A GREEN Thing To Do

I used to make fun of my mom. Magazines were hidden under the sofas, chairs and held her fifty-year-old mattress up under her bed. They were everywhere, in the musty basement, garage--everywhere. I have her LIFE and LOOK from the Kennedy assassinations, the Columbia disaster, walks on the moon, lots of random stuff. Those are actually nice to have.

I inherited that gene, I LOVE MAGAZINES.

Stash I worked on yesterday.

Anyway---this month instead of Spring cleaning, I purged my magazines, a GREEN thing to do. I filled over one recycle container and more to go. Now, that I blog, and use the computer so much, it seemed foolish to continue to sacrifice trees to hoard pretty colored paper.

So, I have let most of my subscriptions run-out---but, I received my new BH&G today. They have managed to get me/my husband to resubscribe--until 2022. They are sneaky that way and sent multiple special deals because your subscription will be up SOON, (in 2015-16-17-18), so sign up for 2 more years. I dug in the trash for the label----on the plastic---to look it up. Yep, 2022---I hope I live that long. I wonder if you can 'WILL' your subscriptions to someone. I got my mom's via my inheritance. Dumpster anyone?

So, right in the mood for purging, out popped a 'sample' for The Magnolia Journal, a new magazine from Chip and Joanna Gaines. Little postcards reveal---YOU MUST WANT---CHARTER SUBSCRIPTION RSVP---SPECIAL RSVP--a RUSH a FREE Year request. Okay, I will look, after all FREE is the magic 'word.'

Meredith Corporation

I glanced through the pretty glossy sample pages---a smiling country couple on the cover. Headings: Inspiration for Life and Home. That sounds nice. I confess, I no longer watch HGTV, but have zipped through the Gaines' renovations online. They have tackled some really nasty projects, I can relate.

Ad for Meredith Corporation

Open the Cover of the Magnolia Journal Preview.

Letter from the Editor: "Welcome to this preview of The Magnolia Journal magazine. We're excited to give you a glimpse of this beautiful new and unique publication." Later in the introduction, "That's what I hope the magazine is for you: a resource that encourages you to try something new and also a guide that pushes you to see the beauty in all the things you're already doing."

Okay, expectations were high, so on to the preview.

Olive Trees: Photo of sparse plant in huge pot, and another with directions on how to keep it. Photography, I thought was so-so. olive green plant in front of an olive green wall, and an ugly pot, except for texture and another plain pot. Not exactly inspiring, although keeping an olive plant was new.

Stay a While-Hospitality: Guest bedroom 2 pager, nothing new here except which products they are recommending to use to make your guest feel welcome. Photography, better here, font tiny.

Family Campfire Pictorial: Okay photos of cute family having a campfire and important family time. There were some poetic descriptions here in the text, but all I could think of was all the dry long grass surrounding the family ready to become an 'UNCONTROLLED BURN. Not a hose or water in sight. Photography and subjects handled nicely, the print was tiny, excessive, and could have been SIMPLER.

Editorial article: The Complexity of Living a Simple Life? Cute cartoon of Jo dividing the columns. If I recall their life is pretty much maxi-un-simple. The bulk of the article was a bit meandering---like I write. But, look at it this way---I'm free. And, will not require you to sign up for two YEARS to be free in the future. Down the road, Jo could make this more to the point--and stick to one subject in BIGGER font, please.

NOTE:The print through out the mock-up magazine was extremely tiny, 

my guess 10 or less? I can barely see 12 or 14 font with my reading glasses.

Food: Making pies is a way of living simply. Jo's choices: Pear-cranberry-7 ingredients-sounded nummy with fresh pears, Pecan pie, and Mallow sweet potato praline pie (18 ingredients, not so simple.) The Pecan Pie had to be over 800 calories a slice, no nutrition information was included. And, made with corn syrup? Really? Yes, feed those kids corn syrup. Honestly, my teeth hurt, just looking at two of those recipes.

As a baker from scratch, there's really nothing simple about making homemade pies, 

it's messy and hardly easy. 

To me, simple would be 6 ingredients: butter, fruit, minimal real sugar, flour, spices, 

maybe some nuts or crunchy grains(oats). 

The food photographer out did themselves though, photos were awesome.

Center of magazine: A double page ad for subscribing to Magnolia Journal.

Why were the fonts here 5-10 times larger than the text of the magazine? 

Here the not-Free, 2 years for the price of one; so, half-price information was revealed.

 Photos, layout, print here definitely better than the previous pages. 

Kudos to the advertising editor.

SUBWAY guide: Article on subway tile. Four pages: slick, well laid out, and informative. Great article. I actually pulled out the 4 pages for my files:for future bathrooms. We did do a faceted subway tile in the kitchen--and super love it.

Worth the Wait: Four pages on Spring bulbs---okay it's too late to plant spring bulbs. I thought this was a bad choice unless it will be an article for fall here in the USA. Artwork was taken from old botanicals. I would have been more interested in actual plant photos, though the vintage look of the artwork was lovely. I would have enjoyed photos of bulbs bursting into color in Jo's garden or under her hand.

Decorating with Whites:Really, has this been done before? Does it walk like a duck? Duh?

Here, none of the photos inspired me, nor were they very white. 

Perhaps the article should have been titled, "Decorating Around Your Whites." 

Now, that would have fit the five pages of text and photos. 

Photography was a hodge-podge (definitely different photographers) of different rooms vaguely referring to the elements of design mentioned. 

Here the main points were bold and larger, thank-you, for that. 

I was disappointed here with general layout, 

and how the photos actually worked with the substance of the article.

Life on the Farm: (Chip's page) "the rewards of early mornings and hard work," by Chip Gaines.
A cute cartoon drawing of Chip and the animals dividing the column. The editorial is meandering about family history and living on a farm. Charming, but where does all their TV, blog, books, photo-shoots, and merchandising occur while doing the 'hard work' of having a farm. This made me wonder how many paid workers Chip has for their farm.

Note: The romantic notion of working like our ancestors did was lovely,

 and the lessons taught I am sure have added to Chip's abilities and success. 

I guess I'm being too, realistic, when assessing this. 

Let's face it "REALITY" anything today--isn't REAL.

Meredith Corporation

Back page:Advertisement for the magazine has the best photo---Joanna with a big tote of fresh flowers for the Spring issue cover of Magnolia Journal. However, ad at the bottom-pushes subscription FREE (actually--just half-price).

Okay, when you put your name/trademark on a magazine, one has to deliver. Why would an extremely successful couple throw their hat into another circus, when they are already have rings and rings of TV programs, real estate, renovations, retail store, books, blogs, appearances, merchandising, etc., etc., etc. And why kill more trees, not a GREEN thing to do, nor is it simple.

I may try and browse the actual magazine during my weekly trek to the bookstore or library. If the magazine, itself actually has bigger type font, has better lay-outs and story coherence, and really is a guide for simpler ideas, I may revisit this.

I will forego my "FREE" subscription offer at this time, and simplify my life. NO trees sacrificed for same-old stuff. I will subscribe to all my future subscriptions online now, except for BH&G which will still clog my garbage recycle can for 5 more years.

More to purge

I haven't started in the extra bedroom.

Or, I could continue and WILL them to one of my kids, or store them under my bed, 

so they can snicker about me when I pass on.

Thanks always for visiting. 

I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.

 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

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Sandi

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Junkin' Finds

Our house is so ripped up with the REDO---I took these pictures on the floor by our front door.

OY! I have had a little luck doing 'Junkin' out in thrift stores the last couple of weeks. My kitchen table is covered in Easter eggs and wood cut-outs from painting with my daughter-in-law and Granddaughter yesterday, so this was the only place not covered in canvas and drywall dust to catch natural light.

oldnewgreenredo

Here was last week or so's haul. Mind you I'm only buying OLD items I have a use for or may sell.

oldnewgreenredo

This sweet little chest was very well made and in good condition and will be fun to REDO for myself or our granddaughter. Also, her Barbie/Ken chests here at the house are in need of painting too. This was $4.99 but was in such super condition I couldnt't pass it up.

oldnewgreenredo

It's a long time until garage sales here in Chicagoland, so I don't mind paying a bit higher prices at the Church and Charity Thrift stores. This solid wood pink bin was only $2.00 though. I'm collecting OLD storage containers for my craftroom REDO. This one may end up in hubby's room though.

oldnewgreenredo

I actually ordered this on Etsy, because of its size, shape and pattern. I broke my pedestal off my Westmoreland cake plate (honestly it just fell off) for about the fourth time...and I deemed it risky at best to repair it again. So, I have been watching for the perfect base, something more substantial.
Ta-Da---this should do the job for the REDO.

When we have it safely secured, I will post the finished result. Total cost with shipping was about $14.00. (I know this is Indiana glass---but it has grapes on it and is a good match for the Westmoreland and I'm not interested in reselling it.)

oldnewgreenredo

I snagged/found two great tablecloths---for only $2.00 each. This was lovely and had BLUE--- and was just so Spring.

oldnewgreenredo

This is a gorgeous---never used I think, cross-stitched Linen tablecloth with lilacs. What can be more SPRING than lilacs? Although we wont' have lilacs here for two more months.

Interesting side-note...the metallic thread down the middle and a bit more on the edging. Very nicely done and never used. I think I may send it off to be cleaned and then use this for a Spring birthday gift....for a friend who loves purple.

oldnewgreenredo

My DEAL of the week--OLD Bunny Cake Mold from Wilton for $3.00 and listed several places at over $20.00. I bought this to use...so it will definitely be a keeper. He's so cute sitting in the kitchen with my Spring things...I may have to find him a darling bow.

oldnewgreenredo

You haven't seen my collection of Japanese Yelloware Biscuit Jars and Tea plates which have been packed away. These were popular in the 30's -50's and are freely painted 'majoilica' style on an earthenware slip---usually cream or creamy white with bright colors with underglazes. Then the pieces were fired with a clear glaze and now show a lot of crazing. This plate has just about all the colors used in these wares.

They are very 'kitschy' and 'cottage' style. Before I inherited all my blue&white Copenhagen Porcelain, I had these pieces all over the kitchen and livingroom. These tea plates originally had rattan handles which have long since disintegrated, I use the handle holes for ribbons and hang the plates on the wall. This plate was 50 cents. Usually they are $8-20.00. Biscuit jars go for $12.00-35.00 or so here in Chicagoland.  I can still find pieces reasonable though. I only buy what I really love or is unusual now.

oldnewgreenredo

Another one of my searches is for storage for my craftroom redo. I keep my eye out for large tins or storage bins that are attractive or unusual. The top tin is quite large and in great condition, cost
25 cents and the lid fits nicely.

oldnewgreenredo

I love this metal picnic basket, complete with swinging wood handles. Another item that someone had on the shelf and never used. One small bend on the side I popped out right away. I'm hoping to have the entire shop done in recycled containers a GREEN thing to do.

oldnewgreenredo

This will be a great piece for the craftroom---and it already has dollclothes patterns and a project stored away in it. Cost $6.00.

oldnewgreenredo

This Rustic wood bucket, sealed and a delicious rusty red. Looks great on the porch already on my rustytable. I will have to find some yellow tulips for this in the garage this week. Too soon to plant real plants here---! Cost $8.00 and I will need to look for a liner...before I plant with real plants.

oldnewgreenredo

Lastly another Etsy find. This gorgeous full-circle, wrap, lined skirt of homespun weight cotton. It has a dusty pattern with natural wood beads added in my colors I can't wait to wear this, it's a vintage Chico's piece. Total cost with shipping, $22.00. I seldom even look at clothes but knew the quality would be there with the name.


Hope you all have a great week. From my dust, clutter, refuse and the remodel going on, Sandi. I will be happy to answer any comments or questions.

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions or posts. Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

I will be sharing at these fine blog parties:
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No Place Like Home
Talk of the Town
Share Your Cup
Share Your Style
Vintage Charm
Shabbilicious Friday
No Place Like Home 

Sandi

Go GREEN-REDO recycled Plastic lawn art

Yard Art-Green RECYCLE project.

Last Saturday, we did a dog event at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. Lots of dogs and a huge beautiful park to walk in with the dogs. 

One of the best recycling ideas I have seen in awhile were these whimsical lawn decorations, measuring around two feet across decorating a pavilion.  Multiple plastic caps/lids were screwed 

onto painted exterior plywood shapes. 

Adorable Inch worm in red and blue

Each lid was screwed into the wood with a nice shiny screw, 

which added to the design and caught the sun. 

Tip-Toe through the Tulips 

This one was about 3 feet high and very rambunctious in color. Here you can see the multiple

layers of caps/lids adding to dimension. The background of the plywood was painted with 

exterior enamel. Great kids' project, would be wonderful for scouts or other youth groups. Only 

your imagination is the limitation.

Other shapes were butterflies, flowers, watering-can, cat, dog, fish, simple shapes but such fun.

 Sadly all my pictures were not in focus.

But you get the idea. 

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All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions or posts. Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle 

Saving a Crushed Bag of Beaded…?

Junking from the "Baggie-Wall"at Savers.

On the last junking trip to Savers in Schaumburg, Illinois, E and I had a great time on the 'baggie wall'.

The 'baggie wall' at Savers is where they hang quart size or sometimes gallon bags, full of items that are too annoying to put out on shelves, too tangly, too useless, or too what-the-heck is that.

I found three bags full of crushed, hand-beaded flowers, dirty, wadded into a small football shapes. The crafter in me screamed…NO…just because I am sympathetic with anyone's handiwork that takes umpteen hours and is not appreciated. These poor flowers were just begging to go home with me, even though I'm not a lover of anything particularly glitzy. The bags were discolored and double folded over, it was hard to see what I had purchased.

At home, I opened the bags and was almost disappointed, the contents were filthy. I mean dis-colored and encrusted in years of dusty grime. Though the stems were either satin wrapped, waxed floral wrapped or paper wrapped, I could barely tell and I thought, not really water-safe.

How to clean them, I wasn't sure?

With not much to lose, I took them to the sink, sprayed them thoroughly with Windex, swished them in a sink full of the hottest water, rinsed them under the faucet and then put them immediately onto the drainboard.

Results sparkling! Clean and vibrant, and only a couple began to unwrap. I can easily save those with fresh floral tape. The amazing thing is how heavy these are with the hundreds of tiny glass beads on each wire. The workmanship was amazing. These aren't particularly old, perhaps the 50's to the 70's. 

After researching, many listings of such flowers say French beaded flowers, 

and they are quite pricey, my three bag investment of $10.00 will go far. 

After many years of working in artificial flowers, it only took a few minutes to make all the leaves and petals perfectly arranged in their intended places.  

One of my favorites was this small pot of violets in slightly iridescent seed beads. 

Sweet, adorable and cute from all sides. 

One of the most delicate was this lovely stem of leather leaf or fern 

that was all balled up in a knot.

All the fronds bend exactly the way you wish them to go.

The roses are heavy with multi-layers of solidly-wired petals and many leaves on the stems. The largest rose measures almost five inches round. 

The medium roses have leaves and a bud to make them appear realistic. 

The red beads are a matte finish seed bead, while the green has an iridescent sparkle to them.

One of the prettiest and unusual flowers are two stems of what appear to be hyacinths. Each small lavender blossom is wired with small yellow twisted centers. The yellow is matte while the while the flower petals and leaves have an iridescent sparkle.

One of the most delicate was this lovely stem of leatherleaf or fern that was all balled up in a knot.

All the fronds bend exactly the way you wish them to go. 

There are also yellow pansies, alyssum, mini-orchids, daisies, and several lilies.

Most of these will find their way to my shop on Etsy, 

and into appreciative hands or new crafts.

That's what I love about Etsy, the total re-cycle of New, Old, Green, Redo!

These are mine though!

Daisies were my mom's favorite flower, and blue anything is mine. 

So, this small cluster with a busy little bee landing on them only made it from the drainboard to this tiny bottle on my window sill above my sink. I totally love them and they are worth oodles, as I look at them everyday and smile.

Have a great week!

Sandi

Partying here with this post:

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All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions or posts. Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle