No, I didn't need these star-shaped ornaments, but like so much else that's squirreled away in my basement, they cast their spell on me. Or, more accurately, I bought them because they were pretty and they were cheap -- 20 cents each. And, no, they're not vintage, although they do have that look, don't they?
Initially, I was attracted by that and their colors. I'll always look twice at anything Christmas that is pink, aqua or purple. Especially purple, which is a tough color to find. Someone once told me it's because purple is considered more of an Easter color. All I know is that I have this old roll of glittered purple Christmas ribbon and it matches the purple stars quite nicely.
My plan is to use the ornaments on some wreaths that have been cluttering up sitting on a table in my basement for some time now (yes, Barbara, it has been more than a year). Eventually, I hope to find the time to do the kinds of crafts that Laurie does with her vintage finds. If you haven't discovered her blog, hop on over. You're sure to be inspired too.
Here are two of the wreaths I've been working on with the new beaded ornaments added to them. The wreaths are ordinary green wreaths that I spray-painted silver. Someday, I'll try to sell them, maybe at craft sale. I thought I might put them on Etsy or eBay but they're more bulky and fragile than I thought, so shipping them is more than I want to get involved with right now. Until then, I'll live vicariously through Magpie Ethel.
Finally, at a recent estate sale, I found what I think could be yet another match for these ornaments.
It's a 1950s aluminum Christmas tree that was only $3. I've always wanted one and I thought, well, why not now? Maybe I'll show the entire tree when I eventually put out the Christmas decor. For now, here's a preview:
OH MY GOSH! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU GOT AN ALUMINUM TREE FOR $3! Do you realize what an amazing price/find that was? HOLY COW! Love the wreaths...great idea to spray paint and ordinary one silver...you put your thinking cap on for that one! Also love the purple ribbon, and I agree purple isn't a easy to find vintage Christmas color. I rarely find the old christmas balls in that color. Thanks again for the blog mention...
Posted by: laurie | November 05, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Ooh, those wreaths look great!
Posted by: Wendy | November 05, 2008 at 05:21 PM
They really do look great! Go ahead, rub it in, $3 for an aluminum tree ... sigh.
Posted by: barbara | November 05, 2008 at 06:15 PM
oh such beauty! I've been collecting silver, pink and aqua to make a few wreaths too! Yours are lovely! That tree is wonderful too! Such a deal! and love the stars....especially the aqua!
Posted by: thrifty_misspriss | November 06, 2008 at 03:47 AM
PS Magpie Ethel's blog is INCREDIBLE! Thank you so much for the link!
Posted by: thrifty_misspriss | November 06, 2008 at 03:56 AM
I also have to say THREE DOLLARS?!?!?! Do they live in a hole? Everyone knows those things are hot.
Posted by: Sarah | November 06, 2008 at 06:24 AM
You did good! You couldn't make those stars for 20 cents. The wreaths are lovely & I love your spray painted idea. Mann, why didn't I think of that. :) People are always selling wreaths at yard sales. I can not get over your aluminum tree... and for $3.00. You're a lucky girl!! xoxo, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | November 06, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Great stuff! Your wreaths are beautiful.
Posted by: HeidiAnn | November 07, 2008 at 02:35 PM