For this edition of Friday Findings, I'm sharing with you one of my favorite ways to shop; Hunting for Treasures. That's what I call it when I spend hours perusing antique, vintage and thrift shops. They're treasures because they're one of a kind and often buried under piles of old things, so when you find that one piece that speaks to you, filling that hole on your shelf, it feels like finding treasure!
I also have this love of old and used things. Something about the story and adventure of that object and how it got to where it is and now in my hands fascinates me. From accessories to my outfit and decor in my home these gems add character.
Don't let the hunt overwhelm you. Take a gal pal (not your Mr - they hate it and get bored and will kill the joy, it does take patience) or treat yourself to some 'me' time with a coffee in hand to just enjoy the quiet stroll. A gal pal can be helpful to be a sounding board when your debating a 'find' or a horrendous tacky object that for some reason appeals to you but should never go home with you.
My Mamma is my favorite hunting mate. She's patient but often gets side tracked so you have to keep her moving, and can help you see the quality of an object and paint a picture in your mind of what it will look like in your world. Her knowledge and wisdom is key in differentiating the junk from antiques.
The most fun thing about hunting with my Mamma is that she takes you on a trip down memory lane. She remembers these items from her grandparents & parents. She can tell you how they were used and made. The nostalgic smile on her face is priceless. And oh the laughs that echo when we stubble across tackiness from the 70's!
My favorite treasures to hunt for are silver, linens, belts, broaches, crystal, tables and rugs. I make myself walk away and ponder items so that I don't go down the road towards hoarding. Clutter is uncool.
Yesterday my Mamma took me to treasure shops she had found. So overjoyed to live closer to her so that we can share time together.
Our first stop was the
White Owl Antique Mall
This barbie booth took me right back to my childhood! It made me miss my collection.
Naturally I was drawn to this booth's collection of midcentury garments. Most are handmade! Today we grab off the rack or click a few buttons and clothing appears on our front doors.
I loved touching the cotton shirt dresses (they called them 'day dresses') imagining my grandma in them.
These pieces came home! The ginger vase is going to live in my foyer and house umbrellas. The brass pot is for a plant that I'm going to try really hard to keep alive. And the silver shell is going to either hold soap or be a bedside jewelry tray.
My Mamma found this hand painted cat. I walked away as I try very hard to resist the 'Crazy Cat Lady' reputation but she insisted I had to have it. Bless her!
These chairs we found at
Cline's Country Antiques, what looks like a massive junk yard. It's located on land that was used to raise chickens years ago and now those large structures house piles and piles of old furniture and iron sculptures. Yes those are dirt floors so bring some sanitizer and your outdoor shoes.
These are 'ribbon back' mahogany chairs with needlepoint cushions. We picked up each one and sat in them making sure they were in solid, sturdy condition. These were perfect to go with my Henkel Harris mahogany breakfast table (another treasure I found) as well as additions to my formal dining table when serving a large dinner party.
I intend to restore and recover the cushions but I will make great efforts to re-home the needlepoint fabric as the craftsmanship that went into hand making the design is impressive.
This Gorgeous white iron garden furniture is something my Grandma had in her back yard and I wanted nothing more than to take it home but with a long list of 'wants' for our new home, it will have to wait.
All in all it was a fun filled day and I was able to cross off items we need for our new home.
Now I have to find fabric for my chairs, sigh that's another hunt.
Every room in my home houses treasures I've found over the years and when I look at them I remember when and where I found them.
The beauty lies beyond the object but in the adventure finding it. Stay tuned for pics of my home and the treasures that live here!
Some of my favorite treasure hunting spots ....
Charlotte, NC:
Jacksonville, NC:
Raleigh:
Cheshire Cat Gallery
Dress Your Home Beautifully with Treasures
XOXO Sarah Louise
