Sunday, November 27, 2011

Wanna See My Drawers?

For several years, now, the library table in our living room basically has looked like this at Christmas.


Boring, eh? (Please pardon the crappy photo.) But, by the time I had finished decorating everything else in the house, I never had the energy or desire to do anything with this table. The family photos are featured there all year round and I'd basically just add a few Snowbabies and bottle brush trees and move on.

So, this year I started my decorating with the library table. I wanted to use all the family photos in the vignette I created. The centerpiece of the display was this fabulous two-drawer oak file cabinet I purchased at an estate sale this summer--for $2. I'd been using it to display a few of my folding cameras.



~*~*~*~
Quick side story:  This piece was buried in the garage of the estate sale under a greasy, filthy old gasoline can. It was coated in a thick layer of dust and grime and had spider eggs and cobwebs hanging from it like tinsel. Because I'm terrified of spiders, I nearly hyperventilated just thinking about picking it up. I could see a price tag of $50 on it. But, I mustered the courage to look past the spider eggs and saw the $50 crossed out and $2 written next to it. You betcha I can overcome a phobia for a bargain like that!
~*~*~*~
With the drawers of the file cabinet open, I filled it with goodies: doilies that my grandmother and I crocheted, vintage lace trim, glass knobs, vintage frames, photographs, vintage jewelry, bottle brush trees and vintage Christmas ornaments. Some of the larger photographs now sit on top of the cabinet. I added a few Snowbabies around the tabletop. Underneath it all, I laid a large tablecloth my grandmother crocheted for me.







Now that I see it all put together, I wish I'd have done this years ago. Ah, well. Better late than never.

Make it a great day!

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , ,

35 comments:

  1. soho stitchNovember 28, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Your inspiration is a wonderful 'story' now - no longer a display. It looks beautiful..... like a treasure chest of memories in beautiful and cherished objects. Thanks for visiting my blog... couldn't resist paying a return visit. It was wonderful thank you... had a giggle, enjoyed your projects and got some wonderful ideas.... look forward to seeing more.:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. DebbiedoosNovember 28, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Hi Ann! That is gorgeous inspiration. I love those sort of treasure displays. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Wow! I love it! I just may have to copy this! It is really stunning! I'm visiting from Debbiedoo's Newbie party!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRNovember 28, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Ann, what an awesome vignette! So creative! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. April DNovember 28, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    It is absolutely WONDERFUL! So much to see. I think you did well to overcome your spider phobia...great piece!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shortbread and GingerNovember 28, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Its absolutely lovely - great job! So much to look at.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  7. SherryNovember 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    What a lovely display - as you say, better late than never. I can't believe what a fantastic bargain your two drawer cabinet was - I think I would have overcome my phobia of spiders for that sort of discount too!! Thanks for sharing x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cottage and BroomeNovember 28, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Beautiful, I love the new display! It has such a wonderful vintage feel, love all the little touches you added. Laura

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownNovember 28, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Hi Ann! this is so creative! I just love how everything is spilling out of the drawers! Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my wreath - it's much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Helen and her DaughtersNovember 29, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    Wow, that is really beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeNovember 29, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    I can't tell you how excited I am about this idea!! I don't have a great box like that (2.00??? Wow!!!) but I have a few small tables with little drawers and I am SO pinning these pics to copy your great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  12. hidden art of homemakingNovember 29, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    this is such a great idea...I love the way it looks with all of your collections spilling out of the drawers..thanks for the inspiration....I have some old sewing machine drawers and never knew what to do with them..until now...such a good idea...
    Mona

    ReplyDelete
  13. Curtains in My TreeNovember 29, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    I love finding tresures at estate sale buried like you did under other things that no body else wanted becasuse they are dirty.
    Your new display is wonderful and I love the family pictures included

    ReplyDelete
  14. Elegant EconomiesNovember 29, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    How gorgeous is that! Your drawers are lovely! New follower.
    Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  15. Town and Country GalsNovember 29, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Ann,
    Wow, what a difference! Sometimes we just have to look at things with a new "eye"! I did the same thing this year to a couple of spots that I always seem to leave the same. Love everything spilling out of the drawers, very holidayish! Thanks for visiting!
    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fishtail CottageNovember 30, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Hi there! I just posted the final giveaway Celebrating Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary gifts!!! Wanted to invite you back over to enter this and any other giveaways’ you missed! http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/fishtail-cottage-giveaway-19a-pinch-of.html
    ~tracie

    ReplyDelete
  17. GenevaNovember 30, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    How smart of you to start your decorating with this table. It's so pretty, and your entire family will enjoy it. Wonderful idea!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasNovember 30, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Perfection Ann! This is beautiful!! Love all the layering and the memories!

    Lou Cinda

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mikey FullerNovember 30, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Fabulous! What a great way to showcase your family history, too!

    Now Following!

    ~mikey @ shabby french cottage
    www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rosemary@villabarnesNovember 30, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    LOL I love your post title as much a the awesome vignettes you put together.

    ReplyDelete
  21. LVNovember 30, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I enjoyed visiting and seeing all your vintage treasures. Nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  22. time worn interiorsNovember 30, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Those drawers are interesting, makes me want to root around in them! hahahaha!
    tot

    ReplyDelete
  23. Doll in the Looking GlassNovember 30, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Such a lovely display. If only the original owners of the file drawers could see the transformation! Thanks for sharing with us at the Bunny Hop.

    Debra

    ReplyDelete
  24. DeborahNovember 30, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Lovely transformation. What a great idea you had to make your thrifty find the centerpiece. Thansk for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  25. MichelleDecember 1, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    I love the way you have the pictures and lace arranged - it's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  26. cJoyDecember 1, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Wow! Great transformation. If there's an award for best use of a frog I'm sure you would get it - it looks just like a snowflake.

    ReplyDelete
  27. ChristieDecember 1, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    I love love love this creative way that you displayed all of the vintage pictures and Christmas treasures :) It's beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
    Big hugs,
    Queenie

    ReplyDelete
  28. Bunny JeanDecember 1, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Hi Ann! What a fantastic deal you got on that little file... spider eggs and all, lol.

    I love how you have used it in your display. It is a plethora of family memories!

    Thanks for sharing this at my Bunny Hop party. Don't forget to take a look at my month long Christmas Pet Parade :)

    xoxo Bunny Jean

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ruth...Time Was AntiquesDecember 1, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    What a fun post and collection! So pretty and unusual. Well done, you!
    Cheers!
    R

    ReplyDelete
  30. DoniDecember 1, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    OH what LOVELY goodies you have!!! You did not only a great job in finding that piece and overcoming your phobia (which I share with you!!), but in decorating that little treasure to be stunning!!!
    Thanks so much for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!! I'm so excited to have you!
    Blessings, Doni

    ReplyDelete
  31. KarenDecember 1, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Ann that is a beautiful vignette, such a great idea. I came over from My wonderfully Made and am now a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownDecember 1, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Beautiful idea. Really has a treasured feel. Thank you for linking up with us!

    ReplyDelete
  33. saltbox
    treasures    December 1, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Love your drawers!! What a wonderful display item!
    ~ Julie

    ReplyDelete
  34. Honey at 2805December 2, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I adore your drawers! They are displayed so beautifully! I must get some drawers as I don't have any! ;)

    Thank you for linking your lovely idea to Potpourri Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  35. PauletteDecember 20, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    What a beautiful display of your family and thrift treasures. Your grandmother made you a stunning tablecloth, she was very talented from the look of the tablecloth. Thanks for visiting my blog and telling me about your family treasures. Loved it ♥

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)