Thursday, June 6, 2013

Stocking the Potting Shed with Enamelware

Hi Everyone! Sure hope your week is going well. . . .

I've been on the road this week off and on. . . .Was I ever thrilled to see the Queen Anne's Lace blooming alongside the highways! . . .One of my absolute favorite wild flowers to dry. . . .They look so pretty in crocks. . . .Well, they look wonderful in anything!


I'd already promised myself that I'd cut and dry a few bunches this year. . . .missed out on it last year. . . .I came home excited--but knowing that I'd have to squeeze cleaning up the potting shed in between errands and making ready for a Christmas In June show this weekend. . . .The potting shed is the best place for drying the delicate beauties. . . .I've developed a technique over the years. . . .needed the table, as well as places to hang them.


I ventured out to the shed one morning at 5:30--that's a.m., ladies. . . .I'd hardly peeked inside all Spring. . . .I knew what faced me. . . .It was full of yard and garden items stored over the winter. . . .Along with the clutter was a half inch of dirt on everything. . . .We've had at least 3 or 4 dust storms lately, so bad that I couldn't see across the road. . . .You can imagine how much had accumulated in the sheds. . . .

First, I let out a huge sigh. . . .then I gathered up my strength and dug in. . . .



While I was at it, I did a thorough discard. . . .things I no longer cared about. . . .as well as just pure-d-old-junk. . . .You know it had to be REAL junk if I tossed it. . . .


What treasures I discovered, too! . . .Like the rusted door knobs, once used here at the farm. . . .Large glass jars for storing--anything. . . .Even found a bird's nest. . . .There's no telling how long it's been there. . . .We stopped the birds from nesting inside the shed a couple of years ago. . . .It was tucked in a broken crock on the shelf, way up high. . . .




 I also discovered I had a LOT more enamelware than I thought. . . .mostly pieces that were rusty, crusty and well used. . . .I'd picked them up over the years for potting flowers. . . .Once I had these white beauties washed and dried, they were pretty enough to display and utilize for storage. . . .for hiding all those little necessary items for gardening that just cause clutter.


I did add several pieces without holes or rust. . . .We have tons of it in our store museum. . . .Enamelware is a mainstay of a farmhouse. . . .I was fairly shocked lately at how the prices are going up. . . .Several ladies at the 100 mile yard sale told me it had been the hot-est item they'd sold. . . .A couple of years ago, I could pick them up for as little as $1. . . .sometimes 25c. . . .Not these days. . . .Good thing I bought as many as I saw then. . . I also had a good supply from my Mom and Aunts. . . .


They'll be such fun in the potting shed this summer. . . .I thought I'd use the coffee pot like a small watering can. . . .John found the red drawer in some else's trash. . . .I grabbed it up before he could hide it!

The gallon jars are ready to be filled. . . .the vintage tools? Rusty and crusty, too. . . .but totally useable.

Do you recognize the little chair below. . . .Bought it at the 100 mile yard sale. . . .Looks so much better painted white. . . .Just a touch of whimsy. . . .






Buried under all the clutter were three red wagons. . . .One regular size, one medium size, and this doll size. . . .They'd been buried for years. . . .The two larger ones headed for the store museum. . . .I kept the smallest. . . .another bit of whimsy. . . .I like things that make me smile. . . .little red wagons do just that. . . .


No potting shed is complete without a water dipper. . . .and lots and lots of baskets. . . .They are another item I've bought in the past that are becoming scarce. . . .
You might want to stock up on a few for your farmhouse before the prices sky rocket. . . .


A painted sign found under the barn tied everything together. . . .

The end result. . . .two mornings of discard. . . .move out. . . .hose down. . . .scrub. . . .move in. . . .I was so filthy, all you could see were the whites of my eyes. . . .Was it worth it?
Oh, YES! 


Now, what was the reason I started all this?. . . .Oh, yeah. . . .the Queen Anne's Lace!
Well, that will have to wait til next week. . . .I'll share my technique for drying with you later. . . .It's fairly simple and very old fashioned. . . .but it works! . . .I learned it from my Grandmother. . . .

Time now to get busy packing up for the Christmas in June show. . . .


Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .


14 comments:

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

Queen Anne's Lace makes a lovely yellow dye.

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

I love enamelware too. Especially red and white. Makes my heart happy just to see your pictures. I love it on our back porch, and use it to feed animals, water them, put plants in extra enamelware bowls...you name it...I use it. Love your blog by the way!
Blessings,
Debbie

Patti said...

This was such a fun post! I love your writing style. I had lots of enamelware at one time, but I can't find it. I probably had a weak moment when I said to myself - "You have too much junk". What was I thinking!!! Well, hopefully another gal was blessed by it!

Down Blueberry Lane said...

This definitely looks like it was worth it. Love all the red and white. Will be looking forward to your drying technique. -Susie

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Your shed is like a treasure trove of great chippy things! LOVE the vignettes you made with your pretty enamelware. Oh, I would have love to have gotten in there with you!!!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

You are THE best photographer. You make all these utilitarian items so beautiful. Love your vignettes.

Pamela Gordon said...

I absolutely love your little shed and all the fun vintage decor you have in it. Sweet sweet! It was really worth all the hard work. Pamela

Junkchiccottage said...

Love your vignette. So sweet. I so love that vacancy sign. I so want one of those!!!! Everything is beautiful as always. Thanks for sharing.
Kris

cynthia lee designs said...

Love all your enamelware. I've been on the look out for some white pieces with the red trim, but all I've be seeing around here is the blue with white spackles. Just love your vignettes...so pretty!!
hugs,
Cindy

Maureen Wyatt said...

It was definitely worth it because it all looks great!

srpprcrftr said...

Oh you have so many wonderful pieces of enamelware. No matter how old it gets I love it. I had several pieces I got in MT and KY but don't find it here in western CO very much. Thankfully I still have few pieces that we used in our very primitive travel trailer and I love them. I made mistake of selling some when we first moved here and I'm so mad at myself.
I love all your wonderful pieces, am very envious. Keep them forever.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Your hard work paid off...everything looks great!

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

I love it all .. So scrumptious !

I don't think you can ever get tired of enamelware.. it's a classic vintage staple to farmhouse living ..

Happy Spring ..Sara

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Beautiful enamel and potting shed!! I do think it was worth it. Can't wait to see what you do with the Queens Ann's lace!

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