Savoring the Details

With so many objects passing through my hands, I sometimes don't take the time to appreciate the details. This architectural piece came home from Minnesota with me.  Although I found just one, the home it came from would have been loaded with trim.  

Imagine the time and care it took to create this one simple object of beauty.

 Now grab your afternoon tea and follow me over to Faded Charm to wander through a wealth of wonderful whiteness!

Back From Minnesota...

...and sending out a big "thank you" to everyone for your shopping suggestions.  My plans went awry a bit when CG was flattened by food poisoning after a dinner out with the extended family on Saturday.  Sunday afternoon while he was sleeping I headed over to Antiques Minnesota, (thanks to Garage Sale Gal - Deb).   

 It was just a few minutes from our hotel and everything in the mall was 20% off. Prices were very reasonable for the most part.  I'll try to show you more of my finds later in the week. I don't collect  ceramics but couldn't resist buying this Lefton Uncle Sam bank to add to my patriotic collection.

I also found a nice group of old keys which are available in my etsy shop.

After a quick stop back at the hotel, I headed to Hopkins, about twenty  minutes away. This was suggested by "anonymous", (thank you - whoever you are!).  There were four shops within a two block area of the old downtown.  It was 3:30 by the time I arrived there so I got into "speed shopping" mode and shopped three of the four stores by 5:00.  Great finds included a bird cage, a couple of wonderful architectural pieces, a hat mold and a silverplate tray, which was an award from a 1948 horse show.

 I'd love to return to Hopkins when I have a bit more time. The other places you suggested are also on my "to do" list, next time I return.  We had planned to stop in Hixon & Hudson Wisconsin on the way home today, but CG was still not feeling the greatest.  Getting home without dilly-dallying seemed like the right thing to do. 

I'm really jealous of you Minnesota peeps - 

junk rules up there!  

:)

O Happy Day - It's Almost Time...

...To spring forward!

Many of us in Northern climates are severely affected by the lack of daylight during the winter months. (The technical term is SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder.)

 When Daylight Savings Time begins it's a rebirth for me.

More daylight, more energy, more happy!

While I'm waiting, I'm heading over to Common Ground where Debra hosts Vintage Inspiration Friday.  Come on along!

Don't forget to turn those clocks ahead on Sunday night

and I'll see you next week.

:)

Need A Little Help From the Minnesota & Wisconsin Junkaloonies

We have a little family event coming up soon in Minnesota and I've convinced CG to stay an extra day so that I might have a little junkin' time.  We'll be in the Minneapolis area.  If you could visit just one or two places on a Sunday afternoon or Monday, where would you go?  I've been to Hunt & Gather previously, but no other shops.

I'm saving my pennies for a trip to Brimfield with Margaret in May, so need to shop where the prices are reasonable.  I'd also love to see the Bachman's Idea House. Teresa has convinced me that Buffalo is dreamy, but it's a bit farther than where we'll be...or shall we drive it anyway?   I may also be able to convince CG to stop on the way home so if you know of something near I94 in Mn/Wi I'd love to hear.  

THANKS!

Cash n Cari RePurpose Store & Blogger's Bodega Sale

Does anyone watch Cash N Cari on HGTV?  It features Cari Cucksey of Northville, Michigan, who runs estate sales. She's also recently opened a shop in Northville, called RePurpose.  The web site describes the shop this way: "We offer 4200 Square feet of unique shopping. Everything from Clothing, Shoes & Accessories to Antique and RePurposed Furniture and Home Accessories.

 I had a chance to visit the shop on Saturday.  The clothing is in one area, with the rest devoted to furniture and accessories. It reads like an upscale home furnishings shop, with nicely staged vignettes at every turn.  I didn't see a lot of "chippy" in-the-rough pieces; many items had been  re-painted and distressed nicely.  There were wine corks made from old door knobs and a very cool chandelier made from lockplates.  Wish I could show you more but my request to take photos was declined, and I respect that.  I did get a shot of this ultimate junker's vehicle that was sitting out in the mall, and an outside shot of the shop with our three grandgirls peeking in.

 RePurpose is a fun browse if you're in the area.  Prices are definitely 'retail', but reasonable. If you aren't a DIY-er but love this look, you'll find some fun pieces all ready to put in place.

*************************************

Changing gears here...

It is Tuesday and that means Bloggers' Bodega over at

Capers of the Vintage Vixens. Hop on over there with

me and see what's featured.  We've been busy restocking Gracie's Cottage on etsy and are offering YOU 15% off everything today, til midnight. CST. Simply use code

bodega15 at checkout.

 Over 300 items at 15% off!

'FOUND' in Ann Arbor

A couple of years ago at the 3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington, Illinois, I met Mary. This past weekend I finally had a chance to visit her delightful gallery, 'FOUND' in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Lucky for me, Mary was in - here she is:

'FOUND' features the creations of local artists who use vintage materials to create jewelry, art & accessories. A few carefully selected new items are mixed in. 

Then there are the drawer units & cubbies...oh. my. heart!

I loved them all.  

Best of all, you're allowed 

to open every one of those drawers!

Inside are letters, numbers, rubber stamps, game pieces, ephemera, photos, 

and little "junk" items of every description. 

It's all carefully sorted, organized and priced. 

I can't imagine the amount of time it takes 

to sort and price all of those little treasures.

Check out the FOUND blog and site and

if you're ever near Ann Arbor be sure to stop in; 

I know you'll love it!

March 1st...A Glorious Day in Milwaukee

 60's, sunshine, oodles of green,

fragrant blossoms....ah, spring...

...inside the Mitchell Park Domes.

Outside? Well, not so much.