One of the things I enjoy about the online community is getting to know other creative entrepreneurs and business owners. There was a time when starting a business meant one needed a physical place to sell from and a place to hang a shingle. There was a time when one had to physically visit those stores in order to meet other business owners in their field or associated fields. It’s pretty amazing we can do it online. I remember when I first found the online world of home/DIY/decor bloggers and thought, I have found my people! Grace Miller of My White Porch Shoppe is one of those people.
We met on Instagram (you can follow her HERE) and she asked if she could select a few things from her shop to share with my audience. Whenever I get these requests, I take a look at the shop to see if it would make sense with my aesthetic. Sometimes I say no and sometimes I say yes. In this case, I said a very enthusiastic yes. Not only does Grace find a nice assortment of wonderful things, but her prices are amazing, even when shipping is factored in.
She had some lovely pieces of copper that I snapped up. This fish mold was something I had been looking for…
And she had this super heavy, unique copper mold that was unlike anything I’ve seen. I’m not even sure what it was used for. Maybe some kind of jelly, cake, or pudding? The fact that there are several different mold shapes on top makes it interesting.
Whatever it is, it caught my eye and is now hanging from the pot rack over my antique butcher’s table island.
I also selected a brass candle holder with a classic shape. I had a hard time finding candles that would fit in it! I even had to shave these down so they would fit. (And yes, I know I should light the wicks. Maybe I’ll grab a lighter and do that once I finish this post.) I like that this candle holder could be a simple centerpiece on a table or a part of a grouping on a side table. In this case, I used it on my mantel for Christmas.
Along with a little round solid brass box, also from My White Porch Shoppe. I’m using it as a little pedestal for a shell right now, but it’s also a nice box for things like watchbands, frequently-worn necklaces, or small desk accessories. Pieces with this kind of versatility are my favorite because they can constantly be reinvented. I rarely get bored of them.
Grace launches a new sale every Saturday at 9:00 am CST. I can tell you from experience that hunting down items, photographing them, listing them, and then packing and shipping orders is not an easy job. You have to really enjoy it because the listing and shipping get pretty old, especially when you’re dealing with one-of-a-kind pieces. I tip my hat to Grace and everyone else who makes antiques and vintage finds available in an online shop.
Here are some of the current pieces available in My White Porch Shoppe that caught my eye…
Talk about something with a million different uses! Of course, it could be used for light coats, hats, and bags by a door, but it would also be great in a bathroom for hand towels, in a bedroom for jewelry, ties, and belts, in a craft room for scissors, brushes, ribbons… I could go on and on.
I was really caught by the texture of these, especially the one in the center. They would be really pretty to frame or repurpose as a part of a sewing project. I also think the smaller ones could be heavily starched and used as Christmas “snowflake” ornaments.
I was so tempted by this! Since it has a flat back, it would be perfect to hang above a toilet to hold extra rolls of toilet paper! It would be nice to hold files in a home office or even a draping plant in a sunroom. Of course, you could use it for magazines, too, or as a nicer way to keep a reading book stack. So many fun ways to use and style a piece like this.
You can check out My White Porch Shoppe’s latest sale HERE and follow Grace on Instagram HERE.
Are there small shops you love that we should visit or I should feature? This kind of work can be lonely and it can take time to build an audience. We’re stronger and more effective as creative entrepreneurs when we support one another.
10 Responses
I have an accordion wall rack. I use it for mugs and pot holders.
If I can find an interesting shop online I purchase from them especially if it’s a small business. I have an addiction to rubber stamps. I recently found a shop on Etsy Noolibirdstamps. I am slowly purchasing a wonderful collection. She’s out of the United Kingdom. Etsy is not what it was, it’s almost like it’s turning away from its original purpose of helping small independent artists selling their wares. Thank you for the information on My White Porch.
I so envy that candle holder. Love it.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Marian! When I was 18 I saw your beautiful home in a magazine and it was so lovely all the blue and white and antiques and i especially loved that you were a mom at home with small children! and I still have that magazine! Getting to collaborate with you was a joy! You are genuine and a source of Inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing my business! It was especially encouraging today, as I’ve been home, sick for a week with all my children home sick as well, what a joy to see this and to have lovely orders and new friends Join Mywhiteporchshoppe today! Thanks again! -Grace
I can just imagine a custard or jelly dessert being made in the copper mold. Each piece when cut, would have a special design on top, small children jostling to get their favourite one. Please let us all know, if you do ever make something in the molds. Kim
Check out ellen j goods in Medina, New York. They do video tutorials a couple of times a week using several lines of great products. They also travel around the area to pick items for their cute shop on Medina’s Main Street. Lynne Bri safe is just the sweetest and most fun person you could ever watch and she has quite a following. Today is actually the Spring release of one of the products they carry, Iron Orchid Designs. Check it out! 😁❤️
That’s supposed to say Lynne Brundage. (At ellen j goods in Medina, New York). Sorry for not checking first!
I have the exact same mold, it is hanging on my fireplace surround, and I don’t know know what it was used for either…I got it at an auction about twenty five years ago, and I still love it.
She has a lovely selection of items. I hopped over to her site and did a little shopping. It’s so nice of you to share her shop with your audience Marian. So reflective of you as a person and your values.
I’ve seen an accordion like this one used vertically as a smaller plant trellis on a front porch. It was perfect. I thought it was so creative. Very sweet of you to share this gal’s shop. It’s so nice to pay it forward.