Lust lust lust

Yet again I find myself drooling over the midcentury modern....
OH
listen to this recent dilemma of mine........
So here I am calmly strolling along through the antique furniture when I come across only about the most delightful chair I could have fathomed and at what price..?
16.99!
yes that is sixteen dollars and ninety nine cents.
the only issue is that I find it is beyond necessary to reupholster it since dingy gold brocade that has taken on a rainforest-sloth green over the years isn't really my scene.
anyways the problem here is that I need about 6 yards of fabric that is super cute but I have no clue where to buy any that won't force me to live on ramen noodles for the next 2 months. Anybody know someplace cute and cheap?

Newest on Etsy!

So I am in love with this vintage brass bangle I am selling on etsy.

New things again!

So, just like my previous post I entered into a new field....rings! And here, ladies and gentlemen, is my first creation

BUY IT HERE

I finally did it!

So I finally got around to actually physically making a pair of earrings. And I like them!
They remind me of barber poles/ Popsicles. I want to post them on etsy....but I'm kind of nervous! It would be my first posting of jewelry made by me, and I really don't know how it will go. Any suggestions? See more photos on my flickr page.

Ask Alice

Alright kiddos, take a look at the new vintage Alice in Wonderland pendant I just posted on etsy.
Elle est tres belle, non? I think so too
Buy her here
Anyways moving on. So today my goals are very limited, and basically all I need to do is finish my paper mache bracelets (will they ever stop being soggy?) and go raid the local stores for school aka cheap crafting supplies. Tax free! woohoo!
Will I accomplish this? Probably not. but I can dream.

Look what I found!

Ok, while I was out searching through some vintage things yesterday, I came across this 1950's era Japanese cookie jar. I like. mucho.

Anyways I'm deciding if I should sell it. As much as I like it, space is constricted to approximately a 4 square foot area, so we'll have to see.

Wanted: Japanese Hide Boxes

So after wandering and lurking around the design websites and blogs yesterday, I came across these amazing japanese hide boxes aka "PJ pockets" for the big ones.

Aren't they just amazing? I would love to learn how to make them myself (is it humanly possible i would like to know?) with some different fabrics. If anybody knows how, hook me up please.
Anyways, if you aren't a cheapo, here is the website to buy

Geography Blog Challenge Part 2 winner is...

PansPantry! And what a lovely shop to be the winner! A shop filled with nostalgic jams and jellies, PansPantry is a delightful mix of comforting classic and unorthodox yet intriguing flavors. Strawberry, rose, sage, pomegranate, peach, hibiscus, green tea, it's all there! And sprinkled in are some wonderful works of photography as well. Needless to say, in my opinion this is a most deserving shop of a little more attention. Jam anyone?

1. Your shop is filled with such unique and yet tantalizing flavors of jelly and preservatives. Where do you get inspiration for such originality? The flavors of which I'm most proud are the ones that utilize the artistic side of my brain. I have a degree in art, but I find my tastebuds to be a better tool than my eyes. Design comes into play, just the same as it does for an artist. Sure there are "normal" flavors that I've just expanded upon in my own way, but when I make something up that really works, like my Drunken Peach Preserves, it's the same kind of pride an artist feels when they've translated their thoughts into visual art. Mine is just art for the tongue. 2. How long have you been making jams, jellies, and preservatives? I grew up on a farm in Central Texas. We had to make jams to preserve the fruit that our trees produced. It wasn't very much fun then. Sometimes we were faced with a lot of fruit and we didn't use an air conditioner in those hot months. It wasn't "do this for fun" -- it was "do this quickly before the fruit goes bad." It was hard work, but it taught me a lot. Then in 1994, when my husband was attending graduate school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I got the idea to supplement our meager income with selling jam. Our best friend, Melissa Barrington, worked with us, and another artist modeled for the label, a few other artists helped from time to time. Melissa was a great artist and did the labels you see today, although she has since passed away. It's nice to have her working with me still in that way. Anyway, our little collective made a bit of money, then disbanded. I reawakened Pan's Pantry just a couple of years ago in Shreveport, Louisiana, US where I live today. 3. What is your favorite aspect of your craft? I like playing with new flavors. I like to try new things. I work until I get it just right, then I may (or may not) have a new product. I also like selling them at the farmers' market. It brings out the carny in my personality that I never knew was there before. I feel like a circus barker -- "ladies and gentlemen, step right up and taste the best jam you've ever put in your mouth!" 4. Favorite flower? Definitely, my favorite flower for making jam out of is honeysuckle. I just started making it this year and it was fantastic. Next year, I'll pick many, many more blossoms. It's all gone for this season, but I'm already planning next year's batch. (But just for their beauty, I love orchids. For smell, I love the lowly carnation.) 5. Are you experimenting with any new flavors? Can you give us a hint? I am still in the perfecting stages of a coffee-flavored marmalade. It tastes good, but the texture isn't right yet. And look for a Red Onion Jam coming soon. I always have something going on in my head. And it's not really new, but fig season is about to happen here, so I'll be making some of my own personal favorites again soon. 6. Final thoughts.... I am torn between keeping my company small and letting it grow. I am about to have to move into a commercial kitchen to continue to meet the state's regulations. I will miss the ease of making jam as the mood strikes me, but I guess it's time to take it to the next level. I will, however, never let it get so large that I can't put good thoughts and positive regard in every jar. I won't make it when I'm in a bad mood because I honestly believe I will transfer those feelings to the customer. I just want to continue to make delicious jellies that make people think twice or maybe giggle a little as it touches their tongues.

Geography Blog Challenge Part 2!

So where in the world is Modern Reclamation now? (city along with country would be just peachy :)
If you aren't sure how to play Geography Blog challenge, be sure to look at the posts below...
Now let's go!

And the winner of round 1 is...

PicturesofLily! And aside from being a quite excellent guesser, her shop is teeming with bold designs and tantalizing, refreshing colors.

My personal favorite? The "Superstitious" magnets shown above. P.S. the answer to round 1 was the Newark, NJ airport. so exotic I know.
Anyways aside from my delight upon discovering that the challenge winner indeed had a beautiful and more than interesting shop, I loved reading her answers to my questions in her interview.
1. What is your favorite medium to work with?

I love paper. I like collecting scrapbook paper. Although I don't scrapbook, I love all the patterns and colors. But it doesn't have to be scrapbook paper, anything that catches my eye and feels good in my hands, I'll take. I could browse shops for paper all day long.

2. Your shop has so many bright and bold colors in it. Why do you think you/your buyers are so drawn to these color schemes?

I think bold colors make for nice photos. I've learned that without great pictures, it's hard to sell anything on Etsy. I guess that is why I use the colors I do. I really enjoy putting colors and patterns together and discovering new color combos.

3. Any exciting summer plans?

I wish I had some exciting summer plans. My husband and I promised our daughter we would take her on her first camping trip. That should be fun, she'll really enjoy it.

4. You are fairly new to Etsy joining in February. How would you describe your experience on etsy so far?

I was just a lurker at first, admiring all the great handmade goodies everyone else made. I started selling at the end of March, and so far have really enjoyed it. Etsy rocks, for buyers and sellers. I feel lucky to have such a great place to sell the things that I love making. Its such a nice, helpful, and talented community to be a part of. One of my favorite features of Etsy, is the Treasury. They are so much fun to create, and browse through.

5. Any upcoming new artistic endeavors you want to share with us?

I'm learning how to bind books. I love the way a hand binded book looks. If it works out, I may offer some in my shop.

6. Favorite city?

San Francisco. Hands down. I grew up here, and have always lived in the Bay Area. I don't think I would want to live anywhere else. I feel lucky.

Now, go take a look at her shop!

Geography Blog Challenge Part 1! Where in the world is ModernReclamation?

Ok guys! Part 1 comin' at ya!
So I know this is not the most exotic picture, and probably going to be the easiest out of all the photos to identify. But hey, just as a heads up, this was taken still in the homeland ;)
Plus, what else are you going to do with a two hour delayed flight but admire skylight airport architecture, hm?

Ok all you airport denizens and veteran travelers, where in the world am I?
In case you are new to the game and are too fatigued to read the post below with the rules (understandable), here is how you play:
Throughout my travels this summer, I will be posting photos of my destination but leaving the guesses of where I am up to you fellow etsyers. Think you know where I am? Nice! Then send me a convo on etsy or email me at modernreclamation@yahoo.com to tell me your guess. The first person to correctly guess my whereabouts will be interviewed and be featured on my blog as the consecutive post :) Didn't guess quickly/accurately enough the first time? Don't worry, more posts are on the way :) Now come on, guess!

Geography Blog Challenge!

Ok so, as some of you may know I am leaving the country for a couple of weeks on Tuesday. So to amuse myself and you guys, I have thought up a blog challenge! Starting Tuesday, check back to look at the picture I have posted on my blog. I will be somewhere in the world, and based on the picture, you guess where I am! I could be anywhere but let's keep it in the northern hemisphere for the most part shall we? But make sure to keep your guesses secret, because the first person to correctly guess will have their etsy shop/artistic endeavors featured and will be interviewed on my blog! So, that being said, either convo me on etsy (http://modernreclamation.etsy.com) or just email me at modernreclamation@yahoo.com

Patrick Robinson

So just in case you haven't frequented Target (pronounced Tar-jay if you are just fancy), you have most certainly been missing out on the new GO International Designer, Patrick Robinson. I couldn't possibly love him more. He has this ability to mix ethnic and exotic prints with stylish and well fitting clothes that are more than perfect for summer. Seriously, go check it out. Here are some particular pieces that I have been drooling over...

My new fish tags! I'm so excited! I've been wanting to put my ink designs in my etsy shop for awhile, but I finally did it :) New creative endeavors are seriously so much fun. They are on etsy you know...... ->

Catharsis

The owl card sold! Probably the biggest catharsis I have ever had in my life. That thing was getting frustrating. Now I am on to new endeavors....want to see my next fish design?
It's cute. And I am not sure what to put it on, people have recommended like kitchen items, but I am not a silk screener, hence I don't know what to do. Advice would be appreciated mucho.

another day...

Gas prices are too high, really! I want to ride my bike everywhere this summer, but its wildly impractical in 96 degree weather and 100 percent humidity. Also the oldies have a tendency to plow us bikeriders over and don't notice they did so until they have gotten home and parked in the garage.
And as much as I bitch and moan,
I am so glad I live here. OH and good news everyone, my owl card is featured on the etsy homepage! go have a look! hoping for 2000 views quite soon :)

Perhaps a career change?

So I told a couple fortunes tonight....ok more like around 50 fortunes. Anyways, despite the amount of time it took and my enormous headache after staring at a computer screen, I found it quite entertaining. And perhaps I'll do it again. Professionally maybe? We'll see.
My new post on free cycle:
Wanted: Simple Orange Turban, clean and bejeweled with an emerald.
Someone is bound to respond.
Annnd now I am off to make a new avatar, because I sold something tonight! WOOHOO.
best night ever.

New Treasure

I found these beauties (above) and I couldn't wait to share them with everyone! The only problem is that they are so old, they are clip on earrings and not for pierced ears. I wonder if that is an issue. Hm. Well I'm off to go find some jersey fabric for my newest creation. Oh and by the way I am loving Anthropologie's set up with their dresses. AMAZING.

It's Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Hope everyone's weekend was filled with BBQ's and lovely parties. Oh, you know how I mentioned my marina shift dress? Just wanted to show you my inspiration (above).
And also, can someone tell me their opinions on this bracelet? It isn't listed yet, but anyone interested?
It's called "The Harlequin" vintage.

It's been awhile!

Morning Glory Dress

The Marigold Dress

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in awhile ( life has been busy), but I felt the overwhelming urge to post. What's new in my artistic life you say? Well, I have been working a lot with vintage lately, my newest post on etsy has been this bright yellow dress which I call "The Marigold". I found another dress, it's cool and actually is a larger size that isn't offered that often on etsy. I haven't posted it, but it's called the "Morning Glory". OH, and today I have been working on my handsewn dresses, my newest one being the marina shift dress in the color combo "sunset". I'll show you how it turns out :)
my etsy store:
http://modernreclamation.etsy.com

Ikea Part Deux

So I know I haven't really been up to date with my blog, but hey, I'm a busy girl. Anyways, to further continue with my whole ikea thing. I love ikea. A alot. It's my own personal joy each summer to walk into the Ikea in Sweden. BUT, horrifying news! I was reading the newspaper, and heard that Ikea (as well as other major stores like Home Depot etc...) is using pine that is cut down illegally from the untouched Siberian forests. IKEA, you are so socially conscious! I hope they fix it soon...

So I have been wondering lately where everyone on Etsy has been getting their cool fabrics. I know some of them are custom silk-screened, but what about everyone else?
I NEED fabric from IKEA now.

Creature Cards

well today i made about 300000000 creature cards.
Check them out.

Spring Metallics

Spring =
metallics
metallics
metallics

this cute metallic clutch can be found here