lumberjack plaid.

I have been buying a lot of plaid lately. My boyfriend likes to call it lumberjack plaid. Whether or not it looks like I should be carrying an ax, I am a big fan.

I am smitten with this plaid dress I got last weekend for $16.99! I never would have thought I would like red and purple together (especially as a plaid!), but somehow it works. (Yes, it's pretty wrinkly right now, but let's be honest. I'll probably wear it with the wrinkles rather than get the iron out...)



Continuing on with the plaid, check out these plaid finds from Etsy. Settle in, there are quite a few of them!

from daniellebags
These memo pad holders would be perfect for shopping lists - small and compact, and won't get crumbled in your purse.


from refreshaccessories
This plaid pattern is probably my favorite, and I love that this bag was made from an old skirt.


from mamacateyes
Can't you see these envelopes holding little love notes tucked in a packed lunch or suitcase?


from Thrush
The brown makes this a little more subdued yet equally fantastic piece.


from ballandchain
I never knew silver plaid existed, but I like it! A lot.


from pommesfrites
I usually don't like purple, but for some reason it really works as a plaid. Sweet little magnets.


from calloohcallay
I wouldn't mind if it rained every day if I had this 1930's umbrella. I love the olive green.

from jessjamesjake
I don't sew, but this vintage fabric makes me wish I did!

spotted: mixed paper journals.

I have been chosen for a few treasuries, and even made the Front Page of Etsy before. Each time I was thrilled. However, I have never made it into a Gift Guide on Etsy before...until now! I browsing the Back to School Gift Guide because I love school supplies and such, even though I am a grown woman. I was shocked (in a great way!) to see my Vintage Flashcard Mixed Paper Journal featured. Here it is:

Thanks, Etsy!

mixed paper journals.

I mentioned yesterday I was working on some BINGO cover mixed journals. Two are finished and ready to be shared!

I always start by trimming lots and lots of paper - scrapbook paper, ledger paper, graph paper, blank paper, vintage dictionary pages, vintage children book pages... You get the idea. Then I gather lots and lots of bits and pieces - manilla tags, vintage flashcards, vintage playing cards, receipt forms, index cards... Again, you get the idea. Here is a little bit of what went into this round of mixed paper journals:

Rainbow of Scrapbook Paper

Plenty of Vintage Paper
Paper to Be Written On

Fun Extras

I then spread out all of the paper and make a big mess putting together 50+ and 100+ page piles. I ended up with enough paper for 6 journals this time:

Ready to to Mixed Paper Journals

The final step is to hole punch all of the pages, load all pages onto the binder rings, and add the BINGO card cover. I am still working on a few - it takes awhile to hole punch 50+ or 100+ pages per journal! I have a 50+ Page journal up in the shop now, and a 100+ Page journal to be added tomorrow.

50+ Page Mixed Paper Journal

100+ Page Mixed Paper Journal

Custom mixed paper journals also available! Interested in a certain color label, or different number of pages? Perhaps you only want scrapbook paper and blank sheets, or lined paper and vintage book pages? Email me at foundpaperco[at]gmail.com and I'll put something special together just for you!

affordable treats.

You made it half way through the week already! Get yourself (or a dear friend) a little treat whether you have 5, 10, or 20 bucks.

$5 and Under

1. CariKraft
2. heatherjeany
3. accentonvintage
4. electriclime


$10 and Under

1. kaylah7
2. FreckledNest
3. sycamorestreetpress
4. 2pear


$20 and Under

1. ethanollie
2. ethora
3. Hettle
4. goodbloom

shop update.

I can't complain about the weather in Connecticut the last week or so. All of the sun has allowed me to get lots of photos for the shop. You can expect to see at least 3 new things each and every day! Here is a peak at what you might find:


Today I'm working on a set of mixed paper journals with BINGO card covers. Before found paper co., I had another shop on Etsy and these were my best sellers. A few of these journals from my past shop:


I am hoping to finish up the new set of journals today, and will share some pictures later today or tomorrow!

flea market finds.

I was once again able to go to the flea market, making it two weekends in a row! I think I enjoy the drive to the flea market almost as much as the flea market itself. When I lived in California going to the flea market involved driving on a generic freeway and parking on a side street near an industrial park. Going to the flea market in Connecticut involves meandering through tree lined country roads and pulling into an old fashioned drive in movie theater. There is what the drive to the flea market looks like. (The iced coffee was for the drive to the flea market, and the Gatorade was to refuel after the flea market!)


There is always lots to discover at the flea market, as long as you are willing to search and dig and then wash and clean. Here are a few of my favorites from this week.


I usually hit up the flea market with my partner in crime (otherwise known as my cooperative boyfriend). However, I was flying solo today so I decided to drive around and see what else was in the area. The estate sale I was looking for fell through, but I saw a sign for another flea market!

Excited for two flea markets in one day, I pulled into the lot, but it wasn't quite what I expected. #1 - The sign said it was indoor and outdoor. There was no one outside. (Those two cars in the background were at the restaurant in the back of the parking lot.) #2 - The indoor portion appeared to be in this large, scary warehouse (see below). Since I was there I gave it a try and peaked inside. It only took one peak for me to realize it was more of a death market than a flea market. It was a massive room piles of junk everywhere, but no people. Needless to say I did not enter to further investigate. I still have no idea what was going on, but wish I had snapped a picture inside for all of you to see. Creepy!


Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and enjoyed some flea marketing if that's your kind of thing!

new week, new shop - The Cozy Farmhouse

I love Mondays because they bring along a new week, a fresh start. I decided to start each Monday with a brand new feature called "new week, new shop". Each week you'll be introduced to a up and coming Etsy shop (50 sales and under) and the fun owner behind the shop. Why not start your new week with a little treat for yourself from one of these up and coming shops? I promise you'll be tempted!

Up first is The Cozy Farmhouse! You may recognize one of her gorgeous flower pins from last week's "friday favorites". She gathers fabric flowers and dollies, along with some thread and tulle, and creates the most lovely hair accessories. Her self-described style is chic, feminine, and vintage-inspired.


The creator behind these hair pieces is Ann-Marie of Southern California. A quick glimpse at her inspiration bulletin board below will tell you a lot about her - her fondness for 1950's aqua, love for scrapbook paper, and affinity for travel. I know we would be best friends based simply on her love for Chipotle burritos. (Sidenote: How could Connecticut not have a Chipotle? It's a shame.)


I know her flower pieces are meant to be worn in your hair, but I think I like just seeing them on display! You would definitely want to leave yours out on your desk or dresser when not in use.


Still not sure if you need one of her pieces? Check out these product close ups and you'll be convinced.


For more of The Cozy Farmhouse, check out her shop and blog.

friday favorites.

Now that we are starting to have some sun in Connecticut, I find myself drawn to bright and summery finds!

1. nonsuch

2. TheCozyFarmhouse
3. OldFashionedButGood
4. VintageSongbird

Hope you all have a wonderful summer weekend! I hope to be able to take lots of pictures this week, and have some big updates in the shop starting Monday!