Friday, November 28th, 2008 at
9:51 am
I enjoy looking through old catalogs - especially vintage Christmas Catalogs.
They are fun to look through for several reasons:
- the "Oh my gosh - can you BELIEVE how CHEAP that used to be!" factor 
- for some of us it is PROOF that there WERE things to do before video games and computers
- they are great for dating items that you collect.... "what year is this?"
- it is fun to take a trip down memory lane - even if the memories are "before your time".
- some of the items advertised in old catalogs can be downright wacky - an early kin to some "as seen on TV" items
Do you have a favorite old catalog that you enjoy looking through or a warm memory that was sparked by flipping through it's pages? Share it with the rest of us by posting a comment below.
You can view several Sears Christmas/Wishbook catalogs from the 1940's up to the 1970's by clicking here courtesy of the folks from Wishbook Web.
And check out these other vintage Christmas catalogs that are available:
Friday, November 28th, 2008 at
3:51 am
Glass blocks were first made in the 1800's for use in cellar windows and ships. In the early 1900's glass blocks started being used in structures.
When I see glass blocks used as windows it instantly gives me a feeling of being transported back in time. I guess it is because I remember seeing so many older homes with glass block in their basements and some other windows. I just love the look of them and the memories they conjure up.
I found this really neat craft project that can be done with glass blocks - make them into lit Christmas presents! It is like giving someone sunshine wrapped up with a pretty bow
And they don't cost much to make. These would definitely make good Christmas presents - or actually gifts for anytime of the year!
You can learn all about making these by CLICKING HERE!
Check out these pictures:



To make these glass block Christmas presents you need to:
Carefully drill a hole in what will be the bottom of the glass block.
Insert a small strand of Christmas lights into the block.
Decorate the "glowing present" (block) with gorgeous ribbon and such.
And voila! Sunshine in a box!
Try a new twist on these by including a music box in their too! - maybe hide it with the bow.
You can learn how to make these unique gifts by CLICKING HERE!