5 Tips On Buying Old Records

So recently my record collection has been expanding. This may sound strange that I collect records when I don't have a record player, but I'm saving up money, and browsing around antique shops looking for the perfect one. I do however have a record player at my house, but it isnt't mine, so I can still listen to records, just not on my own record player. 

Anyways, a couple days ago I picked up some records and thought I would make a mini post about them, because I rarely post. So Todays post is 5 tips on buying old records.

Tip #1: How do I know the record has been protected all these years?

The most important thing is that it has a sleeve on. Why is this important? If a record doesnt have a sleeve/cover it is more likely to get scratched and damadged. Unless you have already tried out the record before buying it, I dont think it's worth taking a chance on. Besides, most of the time the covers can be really cute. Also ask the seller where the records have been stored, and make sure to smell the records for mold or any other fowl smells.

Tip #2: Where do you buy records?

The number one place I see record at is garage sales. Usually garage sales sell them cheeper than record shops, and a lot of times sell boxes of records at a time. Another place you can buy them is second hand shops, or places like salvation army or good will, they sell them pretty cheap too. But I would not reconmend buying them online-too risky.

Tip #3: How much should you spend?

In all honesty, it depends on the record, and the seller. If your buying from an antique shop or a record store, they may charge you a lot more than a garage sale or second hand shop will charge you. When I buy from garage sales or second hand shops I pay anywhere from 10 cents to five dollars. At Antique stores or record stores I pay anywhere from $5-$30, depending on the store and record. Anything above $15-$20 for an old used record is too much in my opinion, but if you want it, I'm not stopping you.

Tip #4: How do I know when the record is from?

If your like me you may like to get records for a certain time period- my favorites 40s,50s, and early 60's. So if you wanted to know when the record was from you could ask the seller, but often times they may no know/remember. You could look for the copywrite date- this is usually what I do to get a for certain answer. Or lastly you could google it, although google usually has the answer to everything, it may not know information about lesser known records.

Tip #5: How do you know if the record is in good condition or not?

The number one thing to look for when inspecting a record is scratches. Minor scratches might not be a big deal, but very deep scratches that are visable to the naked eye could be a problem. Also look for discoloration, and if the record is warped or bent at all.

That's all my tips for now. Hopefully I can make more posts like this where I give tips on buying different antique items. I hope you enjoyed.

Love,

T

Vintage Train Case

Is it just me, or is anyone else in love with vintage suitcases? Its problibly just me, but if you are obsessed too, then your gonna love this post. Ok so my latest vintage find is this beautiful grey/blue train case.

But sadly, this beautiful piece of luggage did not come in the condition you see here. When I first got my hands on it, it looked a little something like this.

It pained me to see my newest find abused like this, so I got to work. First off, I started to clean off the outside . I was very conflicted about how to clean it though. I didn't want to ruin it, so I played it safe. I took some water with a few squirts of dish soap, and carefully used that to scrub the outside of the case with a paint sponge. (I was too worried an actual sponge might scratch it.)

And I'm so happy with how the outside turned out!

I wasn't done yet though. So your problibly wondering, what about the inside? Well the answer to that was the inside was in beautiful perfect condition.

(ps those are just scrap peices of fabric)

Well almost perfect condition. The only thing wrong with the inside was that it had that old gross smell to it. But I was determined to restore this peice completely, so getting rid of the smell was a must. 

First I looked on Pinterest for some home remedies for the stench. The first option I found was cat liter. So I poured it into a bowl, placed it in the case, and let it sit for 2 days. It didn't work. So then I was on to solution #2, baking soda. So I did the same with the baking soda, and it worked! There is still barely a scent, but most of it is gone. 

Once I got the smell out, I wanted to make it smell good, so I placed some t bags in it, and let it air out. 

Now my train case is all fixed up and ready to be taken on adventures!

Until next time, stay beautiful!

Love, 

Theresa

I'm Sew In Love!!

I know, I know, the title is cheesy, but that's me, I'm cheesy, deal with it!

Hello vintage lovers, today I thought I would share with you all one of my latest cool antique finds; a vintage sewing machine. I am sew in love with it! (get it? hehe) 

I was actually quite surprised to have fallen in love with this item because it is from the seventies, and I'm more of a forties/fifties girl, but it's honestly so adorable I don't know how anyone could not fall in love with it!

It is a Signature jr, so it was designed to be used by children, but whatever, I'm still a child at heart! <3  Anyways it came in great condition. I plugged it into the wall and that was it! My only problem is I need to get a new needle for it, because it requires a very very tiny one, but other than that nothing else. 

It came in this adorable case too. :)

And it still had the manual with it. 

I'm sew excited to start using it! Who knows, maybe some diys using it in the future!

Love,

Theresa