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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Let's try this again!!! ...Why I love Craig's List.

Ever since I entered Blogland, I have (like so many of you) wanted a vintage dress form. I searched and searched until I realized I would never own one of the truly beautiful vintage forms because, well... they were just too expensive. I had no luck finding one that even came close to something I could afford.  As I hopped down the list of beautiful studios for the Where Bloggers Create party, I saw many lovely mannequins and once again my desire to find (or make) one was renewed. I've been searching Craig's List for the past week hoping that I would find something that I could modify with decoupage etc. When I saw the listing for this one last night... I immediately sent an email crossing my fingers that I was the first.  I heard from the owner this morning and drove an hour out to Litchfield Park where my girl was waiting for me! No, she isn't very old, but she has a fabric cover and a nice base and she was only $50.00! I am a happy camper!!! I'm already running ideas over in my head for what I want to do to her. I think the neck needs a finial, and nice coat of white paint as  well as the base. Now, do I try to make a wire skirt or do I look for a fluffy vintage petticoat to cover her naked lower half?? Maybe I just leave her as-is!! All I know is... I love Craig's List!!

BTW... In case any of you were wondering... I had some technical issues yesterday. My blog wouldn't load properly. It took FOREVER to finally load! I didn't notice it until after I did the post, so I tried removing the post to see if it was the culprit. It was not. :(  I then tried removing some of the lists of party attendees. (They can all be found on the Where Bloggers Create blog)
Finally I dumped my whole template and started all over. That helped me discover the problem.
There was something that had corrupted my Feedjit and on-line user counter. So, if any of you are experiencing the same problems... remove those first and see what happens.  :)

49 comments:

Deborah said...

She is beautiful. I cannot wait to see what you do with her:)

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

What a lovely form with very elegant lines. Thanks for sharing!

Darla said...

Great find! I'm interested to see what you do with her too.

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

She's gorgeous, I have a thing for dress forms. I have a small collection of them, and your right they can be very prices for the antique ones. I did recently purchase a vintage dress form for $125.00, I thought that was a great deal too, usually their a lot higher than that. Can't wait to see what you do with her!
hugs~~~ Daphne

Terry said...

She's a beauty, Karen! Enjoy!

Linda K. said...

I am not surprised you found a cool dress form on Craigslist! We outfitted our living room with beautiful furniture on Craigslist! Whatever you do with her, it will be beautiful!

Linda

Lynette Killam said...

She's delightful, Karen! If you get a chance, you might pop over to see my mannequin friend, Miss Prue, who insists on wearing all of her clothes at once...LOL.

I sympathize with your computer glitches...my own technical woes caused me to miss joining your wonderful WCB party on July 15th.
I have put up my studio post now, and even if it's too late to be on the official roster, I do plan to visit as many of the amazing entrants I can!

I do think yours is definitely the premier event of the season..LOL. Thank you so much for hosting...:)

Jem said...

She's a looker Karen, and I'm guessing that once you through with enhancing her a little she'll look all the more lovely!

Gorgeous proportions too!

Jem xXx

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Ooh, you were near my side of town. I think you found a real deal on the Dress Form. I think either one of the options would be fabulous. Can't wait to see. Hope you are enjoying our HOT summer!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Nice curves, very shapely! I know she is going to look beautiful when you get done with her!~Hugs, Patti

Unknown said...

Hi Karen, Yes I tried to visit you last evening and to no avail. Glad you found a dress form for a reasonable price, That is a great deal for one with a stand too. I have one like it but no stand so she sits in my sewing room naked as a baby, poor thing I'll get to her. I think she is fab. I wish mine had a wire cage I lust for one of those. I'm sure what ever you do will be wonderful. Hugs Sweet girl and PS did you ever receive the question I had for creating me an Etsy banner to match Heartful Creation with a little change in the title? email me as time permits. Hugs Marilou

Anonymous said...

You lucky thing...she is lovely. I think she would look lovely with a wire skirt like a crinoline(sp??)
I am still looking for mine

Valery Klassen said...

What a find! She is a beauty. I too love the dress mannequins and I have one in my basement that I need to do something with. Your girl looks perfect just the way she is... I love her! Congrats on the find!

Bente said...

I can`t wait to see what you are going to do with it.

Hugs Bente

Missy @ Chateau Chic Boutique said...

Hi Karen,
Oh what a great cl find! I always wanted one (or some) too and have found them all on cl and for real steals! The best one of all though I missed out on...one of those really old ones with the wire cage on the bottom. You wouldn't believe it but it was listed for $25.00! I was too late for that one but I had to be happy for the junker that scored it!
Your studio is just gorgeous. Someday I'll have one to post about but for now I don't think my garage and back patio will pass. Ha-ha! I'd also love to contact you about re-vamping my blog, I love your work.
Have a super blessed weekend!
Missy

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Very nice! Can't wait to see what you do with her!
Kelly

Charlene said...

So glad to see you back up & running! LOVE the manni! I vote NO to the wire skirt. OK to the white paint (sanded back) & say... change out her outfits or not as the mood strikes you! Now, aren't you sorry you asked? Hee Hee Good job on hunting her down she's a gem!

I loved our chat this morning. Always nice to see your name on caller ID! Elle sends you kisses! Stay cool. HUGS!
Charlene

Carine said...

She's beautiful Karen, I have one too (new because the oldest are expensive ;-))and She wears lace doilies, all romantic with lots of lace and pearls....

Carine
http://tachterhuisje.blogspot.com/

misteejay said...

Can't wait to see what you finally do with 'her' - she's lovely.

Toni xx

Lurena Sheary Williamson said...

Your dress form is awesome! I'm sure she'll tell you if she wants a metal skirt,tu-tu, or other various decor. What a steal price wise too! I have had trouble leaving comments for bloggers during my "where bloggers create" tours. I'm not sure if it's me and my settings or something else. any ideas???

Terri said...

She is a beauty, congratulations of finding her! I too was on the lookout a while back and one day walked into an antique store to spot my girl. When I took her to the counter the sales woman said "Where did you find her... I didn't see her come in?" and I realized she had only just arrived and if I hadn't of picked her up this lady or another would have for sure! So I felt very lucky. They are so much fun to put jewelry on. Mine is only a half form that sits on my table. You are lucky you have a stand. I think a cage skirt would be fab if you decide to do it. I would love to find an old one with a cage skirt!
hugs,
Terri

Debra Howard said...

What a great find! I enjoy Craigslist too! What a fun way to shop!
Debbie

Pretty Things said...

I'm crying! $50! And she's gorgeous!

Cheryl said...

Oh Karen, she is lovely. I really, really, really, want one, but where would I put her :) I like the sounds of a wire petticoat, but I am sure you are going to make her look stunning whatever you do.
Cheryl

Karen said...

She is a beauty! I'm on the look out for one myself.

Lily's Lace said...

THEY HAVE NEW ONES AT MARSHAL'S! (actually it was a HOME GOODS STORE with a Marshals attached)

They are $60, are not adjustable and have a wooden base. They have several different fabrics and they stand about 5 ft tall. Just in case you can't find on Craig's list! I just bought one last week!

But I love the one you found too. I bet you can find a petticoat easy peasy, lemon squeezey!xoxo-cin

Unknown said...

Dear Karen,
She is a beauty for sure. Hope she becomes a true friend..LOL!
(she needs a name)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on finding your very own dress form...I am so happy for you! I too searched forever for one that wouldn't cost too much. I was lucky to find Emma on Ebay. Because she was Pick Up only no one else bid but me! I can't wait to see how you dress yours up. Will you be naming her?

xo,

Abby

Leanne said...

yes, a dress form came close to the top of my list after viewing all the WBC blogs too... (and curiously, the posts came through on Google Reader just fine ...until I clicked to come here to comment!)

But they are way too expensive online... and of course, I want a probably rarer, plus size one... so we'll see what happens...

Lynnae said...

She's lovely!
I got mine at goodwill, she wasn't an antique, but cloth cover and black cast iron base, very nice. There were three on sale for $25 each and I took my favorite. To this day I wish I would have bought all three. Someone would have taken them off my hands!

Ivy and Elephants said...

What an awesome find. Finding one of those is my dream as well. I too can't wait to see what you do with it. Mind you, it looks fabulous the way you have it now.

Paula

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

She's a beauty! You were so lucky to find one on craigslist...I'll have to try that. I found a vintage cardboard form a few weeks ago at a yard sale and I'm hanging on to her to use as a display.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

That was your lucky day! She is fabulous and at a great price.
xo,
Sherry

oldgreymare said...

WOOT! so happy for you :D
and yes I was having trouble for days trying to visit you, then last night..magic!
xxx
z

Unknown said...

That is a awesome find !! You will enjoy using it over and over. Fun Finds to you...Chickie

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen,
She is a beauty!!! I am obsessed with dress forms myself, I have 3 and I just love them!
Have a beautiful day.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Mona Kay Gorman said...

OMG, I have been looking for my own lady forever!!! I have yet to find her,but now I have hope again! Yours is beautiful!!

Fran. said...

Oh Karen YAY!! You found one! and that's pretty cool you found it on Craig's list!! That is where I got my cool inpiration gate I use over my desk!! Think of it as recycling for you that someone else didn't want! Amazing! Kinda keeps the world going round!! I think a netting tulle like skirt maybe in black would look kinda good. XO Fran.

EllenaElizabeth said...

To be honest I think I would leave her as she is atm at least. I think she needs time to settle into her new home...LOL and get a feel for the place....
She is lovely though. You seem to have so much more choice in the USA....I am not even sure anything like that exists in Australia. Certainly not in abundance anyhow.
I have a dressmaker dummy I bought from Lifeline. She is green but I have her dressed in a 1940's dress and the lastest apron I have made.

Stampindamour said...

Karen - What a great find!!!! (oh, I missed this one and I live in Litchfield Park too!) These dress forms are so hard to find! I found one at the antique mall for $50 that I will keep forever!

ps-I LOVE Craigslist too! ;)

-pamela
mybooth96.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Yeah!! I'm glad you found one. I just got one a couple of weeks ago. It's new, cream colored fabric. I got mine from a friend whose daughter got married. I got mine for 50.00 too! I checked on your order from Caromal Colours, it was mailed yesterday. Thanks so much.
XOXO
Jan

Susan Freeman said...

Congrats on finding your dress form! Isn't it wonderful when you finally obtain something you have been dreaming about for so long?

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

fairyrocks said...

I am happy for you. Having recently just found my 'Alice'
I know how she will make you smile everytime you look at her. Enjoy!!
P.S. are you going to name her?

Ladydy5 aka: Diane Yates said...

If it were mine, you have the perfect canvas to paint on and I just know you could make it beautiful. Good luck

Christine Marie Studio said...

I'm with you! I got the body on mine for $20 and the base for $10. My whole workspace is Craigslist, shelves, work tables, etc. That is a fantastic looking form! I'm very happy for you - I know what that feels like - kind of like a runner's high LOL...

Mimi Foxmorton said...

She is beauteous!
I can't wait to see what she'll wear next!
;)

Riki Schumacher said...

Hi Karen, glad I could open the post now. Great to know what happened, just so sorry it did happen. Love your new girl, she might need a name? I want one too, just don't know where to put her. Love that Craig's List, we just sold our boat on there! Hugs, Riki

annaleehodges said...

Oh! You are so lucky to have found such a lovely dress form. I'm still looking, ha! Can't wait to see what you end up doing with it. I'm sure it will end up looking just darling.
xo
Annalee
http://www.ramblingsofagypsynomad.com

summerland cottage said...

What a sweet find !
( well, your blog & your new dress form )
If I had more room in my studio I would create a google alert for one of these myself.
I'll pop back in to see what your creativity comes up with.
Thank you for sharing the fun !

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