It was a slow time for thrifting this past week. So while I don't have any new treasures to share with you, I do have some goodies I've enjoyed for many years.Perhaps some of you long-time readers of The Thrift Shop Romantic might recall me picking up a few of these individual pieces over the years. But I think items take on a whole new life when you see them displayed together, in their element.
I have been picking up lusterware plates and cups at thrift stores for at least a decade. Same goes for chintz teacups and sandwich dishes I'd carefully chosen from places like TJ Maxx and the now-long-gone Royal Albert outlet at Grove City.
But it was only recently, I finally got the right place to display them: a turn-of-the-century oak china cabinet...
So it was with great joy-- and some really tough decision-making-- that I chose the pieces from my collection I would ultimately keep and display...
It was a little like choosing from favorite children. But, seeing it all together, I was struck by common themes...
Bright aquas and juicy greens... Deep red and pink roses.... Delicate lavenders... And lots of shine...Teacups were mostly thrift store discoveries, and I'm struck with how cheerful a collection can be, though amassed for just a small amount of money.
I made a home for favorite 1900s whiteware transfer plates, and hand-painted saucers I thrifted for $1...
And I tried to group colors together that went together. Layering chintz and lusterware as if in sets, with only the color palette to really tie them.Last, I had to include the only real heirloom in the lot, my great-aunt's depression era china, in a pattern called Aquitania...
(Not to mention a stray Fenton carnival glass bowl I "Fleatiqued.")The china cabinet is my real, and consistent Treasure Box... My glass garden... Something I pass each day and enjoy at different times in new ways, as the daylight in my diningroom changes and transforms it.
I hope the rest of your week is filled with little treasures, too!
11 comments:
What a beautiful collection you have ;)
I love the cabinet and how you have displayed your treasures. The colors and designs are so pretty and you have grouped them in a charming way. I imagine that you see new items daily in this wonderful display!
Beautiful collection. Made me sad that I only have a chipped cup from my mom's china set - the only piece my stepmom's family didn't want. It sits here at my desk as a reminder of her and some great memories. Thanks for sharing your collection.
I love your collection and your new cabinet!It is your discipline I could really use.My glass cabinets start out with a theme and seem to end up with"just find space for 1 more piece!"
I so need to go thrifting back east.In California, anything over a year old is "antique", with the price to match! Love your blogg!
Just beautiful. The colors and patterns all go so wonderfully together.
I absolutely love everything. You have such a beautiful collection. My mother used to drag me to flea markets, thrift shops etc. when I was a child and I hated it. However, I have put what I learned to use as a grown up and really enjoy hunting for all sorts of treasures.
Thanks, everyone, for such kind comments!
Lynda- I love that you find joy and appreciation in a chipped teacup. I absolutely understand that. :)
Dustbunny- I haven't had the opportunity to go thrifting/antiquing in California, but based on what you describe, it's similar in most areas of Florida, where my Dad lives. If something is from the 50s, it's just ancient. :)
And with regard to the "discipline" it's probably more a minor OCD, as it will bug me if I start looking at the collection and it doesn't coordinate. I'm not a neat freak by any means, but things that aren't balanced sort of bother me visually.
Michelle- I didn't like flea marketing or antiquing much as a kid either. At least not for many hours at a time. But like you, now, it's become a real joy. Funny how that happens!
great blog..great color on this photo. It would make a great painting too.
What beautiful china! I love antiquing, and find that from time to time, using sites such as yours I can put a name to the many types of china.
Gee, your china cabinet is just beautiful. I don't know what I like better. Your china cabinet or your beautiful dishes.
The first picture in this series makes me want to cry inside (joyously), because it really speaks to me and is my favorite from all your choices, so far. Stunning!
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