Notes from A Cottage Industry

A preview of my Antique Mall booth!

     I was down at the new antique mall all day Monday, (Memorial Day) getting my booth set up. Back and forth, hauling treasures from the garage to the booth, prettying up the wall space, and creating a charming feeling within my little slice of the mall. Then, more work Tuesday and Wednesday nights after work and Thursday on my lunch break from the grown up girl job. Whew! It's all coming together quite nicely, if I do say so myself. (now, keep in mind, this is the "bones" of my booth; the backdrop for the treasures and trinkets to appear later this weekend.)
     The very cool old brick building has character, but the back of my booth is done in peg board. While I like the versatility of pegboard, it certainly doesn't lend itself to any vintage theme I had in mind. What to do? well... I "wallpapered" the walls in my area with old book pages and copies of vintage photographs... and I plan on adding lots of little surprises too...

    They will be doing a soft opening today and I want everything to look perfect, although I won't have the booth stocked fully for a few more days. (probably not until Sunday afternoon, and I'll share more pictures then!) I hope to sell some of my overflow pieces there before the Tumbleweed Cotillion at the end of June...we'll see what happens!

1.5 minutes of semi fame (a teeny tiny bit of shameless self promotion here, people)

 
I'm so excited that I just had to do a second post and brag a little bit.

      Channel 2 ran my little news story, and promoted the upcoming Tumbleweed Cotillion, both on the news, and with a link in the article! These people rock.
Here's the link to the story AND the video...not sure why they list only Pam in the title...on the news they mentioned both of us of course...oh well....did I mention that they plugged the Tumbleweed Cotillion in the article and the video?!

**note** I have done nothing but eat since March 15th (the last wedding) and I wish I could say the camera added those extra pounds, but...no. I will be eating sensibly beginning tomorrow at sunrise. *sigh*

I was Green before green was cool, people.

...and I know lots of you were too....Her, for example. And her. And her. Oh! and of course, her.

Green....Um, ya. You know, renew, reuse, recycle. Recycle. That's what we nutty and obsessed serious yard saling, junker types do. (I wonder if we junkers could be LEED certified?) We re-purpose discarded items, skillfully size up what may appear to the untrained eye to be trash, unearthing a real diamond in the rough.
Such was the case this past weekend. I spotted this fabulous antique dresser on craigslist last Friday and emailed the guy. We set up a time after the writer's conference on Saturday for me to go take a look.
Can you see the inner beauty? Look close. It has the original wooden wheels (like those last 2 chairs I bought!) It is so darned cute. So perfect. I got it for a great price, and after a little bit of repair work on the drawers I will work my painter's magic on it.
     I love it. It's gonna be another positively adorable piece for the upcoming Tumbleweed Cotillion....(if I don't keep it!)
     Once it's done I can enjoy the cuteness of it and be proud of myself at the same time. After all, I saved it from an everlasting life in the landfill.

I SO heart Jessica Simpson

    Yes, people, I have a girl crush on my most recent favorite shoe designer..Jessica Simpson. OK, her name is on the shoes...and the shoe box, but I am not exactly sure she does the designing. No matter. I have to say, the woman makes the sexiest shoes I have ever seen. Evah. You've gotta love 'em.
    Click on the picture. Look at them close up. Ooooh. That's black patent leather with little polka dot holes overlaid on white, people! Adorable. About a three and a half inch heel. (Did I mention that I'm less than 5'4" and my boss at my grown up girl job is 6'8"?) Stunning, sexy, fabulous shoes.
   Ifound them Saturday and I had to have 'em. I decided I'd cut back on groceries and turn the heat way down this month so I could buy them. Right then.
*sigh* Sooo worth having Progresso soup for dinner 15 nights in a row and wearing my sweatshirt over my PJ's this month.

Now, I am wondering...When I am a farm owner can I still wear cute shoes?

Inspiration Friday - Napkin rings

      I love pretty table settings, and includes pretty napkin rings and place card holders! They inspire me to create wonderful table scapes!
     Today I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites that I have collected over the years. Most of them I have had for fifteen years or more. They never go out of style, and that's why they're such a good thing to have on hand.
    I have plain white ceramic vase style napkin rings that can be dolled up with ivy, or flowers, or holly, or even glittery faux poinsettia's, depending on the season and the formality I am after...

Think of all you can do with these....I have antique silverware handles that have been crafted into dressy rings...

I have these darling ceramic carrots (I've had them for about 20 years now!) that are perfect for any garden theme tablescape, and for a cheery Easter time meal too....oh, I am inspired for spring to hurry up and get here now!

    For breakfasts, or lunch, or when it's just me (yes! I set the table for myself, don't you? If you don't you should.)I have these sweet little tea pots...

    OK, I cheated on this last one. It's a WalMart Christmas ornament.

I changed out the ribbon and I tie it on the napkin...still one of my favorites...and oh, so inspiring.

Heaven sent...

    I think I have the beginnings of a new collection.

Angel wings. Mmm hmm, you read that right. Have you noticed that they're everywhere now? OK, maybe not everywhere, but I have discovered enough of them to accidentally start a collection.
       I am going to have to blame my dear friend Dawn for this newest addiction collection. She inspired me so, with this post a while back, sharing another blogger's fabulous idea...and I ...went absolutely insane looking for wings online couldn't help myself.  After hours of googling and searching  The next thing I knew, I had found the perfect thing here. (and look at that price! Oh, how I love a deal!Oh, and I phoned in my order. They found the wing s under an incorrect stock number and took the time to walk my order through!A very helpful company. ) I ordered them, and they finally arrived last Friday.

     Aren't they just, oh so dreamy? Oh, yes. They are... Heavenly. Oh so vintage looking. (in a John Travolta doing  "Michael" sort of way...) I added the stars, greenery and ornaments to complete the Christmas feel. It's been hours of fun, deciding where to put this large Christmas decoration and adding my little touches from my holiday stash (I used some flocked faux mini tree branches from a little tree in my donation box, as well as some old ornaments and a piece of ribbon from a box of candy) to make it feel more vintage. (Please do not ask me how or where I will store the wings after the holiday...)
     The dress-form-turned-angel ended up in the corner of my living room where it can be seen from the entryway as you enter the cottage, as well as from the dining room. It's totally unique and beautiful, with the romantic timeworn look that I was after. The best twenty bucks I've spent all season! **edited to add** Oh my gosh, I hadn't thought of keeping them up for Valentine's day, but yes, I do think I will. Also, another idea occured to me. If you don't have a dress form, or don't want to use one, consider this idea- tie them to the back of an old chippy wooden chair, and add embellishments. Set something equally fabulous in the chair...A totally different look!     *sigh* I think I'll try this look for Valentine's Day myself.
    If it weren't enough to have tracked down some feathered wings, a few days later, at my favorite store (say it with me ladies, give me a "T", give me a "J"...you know where...) I found these gold angel wings. (Are they fabulous, or what?!)I have them featured in the dining room next to my $8 WalMart feather tree from last year.

     Well, of course you know I wanted 'em. Bad. I thought about them, dreamed about them, even. Coincidentally, that very same day, someone ordered another Gift Wrap kit (You know, Oprah says there are no coincidences...) and suddenly, I had the money to add these beauties to the newest collection in my cottage.

*sigh* Thanks Dawn. We're kindred spirits. You always inspire me.

Nest eggs

  The new maid-of-honor (She refuses to use the term "Matron-of-Honor", and she used to be "the bride"...oh, you get it.)has been asking me for nearly a week now if I've received a package.

No. No package here.

No. Not yet.
     Then, a little box arrived by post yesterday. Inside was this sweet, sweet pin! (Does she know me or what?)I adore it. I put it on right away this morning when I left my cottage.
     I can think of about 12 sweaters, shirts, and jackets in my closet that this will absolutely "make"! She saw it here and ordered it here. (Oh! and notice, once again..3 eggs. Perfect!)
Such a sweet pin!

*sigh* Such a sweetie pie.

3 tiered stand

Oooooh! Look at this beauty! (see the darling bird on top?)
     I found it at Fred Meyers in Portland a few weeks back, and I saw such amazing possibilities.(OK, it doesn't sit crooked, I just seem to photograph a bit sideways...I need to work on that...use my tripod more often maybe...)
     I am drawn to layers, and tiered stands of all sorts. (some of my family members would say I have a "problem" in this area, but they'd be wrong.) I have cake pedestals, tiered basket trays, even a metal framed thing-a-ma-jig that holds three tiered plates. Oh,by the way, it wasn't white when I bought it. No, it looked like this-

     Very cute, just not "me", in that charcoal, gun metal gray kind of color.
     Now, I just need to decide where and what I am going to use it for first. In the office, holding ribbons and tags maybe? On a buffet table full of cookies or, cupcakes?! In a bathroom filled with toiletries? On a patio full of assorted cheeses and crackers and breads?

    What would you use it for? Hmmmmmm?

Put all your eggs in one basket...

    

It was love at first sight. I saw these adorable eggs on her Blog. They were only 40 cents each, so I emailed her right away. Could I get some? Would she ship them? Yes. Yes!
     They arrived yesterday. Oh, how I love pulling in the driveway and catching a glimpse of a package on the porch! Yippie, skippie! (and even the packaging was charming)

     I'm not sure where in my cottage these little beauties will end up, I'm only sure that I love 'em. A lot.
   Thanks Amy.

Mama's got some new shoes

I needed these.

Really.

They are so summery. So cute. They were on sale. Actually a sale, on top of a sale. Really.

Did I say I needed them? Well, I did.

Really.

Two dollar bird feeder

   

     It's no secret to anyone that I am half crazy into nests, birds and pretty anything associated with them. So, you can imagine the pure delight I felt when, out junkin' today, we came upon this beauty of a bird feeder. I stole this treasure from a guy (Who clearly had no idea of the value of the prize he had) for a mere two dollars. Ya baby. I'm just. that. good.
     I won't be able to put bird feed in it of course, because that would just be mean, what with Mr. Bear and Moose hanging around under the tree just waiting to scare the ba-jeebees out of any little bird that dared to try and stop by for a snack there. *sigh* Oh well. I just know it's just gonna make the yard.

A little Christmas in July

     I need some advice today.
     I've always had a thing for miniatures. So fun to see something real, in teeny, tiny form. I was part of the Club Little House swaps that Amy started a couple of years ago. *sigh* So.Much.Fun.
     I used to have a very large doll house. It was such a fun hobby. My girls and I went through a time period when they were around eight and ten, where we really had a ball arranging and playing with it. Time passed, the novelty wore off, the doll house got dusty and I sold it. (Good God, what was I thinking?!)
      About two years later, I bought a small doll house kit and decided to create a Santa's workshop.


When I first began this labor of love, I invested many, many hours into the little workshop, building and painting, and making the sign above the door and posted the workshop hours...
 
     I even hand painted, a' la (Sp?) Mary Engelbreit, a work table (there is an identical one to the right of it, still awaiting a paint job...)

     I made an office for Mr. Claus upstairs, complete with his globe and maps for planning his route...

and even added framed miniature photographs of his three favorite children.

     *sigh* Oh, I need some direction here. Why? Because, again, time has passed, and  this little treasure is barely more than half completed.
     I have managed to hang on to the dear little workshop, moving it twice now, although it sits in a lonely guest room closet, waiting for me patiently, to find the time to finish it up and enjoy it.
    I am not even sure where I can showcase this little workshop at holiday time. It takes up quite a sizable amount of space.
     We do not even have a miniature shop in Reno anymore, which means I would have to be shopping online (and in Portland!) should I decide to get with it and complete this project.

    Do I keep it (someday I'll surely have grand babies that will love it too) or do I sell it or donate it now and move on? I'd love your input and ideas. Really.

A picture is worth a thousand words

...or at least I hope so. My gosh, I came back from my trip to PTown and the Willows Nest Barn Sale so inspired I couldn't even sleep last night. (I couldn't even decide what category to put this post under, so I listed all that even remotely applied.)And I took so many pictures I think it will take at least two days of posts to share them all! Where do I begin...?

The weather was fabulous Saturday. Not a rain cloud in the sky. (Please note the fabulous sky in the above photo as proof.)The crowd size at the Willows Nest Barn Sale was good. Crowded, but not overly so, (just enough to add that adrenaline rush that someone might beat you to something, right after you spot it, but before you can get to it)and everyone was so friendly. I mean, just the absolute nicest folks (which I have found seems to be the case all over Oregon and Washington) Nicest of all was the moment I got to meet up with my fellow Bliss Sisters. I was afraid I might not find them in the crowd, or that I wouldn't recognize them, but no, I picked them out of the crowd right away. Kindred spirits, one and all. It was a wonderful time meeting them in person. We laughed and chatted like we were old friends from school. (*sigh* it's actually too hard for me to describe in words just how good it felt to really meet them in person)

I absolutely hate having my picture taken worse than anything, but for this occasion I am going to share one.I have a terrible habit of scrutinizing my appearance in any and all photos, which is why I am rarely in one. Anyway, I'll leave it to you to guess which one I am! I will tell you this much- I really truly didn't know I had such a furrowed brown, and now I see firsthand that I simply must stop with that God-awful squinting, since it makes me appear constipated concerned,and exactly what is up with my hair?!(Hint: Really, I look so, so much younger and lovelier in person, tee hee.....I've had a tough year, allow me this one fantasy please.) Now back to the fabulous event....

     The property was amazing. (Yes, this is the view they enjoy from the back of the house...it's God's country for sure.)

As you can see, it's a big 'ol sprawl of land with an incredible view of the Columbia River and plenty of room for the booths to be spread out, not jammed up on one another.Here's the barn from outside, and some of the wonderful booths (Look at that umbrella!)

The cutest hand made signs, telling where the restrooms were, exit, etc... Oh,and the products and displays, aaa-mazing.


The whole event was simply off the hook with creativity and imagination. Sure, some darling antiques, but so much more than that. Quaint painted furniture pieces, hand made jewelry, and charming papercrafts.

(who knew tying jute around a stack of books could look so fabulous? I know now.)


Heck, even their price tags were so cute I had to take pictures. (Now that you see them, you see why I had to photograph them.)
Here are more Booth shots....

We came, we met, we shopped. It was a good thing, for sure. But it didn't end there.
Oh no, we all caravaned from the Willows Nest Barn Sale to a nearby estate sale, (and got some more fabulous finds there!)and then to the ever so lovely 4th Street in Camas, where we had lunch and shopped some more. My Bliss Sisters were as enthralled with dear sweet Camas as I am. Once again we hit Camas Antiques, followed by a trip to "Fancies" which carries some of Linda from the Willows Nest's things. Such a treat!

*sigh* this was such a wonderful trip, and it is a memory I will treasure always.

**Note: I forgot the Bliss Banners at the bride-to-be's home that I made for my friends, so those will now be going out to all three of them later today.

Porch Sale

     Nope. I'm not selling my porch, I'm just hosting a bit of a sale on it, and around it.
     I have been perplexed as to what to do with all the furniture pieces I had that were supposed to get recreated into things for my shop and ended up sitting, patiently waiting for me to do something with. With the shop closed, I was at loose ends here as to what to do with all this..stuff.(The picture above is just a minuscule fraction of what I have waiting in storage to be refurbished...)
    I made the decision a few weeks ago. I am hosting my first ever "Porch Sale" on Saturday, June 9th. I got the charming idea from the oh, so very creative Colleen. (She was even so gracious as to give me some tips on how to attract better foot traffic to my sale.)
     I've been an absolute painting fool the last couple of weeks, (in between yard work, barbecuing with family, and my grown up girl job...)and it is paying off. My  workshop garage will soon be empty of any and all vintage furniture and I will be ready to tackle my next big project; my website. (oooh, I can't wait to dig in and get started on that. I have some fun ideas planned.)
     My sweet friend Denise will be on  hand, with all of here darling baby and children's things as well. (Oh, and did you know she is now in the baby shower planning business as well? Too fun!)
     Here's a little sneak peek at what I've been working on for the Porch Sale. Isn't this dear little table just about the sweetest thing?

And how about this chair?

Can't you see it in the corner of a kitchen, or on a deck with a beautiful pot of petunias on it?

There's going to be lots of charming pieces to finish off a room, or add some personality to a corner of a patio, that's for sure. Oh, and I'll be serving some of my signature sugar cookies and cupcakes too! If you're in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area, do plan to stop by and say hello!

Inspiration at my fingertips

    KIm and Cindy have been sharing "Inspiration Fridays" for a bit now. (Thanks for sharing these, girls!) I love this idea! Such inspiration.
    I have millions of magazine pages, as I am guessing they do. Such great ideas to share, and what better way that each Friday. Fabulous food for thought for the upcoming weekend.
    I told you a short while back that I tear ideas out of magazines before I pitch them in the trash. Here is what I do with those pages once I tear them out.
Several years ago while garage saling, I found 2 old bicycle baskets. I snatched them up, and they have been my file system container ever since. I have manila folders labeled in each one alphabetically, sorted by room names, and things like Entertaining, Craft Ideas, Landscape, Fences, organization ides..you get the concept. Do you have a clever system you use? Share it with us!
    Now that I am getting my office organized and ready to be painted (yes, I do mean after I finish those kitchen cupboards) I find myself going through these filing folder quite a lot. Some of the pages are pretty old, but wow, are they inspirational! So many ideas to get my mind reeling, thinking of all the possibilities for each and every room of my cottage.
    I am thinking I just may join Kim and Cindy next Friday by sharing some of the pages of ideas I have gathered over time...now, doesn't that sound like a fun idea?

Every bunny needs some bunnies

   
    Someone asked me to share my little collection of bunnies, and this being Easter week, I felt it was the perfect time to do so! I have year round bunnies, as well as Easter type bunnies.
    Years ago, when my kids were younger, we actually had real bunnies. They lived out in our back yard, just hopping around freely. We started off with "Hunny Bunny", and then added "Hedda Lettuce", who was supposed to be another girl bunny. Hmmm, it's hard to tell on a bunny, you know... 3 baby bunnies later, we had to take Hedda Lettuce to be "altered" at the vet's office.
    Take a peek on the front porch...

in the entry way...

the living room (hey, did you notice that my slipcovers are done? I love the way they turned out, and the sewing queen even did a slipcovered thrifted ottoman to go with the chairs!)...

see the bunnies in the pictures on the wall, and on the book cover?...


and on an end table...

the dining room...

 
this vintage bunny came from the bride to be as an early Easter present (another thrifted find in Portland)

the kitchen...

and here...

and here...

As you can see, I do love bunnies ever so much, and I have them in nearly every room of my cottage.

Spring is a time for nesting...

   

    Look at what the Easter bunny sent me!  (OK, it is a present I got for myself from William Sonoma's catalog to celebrate Spring...my friend Jenny told me that I need to be good to myself and make sure I give myself lots of "treats" and I am merely taking her advice.)
    I am a nut for nests. And  birds. Oh, and bunnies. You'll find nests and birds (and a few bunnies) tucked all around in nooks and crannies in my home...I just love 'em.
    The nest is a nice large size, I'd say about 10 inches or so across. And, do you see those cute little eggs? Just my most recent favorite color. And the best part?  They're chocolate truffles! Ya baby!
    I wanted to put the nest full of eggs on my coffee table, but I fear Mr. Moose will have a 15 second party with them and then be cruising around the house with chocolate on his breath, and a nest on his head...so, instead I have chosen to showcase this darling nest of eggs on the kitchen table...aah, safe and sound, and ready for Easter, and spring. (Now, if I can just stay away from them until the kids arrive for Easter!)

Suitcase-a-palooza!

Yessiree, it's another collection gone wild. (I know, you're not even surprised) Mmmm hmmm, I collect vintage suitcases. Their textures and colors inspire me. Their history. Where have they been? Did they go anyplace exotic like Morocco, of Timbuktu, or maybe Atchison Kansas?
You can tell a well traveled suitcase by the wear and tear on the handles, and the inside of the case. I am especially intrigued about the person that used this suitcase when I when I get one that still may have a surprise inside. You know, like finding a hanky or a hair bow, left behind on accident by the traveler that used it last.

Besides looking so worldly and being so fascinating, vintage suitcases are very practical. They can be used as an accent on top of a ledge or the top of an armoir to add personality to a space.
Stack two or three of them up and they make a fabulous end table. They are oh so handy for storing things in- perfect in a home office or craft room. I keep old photos in some, and I use a couple more to store  my off season shoes hidden away until I need them. Oh, and last but not least, my all time favorite use for an old vintage suitcase is to create a traveling pet bed.
The ones pictured here are just a few of the many that are down at my little shop, waiting to go to new homes. (Hey Michelle, I am talking to you!)

If the shoes fit...

...apparently I will buy them. (Do shoes count as a type of collection? I think they do.)
Here is my newest pair. I got them here. On sale, 50% off. For gosh sakes, look at the lining, all vintage-y and so, so  Anthropologie looking. How could I not buy them?

"Hello, my name is Tracey and I am a shoe addict". I know I am not alone with this addiction. She obviously has the problem too. Possibly so does she , I think. I am confident that there are actually enough of us to start a decently sized on-line 12 step program.

Here are just a few of my current favorite ones for winter. I have roughly between a jillion and a bazillion pair and I love them all. Love. Them. All.
Couldn't pick a number one favorite if my life depended on it. (For gosh sakes, it would be like picking your favorite child!)  I have so many that I have to keep the off season ones in a couple of vintage suitcases up on the shelf in the closet.
I seem to spend part of each paycheck on more shoes…it’s a vicious circle. (What came first, the shoes or the paycheck?)

I am convinced that this is why I keep my day job. Oh sure, I like the job, but between you and me, it's the fact that I get to dress up in trendy business suits and sassy accessories... and fabulous shoes. (the fact of the matter is, I am pretty sure I am known around town as "that girl with all of the cool shoes")
With shoes, it doesn’t matter if I am bloated, having a bad hair day, or how much I weigh. Think about it. Have you ever heard any woman say “Do these shoes make my hips look big?”  I didn't think so.
Oh no, my feet can always look chic…and they do.

NeSts!

Isn't this the most darling nest? I just ordered one from Amy's site. Our friend Deb made them, and they are just so wonderful looking that I had to have one, even though I have absolutely no business spending a dime on myself right now with all the shop doings and such...but,...well, look at them! Even the box and tag is beyond cute.
It's FABULOUS I tell you.
I know you won't be surprised when I tell you collect nests. (I collect so many things)
I have 'em in various spots in my home, and I even put a large one with faux speckled eggs in it up in one of the indoor trees at the mall where my dear little shop is.Oh, I can't wait for it to arrive.
Anyhoo, if you want on of these babies, you'd better move fast. Deb only made a dozen just especially for InspireCompany, and I heard that more than half were already gone by the time I spotted them on Amy's site....check out Amy's other treasures while you're there. Darling stuff I tell ya.

***Uh oh! Update here... as of this morning Amy is SOLD OUT of Deb's fabulous NeSts! Not to worry dear friends, she has more coming very soon, so keep watching!(9/28/06)**

Coat Challenge 2006

It began with Alicia and Lisa. Then Amy got in on it. Now, I feel I must share mine.

Apparently there are a fairly large number of us out there- WOWCC: Women obsessed with cute coats that is.
Since I am "dress form deprived" I had to photograph my favorite coats on boring hangers. (Where DO you ladies find these cool vintage dress forms?! I swear there isn't a single one to be had between here and Sacramento!)
I've got 2 leather jackets and a ski coat, but they are ordinary so I won't bore you with those.
Oh, and I am still struggling with adjusting my colors/lighting in Photoshop, so the colors look a bit glaring..not so in person, just my poor photography skills.
Here is my Basic Black coat- got it at Express. I love the buttons, the satin ruffle and the ribbon tie.

Got this fabulous vintage coat at a yard sale. It was in the dry cleaner bag with the dry cleaning tag still on it. (I feel oh so glamorously Lauren Bacall in it!)

The pale aqua coat is great 'coz it's light weight...love this color... I wear it with black pants and a black turtleneck..if I could find some pale aqua shoes, I'd really be stylin'. (And speaking of shoes, I bet I could win the fabulous shoe challenge if there ever was one)
I saved the best for last here. I got this coat in Granada Spain a few years ago while visiting my daughter, who was living there while studying abroad. Love the coat. The price? $12!!!! So cute AND cheap we bought 3. One for me, and both of my girls.

As you can see, I am a soid color coat gal, which I hadn't even realized till I took these pictures, and looked at the other coat collectors coats. Hmmm, I I may need to rethink the print idea.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Do you collect things? I do. I think it is part of being a junker.While I do not consider myself a pack rat, I do love to collect things. Old things. I collect vintage rolling pins, suitcases, dishes, washboards, picnic baskets, mirrors...and old cameras.
While I am not a particularly  good photographer, I do love the look of old cameras. Some of them remind me of fond memories when I was a little girl, standing with my brother in our Sunday best,facing the glaring sun, squinting our eyes so tight we looked Chinese, as my Mom held her Brownie camera about waist high and looked down into it to snap our picture. It seemed we had to hold that smiling still life pose for 15 minutes before the shot would actually be taken- film was a valuable commodity and not to be wasted on blurry shots of a little kid flinching, twirling her Easter purse.
These old cameras are just so neat to look at, with all of their hidden features and pop out parts.  These are the cameras that once upon a time took all of those oh so cool vintage photos I treasure,whether I know the people in the photos or not... lots of history right here sitting on my hutch.
I have my Mom's original Brownie camera, 2 that belonged to my step dad way back in the day, and the rest were thrifted from yard sales. I have never paid more than $5 for any one of them, and I am on cloud 9 for an entire week when I find one out junkin' that I do not already have.
These cameras come from a time when folks did not hap-hazardly snap 55 shots of one thing, and pick the best shot to print. You didn't make 12 extra copies of that best print for friends and family to look at, post on their refrigerators, or toss away.
Oh no, no, no. It was a big deal to be the proud owner of one of these cameras, and quite a production start to finish taking photos way back when. The film inside was able to take something like a precious 12 snapshots, and you couldn't develop the prints until you got to the end of that roll. You didn't know if you got a great picture until you picked up the pictures a week later from the camera shop (later the corner drug store, like Thriftys and Pay Less) That was when you saw that you had cut Uncle Roger's head off in the Christmas dinner shot.
I keep my collection housed on the hutch in my home office. I just love the vintage feel and warmth they add to the room. Take 3, 4, or 10 of anything alike, and group them. Instantly you have a point of interest in the room, a conversation piece, and personality.
That's the wonderful thing about collections. It can really be anything, but somehow groupings of same items suddenly make the ordinary... unique.