Motley Junket

Valentine wreath ~

2012-01-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a sneezy headache stuffy head kind of day. Around 2:30, I laid down for a nap which ended up being a looooooong nap. As a result, I could not get to sleep last night! So I stayed up late and did some crafting and pricing of inventory.

I decided to make another wreath for Valentine's Day using vintage red velveteen ribbon, a big chunky wreath form and old book pages.

I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped the red ribbon around the wreath form securing it with hot glue here and there as I went. This is not difficult, but does take a little while. I made a bunch of spiral rosettes out of antique dictionary pages and attached with hot glue to the ribbon wrapped wreath form.

Here's the final product.....

To create a wreath hanger on the back, I looped a small length of ribbon and secured it to the wreath from with two T pins.

The whole project probably took a good hour and a half. The rosettes are very time consuming!

Linking up to the Be Mine Bonanza with At Home with K.

You will find tons of inspiration and fun crafts for Valentine's Day there!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

the story of my paperwhites ~

2012-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas of 2010.

I get up at the crack of dawn on December 26 to do my annual day-after-Christmas clearance shopping.

First stop.

Target.

Oh how I love Target the day after Christmas!

I spy paperwhite bulb kits for 50% off.

I buy two kits.

I've always wanted to force paperwhites inside in January.

They are so pretty.

And will certainly liven up the house during the grey dreary months of winter.

I have a conversation with my friend Beth who proceeds to tell me they stink.

What?

Paperwhites stink?

I've never heard that before, I say.

She insists they stink.

I grow my paperwhites anyway.

In a nice galvanized bucket.

Even though I have a black thumb, I decide to try.

They grow and grow.

I have to tie them up because they get so big and tall.

And then they bloom.

Oh the sweet petite white blooms!

And then one day it happens.

I'm walking through the kitchen and there it is.

Some sort of strange smell.

Kind of like trash.

Or something rotten in the garbage disposal.

Yep, it was my pretty, sweet paperwhites stinking up my house!

Who knew?

I call my mother-in-law who is a Master Gardener.

She says, oh yes, paperwhites have a very distinct smell about them.

I would definitely describe that smell as distinct!

Poor paperwhites, they had to go!

I just couldn't take the smell.

But Keely rescued them and took them home to enjoy the remainder of their prettiness.

Maybe my nose is just sensitive?

My husband didn't mind it and Keely didn't seem to notice it either.

What's your take?

Do you think paperwhites stink?

Just curious!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

vintage chair ~

2012-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

The mister and I ventured out on Sunday for a day of junking in unchartered territory. We love those days.......we sort of have an idea where we're headed, and of course, we use the internet to print off a list of possible junking sites, but once we get going we never know where we'll actually end up!

We got a late start and only had time to browse a few "new to us" antique stores before it got dark and foggy and it was time to head on home. We found a few neat things and it felt good to spend money at a mom and pop shop. The small businesses out there really need all of our support!

I found this vintage chair on one of our stops. I loved the lines and original paint and thought I could spruce it up with a new seat cover. Here it as after its makeover.....

I chose this fresh fun emerald green and white damask fabric to modernize it a little bit

I'm planning on taking it to the booth tomorrow, so it will soon be available for sale!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

more dollar store roses ~

2012-01-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to show you what I did with the remainder of the soap roses I picked up at the dollar store. You may recall, I used all the white roses to fill my new trencher.

I also bought 10 packages of the pink ones and used them in my IKEA lanterns that are sitting on my coffee table....

I just love that shade of pink! It's not too too bubble gummy and not too peachy either. It's just right! I think it should be called "farmhouse pink"!

Just for giggles, I uploaded this shot from my camera.....

As I was taking pictures of the lanterns, I backed up and fell backwards over the ottoman! I guess I forgot it was there! This picture must have snapped as I was tumbling over! Ha! Made me laugh when I was loading the photos onto my computer!! No worries.....no injuries!!

I filled one of my kitchen jars with some roses too.........

some heart shaped marshmallows and Trader Joe meringues are filling the other two jars.

and I just love my #3 cow tag I purchased at Factory and Farmhouse Furnishings in Clintonville....

Thanks for visiting! Hope you had a good start to your week!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

vintage linens ~

2012-01-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Mickey and I went to an auction and got our hands on a TON of vintage linens! I was excited because they are just so hard to find anymore. Yesterday I washed, starched and pressed a total of 66 vintage hankies.....they are all available at my booth now ranging in price from .25 cents to $5 each. Here is a photo of them all piled up waiting to be laundered.....

These are all the colorful ones. I have two drying racks currently loaded with all the white and cream ones. Hoping to get them all ironed and ready to go tomorrow!

Today I worked on this stack of vintage cuties.....

I have them all sorted and priced and plan to drop them off at the mall tomorrow. In the meantime, I thought a little sneak peak might be nice!

A few of them are in mint condition and appear to have never been used. But many of them show their history and wear with stains and discolorations. The prices reflect their condition.

I'm on the fence about the poodle one......it's definitely funky, but maybe a little creepy too. I love the bones wrapped in bows, but those doggy eyes are just a little too intense!!

These last two are quite unique with their fun little images.....

The prices range anywhere from $2 up to $8 a piece. Again, I'll drop them off at the mall tomorrow, Booth C004

Aren't they fun? Vintage linens are an affordable way to add that little touch of vintage whimsy to your kitchen, bath, or laundry room. They are also a very fun thing to collect! Some of these make me want to start a new collection, but I think I'll stick with my collection obsession with vintage pillowcases!!

Any questions, send me a comment or email!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

shop local at Lolaleigh ~

2012-01-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

There is a fun shop in its third year of business in Lancaster, Ohio called Lolaleigh. Here is a glimpse of the sweet cozy space and shop owner, Terice.

Lolaleigh specializes in children's clothing, most of which is handmade by Terice. The colors, the ruffles and the prints and design combinations are all so playful and whimsical! When you walk in, you just feel enveloped in sweetness!

I met Terice about 6 years ago when I first started my booth. She and I were set up in the same antique mall, and I was always oogling over her stuff! In addition to being an excellent and creative seamstress, she also knows how to reupholster furniture, as evident on the damask settee above! I bought my favorite custom drapes from her that you can see in this old post of mine.

She and her daughter started their business a few years ago in a perfect little storefront in the quaint historic district of downtown Lancaster. Isn't it wonderful to see a successful entrepreneurial woman realizing her dream and doing what she loves every day?!?!

I walked around her shop and snapped photos of her creations and wares.....

Vintage suitcases overflow with cute things for your little girls and boys....

I purchased two of these handmade satin rosette pins that were crafted by a local artisan....

I picked this one in the prettiest muted mustard color and another one in grey and white. love.

Lola Leigh also sells fabric by the yard. Cute, sweet, sassy fabric designs!

I picked out this one for a chair seat I'm working on currently.

If you find yourself in the Lancaster area, plan on stopping by Terice's shop, Lolaleigh. You won't miss it....her storefront is painted with bright cheerful oranges and yellows and just draws you in! If you have babies, you will be in love with everything inside! Or pick up a gift for an expectant mama. Or you might just find a little something for yourself!

For store hours and address, visit Lolaleigh on-line here.

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

rose filled trencher ~

2012-01-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I thought I would pop in today to share one of my favorite Christmas gifts! I have been on the hunt for the "perfect" dough bowl / trencher forever! I see them all the time when we're out antiquing, but generally, they are well out of my price range, and I had never found "the one". My criteria included it's size - it had to be big in scale, it's patina - it had to be weathered and worn and authentically old, it's condition - it did not have to be perfect, it's color - it had to be raw wood not stained or painted, and of course it's price - it had to be affordable!

The day before Christmas, we popped in to Heritage Square Antique Mall where our booths are located with the in-laws to do some browsing. I had seen this trencher tucked into the corner of a booth a while back and we decided to pull it out and see if it passed the test. The vendor happened to come in as we were looking it over and offered a great discount to us. I loved it so Mickey decided he would get it for me for Christmas! :-)

I have left it empty because I almost could not bear to cover any of that wood. But I've been gussying up this place for Valentine's Day and I thought I'd fill it with soap roses from the dollar store.

The soap roses are available at Dollar Tree and they are perfect for simple sweet romantic {and cheap} Valentine's decor. I bought twenty packages in white and a soft muted pink. I used all ten packages of the white to fill my trencher.

In addition to being pretty, they smell good too!

You can see it's cracked and worm-holed and beat-up but it's raw simplicity is just right.

It's the perfect addition to my dining room. I look forward to getting creative and filling it with various things for the changing seasons.

I have used the pink dollar store roses in other parts of the house, and I'll plan on sharing those ideas soon. Until then....

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

linking up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Valentine's booth

2012-01-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

With joyful hearts, we bring you our Valentine's Day collection at our Motley Junket booth at Heritage Square Antique Mall (B002)!

Us girls had a fun day starting with a big old Bob Evans breakfast. We then spent a few hours fluffing the booth with two loads of inventory. Every nook and cranny of our little booth space got some much needed attention!

When arriving, you are greeted by a mannequin modeling the CUTEST retro vintage dress straight out of the 1970's! Keely added a handmade paper ~love~ banner to her also!

Lots of lovely gold and black accessories with vintage valentines mixed in for fun....

Throughout the booth, you will find three amazingly ruffled crinolines tucked in here and there. Here's the blue one nestled into a basket....

a vintage pink bowl is overflowing with vintage honeycomb hearts...

This ever-so-shabby shelf is new to the booth today. We set it on top of a fabulous chippy white farm table and layered in the accessories including vintage valentines, petal pink frames, and so much more! Under the table, there's a laundry basket lined in a Simply Shabby Chic tablecloth and filled with tons of vintage honeycomb bells!

In this corner, a pink tree (not for sale, sorry, Keely's little girls would kill us!) is filled with sparkly cherub ornaments. We used another one of those ruffly crinolines as the tree skirt!! There's a vintage slip in the prettiest blush color, alabaster lamp, chippy old ceiling tiles, ornate frames and tons of smalls!

More creamy chippy pieces stacked and layered....

Great assortment of vintage valentines!!

vintage bridal doll in plastic dome case....

industrial bin, industrial drawers labelled D and E respectively, lovebird, bag of cool plastic letters fill the vintage store display rack....

We are always trying to fill our big branch with something festive! It adds so much height and interest to our little booth! This time, I made big pink pom-poms to bring it to life! We also created a BE MINE heart garland that spans the width of our booth. The garland is for sale, and I also individually priced the leftover BE MINE heart cards so you can make your own banner or craft project! You can also see the cool weathered old feed sign hanging Keely found!

Keely found this great old leaded glass window and uber chippy ballot box. I brought in three old red railroad lanterns....

Our french provincial cabinet moved out front and displays a sweet assortment of floral dishes and other "lovely" accessories for Valentines....

See that other pink ruffly crinoline up there?

Oh the sweet pink ruffles!!

Inside the cabinet.....

set of 4 old ironstone transferware plates with pink flowers and tons of crazing

Throughout the booth, we strung this garland I made from old cash register paper tape handstamped with love.....

This collection is as motley as we can get I think! From big ruffly crinolines to industrial bins to sweet floral plates to massive candy store scales to sweet vintage valentines to old metal feed signs to windows to honeycomb bells! Love it all! It all makes me smile! I hope it makes you smile too!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

reusable french shopping bags ~

2012-01-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

I made a visit to TJ Maxx today at the urging of a friend who had told me they had a grand assortment of french soaps. She was so right and of course I plopped a couple into my cart along with some bamboo drawer organizers. I tell you, I am determined to get some things organized around here!

As I was winding through the check-out line area, I spied a big rack freshly stocked with a variety of reusable shopping bags. As my eyes briefly glanced at all the tacky patterns, colors and prints that typically embellish the reusable shopping bags, they then landed on some french goodness that made me a little swoony......

Finally! A stylish french graphic gracing the reusable shopping bag! And just 99 cents each!!

Gotta love TJ Maxx!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

vintage girl vintage guy ~

2012-01-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

"My other booth" got mixed up a little over the weekend! I decided to step outside my comfort zone of my typical booth aesthetic of shabby chippy girlie goodness. Mickey had some old things he had collected over time that he wanted to sell so a theme of "vintage girl vintage guy" was born.

This old gentleman's wardrobe (SOLD) was the main inspiration for "vintage guy". The mirrors are perfectly foxed. I just love its lines. Just $80. Above it, we hung an antique bevel glass mirror and two old curved glass framed photographs on each side. The grey pillars resting on top of the wardrobe are old, cement, and possess just the right patina. The pillars are $75 each.

This vintage easel that I painted with chalkboard paint announces our theme....

In the "vintage girl" corner, we hung clotheslines across the pegboard with a vintage Alfred Shaheen dress, a vintage modern grey polyester shirt, and a vintage faux fur winter coat. The old dress form is modeling a grey vintage cashmere coat (SOLD), black and white polka dot vintage blouse, and a sweet ruffly tulle crinoline.

The "vintage guy" corner includes this funky retro men's jacket....

And for the professional, a very vintage brown, orange, and white plaid polyester jacket, brown wide collar shirt, and a vintage tie completes the ensemble.

There's only a handful of the vintage gas station letters remaining, but I was able to spell HIS. Just $4 each.

Pair of vintage card catalogs....I did have to add new knobs so I chose these french clocks to give them some french flair.

Big jars filled with old billiard balls (large balls SOLD) and yard game balls (balls SOLD) (balls and jars sold separately).

Fun old restroom sign (SOLD) and an almost vintage Volkswagen Beetle radio/CD player.

Cute old books and pamphlets for the handy man.

vintage hockey skates.

lots of manly toolboxes, bins, drawers, and carriers piled up under this table.

old battery jar filled with deer sheds.

unique old printers plate.....instant artwork. (SOLD)

As you can see here in this photo of the whole booth, there's still plenty of other treasures too!

It's a new year and I thought it would be fun to veer off the beaten path and switch things up a little bit. And you know what? It was fun!

Keely and I will be working at the shop later this week to reset our Motley Junket booth. If you're itching for some pink, romantic, frilly, valentiney goodness, we'll likely be able to oblige your fancies!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

2011 ~

2012-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

2011 is over. And thank goodness for that. Actually, if I were to pick a word for 2012, I'd pick....

over.

Simply because I'm over 2011. I'm over all the frustrations and heartbreaks and sadness and confusion that 2011 entailed. 2011 was overrated.

But 2011 did have some sweetness to it. I looked back through the blog archive to see if there was any aspect of last year that I had documented here that brought me some joy. And you know what? Despite my lack of posts, I did manage to capture a few moments and projects that brought me such happiness.

Those bits of sunshine though my skies were grey.

Keely and I participated in the Rural Society Antique and Garden Show in May. It was our first venue. We met some great new friends and sold quite a bit of our stuff!

I finally finished our bedroom makeover in October. That might give you an idea of how my year went. We started the bedroom makeover in January. Yep. Longest room re-do in history!!

Mickey and I got to go on a little vacation for the first time in a looooooong time in October. We headed North a few hours to Medina, Ohio and Amish Country for 5 days. We did a ton of buying for the shop and had a nice, relaxing time. As I look at this photo, I cringe at the sight of that hair on my head. BUT, it does bring me another warm and fuzzy moment of 2011! I reunited with a long, lost hairstylist that I had been searching for for the past 7 years! She had moved, I had moved and I'd had no luck locating her. After this bad haircut over the summer, I was pining over cute hairdos on Pinterest. I decided to post one of those pins to my facebook page with the comment "how can I make this happen?" One of my girlfriends commented and said that she thought her girl could do it. Believe it or not, her girl was my long, lost girl!! Kismet!! My hair is now back to a state of public viewing!!

In July, I started "my other booth" at Heritage Square Antique Mall. Instead of calling it "my other booth" forever, I do have a name picked out and will share that soon, along with some other news.

My in-laws came to stay with us for the holidays. It was so nice to have them here! My mother-in-law brought loads of Christmas cookies and treats, we spent a day in the Short North doing some shopping, and had our first "Christmas Eve Eve" party. Who knows, maybe that will become a family tradition?!?

Also, my Mom celebrated her 75th birthday in August. She has struggled through some serious health issues and scares over the past several years and 2011 was her toughest year yet. But, by the grace of God, we found a facility and people who care and love us both and treat us like family. That, my friends, is the shiny silver lining of 2011.

We celebrated her milestone day with these beautiful cupcakes made by my friend Olivia of O So Yummy Cakes.

I guess when I look back through all these memories from last year, I realize that "over" really is a good word for 2012.

Because I'm overjoyed that my Mom has stabilized and is more comfortable under the care of hospice.

I'm overflowing with ideas and optimism for this year.

I'm over-the-moon happy at the thought of dreams and doing and discovering.....

until next time.....

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

coffee filter wreath ~

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

Can't believe it finally made it here, but thank goodness it did!

Like the rest of you, I have been in full swing house mode......organizing, cleaning, getting the Christmas decor put away......and with that comes inspiration and creativity and the need to craft!

Yesterday I woke early and had a few crafty things listed on my TO DO list so I took advantage of the quiet free time. I had used coffee filters to make oversized rosettes on my Christmas packages and they were still laying out on my craft table. They beckoned me to make something pretty. I had a styrofoam wreath form in my craft closet too. After rummaging about my ribbon stash, I felt I had the supplies to create a coffee filter wreath and here it is......

I did not take photos as I was working, but let me just tell you, this was easy! Aside from a few glue gun injuries and being so time-consuming, it's a snap!

You will need:

lots of wide ribbon.....I used cream velvet

a styrofoam wreath form

lots of coffee filters

a glue gun and LOTS of glue

another short length of ribbon to use as your hanger

How to make it:

wrap your wreath form with your wide ribbon. I used hot glue here and there to secure it.

start hot glueing your coffee filters in place. I scrunched the filter (it's not rocket science, just scrunch it any old way you like). Flatten out the bottom a little bit. Cover the flatted bottom part with hot glue and stick it on the styrofoam wreath form. To make it nice and full, place them as close together as possible. And remember, you can always go back later and fill in wherever you need to! Be careful with that glue gun.....it gets hot, hot, hot!! Next time, I am definitely wearing a thimble........possibly on each finger!!

add your hanger ribbon by hot glueing it into place. You may need to double secure by adding a T-pin or a layer of fabric over top.

I hung it on my shabby old pink chalkboard and added an inspiring quote underneath.

Loved this project!

It's such a happy little wreath, all full and ruffly! It reminds me of a live carnation wreath, but it'll last forever!

Cheers to you all as this new year is before us!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

our Christmas house ~

2011-12-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

Finally sharing photos of most of our house decorated for the holidays. Lots of pictures, so I'll limit my commentary.

Welcome to our little foyer.....

Some shots from my once-formal-living-room-turned-office....

The dining room decked out with many vintage Shiny Brites....

Thanks for coming by!

Wishing each of you the happiest of holiday seasons!!

Be merry

and

keep dreaming!

Polly

life is short. eat dessert first.

2011-12-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

These are cookies! Can you believe it?

My in-laws arrived last night to spend the holidays with us, and they brought sweets! Lots and lots of sweet treats! These cookies made by my mother-in-law are amazing! She said she found the recipe and how-to in a magazine a while back and decided to try it out.

Aren't they gorgeous?

That's not all. She brought bin after bin of cookies and sweets......

Welcome to the cookie bar at the Motley Junket house!!

My sign looking down upon the smorgasbord of sweets says it all:

Life is short. Eat dessert first.

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

our tree ~

2011-12-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

We had family over last night for some Christmas cheer. My sister-in-law got a great photo of our tree, so I thought I'd share real quick. I love the effect her camera added to the tree! On a whim, I used vintage cash register tape as my garland.....kinda quirky huh?

I am planning a "Christmas House tour" post someday this week hopefully so stay tuned! We had all our carpets cleaned this morning so I am spending this evening putting the house back together.

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

more booth stuff ~

2011-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

I popped into Heritage Square today to add those sweet ornaments I posted about yesterday. While there, I took some photos of some things that are still available for sale in both booths.

I still have two accordion fold ornaments left. I made them with antique french book pages and old anagram letters....

a large vintage hanging honeycomb decoration......it has that perfect vintage patina!

a vintage sparkly silver Santa ornament........he would look awful cute dressing up a brown paper package!

this handmade angel tree topper......all feathery and glittery

a MASSIVE vintage burlap stocking

a wooden tree covered in antique music pages

Keely has two of these vintage marquis letters in E and C

a big bowl full of old old glass balls.....individually priced for sale

fabulous old collapsible wire store shelf.....rusty, crusty cool

bags and bags of vintage light bulbs......I love these filling a jar or bowl.....just $5 per bag

Keely came across these next two prints that are just sooooo loveable

and our french provincial hutch is filled with all sorts of kitschy Christmas

Thanks for coming by!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

little Christmas uniquities ~

2011-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a few old Christmas ornaments that are quite unique and so very sweet!

I am just in love with the funky color combination of fuschia, lime green and turquoise on these!

Definitely handmade. Imagine the time and patience it took!

This one is a little house shaped from old glass bead garland with a petite lime green glass ball inside.

This poor star is broken with a few pieces missing, but still sweet nonetheless.

5 little bells tied together with old tinsel.......they just don't make tinsel like that anymore!

this little guy's body is a pine cone.....he's painted in the prettiest tiffany box blue and sprinkled with sparkles

and one old milk glass Christmas house light bulb.....not sure that it still works.....probably not as it has string tied to it where someone, at some point in this bulb's life, decided to make it into an ornament

It's the little things that make me smile!

Anything make you smile lately?

P.S. These are all available for sale and will be in my booth at Heritage Square Antique Mall sometime tomorrow.

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

my frenchie Christmas tree ~

2011-12-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Still busy decking the halls!

I got my little white tree all trimmed in some of my favorite Christmas treasures to create my favorite frenchie look in the family room. I tucked the tree into one of my Restoration Hardware canvas hampers and then set about adding some sparkles, shimmer, burlap and lace.

Every "frenchie" tree must have an Eiffel Tower or two!

I added three boxes of mercury glass balls that are sooooo pretty when the light bounces off them.

and these dangling crystals cast luminescent rainbows everywhere!

vintage sparkly reindeer and a very old antique mercury glass swirl ornament there to the right....

I found three of these old birdie candy containers last year......lucky find!

Linking up to:

Kathleen's White Wednesday party

and

Michelle's Primp Your Stuff Wednesday party

Thanks for coming by today! Wishing each of you a little merry merry in your lives!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

a few favorite vintage ornaments ~

2011-12-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season!

My holiday decorating efforts are in full swing here at home. We had gorgeous weather this weekend, so we tackled all of the outdoor lights and winter yard prep. I was also able to put a couple trees together, one in my office and a little one in the guest bedroom. I have plans to work on a couple more over the next few days.

Tonight I thought I would share photos of a few of my favorite vintage ornaments. Do you just love pulling each ornament out of its hibernation and reveling in it's past stories? Such sweet memories are evoked inside of me. It takes me so long to decorate because I spend a great deal of time thinking and reflecting.

This first ornament is a vintage Shiny Brite indented on one side with a three dimensional sparkly deer inside the indentation. I found this on a trip to Michigan with my husband.

I found this little vintage angel with chenille pipe cleaner arms at the Scott Antique Show a few years ago. Her wings and dress are made of the softest stretch nylon and she has been embellished with sequins. She reminds me of my Great Aunt Della who had a similar one atop her tree each year.

This petite antique mercury glass ornament came from an antique store several years ago. I also have one in celadon green.

Another vintage Shiny Brite, this one proudly displaying the peace symbol and a dove. I have quite a few colorful vintage Shiny Brites, but it's taking me some time to build up my collection of white and silver ones. This was the first one I found and it inspired me to narrow my collection down. Trust me, that is a hard thing to do! I am slightly obsessed with vintage Shiny Brites!

This is a very recent find. Last week, I was at Heritage Square Antique Mall, and after working in my booth for a bit, I decided to wander around and see what I could find. I came across four of these unique vintage ornaments. They are crafted of wire and hand-formed into a fingertip candlestick holder. The beads forming the shape have such a wonderful vintage patina showing their age and adding even more character to them.

The holidays have been so hard for me over the past several years since I lost my dear old Dad and my Mom has been struggling with health issues. I think it can be a very difficult time of year for many people for so many reasons. For me, these ornaments bring me joy and help me to embrace the season.

I am looking forward to unwrapping more of my treasures that make an appearance just once a year! I hope that each of you has the opportunity to slow down and breathe it all in as you bring your Christmas home to life!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

our Thanksgiving table ~

2011-11-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Hello! Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving with your loved ones! It's hard to believe the holidays of 2011 are upon us already, isn't it?

We had a quiet little holiday here at home and then off to visit with family later in the afternoon. I did a simple Thanksgiving table and thought I would share some photos.

This is a picture of the table prior to the dishes being added.

The velvet pumpkins are from Urban Farmhouse.

The creamy white pine cone stems are from Michael's 75% off bins!

I just added my turkey dishes and the Give Thanks napkins I made a couple weeks ago.

simple but pretty

So, I do have a cooking question that I thought I would put out there for comments and suggestions. In an effort to keep our Thanksgiving dinner as healthy as possible, I used zero added salt, unsalted broth, light butter, and all low sodium ingredients. Unfortunately, this meant things were not as tasty........at least they didn't taste like what mom and grandma used to make! Do any of you have suggestions on how you keep your stuffing and noodles tasting good without the extra sodium and fat? I would appreciate any advice!

Have a great weekend, wherever you are!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

I won a fabulous necklace and maybe you can too ~

2011-11-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hello! And happy {almost} weekend to you all!

Not too long ago, I entered a giveaway at Lynda's blog Happenstance Home for a necklace called The White Rabbit's Time Keeper from Shabby Apple. Turns out, I won! The necklace arrived directly from Shabby Apple just in time for my birthday, so it was an unexpected treat! I would like to take a moment to thank both Lynda and Shabby Apple for offering this giveaway and for giving all of us a chance to win such a neat piece of jewelry! I was so excited to learn that I had won!

I wore the lovely necklace the very next day and got tons of compliments! The handwork is exquisite. As a matter of fact, I was asked several times if it was an old pocket watch!

In the meantime, while visiting Vintage Restyled, a blog local to my area and whose writer, Shannon, owns two fabulous booths at the same antique mall as me, I saw that she is offering the exact same necklace from Shabby Apple as her first giveaway!.

So, don't be late! Head over there to get your name in the hat! Shannon's giveaway ends this Sunday, November 20th. You will also have a chance to oogle over Shannon's amazing furniture transformations! She takes sad, old discarded pieces in the rough and turns them into beautiful, functional treasures for every room in your home!

Thanks again to Lynda at Happenstance Home and Shabby Apple for the generous necklace!

And best of luck to any of you that decide to try to win a White Rabbit's Timekeeper at Vintage Restyled!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

rosette pillows ~

2011-11-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for husbands with amazing technical abilities! And patience.

I have not sewn for so long because my sewing machine was acting up. Well, not really. I just didn't know how to properly fill the bobbin with thread. And I'm not patient enough to sit and read the instruction booklet. Sad, but true! I don't know, all those pictures in those manuals just make my eyes all buggy and my brain starts hurting almost instantly. I think it's the creative side of my brain screaming for help. At any rate, the husband offered to get me a new sewing machine for my birthday but instead I suggested that he just take a look at my current machine and see if he could get it working again. It took him all of 10 minutes and she was buzzing along!

So, I pulled out my fabric stash and got busy making a few pillows and rosettes.

I finished three and will be running over to the shop this morning to drop them off. Hopefully I'll be able to make some more this week! I have another tub of vintage Christmas stuff to take over as well!

Hope you all have a good week ahead of you!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

my other booth ~

2011-11-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I was excited to have a bday on 11-11-11 and I was born at 11:02! Kinda fun! For my birthday, I told my hubby that all the things I would like are intangibles. The most important being his height and muscles to help me in my other booth. I had a vision and I needed his help to make it happen! So, sweet guy met me right after work and climbed, hung, unloaded, loaded, moved and stacked until nearly 9pm!

I rent two booth spaces at Heritage Square Antique Mall, one of which I share with my friend Keely and call Motley Junket. My other booth is right across the aisle and it gives me another venue in which to market my wares. I haven't named this space yet, but I have an idea of what it will be!

So "my other booth" got loaded up last night with more Christmas and some other unique pieces.

bell cloche - heavy glass in a pale aqua color

vintage one drawer stand with carrara marble top

vintage alabaster lamp with ruffled shade

old baby bed springs upcycled into a bulletin board

all kinds of vintage letters perfect for crafting

vintage dress form

vintage crinoline

vintage life size sparkly reindeer......i heart this thing so much!!

vintage stainless steel industrial restaurant workstation

lots of smalls

awwwww......here she is in all her sparkly vintage glory!

a tree filled with ornaments and handmade coffee filter roses....all priced for individual sale

2 versions of handmade magnets -

marbles with antique dictionary page images and handmade book page roses

bags and bags of ornaments!

there is a matching set of these 6 foot tall candleabras dressed in fresh white paint

sweet vintage fabric birds with lacy wings

pair of grey cast iron architectural works - instant art in my opinion!

antique photos in old oval frames with curved glass

a booth shot from across the aisle

I had a good time working with the Mr. last night! I met some new friendly faces including a gal who is opening her first booth there at Heritage Square soon. She is on Facebook at Sparkle and Rust and I think her booth is going to be fabulous! Stop by her Facebook page and wish her well on her new adventure!

Thanks for coming by for a visit!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

simple give thanks napkins ~

2011-11-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening chilling at home yielded some time to clean, put away all the Halloween stuff and start thinking about some Thanksgiving touches around the house. Isn't it fun to pull out those tubs of decorations that have been hibernating for the past year? For me, it's like unwrapping a present!

After fiddling about filling pitchers with twigs, reuniting with my vintage turkey platters, and arranging my velvet pumpkins on my dining room table, I decided to make some very simple Thanksgiving napkins.

I had four of these oatmeal colored linen napkins that were a thrift store find. The next step is to hop on the computer and create your design. I chose "give thanks" as the graphic and decided on English Script as my font. I increased the font size to 120 to make my graphic big and bold. I played around with various fonts and sizes until I found a style that matched my vision for my Thanksgiving decor.

Once my design was complete, the image got flipped and printed out on iron-on transfer paper.

Then the task of ironing the images onto the fabric just takes a few minutes.

If you want to try this as project, just follow the instructions on the iron-on transfer paper package. It's super easy and so fun to create whatever look you are going for! I have made several kitchen and bathroom towels using this same technique and they've turned out well and have lasted through several washings.

Just a fun little project to fill my time on a night at home!

Linked up to Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Thanks for stopping by!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

random penguins, frogs, and Christmas ~

2011-11-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

I love spending time with Keely at our little booth shop! We spend our time working but also bonding and chatting. It's just cathartic on many levels. Today we reset the space and added some holiday cheer!

Quite possibly the funnest item we have is this cute vintage penguin!

From across the way...

cool old industrial drawers (SOLD) filled with skates and ornaments and ironstone.

does it get any more motley than that?

mint green frame and an assortment of vintage pin frogs....

vintage paper tinsel Santa, book page tree, and Shiny Brites...

love this sweet little outfit complete with trapeze coat, pantaloon and hat...

Keely found this neat vintage flower bucket display rack......it reminds me so much of a french florist shop!

at the bottom of the photo, you can see the top of a folding chair that I painted shabby white and added the Paris, France stencil....

we both love vintage ephemera, so we usually have an assortment of flash cards, old photos and other paper items available. The vintage gas station letters are so cool and just $4 each! There's still quite a few left!

LOTS of vintage frames scattered throughout the booth! Several chippy old ceiling tiles too!

Another shot from the aisle....

That's our motley assortment so far! More to come!!

Happy Holiday season to all!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

a little peek ~

2011-11-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Keely and I are spending some time in our little booth shop transitioning our wares over to the holiday season! Yep, that's right......Christmas is coming!

Here's a little peek of some of my stuff before I loaded up my car tonight.

I'll be adding several nice old frames. A few I left in their original goldish color while the others got a nice coat of white or french grey....

This oak pedestal side table is freshly dressed in french grey (SOLD). The two cabinet doors were transformed into chalkboards one of which is minty green and the other is shabby white.

This fun little ditty was in baaaaaaaad shape, let me just tell ya! You'll have to believe me because I didn't get a before picture. It's one half of a vanity and it had (well, it still kinda has) holes on one side where someone decided to separate it from it's mate. I filled the holes best I could with wood filler, but it's still very imperfect on that one side. But, you know me, imperfect is perfect in my world! I painted it with some creamy white paint and added french grey numbers to the drawers. I love the lines of this little mid century piece and I love that the drawers are knobless.(SOLD)

I think it would be a lovely addition to a craft room or office!

I had already packed up most of my smalls in tubs, but this vintage Haeger mother and child statue hadn't been wrapped up yet.....

In addition, I have quite a stash of vintage Christmas ornaments all merchandised into bags...

I heart vintage Shiny Brites so much! This picture just makes me giddy! They look like rainbow sherbet!

Can't wait to spend the day with my pal Keely fluffing and primping our little corner of the vintage retail world tomorrow! If you're out and about, stop by and say hello! We would love to see you!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

October finds ~

2011-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Just sharing some of our October finds currently available in our little booth shops at Heritage Square Antique Mall...........

there's two of these old chippy corbels

Keely has a nice assortment of vintage chippy tin ceiling tiles, both large and small

vintage bowling pin painted white

antique shoe rack.....great patina! rolls perfectly!

Myott brown and white transferware turkey plates

4 dinner plates and 4 salad plates

vintage lamb print

industrial typewriter cart

large vintage stainless steel kitchen work station with drawer

rusty crusty industrial stool and pale blue glass bottle

chippy old drawer fronts with glass knobs

Motley Junket staple ware.......old ironstone platters complete with staining, crazing, and lots of character

unique old glass and mirror trinket box with glass flower

vintage french poodle chalkware plaques

industrial drawers and tons of vintage Little Golden Books

vintage clocks

Thanks for coming by!

Have a good week and keep dreaming ~

Polly

Shabby Apple giveaway at Happenstance Home ~

2011-10-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning and Happy Friday!! Hope everyone had a good week and has some fun plans for the weekend! I am spending my morning with the other half of Motley Junket, Keely and her sweet girls doing some crafting here at my house. Then off to lunch and an afternoon of picking! Tonight, Mickey and I will be dressing up as characters from our favorite TV show for a Halloween party.....can you guess who we'll be?

I logged on this morning and was greeted by my friend Lynda's current blog post about her Shabby Apple giveaway! I've taken some time this morning to peruse their website and am in love with some things like the fun Greta handbag.....

and the bronze organza necklace is absolutely dreamy....

Lynda's favorite is this piece, the White Rabbit's Time Keeper necklace! And guess what, that's what her giveaway is!

So, don't be late! Visit Lynda's blog Happenstance Home and enter for a chance to win! Lynda's a sweetheart and has a wonderful blog full of inspiration. You will surely enjoy your visit! She's a daily stop on my blog hopping jaunts! Best of luck!!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

a little halloween decorating ~

2011-10-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween is getting closer, so I thought I should do a little something around the house. I must be honest that I sorta lost my Halloween mojo a couple weeks ago when the pumpkins I purchased for my front porch disappeared within hours of being placed there. And showed up down the street smashed to bits. Almost every house in our neighborhood is void of live pumpkins this year which is SO sad to me.

Despite the neighborhood punks putting a damper on my Halloween spirit, I decided to forge ahead and pull out my tubs of decorations the other day. Visiting Pam's store Primitive Blessings Vintage Gift Shop helped too....that place just oozed with Halloween inspiration!!

I primped my dining room just a tad bit with, of course, black and white...

The black and white striped candles are just tucked into jars filled with epsom salts......I left them all crooked for a quirky look. The ghost under the cloche is vintage and came from Keely's part of our Motley Junket booth. That girl finds the cutest stuff!

This is a view from the side entrance to my dining room...

Atop my "Restoration Hardware-ish" buffet, I just added some of the Trader Joe's white meringues to one jar and a white pumpkin under the cloche. I happened upon the black tags at two separate stops on our Medina trip.....

These are not Halloween oriented, but they are French, so I had to share! When I found these at the local thrift store for .30 cents each, I scooped them up! They are designed to look like crumpled paper cups, but they are actually ceramic. Too cute and clever to pass up!

Here's the proof of the .30 cent investment I made on these!!

a couple white pumpkins on my spindles....can't get much easier than this!

sticks from the birch tree fill my crock....

Here's a view from the kitchen entrance....

and just a couple vine pumpkins and a mercury glass acorn nestled with some vintage shred in my stackable baskets....

I did a few other things throughout the house and opted for some fake jack-o-lanterns I picked up at a yard sale last summer for the front porch. We have an annual Halloween party to attend later this week, so I've been working on the finishing touches to my costume. Hope it turns out ok and people can figure out who I'm supposed to be!!

That's all for now. Hope you all are enjoying the season and that your pumpkins are safe! No, I'm not bitter. Well, maybe just a little!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

Primitive Blessings Vintage Gift Shop ~

2011-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stumbled upon a store that you just loved?

After posting about my recent road trip and sharing photos of a black and white display that I liked, I got a comment from Pam, the owner of Primitive Blessings Vintage Gift Shop in Orient, Ohio. She said "if you love black and white, you'll love my black and white room at my gift shop!" Enough said, I was there that afternoon! And I was not disappointed! Pam has done a fabulous job turning a little vintage house into a shop filled with eye candy in every nook and cranny!

I am borrowing (with permission) a few photos from her blog that were taken by Carmen at Primcats to share here, but these are just a teaser. Thanks Carmen!! Please take a moment to go visit her blog Primitive Blessings Vintage Gift Shop for tons more photos.

Smitten yet?

Seriously, I just loved this place and I found several treasures to take home!

Pam is a talented lady who not only runs her own store, but also creates, crafts, and refinishes furniture!

Lots of shabby whites, frenchie goods, candles, and holiday trinkets everywhere!

So, if you're in the area, stop by and visit this place, and let Pam know Polly sent you!

You are sure to love it!

P.S. She tells me her Christmas Open House is coming up on November 11 and 12th!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

Grandma's pumpkin cookies ~

2011-10-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday friends!

I did a little baking of my favorite fall treat this evening, and I thought I would share the recipe. My mom used to make these cookies by memory, so the recipe she provided to me years ago is very piece-meal, but I'll do my best for you!

Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

2.5 cups flour

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1.5 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup nuts (optional)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 package chocolate chips

1 package butterscotch chips

Bake at 350 degrees until done. They are best soft and moist.

I tend to pull all my ingredients together like this above. Otherwise, I am sure to forget something!

Mix all the ingredients together. Save the chocolate and butterscotch chips until last. You can just quickly stir them in with a quick switch of your mixer, or by hand.

I spooned them onto baking sheets in dollop size drops and baked them for about 25 minutes.

They are excellent with a glass of milk!

And the milk tastes so good in my new frenchie wine glasses that I bought at a french boutique called Fleurs in Medina, Ohio. Since I don't drink wine, I drink my water and milk and OJ in them!

And see that Paris tea towel peeking out up there?

That arrived today from the sweet and talented Sheila of Tattered Goods.

Check out her Etsy shop to see her new ruffled tea towels designs! You will love them, I'm sure of it!

(the white meringues in the tall apothecary jars are from Trader Joe's)

If you decide to make my Grandma's pumpkin cookies, I hope you enjoy!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

road trippin' ~

2011-10-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

We went on a little road trip this past weekend......just a much needed little getaway for the two of us, and of course, an opportunity to buy lots of inventory for the shop! Mickey and I have so much fun together looking for cool stuff and fun little places that are a little "off the beaten path"!

Our trip was supposed to be centered around a trip to Amish Country, however, it was sooooo busy, we just drove right on through and decided to cruise the back roads. You can do a lot of daydreaming while meandering down the country roads ........ dreams of farmhouses and a simpler way of life. This home below had me at hello.

No clue what kind of building it once was. It is made of old stones and has a clock out front as well as a sign that is now blank so we couldn't figure it out. But the people who live there now have outdone themselves with beautiful gardens and just look at this front door and how they've decorated for fall.....

I love the oversized twig balls covered in orange lights and placed atop the black urns!

On one of our stops, I came across my favorite fun find! This huge vintage sparkly deer just had to come home with us! I can't wait to center a Christmas display around her! You should have seen my poor husband's face as he carried that thing around the store......all the other men were just shaking their heads in disbelief and pity!

Here we are driving along. You can see the back of the SUV is starting to fill up!

We found this antique store somewhere along the way. I walked in and exclaimed that I was in chandelier heaven! It took my breath away. My photos truly don't do it justice. We learned that the owner is known as the town's "light guy".

We spent most of our time in the quaintest town - Medina, Ohio. Here, we spent the day perusing lots of great shops, gathering inspiration, and relaxing. This shop, called Perfectly Charming, had tons of cute Halloween displays. I liked their witch pumpkin urns out front....

And I'm always drawn to black and white displays! Lots of fun finds to be found here!

We came across an antique fair in Millersburg, Ohio where I snapped one photo of a cute idea that many of you crafters might love to replicate! They used a small pitchfork and stuck a styrofoam ball on top then added strips of white fabric and cheesecloth to create a ghost. They had a few left and they looked so cute blowing in the wind. I bet they would look quite spooky at night! I started searching for pitchforks soon thereafter but found none!

It was a fun little weekend away, and we could not fit anything else into our car! As a matter of fact, we were worried our suitcases wouldn't fit!! I will put together a post of our finds, most of which will be for resale at Motley Junket very soon!

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

our master bedroom final reveal! finally! ~

2011-10-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to be able to report that our master bedroom is completely done! Finally! I wish I had the energy and stamina that many of you possess when it comes to decorating, but I just don't!

But alas, here we are..............

Note that one chair is missing from above photo. That's because I am standing on it in the closet to get the picture!

Notice pup-pup making herself seen there! She's always in the room with us!

You may remember from way back when, when I started talking about this room makeover, I mentioned a couple restrictions that the hubby put on me. One, we have to re-use the bedroom suite. Two, I was only allowed to paint the mirror and the two nightstands. Below is the mirror, original to the bedroom suite, with a few coats of Eloquent Ivory by Behr and light distressing. The bedroom furniture was originally purchased from Big Lots about 8 years ago. It is a nice sturdy set and has held up well. It was just a little dark with all of it crammed into a smallish master bedroom. Lightening a few pieces with paint really helped.

lamps / shades - Hobby Lobby

grey rose hurricane candleholders - Urban Farmhouse

dream art - Big Lots

I gave the same paint treatment to both nightstands and kept the original hardware....

lamps - Home Goods

curtain panels - Lenda from IKEA, sheers - vintage

white ruffle bedding - Simply Shabby Chic from Target

I desperately needed to add a piece of furniture for extra linen storage and ultimately decided on the Hemnes armoire from IKEA. A vintage European basket rests atop....

These beauties arrived in the mail this past week.....an early birthday present from my sweet mother-in-law. They're perfect for the space and reflect my style just right. Thanks Carol!

The vintage looking fan was a Goodwill find! Gotta love the Goodwill returned goods area!!

I took this picture from the bathroom to show you the other artwork I did for the room.....

I had a whole stack of these chunky wood frames that I happened upon in a thrift store. They were brand new, still in their original wrap from IKEA. They started out in a pale grayish green color, so I lightly dry brushed them with white paint. Then, I cut a piece of scrapbook paper that I liked to fit the opening, glue-dotted the old tin type letter to the paper and fitted it into the opening.

Here is a closer look.....notice the peacocks on the paper?

Ruffles were a must in this makeover!!

Here's another look at the jewelry area....

Yay! Finally! It's done!

And I couldn't be happier with the end result!

Now, I'm beginning to plan a re-do of laundry room due to a purchase we made at the Springfield Antique Show a couple weekends ago. One project down, on to the next! The story of many of our lives!

Thanks for visiting!

keep dreaming

~ Polly ~

hocus pocus ~

2011-09-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Despite a heavy heart on this national day of remembrance, Keely and I took to our usual mode of therapy and set about to work some magic and transform our Motley Junket booth space for the impending season of goblins, ghouls and jack-o-lanterns. Motley Junket was in desperate need of some livening up. Three truckloads of stuff in a coordinated scheme of black, white, orange, creepy-crawly and rusty-crusty later, we had turned our little 9 x 13 space into a haven of spookish delight......

Thank goodness for tall husbands who don't complain when asked to clothespin bats to branches 8 feet up! And when asked to hang umpteen million frames in a "cattywompus" fashion. Poor guy! But such a trooper!

This utility cart below (SOLD) was as rusty and crusty as they get! Mod podge and book pages to the rescue!

The petite rocker has just the right amount of distressing.

This old wire display rack (SOLD) could be used in so many ways. We chose to display some cool old flash cards...

Keely came across a bunch of heads that add a hint of weird eclectic here and there.

Rustic boxes, rusty wheels (SOLD), chalkboards, an old jug and other eccentricities....

We still have two of these amazing Kramer Bros. urns in rusty black. We added glass to the top of one to show how easily it can be transformed into a side table either indoors our out. $150 for the pair!

blacks crows nestled in old drawers....

We currently have 8 of these vintage industrial metal drawers freshly stenciled with random numbers. There's more on the way!

This just happens to be one of my favorite finds! I came across this very large funky and whimsical mid century clock, very much in the same style as a Syroco piece, but unmarked. It started as a brushed gold color and was updated with fresh white paint. The clock mechanism still works and keeps good time!

Many random smalls!

We still have the industrial drawers too..... (SOLD)

Keely brought three of these hang-able mannequins.

This one is wearing a vintage black dress, perfect for a Halloween costume...

We always try to bring a few pieces of newly made over furniture. I opted to use a combination of black and white on a couple vintage french provincial pieces. The white hardware really makes a statement against the black! Those glass items stacked "cattywompusly" there in the white bowl are really unique sideways laying vases. And that black and white enamelware seltzer bottle is pretty cool too.

The other piece I transformed with black and white is this french provincial sofa table.....

As you can see, it's surrounded by tons of accessories just perfect for your Halloween holiday home!

Hocus pocus, Motley Junket is focused!

On Halloween!

Keep dreaming ~

Polly

displaying the family jewels ~

2011-09-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

As part of our bedroom makeover, I was challenged with how to organize, store and display my jewelry collection. I absolutely love jewelry and wear different pieces every day! Our bedroom is small and I have this weird little wall next to the closet that I wanted to utilize for this purpose.

I decided to use a ladder to hang my necklaces on. So that search started, and of course, I was originally drawn to an old barn wood ladder. I painted it and was ready to hang it when I became concerned that it was too splintery and might cause me bodily harm! Goodwill came to the rescue when I came across a new ladder made of nice smooth wood for a $1.99. It got a couple coats of glossy white paint and was ready for its new job.

My tangled mess of necklaces is now perfectly organized. {sigh}

I already had the printers drawer. Mickey was able to hang it and sort of build up the bottom with felt pads in the back, so it would tilt just enough to hold earrings and baubles in place in the little compartments.

The old music cabinet is something I have had for years and have always stored my jewelry inside. It was olive green with some sort of strange wash over top that just made it look dirty. I just applied a couple coats of creamy paint and hit it with some sandpaper in a few spots. A coat of poly and it has a whole new look! Oh, and I added a new ceramic rosette knob purchased at World Market. These old cabinets are really very functional pieces. In this case, I placed a plastic container on each shelf inside to corral my earrings, bracelets and pins.

And you may have noticed the word LOVE up top there.

These old metal letters were my favorite find along the Rt. 127 Worlds Longest Yard Sale this year! We veered into a little town and stopped in a few antique stores where I came across a huge selection of these tin types. Immediately smitten but worried because most of the items in this joint were so pricey, I didn't think I stood a chance at getting any. I figured I would have to buy the whole lot for like a thousand bucks or something. But nope, I got to pick what I wanted for a buck each! Finally, the Worlds Longest Yard Sale was worth the effort! Mick just used screw eyes on the insides of the top of the ladder and strung wire across. The letters have a lip at the top and they hung perfectly. I have another project to share with you soon utilizing more of these found letters.

Thanks for coming by...hope you are having a good week!

Keep dreaming ~

Polly

fluffing my stuff ~

2011-09-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't posted about the booth(s) lately. Well, actually, I haven't done much posting at all, now have I?!?! Sorry about that!

In July, I opened a second booth at Heritage Square Antique Mall where Keely and I share our Motley Junket booth. This mall is so close to home and a booth opened up right across the aisle from our other space, so I decided to make a go of it.

Here is how the booth looks right now.....

Along the back, we topped two vintage industrial 14 drawer file cabinets with an old door to create a work table. I even had a vintage industrial office chair at just the right height to help customers understand the concept. I strung wire above the work station and used clothespins to hang old photos.

I just have 5 vintage gas station numbers left! They have been selling like hotcakes for just $1 each!

Love the vintage Paris tshirts....

Funky turquoise ephemera display (SOLD), beautiful yard long mirror with etching, fun GHOST book just in time for Halloween......

In this corner, you'll find tons of ironstone......platters, plates and bowls.

The old cabinet is handmade and has an old white window as the door!

The old wire potato basket is pretty neat and that barn wood frame is HUGE!

I just love me some drawers!! Industrial metal or wood with glass knobs....take your pick!!

These drawers below are located in our Motley Junket booth. Do you have any idea how hard it is to part with these beauties?? Old, grey, heavy-duty workshop drawers!! $100 for each set.

Just look at that hardware!!!

Keely and I have both been busy gathering goods for our Fall/Halloween collection, and quite honestly, we are both getting pretty excited to get into that space and transform it with all of our finds! We are going for a funky whimsical and maybe just a tad bit spooky creepy look! Should be fun! Looking forward to sharing sometime soon!!

keep dreaming ~

Polly

a desk for Nancy ~

2011-08-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things are just meant to be.

One afternoon over the summer, I was chatting with my friend Nancy on the phone. She mentioned she was getting rid of her old desk and would be searching for a new one as her next major purchase.

It just so happened that Mickey and I had purchased an old desk at an estate sale the weekend before and I was already working on its new look. I mentioned it to her and told her I could send her a photo to see if it might even be remotely close to what she wanted.

This is it......

She really liked it and was fine with the direction I already was going with it. I planned to keep that original hardware because it is just perfect as is. And I thought the hardware would really pop against some cream paint. And of course a little distressing never hurts!

This is how it turned out.....

I always love an opportunity to work on a piece for a friend! Nancy ended up being very happy with the finished product and I'm sure it looks great in her new work space!

Restoration Hardware-ish

2011-08-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, we popped into our local HomeGoods store looking for lamps for the bedroom makeover.

While there, we came across a pretty cool buffet that I thought was kind of Restoration Hardware-ish.

Weathered wood. Kind of industrial. Open shelving.

And, it was just $199!

So, we went ahead and snatched it up and now have a Restoration Hardware-ish look on a particle board budget!

I kept all the accessories on top the same as my old buffet which has now migrated into my kitchen at the end of my island. The items on the shelves are all things I had on-hand.

Lately I've really been drawn to clear glass which is pretty odd for me. I catch myself gravitating towards modern style and clean lined glassware like the big salad bowl on the bottom right shelf above.

I'm happy with it especially since it was so easy on the wallet!

~ xo ~

Polly

bedroom progress ~

2011-08-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Though life has been full of ups and downs and twists and turns and a whole freakin' lot of lemons lately,

we've squeezed a little time here and there to work on the bedroom. This has been the longest room makeover in American history. But, as with everything else I've been dealt with lately, it is what it is.

It'll get done when it gets done.

So far, we've painted the room in Nimbus Cloud by Martha Stewart.

It's a nice french grey color that takes on lavender and blue hues in different lights.

It is very soothing and calming.

We hung the vintage crystal chandelier we won at auction way back when. It cost $30 and a lot of elbow grease and $100 to have her hung by a professional.

We bought big chunky white curtain rods from Lowe's. The window above the bed is teeny tiny. It looked weird, so we hung an 8 foot rod close to the ceiling, well above the molding of the window. I added 2 pairs of Lenda oatmeal colored linen curtain panels from IKEA. I can't remember how much they were, but affordable best describes it. Then we hung another rod below that to hold the vintage smocked panels I found for $60 (3 panels) at the Springfield Antique Show Memorial Day weekend.

yes the curtains are wet. I don't have time to iron these days. Wrinkle release to the rescue.

The white bedding is from the Simply Shabby Chic line at Target, purchased on Craig's List for $50.

The oatmeal bedding is also from the Simply Shabby Chic line at Target, purchased at Goodwill in their returned goods area for $40. It includes 2 ruffled shams and a duvet that is at the foot of the bed.

The dog is nothing short of priceless.

Close up of the vintage smocked sheers and Lenda panels. Love the juxtaposition of the feminine smocking paired with the textural nubby drapes.

Projects still in progress include.....

painting a ladder to use as my necklace holder
painting a huge chunky mirror to go over the dresser
hanging the other window treatment
figuring out artwork
accessorizing

I'll post more photos as progress continues.

Thanks for stopping by. I know I've been absent. A lot. Probably will continue as such, but I hop on when I can and when and if any inspiration strikes. So if you come back to visit now and again, please know that I truly appreciate it!

~ peace ~

Polly

a midsummer antique show

2011-07-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Keely and I are participating in a small antique show in downtown Newark, Ohio.

We will be set up in front of Goumas Candyland on the old town square from 4pm - 8pm.

The address is:

19 North Park Place

Newark, Ohio 43055

Janet from Open Market Style and Cindy from White Cottage will also be set up outside of their shop location at Gallery of Dreams.

Here's a few peeks at what I'm taking.........

I know it's going to be hot outside, but if you have a free minute, stop by and say hello! Maybe you'll find a treasure or two!

~ Polly ~

my first antique show!

2011-05-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hello! Today was day one of The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show in Mt. Vernon, Ohio!

We were fortunate enough to have gorgeous weather and an absolutely fabulous start to this brand new event at Warwick Farm! The farm is lovely with various buildings and barns all filled with vintage treasures brought in from a variety of vendors! French, shabby, industrial, cottage............all these styles in one shopping venue!

I snapped a few photos of Keely and I's booth space before my camera batteries died....

I took these photos this morning, so some items have sold, but we still have a ton of great stuff left for tomorrow's show! Many of us are restocking with new goods tomorrow, so there's still time to come hunt for the perfect treasure for you! Would love to see you! Come by and say hello!

Search for this event on Facebook......The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show......to see more photos!

the ones that got away ~

2011-04-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Mickey and I went to a school salvage auction this past weekend. These are our absolute favorite auctions to attend........you never know what you might find within the walls of an old school building!! We don't find these auctions very often....actually this is the first one we've been to in 2 years!! Needless to say, we were pretty excited! It was packed with people and there were three rings going. We ended up getting most of the things we wanted but these beauties got away.......

This old workbench was pretty awesome! Probably about 8 feet long and HEAVY..hence the reason it got away. And because it wouldn't fit in my car! But I did snap these photos so I can visit it now and then!! :-)

Guess how much it sold for?

Wait for it.....

$40!!

And then there was this set of lockers that I wanted so badly!

But again, we couldn't lift it just the two of us. And we were about an hour from home, so calling for back-up wasn't really an option! Wouldn't these be a fabulous addition to a craft room or mud room? Swoon.

All was not lost though! We did get an old industrial film cabinet, 3 turquoise carts, a tabletop industrial drawer cabinet, a vintage locker basket, several vintage industrial trash cans, and a big assortment of vintage metal magazine holders in fun colors!

Thanks for visiting!

~xo~

Polly

old dresser makeover ~

2011-04-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am participating in Cassie's POWW party by sharing the final outcome of this old dresser's makeover.

I bought this dresser because I really liked the lines and the appliques. Plus it was sturdy and the drawers worked just fine. I used Behr's Elegant Ivory paint, gave it a good distressing and added new knobs.

I will be taking this piece to The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show.

Thanks for coming by and don't forget to visit Cassie's blog Primitive and Proper for Piece of Work Wednesday! Lots of awesome furniture makeovers!!

~ xo ~

Polly

The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show ~

2011-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well friends I've gone and done it!

What you ask?

I have totally stepped outside my comfort zone of my little booth spaces and Keely and I are participating in an upcoming event that has me giddy with excitement! I've never done anything like this before! We will be amongst some seriously talented shopkeepers like Lisa and Lisa from Urban Farmhouse and Janet and Cyndi from Open Market Style and White Cottage! There are several additional exceptionally talented vendors setting up as well!

The Rural Society Garden and Antique Show

Where: Warwick Farm

16620 Wells Road

Mt. Vernon, OH 43050

When: Friday, May 13 from 9am - 5pm

and Saturday, May 14 from 9am - 3pm

Find it on Facebook here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rural-Society-Antique-Garden-Show/138527542884765?sk=info

Or the website here:

http://theruralsociety.com/events

In preparation for this event, we have been hunting and gathering lots of wares to take along to fill up our portion of a neat old barn on the property! My garage is quickly filling up with vintage things and projects......I thought it might be fun to give you all a sneak peek of my stash! None of these photos are staged......I just shot pics in the garage, so disregard the backgrounds....I promise it will look pretty at the show!!

rusty crusty old tackle box in bright turquoise original paint

this antique dresser is in makeover mode right now. She'll be cream with much prettier knobs. The cream paint really makes the appliques stand out.....

antique pink transferware ironstone syrup....

vintage juicer...

wonderful old double handled gathering basket and vintage bluebird plates....

old one drawer stand in original white paint....

we plan on having a nice selection of vintage frames and mirrors...mine are all being painted cream.....Keely will be bringing several in black as well......

also trying to include as much industrial as we can such as this factory age industrial bin....

and this industrial rusty metal typewriter stand...

I have three or four alabaster lamps to bring along....

and some ironstone like this Red Cliff pitcher in mint condition....

some drawers....

So there you have it - your sneak peek!

Please take a minute to visit The Rural Society Antique and Garden Show on Facebook!

We would love to see you at the event, so pass the word along to your friends!

~ xo ~

Polly

ironstone cake plate ~

2011-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

So remember when I posted about "quite possibly my most favorite find ever"?

It was a lovely ironstone syrup to add to my collection.

And in that post, I also mentioned that I had seen a couple uber expensive ironstone cake plates that made me weak in the knees.

Well, the ironstone gods must have been listening because today I got to add this gem to my collection....

Happy dance!!

scalloped edges, a little crazing, petite in size, and kind of affordable.......

well, at least it wasn't $400 or $625 like the ones I had previously come across!

It wasn't even in the three digits! So yes, I would say it was affordable!

We went to auction today hoping to build up some inventory for an upcoming event. The ironstone cake plate wasn't even pictured on the website, so it was quite a pleasant surprise to see it sitting there!

Hope you all had a treasure filled weekend too!

~ xo ~

Polly

it's almost like sleeping under the stars ~

2011-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

I slept under these sparklies last night...

I'm beyond happy to wake up to this sight each morning!

Totally worth the elbow grease!

I am so glad I waited to choose a paint color because this chandelier provides so much more light than our old light fixture. I'm leaning towards french gray now. The bedroom makeover should be moving at quicker speeds now! Fingers crossed anyway. Between the curve balls of life and regular everyday commitments, I have been struggling with time management and fitting everything into my days. Sorry about the lack of posts friends.....please stick with me!!

Have a happy weekend, wherever you are!

~ xo ~

Polly

upcycled coffee table and french books ~

2011-03-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning all!

I've been on the hunt for a new coffee table for a while now. After I got my industrial side tables, I felt like we needed something different. Plus I was bored with the old one.....after 8 years, I was ready for a change!

Last week, I came across this upcycled beauty at Heritage Square Antique Mall. There's a vendor there who has quite an assortment of upcycled furniture and when I saw this table created from an old metal base and barn wood top, I was smitten!

Got the green light from the hubby, brought her home, gave her a thick coat of poly and then styled her up....

I started collecting old french books about a year ago. I found one and then hit a dry spell! When my in-laws went to Canada for a wedding, I asked if they had time to see if they could find any. My mother-in-law came through for me in a big way! Just look at these amazing books she brought back...

And then my sweet booth partner Keely gifted me with this....

It is a portfolio of photos of french antique furniture. It ties on each side with ribbon.

It is pretty cool!

Then I got lucky and found a couple more that I placed in my cupboard...

With the addition of the new coffee table and the husband on vacation in Vegas, I decided to hit a few big box shops searching for new pillows. Anybody else LOVE pillows? They are such an easy and inexpensive way to change the look of a room! I found a pair of these silky rose pillows at Joann's for 50% off...

And this french pillow was a Marshall's find...

So my family room ended up getting a mini-makeover over the past few days!

That's what I've been up to here at home.

On another note, my friend Janet of Open Market Style is opening a brick and mortar shop called White Cottage and her grand opening is tonight! You can click over to her blog to see some sneak peek photos and get the address! Best of luck to Janet at Cyndi as they begin this new adventure together!!

Have a great day, wherever you are!

~ xo ~

Polly

a peek at more vintage goods just in ~

2011-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Lots of vintage goodies just in at my little booth space at The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall!

vintage french provincial dresser

small shabby chippy table in old yellow paint

vintage french provincial bench with muted cottage floral upholstery

box of vintage flash cards

vintage 9 drawer metal office cabinet updated with chalkboard paint and numbered drawer labels

old industrial shop stool

paper mache obelisk

really cool old dinner bell

vintage cement lamb

unique vintage yellow and brown transferware pitcher (SOLD)

bull figurine

sweet creamer and sugar set (ON HOLD)

vintage bull creamer

black and white transferware sugar

Thanks for coming by to see what's new at the shop this week!

Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are!

~ xo ~

Polly

weathered worn chippy salvaged whites ~

2011-03-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

New items in store!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

. weathered . worn . chippy . salvaged . concrete . garden . distressed . french .

freshly painted antique frame (already SOLD, sorry!)

salvaged chippy cement balusters......love them so much!

cement urn

cherubic bust......in whitewashed grey

vintage Haeger bunny planter.....has seen better days, but just so cute! (SOLD)

two garden prints

frenchie side table freshly painted and distressed in "elegant ivory"

frenchie coffee table in "elegant ivory" and distressing (SOLD)

coffee table before her makeover!

another cement urn, this one in white

chippy salvaged corbel (SOLD)

old industrial scale (SOLD)

Couldn't wait to drop this load of goods off at our booth at Heritage Square Antique Mall yesterday!

So many things that I just LOVE!

Linking up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm.

~ keep dreaming ~

Polly

I'm a tweaker ~

2011-03-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

Anybody else happy that the first day of Spring has finally come to us?!?

I started spring cleaning over the weekend and with that came lots of tweaking!

I love that I can make my house feel new and different just by switching things out and using things I've had packed away. Plus, I must admit, tweaking vignettes is one of my favorite things to do!

I started in the kitchen where I added this basket next to the stovetop to hold utensils and knives. See that script frame with the clip on it there to the right? Found that at the thrift and finally I'm putting it to use as a recipe holder next to the cooker.

These glass candle holders were another thrift store find the day I went out shopping with Keely and Janet back at the beginning of February. I finally pulled them out of the box!

Have you ever seen this stuff?

Old fashioned Easter grass that I picked up at a craft store last week.

Basically, it's dried up weeds and sticks that I paid $7.99 for, but I love the look of it!

added some eggs to the scale....

more eggs and grass in jars...

pulled out my collection of weathered crackly eggs and this vintage ruffly tablecloth...

Moved on to the laundry room then.

Brought in this Paris basket that I bought at the French Hen Farm Barn Sale back in December.

My french wine crate got a new home in the laundry room too..

and some ironstone pitchers now hang from my hooks....

Love these laundry products.....Paris Rain is my favorite scent!

And then on to the dining room where I did very little.

Just changed out the burlap table runner to this white and red striped one that looks very french to me. And added some lavender to the urns...

In the foyer, I used more Easter grass, eggs and bunnies....

We're all ready for Spring around here!

Are you a tweaker too?

Have a great day, wherever you are!!

~ xo ~

Polly

P.S. Some of you have asked how the bedroom makeover is coming along. Well, what started as a winter project is now a spring project!! But some progress has occurred at least. We purchased the Hemnes armoire from IKEA and it is assembled and in the room. The nightstands are freshly painted, distressed and polyurethaned. The chandelier is cleaned, needed parts located and it will hopefully go up this week if the electrician is available. Things go a little slow around here when it comes to projects like this, but we're making progress! :-)

blog love - Happenstance Home ~

2011-03-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I would like to introduce all of you to one of my favorite blogs!

Happenstance Home

Isn't that the cutest name?!?!

I do not recall how I found Lynda's blog, but I'm so glad I did! I have been

reading and following along for quite some time now, and a daily visit with her always

brings a smile to my face and a little joy to my day.

What I love about Lynda's blog is that she is good at so many things and shares with all of us!

She crafts...

{ handmade coffee filter wreath }

{ handmade holiday party invitations ....... so cute!! }

{ her amazing handmade paper flowers are now being sold at a local boutique! }

She bakes..... { and shares recipes!!! }

She's so thoughtful when it comes to gift-giving.....

She decorates beautifully.....

{ all photos from Happenstance Home with permission }

Are you convinced?

I bet so! I have bookmarked so many of her posts for inspiration!

If you haven't already, please take a moment to stop by Lynda's blog Happenstance Home and say hello!

~ xo ~

Polly

industrial chairs ~

2011-03-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

What a week last week was. I have such a deep sadness in my heart for the people of Japan. With each day, new footage is surfacing that brings the devastation they have suffered to a new height. It truly makes our everyday troubles and woes seem so insignificant. My heart and thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

On a different note.....

a couple of weeks ago, I went to an auction with Keely while my husband swung by

an auction close to our house on his way home from work. We had seen a photo on the website

of what looked like industrial style chairs that were still in their boxes that had intrigued us.

He ended up winning the bid and all we could do was hope that all the pieces were in the boxes.

Turns out, we scored two very cool {at least I think so} brand new industrial chairs!

I currently have added them to either end of my dining room table. We needed two extra chairs, and we all know how much I love to mingle traditional with industrial.......country with modern. I love the juxtaposition of opposing elements. It's unexpected and fun.

Sorry I didn't snap a photo of the whole table because the bedroom chandelier is sitting on

the table in a few different pieces. We trying to replace a few needed parts to it. But

here's an old post of my dining room so you can see my other chairs with their ruffled seat covers.......

Just imagine the two industrial chairs on either end of the table.

Tell me, what do you think?

Should they stay

or should they go now?

~ xo ~

Polly

Winner of the Simply Klassic Blog Design Giveaway!

2011-03-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to each of you who put your name in the hat to win a free blog design makeover by

Kristin at Simply Klassic Blog Design! The winner is......

Mary Ann at Classic - Casual - Home!!

Congratulations Mary Ann!

Kristen and I would like to thank you all for entering and reading our blogs!

Don't forget that Kristin is offering a 15% discount on any of her blog design packages the whole month of March, so if a fresh look is on your mind, pop over to her blog to see what all she has to offer!

Hope you all have had a good weekend!

~ xo ~

Polly

the spring collection at The Olde Shoe ~

2011-03-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.

~Doug Larson

Love that quote! It is so true!

We've had some sunshine lately, and even though it's still chilly and a coat is necessary, the sunshine had added that little spring to my step! It got me itching to restyle my booth at The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall with loads of new stuff for spring and Easter.

pair of vintage weathered folding chairs, silver loving cup wine chiller, vintage damask drapes, several vintage blue and white ticking pillows...

upcycled frame made into a chalkboard (Marcy - this is the one I was telling you about!) - SOLD,

lots of spring florals, bunnies, eggs, and birds...

old Audubon bird books (both SOLD) and vintage planter (SOLD).......

Ohmigosh, I love these! A set of four FRENCH chicken egg cups!

Did you hear me say they are marked France?!?!?!!!!!!

white chippy doors with a variety of hanging baskets...

Mickey hung my long chippy grey bench on the wall for me so I could

build up my vertical space. I love how this area turned out!

vintage french coffee table with caning and marble inset. I left it as I found it......the weathered

robins egg blue patina is divine! (SOLD)

up close and personal...

more fun little things....

sweet vintage Easter decoration....

I couldn't resist the title of this old book (SOLD).....

funk alert! I hope you can see the detailing in this vintage basket. It is constructed

entirely of safety pins and beads! Imagine the time and effort! (SOLD)

vintage chalkware lamb......awww that face!(SOLD)

fabulous brown and white transferware pitcher......the design contains several bird images

unfortunately it does have a chip on the spout.... (SOLD)

more little bunnies....(SOLD)

there's two of these vintage wooden green bunnies....possibly shooting targets from an old game? (SOLD)

and I just love this guy!

look at that grin! (SOLD)

I also had a very nice surprise when Pam from House of Hawthornes stopped by my

booth as I was working! We had a nice chat! It is always a treat to meet a local blogger!

I hope that Spring has made it's first appearances wherever you are!

The sprinkling of sunshine has been just enough to get me re-energized and to hold me

through the few days of downpours we're getting now.

Winner of the Simply Klassic Blog Design makeover to be announced soon!

Have a great weekend!

Polly

Blog Design Giveaway from Simply Klassic Blog Design!

2011-02-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

SORRY, THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!

Anyone up for a giveaway?

I thought so!!

My friend Kristin at Simply Klassic Blog Design would like to offer one of my readers

a free blog makeover! Kristin is uber talented and the proof is in the pudding! Just check

out what she has done for my blog when I was a lucky winner of a free blog makeover......

she added the photos, designed my header, created tabs, added a background, and captured the look I was going for! Too bad I can't somehow show you what it looked like before, but take my word for it, she took it from drab to fab!!

Here are some examples of blog headers she has done:

Pretty awesome, huh?

She takes the information you provide on a quick questionnaire and works this kind of magic!

Many of you may know the super stylish and ever so talented Kate at Salvage Dior.

Kristin designed Kate's blog too!!

The winner will receive a blog makeover of their choice which is a $100 value!

For those who may not win, but would still like to take advantage of Kristin's talents, you

will be eligible for a 15% discount on any of her blog design packages during the month of March!

How do you win?

It's so easy my friends!

1. Just follow my blog (current followers included)

and Kristin's blog, Simply Klassic Blog Designs.

2. Just leave a comment telling us what makes you happy about Spring!

It's coming, I just know it!

And that's it! Easy peasy!

This giveaway will close this Friday, March 4 at midnight and I'll announce the winner over the weekend!

Here's what makes me happy about Spring....

cutting my petite grape hyacinths and enjoying them throughout my home!

Good luck to all who enter this wonderful giveaway from Simply Klassic Blog Design!

~ xo ~

Polly

quite possibly my most favorite find ever!

2011-02-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday, Keely and I had a girls night out and decided to spend it at

an auction house!! We found a few interesting things, but when this piece of ironstone

came up on the bidding block, I almost fell off my chair!

It is an old syrup pitcher covered in crazing and staining. I love its fluted design.
It fits in perfectly on my old shoe rack next to my ironstone tureen and covered soap dish.

The hinged spout is beautiful with all its wear and natural patina.

I love collecting ironstone!

It makes my heart skip a beat and I get all geeked up when I find a piece I don't already have!

I don't worry about cracks or crazing or even chips....to me, those things just tell a story

and add some character to the piece. The most elusive ironstone has been a cake plate!

I saw two at an antique show recently, one of them was $450 and the second was $625.

Needless to say, they didn't make it to my collection! Maybe someday I'll come across

one that I can afford!

I am linking up to Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground.

Thanks for hosting Debra!

Happy weekend my friends!

~xo~

Polly