Fiesta Cup and Saucer

Then, when my husband and I got married, his boss gave us this:

Blue Bow by Royal Worcester

I just loved it! Still do.

These dishes (Pfaltzgraff–Heritage) were given to us for a wedding gift from friends at the school where I taught in Indiana. Eight full place settings plus canisters and serving pieces! I continue to use them and think fondly of the folks who helped us start married life with a classic everyday china, instead of what we both were using.

Pfaltzgraff Heritage

Several years later, I fell victim to Gerald Henn. I do not have many of these. (They were a bit pricey, and I began to feel guilty choosing between food for my children and a new plate. ) Recently, I have discovered these on eBay, however, and might just add some blue spongeware mugs and plates to my set. 

Gerald Henn blue spongeware pitcher

Gerald Henn cranberry spongeware plates

FYI:  This is the very best coffee mug around!

Gerald Henn cranberry spongeware mug

[Gulp.] I just realized that this combines my two biggest vices and only two addictions…I suppose it could be worse.

And now, I know:  I have a problem, but I just can’t seem to stop. Twelve place settings later…

Fiesta Dishes by Homer Laughlin

(I am pretty sure that I need just a couple more!)

Fiesta Gusto Bowls

Fiesta cups and bowls

Happy Friday! If you are joining in the coffee at Home Sanctuary, I hope your coffee is hot and your mug is a perfect fit for you.

Though Christmas is not at all about stuff, we do tend to accumulate more of it at this time of year. Some of it is meaningful to us, some of it helps us in our daily lives, some of it makes us more comfortable, and some of it just makes us smile. Here are a few of my favorite things–from 2009 and from years past. Be sure to take a look at the photos toward the end–the thing that Christmas really is about.

Charles Dickens spoke through Ebeneezer Scrooge when he said, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” I hope that is true for us all!

Musical We Three Kings

Pine Cone Elf

String of Angels

Father Christmas

Un-nested Santas

Preschool Manger--I love this one!

Ornament from Peru

Simple but lovely!

Gift from son in 2002

African nativity

Unique nativity

Another view

Nativity

My favorite...so far!

photo by Paul Keleher

Good morning, Company Girl Coffee Drinkers! Long time, no see..It’s been a pretty busy 6 weeks around my house, but my parents have moved safely to their wonderful new home, and now life around here is somewhat back to normal (whatever that is!) So, enjoy your coffee, and I’ll see you on your blog. Happy Friday!

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What I know about antiques could probably fill a small thimble: Rules such as “look for dove-tailed drawers” and “don’t strip old paint unless you are SURE it doesn’t give value to the piece.” Most of all, I just know what I like. I like old stuff–smooth, worn wood, aged metal, wavy glass, softly faded fabrics. Things from a different time. Things that tell stories. And I never go into antique shops that have thousand dollar price tags. I would hate to have to worry about whether something is really “that valuable” or not. I am a regular person.

Going into antique shops can be intimidating if you can’t get past the feelings of inadequacy. It is fun and liberating to admit knowing little and only buying what I like because I just like it–not because it is worth money. It is with that mind-set that I trot merrily (and blissfully unaware) into treasure shops. Most owners do not seem to be snooty about shoppers. Most owners seem genuinely happy to answer questions. In fact, if you are open to learning, most will gladly spend time sharing their knowledge with you, even–get this–if you don’t buy anything!

I used to be a reluctant antique shopper, not sure if I needed to pretend to know more than I did. And not sure how to go about that anyway. Through practice and observation, I have learned a few tips and questions that have never gotten a bad response. If your intent is honest and your demeanor is pleasant, it will all be fine. Next time you see an antique shop for regular people (not the hoity toity), just walk right in and do these things:

• Greet the owner or clerk with a smile.
• Be careful not to hit things with your pocketbook. (Many shops are packed with treasures that are displayed in precarious positions.) Try a messenger-style bag.
• If the owner isn’t too busy, ask about things you are truly interested in. For example, I saw a bunch of canes with bright hand grips in a barrel. When asked, the owner told me about carnival canes–the prizes given out at carnivals in the ’40s and ’50s. I had no idea! I did not want to buy them, but I was genuinely interested in learning what they were. Sometimes you can discover the origin of a piece in asking. Again, let the owner share his or her knowledge.
• If you really want to buy something, do not insult the owner by offering nothing. If you do not have an idea, just ask what their best price is. Usually, there is some cushion built in to the price. If not, they will let you know.
• Unless you are really educated about antiques, just look for what you like. (Even if you do know about antiques, this is a good rule to follow.)
  When you leave, say thank you to the owner. This is a small courtesy that many people do not extend today. Most shop owners really appreciate good manners–even if you did not buy anything.

Most of all, just be nice. That almost always puts others at ease. Then, you can get down to the fun stuff–finding the perfect old thing for your regular house!

Here are some wonderful things we saw–and one that we purchased! More on that later…

LOVE this color

Ever play Jenga?...I was tempted...

Wish I had...Might go back for this mini-bowling set. Again, the colors!!!

Not old, but still fun

Part-antique: Old doors, cabinet built with old wood around the doors.

The grey cabinet is in my daughter’s room now. It provides much-needed clothing storage. We decided grey was not us (it was not old paint), so it is now different, and we love it! I’ll show the transformation another day…Did I mention I got a GREAT deal?

After quick-cleaning my half-bath this week, I stood back to admire the sparkle and take in the clean smell of Windex. Instead I noticed the big, empty wall. (Yes, it’s been that way for about eight years–ever since the swirly green wallpaper went up.) I could never really figure out what to hang there, but OBVIOUSLY, something was lacking. And though folks don’t usually discuss what we do in this little room (unless you are in my family), we do need something to look at while we are in there.

I love to see “my people”, as we called them where I grew up–some who were dead before I was born. I love the rich family history that these photos tell and hold secret. Through the years, I had used my most pitiful look on my mother a few times and came away with some wonderful family photos. (score!) My husband took a bolder approach and simply claimed his family’s history–when his mother wasn’t looking. (She’s as sweet as can be, but she could still clean his clock if she wanted.)

I had put these photos in inexpensive ($5 or less) frames, purchased at different times. They are black and dark brown, but I think they work well together. I had put the framed photos in a box until I could decide where to hang them. Then, I remembered visiting a friend, Debbie G., who had a simple wall grouping of black and white family photos in her powder room. I loved the idea, and having a memory like a steel trap (grin), that image from a couple of years ago came back to me.

I spent a few minutes laying them out on the floor, tweaking until I liked what I saw. Some people cut paper templates the sizes of their pictures and tape on the wall, but for me, the old floor works just fine. Plus, it’s faster. I tend to group, keeping balance in mind, and I wanted this sort of collage-look. You can also hang photos in a diamond shape, or begin with the bottom edges of photos even horizontally, then go from there. Trust your eye, though. If something doesn’t look right, move it before you put that nail in the wall. Also, bring in something different. I had this sconce and postcard holder. 3D is good.

I thought this project would take 20 minutes, but honestly, it took about an hour. And remember that my photos were already in frames. But the finished product is just what I wanted. I think my people in this house will like it. (At least, they’ll have something to look at when they’re in there.)

TaDa!

While I was snooping at my friend Jill’s house (with permission and a camera, of course!), I found this charming jar of buttons in the half-bath. I loved the “oldness” of it and the way it looked. The best part is that these buttons were from Jill’s grandmother’s sewing stash!

I have a few things that belonged to my sewing grandmother:  her Singer treadle sewing machine, a falling-apart sewing basket, and some notions. Sadly, no big bunch of old buttons…But there IS the flea-market! The next time I can make it to the Burlington Flea Market (KY), you can bet I’ll be scouting for some buttons. (Don’t you love “borrowing” ideas?)

This button collection also started me thinking about how I could enjoy my own grandmother’s notions…I would welcome ideas!

Sometimes we keep our collections hidden away in a drawer, either to preserve them or because we think they might not be much to look at. But maybe it’s time to let our treasures see the light–and let others see them! As the Nester says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” (Take time to visit The Nesting Place. It is a fabulous website full of beautiful, innovative decorating ideas!) Shouldn’t we enjoy the things we treasure?

I visited my friend, Jill, and took some pictures of one of her beautiful collections:  Peggy Karr Glass. She has some special display spots in her home, but I particularly love her “storage” system.  Instead of hiding away her dormant infused glass plates, she stores them in her living room, atop a table. The storage provides a colorful display for the eye and has the added bonus of freeing up room in a drawer for some less-than-lovely goodies.

       Take a look at the margarita ornament…Isn’t it fun?

Maybe it’s time to take your collections out of the closet, dust them off, and get your stories ready.

[More ideas on displaying collections in a later post.]