Billie Monster / Blog

Being a vintage lover is environmentally friendly! 02.09.2011

Posted 2 years ago in Vintage, Repurpose, Thrifty

These days, we're all pretty used to hearing about the many environmental issues affecting our planet, and all of us living on it. Issues that may be controversial to some folks, and others that are definitely not - but what you choose to believe, or do about it, is up to you.

What do I do? I'm all about the reusing, recycling, and repurposing. I admit, I don't do those things JUST to reduce landfill waste - I love vintage/retro stuff! Some people might consider items to be trash just because they're old or have been previously used - but looking at these things from a different perspective may surprise you.

I picked up these adorable, dusty blue, vintage suitcases at the thrift store last week for $12 - they must have been previously LOVED to be in such great condition. I love them too! (notice how my cat, Scratch, managed to position himself perfectly so that his face was reflected in that little tiny mirror inside the suitcase..what a little sneak!)

Fenton Hobnail was very popular in the late 1940s as were the milk glass versions in the 1950s. Hobnail is making a huge comeback right now, and you can find it in many styles including pitchers, vases, jars, bottles, bowls, candle holders, mugs, and more. Being that all the Etsy sellers, and antique store owners, are snatching up all the hobnail from the thrift stores faster than you can turn your head - I was very surprised to find a vintage hobnail vase sittin' there on the shelf of my local thrift store recently for only $1. *yoink!*

Another big trend that I love right now is vintage books as home decor pieces! Oh sure, you COULD read them if you want, but it's all about how fantastic they look! You can find them at any thrift store... anywhere. Or, online.

Aside from the trendy stuff, you can also find a lot of craft supplies at thrift stores - especially if you're looking for vintage stuff. These are things that can definitely be reused. A lot of the time these things have never even BEEN used, just previously owned. Did you know you can finds tonnes of fabric as well? On my last trip, I picked up some brown corduroy and a patterned blue fabric that I'm going to make a pillow from. I also picked up a huge bag of vintage buttons, needles, and lace for $2. This stuff is gold! I'm working on a new line for my Etsy shop using all of this vintage lace I've been collecting - hope to have it online by the end of Feb!

So, my point of all this is - thrift stores aren't just for penny-pinchers, guys. If you love vintage or retro things, or want to reuse what you can in order to do your part for the environment, then don't be afraid to head over to your local thift or antique store and look around. You might be surprised at what you find, and who doesn't like to save a few bucks or pennies anyways, amirite?

Link Party ♥: All Things Inspired, Someday Crafts, The Thrifty Home, Bargain Shopping Paradise, The Colorado Lady

Handmade by Billie Monster on Etsy

Followers... blog awards... I'm feeling the love! 02.07.2011

Posted 2 years ago

Wow, I can't believe I've reached nearly 300 followers!*happy dance* As my way of saying thanks to all of you, I'll be hosting my very first giveaway here at Billie Monster sometime this month. No details as of yet, you'll have to wait and see! I can say that it WILL be something from my Etsy shop - a new line I've been working on (it's not jewelry). And MAYBE, some other stuff too! So stay tuned...

On a different note, I want to send a huge thanks to Angela at Mommy Time Out for sending me another blog award. I'm sure feeling the love lately!

There are some rules attached to this 'lil blog award (you know the drill). I think, just this one time though, that I'm going to by-pass the rules (can I do that?) and just pass it along to some other deserving bloggers.

Lindy @ Cottage Hill

Bella @ Bella Before & After

Alicia @ Thrifty and Chic

Angela has the rules for you, ladies!

Handmade stuff by Billie Monster on Etsy!

If you blog it, they will come. 02.01.2011

Posted 2 years ago in General

Awards, that is! Waaaaay back in November of last year Stephanie@Home passed along an award to me, and I didn't even notice until today. Dunno how I missed it, but I wanted to send a BIG monster thanks to Stephanie - even if it's quite belated! *oops*

This is the part where I'm supposed to share 7 things about myself. I usually feel pretty awkward talking about myself - so let's keep this short and sweet, eh!

1. ♥ San Francisco

2. I have 3 pretty awesome brothers

3. Spicy food! Yum.

4. I wish I lived somewhere warmer, near the ocean.

5. I wanted to be a singer "when I grew up"

6. I really don't like spur of the moment adventures, or surprises. *hrmpfh*

7. I play World of Warcraft sometimes. (I'm nerdy like that, blame The Jeff)

Aaaaand, done.

Onto the best part! You know, the part where I get to pass this along to someone else. Vanessa at Little Big Studio is very deserving of a stylish blogger award and so I pass the torch on to her! Plus, I love her Etsy store too, LBG Studio.

Handmade stuff by Billie Monster on Etsy.

Monster Monday Feature: Sweet Baby Tutus, aw! 01.31.2011

Posted 2 years ago in Shops, Fashion, Monster Monday Feature, Etsy

I love it when new visitors to my blog take the time to say hello! Last week I had a visit from the lovely and talented Jamie from Makin' It Work. I had never met Jamie before so I headed over to her blog to return the hello, and snoop around a bit! Jamie has a very sweet blog where she shares her many family adventures.

She is also the tutu master behind her adorable Etsy shop Sweet Baby Tutus.

Yep, tutus for babies! D'awwwwwwww! I don't have any little ones of my own, but if I did, I'd definitely be buying one of these lovelies.

Need more tutu? Visit Jamie and Sweet Baby Tutus on Facebook as well.

Lastly, today I'm hanging out at Marketplace Mondays! Stop in and browse some really great online shops.

Handmade goodies by Billie Monster on Etsy

What people are saying...

Heather (2 years ago)

Hi Following you back from Social Parade.Cute TuTus

Jamie (2 years ago)

Thanks so much Billie! The feature is great! I posted it to my FB page www.facebook.com/sweetbabytutus

Brandy Moon (2 years ago)

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing! I always wish I had a little girl when I see such sweet things. =)

Angela (2 years ago)

These are so cute! Thanks for following Mommy Time Out

Jen M (2 years ago)

Thanks for stopping by and following me. Returning the favor :)

Kelli (2 years ago)

I am a new follower! I found you through Young and Crafty! I love what you did with the spoons they are beautiful!! I also think your jewlery is amazing! I would love it if you'd check out my blog as well! xoxo Kelli @ loveoursimplelife.blogspot.com

Misty (2 years ago)

Thanks for following my blog! I'm now following you back :) Have a great week! (Sorry I'm a little behind since Friday) Misty http://MistysThoughtsToo.blogspot.com

Sarah - PS Mom Reviews (2 years ago)

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I'm following you back now. <a href="http://psmomreviews.blogspot.com">PS Mom Reviews</a>

ambivalence (2 years ago)

It's great to hear you got an award for your blogging! I thought at first you were going to say something about if you keep blogging, you'll get more and more followers. I guess that must be the case really, but then who knows a little award. Well done!

Angela (2 years ago)

I have chosen you for another award. Check out http://angela-mommytimeout.blogspot.com/2011/02/woohoo-another-award.html to claim your award.

Box o mania play house (1 year ago)

Oh wow, these look great! Thanks for the introduction to Rachelle's blog...!!

What do you think?

Vintage souvenir spoons need love too... 01.28.2011

Posted 2 years ago in Vintage, Repurpose, DIY, Home Decor, Thrifty

You know those intricate, sometimes silly, vintage souvenir spoons that your grandma used to have? Maybe your mom even had some - my mom surely did. I think a lot of hers were in fact passed down from my grandmother though. My mom had so many of them that she used to display them up on the wall, neatly tucked into the little slots of several shield-shaped wooden racks made especially for displaying these very spoons. I think they were somewhat of a coveted item in most homes back in the day. They were always proudly displayed up on the wall as a tribute to all the wonderful places you had been (or places others had been... if it was a gift). And you could get them practically anywhere. Any respectable tourist hot-spot would have them (maybe they still do?).

But what has become of these adorable little spoons nowadays? Oh sure, you might have a neat ole grandma that still displays hers up on the wall - but the truth is, they have pretty much lost their appeal to most folks these days (haven't they?). I know this because I see PILES of them at thrift stores - and the piles never get any smaller. So, the last time I was strolling past a pile of 'em, I grabbed some! Heck, they were only .29 cents each. Poor 'lil spoons. As further evidence that no one loves them anymore, the clerk at the till said to me, "I have no idea how much those are, no one ever buys them!".

These spoons are seriously adorable, guys! Taking a hint from a cute, sweet, little tea place in the city - I decided to clean mine up and start using them for their practical purpose, A SPOON (you know, for coffee and sugar and that sort of thing).

It does require a eensy teensy bit of elbow grease to get them lookin' sharp. First of all, you probably want to choose some spoons that have some nice detail to them, and no wording etched in anywhere (unless you want that). As far as the little detail at the top of the spoon where the "I was here" doodad is, that doesn't matter cause we're gonna remove that (sorry spoon lovers).

Here's what you need:

souvenir spoons (that you love)
knife or small screwdriver
Goo Gone cleaner and soapy water

You don't want to scratch the spoons, so be careful prying off the thingies at the top there. They are usually just glued on and will come off relatively easily. Try a really small screwdriver if your knife is too big to get under it. Once the tops are off you can throw them away, then clean the spoon with some warm, soapy water in case it's dirty (it's prolly pretty dirty if you found it at a thrift store).

If there is any glue left on there, try Goo Gone (I found it at the dollar store). If there's STILL some gunk left on there, you might want to let it sit in some warm water, OR you can try gently scraping it off - it doesn't have to be perfect. That's what great about these little spoons - all their vintage-y goodness showing!

If you want to clean your silver and remove any tarnish, you can use a silver cleaner, or make your own homemade silver polish, like I did.

Homemade Silver Cleaner/Polish:

2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon salt
aluminum foil
glass dish
hot water

Bring water to boil (an electric kettle works great). Line a glass dish with aluminum foil, then add spoons. Make sure they touch as much of the foil as possible. Reaction to the foil is what removes the tarnish. Add salt and baking soda. Carefully poor the hot water over the spoons. *bubbles* Let them soak for 30 minutes. Rinse.

Lastly, polish up with a soft cloth. Enjoy your new shabby-chic spoons!

I wonder if my mom still has some vintage spoons kickin' around somewhere. Hmm...

This project was featured here (yay!): Bubbly Nature Creations, Not Yo Mommas Handbag, also on CraftGawker

Link Party ♥: Momma's Kinda Crafty, Wildflowers & Whimsy, Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots and Jello, Along for the Ride, Under the Table and Dreaming, The Tablescaper, I ♥ Nap Time, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making Monday Marvelous, Making the World Cuter, Someday Crafts

Handmade goodies by Billie Monster on Etsy

What people are saying...

Angelica (2 years ago)

That's really neat! =) I saw you link up on Tatertots and Jello. Also, I really like your blog design!

Ali Richardson (2 years ago)

They look GREAT! I am a sucker for an unwanted souvenir spoon or plate. I just feel like they were once treated so special by their owners and now they're looked at as tacky dust collectors. It's sad! Ha ha, anyway, great job :)

Xenia @ Thanks, Mail Carrier (2 years ago)

My grandma totally had these spoons displayed on her wall! In fact, I think my mom had some too at some point... but I have never even contemplated actually using them, what a fun idea. I might just have to pick some up soon! Thanks so much for hanging out with us for Friendly Friday, have a great weekend!

Rachel (2 years ago)

This is so clever... thanks for sharing... come over and link up here http://tinyurl.com/4m5k27k I think this is so great... I want to go thrifting tomorrow!!! :)

April (2 years ago)

Yes you can still get them. I see them at gas stations. My grandmother has tons of these. And I'm with you, I don't really believe in fancy dishes....what's the point of having something nice if all it does is collect dust. I'd rather have enjoyed something and have it get broken than sitting there and barely even remember I have it! Thanks for linking up! Can't wait to see what you come up with for next week!

Katrina (2 years ago)

I'm so in love with this! I didn't even finish reading the whole post before I was on the phone asking my mom if she knew where I could get my hands on some of these spoons haha! Following you from Friendly Friday. :)

Bella (2 years ago)

Hey girly, good to see you back in action. I love those spoons, and have many times just thought of getting rid of sets, I always seem to lose some anyway, and have mismatched pretty silverware, and plates, cups, everything, like seriously. I always see cute ones, but who has room to buy entire sets of everything, not to mention money. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and did you know you have no reply in blogger, when you leave a message, nobody can respond to you. You should fix, this, I never noticed before, until trying to respond directly to a comment you left for me, he he, then noticed, I can't reply thru email. Good thing to know, just thought I'd tell ya. :) Hugs, Bella :)

Madigan at madiganmade (2 years ago)

I have to admit... cleaned up they are pretty cute! (thanks for the recipe for silver cleaner, too)

Sarah Coller (2 years ago)

That is SUCH a great idea! I've been planning on getting some little spoons for tea parties but the only set I've found came out to be $2 a piece!!! Hello!!! Anyway, great tutorial---thank you! I will definitely be doing this! Sarah (Visting you from Bubbly Nature's Project Party Weekend)

FunFritzFamily (2 years ago)

Thanks for following...I'm returning the favor!

Denise (2 years ago)

Wonderful idea. And, yes, they do come out looking very sharp. Thanks so much for such a great tutorial.

mary (2 years ago)

well I'm not your grandma but I have those spoons! I love them; to me they are like a scrapbook because when I look at them I remember the places we've been or the person that gave a spoon to me. I get that they are not the in thing now and I am not insulted by your post; I just wanted to give you a different perspective.

JOANNA (2 years ago)

Hi! Thanks for stopping by Money Saving Momma today! I always wanted to be crafty and artistic, but just can't...I love your blog and can watch you and all your beautiful projects! Happy to meet you!!

Rachel (2 years ago)

I have featured you here: http://www.bubblynaturecreations.com/2011/01/project-party-weekend-round-up.html come grab a featured button!

Marci (2 years ago)

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and following . I may have to try out that silver cleaner for some pieces I have. I am now following your blog as well.

discoveringthemeinmommy (2 years ago)

Very clever! I'll have to check them out next time I'm thrifting!

Sarah (2 years ago)

I think this is a terrific idea. My mother-in-law had a large collection of these. Some I kept and use for coffee, etc. I only kept the ones that weren't souvenir spoons, because like you I didn't really want the added souvenir information. But I think you are on to something here. Great idea. ~ sarah

Scissors & SPatulas (2 years ago)

What a fantastic idea! I have tons of spoons that my mom has gotten me from all over the place that I have no interested in! I'm going to dig them out of the attic and pop off the plastic label and use them for little serving spoons! I don't know why I never thought of that! thanks! Jen

Scribbler (2 years ago)

Cute idea!

The Tablescaper (2 years ago)

What a neat idea. I could see using them with or without the doo dad. Neat idea to take them off and give them a new life! Thanks for bringing your creativity to Seasonal Sundays. Thanks also for becoming a follower. It's great to have you with us! - The Tablescaper

Ellen Reed (2 years ago)

Thank you! I could not have said it better! I have linked up with your post! http://notyomommashandbag.blogspot.com/2011/02/soyou-dont-know-what-to-do-with-this.html

CelticMommy (2 years ago)

Omigosh, my MIL has purchased oodles of these for me over the years and I've never ever taken them out of their wee boxes! What a super cute idea! :-)

Jeff (2 years ago)

they're PERDY nice spoons

Leigha (2 years ago)

This is pure genius! I will definitely be doing this. Leigha

coloradoalady (1 year ago)

What a neat idea!! Very clever. Happy VTT! So glad you linked in today!

LaVoice (1 year ago)

You are really loaded with the older things to have two post. I do goo getting one up. My stepmother had lots of these spoons, but who got them ,I do not know.

Kaylee (1 year ago)

Hey, teenager here who collects spoons! Lol, then again, I am pretty weird :) cool idea

Kirsty (6 months ago)

Thanks for the tips on cleaning the spoons. I have to admit, I'm a self confessed 35 year old nerd and found that it was something I could share with my grandfather as he collected a lot of spoons. So when we our family went on our holiday driving through eastern Australia last year I collected spoons at every stop we found and you're right - they are MUCH harder to come by than they used to be. But I still got a few interesting ones. And because I'd made the mistake of starting my collection my aunt decided to give me the ones my great-Uncle left behind. I wasn't so keen on these as ... well, it was HIS holiday not mine. So half of them were about to go to an op-shop, until I saw your blog on cleaning them and removing the tags. I love it! So good use all round! Thankyou.

Lyn (2 months ago)

Even better when you leave the spoons intact. So much fun to have a group of teaspoons from all over the world, pick spoons that have similar colours etc.