When we were in Charlottesville last week, Jeff extended the invitation to me to do a little antique shopping. He knows this means I will most likely fill our van with a bunch of things he doesn’t really “get.” It means I’ll buy things that I expect him to fix and it even may mean he gets longing looks from me over a beastly piece of furniture that I want to rearrange everything in our van for. He knows all of this and still encouraged me to stop at a couple of antique malls.
It hasn’t always been this way. I swear he used to distract me by pointing out a field of cows and would accelerate as we drove by a sign for an antique mall. He has finally learned that milling around 25,000 square feet of musty, old stuff is my idea of a very fun afternoon and he has found enjoyment (or at least tolerance) in it. He’ll turn over white china to check for ironstone and will carry my purchases to the counter. Sometimes he’ll find something he likes or appreciates. He’s even (mostly) gotten past the point of asking what I’m planning to do with a piece or talking me out of buying it. Big strides have been made.
I think over the years he’s learned to trust my gut on things I buy. Not to say I haven’t made stupid purchases, but he’s seen me double or triple my investment enough times to change his view of the next chippy, rusty old, scratched up thing I ask to take home.
Here are a few things I found while shopping on our trip…
These metal and wood folding camp chairs were so cool looking and, unlike a lot of the French bistro chairs I’ve come across, these are super sturdy.
…and I was immediately drawn to this step ladder. I have never seen anything quite like it!
I was experimenting with taking pictures with Christmas lights, but I’m still working on getting the exposure/lighting right. It didn’t help that it was an overcast, dreary day, so I turned them off and took some pictures just in natural light.
…and I stripped away the Christmas decorations, so you can see the ladder better. It folds smoothly and is sturdy as well. I usually know what I’m going to do with something when I buy it, but I’m not sure about this. I just had a gut feeling about it, so I went with that!
You’ve already met the rolling dog…
When Kriste saw him, she made a sort of humming sound. “Do you think it’s cute or ugly?” I had to ask, because I couldn’t quite tell. I thought it was so precious, even though it was a bit forlorn. Jeff thought it was ugly. I was eager to see which side Kriste would land on. Not surprisingly, she was on my side and thought it was an awesome find.
I also found the table, a couple of benches (one isn’t pictured) and a beautiful leather suitcase.
Usually these are really expensive, but this one was well priced.
I found a few other things on our trip, but I haven’t taken pictures of them, yet. One piece was a cream on white applique quilt top that is breathtaking. I picked it up and was totally smitten. I’ll try to get some pictures of it soon.
While I was taking pictures of finds, I thought I would show a few I found before the Chapel Market, but didn’t share, yet.
This ironstone bowl is one of the most unique ironstone pieces I’ve ever found…
It’s divided and has a metal cover on one side. I think there was a cover for the other side as well, but it broke off and was lost at some point. I spotted it at a store where I buy a lot of ironstone. “What is this?!” I gasped to the shop owner, who knows of my love for ironstone, as I hugged the new find. “Oh, yes! I meant to show that to you!” I almost missed it, but I picked it up on my final pass of the shop.
Any ideas what kind of bowl it is? Or what it was used for? It’s a fairly large bowl…about the size of a fruit bowl.
And Kriste and I found this cast iron pointer for about 1/3 of the price these usually are. I planned to sell it at the Chapel Market, but we felt like he needed a little love from us before we sold him. (Maybe we needed to love him a little…)
And that same day, we found a vintage, American flag with 48 stars at a yard sale. Given the number of stars, the flag dates somewhere from 1912-1959. It has a linen-type texture…
…and the stars are appliqued on. It’s really lovely and you wouldn’t believe what a steal it was. I asked if the sellers knew the history of it, but they didn’t. They had purchased it at an estate auction.
I had a low-key day in the studio by myself today. I worked on a grain sack tree skirt that Kriste and I started last week. I enjoy the energy of having other people work with me, but sometimes it’s nice to have the place all to myself. I turn up the music and belt out songs…allowing my voice to echo in the large space.
I was planning on scheduling a workshop for December, but I decided I’ll wait until January. I’ll get a few on the calendar soon. I want to give myself room to enjoy the holiday season and to get the studio ready for visitors.
Your posts and photos are always so beautiful! And as beautiful as the vintage flag is, I’m afraid I must comment. You see, I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to displaying our Nation’s colors. I find a lot of people don’t realize there are actual rules to displaying the flag and this is only meant to help, so please don’t take offense! 🙂
When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. And, the union (stars) should be at the upper left hand to the observer.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm
God Bless America and the men and women that serve her!
That’s a sweet, sweet English Setter! Looks just like my baby did… 🙁 If you sell her, I’d love to buy her! 🙂
Oh! And your other goodies are fabulous, too! 🙂 I just saw the Setter and got all sentimental..
I love 48 star flags! I have a couple in my space @ Chartreuse & Co.
It’s a possibility the covered ironstone bowl was for a medical use? It’s definitely unique!
My mother had an identical 48 star flag that was given to her when her first husband was killed in the Philippians in WWII . After her passing, I donated the flag to the D-Day museum in New Orleans . I felt that it held such profound meaning that it deserved to be given a place of honor. I would dare to say that the majority of such flags have similar stories.
I would love to belt songs out right by your side! I do the same thing when I am working on pieces!! Love all your finds… especially the “ugly” dog toy. He is adorable.
I’m in love with that ladder. I fell off the bottom step of a step ladder not so long ago, so I love that handle to hold on yours. That flag is fabulous, too.
I know that this comment will not set well with many of your readers but I am putting it out here anyway. I have been following your blog for 5 yrs. I have enjoyed reading about your painting projects, decorating your lovely home, even following along while you built your paint line into a business. Today I found myself thinking do I really find this blog interesting any longer, do I find any inspiration with the time I spend reading it. To be honest, I just no longer find it interesting. Why is that…….well, your blog is now all about photo shots, props and your studio. Today’s post is about your scores that you shot as props in your studio. In addition, just to see how commericlaized your blog has become I counted 30 ads on your side bar and one that moved all over the page as I tried to read your post. Yeap I know negative feedback is a bummer. I am not a blogger, just a reader who followed along just for the joy of it.
I love all your finds, especially the flag. I have one similar and was thinking of selling it for a profit, but I just can’t stand the thought of parting with it yet.
I love the chairs, I have been looking for some like them for a long time, and finding sturdy is the clincher. The ladder is awesome, for some reason I have a thing for ladders. I enjoy your blog as much now as I ever have because I am working on learning staging and photographing better and since I am drawn to yours I am trying to practice getting the same effects as I build my skills. And I am vicariously enjoying your new shop space. To me it is my dream space, those floors, that light and room to spread out. (I love my little studio, 12′ x 12′ but sometimes I am a little cramped). So thanks for sharing. 🙂
Marian,
Thank you for sharing your latest scores with us! They are FABULOUS!
I don’t often post comments on the blogs I read, but wanted to chime in after reading some/one of the comments left on this post.
I too have been reading your blog for many years and have to say that I have REALLY enjoyed reading about how you’ve moved into your new space, and I’ve loved watching you grow. In fact, I’ve found your most recent posts to be the most interesting and very inspiring 🙂
Your blog is so authentic and evolves as you continue to evolve- which is EXACTLY what a blog should do!
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, which I am not trying to change or discredit. But I choose to put my energy into building people up and being positive and thought now would be a good time to let you know how much I’ve loved coming along with you on your journey. 🙂
Thank you!
I second Liz’s opinion, 100%! Keep doin’ what you’re doin’, as long as it feels right to YOU! 🙂 People also need to realize that blogging is a business, and I think you’ve found the perfect balance.
I love the dog on wheels, I would have not left it behind.
I have sold a ton of 48 star flags. They always sell quickly. I have been noticing them more and more in decor these days.
Roxanne — it’s okay that this blog is no longer a must read for you. Marian, like all of us, has evolved in 5 years as I’m sure you have too. Because I’m a blogger myself, I enjoy what she’s sharing these days, but can see how it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. And ads don’t botger me as I know it’s how many bloggers make their money so as to continue to blog — we don’t pay a subscription to be able to read blogs, yet a daily blog like MMS takes more time to produce than most of us can even fathom. Good luck in finding blogs that better suits you today.
There was a dog on the Antiques Roadshow last week just like yours! How cool is that!’
I enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing with us.
Could that be a salt & pepper holder? Thank heavens that we are not locked into a contract with you & your blog. When we no longer find it enjoyable to read we are free to not log on anymore. I don’t think we would be in any trouble over it. I find it enjoyable to read so I will still log on but I feel certain that anytime I want to leave I am free to do so. Roxanne feel free to leave reading this blog I really don’t think there will be any repercussions for you doing so.
You might try installing Adblock Plus – another reader suggested it here and I did install it. It has made a huge difference for me. In my browser I was seeing ads actually attach themselves to the lower third of photos – as well as block the content – and it was so intrusive.
Dear MMS, You sure find the coolest stuff! Love your latest finds. Makes me want to get out there and do some treasure hunting too. Thanks for your lovely blog. Hugs, Anne Boykin
I’ve been reading here for a number of years without commenting, but I have to comment on your “dog on wheels.” I own a black horse with a blaze face & four white stockings. He came complete with a saddle & bridle but these are long gone as are his ears, eyes & tail. As an older kid, I braided & attached a new tail for him. As a munchkin I put many miles on this animal before I got my real black horse at the age of nine & I still have horses at retirement age. I would estimate that your dog is probably over 60 years old and looks in pretty good shape for his age – no missing eyes & ears for him. When I was a teenager, my mother was going to take my guy to the dump but I made such a fuss that he got stashed in my grandmother’s attic for many years until I reclaimed him. Take good care of your guy – he’s a jewel.
I have to agree with Roxanne. MMS has been an inspiration to me on decorating my home even though we have different styles I love her home and have spent many hours getting ideas from her photos of her beautiful home. I just don’t get any inspiration from her photo shoots of her “finds”!
I love seeing your finds, Marian! As a collector of all things vintage myself, I find reading your posts to be very educational. You have an experienced eye and great taste, and it helps me to learn what to look for as I pick through flea markets and estate sales. The only way to truly learn about antiques is to surround yourself with them and learn from what others can teach you about them. Great photos, fun finds – love it!
After 25 years of marriage my husband has accepted my love of fabric and décor. He has stopped asking and just smiles and pretends to understand it all. He is a keeper.
As children we had an elephant on wheels. My mother let us ride him all the time. She was so sorry that she set it out with the trash one day.
In 1938 my parents wanted to go to Europe in 1939. My mother sold American Flags through the
New York Times newspaper. I never knew why we had soooooo many flags in the linen closet!
Anyway they went and had a wonderful time. That was May of 1939 and we all know what happened in September 1939.
Love everything that you do Marion. Mary
Actually, Marian, that’s a Blue Belton English Setter, not a Pointer. Notice the feathering on the tail and legs? Pointers have smooth, short fur, while English Setters are known for their long, flowing fur. By the shape of his body, he looks to me like a Llewellin Setter – a field bred type of setter used for bird hunting. You need to give him some typically English, aristocratic name. 🙂
Oh, good to know! I am terrible when it comes to identifying dog breeds and was certain to get that wrong! 🙂
LOVE the Setter….Let me know when you decide to put him up for adoption 🙂
Love those chairs and that ladder is awesome! I can’t believe you scored the flag at a yard sale! They must have had great stuff! Yard sales are no longer here in Iowa because of the weather and I already miss them. That dog reminds me a vintage Santa my mom just gave me for my birthday. Everyone told me that he was ugly, but I really like him. He is under the tree this year for the first time. I hope he doesn’t scare anyone away!
Hi,
That cast iron pointer door stop is a reproduction of a hubley cast iron door stop. You can tell by the screws. Its still a great piece though!
I absolutely love that dog on wheels but to be honest I thought he was a COW when I first saw him!! Loved him then too!
ALL these pictures are amazing. I LOVE the ones with the Christmas lights on! I can’t imagine those being improved upon. Just beautiful.
Love-love-love the spaniel… I’d be happy for him to reside in Texas if you need an adoption home for him!
That cast iron springer spaniel – fantastic. Also love the chairs!
I’m sure it was an innocent oversight that the American flag was incorrectly displayed. When displayed on the wall as you have shown, the union should always be in the uppermost left corner when viewed. While some readers may find this insignificant, as a granddaughter, niece, sister, wife, and friend of U.S. Veterans, I find the correct etiquette of hanging the flag, and honoring it, to be extremely important.
I’m so sorry! I’m am the granddaughter, daughter, daughter-in-law, niece and cousin of those who have served or are serving in the military and I didn’t mean any disrespect.
I too noticed the error. I know you meant no disrespect. You reach so many people with your
blog and I love it and look forward to it every day. We all learn something new everyday.
Thank you to all who have served this great country.
Good thinking enjouy the Holidays work can wait a little.
Love that bunting with the lights! So many cute things! I had an ugly dog like that from Germany when I was little, unfortunately he was on loan and had to go back home when I grew up. 🙂
i love that ladder, so pretty, being short I need a ladder everywhere. and being a big animal activist, I of course love both dogs. and I to have many flags. my house is red white and blue.
beautiful stuff.
.
You certainly have a gift for finding great pieces! I think your instincts were spot on with that ladder. There’s just something about it!
Love the cast iron dog. I don’t care if it is reproduction or authentic antique. I would love to have him.
totally unrelated question here. Hope someone can help me. Took my first trip to IKEA and fell in love with the store! Found Lenda tab curtains that I could not live without When I got home and opened them up I realized that you couldn’t put them in the dryer!!! WHAT???? no dryer???? Just wash in cold water and iron. My question is has anyone ever put their curtains in the dryer and if so how did they come out? Thanks for any help you can give.
I love your blog and sense of style. Thanks for the inspiration that you share in each post. I live in the Charlottesville area and wonder if you might share where you found the ladder and bistro chairs. What great finds!!
Blessings,
Beth
Check this PDF. It has photos of similar ironstone pieces for pewter lids. The article says the lids were added to keep the bugs out of syrup and such. http://harmonicaguy.com/year2/vol24.pdf
I think it is great that your readers feel enough comfort and respect to give you their sort of negative feedback. How can we reflect if no one is honest with us? I especially liked the comment from Kristy on the American flag. Knowing you, Marian, you were excited to display that grand ol’ beauty. Now you know the attention that is required and you, no doubt, will take heed in the future. Sometimes our interests change and our blogs reflect that…keep on girlfriend…you are true to yourself and that is an inspiration. Your readers also reflect your grace and beauty in their dignified responses to Roxanna, whose comments were honest and unoffensive. I love this interaction…too much negativity these days and this was a great example of embracing differences! Amen!
Could the bowl have been used the rise bread dough? That’s the only thing I can think of.
I couldn’t help but giggle when you mentioned your husband pointing to a field of cows to distract you! He must be swapping secrets with my husband! 🙂
Marian, I believe that the little dish with the lid is a Salt Box….Not 100% sure but, that’s what I would use it for. 🙂 keep up the good work. 🙂
Great finds with the bistro chairs at the top of the list. I have found them over the years and they hold up really well. Mine are green…104
love all these things! I’m traveling to Charlottesville next week for a few days….suggestions on where to shop?
I’d love to what you plan on charging for the flag and if you’d be willing to ship!
Cool stuff!! Your photography is looking even more amazing these days, if that is even possible. You must have some awesome light in that studio!
I purchased a 48 star flag this spring, planned on selling it, and just couldn’t do it. It’s printed and not sewn on, but I practically got it for free, and the patina on it is amazing. I’d like to hang it on our porch, but only if I can figure out if it won’t get wind blown and torn…..
such treasures! 🙂 LOVE the green table.
Oh how I would love to purchase that dog on wheels! Please do let us know if you plan to put in the shop!