And We’re Off…

Posted on by
2

The season has officially begun! Finally, a decent listing of yard/garage sales in the paper, online, and did I mention I use an app on my phone? LOLs. No joke…it’s great at locating sales within several feet of me! From jewelry to furniture, the selection of yard sale inventory was the best it has been this early 2013 season. Let’s cut the small talk and get right into the treasures. I’ve been so excited to share them with you all week!

IMG_20130427_101556

At my very first stop of the morning, I spotted this child’s wicker rocking chair. It’s in great shape. It will be good for photographing small children or just for decorative purposes. It did come with this poor baby doll who had seen better days. The owner was selling the chair and doll for $8. I told the seller he could keep the baby, and I offered $5 for the chair. He accepted my offer. :)

2013-05-02_003

One of the next sales was definitely, as the American Pickers call it, a honey hole. All of the following items were from the same sale. I will start out small. If you know me personally, you know I love jewelry. From costume to real, vintage to brand new…I can appreciate it all. Check out my newest vintage bobs to decorate my lobes! Ha, ha. I couldn’t resist two pairs of earrings for $1!

2013-05-02_006

I am still searching for vintage glass knobs to complete the look of a sideboard I purchased last season. So if you have any, hook a sista up! Anyway, I’m sure that is why this cake container caught my eye. It has great color, and I love the glass knob. It’s multifunctional. It will not only be great for decorating but also storage. $3

2013-05-02_004

Still at the same sale, I saw this old milk glass/hobnail looking lamp. The milk glass looks great against a black and white interior design. I asked the seller about it. She said it was her grandmother’s, and they were very sentimental about the piece. I thought, “Well, why on earth are you selling it and for only $10?!”  Because I never pay the full sticker price, I offered $7. She said $8. I took it home! It looks fabulous on my black sideboard. The top and bottom light up.

2013-05-02_007

At another sale I came across a couple of Christmas tins. My sister collects them, so for 50 cents a piece it was a no brainer.

2013-05-02_008

I also came across this unique chair at the same sale where I found the tins. It is solid as a rock, and it just had this great Mid-Century Modern look. The chair was only $2! So I was willing to take a chance on it. After a little research, I found out it was a Thonet New York bentwood chair. The cheapest price on ebay was $89…pretty good investment if I do say so myself!

2013-05-02_005

My last treasure is my favorite find of the weekend! I love the TV series, Mad Men. I enjoy looking at the fashion and interior design on the show. This chair totally looks like it belongs on the set of the hit television series. I fell in love with the lines of this chair as soon as I saw it. Yes, it is covered in an atrocious orange fabric that you can see for miles, but its potential screams even louder to me. You will never believe how much I paid for it…wait for it…$2! And that ladies and gentlemen made my day!

2013-05-02_002

Thanks so much for your continued visits to my blog! Make sure you click on the follow Jessica Casper button on the right hand side bar on the home page. That way you will receive e-mail notifications when I have a new post. You don’t want to miss what I may find next Saturday! Have a great weekend!

Music to my Ears

Posted on by
Reply

Hey everybody! Sorry I haven’t been able to post regularly lately. I appreciate your patience. I’ve almost fully recovered from a pollen coma! It’s nothing worse for a photographer than to see the world in bloom from the windowpane. Everything’s beautiful here in Virginia, but I’ve just got to lay low inside as much as possible until the bloomage settles down. But last weekend I took a dose of Allegra and broke free from my indoor confinement for some yard saling! If I had to wear a Michael Jackson mask, I was going! Ha, ha. There were not many sales. But as I’ve told you before, it only takes one stop to find that vintage treasure you just have to have that you didn’t know you needed so badly! Speaking of Michael Jackson, his music will sound great sitting on top of this…

2013-04-22_004

When I saw this antique/vintage radio cabinet, I was instantly drawn to it. (Again, sorry I couldn’t take it outside to photograph it, but this way Gracie could make another appearance! She luvs the attention.) The seller said it had been in her parents’ home for many years. Minus the missing knob, it is in pretty good shape. Plus, I have already replaced the knobs. It is beautiful as is and could even be painted. But I have left it in its natural state for now. I paid only $20 for it! It is already in my room, holding my record player.

2013-04-22_003

I also picked up these two records for 25 cents a piece. That was music to my ears. I try to never pay more than a dollar for records. They are the perfect additions, music and album art, to my ever growing Christmas vinyl collection.

That’s all for my latest vintage treasure post. We’ll have to go for quality not quantity today. I almost spent my whole yard sale budget on one piece! Ha, ha. But I’m pretty happy with it! Stay tuned for more! I see some flea markets in next weekend’s future! ;)

Slow Start

Posted on by
Reply

I hope all of you have been surviving this week of POLLEN! My heart goes out to all of my fellow allergy sufferers, especially this time of year. With our first real week of warm temps here in Virginia, everything’s starting to turn green. Or should I say yellow?! Last Saturday was the first real weekend of the yard sale season. I couldn’t miss the initial unveiling of everyone’s vintage treasures that they had been hoarding all winter. It was still a cool morning; but the sun was shining, the trees were blooming, and the yard sale signs were popping up in ditches across America…Ok…town! LOLs. It was a very windy morning, and I never even thought about the wind impacting my sinuses with pollen! I have been so sick all week! :( I have just started to come up for air the past couple of days.

It was an exciting morning, being one of the first Saturdays of the yard sale season, but a very slow start. I started to not even blog about it, but I did find one great piece. The piece below is an antique mahogany footstool. My eye was instantly drawn to it because it was very similar to one of my grandma’s.

2013-04-11_003

I couldn’t believe what good shape it was in for its age. The owner’s wife pulled it out of the house, and it sounded like it was without his permission! The seller said it was her husband’s grandmother’s piece. She whispered that she had to sneak it out of the house into the yard sale. Well, I felt bad for the guy, but for only $10 it was better that it went to me than to an antique dealer! I think it’s beautiful. I can’t imagine putting all of that work into the needlepoint and then people resting their feet on it!

So, unfortunately that is the highlight treasure, folks. It’s a good one, but I know you want more! I did too! The sales were just blah, and by the end of the morning I was thankful for the footstool. I can’t get out of bed that early in vain! Hopefully, the season will only get better and better as the pollen evens out and the temps stay warm. BUT I did have pity on a couple of $1 Santas for my mom’s collection…

2013-04-11_004

Have you ever seen Santa, standing on a set of scales? The scales read 300 pounds. Poor thing. He’s so ugly that he’s cute! And of course…

2013-04-11_002

I couldn’t leave the traditional looking Santa behind. And as an animal lover, you know I luv the cat on the top of the chair. It is a nice size figurine too…definitely worth a dollar!

Thanks for checking out today’s vintage treasure post! Stay in touch, and follow me to see what I come across next. You just never know! Just click on the follow Jessica Casper button found in the right hand side bar on the home page to receive updates. Even though it was a very slow start to the yard sale season, I am confident things will pick up. Have a great weekend! Happy pickin’! :)

Easter at Bethany

Posted on by
4

It was a cold and rainy morning in Smithfield, Virginia, but that didn’t keep the congregation of Bethany United Methodist Church from gathering together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Morning.

1112013-04-03_004

Members of the choir greeted everyone with a joyful song as the people of the church made their way into the sanctuary.

2222013-04-03_036

The cloudy skies couldn’t keep back some of Bethany’s most faithful members.

 3332013-04-03_013 4442013-04-03_010

It has always been a tradition for each member, young and old, to put a flower on the cross before entering the church on Easter morning.

  5552013 6662013-04-03_006 7772013-04-03_007 8882013-04-03_011 9992013-04-03_008 99102013-04-03_009 99112013-04-03_042 99122013-04-03_039

The service began in song as the children brought the cross into the sanctuary and laid their handmade flowers at the foot of the cross.

99132013-04-03_043 99142013-04-03_044 99152013-04-03_016

Rev. Lowell D. Petry started the service with the members’ celebrations and concerns.

 99162013-04-03_035 99172013-04-03_030 99192013-04-02_002

All of the kids, decked out in their Easter attire, gathered at the front of the church for the children’s message.

 99202013-04-03_029 99202013-04-03_040 99222013-04-03_022

The Bethany choir’s Easter cantata was enjoyed by all.

 99232013-04-03_017 99242013-04-03_020

The sanctuary was decorated beautifully with lilies in memory and honor of loved ones.

99252013-04-03_034

Capturing a different perspective is always a goal of mine in photography. As Rev. Lowell D. Petry brought his message to the congregation, I focused on the people in the pews who represent the body of the church of Bethany.

 99262013-04-03_028

These young babes particularly caught my eye. As you can see, every parent should get an award for keeping their little ones occupied during the sermon! From little sundresses to tiny vests and ties, they were all so precious.

 99272013-04-03_023 99282013-04-03_045 99292013-04-03_031

Oh and you can’t forget the efforts of your grandparents to keep you entertained…paper airplanes and all! LOLs.

 99302013-04-03_018 99312013-04-03_019

As the service came to a close, friends and family gathered to exchange words and hugs before entering into their Sunday school classes.

 99322013-04-03_026 99332013-04-03_025 99342013-04-03_027 99352013-04-03_002

As always, thank you for checking out my blog. Bethany members can be on the lookout to see some of the photo previews from the blog in their new directory. If you’d like to receive e-mail notifications of my current photography and/or vintage treasure projects, please click on the follow Jessica Casper button in the right hand sidebar on the home page. Thanks again. Happy Friday Eve! :)

Here is the church…

Posted on by
8

And here is the steeple…

2013-03-19_003

Open the doors…

2013-03-19_031

And see all of the people…

Many of us grew up with that nursery rhyme as children. And there is no better real life illustration than Bethany United Methodist Church in Smithfield, Virginia. The little white country church in the woods has been in my family for generations, and its southern hospitality and charm has withstood the test of time.

2013-03-19_017

Once you enter the beautiful wood paneled sanctuary, you will be greeted with a warm smile and an open seat on the pew.

2013-03-19_020

2013-03-19_013

Just before the traditional service starts, you can join in song with the contemporary band.

2013-03-19_005

The service begins with the entrance of the pastor and choir and the ceremonial lighting of the altar candles by the tiny acolytes. I, myself, spent many Sundays as a child, lighting Bethany’s candles.

2013-03-19_007

Despite the cold dreary weather, the congregation gathers in the warmth of the sanctuary to share each others celebrations and concerns and to worship together. One of my favorite photographers, Dorothea Lange, was known to say that she took pictures in her cloak of invisibility. Out of respect for the service, I tried to do the same and take photos from afar. Please enjoy some of the shots I captured throughout the service.

2013-03-19_022 2013-03-19_019

2013-03-20_005

2013-03-19_018

2013-03-19_023

2013-03-20_002

The congregation joins in song, singing Shall We Gather at the River.

2013-03-19_014

2013-03-19_028

2013-03-20_004

2013-03-19_008

The pastor’s wife, Mrs. Liz Petry, answers questions during the children’s message.

2013-03-19_011

Bethany’s choir delivers a choral special.

2013-03-19_027

The stained glass windows are not only beautiful, but also convey the essence of the Christian faith through elegant imagery.

2013-03-19_009

2013-03-20_003

Rev. Lowell D. Petry preaches the message to his attentive congregation.

2013-03-19_012

2013-03-19_006

The service comes to a close as the acolytes extinguish the altar candles and symbolically take the light of Christ from the sanctuary into the world.

2013-03-19_030

The nursery rhyme ends…

Close the doors

And listen to them pray.

Open the doors

And they all walk away.

2013-03-19_002

2013-03-19_024

2013-03-19_001

2013-03-20_001

2013-03-19_025

Thank you for checking out today’s blog. I appreciate your continued visits! If you’d like to receive e-mail notifications of my current projects, please click on the follow Jessica Casper button in the right hand sidebar on the home page. Until next time!

The Debut of Grace

Posted on by
2

If you follow me regularly, you know that I am an avid animal lover. Growing up in the country, I have been surrounded by animals throughout my entire childhood. From kittens to puppies to chickens, I loved them all. As a young adult, I was fortunate enough to still have two of my feline babies from my childhood. I grew up with my Queenie and Dreamsicle, and they were a part of my family just as any human relative was. Unfortunately, cancer took my Queenie away from me this past January. She loved me unconditionally for almost 16 wonderful years, and I am so thankful to have grown up with such a loyal companion.

2013-03-12_008

Queenie Casper 4/12/1997 ~ 1/28/2013

2013-01-28_001

I will always luv my calico baby girl, and no one can or will ever replace her. The days and weeks after her death were hard on everyone. I was especially concerned about my orange and white tabby, Dreamsicle. He has had many health scares in his old age, and I did not want Queenie’s death to cause him to give up on his own life. He had lost his companion of many years as well, and he paced the floor for several nights.

2013-03-12_009

I felt extremely guilty to even think about adopting another cat…especially so soon. I didn’t want to be disrespectful or have anyone think that Queenie was replaceable to me. But something had to give. I was miserable. Dream was miserable. It was time to start looking into adoption. I know it was only several days, but it felt like weeks, searching the Internet for adoptable animals. I really had my heart set on a calico. But you could have shown me a purple kitten, and I would have loved it just as much. I found many beautiful cats, but I just didn’t feel a bond with anyone. After visiting several local shelters, I found my Grace at the very last stop. I felt we made an instant connection, and I just knew she was the one.

535434_909121591199_653770861_n

This instagram was taken the very first time we met. Grace and the rest of her litter mates had been rescued as tiny kittens. Having little contact with humans, the litter was considered semi-feral. The veterinarian’s office could not believe her good behavior with me. After much patience and persistence, she allowed me to hold and play with her. All she needed was for somebody to be willing to work with her and bring her out of her shell. Not to say we didn’t have our moments between then and now…LOLs…but Gracie has transformed into quite the loving and nurturing baby in just a few short weeks. Together we have helped to rehabilitate each other. As for Dreamsicle’s reaction to his new baby sister…

544358_916617958419_2014812487_n

You would never believe from this instagram that these two were ever scared to death of each other when they first met! Dreamsicle wasn’t so sure he was ready to accept this little vivacious kitten and stayed as far away from her as possible. But as the two have since warmed up to each other, I am proud to say they have grown very fond of one another…Gracie a little more so than Dream! Ha, ha. But he’s learning to love his new little shadow more and more each day!

Please enjoy some of Grace’s photos from her first mini photo shoot. I know she’s mine, but she is gorgeous and such a natural. And to think I had to coach her out of her shell. What shell? The camera loves her!

2013-03-12_003

Gracie and Dream are now best snuggle buddies in their favorite little bed.

2013-03-12_005

I can’t believe Dreamsicle now allows Gracie to give him a facial (top photo). We have a 5-month-old grooming a 15-year-old!

2013-03-12_001

Come on! This child makes me want to pursue pet photography!

2013-03-12_002

2013-03-12_004

This is her absolute favorite toy. This girl can play and play for hours.

2013-03-12_006

2013-03-12_007

This is only the beginning for my little Gracie. She has a lot to live up to, but she has yet to cease to amaze me everyday. Thank you for taking the time to meet the newest addition to my family.

A Year in the Making

Posted on by
Reply

A couple of Saturdays ago another estate sale was advertised in the paper. You know I prefer yard sales because you normally get better prices, but you just never know until you go. Yes, the search is a part of the overall experience of treasure hunting; but when I get up early on a day I can sleep in, I better find something good! Don’t make me get out of bed in vain! Don’t list in the paper that you have unique items from A to Z when what you really should be doing is hauling your entire alphabet to the dump. LOLs. I guess it all goes back to beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Unfortunately, the estate sale was my only shot, and the treasures were priced just to high. It was mainly large furniture, which was beautiful but antique-dealer priced. When I end up in this situation, I normally find a pity purchase. A pity purchase is when you feel so sorry for yourself that you will buy one of the least expensive things that you really don’t need. But it makes you feel better because it’s better than walking away with nothing! Ha, ha.

2013-03-06_012

Yes ladies and gentlemen, behold my pity purchase…a $1.50 trash can! Ok, ok. Remember, I hadn’t found anything yet, and I thought this was a pretty cute baby blue/pearl vintage trash can. Then I walked through a hallway and found this unique owl photo on a dusty old bookshelf.

2013-03-06_005

From jewelry to nick knacks, owl related items are very hot right now. Then when you add vintage charm to it, you have an instant appeal with any owl lover. I do have a few owl things here and there, but I do not consider myself a collector. I do not believe this iridescent print is of any great value. It just caught my eye from a decorator’s perspective. I plan on putting it in another frame. I paid $4.50 for it. Then I headed into the kitchen.

2013-03-06_007

I found this little pink depression glass bowl amongst the other dishes on the counter top. If you follow my blog, you know my mama collects pink depression glass. I couldn’t believe it was only priced at 50 cents. It was a no brainer.

So that was all I picked up at the estate sale. There were no other sales in site until a sign was spotted in a ditch, advertising a yard sale where everything must go!!! We followed the signs to the free styling promised land! The following are some of the treasures I picked up from my second stop. One of them would be the crowning touch to complete a treasure I purchased last year…

2013-03-06_006

I picked up these two antique green-striped China platters for $5. One is larger than the other. There was still a $25 sticker on them!

2013-03-06_008

My collection of Avon perfume bottles just kind of happened. You can always come across them at flea markets and yard sales. I think it’s kind of funny how most of the time the bottles are still half full of perfume. It must have stunk or the owners rationed it! LOLs. The bottles are so neat though. I only paid 50 cents for the bell shaped bottle.

2013-03-06_009

My sister found this cute little angel Avon bottle for only 50 cents.

2013-03-06_010

I love the Christmas tree shaped bottle on the left. I already have one in red and in gold. So it was only natural that I picked the green one up for 50 cents as well. LOLs.

2013-03-07_001

You know I couldn’t leave these old Christmas records behind. I paid 75 cents a piece.

2013-03-06_011

Since we’re on the topic of the holidays, now would be the appropriate time to share the two glass Christmas canisters I bought for only $1.50 (that was for both items!). I am super excited to use these next Christmas. You can open the top and fill them with candy, buttons, old jewelry, glass balls…my decorator brain is going wild. You would pay a lot for them in a department store. I know Martha Stewart was selling ones similar to these with her name on them. So you know they’re a good thing! Sorry, couldn’t stop myself!

Ok, are you ready to see my biggest treasure from the weekend? I purchased the base to a vintage vanity over a year ago for only $5. When I bought the piece, the mirror was MIA. The owner said she knew she had it, but had to find it first. Well, it’s been a year, and she never found it. :(  I put the bottom part in storage and was beginning to call it a loss. I had just bought a mirror recently that you saw in my last vintage treasure post. Unfortunately, it did not fit the vanity. But the very next week I found this mirror for $5 that fit almost perfectly. So for a total of only $10, a few minor tweaks, and a year in the making, here is my new vintage vanity!

2013-03-07_002

I cannot believe how good the mirror matches the base. It is as close to the original that I think I will ever be able to come across. I’m pretty happy with the end result.

As always, I appreciate you checking out my blog. I hope you enjoyed today’s vintage treasure post. Whether I’m taking pictures or yard sale pickin’, I’m always up to something; so come back for regular visits! Just click on the follow Jessica Casper button on the right hand side bar on the home page to receive e-mail notifications of new posts. Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!