A LIGHT AND A LAMPSHADE

Do you sometimes hunt and hunt for something when you are antiquing, and never find it in your price range? Then, all of sudden, there it is!

For a couple of years I have been looking for a small alabaster lamp. A unique alabaster is quarried in Colorado that is pink/gold with unusual veining. I remember these little lamps being sold in gift shops as a Colorado product, and even saw one awhile ago in an antique shop with the original shop sticker on it. It was way out of my price range, so I had to walk away. But, recently I found one in a local antique mall (without the shop sticker) for $15, and it came home with me.

It is quite heavy, and smoothly polished. It's perfect.

It came with a ratty lampshade that needed replaced. I really like lampshades covered with an accent fabric. So, now the search was on for a lampshade. In the past, I have covered self-adhesive lampshades; but the ones available at Hobby Lobby and Jo-Anns were not the right size. I finally found a web site (hollywoodlightscrafts.com) to custom order self-adhesive shades in any size for a reasonable price.

I used the last bit of toile fabric that I had bought from a French vendor several years ago. I like finishing details, so I covered the raw edge with gimp.

A patient search is always worth it -- I'm really enjoying my new lamp on the kitchen counter.

I'm joining in the following parties:

Courtney at French Country Cottage
for the Feathered Nest Party.

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life
for Tabletop Tuesday

Donna at Funky Junk Interiors
for Saturday Nite Special

Be sure to go by these blogs for great inspiration.

INDUSTRIAL CHIC

Up front let me say that I love the so-called 'finer things' in life and in my home such as 19th century dishes, velvet, paisley tapestry, lace, etc. But, I'm always in conflict as I love a big hunk of metal junk, peeling paint, and rust, too.

Margo's Junkin Journal
is having a linky party to show off our Industrial Chic. She didn't mention the farm industry, but that is where my background is and what I love to scrounge for!

I love this cultivator thingy - it fits in the umbrella hole of the wicker table on our back porch, then holds a candle perfectly. Check out that green paint that goes with the rusty tips.

Every porch needs a tractor seat made into a stool. My Dad made this years ago, and he used it at his workbench to sit on while repairing farm machinery. That's International Harvester red paint on the seat that has oxidized to orange. The base is made from a pipe and a disc.

These disc spacers are great for elevating pumpkins or pillar candles. All we did was wash them off, and spray some acrylic sealer on them to control the rust. They sit on an old tool box from my Dad's shed.

So, head out to your nearest farm machinery salvage yard where there is a plethora of neat stuff waiting to be discovered.

Here are some of the disc spacers I had to choose from. I wanted them all, but they do weigh a ton. The three I did pick cost $4.00 total.

Before you go salvaging, stop by Margo's

for mega inspiration.

THE DISH STORAGE ROOM

Sheila at Note Songs
is having a party today to celebrate "The Heart of the Home". I think she means the kitchen. Right?

Oh, I thought that was the dish storage room, as I don't have much of a passion for cooking.

But my joy lies in collecting dishes.

Don't get me wrong -- I do know how to cook and can put a decent meal on the table as I've had lots of practice -- just not much joy in that activity. See my kitchen is really functional - it has a stove, lots of storage and counter space.

It has a sink - I like it best when it is empty and clean!

There are well-used utensils close at hand - some I've had since we got married 52 years ago

I do enjoy looking at my kitchen - these old Ball canning jars have held my supply of macaroni and rice for at least 40 years. I remember the day we bought them (the jars, not the rice) at an auction in Montana.

My favorite time in the kitchen is cleaning up and turning out the lights for another day!

Be sure to go over to Sheila's - I'm sure you will find lots of kitchens belonging to passionate cooks. One just doesn't reside here!

A DEMI JOHN AND A VISIT!

Just in the last month or so, I have been seeing wicker-encased demi johns around blogland. In our many years of antiquing and junking, I don't recall seeing one before. Then magically, yesterday we were at an auction, and there was one! I'm usually not very trendy - you know: "a day late, a dollar short" type. But, we won the bid for $5.00. Did we pay too much??

I know nothing about them, but this one appears to have held rum. Does anyone know how old this one might be?

It has some interesting labels.

There is something about the shape and texture that is engaging.

I'm linking to the following parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays with Linda at Coastal Charm
and
Tabletop Tuesdays with Marty at A Stroll Thru Life

Check out these two blogs for lots of inspiration and treasures.

= = = = = = = = = = =

On Friday last week, Bob and I spent a most enjoyable day with Mary
of Mary's Meanderings and her husband. We have met together several times before, but this was the first time we had visited their wonderful home. This energetic and enthusiastic couple have a lot going on both personally and professionally. They own this huge old house which they are restoring - it is already full of great details and belongings - I can't imagine how charming it will be when they finish. It is a huge job, but they have already done a ton of work. Professionally, they are missionaries and are working in the small town of Aguilar, Colorado to establish a food and clothing pantry to aid these people that live in this depressed area. Not only are they giving these people a hand-up, but are really trying to impact their lives for the better on a personal level. Mary fixed lunch of quiche and soup for us, and served it in their newly refurbished breakfast nook. Sorry - no pictures as we were too busy visiting and enjoying the day. Be sure to check out Mary's blog here, as she always has wonderful, informative posts.

OUR LITTLE PRINCESS!

You will always be our little princess. Happy 14th birthday, sweet Cait!