Wednesday 16 May 2012

How I fixed a vintage powder compact

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So as I've hinted, one of the exciting goodies we found at Saturdays estate sale was a vintage compact - the first I've ever found at such a sale. To say it's seen some use would be a massive understatement but regardless of it's condition I couldn't leave without it. I always have it in my head that it's better being with my collection were it will be loved and looked after, cleaned up the best I can and welcomed then going into the trash. I want to rehome them all. I saw it's potential and then again it was only 75c.

As for it's details it's probably from the 1950s, it's a simple compact and still has a sturdy, strong hinge which is always a plus yet its missing a puff, sift and even it's top decoration which may have been a slab of say mother of pearl like my Marhill compacts. Additionally the mirror [after a clean] is in good condition so I originally considered using this one as a spare for parts. Then I had an insane brainwave [they occur sometimes and are painful] in which I thought why not create a brand new top for the compact and what better then sewing something pretty?!

I found a small rose cross stitch in the pattern book I also picked up from the estate sales and went about sewing it which only took a couple of hours. After cleaning up the compact, particularly on it's top were the two would be glued together - it was time to see if the idea would actually work! There's plenty of compacts out there with stitching designs on them [I already own one by Kigu] so now was time to make my own version.

Cutting out a piece of cardboard the same side as the indent on the top of the compact I used this as a mounting piece to glue the sewing too as I've done many a time sticking fabric to canvas. Carefully wrapping the material around and gluing it tight I then used the glue gun to attach it to the metal casing. It stuck perfectly! 

It's not perfect but it's far better then it once looked and I'm glad I managed to morph two of my loves together and give this compact a new least for life.

PS. There's a tiny little poll to the top right of this blog about what you'd love to be featured more of on LOTS. I do these polls from time to time just to make sure I'm keeping you all interested!

28 comments:

  1. Oh it looks so lovely now, well done!

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  2. That is a really great way to spruce up a compact. I love the simple rose design. Great job!

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    1. Thank you - I thought someone simple would look great against the white and the gold!

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  3. It looks great Rachael!

    I like your blog because it's pretty unique btw :)

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    1. Aw thanks - always good to know people love reading your blog!

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  4. Oh it looks lovely, you did such a great job! xo

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  5. Such a great idea, very pretty xx

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    1. My inspirational brainwave seemed to pay off!

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  6. Rachael, this looks lovely! You should go into business girl! I'd buy one :) x

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    1. Haha I might if I can find some more that need some loving!

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  7. That is such a great idea! It really dresses up that compact! I think I actually have one or two that could use a little make over :)

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    1. It's going to certainly make me think about compacts that I might have originally put aside because they weren't looking too great!

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  8. Fab improvement! I love the rose it's so pretty. xx

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  9. It looks amazing! I love the rose! <3

    x
    Lost in the Haze: a Fashion Photography Blog

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  10. Hi Rachael,
    Great idea. You did a wonderful job.
    Interesting post.
    Love,xoxo

    Joann

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    1. Thanks - was a good way of filling an afternoon!

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  11. What a great idea - looks good!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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    1. Making me want to try and find some more!

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  12. Lovely post and such a great idea! x Jane

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  13. This is so pretty! What a beautiful way to touch up a piece that needed some tlc :]

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  14. That's so pretty! And very good stitchwork!

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  15. I love what you've done, such a gorgeous result! Would have never thought to have done this xxx

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  16. Hi,
    I also collect vintage powder compacts. You are the first fellow blogger that I have found who collects them too.
    x

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