Remember the portrait I found at the Lucketts Spring Market earlier this year?  The one I saw a couple of years ago at the fall market, thought about, wished I had bought it, and then came face to face with it again?  The woman in the blue dress with the dog on her lap?  Yep, this one… Well, I realized I never photographed where I hung it in the house!  I used to share home updates, even small adjustments, almost the same day they happened.  Now, it’s two months later, and I finally got the camera out and took some pictures of it. Last year, as I was thinning down my ironstone collection, I decided to take down the open shelves on this small wall in the kitchen eating area.  I enjoyed the shelves while they were there, but they started to feel a little crowded, so I took them

When my in-laws were visiting for Calvin’s graduation, I decided it would be a good opportunity to hit a few antique stores with my mother-in-law.  She is happy to sit and read while I work on things, and over the years, she has helped with many sewing and slipcover projects during her visits, but we also enjoy going to antique stores together.  She rarely buys anything, but she likes antiques and is good company.  I needed to shop for frames for original paintings, so we hit a couple of local antique stores during a rainy afternoon. We have several antique stores and consignment shops in the area, but I only venture out now and then.  I really don’t need to go hunting for things very often since I no longer sell antiques and our house is furnished, so seeking out frames has been my primary excuse to go on antiquing

I’ve reached that tipping point in my life where I feel like I probably have enough stuff.  No doubt, I passed that point years ago, but hunting for antiques and just the right piece for my house is still so much fun!  I have noticed I walk out of more antique stores empty-handed or with just one thing these days, compared to my piles in the past.  I think this house feels pleasantly full, and I find myself shopping for more art supplies and books than for home decor.  With the Lucketts Spring Market happening in just a few days, though, I can’t help but think about what’s on my wish list. A few years ago, I had an entire notebook filled with sketches, measurements, swatches, and lists!  I was shopping for my studio, our kitchen, and other areas of our new-to-us house.  I must admit, that was pretty fun.

I must say, I was pretty proud of myself for the restraint I showed while shopping the Lucketts Spring Market.  With the exception of one piece, I stuck to my list (you can find my list HERE) and didn’t buy small things that would add clutter to collections I’ve been trying to thin down.  I had the perfect spot for everything I purchased, and I didn’t regret leaving things I felt tempted to buy at the market for others to enjoy. But, here is what I did buy… As I shared yesterday, I made a beeline for these antique oil paintings.  First of all, I just love portraits and the character they bring to a home.  Second, I love that these are old, likely from the mid-1800s, based on the clothing and date of their restoration.  While I can paint pieces to hang on the wall, I can’t paint 150-year-old