I think that owning stuff you love is underrated.
Do you get what I mean by that? I think we often times settle for something we don’t really love, just because it’s utilitarian. And, sometimes there is just no getting around that.
But, sometimes you can have something that checks the box in both the beauty and function categories.
When I spotted this dustpan in an antique store, it was like a win-win. I love the look and I love the size of it and the “cover” on the top that keeps fluff from floating away.
Yeah, it’s just a dustpan, but why shouldn’t a dust pan bring a little smile to your face when you use it?
In the same shopping trip, I also bought this sweet little whisk broom…
Something, like this little broom, that was utilitarian, but is pretty enough to use for decoration.
At Lucketts, I picked up a couple of German top sheets. They actually button to the top of a duvet cover. I mean, if you’re going to have sheets, why not have them pleated and trimmed, right? I’ll probably repurpose them, but they were just too pretty to pass up.
This isn’t a utilitarian piece, but I also bought a piece of ironstone. Since I have a lot of pieces in my own collection and I buy and sell a lot, I only buy pieces for myself that are really interesting or unique. I had never seen a casserole quite like this, so I snapped it up.
It was fun to bring a few new things into my house after I did so much shopping to sell to others. I have a rule (that I mostly stick to) that as new things come in, old things need to leave.
So, I did sell a few of my things from my house in the most recent online sale and I’ve gathered a few other things. (Don’t worry, my old plastic dustpan is not included!)
Speaking of the online shop we do have more things to list, but we had to regroup after the flurry of the last sale. I also ordered some more French soaps, German brushes, and braided jute trim. And we spent today getting a new shipping area set up (seriously, we were all over the place) and worked on other logistical-non-creative-business-y-things. After a full day of that, I put my head in my hands.
“I really need to do something creative tomorrow.”
And that’s what I intend to do…
I love beautiful sheets, I am so jealous.
I am about to mix up my first batch of Miss Mustard Seed Milk paint and go to work on the bend
my pal and I made from the end of a crib, Jenny Lind spindles and all.
I couldn’t agree more. I love the dustpan. It looks like one my grandmother used to have. It makes me so happy to surround myself with beautiful things. It makes everything more enjoyable, even sweeping the floor. :o)
What size is that German top sheet? Repurpose? Maybe sell??
I know what you mean. I love it when I can actually find a use for something that speaks to me. It’s definitely a win-win.
I agree. I no longer buy things to fill the literal space, I wait until I find things that bring me joy.
I can’t believe it — I just bought a dustpan from the 60s at a shop in NH! My plastic one is terrible (they’ve all been terrible); sweeping and sweeping across the floor to make all the dirt go in, brushing from side, front, turning — annoying! Your dustpan is better looking than mine, but it gets the job gets done, I don’t care what it looks like. I love it!
I am absolutely in love with the German top sheets! I gleefully admit that I have an out of control linen obsession! The mere sight of this sent me over the edge. Oh, my!
Love your little dustpan. Among many other keepsakes I have from my grandparents one special item I treasure is their well used little dustpan. I have it hanging in my laundry room above my washer and dryer where I see it everyday and it brings back fond memories of them. I wish I could send you a picture, I’m pretty sure you would love it’s chippy patina and honest wear.
From a bed linen junkie… Love those pretty German linens??❤️
I am finally learning to reject those things that are attractive to me or purposeful, but don’t especially speak to my aesthetic sense. That is, I don’t love them. I am learning to wait while something I do love finds me.
The dustpan is choice. It’s not really plastic, is it? It sure looks metal to me. I bet it’s really functional, too, compared to the ones made today. I really like the “hood” at the top near the handle. Yay for the vintage dustpan–an item of superb design!
Oh yeah, the dustpan pictured is metal. I was referring to my old blue plastic dustpan that I will be replacing it with. 🙂
I love your finds… And I totally get your need to create. My kids and grandkids are staying with us for a while. I haven’t been able to create ? , they keep me busy. I wonder if that’s how God feels when He creates ?? Just a thought…. God Bless
I am sooo anxious to get the jute trim for an upholstery project.. When will it be available?
And this is why I love you my dear Miiss Mustard seed.
I couldn’t agree more! Functional can be pretty. The thing I’m currently having a tough time is with finding beautiful lighting. When I do find lamps I like, they’re so expensive and sometimes they’re only sold in pairs. I think your new/old dust pan is a great find and I love it’s color. That little broom is pretty sweet too.
What? Button the top sheet to your duvet??? BRILLIANT! Those Germans are so clever!!! (FYI: My mom is from Germany! 😉 Love the dust pan….style AND color!
Marian, I just received my Look Book 2 I ordered……absolutely LOVE!!!!! Kriste did an amazing job as did you! I see more projects in European colors in my future!
Hi Marian,
I am having trouble finding your online shop…..cannot see a link on email posts? Could you pls point me in the right direction….. Thanks
It’s under the “MMS Product” heading, but we need to put it in a more obvious place! Sorry about that.
Hi there,
I have a small collection of mostly little dustpans and brushes. Some are so cute with painted designs and old paint. I also have old coat hangers and wall racks with hangers. And mirrors, don’t get me started on that. It is all in fun,
Regards, Robin