shopping « Paper Jewels

Vintage Plus Size Wedding Gowns – Thrifty and Gorgeous

Of course I always think vintage is a great idea – it’s usually thrifty (or downright cheap) – which always helps. And so often, you’ll find clothes made better than new ones. And there are so many beautiful finds!

As, for example, these wonderful wedding gowns I found today at Pink Ribbon Bridal on Etsy:

Vintage Alfred Angelo White Lace Wedding Dress Bridal Gown Plus size 20W BNWT
and
Plus Size Bridal Gown Pic 1

Vintage Moonlight Plus Size 28 Wedding DressI know it’s sometimes hard to find terrific plus size garments when you’re searching vintage – for that matter, it’s always a crapshoot to find any particular size. That’s part of the hunt! So when there are wonderful choices like these, I think they need to be found 🙂 Don’t forget your unique engagement rings because it’s a very special day.

Now I will say, I’m not sure if these fit the definition of “true vintage” because they’re from the 1990s I think. But if I was looking for a wedding gown in those particular sizes, would that bother me? Oh no. I’d be thrilled to find them!

These gowns were purchased from a breast cancer charity – read more about it on her Etsy page so this is just a win-win all the way around.

Of course the most important thing is that you are finding the PERFECT wedding gown for your most special day. At a great price. Talk about a win-win!

Gorgeous Red Leather Vintage Bag

Talk about a color lift! And I’m not talking about your roots here. I’m talking about a shot of color you could use every day – red is the “new neutral”. This would be a happy-making bag!

You know I think vintage is the best shopping ever. And when I find a goodie like this, I want to share! You can see the quality (and there’s several pics, so you get a good look).

This particular bag may or may not be sold by the time you go peek, but this seller – RiffRaffReview on Etsy – has lots of goodies – and more on the way. Check it out!

Eco Felt: Made from Plastic Bottles!

I’m one of those people who makes stuff. I sew, I do crafts, I make things for the house, etc etc. And I’m fairly knowledgeable about fabric. Felt is a fabric that used to be made out of, well, smushed up wool leftovers. It’s always offered great vivid colors, but it ‘pills’ and frays and it’s not sturdy, so oh well.

But! I have been re-educated here. Not only have I found some great colors in oh-so-useful felt, but it is made ENTIRELY from recycled stuff – even better, from recycled bottles! They’ve made a soft fabric – from bottles. And it’s not expensive!

Eco Felt Fabric made from Recycled Bottles

The colors are clear and vivid – and from what the vendor writes, the fabric does NOT fray or fall apart in the wash. (Old-style felt, forget it, you wouldn’t dare toss it in the washer). And she has it in many colors! And she even has it in this camoflauge pattern!

Camouflage pattern eco-felt made from recycled bottles

Camouflage felt fabric!
Now honestly, that wouldn’t be my personal choice – but lots of people would love it (imagine a pillow made with this felt, sitting on your couch in the den).

I will happily promote this vendor – K and C Supplies on Etsy. She is finding / sourcing / selling a product that is not only entirely recycled, but it’s pretty and soft and nice!

Talk about the best of all possible products. Go buy some!

Dryer Sheets – don’t use them – but if you do, REuse them!

So first off I should say that I never use dryer sheets. I don’t think we need them (the only thing that ever gets static-y is the few silk things we’ve got, and I’m totally willing to deal with that). I think it is a deliberate Proctor-and-Grumble-ish advertising invention to make us think we need them. And, we have birds. The fake perfume in the dryer sheets is poison to birds (and to us too, only we are bigger).

But a whole lot of people do use them, and think they need them. So I’m just asking, if you buy them, please do reuse them! Turns out there are a bunch of nifty things to do with them. These ideas aren’t original with me – I’ve gotten this handy list from Daily Green Cheapskate over on Yahoo. (Love that name, by the way.)
Dryer Softener Sheets A few highlights from the “how to reuse dryer sheets” list:

1. Use them more than once. (Back when I did use them, years ago, this totally worked. They’re good for three-four washes at least.)

2. Anti-static dust wipes (use them to clean your monitor and TV screen – they’re great for that).

3. Pot scrubbers and sink / tub scrubs.

4. Dust-free blinds: Not only do spent dryer sheets make a handy wipe for metal and plastic blinds, but the chemicals in them help to repel dust.

5. Get your shine on: When used as a polishing rag, dryer sheets make mirrors and chrome appliances shine. They’re also great for cleaning windows and other glass.

They’re also recommended as sort-of-sachet. Put one in your glove box or underwear drawer so you can smell that creepy sweet scent for ages. (Can you tell I don’t like the smell? Yeah.)

Check out the full article here.

And for even more super useful info on how to go green easily, go to The Green Cheapskate Blog. There are TONS of good ideas there.

And it’s fun. And you’ll feel good about it 🙂

Falling in Love with Color – Do It Yourself Jewelry :-)

There’ve been tons of studies on how color affects us, and I’m no expert on any of them. What I do know is that color makes us happy, gives us a smile, and is a great way to add a little boost to our spirits (especially right now when it’s still so cold!)

So I’m specially happy to be able to offer some lovely vintage jewels in yummy colors in my Artfire jewelry supplies shop and also in my Etsy shop. Like these pretty jewels:

and

They feel like Spring to me – and that’s of the good 🙂

First Year Anniversary Gifts for your Boyfriend

Or, okay, your husband. Say you’ve been together for a year, and you want to get him a little something, and you don’t want it to be related to a big truck. Or maybe you already got those tickets.

How’s this: a handmade necklace that says “Honor”, in Japanese kanji. It’ll appeal to his inner warrior, and it’s in a dogtag shape so it’s manly and like that:

Japanese Kanji “Honor” Dogtag Necklace

Of course it can be made in his color – charcoal, navy, denim blue, bronze, black. Purple. Orange 🙂

And if that color just happens to also go with your favorite tee, well, that’s just sharing and all, right?

Wall Art – Vinyl Stickers for Grown Ups

Okay, you want to spruce up your place, and you want it to be (1) easy, (2) affordable, (3) great looking, and did I mention (4) easy?

You really should check out the vinyl wall art – stickers for grownups! at Savvy Gal Designs on Etsy.

Like this fabulous graphic:

These are great for renters – easy to apply *and* to take down.

Personalize your space! Not only can you apply them vertically or horizontally, you can choose your own color. Go for it!

Paper Jewels

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Vintage Plus Size Wedding Gowns – Thrifty and Gorgeous

Gorgeous Red Leather Vintage Bag

Eco Felt: Made from Plastic Bottles!

Dryer Sheets – don’t use them – but if you do, REuse them!

Falling in Love with Color – Do It Yourself Jewelry :-)

First Year Anniversary Gifts for your Boyfriend

Wall Art – Vinyl Stickers for Grown Ups

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