Got your attention didn’t I! Well, yes, this post is all about balls. I was junking last winter and happened upon several junk stores that had a lonely old pool or croquet ball laying in a box or a corner. Nothing saddens me more than an lonely old ball. So, over the past several months, I’ve kept my eyes open during my junking junkets and paid between $1 and $2.50 per ball. So, finally I had a good collection but then was faced with “what the heck do I do with em’ all?” So, I looked around the farmhouse and spied a big glass vessel and decided a clear container would best show off the color range and character of these old balls. I kinda dig this look a lot!
Tip: build collections as they create a stronger statement me thinks.
Cheers to balls!
My new/old 1976 Ford Camper Special: Daisy
I am an ebay fanatic. I tend to go through phases of things that I search for. This past year, I’ve focused on minnow buckets, marquis signs and Ford Camper Specials. After months and months of bidding low on a number of Camper Specials, I find won my sweet Daisy. She hails from California and sat in a ranch barn unused for 15 years. Now, this could have been a good or a bad thing. Like any ebay purchase, there is risk involved. I spent $800 on her, and $800 to ship her so my investment was low. Well, I guess lady luck was shining down upon me that day. My nay saying mechanic just laughed at me, thinking I had been “had” by this truck deal from California. Well, after a full inspection he looked at me dead in the eye and conceded telling me “Coop, this truck is in amazing shape…you must have a golden horse show up your ***!” HOLLA!
Ladies and gentlemen…I would now like to introduce you to Daisy.
Swiss Army Blankets Re-Imagined
About 4 years ago I saw some vintage Swiss Army Blankets at the famous Brimfield Antique Fair in Massachusetts. They were asking $175.00 per blanket which I thought was cray cray. So, I decided to search on the web for a less expensive option. Well, I found it at Vermont’s Barre Army Navy which sells them for $22.95. They aren’t vintage but I don’t really care about that for what I wanted to do with them.
I’ll be honest with you. When the blankets arrived they smelled like motor oil. Although they said “do not wash” I did anyway. I washed them on gentle cycle with Tide and fabric softener and line dried them. Do NOT put them in the dryer ever! After five washings the grease monkey smell was gone.
Ideas for Swiss Army Blankets? Pillows, duvet, seat cushions, curtains…..lots of possibilities. I decided to use two of them in the twin bedroom here at the farm. AND, I also thought it would be cool to have a chair recovered in one of the blankets. The recovering cost me $80.00 Sooooooo? What do you think?
Santa Maria Novella Pot Pourri!
Once you’ve been enveloped by the magic scent of Santa Maria Novella’s pot pourri, you’ll understand why generations since the 1600′s are captivated followers that flock to Florence to stock up. Scrupulously handmade using ancient methods, this incredibly long-lasting, beautifully fragrant potpourri is a full-bodied blend of herbs and flowers (a secret formula), all grown without pesticides in the Florentine hills exclusively for Santa Maria Novella. Each batch is collected by hand, then soaked in essence in enormous, centuries-old earthenware jars, sealed with wax, then aged for several months, and carefully packaged as it has been for centuries. Use a needle or safety pin to poke small holes in bag, or, for best results, remove from bag and place in small bowl. Fluff with fingers occasionally to release scent. Freshens closets, bathrooms, automobiles, boats. Lasts 9 to 12 months. Repels moths and insects. No synthetic fragrances. All ingredients 100% organic and pesticide free.
A MUST FOR EVERY HOME!
(TIP: Put some in your closets!)