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First Hydrangea and Freebies

I know I am not alone in my affection for hydrangeas.  I just love the puffy, cloud-like flowers that adorn these bushes.  I planted three in my backyard two years ago and, despite my deficiency as a gardener, they have been growing.  Over the past few days, I have been watching the buds form and today, I finally had my first bloom…which I immediately snipped off and brought it into the house.  I can’t wait until these bushes are loaded down with enough flowers to fill all of the pitchers and vases in my house for several weeks. 
Second, I had a few compliments on the ginger jars I shared in my “antler post” and some requests for a clearer picture. 
I aim to please.
These huge jars were brought to me by my aunt a few weeks ago.  Aren’t they gorgeous?  I love all things blue and white, so when she asked if I wanted them, there was no doubt that I did.  They do have lids, but I could not find a good spot for them in the open, so I removed the lids and tucked them under this table. 
I also feel they are a little safer from my toddlers.  I have no idea where she got them; so unfortunately, I can’t pass along a source to you. 
She also brought me a beautiful pair of solid wood corner cupboards.  They fit in the corners of my dining room like they were made for the space.  My husband needs to repair a couple of the shelves before I can fill them with ironstone, blue and white china and a few unexpected pieces. 
And if those things weren’t enough, she also brought me this antique settee that was recently restored after a fire.  It was a little bitter sweet for me to bring it into my house, because it meant my slipcovered French settee had to be sold.  The bottom line…the new settee is much more comfortable and practical for my family and it still has the look I want.  The upholstery fabric is not ugly and it’s in perfect condition, but it doesn’t work with my new curtain fabric, so it will be getting a white slipcover and will have the same bright look as my other settee.
I know she reads my blog occasionally, so, Aunt Susan, “thank you!”
Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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22 Responses

  1. You have a wonderful aunt to pass on those goodies to you. I bet she knew you would adore them. BTW, I'm an antler decorator, too. We have a full rack in the bathroom – great to throw a towel on, plus fun to hang Christmas balls on during December. Have a great week. Sally

  2. I'll bet she's your favourite aunt, bringing you treasures like that! Those ginger jars are divine…would she like to adopt me as a niece too? K xx

  3. We are so alike sometimes it's just crazy! I OBSESS over my hydrangeas… I planted more today, I'm totally not joking! I just can't get enough! ANd luckily, in the northwest, they grow like weeds!

  4. Wow, your Aunt must LOVE you! That couch and the rug in front of it look like they were made to go with each other. Are you going to paint the corner cabinets in the dining room?

  5. Love those jars!! And the corner cupboards are amazing!! Perfect!!
    The new sofa is fabulous and will look great with a white slipcover.
    Can't wait to see pics of it!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

  6. I too love the corner cupboards! Do you have any advice for buying used ones (such as a Craigslist find) and installing them to look built in? Just thought you might have some genius on that front. Looks fab!

  7. What treasures from your auntie!! I am like you about love of hydrangea and gardening abilities – love it when they grow despite their gardener.

    Well, I have to say I am looking forward to the future slipcover for the sofa post. Can't get enough of those for inspiration!

  8. what great freebies! and i love the hydrangeas in the trohpy. that is my favorite flower as well- it was my wedding flower! they are just so full and pretty and make me think of summer and the beach. and the best part is they will bloom all summer long!

  9. Lovely first bloom, very cute in the trophy… Show me a huge vase full when they all flower, they won't grow for me!
    The ginger jars are loving their close-up, ohh they are gorgeous!

  10. Kelly,
    The advice I would give on buying corner cupboards (or any furniture) is to look for something that is solid wood and well made. Don't settle for press board, pieces that are stapled together or in poor condition. Expect to pay a good amount for a pair of matching, wood, corner cabinets. They tend to be more expensive pieces of furniture.
    Make sure the scale of the pieces are right for your room. I was really lucky that these freebies were a perfect fit. You don't want to spend money on good pieces that are too large or ones that look short and dinky in your space.

    If you want your cupboards to look built-in, you can remove the baseboards that are behind the cabinets, so they will fit flush against the wall. You can then position a few screws in discrete places to attach them to the wall. You could also paint them to match your trim work.

    Just some thoughts! Good luck!

  11. Thanks for showing pics of the big blue urns/jars from your Aunt! I've been dying to see them. They are gorgeous! Love the crackled finish.

    I fanned you on FB to!

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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