Deceptive.

Is it a phone? Is it a clock? Is it a lighter? Only time will tell...

Vintage "Timelite" phone clock, from Bellalulu.

The Electric Company

For the past few weeks, just before bed, I've been unplugging almost every single electronic component in my house. It's an experiment really. And the goal is to see if I can save any money on my $25 electric bill (that comes every 2 months). Most likely, I'll only save a few bucks. But hey, if just 10% of the population did this, we'd be using a lot less power! We'd also be saving enough money (per year) to go out and buy something unique, handmade and/or vintage (i.e.--shop on Etsy).

Here's my estimate of how much money could be saved and put towards the handmade sector of the economy:

-We'd save approx. $2.50/month on each electric bill. That's $30 per year, per person.
-If 10% of the U.S. population did this, that's about 30 million people (conservatively).
-30 million people x $30/person/year = $900 million!!

That's right--$900 million could be spent towards handmade goods if just 10% of us unplugged our televisions and computers each night. Think about that the next time you're wondering what you can do to jump start this economy...

Repurposed light bulb vase, $11 - from Star Redesigns.

Vintage Primary clock, $21 - from The Vintage Apartment.

"TV Bikes" Print, $20 - from Press Print.

"As Seen On TV" embroidery, $185 - from It's A Stitch.

Friday Faves - 4/23/10

That's right, it's Friday.  And that means it's time for this week's edition of "Friday Faves"!  Lots of great discoveries this week, but only room for 7.  That's the rules!

Before we begin, one more shout out to The Sunday Times Market.  Although I didn't win the recent "Trash to Craft" Challenge, ST Market was kind enough to plug the contest (and my shop) on their blog.  Very cool--thanks guys!

O.K., here's the magnificent 7:


"Buy a Bonnet and Shawl" Print, from Copperinc - $10:

Vintage 1970's Polaroid Camera, from Rhan - $18:

Handmade clock, from Uncommon - $36:

Embroidered dinosaur card, from Bybelinda - $5:

Vintage Popular Science books, from Little Dog Vintage - $20:

Fabric Pushpins, Bicycles and Scooters, from The Dove Tree - $6.50:

Batman Handbound Notebook, from Tas Makas Kagit - $19:

New is Old is New

Most of the time, when I hit the local Goodwill down the block, I find nothing but discarded IKEA leftovers.  Either that or loads of couches and desks (circa 1987), lots of broken (or on their way to being broken) cd players, and the occasional gem--used socks.

I'm not sure where The Sunday Times Market find their stuff, but the stuff they find is amazing.  Perhaps it's some sort of magic spell they cast upon thrift store merchandise--just before they walk in and find each and every vintage treasure to be had.  Maybe they're members of a secret society of estate and yard sale attendees--where only the most interesting, colorful, and charming vintage pieces are revealed.  Whatever the reason, they've got an incredible knack for finding the perfect item for that (fill in the blank) in your (fill in the blank).

So if you're still searching for that perfect item to add some charm and vintage appeal to your living room, bedroom, or kitchen--stop looking....The Sunday Times Market has already found it.


Green metal planter box, $28

Instant collection: vintage clocks, $32

Set of 9 topiary espalier mugs, $105

Numbers handled stamp, $38

Fire escape sign, $90

Retro turquoise chairs, $250

The Goods:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesundaytimesmarket
Blog: www.thesundaytimesmarket.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/STmarket