Last week, I needed to step away from my computer and get out of the house for the day.  I actually had some supplies I needed to get for my upcoming freelance projects, but I also just needed to get out.  In addition to the necessary errands, I stopped by a couple of my favorite local stores – Churn Dash Antiques and Kismet Consignment. At Kismet, I was hoping to find a piece or two to paint.  The problem is that most of the pieces they have in the store are in great condition!  It’s actually a nice problem to have.  I know their pieces have already had a once-over to make sure they are in good, sellable condition.  I really do try to find pieces that need some help and most of their pieces, even though they are priced very well, just don’t need help.  I managed to find two

Yesterday, I shared about our shopping trip to Lucca and today I am showing all of the goodies I bought, carefully wrapped, strategically packed, and brought home in my suitcase.  Well, and I borrowed some space in my mom’s suitcase, too! If you remember back to my post about shopping at the flea market in Paris, I shared how much I drooled over the antique copper in one particular booth.  Of course, I was attracted to the oldest pieces (from the 1800’s) and therefore the most expensive.  Even though I had saved money to spend, I couldn’t stomach spending €300 (about $350) on one bundt pan or jelly mold.  I held them and took pictures, and continued looking for things that would persuade me to part with my money. When I was in Lucca, I spotted a small shelf hanging from a tent, filled with similar copper pieces.  I must admit that,