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Decorating with ABCs & 123s

Decorating with letters is a hot thing right now, but it’s not a new thing. Think of antique samplers, baby quilts, hand painted signs, and monograms. As I was looking around my house today, I realized I have several antique pieces where letters are the feature. I’m not usually a huge fan of pewter, but I love this alphabet mug. My mom has the plate that matches.

I purchased this alphabet plate at an antique fair. I think it was about $8.00…others had passed it up because it had been repaired, but I think that’s a sign that someone really loved it. We don’t repair things that aren’t really special to us.

I love old books. I recently purchased this from my neighbor’s yard sale for $2.00. I love the font on the cover.
And it gets even better inside. Wouldn’t this look awesome painted on a wall or dresser?

I also have a soft spot for vintage and antique silver, especially ones that are monogrammed. I have a family piece that’s dated 1870 on the back.

I’ve heard people say that monogrammed linens are less valuable because most people don’t want the monogram of someone else, but I love them. This napkin set happens to have my married initial (it was a wedding gift to my husband’s parents), but I buy pieces with any sort of monogram.

This is a vintage sign from Germany (where I spent my childhood), but it would be easy to make something like this for your own restroom in whatever language you want. It let’s people know you may want to knock before entering…

Does anyone else love old labels? They really knew how to make things of quality back in the day, right down to the brand marks.

The numbers and writing on things like antique scales are equally beautiful. I love when something that was meant to be utilitarian has an artistic quality to it.

So, get out those monogrammed linens, baby cups, signs, and samplers and put them on display. Generations of stylish people just can’t be wrong.

Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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13 Responses

  1. Your post combined two of my favorite things: numbers/letters and vintage. I love all the pieces you showed, especially the plate and the book!
    Happy Sunday.
    Jane

  2. Being involved in the sign industry, I can't help but ADORE typography. Funny thing is, most signmakers don't even realize how big 'what they do' is. (unless they're a decorator as well..)

    Interesting post!

    Donna

  3. You've got a bunch of fun pics to show. I agree with you about monogramming…it doesn't matter what the monogram letter is! Hey, it could be your mother's sister's husband's last initial…related, but different. You can pretend! Linda

  4. AH! Love that Emerson sign, my baby boy's name is Emerson!! I just got a handful of old silver silverware this weekend for $1, I havent looked over it yet but there was no way I was passing up that deal!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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