Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday Display Chain

Each Tuesday, Misi of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her 'Tuesday Display Chain' by featuring items from their collections. The theme this week is "Make-Do."

In my grandmother's day, when folks had a need, they'd look around to see how they might "make-do" with what they had. It was a common practice for people to pass down or patch clothing, fashion a needed tool, or share what they had with a neighbor.

I can't count the number of times I heard Gram recite the old saying, "Use it up, wear it it out, make it do, or do without."

As I was looking around our home, I realized that we "make-do" with a lot. Almost everything, has had a previous owner...or two. Rather than running around photographing every stick of furniture in the house, I thought I'd share a few favorites.

A litter of goofy sock cats, stuffed with rags.
 

 We've all made at least a couple of these pincushions, haven't we? Both of these started with candlestick bases.



 This old blue bench serves as a coffee table in front of our craigslist sofa.


A make-do apothecary, made from old crates and cheese boxes.


And speaking of my gram...she made literally hundreds of teddy bears over the years. These from my childhood, are my favorite "make-dos" ever. Their "fur" is made from cast off winter coats. I can remember Gram allowing me to cut the cardboard that lined their footpads. The large bear, was Papa of  "The Three Bears"...Baby Bear is wearing his second skin-because I wore the hair off his first. Momma Bear now lives with my cousin.


I still have Gram's original pattern...she made bears in three sizes.


I wonder how many of her bears have survived?


Baby Bear


I hope you've enjoyed today's Display Chain. Hop on over to Misi's blog to see the other fabulous contributors! Until next time...

9 comments:

  1. Hi Rhonda!
    I am new to your blog.....making that Uncle Louie's apple cake tonight as a matter of fact! lol

    glad you joined in on the display chain....I loved your make-do's.....isn't it fun doing this.

    Hope you get a chance to stop over and check out mine as well!

    hugs to you,
    Lori

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  2. You have some gorgeous items Rhonda! So glad you joined in on the fun!

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  3. Those bears are the bee's knee's!! Love them! I enjoyed seeing the make-do' in your home! My whole house is make-do!!! LOL
    I'm goin' to check out the display chain! Sounds fun!
    Cathy G

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  4. Rhonda,
    I am new to your blog, but familiar with your stories. I love the stories from "Mercantile Gatherings". Wow, you can make me relax & go right down memory lane.( So thanks for writing!)
    I love your displays, the bears your Gram made are just so perfect! The Goofy kitties oh so cute! So glad you joined in on the Tuesday Display Chain, it is so much fun!
    You are one of my followers so please stop by & visit!
    have a nice fall day!
    Teresa

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  5. WOW!!
    What a fabulous post!!
    I love all your make-do items.
    TFS.
    ~Tam

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  6. I love your posts. all the pictures are great but your teddys made by Grandma are just so special.

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  7. I so enjoy your stories!..I am excited to now find your blog and share.. Your make-do's are *B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L I bet the care you put to your bears makes Grandma smile.
    Thanks for joining in..

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  8. Hi Rhonda, I posted a comment earlier but it didn't show up! I love the sock cats and make-do box.I think your Gram would be very proud of all you've accomplished! -Cat

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  9. Mornin Rhonda!

    Just have to tell you....made the apple cake last night! It was soooo good and the house smelled wonderful while it was baking!
    Thanks for the recipe!

    Hugs to you my new prim friend!
    Lori

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