I Brake For Antiques

"I brake for antiques"

I’ve seen these bumper stickers around for years. . . .so funny. . . .but certainly true of me. . . .What could be more exciting than an antique mall, unless it’s a thrift store? . . . .And, what could get the adrenaline flowing more than finding a bargain?. . . . Such a thrill!

I left town again. . . .Did you know I was gone?

It was my annual Spring retreat. . . .beautiful weather. . . .good friends. . . .lots of down time. . . .

Of course, along the way I had to do a little junkin'. . . .

After several shopping sprees, I could see a theme emerging.

Lots of metal, porcelain and tin. . . .Blue and white. . . .

It all started with a couple of purchases—a small porcelain pitcher to match the larger water pitcher I had at home. . .and an old tin colander. . . .I sat them on the table with forsythia (growing right outside my door) for a little touch of farmhouse style—to remind me of home. . . .

Throughout the next few days, I continued to add to the collection. . . .My eyes seemed to catch every piece of grayed metal with any kind of patina or character. . . .and the bargains.

When I shop at antique malls and thrift stores, I’m always on the lookout for something I can change that will work with my décor. Grayed metals have become of interest to me. . . .They will be easily incorporated into the Plain & Simple Farmhouse Style. . . .a new neutral. . . .During the winter, I brought in many galvanized items from the garden house and enjoyed them so much. . . .That might be why my eyes roam to find more. . . .or maybe it’s just another facet in developing a personal style.

The big aluminum wash pans will probably end up in my garden, but I love the textures in the aged metal. . .They've been well-used. . . .My biggest find was the blue and white platter. . . .I won’t tell you how little I paid for it. . . .I’ll just say $1 covered it. . . .with some change. . . .The patina in the metals looked wonderful with the platter and garden bonnet . . . .so I knew the grayed metals would work once I got them home. . . .I also think they'll look great with an all neutrals color scheme.

 A little boy’s romper came along in gray, too. . . .

Before I knew it, my table was getting way too full. . . .so, I quit bringing in the finds. . . .I have a whole trunk load of buckets, wash pans, hammered aluminum, white porcelain pieces,  and miscellaneous “stuff”. . . .including a box of Mrs. Butterworth’s bottles. (You’ll be seeing more of these later.)

It soon became very apparent to me that my farmhouse style has taken on some interesting additions. . . .We’ll see how many I can add to our home. . . .

Alas, I didn’t find a Hoosier to add to the kitchen. . . .I have a feeling the hunt may be a long one. . . .I’m okay with that. . . .I have lots of patience.

Now that I've check in with you, my friends, I should unload the car and get back to “norm”. . . .So nice to get away for a while. . . .But, so nice to come home. . . .especially with a trunk load of goodies!

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .

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