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.

summer beauty...

Today I thought I would share some of the artwork around my home. You know I love vintage mirrors and have quite a collection feathering my nest but I do have some beautiful prints too. I inherited them all from my Mom except two (one that she bought for me and one that she helped me pick out!). They all are quite special to me, each with it's own memory. Like this one she bought for me when we moved into this house and I needed something over the mantel...

Then, there were two fabulous prints in the Ballard catalog that I had been eyeing forever. After saving and saving, their artwork went on sale and she and I picked this one out together... I just love the colors in this! I am going to be repainting my front door this fall with a shade from the door in this print. Has anyone noticed that my fall to do list is getting longer and longer?! Another to do on that list is to tidy up the downstairs and give you all a tour. I showed you my old fashioned yellow bathroom already but I promise to show the rest soon. Just a little peek now to show you this beauty that hung over my parent's mantel. It was the first thing I saw walking through the door each time I visited...
It rests atop the mantel on the fireplace in my downstairs living room. I've told you before that we bought the house Jim grew up in. I'm pretty sure his Dad and Grandfather built this fireplace. My Mom had this next one in her den or her "garden room" as she liked to call it. She bought it because it reminded her of my daughter Jaclyn when she was little... You know it reminds me of her too. This next one my Mom bought when Jaclyn and I used to watch Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea together. It reminds me of scenes of Anne and Diana spending time together sharing their secrets and dreams with each other...

All of these prints are light and airy with flowers in bloom showing off their full summer beauty. Thanks for stopping by today for a little stroll through my art gallery! Before you go, don't forget to enter my giveaway. It ends today and I will announce the winner tomorrow. Have a wonderful day!

memorial day...

Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! If you are hitting the road ~ safe travels to you. Whether you are home or away ~ hope the weather is great! I will be remembering this weekend... As I am sure you all will be...

This was one of me and my Mom's favorite picture of my Dad. Although I love this one too... Enjoy your holiday weekend and happy treasure hunting!!

vintage black at the shop and my best friend...

Vintage Black Friday is being celebrated over at The French Cupboard today! Do you remember my first VBF post when I shared one of my sweet vintage books...I love this song book! Look ~ it includes a "May-Day Carol"... Of course I remember this today, not on May 1st! I have been known to do things after the fact ~ better late than never ~ like the Easter eggs I decoupaged. Anyway, I thought I would also share with you some vintage black treasures from some booths at the shop. I spied these cute little opera glasses... Perhaps a pair of these shoes were worn to the opera... There are some great vintage black tole pieces too. We also have wonderful tole trays showcased at the shop right now. To see the photos take a peek at the shop's blog... How great is this vintage dial typewriter... If you ever get a chance to visit The Wrentham Country Store please let them know you have visited my blog! I have hooked a few of the other shop girls to blogging and they would love to meet you!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day! I found this sweet image while thrifting...My Mom and I really never celebrated Mother's Day. We always celebrated each day we were together...

She was the best and my best friend ~ miss you Mom! Trying to give my best to these two, my pride and joy... Well...have a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much for visiting and I love to read all your comments. Now go have fun and check out all the other vintage black treasures!