As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Friday, March 12, 2021

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.




27 comments:

  1. What a nice day out with friends! And yes, I did go back and re-read the sentimental story of the island. It's nice to pass things on to family, and then you get a new piece for yourself!!

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    1. Yes, it was a lovely day, Melissa!
      We look forward to seeing the island in Kati and Andrew's lovely home. Plans are in the works for a table . . .

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  2. I see that darling girl! Glad that the three of you had some browsing time and some tea time. Am I just guessing on that one?

    Those Windsor chairs are so graceful and beautiful. Something says that Ron knew just what to do to get them looking so fine.

    I felt a pang over the island, but Kati will so enjoy having that piece.

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    1. Of course you thought time with Deanna meant tea . . . but the tea room that is between us is still carryout only and that did not suit. We needed somewhere that we could sit and chat unhurried, because that is what we did!

      We have felt pangs too, which is why it's still here nearly five years since we moved to Pineapple House. We think it will be lovely at Kati and Andrew's house . . . and we'll still get to see it!

      (Ahem . . . can you believe it was me who took the bull by the horns and cleaned up those chairs? And that a Mr. Clean Eraser was involved? Yikes! 😂)

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    2. Well done, Cheryl! Ron taught you well 😉 Thanks for the explanation about the tea room or lack thereof. Yes, that's exactly why Mrs. T said "no restaurants"...we want to talk."

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  3. I love all of your finds!! Did you make the small mat under the spongeware pitcher?
    Enjoy your weekend. Barb in PA

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    1. Thanks so much, Barb! Yes, I did make the small mat . . . and it only took me five years to do it! (Good grief.)

      A happy weekend to you, too!

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    2. LOL! I have a few projects that have been waiting and waiting. I do not know where the time goes...Take care.

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  4. I love those chairs! They are perfect for your home. I like your idea of a table rather than the island. Glad the island will go to Kati and Andrew! That's a special piece, built by Ron, right?

    Lunch was lovely. I'm so glad it all worked out for the three of us from three different states to meet! Next time, tea!

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    1. happily envious!
      so glad you were all able to meet up!

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    2. Thank you, Deanna! Yes, it was a piece that Ron built using some wood from his parents' chicken house, so it has a sentimental family connection.

      It was a lovely day . . . absolutely perfect weather and the company of dear friends! (And we'd love to have Sherry join us too! Some day?)

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  5. those chairs are special!
    i love how you carefully choose items
    for your home .. making welcoming and cozy place.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sherry! I am a s l o w decorator, but I like your term better: "careful." 😊

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  6. I somehow missed your last post, Cheryl. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane. I'm sure my heart will be singing as I work in the flower bed this afternoon.
    I love your Windsor chairs! So handsome and so you. You did a great job bringing back their beauty. Such a darling rabbit cookie cutter, but the spongeware pitcher is my favorite. So pretty full of those white tulips.

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    1. Thanks so much, Martha Ellen! I am really pleased with the chairs. It was a good day for antiquing and singing! I love to imagine you singing as you garden!

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  7. So glad you shared your new antique finds. Those chairs are beautiful. And the spongeware pitcher is terrific. I don't really know much about dishes (not even enough to know the pitcher is spongeware), but given what it is called, I enjoyed looking at it an imagining just how it was sponge-painted. :) And that sweet little cookie cutter... What a perfect spring addition to your decor. Sweet, indeed.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Becki! I am smiling at your creative self trying to see the "how" of the spongeware pitcher. 😊

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  8. The chairs are wonderful and I love that pitcher. Your patience in shopping yields some great purchases. That's nice that the island will be enjoyed in Kati's home and you will have a comfortable space, too. Happy to read about your adventures!

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    1. Thanks for sharing in my adventures, Ellen! Over the years, I have learned shopping patience out of necessity . . . but it really is fun to ponder and plan and collect over time. I think we'll enjoy having a sitting space in the kitchen. As you know from your own moving, different houses require different things. We've been here five years next month, and we're still tweaking!

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  9. Oh I love how you tweak! Those Windsor chairs are beauties. I'm currently on the hunt for a few antique pieces too - just can't wait for the stores to reopen and restock. Patience will be my motto for the next while. You inspire me.

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    1. Awww . . . thanks so much, Rosella! Part of the fun is in the hunt, don't you think? I hope you enjoy looking for the perfect pieces for your new home! (Can't wait to get a few glimpses!)

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    2. lol - I just posted a few pictures! The first picture that we hung is in the basement shot - do you recognize it?

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    3. On my way to read your post . . . 😊

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  10. Such nice things you found on your antique hunt. I have lots of old furniture in my home that have been handed down from my great-grandparents. I would have a hard time giving them up, so I understand what you mean about the island. But it is still staying in the family and you will enjoy the table so much more.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy . . . and thanks for understanding! Yes, I am sure that we will enjoy the table!

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  11. We downsized a lot fifteen years ago when we moved into the house we have now and I still had to downsize more to reduce clutter. But it meant that what was left is what we truly loved.

    These days I have to shop for smaller items (but lovely!) but the rare times I found a piece of furniture, I also found a home for it in one of our rooms so it was meant to be. ;)

    I do LOVE your house!

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    1. I like to think that we're "curating" our possessions! 😉 But you're right . . . it means that we are left with the things we love.

      Thanks so much, Brenda!

      (My slow response is indicative of my very busy week. A little unusual for me these days, but I am going with the flow.)

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