LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Time Travel Thursday #19 - The Mysterious Appeal of Statuary - Part 1


CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE LINKY PARTY HERE!


Welcome to the 19th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready for our next trip back in time and into the future?

Great; then let's get this party started!


Statuary...

What is it about those three-dimensional representations of the real thing that appeals to us so?

Over the years, I've decorated with numerous statues—running the gamut of styles.

How about traveling back in time with me to see some of them.


During the mid- to late 90s, country roosters ruled the roost in my residence.


Just last week, I showed you how I brought this cocky guy into the 21st century.


By now, you can probably tell that I'm quite enamored with birds.

They show up often in my decorating—both inside and out.

This set of old-concrete red birds made a colorful contribution to my flower garden a few years ago.


How fun it was to have this vintage trio live on my front porch for a season.

Besides being so cute, I liked the fact that they couldn't steal the food out of my bird feeders—unlike their real-life counterparts!


This was the only piece of old carnival chalk ware I've ever owned.

To me, it had a chic, shabby French look.

I know, I know.  It's a SCOTTISH terrier.

Anyway, I wish I had a picture to share with you that showed his adorable face.

He really was quite cute!

Many of my very best decorating deals have come from flea markets—definitely the case for the red birds, the squirrels, and the chalk ware dog. 

The most expensive items, I've shown here, were the set of squirrelsa whopping $10.00.

What would we do without flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales?!!!

Want to see more?

Then you'll have to join me for part two of this post.

In the meantime, I'll be linking up with Mary for Ruby Tuesday, Diane for 2nd Time Around Tuesday, Susan for Outdoor Wednesday, Leigh for Thrifty Thursday, and Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday...  

while you're linking to my party.  ; )




Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #18 - Savvy Salvage Shopping Tips



A few weeks ago, a blogging buddy, Tammy @ Tattered & Timeless, e-mailed to let me know she would be making her very first trip to Cline's Country Antiques


She asked if I would be interested in showing her "how to do the place justice."

Being one who likes to lend a helping handwhen possibleand never wanting to turn down an opportunity to go junkin', I said I would tag along.


As you can see from these images, Cline's Antiques offers more than your typical "antiques" shopping experience.

If you've been following my adventures here at the cottage, you know that this just happens to be my favorite junkin' spot.

Andfor the past fifteen yearsit has also been a place where the Yankee and I have found numerous diamonds in the rough.

Being somewhat of a veteran salvage shopper, I thought I would pass on to Tammy some tips on how to make her visit to Cline's safer, more productive, and more enjoyable. 

And now, I'll share them with you, my other junk-lovin' buddies! ; )


If you intend to do more than browse from the sidelinesat a place like Cline's Antiqueswearing a comfortable, but sturdy pair of shoes is a must.

These thick-soled boots are the ones I wear for this type of adventure, no matter the season.

Walking in, around, and on top of mounds of salvage can present a hazard, if you're not properly protected.


Do you like rusty, crusty "stuff"?  Me too!

And a good, thick pair of gloves come in handy when plundering through piles of itto find that perfect piece or two.

Wearing clothes in layersthat can be removed, if need beand ones that you don't mind getting dirty, and possibly even torn, is also advised.


In addition, I like to carry a small backpack along, with a few other necessities,
like...


a bright flashlight, for searching out all those treasures tucked away in barns and buildings...



a small notepad and pen, for jotting down where the larger pieces arethat I want to "think about"...


and a little magnifying glass, for getting a closer look at maker's marks on smalls.


These vintage 1920s beekeeping pamphlets were a reminder to me to caution you to look out for bees and waspssomething you probably wouldn't be in-Cline-d to think about as you're plundering through piles of junk.

And speaking of smalls...

a clean, empty plastic "mud" bucket makes a terrific carrier for tiny treasures, in a place like Cline's.


And this is a must-have!

Okay, I know your laughing now.

But you won't be if you find yourself here...


without it!


I like to carry a travel pack of baby wipes along, as well, since there's no access to clean running water.


Make sure to bring your favorite beverage of choice...


something to snack onlike the wholesome goodness I pluck from my own fruit trees...

and plenty of cash, for all the goodies you're sure to find.

Then you'll be totally prepared to spend the whole day at Cline's Country Antiques,
 or any other salvage yard, digging for treasure.