Prim Uses for Unsual Finds!

In our quest for unusual antiques, sometimes we come across things that are unique, but we're not always sure how best to use them.  That's how it was with the 3 humongous boxes of old ceramic insulators I bought a while back.  I loved the rich colors and unusual shapes, but wasn't sure what to do with them.

Then one day, someone set one of them on the counter at the shop and as I stood there looking at it, I picked up one of my battery operated candles and plunked it inside and finished it off with a berry pip candle ring and VOILA!  I absolutely love this idea!!  And since I've been displaying them like this, people are finally buying the insulators.

I had a very large one that we suggested to a customer could be used as a mini bird bath in the garden.  She bought two!

I love finding treasure in barns!

I went to a wonderful old farm auction in Thornville last weekend.  The property was incredible.  It was surrounded on three sides by Dawes Arboretum.  It was nestled on gently rolling hills with a wooded background.  Beautiful!

I wasn't able to get much furniture because prices were pretty strong.  However, almost no one seemed interested in the fun stuff hidden in the barns!  There was an awesome wooden truck gate hidden away and a pair of barn panel gates and I was the only one that wanted them!!

Here's a pic of my gates set up at the shop.  I'm waiting for a handmade Mary and Joseph to arrive so I can set up a manger.

The gates are taller than me and they're about eight feet long.  They take up a LOT of space, but I love them!   I want to wrap lights and garland around them.

I also got this old barn door hanger.  When I first saw it, it was just sitting there (upside down) like this, and I thought it had so many possibilities...

So I decided to fill it up with Christmas Goodies!!  Candy canes, poinsettias and a pair of vintage baby mittens!

I also managed to get the winning bid on one of my favorite items at the auction... an old wheel barrow (missing its sides) in original blue paint!!

My sister met me at the auction and I know she thought I was a nut, buying the most primitive pieces there!  But we had a great time together and she got some fun stuff too.

One thing that bothered me though.  There was a wonderful old buggy seat advertised to be at the sale, but when I got there, no one could find it.  They determined that it must have been stolen before the sale started.  How sad!

Lovin' old painted pieces!!

It's not always easy to find unique items for the shop, especially old painted, primitive pieces.  So when someone stopped in the shop and told me he had just purchased an old house filled with things that hadn't seen the light of day for years, I jumped at the chance!

The house was in really bad shape, but just like the gentleman suggested, there were several old pieces that would be perfect for the shop!  Here are just two of them:

I just love this old dresser!  Just the right amount of wear... 

And this little jelly cupboard is so sweet!  Not too big and not too deep.  Perfect for a small space!

Open House Today!

Shop is all decorated and ready for Christmas!  Not sure if I'm ready yet though!  :-)

Christmas Open House!

Yes, it's been an awfully long time since I've posted.... hopefully I'll be better!  :-)

Finding More Goodies for the Shop!

We had a great Christmas Open House!  But one of the downsides is when all  your furniture starts selling and you have to come up with some new pieces rather quickly.  However, I happen to love shopping for new stuff, so I set off in search of a good auction!  Lucky for me I found one and here are some of the treasures I brought home.

This piece just kinda tugged at me.  It's an old shop display piece and it has Aunt Betty's Products printed across the top.  Not sure what's marked on the second shelf, but the bottom says Bakery.  I love it!

This wonderful old cupboard has green paint over old mustard paint.  I believe the cupboard itself is Walnut.  It is SO heavy, I have to say I'm tempted to  just take it home.

This little jelly cupboard is a nice size.  It's not very deep at all.  It has white paint over old green paint.  I think it could use a little TLC.  I like the red knobs!

This little table has so much charm.  It has layers of old paint and it's kinda sad that someone started to scrap the paint off the drawer and just quit.  It has old green and red paint under the black.

That's all for right now, but I'll share pics of more of the treasures later this week.  Thanks for looking!

Almost ready for Christmas Pics

I think the shops that close down a few days before open house are smart!  You can take your time decorating and you don't have to worry about someone coming in and buying your display pieces before the open house.  However, I don't think it's fair to close down when there's no way for me to let EVERYONE know that I won't be open.  So, I'm trying to decorate while operating the shop.  It's a little slow going, but we're getting there.  Less than 12 hours to go before the OPEN HOUSE!

Redecorated the Harvest Table!

Nice old mantle with German Twig and Berry Garland

Adorable Little Blue Cupboard with snowmen and candles.

The Cottage

GoodieS!

Wonderful Early wood & iron sled on old mantle.  Also old Model T tool box w/snowmen and more!

I love, love, love this cupboard.  I've never seen anything like it.  I have the door off to the side, but when it's on, it overlaps the drawers.  I was told the door sort of locks the drawers and then there's a latch above the door to hold it in place too.  This is one of the display pieces that sold today.

Amazing Primitive Artist

Well, I was just spending a few minutes browsing around "blogger" land when I happened onto someones site that was offering free goodies.  So I thought I'd sign up.  But first I poked around the site a little bit and realized that I had 'discovered' someone with a incredible talent!  You'll have to stop by Michelle Palmer's Blog and take the grand tour.  You won't be disappointed!

I love Primitives!!

Fall is my favorite time of year and I love decorating with primitives, the more rustic the better!  My house is an eclectic mix of the same sort that you see in the shop.  Most rooms have their own look, but some have a bit of everything.

Today I thought I'd take some pictures of the primtives in the shop.  I adore this old baking cupboard.   When these cupboards were first built, they were considered the epitomy of efficiency for the modern housewife.  With lots of drawers, shelves, pull-out cutting board and plenty of room to roll out pie crusts and noodles!

I have this one filled with Rose of Sharon Candles, room sprays and tarts.

And of course, my absolutely favorite, BATTERY operated candles.  No burning the house down!

This cupboard is absolutely huge.  It's actually a cupboard TOP.  Could you imagine how big it would be with it's original bottom?  It has a slightly reddish cast to the finish, which I love!

It's filled with 1824 Candles, car fresheners and beautiful Placemats and Napkins!

I'm trying to get the shop ready for our upcoming Christmas Open House.  I really don't like to put Christmas stuff out in the shop until Halloween is over.  It's always bothered me that major retail stores rush the Holidays and completely ignore Thanksgiving, which I love.  So, when the shop is finally decorated for Christmas, it will also be decorated for Thanksgiving!

Thanks for looking!

Kim

Around the shop....

I figured out how to make my blog space match my web-site.  So much to learn!  I thought I'd include a few more pictures of the shop.  As you can see, I like a lot of different styles!

How can you resist tea cups, silver plate and anything architectural?

 

I love the shop's brick walls.   they make a perfect backdrop for just about anything.



This very pretty, early wicker table is the most wonderful color!

 I fell in love with this primitive table the moment I saw it.  It would make a great little kitchen island!

So Sweet!  This adorable little dress and stand are on consignment.

Thanks for taking a peek!