Mlle Magpie

Junking From Home

Is it possible to be a junker/thrifter/collector if you never leave your house? Thankfully for me, having been sick for the past four weeks and essentially unable to leave the house (except in an ambulance, twice), I could still try to maintain my magpie habits and pleasures without going to a single Salvation Army store, junk shop or flea market. Once I was able to make it to my computer, I could do a little trolling on ebay and browsing on etsy. What a lifesaver for any devoted junker, thrifter or collector who cannot actually go out to dig in the real world.

 A few of my new vintage bisque dolls. On a bed of old roses. 

I actually went to work for a few hours on a couple of days last week. I also finally made it back to my favourite shopping destination for a little thrifting too. Yes, I'm starting to feel more like my old self. Finally.

Mlle Magpie

p.s. my "Queen of Vintage" flag was made by Clara and Marcela at Cottage Charm and Family Inspiration.

M.I.B.A.

Just a short post to let you know that I have been Missing In Blogland Action lately due to illness. Several weeks ago I had the flu, but after a week of the flu I got sicker. I was so sick I ended up in the hospital over a week ago for several days (the same hospital where I work!). With the i.v.'s and all the tests they did on me, I felt like this:

 

I also felt like a case for "House". In the end, they did not find anything seriously wrong with me (thank God) and the medical conclusion was "a very bad reaction to the flu". My recovery has been incredibly slow and I've been far too weak and unwell to do much of anything, but bit by bit, I will get back into the swing of things...

Mlle Magpie

Crinolines in the Craft Room

Had slowly been working on setting up a craft room/studio area in part of the basement family room. What a mess. I was able to shuffle around there a bit yesterday and get some of my crinolines hung up on the wall.

 

Nothing like the sight of crinoline ruffles to cheer you up when you're not feeling so well.

Mlle Magpie

Still Sick...

Oh, dear. Still sick after all of these days. Looking on the bright side of things, good thing that I wasn't registered for Silver Bella because I would not have been able to go. Next year, though, I am going for sure!

 

I'm sure everyone is having a fabulous time there right now. SO looking forward to the photos...

Mlle Magpie

A Very Special Snow Fairy

A very special Snow Fairy arrived at our house last week, from a very sweet, kind and talented artist blogger friend. Isn't she completely adorable?!! You can get an idea of the incredible detail in this photo.

This gorgeous paper mache Snow Fairy was lovingly handmade by the super talented Lori Karla of Faerie Window. Dear Lori, thank you ever so much for your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit. I can't get over how beautiful she is! Just the friend I need to look over me while I recover from that nasty flu. Yes, "that" flu...

Mlle Magpie

My Ugly Duckling In Its "After" State

If you recall, my ugly duckling little armoire looked like this when I bought it.

 

Now, it looks like this.

 

After I took off the broken mirror, the surface underneath was uneven. For now I just painted over, but I'm debating whether to put another mirror on the door, or add fabric-covered corkboard. You can see the vintage glass knob that I added where previously there was nothing.

 

As for the inside, you might remember that there were crappy shelves inside.

 

Out they went. A few coats of fresh paint inside.

 

The addition of a hanging rod and my collection of vintage slips, some of which I've dyed.

I'm so happy my collection of vintage slips finally has a nice home. For now I've got several slips hung up on individual hangers, but I will be on on a quest for vintage wooden hangers...

Mlle Magpie 

My Window

This is the window above my computer, in "my" little room off of the kitchen.

 

In front of my aqua bottle collection, a recent find. Not very old, but love the rust and crack on that pink alarm clock. 

Oh, and a sweet little creamy dog. Whenever the kids ask for a dog, I tell them we already have this one, and he's no trouble at all :)

Mlle Magpie

Ugly Duckling Makeover Progress

When you're working outside the home, have three children with various activities, it is hard to find time for projects. Somehow, this week I have been managing to paint our main floor powder room and give that small Salvation Army Store armoire a makeover.

Before:

 

During:

 

I removed the shelves and shelf supports and primed her. She received her first coat of paint yesterday evening (I just used leftover creamy white paint that I had in the house) and will get her final coat tonight. Husband will install a hanging rod inside. I will add a vintage crystal knob for the door. And then... my vintage slips and nightgowns can be all together in their new home.

Mlle Magpie

p.s. I will be sure to show you the "After".

Junking on Monday for "Junkin' Monday"

As I woke up this morning, going through my favourite blogs with my two cups of cafe au lait, I realized that I had forgotten about Clara and Marcela's "Junkin' Monday". Well, I just could not let my friends down. Luckily for me, I've taken the day off to be with my two daughters for their Ped Day so I zipped over to my favourite store this morning with my two favourite girls, to go junking for "Junkin' Monday".

 

A white linen tablecloth for $4.99. An old sewing basket for $1.00. And about 15 (!) vintage French books, from the 20's to the 40's. A happy and lucky last-minute junking Monday!

Mlle Magpie

An Ugly Duckling

As some of you may know, I have a vintage prom dress collection and a vintage crinoline collection. What you may not know is that I also have a vintage slip collection. I've got them scattered here and there in the house so lately I've been on the lookout for a small armoire where I could hang them all up in one neat and tidy place. Voila, my ugly duckling!

 When I found her at the Salvation Army store, she was looking a bit rough and sad, but I could see the potential in her and thought she would be perfect for my slip collection. After a little bit of a makeover, that is. 

 There are currently crappy shelves inside, but they're coming out. A little bit of cleaning, a little bit of paint...

Besides, the price was right. 

Mlle Magpie

p.s. "vendu" means "sold" in French.