When I go shopping, I never know what I’m going to look for or what I’m going to find. There are certain things I always gravitate towards, but I go with an open mind and I am often surprised at what I come home with. These are some of the qualities that catch my eye…
Pieces that were utilized in daily life. I love elevating something that was functional to something that’s all about looks.
I love things like fans, scales, clocks, linens, kitchen utensils…things that are humble.
Things that are multi-functional. Baskets, boxes, totes and platters can be used in so many practical ways and they look great, too.
Things that were special. I love christening gowns, not only for their detail and delicate beauty, but because they were worn on a very important day in a baby’s life.
I also look for trophies, letters, and other sentimental items and keepsakes.
Things that are unique. I must admit that I get a lot of raised eyebrows from my friends and family for some of the things I buy, but I love having pieces that people want to stop, look at, and wonder about. This calf muzzle definitely falls in that category.
This old, rusty metal piece is a curiosity…
…as are these duck callers and umbrella handles.
Things that can be reinvented. I love the shape of this chicken feeder and have loads of ideas on how to use it. I’m always looking at pieces for what they can be, not what they are.
Things that look cool. Sometimes, it’s just about the look. If something will look really cool in a bowl, on a wall, or on a table, it’s a contender for coming home with me.
And to be a little more specific, I am always on the lookout for ironstone, Bakelite flatware, monogrammed linens, feed sacks, and architectural pieces.
What do you look for?
By the way, my glass canisters are featured today over at CRESCENDoh. Check it out!
21 Responses
hmmm…we must all be sisters in the hearts 'cause I think most of us love these things, too.
I haven't found anything REALLY great in awhile. Need to go on a road trip!! 🙂
Things I gravitate to tend to be silver, ironstone, anything architectural, boxes and wooden items that have an aged, worn feel and look to it. Some thing I have been wanting to get (I think I spied one in the background of one of your shots) are old panoramic photos. I'd love to find some old swim teams.
Unique and cool… you can never go wrong with that! 🙂 Love these photos of your awesome finds. Congratulations on your glass canisters being featured… they are SO neat!
I am always on the lookout for transferware, ironstone, architectural pieces and old baskets. Love your collections!
xo, Sherry
Hi Miss Mustard Seed! You have a beautiful blog. Lately, I'm on the hunt for a vintage scale. I found one recently, but it's not exactly what I had in mind. I just might end up with with a whole collection of them until I find the right one? That would be okay with me. 🙂
I'm a lot like you in that I love pieces that were used in a simpler, earlier time. For me that includes old alarm clocks, old phones, old cameras,old fans, old suitcases. I also love old embroidered pieces knowing that someone took the time to create something for their home. I have a large collection of vintage shaving brushes and brass hose nozzles because I just love how they look grouped together. Old photos are near and dear to me too and of course all the better when I know who is in the picture. Old family photos led me on a quest to find appropriate vintage frames and now I have a huge collection of frames.
I could go on and on……I guess I'm just a vintage girl at heart.
Jane
I always score better buys when I am not shopping for anything specific… not sure why. Anyway, I love the first picture of the scale (where did you put that beauty???) and image of the pitchers and shoe horn, which all have beautiful shapes, color and texture. By the way, I looked at one of your recent posts… you have an amazing kitchen!
Beautiful photos!
I actually can get very overwhelmed when on a hunt because I look at every single thing. Tools, housewares, linens, lamps, stereos, furniture… you name it. If it's got the right look and feel, it's mine.
But I admit, I gravitate towards metal and wood first. 🙂
Donna
Just when I finally find the object of my desire, then I see it everywhere. I have a hard time stopping at just one and next thing you know, I have a collection. Lately, it's been soda crates, mirrors and dressers. I have a real soft spot for a beautiful curvy dresser!
I keep a very short mental list of things I'd like to find in my head so that I make sure to keep an eye out. Otherwise, I try to keep an open mind and look beyond the exterior of something {because usually I'm going to change that}. Also, to try and think of other uses for something than its original intention.
These are the things I'm always looking for. I never know until I find it.
I love old simple things reused!
Enjoy your 4th!
KarenSue
Such wonderful finds…I usually shop with particular items in mind, but try to keep an eye out for surprises.
Have a great 4th! Janell
I Love your photography!! Looks like it could be right from a magazine!! I am ususally open to anything when I am out "treasure hunting" as I like to call it :)) But certain things do appeal to me. Vintage suitcases, trunks, chandeliers, baskets, anything silver… I could go on and on :))
Have a wonderful day and 4th!!
~ Michella ~
~ ~ xoxo ~ ~
I love how you thift-hunt with an artitst's eye and perspective. I'm always on the prowl for art, creative things, and unique things. I hope to find some interesting vintage anatomy posters one day. Unique, somewhat creepy, and gorgeous art!
I LOVE your style. Beautiful, relaxing, and real. Truly lovely. I'm definitely feeling inspired to go out and find me some fabulous old things to give a new home to — wish me luck!
Enamel, my husband would say it's an obsession, I would say it's addiction, two totally different things.
I love it all. Do you have a weekly party? If so when is it.
I would love to have you come over and take a look at my knock off White Flower Farmhouse –Faux Driftwood Sailboat. http://itssoverycheri.com/2010/07/01/my-faux-driftwood-project/
Cheri from its so very cheri
I love vintage glass jars and cloches. Also mirrors!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Right now I'm looking for vintage wallpaper, photo albums, costume jewelry, and group photos, like a picture of Miss Greenwood and her Third Grade class posed in front of their school.
You and my baby sister could be soul-mates. Other than anything close to a textile, she goes for the most amazingly odd things. What a great post, and what marvelous treasures you have found.
I also collected same things in my garage, From your collection I like fans, scales, clocks, linens, kitchen utensils. Wonderful blog.