Time Travel Thursday #26 — The Ones That Got Away!

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE PARTY HERE!

Welcome to the 26th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

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

Great!  Here we go.

One of the advantages of being a dealer is having numerous outlets to trade up on—or just get rid of—personal pieces that no longer suit your taste or décor.

Such was the case with the old country cabinet you see above.

I loved the funky-junk look of it, when I bought it five years ago for my mudroom.

I had contemplated selling it for about a year—before I actually did at the Liberty Show in the spring of 2010. 

Then weeks later, I sold this old farm piece at the Cameron Street Fair.

We had had this piece for about fifteen years, and it had served us well—in the Yankee's workshop and then in our family room, for TV and stereo storage.

One of things I thought was so cool about the piece was the way the old farmer, who had given it to us, and had created a pattern out of the nails he had used for its construction.

This old medicine chest was in pretty good shape when we found it—for next to nothing—at our favorite junkin' spot.

Besides giving it a thorough cleaning, all we had to do was replace the beaded-board back, add a bit of decorative trim at the top, and repaint it.

Since the master bath of the cottage already had a vintage medicine chest, I let this one go. 

This cute shelf was purchased for my daughter's room when she was a young preteen.

At the time, it sported a mellow wood stain.

We gave it a French Chic look to sell it.

Aren't these the most fabulous industrial chairs?!!!

I tried my best to figure out a way to make them work in my cottage—but to no avail. 

So, I sold them at the Cameron show.

This is the very first pair of shabby chic nightstands we ever created—parts of an antique vanity.

As soon as they were finished, I decided I was going to keep them...

that is, until the completion of the second pair.

I have this thing for old architectural pieces.

Hubby found these gorgeous antique bedposts at another of our favorite haunts and purchased them with the intent to sell them.

The minute I saw them, I knew they would be perfect for making some one-of-a-kind something for the cottage.

The Yankee vetoed that idea—seeing how we already have a barn full of awesome architectural pieces.

Once upon a time, this lovely piece was the top of a Victorian fireplace mantel.

We made it into a shelf, shabbied it up...

and sold it.

I've collected vintage enamelware for years, but this was the only piece I have ever owned with this incredible robin's-egg-blue color.

It was a perfect match for my vintage tablecloth—as you can see above.

For some reason—and for the sake of me, I cannot remember why—I grew tired of it and sold it.

So, where does the title of this post come into play?

No sooner had I sold each of these vintage treasures, then I began to have "seller's" remorse.

Sometimes having so many outlets to sell from can be a big DISadvantage!

Linking to Mel's Cabin for Woodworking Wednesday, Leigh's for Thrifty Thursday, Betty Bee's Buzz for Buzz, Brag, and Bee Happy Friday, Jessica's for Favorite Things Friday, and Meg's for Everything But the Kitchen Sink.

Shades of White

Though many things have changed about my decorating style over the years, one thing has remained constant...

my infatuation with shades of white.

Joining Kathleen for White Wednesday.

Timeless Treasures

Over the years, many of my home décor items have come and gone–as I've moved from one style house to another.

Others–those with a more timeless appeal–have remained and have found their special places in each new dwelling.

For instance, I've had this French buffet and hutch for almost twenty years. 

It has worked beautifully in my last four homes–an English Tudor, an English Cottage, a 50s ranch, and, at present, my tiny cottage farmhouse. 

Though the piece itself has looked the same over the years, the items displayed upon it have been in a constant state of flux.

These are the treasures it currently holds.

This vintage bakelite flatware is known as Butterscotch to collectors.

I've placed it in a large, vintage pressed glass piece–set atop an old restaurant china dessert plate, with an even older pie pan underneath.

Displayed in this old platter is part of my vintage silverplate creamer collection.

When I started collecting these beauties some years ago, I set a ceiling purchase price of five dollars per piece.

The most expensive one here is the one in the back–$2.99, from a thrift store.  The least expensive, of the four, was only ninety-nine cents–the one on the right.

I love vintage buttons and have been collecting them for many, many years. 

I think the soft, creamy tones, of those displayed here, create a romantic look when coupled with the various shades of gray of the silverplate.

Behind the platter, I placed an ornate, vintage English ironstone lid.  It's an orphan I adopted, because I admired its sculptural quality.

The unique, octagonal framed print, beside the lid, was another thrift store score from long ago.  At only ninety-nine cents, it was a bargain I couldn't resist.

I actually have a project planned for it...that I hope to get to someday.  ;)

In this image, you can see another of my pretty orphaned English ironstone lids.

It's a complete mystery to the Yankee why I like to collect just lids.  

But then, much of what we women like is a mystery to men.  Am I right?

The thick coffee cups stacked on the shelf above are Buffalo restaurant china.  You just can't beat restaurant dinnerware for its durability.

On this part of the same shelf is another vintage platter, a William Adams and Sons English ironstone teapot, a vintage doily, the base to a miniature, antique oil lamp, a square ironstone dish, and a vintage tin–blackened with age.

This shot gives you a glimpse of all the wonderful vintage and antique items displayed on the two uppermost shelves.

I used the soup tureen–that you see on the upper shelf of this shot–in one of my tablescape posts.

The clear glass piece to the right of it is an old creamer.

On the shelf below is another vintage platter, two more pieces of English ironstone–a William Adams and Sons water pitcher and a Johnson Brothers gravy boat–another vintage doily, and an antique cruet.

Years ago, the Yankee and I actually stood in frigid cold snow–in the mountains of Tennessee–to garner that cruet at auction. 

On the opposite side of the shelf are two other Johnson Brothers ironstone pieces–a plate and a small pitcher holding silverplate flatware–a French creamer, and a vintage bird print. 

The gorgeous, vintage transferware gravy boat is one of my favorites.  It's displayed atop an old doily, set on a vintage cake plate, atop a restaurant china dessert plate.

As you can see above, I'm fortunate to have two of those wonderful old French creamers.

And in this image, you get a better look at the clear glass one.

Behind it–against, yet another, vintage platter–is a chippy old applique.

The bird prints were framed when I found them.   But I removed them from their frames and placed them in the hutch like vintage cabinet cards.

The loving cup trophy was a fortuitous flea market find at only $12.00.

Now, if, after all this, you want to know what vintage goodness I have sitting on the top and tucked away at the very bottom of my buffet and hutch, you can take a look over here.

Linking to these fun parties:

Kathleen's White Wednesday

Suzanne's Vintage Thingie Thursday

Leigh's Thrifty Thursday

Time Travel Thursday #13 - Repurposing a Vintage Find

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories.
Some take us forward, they're called dreams."
~Jeremy Irons~

Welcome to the 13th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,

and most creative projects? Great!



Here's some of my latest vintage treasure procured
from local barn sales.  The Yankee liked everything except the antique yarn winder—
the tall slender wooden piece in the right-hand corner. 

I couldn't explain to him why I liked it; I just did!

Sometimes Oftentimes, I buy something with no particular plan
in mind at the time of purchase.  If something appeals to me, I can always
figure out a way to use it.   ; )

The Yankee wanted to just throw it in the fire pit in the back field. 
His line of reasoning—it was missing five of its arms!  Can you imagine that reasoning
coming from a man who himself uses bits and pieces of junk
to make things?! 

I quickly gave it a thorough cleaning, let it air dry, and gave it a good
paste wax job—so I could immediately put it to use.

By the way, have you noticed how often my projects involve
those three steps?

In order to keep the one arm in the postion I wanted it in, an additional peg

had to be added to the front.  Of course, there just happened to be one...

among our jumbles of junk.

I thought, for now, it would make a unique towel rack in the tiny guest bath.

At least that will keep it off the burn pile...

until I think of something better!

Joining Susan's Metamorphosis Monday.

Worth the Wait

Framed Vintage Button Art

By now, I know you must think me to be a terrible, teasing tormentor. 

I'm not...really!!!

Vintage Half Doll / Vintage Millinery / Vintage Bead Strands

While I did want to create a little suspense, I had no intention of stretching things out this far. 

I promise!!!

Silver Plate Tea Tin / Gerity Silver Plate Serving Set

I have a really good explanation for why it has taken so long for me to get the giveaway goods posted. 

 Honest...I do!!!

Vintage Shell Pink Butterfly Dish / Lovely Linen Piece

As you  know, the Yankee and I have been traveling—for weeks now—doing antiques and collectibles shows.

Vintage Molds / Rusty Iron Piece / A Brambleberry Cottage Beaded-Board Box

Between shows, we are scouting out new items to sell—or at least, the components to create new items—from some of our favorite spots. 

You know the places I'm referring to.  

I've shared them before:  Cline's, Lexington Flea Market, and even the locations where we've done shows—like The Big Classic, as well as, several others I will be posting about later.

Mini Vintage Whisk Broom

After each show, we have to pack up any items we've not sold, load them on the truck, and take them back to be stored until the next show.

1920s Sheet Music

But, the venue of a show dictates which items we are able to take with us each time. 

And, not every category of item can be sold at every show.

T.J. Maxx Metal Heart

So, after each show, we attempt to repack any leftover items with the next show in mind.

1930s Teacher Magazines

When I decided to do this giveaway—to celebrate my birthday with you—I began to set aside specific items from our various excursions to include in the giveaway.

Vintage Skeleton Keys / 1980s Necklace Beads / Old Stock, New Cigar Labels

After packing up the goods from a handful of shows—some of which involved a harried, hurried packing to beat the rain—many of the giveaway items got mixed up with the show items.

Vintage Valentine Cards

My original intent was to tease you just until Saturday night or Sunday morning—when I returned home from this last show.

I promise; It was meant to tease, not torture!

Vintage Valentine Envelope / Vintage Easter Postcard

You can imagine my panic when I arrived home Saturday evening and couldn't locate half of the items I was including in the giveaway!

Vintage Jewelry Pieces

I have spent the past few days, unloading the truck and pouring through boxes of packed goods, desperately seeking the treasures I bought—with you in mind.

A Pair of Vintage Glass Knobs

I am delighted to say...

they're all accounted for! 

Whew!!! 

Take a  look just below each image, and you'll see—in smaller print—the goodies the winner of this special giveaway will receive.

Now tell me.  Was it worth the wait?

Am I forgiven?  ; )

I'm sharing all these wonderful vintage treasures at Diane's for 2nd Time Around Tuesday,

at Suzanne's for Vintage Thingie Thursday,  

and at Leigh's for Thrifty Thursday.

And there's plenty of red, so I'll also share at Rednesday.