French Figural Window

I found this window a couple of weeks ago.  Unlike my faux etched windows, this is the real deal.  I spotted it on a dealer's truck before it was unloaded and could only see the top portion of it.  It was love at first sight.  I bought it on the spot. 

It stands about five feet high and about two feet wide.  The detailing is incredible and, of course, I love anything with French details.  I put it in front of the hedge in our front walkway to see what it would look like and I love seeing the foliage through the window.

I have no place to put it in my own house so off to Aubergine Emporium it went.  I hope it finds a good home very soon.

This might be my find of the year, and it's only February.

Thanks for your visit.

I may be partying at...


Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style   Ivy and Elephants
                         My Salvaged Treasures
                                           

Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed

Simple Economics

Last Saturday I went out to some local neighborhood sales and there wasn't much to be found.  I did, however, find an old treadle sewing machine that was on it's last legs.  It wasn't worth refinishing and really all I wanted was the drawers.

Then I looked at it a little closer.  The seller was asking $20 for the whole thing.  I thought the bottom metal was interesting and it had some nice detailed trim on it as well.  I also figured in the shape it was in, I could easily take it apart.  Here it is on the back of my truck bed.  It took me about an hour to unscrew everything, and I only had to discard about four of the wood pieces.

Here is the net effect of my find.  There were six drawers which I can sell for approximately $20 each.  People like to purchase the drawers.  The bottom metal part with the pedal will be turned into a coffee table or a bench.  Not sure which, but I can price that at at least $90.  I can sell the wheel for another $25, the carved pieces for probably $20 for all three of the pieces.  I also have three pieces of wood for sign painting and the very top with the opening for the machine will become a chalkboard with some hooks and some decorative molding applied which I will price around $49.  This makes this a fabulous interesting find.

A couple of months ago I found a stripped box spring with about 50 springs for $10.  That was more challenging to dismantle, but I have sold at least 10 of the individual springs for $5 each.  It did take a lot of elbow grease to dismantle that, but the end result was well worth it, and I still have plenty of springs left to sell.  Next time you come across some interesting pieces like these, think about what the parts can yield.  If you are a dealer like myself, people like the repurposed items.  I love them too.

Thanks for visiting.
I may be partying at...


    
                                    
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                     Common Ground
                           
          

Architectual Finds

I know I always write about how helpful my husband is, and, once again, I will give him credit for these fantastic finds.  Yard sales have been slim to none lately with none leading the pack.  On Friday, my husband told me about a sale in an area I never ever go to and I let him know I never drive that far for a yard sale.  It was a whole six blocks outside of my route.  Well, Saturday none was winning again, so I put the address of the sale into my GPS and off I went.  I found even more things but you will get a good feel for the great stuff I found.

These two arched windows are not old but look great and were just the kind of thing I was searching for.  The horse is wood and metal and this little cabinet is incredibly cute.  It's made of old wood and has a ceiling tin door and a glass door knob.  Love it!!!!!  That little garden angel is not old either but he's adorable especially wearing this cement crown that I also found.

I found six of these white ceiling tins and then this fabulous green moulding with incredible patina and there were lots of odds and ends of beautiful hooks and small chippy pieces of wood with great hardware attached.  And last but not least were these two metal reindeer.  I might take them into the shop now and put them on one of my high shelves.  You never know, someone with a mountain cabin might want to purchase them now.  So once again, I have to give a big shout out to my wonderful husband.

Thanks for taking a peak.  Hope you all had a great weekend too.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
                                      Debbie Doo's Winter Knock Off Party

Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best

Vintage Rustic Tole Tray

Happy New Year everyone.  I hope your holidays were happy and bright.  Our family had a wonderful Christmas and Santa is bringing me exactly what I wanted although I have to wait until June to unwrap the bundle of joy that my daughter and son-in-law will be welcoming.  It is my first grandchild and I can hardly wait!  I actually cried in the baby aisle when I was picking out a couple of stocking stuffers.  Of course, they were tears of joy.

In the meantime, I photographed a new piece of furniture that I finished over my week off, but I decided to re-take the photos and show you tomorrow so today I will share this beautiful vintage rustic tole tray that I found a couple of weeks ago.   

 I love hand painted things and the detail in these apples is exquisite.  The tray has seen better days, but there is something very charming about it.

 I only wish I could paint like this.  I bet you can't guess what this tray was made from so I just better go ahead and tell you.

I believe it was painted on an old professional baking sheet, one of those heavy duty kinds.  It just goes to show you, a real artist can paint on any surface and the results are just as beautiful.

Here's to wishing you all a Happy New Year and wishing you wonderful things in the coming year.

Antique Medical Cabinet

It's that time of year when things are difficult to find, but I managed to scoop up this adorable antique medical cabinet.  This is the real deal, and I instantly fell in love with it.

It still has the original beveled glass cabinet door, lots of fabulous crazing and the perfect amount of patina.  This little beauty is all metal and has retained all of its lovely parts including this drawer to hold vials.

It's definitely been around for a very long time.

The lid is removable.

It probably started life in a small doctor's office.

Pure industrial strength beauty, don't you think?

Thanks so much for taking a peak.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best

Antique Panels Reinvented

I bought these panels at the flea market a  couple of months ago.  They were wood and in really rough shape.  As you can see they are not a perfect match because parts of them had fallen off, but I'm a sucker for anything even remotely resembling an architectural element.

 

 At the end of the post you'll see what they started out as, but my husband painted them and put a dark stain over them and I think he did a great job.  These would be great on either side of a double doorway but Pat, the owner of our shop at Aubergine Emporium, came up with a totally brilliant idea.  They can be used on the sides of a bed.  Drill a hole through them, and attach a beautiful wall sconce like below.  My wall sconces are pretty simple but imagine one dripping with crystals in an antique French surrounding.  Tres magnifique if you ask me.  Can't you just see the sparkle of the lighting and the crystals?  Too bad we are not redoing our bedroom.

 So here is one of the panels before the makeover.  These are actually the sides of an old antique armoire.  Thanks to my husband, they are much sturdier and ready for duty wherever they end up.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best

Fabulous Finds and Mod Podge Transfer Instructions

Sunday I went to my favorite flea market and I found some great finds including two vintage scales, but unfortunately I already took most of them to the shop and forgot to take pictures of them.  I did, however, keep these to put on my website.  No it's not ready yet, but it will be soon.

First of all, I found this adorable little toy telephone.  I have never found one of these before and I researched the sold listings on Ebay.  The pink phones seem to be more rare so I think I will do all right with this purchase.  I think this predates my childhood because I don't remember these at all.  No, I won't share which decade that was but it was a long time ago.

Notice no zip code after East Hampton, Connecticut, so we know it predates zip codes.  I think this is so cute for a toy collector.

Now for my next favorite item (well, I was equally smitten with both of these) is this incredible seltzer bottle.  It's etched and it's beautiful!

It just so happens we visited Dublin this summer so it is especially dear to my heart.  I love the clover border and the etching is really detailed.  I have not researched this manufacturer yet, but I think this was a wonderful find.

There are some wonderful details all over this bottle.  Don't you agree?

I have gotten three emails so far asking me about the transfer method I used on my Paris Tea Cart so I have written out detailed instructions which I am including here.  In the next couple of weeks I will do a photographic tutorial of this process.  Time just didn't permit this week.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mod Podge Transfer Method

Select an image and make a laser copy image.  If you take your image to the Fed Ex or Kinko's or the like, they will resize your image and reverse it if you need them too.  My Fed Ex store allows me to email the image to them and it is ready for pick up in a couple of hours.  If you have text on your image, be sure to reverse the lettering (mirror image).

I prefer to do this on a painted surface.  After I have painted and sanded my surface, I spray it with clear flat spray.  That seals your paint or chalk paint and makes your surface ready for the transfer.

Now cut close to your image but not right on the lines.  Coat with mod podge and place the image face down on your surface.  Smooth out with your hands to try to get out any air bubbles.  Now leave it overnight so it is thoroughly dry.

Come back the next day and take a saturated wash cloth and wet the paper.  Massage the paper with your fingertips to start removing the paper, but be careful not to remove the image.  Clean off the paper residue that has lifted and walk away.  Leave your project to dry.  Repeat this process another three or four times until you no longer see the white paper.  Each time you will see more and more of your image revealed.

When you are happy with the results, take really fine sand paper (300) and just go over everything to knock of any little paper residue that is left behind.  Be ever so gentle.  Then clear coat it with your favorite finishing spray.  Easy peasy.

My first project was my flower pots.  It's an easy inexpensive test project to get the process down pat.  To view the flower pot project click here.

Happy crafting everyone.  Embrace your inner artist every day.  We all have one residing in our souls.  It's just waiting to express itself!

 

 

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best

Vintage Slide Projector Case

Today I wanted to share with you this awesome vintage slide carrier.  I purchased this from a fellow dealer, and eventually it will be on my soon to be launched website.  I have never seen one of these in all my years of being a dealer of vintage items.

 On first glance, I thought it was a vintage overnight case, or train case as we called them when I was growing up.

 But open the door, and, voila, there are three little drawers that pull out and you can store you slides.  It is complete with a numbering system.

 I usually don't get excited about things I find except when they are truly unique and I think this item is.  It's also in remarkably good condition.  Have you ever seen one?  I haven't.

Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy your day.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style   
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best

Luncheon For Two

Today I put together a sweet luncheon table for two in pink and white.  I used some vintage china layered a top my green leaf plates and gold chargers.  I know the gold chargers are somewhat passe, but I like to add a pop of gold for a little European elegance.

I've had these pretty little napkin rings since we moved into this house.  That was back in the day when we entertained a lot.
 

The silver is Old Master by Towle.  It was my mother's pattern.  It's timeless and beautiful to this day.  The place mats were purchased at Home Goods and the stemware came from Anthropologie via a gift card for my birthday last year.  I do love the etched glass.  Very vintage in feel.  I would like to think mom was with me today to help me set the table.  She loved pink and white china.

This tablescape  is composed of several different greens, but they all blend beautifully.  The flowers were placed in an old biscuit jar I found at a flea market.  It is missing its lid.  That is the condition it was found in.  I always intended to use it for floral arrangements and that's exactly what I did today.

The tablecloth was an old white on white velvet shawl.  So pretty and feminine.  Would you care to join me?  I hate to dine alone.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          The House in the Roses       Debbie Doos         The Graphics Fairy
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Tutus and Tea Parties       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage   
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style           Primp         Faded Charm Cottage            
                                     Fine Craft Guild     It's So Very Cheri Bloghop     Ivy and Elephants
Thursdays        Embracing Change     The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Tablescape Thursday
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    At the Picket Fence     Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Decorating Insanity
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Button Button, Who's Got the Button

Is it just me, or does anyone else see the endless possibilities with a garland like this?  Look closer in the bottom photo of how this was done.  I spotted this in my friend Laura's space.  She always brings in true vintage and this is definitely the real deal.  This could be great for a Christmas garland in all whites or silvers or a combo.  Either way this is charming and oh so creative!

 Believe me when I say I am no hand model.  I'm always sticking my hands in things a lady would never venture into, but, after all, that's the job of a DIYer like myself and somebody has to do it.  Right?  At any rate, I wanted to get a close up of how this garland was constructed.  These are flat vintage buttons with a shank on them and the thread was just threaded through with clear small beads in between.  Now see where the buttons look two-sided or back to back?  They simply threaded one button one way and the next button the opposite way and since the buttons are flat they rested against each other.  Some buttons were doubled up and some were not.  Either way, this is a fun sweet little garland, and if I had grandchildren instead of grandkittens, I would let them try a project like this.  It's that easy.  I know my daughters read my blog and I do love my grandkittens, but seriously.