Cute Things #1

I'm starting a new series here at Plushpussycat. You saw the title: it's called Cute Things. Each time I write a Cute Things post, I'll feature something cute that I own, or that someone made, or that I saw somewhere. You get the idea! It may be a miniature, a plushy, something vintage, or whatever.

For my first post today, I want to share this cute thing I found at a thrift store. I paid at most 25 cents for it. And it's super-cute! :-) It's a 78 rpm phonograph record from 1948, designed for a child. It measures 6 3/4 inches (17 cm) across. On one side of the record is the song "Three Little Kittens":

The second side has the song "Wash Your Hands, Brush Your Teeth":

I adore the vintage-style illustrations and the cute critters! I wish I could listen to it, but I don't have the kind of equipment needed. By the way, the blue gingham fabric in the background of these photos came from The Knittn' Kitten: Portland's Vintage Fabric and Craft Store. I find all kinds of vintage fabrics, ribbons, buttons, beads, and more there. They also have an online shop on Etsy.

So what do you think? Is the record cute? If so, what do you like about it? Did you ever have one (or something like it)? Does it remind you of anything? I want to know! :-) Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer

Gifts of Caterina's Holiday Swap 2011

Caterina just published all of the photos from the Holiday Swap 2011. Now I can show you what I made and sent AND what I received--yay!

I was a little nervous about making minis for the swap, since I'd never made any before, but I decided that challenging myself with this swap would be a good idea. I was right, because it helped me to overcome my fear and just do it.

Most of my supplies came from thrift stores, which is how I prefer to buy things. When I can, I buy used and vintage, to save the earth's resources. I also considered my partner, Stacy from Texas, and what I thought she might like. So I tried to learn about her from her blog.

Here's what I ended up making:

They are items for a little visit to the beach. There's a bamboo roll-up mat, a beach towel, a red polka-dot bikini, flipflops, a beach bag, a sun hat, and a book to read while wearing the bikini. The book is called How to Lose Weight, and it is vintage from the 1970s, from the second dollhouse I recently bought. I also included a couple of tiny shells from my great-grandmother's beads. They are at least 25 years old, and probably older.

Now here are the gifts I received from my partner Erika in Italy:

She made a platter of stuffed tomatoes and a second platter of sliced watermelon with a cut watermelon bowl filled with colorful melon balls. How cute! Erika also included a beautiful hand-written note in Italian with a recipe for making her homemade stuffed tomatoes. How thoughtful! Thank you again, Erika! A big thanks, too, to my friend Savina. Her family is originally from Italy, and she visited my home and translated Erika's letter for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the swap and will look for other opportunities to participate in miniature swaps in the future. I received so many different "gifts" as a result of the swap that I feel it was a big success all around! Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer

Cute Vintage Plush Critter Finds

As many of you know, I love going to thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets to search for craft supplies, dollhouse miniatures, and fun vintage items. Yesterday I went to my favorite all-purpose thrift store, and look what I found:

It's a cute little plush house with matching plush furniture and a bear family to go with it! I just love the blue and white gingham! The bears look very kawaii (Japanese for cute), don't you think?

Then, a few weeks back, I found this vintage Fisher-Price Toys 1979 squirrel family with an adorable plush log to live in. It even came with the "wood" chair (but not the table, which I found later). What a find! Are they the cutest ever?

"Who are these for?" you might ask. "Are they for a child in your life?" Why yes, they are for my inner child, the little girl inside of me. She squeals with delight when I find these treats. Now I keep them in my craft room, where I can see them and be inspired by them. I hope seeing them does the same for you, my friends. :-) Fun! Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer

Vintage Plushies!

Here's something fun for you to enjoy. This video is so cute:



Notice the vintage 1970s costumes! Enjoy the fun song (from my youth!)! Let me know what you think. I'd love to see your comments. Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer