One For The Ladies...

I'm a sucker for a woman in vintage clothing. However, the look isn't complete unless you have the right hair. This book should help complete the package...

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles With Step-by-Step Techniques is a 200 page book with 33 how-to styles to help you achieve the look. I haven't had a chance to page through this book but it looks pretty good to me from the "sneak peek" pages I have seen on their website. The best price I have found is right off of their website for $32.95. They also have a neat little blog called the Bobby Pin Blog. Any readers have any reviews on this book? I am curious.

Blog Of The Day...The Vintage Life...

Our friends Dave and Rebecca have started a blog about their MCM adventures. If you follow the Shasta Louise blog you have seen their 1968 Kencraft Trailer at the Midwest Vintage Trailer Rally. Rebecca started off showing her impressive Christmas collection and their vintage trailer. I know they have quite a collection of MCM so I am staying tuned to see what they feature next. Be sure to check out their blog...

The Vintage Life

Salt & Pepper Bots...

Please pass the salt. These little salt and pepper shakers are mobile. Silly? 
Yes. 
Expensive? 
Yes. 
Awesome idea? 
YES!
These are the Salt & Pepper bots. So far I can only find them available in the UK. They are priced at £20 from Suck UK. Here is the video of them in action...



Get them here at SUCK.UK.COM

Shag's Rum Rescue...

Shag has a new Tiki print named Rum Rescue. The print is a 12-colour serigraph, sized at 18.5 x 23.5 inches, signed and numbered and is a limited run of 200. $195 will snag you one. 

Buy one at the Shagmart website.

Where To Get Tapered Table Legs...

Christopher was asking where you could get vintage style tapered wooden legs for his coffee table. I have found them locally at Menards. Others may not have such luck at their local hardware store.

I see they are also available on Amazon by a company named Waddell. I think they are only made in even numbered sizes. Here are the sizes available...

4" - Actual 3-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

6" - Actual 5-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

8" - Actual 7-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

12" - Actual 11-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

16" - Actual 15-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

22" - Actual 21-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

28" - Actual 27-1/2" Round Taper Table Leg

They also have the brackets needed to install the legs. They have a few versions but the most popular is the straight bracket and the angled bracket.

-Link to 16" tapered legs on Amazon

-Link to the Waddell Manufacturing website.

I hope this helps anyone out there looking for these legs.

Rejuvenation Hourglass Collection...

Rejuvenation is releasing it's new Hourglass Collection in February 2010. The collection is based off of a 1959 Stockholm series manufactured by EJS Lighting. They will have a three way switch for down, up, or up-and-down lighting. They will be available in brushed, bronzetone aluminum, black, or white enamel. I gotta say that the brushed is my favorite.

You can also sign up to win a fixture on their site so check it out. They don't have prices listed but I'm sure they won't be cheap. While amazing, none of their stuff is what I would call affordable. Nice eye candy though.

Kid Kustoms...

Ok, this is probably one of the coolest and dumbest things I have ever seen.

It is the Roddler from Kid Kustoms. It is a full fender hot rod inspired stroller. It is made from 6061 Billet Machined Aluminum, Stainless hardware, and Light weight Aluminum tubing. The standard colors are available in black, white, and red.  


Another cool feature is that there is a conversion kit to turn the chassis of the stroller into a trike which can also be purchased...

So what is dumb about all of this? The stroller is $1,999. You can up grade to a custom model with custom fabrics and paint STARTING at $3,500...

Really? WHO buys this stuff? Don't get me wrong it is very cool. But... who has money for this kind of thing? Heck, it doesn't even have any storage. One thing any real parent would want in a stroller. If there is a bad ass stroller award this thing would win. However, I can't imagine any sane person forking over cash for such a thing. Maybe strollers are things better made of cheap Chinese plastic then of aircraft aluminum. 

Have Yourself an Atomic Christmas...

A good place to get yourself a few cool ornaments is Tin Toy Arcade.com. Besides carrying the robot, space ship and ray gun ornaments that we have covered earlier...

Tin Toy Arcade carries some ornaments that I haven't seen before...

Retro Space Ship Glass Ornament Red

$12.98

Space Ship Blue Rocket Ornament

$12.98

Rocket Fighter Ornament

$9.98

UFO Ornament

$9.98

Red Atomic Christmas Ornament

$3.98

Also available in Blue and Green

Craigslist Finds...

Why do you always find stuff when you are trying to save money?

Retro Danish modern vintage armchair w/ aqua tufted upholstery - $45 (Monroe)

1960s, danish modern vintage armchair with aqua tufted upholstery. The chair measures about 35" high to the top of the back, 17" high to the seat, 21" deep (front to back) on the seat and 30" deep overall. It is 20" wide between the arms and 28" wide overall. This is in nice clean condition.

$45.00

We're happy to ship this (please email us with your location for shipping cost), or pick this up at our farm near Monroe, Wisconsin.

Please email us at info@laurelleaffarm.com for more information, or phone us at 608-325-2370.

Martz Mid Century Modern Pottery Lamp - $80 (west)

Beautiful vintage Gordon Martz Marshall Studio Art Pottery Lamp in great vintage condition. No shade. Measures 20" tall for lamp base and overall 33"tall. Great addition to your danish mid century modern decor. Please leave phone # if interested.

Vintage chairs - $75 (Janesville)

Two 60's era chairs $75.00 for both

Mid century looking retro swivel/rocker chair - $30 (west Madison)

Cool, vintage rocker/swiveling chair with clean lines. Chair swivels about 180 degrees and is very comfortable. Fabric is a bluish color (maybe turquoise) and in decent shape for it's age. It would be a great upholstery project. Or, keep it as is and use for the basement or a college apartment. Originally planned to have it reupholstered, and then found two matching chairs instead.

Retro Red telephone - $20 (Madison)

Excellent working red tabletop telephone $20 call (608)446-3830

vintage retro Donut Handbag push button phone - $18 (west)

vintage 1960s Donut Handbag western electric push button phone in good working condition. Will not respond to emails, plz leave phone # if interested.

CHRISTMAS sign, unique, vintage - $12 (Sun Prairie)

Here's a unique decorative Christmas sign. Unknown vintage; maybe 1960's? Colors are a bit faded, some wear on the edges, and a water stain on the rear (photo). This is made of a very dense and hard pressed paper (not cardboard), does not flex, 1/4-inch thick. No mounting holes or other damage, just natural patina. Measures 24 inches long by 8 inches high. A very presentable vintage decoration. Would be much more in antique store. Email or Joe @ 852-4846

History of Kustom Bicycles; Volume 2...

We covered Volume One of the History of Kustom Bicycles in an earlier post. John Brain has released Volume Two of that article. This period covers 1963 to 1967 which is really the high water mark of custom bicycles. If you enjoyed the first article as I did be sure to check out the second installment...

John Brain's History of Kustom Bicycles Volume II

Rocket Salt and Pepper Shakers...

Expensive but neat looking. These Rocket Salt and Pepper Shakers are handmade in the Philippines from natural and blonde acacia wood, with stainless steel rocket fins. Designed by Richard and Vicki Kung for the Museum of Robots.

Down side? The price... $48.00


Available at www.uncommongoods.com

Recent Finds...

There really hasn't been too much thrifting recently because we are trying to save some dough for the trailer and other things. I did manage to find a few thing here and there...

I have been looking for another cabinet like this blonde one that I have my Tiki collection in. The picture in the link shows the beginning of my collection and now the Tikis are busting the seams of the cabinet. I wanted another one to flank the room and hold some of my Tikis and books. I found this one that is the exact same model but in a dark finish. It does have different knobs than the blonde cabinet and the glass is missing. I think I am going to paint it to match the blonde cabinet. The finish on this dark one isn't quite as nice as it looks in the picture. It won't look exactly like the blonde cabinet once painted but oh well. I may also get some glass cut to fit.

I picked up this Milton Bradley US map puzzle from 1961. I have been looking for one of these for a while. This will be used in a project for the Shasta trailer. I got the cabinet and the puzzle for 25 bucks at a estate sale.

I found these tapered legs at a thrift store for $1. Not a bad deal. I don't have any plans for them right now but you never know.

This isn't actually a recent find. I found this plant stand at a swap meet for a dollar. It needs a repaint that I just haven't got around to doing.

I found this circular plant stand a few days ago at a thrift store for $4.50. It too needs a repaint. None of the welds on either stand seem to be broken so I think both were a pretty good deal.

Alien Abduction Lamp...

I thought this lamp was pretty slick. It is the Alien Abduction Lamp from Lasse Klein. Here is the poop...


Secure one of only 2000 Special Limited ‘Signature Edition’ Alien Abduction Lamps. This one-off, Limited Edition is engrave signed by the designer Lasse Klein and comes complete with specially-printed poster/certificate which is not available anywhere else.

Technical Specifications:

• Energy saving LEDs
• High Quality Perspex Beam
• Removable Bovine Abductee
• Glowing green/yellow cockpit
• Glow-in-the-dark aliens in cockpit
• High quality steel body with fantastic black-pearl finish
• 3-stage UFO Control antenna, on/off and pulse
• Ultra non-slip base featuring real fake grass

The price is 100 dollars which is a little much for a desk top lamp but is limited edition which is good. I think it is a fun lamp. You can check it out here... ALIEN ABDUCTION LAMP. 

Craigslist Finds...

Wow, this is a hell of a deal. Wish I had room for them...

Vintage Refrigerator and Stove - $200 (West Madison)
"I have a vintage Philco refrigerator and matching stove for sale. Both are in good exterior and working condition. Selling as a set for $200."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Today is one of my favorite holidays. I made Calvin a cowboy costume for his 2nd Halloween. I made the vest and chaps out of felt. I think he looks pretty darn cute!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Welcome Great Pumpkin...

Halloween is almost here...and the Great Pumpkin is coming!

We don't really have any outdoor Halloween decorations so I though I would make Linus' sign from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Who doesn't like that show? Here is what it looked like in the cartoon...

Here it is. I had all of the scrap wood and extra paint left over from other projects so it was pretty easy. It was a fun project. Enjoy...

Craigslist Finds...

I haven't done one of these for awhile. I really haven't been trolling Craigslist too much and when I have there hasn't been much to show. I thought this would make a cool set...

Retro Orange Vinyl/Plastic Couch - $275 (Suburban Madison)

"A great find! Our retro 1950's orange vinyl/plastic covered couch is in great condition. It has no holes, rips or tears. All seams are intact and the legs are tight and sturdy. There is one small wear spot on the right back where staples were used in the construction. This is not visible from the front of the couch. This couch was always covered (we know, why did Aunt Doris keep plastic covered, but she did.??) It is 79" long, 28.5" high and 31" deep. It has two cushions. The label under the cushions says it was made by Union Furniture in Jefferson, WI. Delivery can be arranged. This is a really great retro piece at a reasonable price." 

Retro Vinyl Plastic Swivel Rocker from the '50s - $75 (Suburban Madison)

"We have three matching old swivel rockers from the 1950's. Aunt Doris took exceptional care of these rockers, and they are about like new (though one of them has a bit of an issue with some stitching that has the thread letting loose in a small area) The colors are white, off white (beige?) and turquoise. We are asking $75 each or if you take all three, $200 for the lot. The chairs are 28" wide and have a back height of 31"

Oh, If I only had the dough...

Mad Men Prop Master Interview...

Collector's Weekly did an really great interview with Mad Men's Prop Master Scott Buckwald. Mr. Buckwald has a job that I would love to have for a couple of reasons..

1. I love movies, creating things, and doing art. I also dig movie props and seeing how they are made. I lurk a bit over at places like the Replica Props Forum. It's pretty geeky but I enjoy it. I myself haven't made any movie prop replicas (other than a Tusken Raider costume for Halloween one year) but who knows maybe some day.

2. He gets to work on Mad Men. What a great show to work on. Sure being a prop master would be awesome but if you got to work on a show that is also set in a time period that you are passionate about how much cooler would that be?

The interview is a great inside look at how they do the props for Mad Men and the trouble they go through to make sure it all looks real. You can read the interview here...

An Interview with Scott Buckwald 

Prop Master for the Hit TV Show Mad Men

Awesome Cabin Cruiser...

My search continues for vintage Shasta parts. Sometimes my eBay searches brings up vintage boats. I thought this one was worth a post...

It's a 1958 Lone Star Caribbean. It does need some work but what a cool shape and those wings are huge! It is now $2,807.00 with the reserve not met. 
Wonder what it will go for if it does sell. You can check it out here...


1958 Lone Star Caribbean on Ebay


The auction ended with the reserve not being met at 
$4,150.00

A Christmas Story Replicas...

Yeah, I know your thinking it is too early for this. My buddy Casey will laugh at me for posting this but I don't care. I'm a HUGE A Christmas Story fan. I can spout just about every line from the movie. Sad...I know. And why post it here? The movie was set during the depression so I guess it falls into the vintage category. Unfortunately, I only own one Christmas Story t-shirt and a leg lamp ornament. I guess you could also count Calvin's Red Rider that I bought for him but I don't..

Every year around this time I start drooling over the replica leg lamps. I want one. They make a bunch of different lamps in different sizes. However, I want to get the big 50" lamp because it looks the most accurate to the one in the movie. Trust me, I would notice and it would bug me. They were always sooo much money but now they are on sale!

50" Deluxe Full Size Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story

"This beautiful 50-inch Deluxe Leg Lamp is a near perfect replica of the leg lamp featured in A Christmas Story.  All of the quirky features are present in this leg lamp including the butt cheek, the chubby thigh and the knobby knee.  It also show cases a fringed gallery shade, a sexy thigh high fishnet stocking, and an elegant stiletto heel. This is our tallest model of leg lamp and the most accurate in style and size to A Christmas Story leg lamp.   The 50-inch Deluxe Leg Lamp comes with 20 inch wide, 100% silk lampshade.  The leg and socket under the lampshade light up independently or together and are controlled by one 3-way switch.  Every leg lamp is shipped in a FRAGILE box.  Wooden "FRAGILE" crate shipping complete with excelsior is available for added authenticity.  Allowing you to recreate the movie experience and provide the ultimate impact for delivery."

Price: $249.99 

Sale Price: $169.99

Yeah so, it's still a bunch of money but "it's indescribably beautiful!". It would look great in my front room window.

Here are some other really cool replicas they now sell...

Ralphie Cap Replica

"This handmade knit wool cap is a reproduction of the cap worn by Ralphie. The original cap on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum was used as the model for the reproduction. This One Size Fits Most cap is available in both an Adult and Youth sizes."

Price: $44.99
Sale Price: $34.99

Schwartz Stocking Cap Replica

"This handmade knit stocking cap is an exact reproduction of the cap worn by Ralphie's friend Schwartz. The original cap on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum was used as the model for the reproduction. This One Size Fits Most cap is available in both an Adult and Youth sizes."

Price: $44.99
Sale Price: $34.99

Flick Hat Replica

"This handmade leather aviator cap is an exact reproduction of the cap worn by Ralphie's friend Flick. Cap is fleece lined for added warmth and comfort. Can be worn with or without black knit cap underneath. Black knit cap is included with purchase of leather avaitor cap. The original cap, on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum, was used as the model for the reproduction. This One Size Fits Most cap is available in both an Adult and Child size."

Price: $44.99
Sale Price: $34.99

Randy Stocking Cap Replica

"This handmade knit stocking cap is an exact reproduction of the cap worn by Randy to watch the parade at Higbees and then visit Santa. The original cap on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum was used as the model for the reproduction. This One Size Fits Most cap is available in both an Adult and Youth size."

Price: $44.99
Sale Price: $34.99

Randy Scarf Replica

"This handmade knit scarf is a reproduction of the scarf worn by Randy that wrapped around his head when he wore his snow suit. The original scarf on display at A Christmas Story House and Museum was used as the model for the reproduction. This long length scarf fits both children and adults."

Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.99

Bunny Suit Pajamas from Aunt Clara

"An exact reproduction of the Bunny Suit Pajamas Ralphie receives from Aunt Clara. The one item that could make life at Warren G. Harding Elementary School a veritable hell. The perfect Halloween costume that you can later gift to your best friend or enemy! Let them know you still labor under the delusion that they are not only perpetually 4 years old but also a girl! Give the gift of a Pink Nightmare!
This Adult Size Costume comes as One Size Fits Most and should fit an adult with an approximate height from 5' 2" to 6' 2". There is no specific shoe size for the slippers, but because they are plush, they fit a wide range of foot sizes. Slippers should fit approximate shoe size US Men's 5-12 or US Women's 7+.
For extra comfort and ventilation the bunny ears hood can fold back, Slip-Mits with an opening at the wrist allow you to remove your hands from the mittens and the slippers are removable.
FREE Deranged Easter Bunny T-Shirt with every bunny suit. The perfect shirt to wear underneath your bunny suit pajamas. "
Price: $129.99
Sale Price: $119.99

Lifebuoy Soap

"Oh Fudge!, Its the Original Lifebuoy Soap in the bright red color with the distinctive carbolic fragrance and taste that has been Lifebuoy's signature since 1895. Imported directly from England this bar of soap is sure to clean even the dirtiest mouth. For the true soap connoisseur."

Price: $3.99

Decoder Pin

"This brass decoder pin works just like the 1940 Speed-O-Matic. You can create your own secret society and send coded messages to your friends. Both halves of the decoder swivel to allow you to set the decoder to any number-letter combination."

Price: $7.99

And from my second favorite Christmas movie...

Christmas Vacation Moose Mugs - Single Mug - PRE-ORDER

"In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Christmas Vacation you too can now enjoy your eggnog in a Moose Mug just like Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie.

These exact replica Christmas Vacation Moose Mugs are officially licensed by Warner Bros. Studios. Each high quality, yet affordably priced mug is individually made from hand molded glass. These festive goblets make unique gifts, perfect conversation pieces and unforgettable party favors.

FREE Clark Griswold Santa T-shirt with the purchase of 2 or more Moose Mugs!!! "

Price: $19.99

Man, those replica hats are a good price especially Flick's leather flight helmet. However, any grown man wearing any of those hats would look like a giant idiot. I'm just saying. I suppose that if you had room to just display them that would be cool...but who has that kind of room? Anyways...I just thought I would pass this stuff along.

Urban Outfitters Cameras...

I thought some of these vintage styled cameras from Urban Outfitters were pretty neat...

Lomography Diana

$65.00

Info:

Dating back to the early 1960s, the all-plastic Diana camera is a cult legend - famous for its dreamy, radiant, and lo-fi images. The brand new Diana+ Aviator, created exclusively for Urban Outfitters, is a faithful reproduction and a loving homage to the classic Diana - with a few new features tossed in. Its plastic lens, 2 shutter settings (daylight & "B"), 3 aperture settings, and manual focus are all hallmarks of the original Diana. And on top of that, the Diana+ Aviator offers a removable lens, printed with our very dreamy Aviator logo, and super-small aperture for pinhole images, two image formats (12 or 16 square shots on a standard 120 roll), an endless panorama feature that allows for unlimited and nearly seamless panoramic shots, both a standard tripod thread & shutter lock for easy shake-free long exposures, and a new built-in hotshoe flash mount. Each package includes the new "Diana Vignettes" book - packed with over 200 pages of Diana history, Diana+ images, and truly off-the-wall fictional stories. Uses all varieties of medium format 120 film. Exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Imported. Wipe clean. 

* Includes: Diana+ Aviator camera (with lens cap, strap and shutter lock); Diana Vignettes photo and story book and Instruction manual

* Requires: 120 film (not included) 

* 5"w, 3.75"h, 3"d

* Plastic

* 1 Year Warranty 

S

hown here in Blue and White

.

There are also a Flash, Lenses and 35MM Adapter available. Here is the Deluxe Kit.

Also in:

Mint

Silver

Pink

Blue and White

Diana Mini Camera

$65.00

Info:

Down to size. 35mm Diana takes the same glorious, dreamy shots as the full size classic Diana+, but with the option to format your shots in either a half-frame (the frame is divided in half so that you can shoot two separate images and have them show up side-by-side... you get double the amount of shots!) or vintage-inspired square format. Multiple exposure function; B mode for long exposures; cable release attachment; bright and cloudy exposure options; carry strap; Diana Flash Plug. The included full color hardback photo book, Shoot, features photos taken with the Diana Mini as well as tips and advice for using yours. Imported. Wipe clean.
* 1 year limited manufacturer's warranty
* Includes: Camera, book, instruction booklet
* Takes 35mm film, not included
* Approx 4"w, 2.25"d, 2.5"h
* Plastic
* Flash sold separately

Superheadz Blackbird Camera

$125.00

Info:

Blackbirds are for pictures, not for baking into pies. This vintage-inspired 35mm twin-reflex camera from Superheadz, with modern styling and quality optics, is easy to use and gives the user a great deal of control. Features 35mm lens with focal adjustment, 2 exposure settings (f7/f11), 2 shutter speeds, a hot shoe and 2 masks for cropping your film. Create fun photos by shooting without a mask; the image will bleed over the edge of the film, into the perforations. Finished with a viewfinder at the top. Imported. Wipe clean.
* Takes 35mm film 
* 2.5"W, 2.5"D, 4.5"H
* Plastic, electronics

Also available in Black.

Holgawood Camera

$48.00

Info:

Glamorous, vintage-inspired flashless Holga camera, evocative of star-struck photogs in the 1950s. Characteristic light vignetting with soft, dreamy focus; focus marks on the lens barrel; format selection at the back for 12 or 16 exposures of 120mm film; 1/100 shutter speed; f/8 and f/11 stops; shutter release on camera body; tripod mount; hot shoe; zone focus system; uncoupled film advance and shutter. Plastic black and silver-toned body; strap attachment included. Shoots famously! Imported. Wipe clean.
* Requires 120mm film, not included
* 5"w, 3"d, 3"h
* Plastic


Also available in a Twin Lens and a 3-D Stereo model.

Vivitar Digital Camera

$199.00

Info:

Picture this. Classic-inspired digital camera with a handsome faux leather and brushed chrome outer. High definition 2.4"preview screen; 8.1 megapixels; 3x optical zoom; 8x digital zoom with autofocus; rechargeable lithium battery; self timer; anti-shake function; face detection; auto flash and red eye reduction. Includes a USB connector and wall charger; software and carry strap. Imported. Wipe clean. 
* Mac and PC compatible 
* Includes camera, USB connector and wall charger, software, carry strap
* SD memory card not included
* 1 year limited manufacturer's warranty
* 4"w, 1"d, 2.25"h
* Metal, electronics

MINOX Mini Leica 5.0 Digital Camera

$225.00

Good things really do come in small packages! New from Minox's Classic Camera series is this impressive and adorable miniaturized Leica M3, a 5.0 Megapixel digital camera with a long list of modern features, all wrapped up in a detailed 1/3-scale reproduction of the iconic Leica rangefinder. Features include: 5.0 Megapixel resolution; 4X digital zoom; Video mode, which captures motion in AVI format; an easy-to-use options menu; a 1.5" TFT/LCD display at the rear; 32MB of internal memory; an SD card slot to expand your memory up to a whopping 8GB; USB interface with included cable; compatibility with Minox's Classic Camera series flash; rechargeable long-life Li-Ion battery. Comes complete with a leather camera strap and a classy wooden display box. A truly spectacular union of function and style! Imported. Wipe clean.
* Mac and PC compatible
* Includes: Mini Leica M3 digital camera, display box, leather strap, Li-Ion battery, battery charger, USB cable, instruction manual
* 3"w, 1.75"h, 1.75"d
* Plastic, metal, electronics

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots...

I found these boots in an issue of Men's Journal and thought they looked pretty slick. I like the classic look of these boots. They are from Wolverine's 1000 Mile Collection. The model pictured above is the 1000 Mile boot in rust. Probably my favorite. They also have one called the Darby that I like. The Darby looks a lot like a pair of reproduction WWII boots that I have.

From what I can tell is that they are sold at limited stores. I haven't found them online yet. No matter, the best I can tell is that they retail for $399. I certainly won't be getting a pair for that price. If anyone does get them I would like to hear your thoughts on them.

Vintage Child's Kick Scooter...

About 5 years ago I found a kid's kick scooter in my Grandma's barn. I though I would take it home and fix it up. I'm not really sure how old it is. I think it is pretty old because you don't see too many with the wooden foot board. As you can see it was in pretty rough shape. The paint was pretty far gone and a lot of rust all over...

The forks were bent out of shape. The fender had a good size dent in it. The wood foot bed was cracked underneath...

Sad shape all around...

So... I pulled it apart when I got it home and removed as much rust as I could. I primed it and was going to restore it. But.. it got shelved so I could work on some other projects.. A few months ago I started to work on it again. I thought I would give it a western theme. Not sure why. Just thought it would go well with the wood foot board. Here is what I did to it...

• Sanded and re-primed it one more time.
• Straighted the frame.
• Banged out the dent in the fender.
• Added a brace to keep the forks straight.
• Painted it with Colonial Red and Ivory paint.
• Clear coated it.
• Polished the brake and added a spring to make it work better.
• Made new foot boards.
• Made leather grips for the handle bars and a leather pad for the center stand.
• Added all new hardware.

I think it turned out well. I could have done a better job but, I was VERY READY to end this project. It seemed to take forever to get it done. Here it is...

You can see the forks are now straight and the brace added...

The new foot board. I carved a bucking bronco image in it. I stained and top coated it. I added upholstery tacks to add some traction and to dress it up a bit. I think it fits the theme...

The new leather grips...

No more dent in the fender. The tires are still in decent shape. I didn't touch the whitewalls. They are scratched up but I just thought I would leave it like that...

Here it is with another kid's stamped metal scooter we found at a sale. Snagged it for 8 bucks. Which is a great deal. I don't think this one will get touched for awhile. Not until a lot of other projects get done. Like a Shasta...

One note: The paint I used SUCKS. There is not other way to say it. It is already started chipping during reassembly even though I took my time and tried to do a nice job spraying it. The paint is Rustoleum Painter's Touch. It is way too soft. Not tough paint at all. I will never use this paint again unless it is something decorative that will never ever get touched.

Ultimately, I'm not sure how much use this scooter will see. Even though I added a brace it is not the best riding scooter. The forks have some play in them and it probably isn't the safest thing in the world. That and it weighs a ton for something it's size. The stamped metal scooter is a lot lighter and maybe a better scooter to play with.

I think I will just keep it around because my Dad may have played with it as a kid.

Retro Clocks At Target...

There is quite a bunch so I won't show them all. It takes to long to upload that many photos so I will just give you the links...

Contemporary Spider Clock- Chrome

$34.99

Retro Knoll Nelson Ball Starburst Clock 50's Eames Era - 13x13x2

$44.99

Retro Wood Atomic Ball Wall Clock,Mid Century Mordern - 13x13x2

$49.99

Starburst Wall Clock- Silver

$59.99

Silver Ball Retro Wall Clock

$34.99

Sleek Rays Wall Clock- Red

Sleek Rays Wall Clock- Silver

$59.99

Constellation Wall Clock- Multicolor

$49.99

Retro Spotlight Alarm Clock - Red

$29.99

Sunbeam Round Clock- Chrome

$34.99

Wooden Slice Wall Clock - 22.5x22.5x2.875

$109.99

Silver Starburst Wall Clock Retro Eames Danish Modern - 23.5x23.5x2.25

$109.99

George Nelson Glass table clock - 5.91x8.66x3.15

George Nelson Glass table clock - 5.91x8.35x3.15

$34.99

George Nelson Diamond Mirror Set

$119.99

George Nelson Diamond Mirror Set

$149.99

George Nelson Glass pendulum Wall Clock - 11x8.25x1.5

George Nelson Glass pendulum Wall Clock - 11x8.75x1.5

$34.99

Wood Starburst Wall Clock

$79.99

Retro Mod Natural Woodburst Wall Clock

$79.99

Retro Mod 24" Metal Sunshine Wall Clock - Silver

$149.99

George Nelson Glass Table Clock - 7 x 7 x 2"

$34.99

George Nelson Glass pendulum Wall Clock - 13x7x1.5

$34.99

George Nelson at Target huh? Ok. That's swell I guess. I may have missed a few clocks but this should get you a start.

Blog Of The Day...

This really should be blog of the month but we will stick with what we have. I'm sorry that there has not been more action here at The Addiction. Sometimes the stuff flows and some times it don't. Lately has been pretty dead. Maybe it will pick up a bit. On to the blog...

I found The (dog) House; Barclay and Jake's Ranch Bungalow Retreat some time ago. Then my computer crashed and lost quite a bit of stuff I had planned for the our blog. I kinda forgot about The (dog) House for a bit (sorry guys). But...these things happen. I was reminded of their blog from them posting here. Hey! There they are! It was good to check back in with them and see how they had come along. When I first found them the blog was still pretty young.

 I really dig their kitchen and newest version of their dinning room. The blog has progressed nicely and I urge our readers to check it out!