New Little Project

December 31, 2008 at 3:32 pm (Projects) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

 

I love finding odds and ends to fix up, remodel, or work on that I can then add to our home.  These little projetcs are fun for me and keep me busy.  This new task is a stool from my grandmother.  Its not new, not antique, not anything special really.  I almost truned it down.  But, she said that it opened up.  That caught my interest.  Then, she suggested that maybe I could keep some interesting photos in it.  BINGO!  I snatched it up in a hurry.  I love a bit of unexpected, and her idea of putting snapshots in the stool was perfect.  I plan to recover the top with some funky material.  I’m not sure if I will paint it yet.  Then I will add some old, random photos to the inside for company to explore.  Cute!  Any suggestions on print or paint?  Let me know what you think! 

 

So much potential...

So much potential...

 

Vintage photos tucked away in here would be perfect!

Vintage photos tucked away in here would be perfect!

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My Favorite Place In The World

December 30, 2008 at 3:32 pm (Home Changes and Additions) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

Nope, not Hawaii.  That ranks very high on my list, but not my top.  My favorite place in the world is my grandparents’ house.  That’s it.  Simple.  Ever since I was little they have had the coziest house (even after moving).  Not only are they interesting people and amazing story tellers, but they have such a great home that brings back memories of staying there as a kid.  They have always been antique collectors, and this is probably why I have an antique obsession.  Their basement is packed with antiques, and trinkets, odds and ends, and so many goodies to look at.  Now that I am older and have a house of my own, they have been slowly passing along some of my favorite gems to me.  We went to their house for Christmas this year, and I ended up coming home with a truck load of goodies.  I hope to someday inherit some more of their great furniture, but I also love the littles they send home with me.  Here are a few of my favorite finds from my recent trip to my favorite place in the world:

 

These are some antique mail boxes from a post office that my grandpa owns.  They are so perfect (and more of those cubbies I love).  We just aren't sure where to put them yet.

  

A close up of the doors and some things stashed inside already.

A close up of the doors and some things stashed inside already.

 

This is an old pin cushion made from a hoof that we used to play with as kids.  I know, kinda creepy, but I think it is totally cool!

This is an old pin cushion made from a hoof that we used to play with as kids. I know, kinda creepy, but I think it is totally cool!

 

This is an old lamp that needs some cleaning.  It hangs from the ceiling and you put oil in it.  The oil drips down the clear threads that run from the top to the bottom.  The oil then glows colors when the light bulb is on.  I think it looks kind of like early fiber optics.  Its very neat, but has been stored and needs TLC.  A project!  YAY!

This is an old lamp that needs some cleaning. It hangs from the ceiling and you put oil in it. The oil drips down the clear threads that run from the top to the bottom. The oil then glows colors when the light bulb is on. I think it looks kind of like early fiber optics. Its very neat, but has been stored and needs TLC. A project! YAY!

 

This is a Christmas tree made out of my grandma's antique jewelry.  What a cool idea!  It is framed in a very old frame and there are Christmas lights behind the black velvet.  It is really so cute that I might have to leave it our all year!

This is a Christmas tree made out of my grandma's antique jewelry. What a cool idea! It is framed in a very old frame and there are Christmas lights behind the black velvet. It is really so cute that I might have to leave it our all year!

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Quick Trip To The Antique Store

December 19, 2008 at 6:49 pm (Home Changes and Additions) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

Last night before the ice storm, we took a quick drive to the antique store the next town over.  I love this store.  All antique stores are fun, but this place is so big that you always see something new.  I did find these two little gems:

A coke box with the cubbies still in.  I have been wanting to hang one of these up for a trinket shelf.

A coke box with the cubbies still in. I have been wanting to hang one of these up for a trinket shelf.

This is a very old cigar box.  I though this would be beautiful to hold little odds and ends.

This is a very old cigar box. I though this would be beautiful to hold little odds and ends.

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We decided to put the cigar box in the TV cubbie for now.  The coke box we hung in the living room above the Eames lounge chair.  For now all that we put in it are some antique glass candies.  They are a little lost in there, but I needed a place to put them.  Over time I’m sure we will collect more trinkets to put in there.  I think it looks really cute.  Any other suggestions?
The cigar box in the TV cubbie.

The cigar box in the TV cubbie.

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This was the spot we chose for the coke box. Don't mind those awful curtains! 🙂

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The back of the box has a bit of a wierd shape, but this is a close up of the little candies if you can make them out.

The back of the box has a bit of a wierd shape, but this is a close up of the little candies if you can make them out.

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One Little Project At A Time

December 10, 2008 at 6:55 pm (Projects) (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , )

blog-pics-1-002When I get excited about something I lose all patience.  Tony tells me constantly, “Calm down Jess, one thing at a time.”  I’m trying, but just can’t control myself.  Here is one small project we have completed.  Just before we moved in here we went to an auction.  We found this old little kitchen cupboard and scored in for $10.  It’s back was burned and the sides were wrinkled, and paint was falling off.  People probably thought we were crazy for even taking it home.  But, a new back, a few dollars, and a lot of work later, we have a cute vintage kitchen island.  The kitchen was too big not to have a table for more counter space, and this little guy solved our problem.  Take a look!  (I need to get better at remembering to take before photos of our projects! oops!)

I love those old tin tops! It does have one chip we would like to fix, but overall... Cute! What do you think?

I love those old tin tops! It does have one chip we would like to fix, but overall... Cute! What do you think?

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