Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Finds Decor: In Praise of the Hunt
Story by Iheartmoustaches
Published on October 11, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

blogbloglog

Christine

This weekend’s Get the Look: Decor is inspired by the quirky, vintage filled Chicago home of Libby Alexander. Libby enjoys shopping at thrift stores and estate sales, and her eclectic home reflects her passion for a great vintage bargain. Her mix of vintage furniture and home decor spans a wide array of decades, and she describes her style as "mid-century modern with a splash of Hollywood Regency, industrial, rustic and LOLs."

Libby has turned her passion for vintage treasure hunting into a decorating and salvage business known as Alexander Salvage. She also sells her incredible vintage finds in her Etsy shop, blogbloglog, where you can shop from categories like Granny Chic, Rustic Lodge, and Creepy Curio. 

To view more photos of Libby’s vintage home, visit her on Flickr or stop by her blog, both of which are filled with ingenious ideas on how to create a new look from old pieces. You’ll also find many creative ideas on displaying and grouping your latest vintage treasures.

Check out the Etsy Finds below for creative decorating ideas that will add a unique and quirky hint of the past to the place you call home.

Ceramic little boy bust statue

From highstreetmarket, $36.

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Vintage Mannequin Hand

From toanlaja, $42.

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NYC Souvenir

By BROOKLYNrehab, $14.

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Vintage Mosaic Tile Trinket Dish

From RedEyeVintage, $16.

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Vintage Silvertone Radio/Record Player

From AnticAttic, $100.

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Ars Edition HUMMEL SPOONS

From outsiderartsupply, $24.95.

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Miss Maple

From ethanollie, $39.

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Vintage Distressed Wooden Crate

From epoca, $45.

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Hand Painted Russian Dolls - Circus set

By Ratdoodle, $85.

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1950's Tiny Green Suitcase

From jessjamesjake, $50.

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Owl Cookie Jar - Real McCoy

From Goofingoff, $35.

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GILT OLIVE WALNUT BOX

By marykaiserstreasures, $55.

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Marvelous Elixir Antique Bottle

From allisonbean, $12.

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Industrial Chair Oak and Angle Steel

From sevenbc, $140.

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Rustic Style Farm Bench / Table

By royaloakcottage, $125.

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Set of Four Fiberglass Armchair Shells

From athomewithhenry, $475.

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Give Thanks Banner PRE-ORDER

By brandywine, $32.

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Vintage Sofa with Side Table and Footrest

From RedEyeVintage, $4600.

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The Light of Freedom

From FineTime, $45.

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Vintage Mounted Antlers - 1959

From Schmintage, $95.

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Concrete Planter with Air Plant

By TortoiseLovesDonkey, $19.50.

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Stained Glass-Wrought Iron Lantern

By Nonnie62, $85.

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vintage vigon lamp

From skyparlor, $20.

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Vintage Typewriter Corona Standard

From livingstonandporter, $168.

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Vintage Metal Typing Table

From scrapsistersvintage, $75.

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Eames Side Shell Chair Raw Umber

From TheCottageCheese, $195.

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Vintage Industrial Metal Desk Organizer

From buppins, $29.

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1950s formica dinette kitchen table

From kitschnkaboodle, $165.

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Vintage cuckoo wall clock from Germany

From spacejam, $68.

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Miniature Globe on a Stand....It spins

From derbyhouse, $4.85.

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Glass Bell Jar display case

From Arnicae, $15.

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Vintage Marionette Parts, Head, Arms, Shoes

From NightWingVintage, $42.

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indian summer

By floresdelsol, $38.

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Vintage Pelouze Ice Cream Scale

From VintageVenatic, $15.

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Wood Block Vintage Image Covered Vase

By lavendergooms, $8.

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Tall Teak Candlesticks/ Denmark

From FoundVintageStyle, $24.

View Item | View Shop

Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There's No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

Check out other Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

A Cozy Home Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!


Tags Alexander Salvage, antique, blogbloglog, Chicago, decorating, display, Etsy Finds, Get the Look Decor, home decor, house tour, housewares, Libby Alexander, rustic, shopping, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, vintage
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118 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. thebestvintage

There really are so many great vintage finds on Etsy.
From home to fashion to jewelry to unique collectibles!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. cottonbirddesigns

Great finds!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. babook

Those all my favorite for deco !

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. VintageEye

vintage fabulousness! i love it!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. VintageTwenty

Interesting vintage finds - I love the Owl Cookie Jar.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. PoshMommaStore

What lovely finds!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. seababejewelry

I love the bicycle wire sculpture! Awesome!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. CarryTheWord

Cool things!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. Morado

Incredile picks! I need to redo my house and get some new pieces

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. worksofwhimsy

I'll admit, the doll heads and body parts creep me out a bit. But the furniture is fabulous!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. CharlotteLdesign

love the Mosaic Trinket Dish

http://www.charlotteldesign.blogspot....
http://www.facebook.com/people/Charlo...

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. HoneysuckleLane

Thrift stores...
Estate sales...
Those are magical words to me!
Enjoyed the article and seeing all the picks.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. poppyswickedgarden

Oh WOW THose are some Fabulous finds!
I need to add some more vintage suitcases to my other shop but I'm trying to figure out which one I want to keep for myself as a sidetable!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. catnapcottage

I love all the funkiness - Nice Picks! Especially the doll parts - too cool! Thanks for including one of my spreads!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. pamwares

nice sunday picks!

If you live in Tampa/St. Pete, check out Art-Oberfest from 12-5PM at 1200 9th Ave N St. Pete. It is free and over 40 Etsy peeps with handmade items for sale!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. mgilinfo

Looks great!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. asundrynotion

Wonderfully eclectic selections! Love mounted deer antlers; our 'rustic', i.e. original mid-19c stacked stone foundation, basement is filled with these, old signs . When the woodstove is going, it's a cozy hideaway.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. soule

Lovely Collections!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. felicitycrew

awww, that green suitcase would perfectly fit into my home office :)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. gumbygirl

I love quirky and eclectic!! Characters Welcome!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. postroadvintage

Don't know how you always manage to always find these UNREAL finds for me to drool over!! Fun and awesome- thanks!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. beachhouseblues

Love the lamp!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. breadandroses

Christine, you have a genuine gift for creating these eye candy treats! Thanks a bunch!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. breadandroses2

Great formica, chrome base kitchen table. Had one w/ mustard, marble grey & ivory top. Best table ever, esp. for a home filled with kids. Indestructible!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. birdie1

Wow - great finds! Stop by for even more Vintage Industrial!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. lovelygifts

Nice article. Love the globe in the picture. I have one also!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. BlackStar

cool finds! now off to check out the blog and flickr.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. cassidycay

Super neat! Love the pictures!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. QuiltFinger

Great retro picks! Love the sweet walnut shell box!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. congcongdesign

nice vintage things.i like it that very especial for me. i live in shanghai china.that's very fresh for me.welcome to more people goes to my shop. know more chinese things.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. MelroseFields

The Hummel Spoons are classic

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. craftpile

Anyone else get a rush? Wow..great choices. Thank you!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. beautifulbridget

Great finds!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. warpedLaurie

Thees are so cool, Love the nut.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. britishvintage

Great to see vintage being featured!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. grandmasjewelry777

Love this -- great finds GMJ

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. JeannineRobertsRoyce

Didn't realize there was so much great vintage here on Etsy. Great to mix it up according to your own vision.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. TheCottageCheese

Libby has a gorgeous blog and shop, very unique! Thanks for including my Eames side shell chair!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. vintagehomerecycled

Great to see so many aspects of vintage all playing so well together.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. valkasinskas

Wow! Eclectic grouping! I like the baby head under the glass display bell...

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. 47thStreetSupplyCo

Gorgeous selections!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. EarthenTreasures

Again, great items! Love unique things.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. MyMoms

Woo Hoo what great finds! Thank you!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. hautecountryvintage

Looovin' that Eames Chair in TCC's shop! Great Post :)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. StelmaDesigns

This is one of my favorite articles yet! There are so many incredible vintage housewares shops on etsy you never need go to Pottery Barn or Dwell or anywhere else but here for heavens sake!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I think that the NYC Souvenir by BrooklynRehab is brilliant! What a great idea to take something like a pigeon feather and elevate it by turning it into a "specimen." Bravo!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

OOOh! I love the vintage radio! Delightful!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. yesstreen

Marvelously enchanting!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. anteakbooteek

This is awesome! A fellow etsian has travelled across country to interview vintage collectors, all of whom have simialar Get the Look styles. rachelgoldilocks.blogspot.com
This is the kind of material that makes ETSY so darn fab!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. cravejewelrydesign

I LOVE IT!! :)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. LaLlorona

This makes me want to get rid of all of my furniture and start over again!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. VixVintage

I like your style Libby, thanks for sharing.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Beautiful and unique picks! Love the rain lamp from the flickr set!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ArtDecoDame

so in love with that sectional!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. BROOKLYNrehab

i am such a longtime admirer of Libby, her home and her things. i am so happy to see this post!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. floresdelsol

I love her style, its FABULOUS!! thank you for selecting my design too.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. blogbloglog

Thanks Christine and everyone. This is all very exciting.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. designlab443

I love the Chenille Bedspread!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. odiliafu

Deer antler, owl and vintage furniture all in my home. How cool is that!! Great picks!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. SecondHandNews

Great Article. Love the picks!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. BlueGremlin

yessss i love all of this stuff!!!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. kalicat

the vintage items selected really do give us a yearning for older items, as they are so stylish and still fit in nowadays lifestyle
thanks
x
KaliCat

Oct. 11, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. HMHdesign

I love that you can create such wonderful items by re-purposing them. A tribute to creativity and ecological responsibility all rolled into one.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. recycledwares

eclectic style for sure. Libby has a great eye for decorating with objects that you wouldn't even think would be found in a home.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. mgfashionjewelry

Very nice.

Visit my store as well. BUY ONE GET ONE FREE deals and free shipping!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. jbeaudet

I love all the vintage things on Etsy!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. skyparlor

How nicely plucked and placed! Amazing aesthetic.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. titchables

Love vintage. Really like that wooden crate.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. wishartglass

Yes, indeed, "eclectic" is the term! It's so artfully done. Made my day!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. atelierpompadour

faboulous home and great Christine finds like always!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. SurrenderDorothy

Niiiiice!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. FoundVintageStyle

Love Vintage on Etsy! Thanks for this!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. mythunderstood

Love the tabletop legs!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. thirtyonedesigns

Truly FABULOUS collection :) Thx

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. TenderLetters

Love it! Banners add such a nice touch to any space, don't they? ;)
Seriously--a beautiful collection!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:33 p.m. Carlottavaldes

This was very inspiring!I love all the vintage creepy doll stuff and mannequins!I want to immediately rearrange my home! Thanks and more of this please!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:35 p.m. shopgoodgrace

Goodness! Loving all of this...

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. craftydill

Great collection... especially LOVE the sofa with the round footrest!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:21 p.m. beenie2847

thanks for includig my item! great article. Love the photos.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. Goofingoff

Wonderful collection. Thank you for including my cookie jar.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. ModishVintage

great finds!!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 12:45 a.m. curlyfrysc

is it just me or is it screwy?

Oct. 12, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. CecilandCo

I love this look! Great finds!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. Recy

I've got teakwood candle holders too - a gorgeous set of three!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 12, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. metrostation

Love the look nice collection of Vintage!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. cynthiacallan

I just love the typewriter!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. adriwichert

these are great, especially the chenille blanket..

Oct. 12, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. elitas

Lovely!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Bluebrooch

Love love love the wooden crate and the glass bell jars!!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. teepetals

oh the vintage ice cream scale. Had those at dq back in the day!!!Lovely collection!!!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

I love her eclectic syle. My style is eclectic I think that your home should reflect you and the things that you like and feel comfortable with. Great house Great style

Oct. 12, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. CreepyDolls

love the dolls!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

Wow what great and interesting finds. I love vintage

Oct. 12, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. AndersonCrafts

With all this neat stuff in your home, you'd be able to invite anybody over and have hundreds of ways to start a conversation!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. clarelupino

really interesting

Oct. 12, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. EJPcreations

The Russian Dolls are so cool!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. shopgoldmine

I love the thrill of the hunt... in fact, I just thrift shopped my way across the USA on a 9 day solo vintage hunting adventure!!

See the photos and read about it on my blog:

rachelgoldilocks.blogspot.com :)

Oct. 12, 2009 at 3:53 p.m. AustinModern

Beautiful!
I have a pair of those legs.... I think I'll list them right now! ha ha

Oct. 12, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. lisaroy

great finds!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

Wonderful finds!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. silocurb

oooooooooooooooooh!
this mix is so good!
thankyou so much for featuring the liberty scale!
best to you!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. OwlandMouse

Loving these selections together!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 8:01 p.m. RubberStampPress

Great finds, great article!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. Knifesauce

o my that tufted chair! just went biking and that looks like a dream for my sore behind

Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. Iammie

woo, nice picked

Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. LuLusPhotography

Great pics!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. milkglassandmetal

The chenille bedspread is fantastic. And I so wish I had a pair of those legs!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. quiltwork

That is wild! I loved the legs :) Gotta be a great conversation piece. I'd love be able to visit you

Oct. 13, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. amoronia

Interesting

Oct. 14, 2009 at 12:56 a.m. TeenahTime

Libby has a great way of mixing it up.

Oct. 14, 2009 at 5:03 p.m. ParlorOfCuriosities

Awesome read....
Full of great ideas! Gives a girl a lot of inspiration.

Oct. 14, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. thevintagethread

great collection! thanks for including my avocado green chenille bedspread!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. kitschcafe

i love the storque spotlights that feature vintage sellers!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 7:43 a.m. epoca

This is right up my alley. Its all about the treasure hunting. Thanks for including my yellow crate. You always pick the greatest things for your posts.

Oct. 15, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. poppycottage

the thrill of the hunt...really love this aticle and Libby's fabulous digs!!

june moon

Oct. 18, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. BizzieLizzie

Ooooh, lots of vintage treats here! A gal can never have too many chairs!! Or vintage, for that matter!

Oct. 18, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. FemmeFataleVintage

love the vintage eclectic look! well done!

Oct. 19, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. annslights

Every home should have some recycled vintage items...good for the environment too!

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