Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Vintage Jars Add Charm to Antique Toolbox


The spring weather this year has been about as strange as I can remember. Late snows and cooler-than-normal temperatures caused everything to get a late start. But, despite the odd weather, the volume of blooms on my Knockout roses are thick and intense.


Last week, I showed you the primitive handmade wooden tool box I purchased at an estate sale. For now, I decided to dress it up with some of my vintage jars and roses from my garden. It now sits pretty on my dining room window seat.


I have an eclectic collection of vintage jars and bottles that seemed a perfect pairing for the rustic tool box.


My grandmother had jars similar to the painted pair with flower decals. I was tickled pink to find this distressed pair at an estate sale a couple of years ago. Displaying them brings back such wonderful memories of summer days on my grandparents' farm.









Simple. Sweet. Charming.

Make it a great day!
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Friday, June 7, 2013

Vintage Finds Are My Cup of Tea



It's been a while since I've shared any of my estate and thrift finds. For the past several weeks, I've been on a mission to find teacups and saucers and teapots. My son and his fiance plan to plant succulents in them and use them in their wedding reception centerpieces. These are just a few of the beauties I've picked up for them at thrift stores and estate sales.

While on the look out for tea cups, I've come across a few goodies for myself.




This stately handmade, primitive tool caddy, found at an estate sale, is so versatile. It would look charming filled with plants in the summer. I'm thinking it will also look totally stunning all dressed up for the winter holidays. Judging by the couple of holes drilled in the bed of the box, the previous owner must have hung it on the wall. That's a wonderful option, too.



My son and his fiance have joined the pig craze. Rather, I like to think they were ahead of that trend, though, as they are both Arkansas Razorback alums who have been collecting and decorating with hogs for years. Have you ever seen the Arkansas Razorback? I can't look at that adorable mascot without smiling.

Hubby and I found this well-used cast iron bacon press from Taylor and NG at a recent junk fair. From what I could find online, it appears this heavy-duty device was made in the 1970s. Now, it's enjoying a new home in Texas, alongside our son's other interesting pig pieces.



I found this fun 1950s beverage cooler at an estate sale. Nothing like a little kiltie to liven up a picnic! I forgot to take a "before" picture. "Before" what? Before elbow grease. This sweet thing was so covered with dust and grime, that the color barely showed through and for the first instant I saw it, I thought it was a gasoline can. The layer of dirt was so thick I couldn't tell what condition it was in.

It had a pricetag of $5 and even if it were beat up a bit, I knew it would be worth it. Surprise, surprise! The outside has some slight age-related wear, but no serious scratches and no dents. When I opened the lid, I was delighted to find that the inside looked as if it had never been used.


Hubby struck pay dirt at the junk fair, too. He found this beautiful mid-century cake carrier. It's the first blue piece in his collection. And, what a lovely blue it is! The 1950s design reminds me of Pick Up Sticks.

I have a few more finds to share, but I'll save them for another day. Happy treasure hunting this weekend.

Make it a great day!