100% Upcycled Project #1: Cacti and Succulent Still Life: Kitschy Planter DIY

I'm starting a new project. Determined to stretch anti-consumerism and art muscles, I'm challenging myself to make something new out of objects and supplies I already own every day.  Using what I already have or can obtain from friends is a fun and money-saving way to make life colorful and creative. Today I unveil Project #1: My my first (and not last) 100% Upcycled Cacti and Succulent mix Planter.

[Photo above is from Instagram. Follow me there to see my creative projects in real-time. ]

Supplies, Pre-Owned: white aquarium gravel, homemade cacti soil mix, purple succulent, grey vintage planter, toy
Supplies, Gifted: Cacti and succulent babies from my mom's grown plants.

[ The Supply's Previous Sad Lives ]

1) I had perfectly good previous mixed cacti soil mix in a planter covered with gravel on kitchen windowsill! It once housed a plant but after I moved it I just used it to hold up my incense sticks while they burned.
2) More dirt was in a big green planter on the windowsill in my office, holding just one sad little purple succulent! All by himself save for his "plant-type" Pokemon toy-friends (gifts from my friend, Birdie). 3) I noticed the succulents and cacti outgrowing tiny pots/jars they were being rooted in at my mom's house.
4) The gray planter was a $1 (or less) flea market score, sat empty in a merchandise box.

[ Cacti and Succulent Note ] Cacti and succulents  like sandy, well-draining soil and full sunlight. They're hard to kill and grow slowly, making them good starter plants. They're an interior design favorite because you can even fit them in quirky non-planters, like teacups. Their simple, sculptural shapes are inspiring to a designer's eye. I have a post on how to plant your vintage planters with succulents/cacti without killing your precious plant-children here.

My diminutive still life sits on my computer desk and makes me happy when I glance at it throughout the work day. I'm excited to make more plant compositions in the house- somehow without paying a dime along the way. I adore plants, this casa needs to feel like a jungle since I can't get my ass back to gorgeous Puerto Rico (oh Waterfall, Private Island, and Colorful Neighborhoods, muses, all) I'll make one here. It's so satisfying to use what I have for creative solutions versus rushing to the nearest store for a quick-and-generic fix! As a bonus, my cat no longer tries to dig out my succulents with the sharp cacti there to "protect" them.

Join the 100% Upcycled Project:Let's make amazing transformations out of what we already own. Simply:

1) Use items/supplies you already have in your possession to OR
2) Use what your friends/families have. This is all about avoiding retail and realizing and utilizing the abundant resources and community around us. Curbsides/dived finds work, but no buying from Thrifts.
3) Set a schedule. I'm trying for daily (for now!) Yours can be weekly or monthly.
4) Keep it simple. It can be daily drawings using paper and art supplies you already now or something more ambitious. It can be as easy as making a gallery wall out of dusty framed art in the garage.
5) Have Fun! Share the photos with me via e-mail or social media, or link your posts about the products in the blog posts. I may even blog about your creations, anyone interested in me making a Flickr group or other social media group where we can share projects?

Creativity needs limitations to thrive, otherwise the daunting array of selections keeps you from making. Using what we have is the perfect creative constraint; environment and wallet friendly.

Would you prefer weekly updates on my daily DIY projects? How about just spotlights? Or Both? How about a social media group where we can share our upcycled projects? Let me know!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Flaire Antiques: Hidden Old World Antique Gem in Jacksonville's Art & Brewery District

I live in a unique (hidden) spot, walking distance from a strip of bustling bars and gastropubs in one direction and a stone's throw away from indie breweries and an expanding arts district in the other. Beside the sprawling complex covered in artist's murals, a white industrial building stands like a solid sentinel in the revelry, unchanged by time like a white monolith. I assumed this space was unoccupied; abandoned. It's a silent, with no parking and no coming or going traffic I've ever witnessed.

It was recently removed, but there was a decaying "Antiques" sign (see it here) on the exterior that had me dreaming of what the space could be- or was. After hearing this space was actually open I biked over in a minute and knocked on the double doors above an "Antiques" sign painted on the building in bold red. The gregarious French owner Olivier Flaire answered, inviting me to peruse his giant warehouse of antiques, hand-crafted art, and retro collectibles.

Browsing Olivier's shop bought back memories of shops in Europe with all the large imitation Baroque style armoires, classic oil paintings and overall patina I connect with the Old World. It's very dusty, but enchanting.

I walk around Flaire Antiques and I'm back in shops in Naples or Florence filled with antiques and oil paintings of boats in a scenic harbor, the paints scraped on thick with a palette knife to produce a surprisingly photo-realistic art pieces for tourists to remember scenic Italia.

I remember homes, in 1990s Italy anyway, filled with nothing but heirloom furniture. The old walls and windows here really complete the scene. And the chicken. There were a lot of chickens! Painted on the plate, served on the plate, in paintings, running around, crowing at sunrise.

I spy and desire all of the mid century modern wares, retro pieces jump out from the brick-a-brack like neon orange signs in a hazy distance.

The shop is vaguely labyrinthian, large and old world yet industrial at the same time.

Natural light shines through antique windows giving the mix of antiques, modern reproductions and retro wares a dreamy haze.

On the other side of the building is a large studio where Olivier makes original art pieces sold around the world. I love his style.

Even the courtyard where Lazy Dale is parked is full of delicious textured, beautifully juxtaposed with Florida's flora growing wild.

"Don't forget my turtle, it's smiling for you!!!" Olivere's voice booms as I wander through the workshop snapping shot after shot with my SLR.

Flaire Antiques has been around since 1991! Look them up (website here) if you're in the Riverside area. We'll have to return for a Part II for more photos of the beautiful shop. Don't neglect to knock on the door of any assumed "abandoned" space- you never know what treasures, or muse, could be lurking within!

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A Look Back: Vintage Yard, A Vintage-Filled Shop and Cafe in Okinawa, Japan

I took thousands of photos while visiting Okinawa, Japan a few years back. This 2 week trip was one of the first things I did after leaving the day job and I'll always remember it fondly. I thought I'd lost all of my photos with a computer crash but what ecstatic to rediscover them lately. Let's celebrate with one of my favorite stops during my trip.

I took over 100 photos and took over an hour of my host's time browsing "Vintage Yard", a peaceful vintage shop and cafe my friend we found driving back from tourist attractions in Okinawa's lush, winding mountains. It was isolated, peaceful, and gorgeously curated with hundreds of vintage pieces. Part cafe (with sweet sleepy dogs to pet, too!), vintage shop, and relaxing garden it's one my favorite memories from Japan.

Afterwards we went back to town and had ramen! Oh damn, I miss being able to stop and get delicious Japanese food and tea anywhere. I'll be back Japan, I'm saving up my pennies to return to you!

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The 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy, Use, and Collect Vintage

There are many reasons to collect, use, and sell vintage. Beware, once it starts you'll become an addicted vintage junkie, jonesing for your next fix. Modern retail won't do, you'll need housewares manufactured in the past in every room of your home! Allow me to be an enabler! Here are the top five reasons why you should buy, use, and collect vintage:

Environment

We often forget the negative environmental impact of shopping retail. When you shop vintage you're helping the planet- and getting something you can;t buy just anywhere. Win win!

Value

Your vintage housewares are more valuable than regular retail counterparts, and the value will only increase with time. Buying the right vintage is wise investment.

Quality

It's sad to think that today's particle board furniture won't stand the test of time. Old stuff is just made better, with thoughtful, practical and timeless design to boot.

Nostalgia

I display "vintage" (My god, I'm old! We're old!) from my childhood, like my Transformers and Ninja Turtles posters, in my home for nostalgia's sake. The amount of people who stop in and want to buy them proves that many of us want to surround ourselves with the items that reminds us of happy childhood times and people we love or miss.

Expression 

Vintage design is often practical and beautiful. It's inspiring to behold and stimulates creativity. Vintage can express many things: the rejection of status quo, environmental causes, love of wunderkammer style or kitsch playfulness.

Four years ago when I started my job as a writer I never thought I'd leave it behind to embrace life as a vintage seller. The flexibility and creativity offered by vintage keeps me excited and engaged in this career. I don't see myself leaving it behind anytime soon! I get more inspired and driven to work in this field daily. Feel free to share this post with your vintage non-believer friends and family. Maybe you'll convert them ;)

Why do you buy, use, collect, or sell vintage? It ain't easy, but it's rewarding!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Vintage Shop Interview with Viva La Thrifty: An Inspiring New Boutique

Viva La Thrifty has opened its doors right around the corner from where I sell retro items at Southern Crossing Antique Mall. It's a charming vintage shop with a simple, attractive set-up and loads of groovy mod goodies to browse. Owner Malori answered some questions on what it's like to be living the dream and operating her own vintage houseware and apparel shop.

1. How long have you been thrifting?

I have always been thrifting. My parents and I would go to flea markets every weekend while I was growing up.

2. That's what I figured, I'm a lifelong thrifter too! How long have you been selling vintage?

I have been selling vintage for about a year.

3. That's impressive, you're doing really well already! Is this your first vintage shop?

Yes, this is my first vintage shop.

4. When did you decide to open a shop of your own?

I have always wanted my own. When the opportunity opened up, I just went for it.

5. When did the opportunity to open the store arise? Can you describe the experience for us?

I was saving my money for years because I knew I always wanted my own business. Plus, I was finally able to afford to buy a cargo vehicle. I was also living in Atlanta at the time and I was just ready to get back to my hometown. When I saw the space open on King street, it just felt like destiny.

6. You scored a great spot and your shop is beautiful. What advice do you have for aspiring vintage store owners?

Get ready to work a lot!!

7. I definitely agree with that sentiment! I work my ass off between hunting for, cleaning, reparing, photographing, and tagging vintage! At least it's fun. You find amazing vintage pieces! Any thrifting tips to offer?

The best vintage comes from small towns.

8. That's good to know, I must stop by small towns to hunt on my next road trip! What are the challenges you've faced with owning your own retail space?

Every day presents a new challenge. Money management is always at the top of the list.

9. Any style influences to share?

I gain inspiration from everyone. Pinterest is always a great outlet for new ideas and new information.

10. Random: What's better: boats, owls, or robots? There can be only one!

Boats!

I'm inspired by Malori's unpretentious, simple approach. Her shop delivers exactly what you want from a retro housewares and apparel shop- accessible, quality vintage at thrifty prices! I love how interview proves you sometimes have to jump on an opportunity when it presents itself and make your dreams a reality.

What are your dreams and goals with thrifting and vintage? Also, any particular questions you want me to ask vintage sellers in future interviews?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.