::Figurines::Misc.Cute Home Decor::Vintage Fabric::Vintage Toys::Aprons::Vintage Silver ~ and Glassware.

Why Thank You!

2010-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

Kitschy Cottage would like to thank Blogs.com for choosing us as one of their 10 Best Retro Kitchen Kitsch and Home Blogs.

If you have never visited Blogs.com, then you need to check them out. It's an easy way to find the type of blogs you are looking for and it's a great way to network.

Thanks again Blogs.com and special thanks to Dianne Zweig.

Pyrex Pyrex Pyrex

2010-01-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

As I get older I find myself gravitating towards vintage pyrex. I don't just want to use them, I also want to fill my kitchen shelves with Pyrex bowls and refrigerator containers. My favorites are the solid reds and retro greens, but lately I've been eyeing the flowered and atomic prints. I love the pink and white ones, even though they don't work with my tomato red and jadite green color scheme.

Here are some of my favorites from Etsy.

Kitschy Cupcake Supplies

2010-01-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have never been so motivated to bake cupcakes, until I discovered these wonderfully KiTsChY cupcake liners and toppers. These and many more adorable liners and toppers can be found at Cupcake Social. Check out the sugars and jimmies in Edibles while you're there. Colored sugar just makes the world a happier place. I can't wait for the Liv Blue w/ Pink Roses to arrive! I'm ordering the Pink Plastic Flower Cupcake toppers and putting them on chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing. I'm not sure if I'll be able to share them though, because they are so gorgeous.

Liv Blue with Pink Roses

Jumbo White Folded Cupcake Liners

Gro Designer Cupcake Liners

Pink Floral

Pink Plastic Flower Cupcake toppers

Purple Water Lily Flowers Picks

Ga Ga for Garland

2010-01-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

No matter the holiday or occassion, I love to hang garland. Banner garland to be exact, though tree garland is lovely. You don't need a fireplace, you can use any wall. Hung in front of a mirror on the wall or across a window are my favorites.

Whether made of lace, fabric, cardstock or repurposed materials, a simple statement becomes a keepsake to be used year after year. You'll never hang a store bought banner again!

Etsy has the most choices for handmade banner / garland.

Simple or lavished with glitter and tulle. Hung from twine, ribbon or sew together.

Be inspired to create your own.

Express yourself

Felt and binding

You don't need to say words to make a statement. Try hearts for Valentines, eggs for Easter, stars to celebrate the 4th or flowered garland to usher in Spring.

Try tissue pom poms or felt balls for everyday. The possiblities are endless.

Vintage Valentines

2010-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

I love Valentines Day almost as much as I love Valentines Day cards. The older the card the better to me. While I have sent many mass produced cards in my day, I have come to love and appreciate vintage cards. The colors and the soft daintiness of them. I also love the retro cards and how innocent they seem.

My favorites are cards from the 1920's with a close second being from the 1930's. Recently I have been searching for Valentine's Day postcards and lately I find myself uninterested in buying a modern day card ever again. I've been scouring the antique shops and internet for vintage cards for my sweetheart and my family.

Some of the most beautiful Valentine's Day postcards were created in early 1900s. If they weren't so beautiful I would use them in crafting something like a centerpiece or a collage.

The first paper printed cards made in the United States appeared around 1840, although handmade cards have been around for centuries. People use to sing or recite their valentines, because it was not cost effective or easy to make and send valentines. Handmade cards were made by romantics to express their feelings. Handmade cards doesn't mean they were simple. These cards were made with watercolors, cutouts, pinpricks, dried flowers and ribbon to name a few examples. These valentines were then sealed with wax and hand delivered.

Valentine's Day cards evolved in to works of art with three-dimensional fold-out layers, puffs of honeycomb paper that opened to become hearts, bells and other shapes.

Magark

Mechanical valentines became popular in the 1930's with moving parts ( hearts, trains, cars). Those are harder to find, due to the deterioration of the movable parts being used repeatedly.

Thankfully for collectors and myself, many cards can be found on Ebay or Etsy and we aren't limited to only antique shops and estate sales. Here are some cards I love that were found on Etsy.

Kim's Attic

Extra Sprinkles

Heirloom Linens

2009-12-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Kitschy Cottage would like to wish all the Kitschy Kittens out there a safe and very Happy New Year. May the new year bring you all the treasures you seek, success you deserve and many wonderful experiences!

2009-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

Cowgirl Chic and Pink Goodness

Tucked away in a sleepy Czech town in Texas, is one of my favorite shops. Every time I visit my parents I must visit Cottage Gatherings. The shop is sweetly decorated in a style that merges country, shabby, retro and vintage with candy colored walls. Many displays are created by using found objects and flea markets treasures. Just being in Cottage Gatherings makes me want to run home and repurpose something.

The shop is full of funky clothes, chunky jewelry, shabby metal signs, blinged cowboy boots, handmade candles and so much more. I found the perfect weathered cowboy hat on one of my visits. I've added the beat up pink cowboy boots to my birthday wish list.

Anyone going to the Warrenton / Round Top Antiques Week this April must take a short drive in to La Grange and visit Cottage Gatherings. They are located at 152 N. Washington on the town square. Call 979.966.0555 for more information or store hours.

We're Back!

2009-12-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

After a much needed break to refocus and regroup, we are pleased to be back in the swing of things. Our goal is to showcase fabulous finds, talented artists, funky cool shops and all things Kitschy.

There are some really great antique shows coming up this year. As always we are on the look out for the best shows, so we can bring you the information ( and try to go ourselves ). Warrenton Roundtop Antiques Week is around the corner in April. Our mouths are already watering! I see a lot more traveling in the future.

We are forever searching for kitschy retro of all shapes and sizes. Can you have too much? We think not! Share your best finds with us. Have a online shop or brick and mortar store that fits our style, then let us know!

Here's to a joyous & Kitschy New Year!

Groovy

2009-04-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

The maxi dress from the 60's and 70's is back! Stars from Eva Longoria, Nicole Ritchie, Fergie and Kristen Bell love the maxi dress. It so versatile because it can be dressed up or down. Sexy or casual. It can be worn to the grocery store or dinner with friends.

One of the earliest appearances of the “Maxi-Dress” was in 1968.
Maxi-length skirts had begun to outdo the mini skirt in 1967, and the dress (as well as the maxi-coat) soon followed.

It was not until the 1970s that the Maxi-dress lodged itself firmly in the American mind (in all its polyester splendor), along with similar caftan and boho styles.

Since it reached the stores in 2007 the floor-sweeping maxi dress become a fashion statement for many women.

Versatility – great for day or evening wear. Wear it to the beach, a walk in the park, or a cocktail party.

The maxi’s halter, bandeau and strap tops reveal just the right amount of flesh. The empire line accentuates the narrowest part of our bodies thus flattering most shapes and that full-length skirt keeps any lumps and bumps well hidden. They cover fat thighs and wide hips. For those with chunky legs who were relegated to wearing trousers last season, a chance to feel feminine and wear dresses again.

If you want to keep your wardrobe up-to-date or refresh it, then invest in a maxi dress. The longer length is cool, sexy and very feminine.

Lastly, the maxi owes much of its popularity to being comfortable, glamorous and easy to wear.

Our Top 20 Retro Toys

2009-03-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

Oh, the memories!

Last night at a party, the conversation turned to favorite childhood toys. That got us thinking about what top retro toys would make our list. Mind you we could have made this list a lot longer, but we decided to keep it simple and list 20 of our favorite toys.

Drum roll please....in no particular order

1. Barbie

2. Mystery Date

3. Yo-Yo

4. Slinky

5. Hula Hoop

6. Clue

7. Kitty Karry All

8. Easy Bake Oven

9. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots

10. Play Doh

11. Pez

12. Yahtzee

13. Matchbox Cars

14. Pogo Stick

15. Etch A Sketch

16. Mr. Potato Head

17. Silly Putty

18. Magic 8 Ball

19. View Master

20. Candy Land

Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy when you remember the good ole days? We wish we still had that Mystery Date game and Kitty Karry All.

StEaMpuNk LoVe

2009-03-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

What could be better than a big box of pieces parts of watches and various metal objects, keys and gears? Steampunk Jewelry!

Steampunk art is a style which incorporates the look of "turn of the century" steam powered machinery with modern day art. Steampunk can be used in collage, sculpture, and jewelry. It's like taking a step back in time with creations out of a Jules Verne classic... simply put retro-futuristic and neo-Victorian.

Kitschy Cottage has found a new obsession in this funky jewelry. Bracelets, necklaces, rings oh my. There are some really great pieces to be found. We found wonderful things on Etsy, Ebay and various websites.

from Mysticpieces

from Edmdesigns

from Poetsummer

Now we aren't just talking about jewelry, the Steampunk style can be found in home decor, accessories, even apparel and fine art. If you like one of a kinds, then you are made for Steampunk.

Pink Goodness

2009-03-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Picture, if you will...hair in curlers, soft girly pj's, tissue between your toes as you paint your toenails all the while dishing with your best girl friend on this sweet princess phone. Okay, so maybe 50 years ago, but who cares we want one in robin's egg blue as well.

Originally introduced in 1959, the Princess Phone has been updated with modern technology. It makes us feel like Sandra Dee talking to Troy Donahue!

2009-03-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tweet Tweet

Thumbing through one of the most important magazines (Country Living) we have laying around, we found these adorable porcelain songbirds in a fetching robins egg blue by Casalinga. Love these birds!

They could be added to any bare wall, we are thinking livingroom or even the kitchen.

Pieces inspired by the Danish design tradition of simplicity, craftsmanship and a bit of old-fashioned nostalgia.
Birds - Wall Deco
Set of 4. for $60.00

Casalinga Wall Deco at Hygge & West

2009-03-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

To kick off Kitschy Cottage's debut, we are thrilled to bring you the "Kitschy Kitten" segment where we feature a blogger, Indie artist, craftnista or Etsy shop owner that we have to share with you. Grab a cup of coffee, we'll take a martini, and sit back, relax and enjoy.

Our first Kitschy Kitten is Kristen Wilson of Shabby Vintage Mom. She's a craftnista of retro, vintage repurposed treasures.

Tell us about yourself

Well, I'm from Southern California (but secretly wish I lived in beautiful Oregon). I'm a stay at home mom of four kids, ages: 5, 12, 14 and 16. Being a Mother is a job in itself, but my kids are at an age where they've become more independent which gives me time to do things I enjoy, like crafting!

Describe your craft style

I'd say it's an eclectic mix of Vintage, Cottage style, Shabby Chic and Flea Market style. I love floral prints and anything pastel. The one thing I've learned about business is that not everyone is as crazy about the things I love (can you believe, not everyone likes pink & blue??), so I try to create items in my shop that will appeal to a wider audience, but always adding a vintage touch.

What got you started repurposing?

I like taking pre-loved items like frames, fabric, quilts and buttons and giving them a new life. I love creating things that are useful (or just pretty) that can make life easier using vintage pieces.

What inspires you?

So many things. One of my biggest influences was my Great-Grandmother, her home was so warm and cozy and probably the reason why I have the fascination with vintage that I do.

I've also been a fan of Rachel Ashwell for years. I love how she takes her love for the old and almost abandoned items and turns them into useable treasures.

My first glimpse into the blogging world was through the super crafty blog of Alicia Paulson, 'Posie get's Cozy', I quickly realized how addictive blog reading can be!

Where else can we find your designs besides Etsy?

Right now I'm only on Etsy. I have two shops, one for vintage housewares and my handmade shop~they both keep me pretty busy.

What is your best seller?

So far it's been my Inspiration Boards

What has been your biggest challenge?

Probably time,trying to find a balance between family and crafting. This is the first year that all of my kids are in school, so being able to work without interruptions is heavenly!

What has been your best accomplishment?

I'd have to say just getting myself out there, taking the step to open a shop on Etsy and starting a blog. It can be a little intimidating to put yourself/creations out there for the world to see, not knowing how people will respond. Once I finally decided to take that step, I was really glad I had, it's been a great experience so far.

Do you have any specific goals for the future regarding your craft/business?

For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to have my own shop (an actual physical shop, not on-line) filled with fabulous vintage goods. I hope to never stop crafting whether for myself or for business, I find it very rewarding.

What do you do to unwind?

Nothing is more relaxing than wandering around an antique mall or flea market (kid free of course), or a close second would be flipping through my favorite Country Living/Cottage Living magazines.

Any advice for anyone thinking of or trying to start up a craft business?

I guess the best advice I could give would be to do what you love. If it's something you believe in or enjoy creating, then you can't go wrong.

Do you have that one great find your still looking for?

I'm always on the hunt for Eiderdowns. They are really hard to come by in the U.S., so finding one is like hitting the lottery!

~ Shabby Vintage Mom~ Etsy shop can be found here.
FuN & CrAfTy things you'll find here:::Crafting supplies::Inspiration Boards::One-of-a-kind Wall Art::Figurine Shelf Sitters::Misc. CuTe Handmade items::Vintage Fabric~ and sometimes new designer fabric.

2009-03-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

We've decided to open the blog, even though we are under construction. Thank you all for the interest and your emails. So sit down and enjoy yourself. This month we will change our look and layout to better serve you. Thank you for your understanding - Kitschy Kitten

Heaven, Junk Style

2009-03-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

What I am taking about? Roundtop / Warrenton, Texas Antiques Week, of course, the only place to be March 25th - April 4th. Antiques Week started over thirty years ago, which also includes the towns of Shelby and Carmine. What started out as one show has ground into over 35 separate shows with over a couple thousand dealers. Every where you look there are treasures to be found and not just under tents or in buildings, but surrounding fields full of everything you can imagine. Now every Spring and Fall these small farming towns transform into an antique, junk heaven on earth.

I remember my first time, it was overwhelming, but in a good way. Where to start, did I catch all the must sees, maybe I need a bigger SUV or a trailer would be nice. Bikes, paintings, iron, depression glass, roofing tin, lamps, signage, soap, textiles, and jewelry are just a few of the hundreds of categories to be found.

Naturally Warrenton isn't complete until you've been to Zapp Hall. It's where you'll find several drool worthy vendors/dealers. One of our favorite merchants are the Junk Gypsies. There tent is stuffed with funky cowgirl wear, vintage meets hippie chic jewelry and chippy-peely flea market furniture all with a bit of Moulin Rouge eccentricity wrapped up into one.

The Junk Gypsies - Jolie, Janie and Amie

How do you get there? Here's the skinny on how to get to the Roundtop / Warrenton area. Here are directions from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. We suggest using MapQuest or one of those new fancy GPS gadgets. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, a hat and your honey's money ( daddy's works well too! )

*note - Everything is on 237, just drive and stop along the way at all the various merchants you can handle

From Houston:

From Houston, take Highway 290 West toward Austin. You will pass through the cities of Hempstead and Brenham. Just beyond the city of Burton, turn left onto Highway 237. NOTE: This is a left-hand lane exit! Within 5 miles or less you will start to see dealers / vendor tents. Some merchants are in shops as well.

From San Antonio:

This involves Interstate 10 East to a turnoff near Schulenburg but the directions, especially for those not familiar with the area, are somewhat complicated. You should also know that Highway 237 south of Round Top can become very congested "during Round Top".

From Dallas:

From Dallas or Fort Worth, take I-35 south to Waco. The shortest route from Waco involves Highway 77 south through Cameron to Giddings but the directions, especially for those not familiar with the area, are somewhat complicated. If you prefer that route, please go to MapQuest. The simplest directions are to continue on I-35 toward Austin. Just north of central Austin turn onto Highway 290 East toward Houston, go through Elgin and Giddings, to Carmine. Go left at the green highway crossover sign. The road will dead end in The Original Round Top Antiques Fair at the Carmine location.

From Austin:

From Austin, take Highway 290 East towards Houston, go through Elgin and Giddings, to Carmine. To go to Carmine Dance Hall, the smallest of the four venues, go left at the green highway crossover sign. The road will dead end in The Original Round Top Antiques Fair at the Carmine Dance Hall.

If you decide not to stop at Carmine Dance Hall, you can turn right off of Highway 290 onto Spur 458. Highway 237 will "Y" off of Spur 458 and you should take Highway 237 to the right.

HAPPY HUNTING!

(We would love to see pics of your Antique Week experience. Please include your name and a bit 'o info with your pics.) ThAnKs - Kitschy Kitten

2009-03-06T11:29:00.000-08:00