I'm still on a bit of an antique show high, 2 weeks after the end of the Christie Antique Show. I enjoyed it more this year than ever before, probably because I wasn't really looking for anything.
I was just there to browse. Wander. I was keeping my eyes open for an nice vintage Jiffy Egg Scale, but that was about it. I didn't find the egg scale, but I did come across 2 things that forced me to part with my money. The first is something for a craft I've been wanting to do for a few months, but I couldn't do it without it's one and only ingredient.
Rope.
Yessirree Bobby. I bought myself 35 feet of rope. For $12. I think that's pretty cheap as far as rope goes. The reason I bought it is because rope, oddly enough, is difficult to find. You can't walk into your local Home Depot and come out with this size of rope.
I understand that rope, is not something you'd think would be a hot commodity at an antique show. Kind of a weird purchase. Well, really weird. Well ho, ho, the joke's on you because as it turns out my rope was the hit of the show. I couldn't walk two feet without someone commenting on my rope. For instance, I heard things like this:
Hey! Nice rope.
Clever stuff like that.
Those comments were nothing compared to what I got for my box of balls.
Yep. My second antique show purchase was a box of vintage Christmas balls. $10.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
I should let you know that I have not only an obsession with Christmas, but a particular obsession with vintage Christmas balls.
The ones that are uniquely shaped are pricey. I have several of those that I happened to find at garage sales and I'm always terrified of breaking them. I also have an assortment of regular, round, vintage glass balls that I also picked up at garage sales.
I now decorate my Christmas tree solely with antique and vintage Christmas balls. So there's no colour scheme or theme. It's just a big ole tree with a multitude of different coloured and sized glass balls.
Some of them flaking, and most of them losing a bit of colour. That's what makes them so beautiful to me. That and the fact that for some reason the hue of the antique balls can't be duplicated with new Christmas balls.
Below is an assortment of some of my new, old, Christmas balls.
I normally scatter antique balls around the house in bowls as decoration, but now that I have a whole big box of them, I have other plans. If I can gather up a few more, I think I'll have enough balls to make garland. That is my dream and I won't rest until I fulfill it. Dream large Karen, dream large.
As for the rope? I have plans for that too. I just can't let you in on them yet. Firstly, because I don't want to ruin the surprise when I show you what you can do with a coil of rope. (other than, you know, the obvious ... unwinding it all and making a scarecrow wig.) And secondly, I have no idea if it's going to work or not.
If it doesn't work out, no huge loss. I can still make that wig. Or have a sexy-party with the neighbours. There's no end to the rope possibilities.
Have a good weekend! If you're looking for a really good time, spend part of it at an antique mall or garage sale. Or go underwearless.
Kat
Yes I know the date of this post is over 1 year old but what did you do with the rope?
Karen
Here you go .. https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/accessorizing-with-rope/
rebekkah
i have to say, i love your secret.....its too funny (you know the real secret). My family says I give a bit of TMI everytime i'm on my blog or facebook, so that made me smile a bit for that reason alone, i'm not alone out there in TMI land.
love your blog.
Erin @ Lemon Sugar
My aunt made me a GORGEOUS wreath with antique christmas balls. I love it...I'll have to send you a picture sometime. It's just one of those big styrofoam wreaths, hot glue, and balls, but it's totally fabulous!
Karen
I bet! Send me a picture if you think of it. ~ karen!
B.J.M
Rope, well, isn't that great huh? Maybe you should get one of those large eye-screws that go into the ground to tie a dog to. Tie one end of the rope to it and the other end....just out to the length of the rope...empty. Stir up a jug of Sangria, sit out of sight with a camera and enjoy.
Now that I can get!
Cheers,
Brenda
Kristin
"I normally scatter antique balls around the house in bowls as decoration, but now that I have a whole big box of them, I have other plans."
hahahahaha! taken out of context, that line is cracking me up!! great post--although there was a bit TMI!
Carol
So last Monday I walked out of a Marine supply store with 12' of 1" dia hemp rope hanging on my shoulder - I'm not kidding. When I saw your post the next day I laughed at the sheer coincidence and KNEW you would buy that rope! (Marine supply stores normally will have some in the back if you ask for it, its just not on display). I'll be using it on a wall and it involves a big metal ring too but that's about all I can say,,,. I love the colour and texture, I'm sure whatever you do with yours will look fantastic, can't wait to see!
Karen
Carol! That's funny. SEE? I've told you before, I'll tell you again. If I were ever to use an interior designer, it would be you. :) ~ karen
Stephanie
I suppose you could combine the two to make a very, very heavy garland!
marilyn
hey karen great score on the balls and rope! a garland would be amazing.i can just see it now, so pretty with all those beautiful colors! thank god it wasnt the mannequin with those creepy human like eyes..ugh gross! the cow was humourous but once again the mangy fur..ugh gross! have fun with them can't wait to see the results and the coop!
Anne
Hi Karen
I would be all over that rope too! In fact yesterday I was looking at the Ballard Design website (to steal ideas-you can't even get a catalogue in Canada) and they had a Spool Side Table that I thought was so clever and even though a sewer would get a kick out of it, I would use it more for a nod to a nautical theme. Black iron, cobalt blue, weathered wood. These are my backyard dreams.
Thanks for always cheering me up! You do a great job on this site.
allison
Bahaha i love reading this everyday!! And vintage ornaments seriously are so much cooler!
If i ever came across that much rope i'd make a hanging shelf:)
Cleme
Yay!! I guessed both items rigth!! Awesome!!! I feel like I know you... Did that sound creepy as in a crazy fan kind of way?? Meh, I am your fan anyways xD.
They are really are great finds I believe, congrats!!
Loved this post! Even with all the TMI :)
Karen
Dear Crazy fan - Congrats! You got 'em right! I think you were one of only two who guessed correctly! ~ karen
Laurel Alanna McBrine
Just don't hang yourself (which you might contemplate if you were to trip and drop that box of balls) - it looks like enough rope! The balls are very pretty - love all the colors.
Rebecca
I love the Christmas balls!
Karen
Rebecca - Me too! I can't wait to make the garland!!! ~ karen
Erin @ Dwell & Tell
They're beautiful! Good luck with the rope project... Can't wait to see!
Evalyn
Hemp or jute rope is hard to find, so good on you for spotting it. It's the kind of thing I would do.
Also, congrats on the Christmas balls. Old ones are glass, so they have a lovely patina and they age gracefully, unlike the plastic ones of today which are crap. I love to strew my assortment of Christmas balls in my window sills with garland and tinsel. My house is too small for a tree, but I have lovely 10 inch deep window sills.
FlagirlinTN
I was hoping you got the old man mannequin to keep your Oscar girl mannequin company.
Bobbie in Oregon
You (we) can never have too many chicken, updates and pictures. I agree with Kate S. we have missed out on the maturing of said poultry. Just try overloading us with it. I dare you.....
Love the blog, Thanks!!