Treasure Box Wednesday: Demonic Decorating with the Winchester Mystery House

Welcome to Wednesday, my thrifty, nifty friends! While the thrifting this week was slim, never let it be said that The Thrift Shop Romantic lets its online buddies go eye-candyless on Treasure Box day.

So as Halloween approaches, I thought we would celebrate this spooky season in a way that combines both design and diabolic fun through this History Channel tour of the Winchester Mystery House.

Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, believed she was cursed by the souls of the people the Winchester guns had killed. Her penance? To design and build a home that was never, ever finished.

The result became a startling mix of traditional Victorian decor with architectural madness-- staircases to nowhere, doors that open to nothing, winding hallways and mystery around every corner.

I think you'll enjoy this Weird U.S. video. Kinda makes our homes' own little quirks seem mild by comparison...

I mean, in my area just getting a contractor is difficult enough! :)

What the Woollybear Says -or- Autumn in Pennsylvania

A visit to the countryside around Western Pennsylvania offered plenty of souvenirs of this dry and dusty fall. The leaves are changing, yes, but crackle... Orange and browns mix and swirl in the Indian summer wind.

I thought you all might enjoy coming with me for a minute, as we savor the signs of autumnm and we listen to what our friend the woollybear caterpillar says...
"Harsher winter in the beginning, milder toward spring."

We'll see if our furry worm friend proves accurate!

It was a clear day yesterday for photos, but as for a kaleidoscope of color, well, it may not appear this year...
Still, I was nuts about this pair of happy acorns...
And the pumpkins await Halloween with brave faces...
The gourds offer a bountiful cornucopia of color...
Barns stand still and quiet awaiting next year's potential...
Weatherbeaten and waiting...
Afternoon sun casts long shadows through the lacy pine trees...
And we keep snapshots of 2010 because this year, like every year, goes by in a blur...

Wishing you a bountiful, beautiful week ahead of you!

Treasure Box Wednesday: Glass Amass

Hey there, folks! Well, I've successfully moved my Dad up north with me-- it was a long, strange adventure, but eventually we made it-- and I thought it was time to give you all some new pretties to look at.

I'd been hoping I'd come back from Florida with lovely shots of local flora and fauna, but unfortunately my activities didn't get a chance to run in that direction. So my first break in the last week led me to a little Thrift Therapy!

The first item I found was this cute little pottery bird planter. I think it might be California pottery, but haven't verified yet...
I liked the glaze, particularly around their feet.

I also got my hands on this pretty lusterware plate...
It's funny only recently I've found some interesting lusterware pieces after not seeing any for quite a while. The cycle of thrift is always surprising.

And last, I netted this stained glass lampshade...
I think it might be designed to go on some kind of jar candle, but I'm not sure yet. Anyway, the roses and general colors spoke to me. And at just $3 it seemed well worth it.

So that's what's in the Treasure Box for this week. I hope the week ahead of you is filled with shiny goodness, too!