Vintage Christmas Monday

Two words I love to put together...vintage and christmas. 

I'm joining the list over at  Anything Goes Here.  It's a blog block party every Monday and I'll take any excuse to share my vintage christmas goodies.

Now you know I can't pass up christmas items from the past and I will stockpile them even if I have no clue what I'm going to do with them. 

Such was the case when I discovered a huge box full of old (and probably dangerous) strings of christmas light.  The colors really grabbed me, shades of orange and lilac, jadite greens and even pink.  Not those uniform primary colors in use today.

I tossed out the fraying electrical cords and started hoarding the bulbs.  The swirly C-9's being the most desirable.  I pondered on what to create out of my growing collection.  I knew a wreath was a logical choice but it was a few years (and more bulbs) before I had that aha!  (light bulb, ha!) moment and my first light bulb wreath was born.

I made a few wreaths that first year and then a couple more after that.  But I haven't made any for over 5 years now. 

It takes a long time to accumulate enough bulbs for these wreaths.  They aren't that easy to find (in quantity) and they go for big bucks on eBay. 

So I've made three bulb wreaths this year and that's probably it for a long time. 

Unless I hit the mother load at a future estate sale.  It could happen.  

Comments

[Brenda Kula]

Suzy, once again you've come up with real beauties! I never see a vintage ornament that I don't think of you.
Brenda

[sharron]

Fabulous!!
You always have the best ideas and the best show and tell!!!
Happy Vintage Monday!

[Julie Marie]

Oooh I so love your wreaths! My strands of 40's lites still work but I'm too scared to use them on our tree! I will never part with them though... how fun your idea is! Bisous... Julie Marie

[Pam]

Those are brilliant! I always love those vintage bulbs but never knew how to display them.

[Joan@anythinggoeshere]

I agree~ FABULOUS!! A wonderful and safe way to use the bulbs. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to the Vintage Christmas Monday blog party!!!!

[Carol@ Old Glory Cottage]

I've got seven of those bulbs, just sitting in a bowl doing nothing. After counting the ones on your gorgeous wreaths, I only need about 20 more to make one! Or they could just stay in the bowl, because I got them about 15 years ago, and I haven't seen another one since!
I've been a longtime lurker of your blog, and I just love everything that you make!
Happy Vintage Christmas!
Carol

[Jenny @ The Red Bulletin Board]

Unless you come to SuzAnna's! We have a whole set of Neco's in their original box with the cord and cardboard still in tack. I would use the strand in my house!! hehehe! December 3rd open house!! Come on down!!!

[Judi]

WoW ~ The wreath is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! So clever and unique. I too love both the words Vintage AND Christmas. Thanks for sharing ~ Judi

[Vicki]

Beautiful! You go girl!

Thank you for the preview!

[laurie magpie ethel]

Good thing we don't live closer or we would be doing battle over bulbs. Those wreaths are SUPER - and I agree that the old light bulb colors are truly stupendous!

[Kelly]

These are remarkable. I would love to know how you did it. I will be searching and searching for bulbs. I love a vintage hunt! Thank you for the inspiration. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

[jen duncan]

Wonderful wreaths Suzy. You certainly do know how to rock Vintage and Christmas :-)

[Linda]

Hi, I have several strings of these lights. The problem is that the lights are so far apart and, for me, that makes them unusable. I always try to put them out and it just doesn't look right. I like what you did with them. Good job!!
Take care, It was nice visiting....Linda

[Jane]

Your wreathes are really beautiful. A very clever idea for using the old bulbs. I don't see a lot of them around either but I'll be keeping my eyes open now!
Jane

[Sandy McClay]

Love this!!!! I have a small box of these bulbs....maybe a tiny wreath! This is such a good idea!!!! Thank you!

[Sandy McClay]

One more comment....could you tell me how you attached the bulbs on the first wreath? Perhaps a photo of the back? I think I have enough to do this one! Thanks! Sandy

[Into Vintage]

Stunning designs. And brilliant. What an *awesome* idea. -amy

[Sylvia]

Oh I wish it could happen to me...love the old bulbs, they look great together.

[one gal's trash]

Here's hoping for a truck load of vintage bulbs for you in the coming year. Your wreaths are just wonderful. Happy VCM!
xo
Pam

[Joan@anythinggoeshere]

Hello. I wanted you to know that I featured you wreath on my recap to Vintage Christmas Monday. It is such a good idea. xo Joan, your VCM hostess

[Leah]

I am in love! I see those bulbs all the time & want to buy them, but have no idea what to do with them. Now I know!

[Karla Nathan]

Hey, Suzy, you just won my November Giveaway! Please send me your address and I'll send you your gift!

Karla

[sarah { abeachcottage }]

goodness! this is fabulous, I love those bulbs and would never have thought of doing that with them...you should take commissions

great post!

Sarah

[Elizabeth]

To see those big round crystal ones brings back such memories. Beautiful wreaths! Elizabeth

[Cindy Is Crafty]

That is an awesome wreath, Suzy!