There are certain things I’m always on the hunt for in antique stores…ironstone, cool scales, French chairs, etc., but the rest of the pieces I buy are ones that speak to me. It’s hard for me to explain it, but I just know when I see a special piece. It has a character about it, a patina, a color, a style. Some pieces are kind of close, but don’t hit the mark. Other are spot on. For me, this antique hose reel was spot on.
I saw it hanging on the wall in an antique store. The chippy blue paint was what jumped out at me first, then the delicate metal wheels, then the overall interesting shape. When hung on the wall, this once-utilitarian piece looked like art.
When I’m looking for pieces to resell and use as photography props, I’ve learned that I need to trust my instincts. The instinct that tells me a piece is special. Usually I think about how I can functionally use a piece, but I didn’t know about this one and it didn’t matter. Maybe I’ll just hang it on the wall or sneak it into a shot here and there. Maybe I’ll figure out a creative way to use it. Either way, it was just too special to pass up.
24 Responses
Use it to hold your cording!
MMM, unique, wonderful patina on this piece, looks like farming or maybe a yarn tool?? Love it!
Definitely a special piece – I’ve never seen one! I would foster that one for a long time.
Maybe use it to wrap holiday garland (not the cheap shiny stuff) or fairy lights? It really is special.
My thoughts exactly! I can see it with vintage tinsel and a string of mini white lights wrapped around, lit, and in the corner . . . .
It’s perfect to wrap my long extension lead….wheelable wonder.
Great find. Love the color and chippiness. I can’t believe how perfect the light in your studio is! The white walls, wood floors, and that lighting makes for some awesome photography.
Its a wonderful piece in and of itself. It will tell you what it wants-just listen …..!
I love the wheels…
Very neat find! If the reel’s finish were sealed as to not damage material, it could hold quilts, throws, etc. . .
Love the reel! I can see it with raveled fabric strips ready for a rag rug! Fun item to change with the seasons. I think I need one!
I would balance a vintage ceramic planter between the wood slats and have some sort of ivy grow along the handle. The wheels would allow you to move it to take advantage of natural light. It is something I would have snapped up in a heartbeat, too.
Did you know what it was when you saw it? I would not have had a clue. It is super cute.
Great find, can’t wait to see how you use it!
It’s a really pretty piece!
I can see it on the countertop, with lengths of your blue-and-white twine (and maybe other colors of twine) wrapped around it. Instant twine dispenser!
I wonder what your new book would look like balanced on it for a photo shoot?
awesome piece! I totally agree about finding pieces that just speak to you! Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it SCREAMS buy me! I always find a place for those items with no regrets…
Love the reel! It would have been in my house if I had seen it! Old rag strips ready for rug making would look nice around it. Have fun working with it.
The cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Just the blue alone would be enough but then the look of it is so precious..Happy Sunday..Judy
Neat piece…how about using it to hold afghans or a baby’s quilt or for cute doillies or aprons.
Love your shop! Too cute!!!
Could it be used as a towel rack?
Honestly, I wouldn’t put anything on it that would hide it….it’s just so cool to look at! Baker’s twine at most. I would have bought it in a heartbeat!
I love it!! I wish we had the kind of cool stuff you find at our antique stores here in Michigan. I never find neat pieces like this. I would grab them up in a minute. Thank you for sharing!
I have a reel that is all metal. I bought it at the Golden Nugget flea years ago. It’s in my garden. Maybe I will borrow some of the posted ideas.