More Antiquing

In my last post, I told you about my little road trip and a few of you wondered what I had purchased. Some of my readers enjoy hearing about our antique store adventures, so today I thought I'd show you my big and little finds from that day. 

Starting with the biggest purchase, the reason for my trip . . .

~ a pair of Nichols & Stone Windsor chairs ~

I stalked the ad on Facebook Marketplace for several months! We were busy with the holidays or we had company or the weather was bad or one of our vehicles was in the shop . . . always a reason not to go. But finally the time was right and the price was right (the price had been reduced over those weeks of stalking) and I went to have a look. 

The chairs are solid and sturdy, but, as they are antiques, there was some evidence of age and use. A little discoloration, a water ring, and what looked like some paint flecks and a smear. However, with a little elbow grease and some (non-orthodox) cleaning, they came out beautifully! 

Before . . . 

. . . and after.

The chairs are now in their temporary homes . . . one in our master bedroom (at the desk that is going to be replaced by a bookshelf), the other in the guest room (above).

We have plans to replace our kitchen island with a small table. We think it will be a better use of the space. A place for Ron and I to sit and have coffee or lunch, an inviting spot for someone to sit while I am cooking, or a small gathering space.  We really didn't want to get rid of the island because it is a sentimental piece, but Kati and Andrew are going to use it in their kitchen, so that feels right. The new Windsors will sit at the new table (they will be much more comfortable than the tall bar stools for us older folks) and I can't wait to see how it all comes together! 

Now I'll share some smaller finds from the antique store I visited . . .

~ rabbit cookie cutter ~

I dug through a bowl of cookie cutters for this little pop of spring!

~ floor lamp ~

I put this wrought iron floor lamp in the guest room to replace one that was wobbly and unstable.

The most special find of the day . . . 

~ spongeware pitcher ~

Last fall I had run an errand for my dad that had required a couple of trips to the town where my sister lives. When all was said and done, Daddy wanted to give me some money for my efforts. Despite my protest, he insisted, so I tucked it aside, determined to save it for something special.

I have been inspired by collections of spongeware that I have seen on Instagram, so when I came across this pitcher in the antique store, I knew that I had found that "something special." This is my gift from my Daddy. Isn't it lovely? 

One week later, my friend Barbara and I met up with Deanna for lunch. On our way home, Barbara and I stopped off at an antique shop and, believe it or not, neither of us bought a thing. That's the way with antiquing. Some days you find treasures; some days nothing. It's all part of the adventure! 

And sometimes the real treasure is not something that you can purchase. ❤