Friday, March 16, 2012

Repurposing vintage finds...



A quick post today, leaving for sunny Florida for ten days, so I shall be absent from blogging for a little while....
Since my obsession with china has taken over a few spaces in my home, I have resolved to being more creative with its uses....I think that is the secret to making vintage collections, fresh and new, by assigning them repurposed duties in the household...
In the past, I was especially drawn to the large, beautiful wash basins, which often accompanied the pitchers of the same designs...above you can see one in green transferware.


I have relegated it to the guest bath as a towel receptacle...I have also used it at Christmas for holding my eggnog, circled with a fresh green wreath at its base, with a silver ladle for dispensing the nog.  It makes a great centerpiece for the festive table.
It is one of my favourite pieces of transferware. I love the colour green!




Here a small pitcher, of the same wonderful green colour is holding several wash cloths...



This green depression glass biscuit jar is holding scented soaps, which I purchased in Florence at la Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, a fitting receptacle for such a special and luxurious soap.



I love the fresh green colour of this glass and it brings this bathroom a soft country feeling....


The depression glass and green transferware together bring a fresh sense of style to a collectible which could otherwise look a little staid and dated on their own.


Another depression glass collectible, a cake plate, which I have again employed to service in the guest bath....


Holding French hand soap and creams, it elevates these simple little luxuries to a different level....




Another repurposed collectible is the lowly silver chest, here painted and distressed and given a new interior with anaglypta paper...but any material may be used, a wonderful rose imprinted fabric or toile....


It has gone from this, to this....holding jewellery, and other personal feminine items...




Here you can see the interior of the chest, now recovered and repurposed into a new life.....


When looking for these silver chests, I try to purchase the ones with interesting drop handles, then, painted, antiqued and distressed they acquire a wonderful new patina....


And best of all today, our woods are yielding the first sign of Spring...the first of the wildflowers are peeking through the brown layer of fall leaves....
Wishing everyone a most happy weekend.....and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

I will be back soon!

N.xo
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24 comments:

  1. Hi, Your blog is so enticing; it just gets my memories going back to times of childhood family dinners and of standing at my grandmother's china cabinet and gazing at all her pretty treasures. I love visiting your little home in cyber space. Have a wonder vacation. If you are anywhere close to Cocoa, Florida, visit a shop called Antiques and Collectibles Too, it is a great little shop with so many unique items. It is located in the Historic Cocoa Village. I have some photos from this shop, but I have not posted them yet. Connie

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  2. Hi there, I hope my post does not go through twice, but some crazy message came up that makes me think it gone lost. Love your blog. It takes my memories back to childhood family dinners, and of glazing into my grandmother's china cabinet looking at all her lovely treasures.
    If you are anywhere close to Cocoa, Florida, check out a shop called, Antiques and Collectibles Too. It is located in Historic Cocoa Village. It is a small shop that is stuffed to the rafters with delightfully unique items. I have some photos that I took when visiting this shop, but I have not posted them yet. Have a great vacation, Connie

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  3. What I like about all of these pieces is that they could be used in any room in the house. I really like items that can be moved around and work in several area's and all seasons. Great looks.

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  4. Beautiful post! I love the green transferware and depression glass...and by the way..I love your pretty banner.
    Have a beautiful Saturday.
    Hugs~Clara

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  5. GOOD MORNING ELLA! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! HUGS, Anita

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  6. So pretty! I love the green depression glass and your transferware is lovey. The Honey B body cream looks wonderful! Enjoy your trip to Florida - we are still getting a mixture of snow and rain in the Pacific Northwest .. so ready to retire the boots!

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  7. So many wonderful ideas - I love your idea for re-purposing the silver chest!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend, Nella!
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  8. The photos are lovely...your ideas are fantastic. I really love the green depression glass.

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  9. this looks incredibly nice!!! Great bath decoration!!

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  10. Your photos are amazing!!!

    I'd love to have you link to Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  11. Hello Nella thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a lovely comment re my lacey quilt. I've never been a "kit" type creator - am just into collaging as I go - free and easy!
    Love your green and white transfer ware - looks so cool with your Depression glassware and gives such a fresh look with all the whites of your bathroom.
    I'm a Pink Depression glass collector myself with a little Amber as well!
    Have a lovely week,
    Suzy

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  12. I love the way you find vintage pieces to use everyday. Adding some green to your bathroom makes it fresh and clean looking. The silver chest has a whole new life now repainted. Enjoy your time in Florida....I feel like we're getting their climate lately....very warm here, hope it lasts for April sales.
    x
    Carole

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  13. Safe journey to you. I think your bath looks delightful, and such clever uses for your treasures..

    xx
    z

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  14. GOOD MORNING NELLA DEAR!

    How nice it is too see you come by my friend! Thank you for commenting on my wands; and of course, you have an EYE for such things, being a wonderful artisan yourself! I love that idea of the wands being used as toppers for cakes! I have made some even SMALLER dress forma and I wonder how they would look as little cupcake toppers!

    Well dearest, it is Monday and it is back to the classroom for this old teacher. But what a FABULOUS WEEKEND we had. Warmth and breezes have blown in memories of last summer and I AM READY, although here in my territory, snow can come back at any time until MAY or even JUNE!

    Have a great day! Anita

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  15. Hi Nella, your bowl and depression glass is so beautiful. We seem to have a lot in common. Love of vintage and Saint Therese. I'm so happy to have met you. I'm now following you.

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  16. Hi Nella,
    I wanted to let you know that I nominated your blog for the Liebster Blog Award. It is on my post. Check it out...
    Congrats!

    Jody

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  17. Your bowl and pitcher is very pretty I like them very much.

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  18. Hi Nella, I just came over from Jodys to have a visit with you.
    What a lovely blog you have!
    Beautiful photos!!
    The previous post, Imari is beautiful, too.
    I think they're like Japanese Imari pottery...

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  19. What a nice post! I love your use of green here - so Spring like! It's my favourite colour, I find it very refreshing, especially this time of year as we try to leave winter behind.

    Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the sun.

    Minerva x

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  20. Your chest is awesome, you gave it a new and certainly better life!

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  21. Dear Nella,

    I am so looking forward to seeing you again once you have returned from Florida! I hope your break was just what you hope for and more.

    I think that particular shade of green has to be my favourite...

    Warmest wishes,

    Stephanie

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  22. love the green transferware

    I threw out an old silver chest last summer, I was overwhelmed cleaning out the garage . It was one of my weak moments, I'v done it before loose all sence and get rid of good things

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  23. A gorgeous chest! Thank you for sharing, I am so glad to meet you. I am so excited to find and follow new special places. I will follow on my way out because I am sure I will enjoy engaging and supporting your special place now I have found you. I hope you will find some time to come visit me soon. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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  24. Hello Nella!
    I love your ideas, I like how you used your vintage ware in your bathroom,
    and that little chest is such a great idea..in fact will take mine out of the mudroom
    right this minute to start a little project inspired by you! Thank you and
    Enjoy your holiday! Colette x

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Thank you for visiting my blog..... I love to hear from you and appreciate every comment received! N.xo