Friday, September 24, 2010

love of vintage...

For as long as I can remember I have always loved "old things" (as I called it in my youth), "vintage treasures" (as I refer to them now) or, as my Dad used to joke, just "stuff". My love of vintage came from my parents. A little part came from my Dad, who could appreciate the "stuff" my Mom brought home ~ he just loved to see her happy. I am lucky to have a guy like that now. However it was my Mom who has always been the biggest inspiration in my life. She was passionate about hunting, collecting and preserving certain pieces from the past that spoke to her. I am thankful every day for falling in love with this way of life. The wonderful vintage treasures that my Mom cherished as I grew up are now being cherished in my home. They each hold special memories ~ whether it was of my Mom telling me not to touch it or using it as a "house" for my dolls ~ each memory is precious. I have taken these treasures along with the once or twice loved pieces I find and, can happily say, have made this house a home. Let's take a peek... One of my weaknesses is vintage mirrors. I imagine romantic tales and secrets hidden away in past reflections, and look forward to what changes are in their future... I usually use mirrors or empty frames as art for my walls. I feel they are smart purchases as they would work in any room. That is not to say I do not appreciate paintings, especially when they add a touch of vintage romance and are in my favorite colors...
This beauty hangs over the desk in my craft room for inspiration. See the gorgeous one in the corner here... I remember staring at that print when I was a little girl thinking the two beautiful ladies were sisters and they reminded me of my Mom and her sister. They now keep watch over Vivienne, my vintage pin cushion doll. Now this simple little chair comes with a story ~ you see my Mom insisted it was hers and I insisted it was mine. The mix up being a result of treasure hunting together. So it was shared through the years and has worn many different colors... I used to use this old crock as an elevator for my dolls...This antique oil lamp was one of those "don't touch" items ~ I just admired it from a distance... My Mom taught me how to repurpose when in a decorating dilemma, like hanging an old cupboard door on a wall... I also adore sweet vintage books and started my collection with this one from my Mom. She bought it because it is beautiful and her maiden name was Perkins...I recently used this book in my fall ledge makeover.

Now, in my bedroom, or Paris Hotel Suite, is where you will find some of my favorite vignettes like this one on my bureau... I added this little shoe to my Mom's engagement photo, her old perfume bottle and match book that was on her dresser. I also added the pearl collar for a classic touch. The next vignette holds my mother of pearl opera glasses that my husband bought for me at a flea market before we were married... I put one of my little dress forms with it as well as a little clock assemblage I picked up at the shop. I love to create these little ladies for my booth space too...My Mom and I would have had so much fun treasure hunting together for my space! I know she is with me at every yard sale, flea market or thrift store in spirit. They both are. Thanks Mom and Dad for making me an old soul, a kindred spirit ~ one who prefers antique malls to the mega malls. They taught me to hold tight to my dreams and never give up. So, that is what brings me here today. To the blog launch party for the new magazine Creating Vintage Charm. I remember there always being stacks of my Mom's favorite magazines around the house and you will pretty much find the same around mine. Keeping those special issues where an article or photo hit home and spoke to me. I would love to be able to share with their readers a peek into my home where I show my love of vintage.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your beautiful mirrors, and all your gorgeous treasures...Kathy

Sandi said...

I love your post today Sandi! The chair story is too cute. I could see my mom and I doing that. Although I am much faster at scooping up items than my mother. It takes her so long to decide. Lol LOVE your mirrors and pictures too. I am a mirror ADDICT and they are all over in my home! :)
Happy weekend!!

Adeline Country Cottage said...

Beautiful Post,

I am very much admiring your first painting with the detailed frame...its very beautiful, I to love the look of old books too, I love the door on wall idea...everything is just gorgeous.

xxx
Kirstie.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Beautiful! I love you new header to! and that chair -- I collected ladderback chairs and windsor chair when I was in the States. They were stored at my FIL's place in Canada oh so many years ago. I don't even know where they are now. A sweet post with so many wonderful treasures and memories. Hope you are having a super Saturday! :) Tammy

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, how beautiful all your treasures are! Yes, isn't it a great thing that parents and family can teach us the love of all things old over the love of the mega mall. Very nice post.
Sherry

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I love the mental picture of you and your Mom treasure hunting together! I enjoyed this vintage post very much!

Jane said...

Hi Sandi,
This was such a wonderful post. I loved reading how your parents influenced your love of all things vintage. You have some great vintage items and better yet you have some great stories behind them.
Jane

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

I love your beautiful post ~
It so brings tears to my eyes
because my mom and dad
were just here visiting and we
spent the week hunting for treasures
and recreating things ~
What a joy they are !!

xoxo
Lori

Mari said...

HELLO,

YOUR MIRRORS ARE GORGEOUS!!! AS ARE YOUR VINTAGE PAINTINGS, LOVE YOUR POST FULL OF SWEET MEMORIES :)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

XOX~MARI

awal.ny said...

I love all your vintage pieces, the framed mirror is my favorite.

{oc cottage} said...

Dreaminess!!!!!

m ^..^

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandi thank you for coming by today ..thank you for sharing your creativity and story..My mom was a junk diva too ..it must be in our DNA..off to beach looks like weather is going downhill next week..beach is packed out here have a lovely day..

Anonymous said...

Love your little corner I have pine walls too!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Sandi, I love all your vintage charm! Pretty at it's best! Nothing like "vintage charm"!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

Great collection of vintage goodies! Congrats on finding a rose oil this morning the are the best to find at a tag sale. Have a good day....Julian

Unknown said...

Thanks for this post and many wonderful photos

Unknown said...

Your Vivienne is just precious!! I can see why you and your Mom had a hard time deciding who she belonged to, lol.

Heidi

Heaven's Walk said...

What a nice post today, Sandi. Sharing your memories of your mom and you treasure hunting together brought back memories of special times my mom and I shared when I was a child. I'm blessed because she is still living, but her health and thought process is not like it used to be, so sometimes I feel like I've lost her. But I will continue to store up those memories in my heart and soul as often as I can. Thanks for your stories and beautiful photos today. :)

xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

Beautiful!
thx for sharing yourself & your memories ...

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Sandi,

Loved reading your blog... with so much sentiment and love. You know, that is the culture that has been lovingly passed on by our forefathers/mothers. The very fabric we're made off. It means so much more than buying things from a magazine (sales!) or made in China with no connection at all. The little memories, the special attachments to treasures on the wall, on a shelf, that is what creates a warm and loving nest!
That cannot be bought...

Sunny greetings from Georgia,

MariettesBacktoBasics

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful post- so many special memories attached to those items. I have that same old Hymn book and it came from my grandmother. Hugs- Diana

Unknown said...

It's all so pretty! Especially the mirror. So nice to meet you. I had a fun time visiting you. Hope you can come by for a visit too.
Have fun!
xo
Janet Bernasconi
Janet's Creative Pillows

Unknown said...

So many vintage treasures, love them all!

Sherry Hicks said...

I enjoyed stopping by your blog, the frames and pictures with roses are georgous, the "lady lamps" are beautiful too! My mother has several "lady lamps"
Thanks for sharing!
Sherry

Sonia said...

Hello Sandi,
Sorry I am late to visit you but I am still making my rounds on all the beauty out there. Your post is lovely. In particular, the Paris dress form and the clock assemblage. I love anything Marie A!! I also love the way you incorporate your vintage pieces in your home decor. So pretty!!
Thank you so much for celebrating my new venture with me.
It was fun visiting with you!!
Hugs!!
Sonia

Carole said...

How lucky you were to have gotten the love of old from your parents. It's a gift!

I'm still not sure where my love came from but I'm glad I have it.
xxx
Carike

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

I love it all... pretty pretty pretty! Your mirrors: my fav! ;)

Rose said...

thanks for your comment on my latest post. love your different items and style of decorating. you mention your Mom alot as I have done for myself. we are both fortunate to have them as our mothers and guide us in like. rose

kelly said...

Lovely Collection Sonia. I love the name of your blog.

Kelly

Anonymous said...

Everything looks so beautiful! You have inspired me to make more of those mini dress forms, I have so much fun with those cute little girls! Have a great week, Marcia

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a beautiful post and a loving tribute to your parents!
I always look at all of the "old" thing that I buy as once they were cherished in someone's home and now I have given them new life and will be cherished in my home!

Debbie

Unknown said...

Lovely post and lovely sentiments! Your mirrors are to die for!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Roselle

Passionate for White said...

Thanks for the laugh on my Jude post! :)

Loving this latest post of yours and the insight on your Mom and Dad - family is SO important to me so it really touched home.

Diane

Melanie said...

Hi Sandi - thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and memories. Lovely post!

Love, Melanie

debi said...

What a lovely post! You have such a beautiful collection of vintage treasures! Thanks for sharing!

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