Red Barn Retro on Etsy

Hey, I finally got my Etsy store opened up! As of yesterday I rolled out the retro red carpet, and added some cool vintage finds to my e-shelves. Like this weird lucite pen holder, these 1930's era photos of a Bismarck couple named Sharpe and Mabel and this rusty, crusty country blue garden spade.  I'll be adding more items as soon as I can, have tons of fun stuff to list! Until next time, keep rockin' the retro!

Fashionably Retro

I've been buying retro patterns for the last several years, not really knowing what I was going to do with them. I'm always drawn in by the styles, colors and shapes. Found these awesome Vogue patterns, and I am gaga for this one piece summer dress. I may have to try making this.....says its very easy, I guess we'll see. This pattern image is great too, love the sunglasses. So posh....oh pool boy, where is my martini!

Also love this sweet wrap-style blouse pattern, and the Jackie O type suit with three-quarter length sleeves. Can't you just feel the white cotton gloves as you slide them on your delicately manicured hands?

I have to admit, I am most drawn to styles of the 40's, 50's and 60's, the look seems so elegant and kind of old Hollywood. Every now and then I do find cool stuff from the later 60's and 70's. I just found these funky iron ons that would look pretty amazing on some fitted t's or even tote bags, and a few other fun patterns from the time of my childhood! Enjoy the trip down memory lane!

Pickin' Day

I was out and about today, visiting my favorite junk locations and picking up LOTS of treasures so I can stock up for my Etsy store. I think my favorite find today, were these vintage hand made felt booties, with tiny buttons and stitched in blue - adorable! Also spied some cute hangers and this little dish towel. And let's not forget the "Adventures in Science" book!

I also scored some cool kitchen items, green melmac cups, apons, tin containers, old ladles, dessert plates, and some diner dishes edged in teal - fun stuff!

Came across more vintage kid's stuff a couple of cute cotton onsies with embroidery, and these "little rascals" type pants with tiny criss-cross straps. I also found this chenille coverlet, and very sweet embroidered quilt top, there was a lot of love and work that went into this item! I had a great day, and I can't wait to get my store opened up!  Please visit me soon for lots of vintage coolness at redbarnretro.etsy.com.

                                                                                                                                                           

Lipstick diaries

Check out these sweet little lipstick mirrors, and the vintage card they were on. It still had the 29 cent price tag from Woolworth's! What a clever idea. These tiny mirrors clamp around a tube of lipstick, and are just big enough for you to see yourself while applying a dazzling shade of crimson. After fixing your makeup, you can grab your hat and dash off to your secret rendezvous!

I remember watching my mom put on lipstick, she would apply it, carefully following the contours of her lips and then blot on a tissue if it was too dark. Her final touch was to give herself (and me) a spritz of perfume.

Fun Retro Crafts

In respect to all things Retro, check out this awesome book my sister sent me - Retro Crafts by Suzy Millions.

173 pages of kitchy crafts that bring back fun memories of grade school and Sunday school projects. Remember lighting a box of matches in order to make that cool matchstick frame for grandma and grandpa?

 It's in here, the sparkling sputnik project (Styrofoam balls with toothpicks stuck in them and covered in glitter), which my mom created one December in the early 70's also shows up in this book, and the personal fave of mine: Reinbeer (reindeer made out of beer cans, pipe cleaners and google eyes). So if you've got a hoard of glitter, glue and pipe cleaners you might want to check this book out, it'll be a fun addition to your retro library!

Retro Goodness

I've been busy gathering funky vintage items, hoping to get my Etsy store up and running shortly. Please visit me soon at redbarnretro.etsy.com.

I've found lots of vintage silk ties that I'll be re-selling. Some cool patent leather Joyce brand  shoes from the 60's, this mid century modern tea set in a lovely shade of green, and this super cute clown, dog salt shaker.

I'll have other unique vintage stuff including hats, clothing, loads of linens, and plenty of rustic and rusty items with tons of charm. Stay tuned for some Retro Goodness!

Show and Tell

Let's kick things off with some show and tell! These are some of my favorite things. It doesn't matter if they are worn, or scratched, I still see the beauty, and enjoy their history - if only these items could talk, what story would they tell? I love to find interesting and unusual things, and really enjoy the thrill of the hunt. This is a necklace I purchased a couple years ago, I'm guessing its from the early 1900's. I love the color and the etched effect on the stones.
I found this book at a little junk store for $1! The title is awesome (Penny Nichols  - love it!), and so is the bright orange color. I tied the skeleton key around the book and it now has a home on my side table. I also have a fascnation with old keys and you'll find them in various places around my house.
Speaking of keys, found this little gem and snapped it up right away. It's a key for the Rex Hotel of International Falls, Minnesota. Room #2. I looked on-line to see if the hotel was still there, but I belive it burned down. The key apparently made its way home in someone's pocket or purse.

I also have a small collection of hats. Found this one a few years ago. The color is amazing, and it has this giant flower right on the top. I tried the hat on, and looked absolutely like a crazy person. I guess hats don't suit me, although I'm wondering if anyone could make this one look elegant.

I'm always looking for old photos. Seeing the period clothing hairstyle and hats is interesting and sometimes humorous. These ladies grace the top of my vintage mirror. I wonder sometimes why their photos wound up at an antique store instead of with relatives. Oh well, I appreciate and enjoy them, hope you will too.