Lately I’ve been spending most of my days at home…cleaning, purging, getting myself organized and ready to create new and exciting things. I’ve been trying to get a handle on my e-mail, tidy up some things on my blog, the milk paint website and getting in the habit of looking at my calendar every day, so I’m not such a spazz all the time. Basically, I’ve been a homebody.
So, Thursday, I took a trip to one of my favorite antique stores to do some shopping and stopped by another used furniture store I frequent to pick up some pieces I bought from them through Craig’s List. I don’t have a retail space any more, but I do have The Chapel Market coming up in October and I’m finally opening my online shop (now that my basement is ready for it!)
Here are some pieces I picked up…
I thought this typewriter was so sweet and it’s still in the original case!
…a pair of old cameras…
…a large piece of patchwork homespun fabric. I almost didn’t get it, because I thought it was a small piece, but when I unfolded it, I saw it was huge!
I may use it for upholstery, but it’s a perfect fit for my new dining room table, so that’s made me think twice about hacking it up…
I also picked up this beautiful antique oil painting…
…and lots of ironstone!
…stacks of plates and bowls…
I’m keeping the ones that are dishwasher safe. I’ve been looking for some to use as my everyday dishes to mix with some ironstone pieces I already have.
…an ironstone soap dish…
…I have a thing for ironstone soap dishes. Well, I have a thing for ironstone period.
…I also found this cute little tureen…
…some more mugs (I think I’ll list these in the online shop)…
…but this was the big ironstone prize of the day…
Yes, I know. It’s huge! I snapped it up quickly. The proprietress of the shop smiled and said, “I had a feeling you would buy that. I bought it with you in mind.” I laughed. “Yes. There was no way in the world I was leaving without that piece!”
Speaking of ironstone, my collection is really starting to get out of hand. I have ironstone in almost every room in the house and my hutches, curios, cabinets and shelves are filled with it.
I’m okay with that. I’ll just keep rotating pieces…keeping the ones I really love and selling the ones I’ve loved for a while and am ready to pass along to someone else.
Ironstone pieces are like French chairs. You can never have too many.
In case you missed it in the beginning, I have finally opened my online shop. I’ve started out with t-shirts and autographed copies of my book, but will eventually expand to sell some vintage textiles, ironstone, German glass glitter, antiques, and even furniture. I just need to add things slowly, so it’s manageable for me. The plan is for this to be a little side thing, but plans like that have a tendency to blow up in my face (in the best ways.)
And I have all of you to blame and thank for that. So, thank you.
That’s too funny! I bought a typewriter today. It’s a Smith-Corona in it’s original case. It looks almost exactly like yours!
You bought some very wonderful things! Everything is neat and displayed so well.
I’m always impressed to come here and see your collections…because you don’t look like a hoarder! LOL…
love your photography, I wish you much success with your online shop!
I’ll have to check it out.
Pat
You’re not at Lucketts anymore?
Hi friends, nice paragraph and nice arguments commented at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.
MMS I love the prize of the day, it looks perfect with the boxwood ball inside! Great finds!
Susan
I try not to collect anymore, but I can’t pass up an antique painting. I have many and I love them all.
Some of that looks like Phaltzgraff. I have a friend with 3 large boxes of the older stuff. I passed on them because I only deal the way older Ironstone, I don’t even byt Red Cliff. I will see if the are still up for grabs.
Yeah, i usually just go for the old stuff, too. The stack of plates is ironstone from about the 1970’s, not Phaltzgraph…
Gotcha. I contacted her and she still has all 3 stacked boxes. It is all older Phaltzgraff Ironstone from the 60s with the impressed mark. Let me know if you would be interested and I can get a price. I never thought about how good the newer stuff would be for every day. May as well as actually enjoy your collection.
Never stop collecting (or hoarding), you surely have a knack for finding the best pieces and creating the best displays. Plus you pretty much started a trend.
Congratulations on your recent wonderful finds AND on the opening of your Online Shop!
This is what everyone has been waiting for, and I’m sure it will be Wildly successful !
You have worked hard and long to get to this place..you deserve all the good things that are coming your way. We love you and we will support every endeavor you take.
I think your computer breaking down was just the calm before the storm….it”s like the floodgates are open now…
I know the word “inspiration” is used a lot around blogland, but Marian, you have put new meaning to the word..you’ve lifted us up and given us a reason to create, and paint, and imagine our futures. I , for one, can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done. You’re a big part of our daily lives.
Thank you for being here for us.
Peggy Hunt
Ooh, that oil painting is perfection. How on earth do you keep finding space in your home for all the beauty that you find? Love everything.
Well, I end up selling a lot of it. I’ll keep something for a while and then I’ll sell it when I’m ready or find something I’m more excited about. I could never buy the way I do if I wasn’t selling.
Marian, I cannot wait to see you and the other blogger superstars at Chapel Market! Having all of you in my home State of Alabama is a dream come true!
The typewriter you bought is probably a portable, they usually are shorter and lock in the case for transporting. I have and have sold several. Years past you could get them for a buck or two. the prices went up when people would cut off keys for jewerly…At one time I had 15 lined up on a shelves…Over kill, right.. now all my kids have one or two, my grandkids love to type on them….and you can still get them for cheap heer in the midwest…I hate to tell you how many I have gotten for free in the 80’s, left on the wagon at an auction, to heavy to carry, scrapper would even leave them…My non-portables are all about 9-10 inches tall at the carriage, I would measure the portables but they are all stacked in their cases…Love the ironstone cups.
I am looking for a small old typewriter but did not see any in your online store. I want a small black one.
Is it wrong to covet someone’s ironstone soap dish? Sweet find!
Oh, please sell some of your burlap bunting online!!
Hi Marian, I was just wondering if you ship to Canada?
Hi! I just enjoy your blog so much! I wish you were my best friend and neighbor so your style could rub off on me quicker!!
Please visit beautiful Hunterdon County New Jersey!
Hi Marg I use to live in Hunterdon County as well. We had property in Stanton. I went to HCHS but moved away 25 years ago. I loved it there so beautiful. If I ever got to move back I would want to live in Oldwick.
Hahahah, I agree….one can never have too much ironstone! I have to keep buying hutches to hold my ever-growing stash! My darling husband just rolls his eyes and wonders where we’ll put it all. He keeps reminding me that he likes the minimalist look. And I laughingly remind him that he should NOT have married me then lol. We’re in our 21st year of marriage, so don’t worry…we’ll be ok 🙂
I have yet to find such a gorgeous tureen or footed bowl though…so the hunt goes on 🙂
Thanks for keeping me inspired!
LOVE the picture!! The frame is amazing!!!!!!
Hi Marian … with all the cleaning/organizing you have been doing, you deserve a break to go shopping. Aren’t you glad you did? Love your ironstone … I see several pieces that are identical to what I have. I have been collection ironstone for many years, I think I started in the 1960’s when a dear friend gave me a square bowl. Love the homespun fabric too. I sure would love to find some of that. Looks great on you table. I bought one of those tattoo mats and mine does not look as pretty as yours does … must be the lighting in there or maybe your beautiful table and chairs !!!
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Isn’t that funny–vintage typewriters must somehow be subliminal lately. I just bought a 1935 Black Remington Model 5 Portable, also in its original case. It is unbelievably yummy, though I haven’t yet found a new ribbon so I can actually write on it. I just love looking at it and thinking about everything that was once written on it :).
The fabric looks fabulous on your table, and perfect with your curtains. And that little painting is a gem. You have such an eye.
What antique stores do you shop in? I get tired sometimes of the same ones. I love your website glad you are starting an online store.
Great finds, Marian! Especially that ironstone compote.
I can’t wait until you post some of your vintage finds in your shop!
Can’t wait to meet you in October. Love your new cameras!
The paining and Ironstone are keepers. Awesome finds!!
The painting is magnificent. Hope you will have some feathers and dried magnolia leaves in your shop. . .maybe even a typewriter! Good luck with all your endeavors 🙂 🙂 🙂
Beautiful post. I love all the ironstone! I am wanting to order a tee from your shop but wonder about the sizes. I would want a XXL but not sure whether to order the “ladies cut” or the champion tee. I don’t want to end up with a tight fitting shirt but don’t want to look like I have on my pjs either. What are your thoughts on that?
Hi Marian, I just ordered your book! Can’t wait to get it. Thanks for all the inspiration you have given to me. I found your blog about two years ago and read it daily. Also, have you thought about getting the shirts in a V-neck?? If you do, I will be sure to order one! Thanks again.
Sian
Cool typewriter! I love to have them in my store…they always set a nice vignette. And LOVE the camera. My oldest daughter has her own photography business. I found a 1903 Kodak that looks alot like yours. She loves it!
Can’t wait for Chapel Market. I stopped by Shaunna’s store on the way home from the beach after Haven! Love to find great shops while traveling. Never been pickin in Montgomery so should be fun! There are lots of markets in the area! See you in a few weeks!
Hi! I love ironstone, too, and am currently looking for some plates/platters for my kitchen wall (and I’d love to find two soap dishes for pedestal sinks in my master bath). I live sort of nearby, and would love it if you’d share info about shops that carry lots of ironstone (I miss picking up pieces from you at Lucketts). (But I also understand that you may want to keep those valuable sources confidential!)
I have the hardest time finding art that I like. I’ve searched antique stores left and right and I’m just left to drool over all of the beautiful oil landscapes that I see on Pinterest.
Marian I love your “Ironstone Landscape” ! Every piece is so lovely.
Hi, Marian!!!
I have been so crazy I have not commented in a while! I have missed you!!!
You got me hooked on ironstone… My god, those pieces are beautiful!!!
I have lots, but somehow they are more rustic than yours… Perhaps less glamorous, less details. I has two jelly molds that have more details on them. I’m in Scotland right now visiting my in-laws… ( I know, I’m so grateful, this is a beautiful country to visit) and I found some ironstone jelly molds!!! Unfortunately I could not buy ALL. But I bought three and they are HEAVY. I also found a few other things, including other three glass jelly molds (smaller) that I could not pass.
Anyway, just wanted to say I loved your new finds! Congratulations on your online store, I will finally buy your book!!! I looked in our biggest bookstore when it came out but they did not have it. Since then I forgot I have to buy online! I live in Canada so it is easy.
I need inspiration BADLY!!! I’m not feeling so confident lately… You know we. You think people are doing a better job than you??? Lack of confidence… I will read your posts to cheer myself up!
Hugs
Claudine
your not in lucketts anymore?
beautiful finds! love the look of the picture displayed in front of the chalkboard! I have the same typewriter. I showed my daughter and said, yeah, Miss Mustard Seed is trying to be like me! lol!