Antiques, Traditions & Friends

The Holidays.       Those two words invoke so many memories.  Like cherished antiques often hold memories too.  The extra dining table leafs that are only placed when family gathers around the table for the holiday meal.  And isn't unwrapping the delicate ornaments from days long past such a special a memory maker - the handmade grade-school ones; those that survived the move across country.  The special occasion ones. YES, these are antiques too.

Often in the restoring of antique furniture we can remind ourselves that the piece we are reviving will be placed in a home or office and it will most likely display something or be used for a special purpose. With this in mind, I look around our own home and rekindle the memories of furniture pieces and the collectibles we display.

This year our Christmas wish for you our antiquing friends and associates is that you will also take a moment amid the hurried holiday happenings and think about the history and tradition all around you in your own home.  And so....................., a wonderful early surprise Christmas present arrived this year from a dear friend, and it has stirred quite the lively conversation that naturally brings forth the re-telling of  a German Christmas tradition  - some of you may know of it                                         
 

THE LEGEND of the CHRISTMAS PICKLE.

Long ago in Germany the pickle legend began. The where's and why's are unknown  - perhaps it represented the three Wisemen's search for the baby Jesus -  for now, it is a tradition passed down generation to generation and enjoyed by the entire family. The last ornament placed on the tree is a small green pickle ornament and is done after the children are tucked in bed. It is hung with care and is hidden amongst the other ornaments tucked within the tree.  The search begins on Christmas morning as anxious eyes search through all ornaments gazing again on ones handmade, as gifts given, those marking anniversaries or travels and the ones lovingly handed down by parents and grandparents in the search for the lone pickle.

 The lucky person to find the pickle ornament can get a special treat. Perhaps they can be first to open a present or get the place of honor at the Christmas table.

- thank you Suzan, Merry Christmas

So what was this gift that sparked such lively conversation (?) 
An antique Pickle Castor from a dear, dear friend.


And as noted earlier - among our prized and cherished gifts ; memories, traditions, family and friends. And as with all Christmas's past, the most precious gift -  a selfless act of LOVE from ABOVE.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you !

November's Disappearance

Daylight savings time is now the first Sunday in November - should be no big deal since it only advanced one week from when it used to be the last Sunday in October. But it seemed that overnight the morning was still in darkness, and I was taking the dogs out using my flashlight. It also seemed that the evenings were growing shorter - in just a day's time - and thus it was then that the Barn winterization began a little earlier, and the projects that lay waiting the "next step" began to get stored up for the cold that was encroaching on the horizon.  And  then the c-c-c-o-o-l-d descended upon us.

In one brisk gust of wind, Halloween night blew in with temperatures dropping into the 20's; hammering rains, and impending SNOW.  Yes, snow for Halloween !  

So you ask, I assume, what does this all have to do with November !   Well, my apologies to you dear faithful antiquated reader - because for the first time in several years, we were unprepared for the rapid change of weather. The Barn was in a disarray for what seemed like the whole month of November.  We scurried to move the paint and varnishes to warmer locations. Soiled rags were sent to the bonfire because they had frozen stiff and were beyond cleaning.  The whole scene looked like a morgue of dismembered wooden legs (table legs that is) and droplets of cherry stain could have easily been mistaken for a  late October  All Hallows Eve Vampiric visit.

Thus, November disappeared between two turns of the calendar page - October and December.  Thank goodness the harvest decorations that adorned the walkway leading up to the Barn sufficed through the month, that is, until the deer started nibbling on our pumpkins - yep - right up to the Barn doors they came, apparently also caught off guard by the rapid temperature drops and approaching hunting season.

As I write this post, the antiques are all covered. Disassembled pieces have been numbered and stored. Tools have been oiled and shuttered. Supplies shelved and wood shavings swept into the burn bin. All is quiet and still.

And yet, I still wonder - where did November disappear to?  Perhaps it knew before we did to hunker down and ready itself for a long winters nap.

Ready.., set.., It's Autumn Auction Time

OCTOBER is one of our busiest months.
We lay aside the paint brushes and sand paper, and head over hill and dale; sometimes over the river and through the woods to the annual fall festivals. And  - "yes" - we have our favorites, we're not shy to say.  Not only are there great antique finds, the creative side of life springs into action as crafters showcase their works and sell their very best creations.  The ideas are boundless. And if along the trail you peruse the caramel kettle corn, apple dumplings; beans and cornbread and smoked brisket what's a few calories - we figure we'll walk it off.

A couple favorite's;  Old Thyme Herb Festival and auction on Tater Ridge; Bob Evans Farm Festival; Route 23 Flea Market; Sorghum Festival. 

Want to venture a guess which piece we drove home with - here's a few to help you narrow it down



Since we're off to upper Michigan for more fall finds - you'll just have to check back with us in a few weeks for the answer and surely a few more possibilities -  Yes, fellow Buckeyes, we're headed to the THAT state with the TEAM up north -  but we'll be wearing our scarlet and gray !  GO BUCKS !

  

Heavenly Harvests

A happy harvester received an early holiday surprise.  Remember the old church pew from July " A Wing and a Prayer"  - well it was delivered to it's new home this weekend to the delight of the owners.  Autumn hues of crimson, gold, and bittersweet orange dot the landscape on the journey, as the newly finished mahogany stained church pew traveled the country roads to it's home.A farmhouse amid fields of corn and sorghum, being harvested and sold at local stands.

When we arrived, the owner had already staked out the perfect spot - adjacent the fireplace, slightly offset to the comfy overstuffed chairs. The room filled with autumn décor and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee - a Market Street Cafe' specialty; hazelnut toffee awaited our arrival.  We'd stopped at  the local Scent from Heaven Bakery picking up the house specialty - glazed croissants.             

Perfect for a cool autumn morning.

Take a look at the finished product. The pillow added a nice touch don't you think.

 

Happy Fall Ya' All !

 

Fait Accompli'

   Ever hear the old adage " the Cobblers children go unshod" - or in a more modern version " the Plumbers wife always has a leaky faucet" - BASICALLY -  we tend to accomplish things for others more often than we do for ourselves; CASE IN POINT:  April 2012 the blog entry titled  "Ladies in Waiting ". 
     We purchased these lovely side tables. My original thoughts were to restore them, keep one for ourselves and auction or consign the other.  They both made it to the disassembly and stripping stage; one made it to the sanding and finish sanding stage. The other lay in parts nicely arranged on the work table. Throughout the year other projects scootched them farther and farther toward the back tables in the Barn.

Then one lovely summer day that proved to be "relatively"
(no pun intended)  humidity free  (and for the summer of 2013 - that was saying something) and while other projects were in holding stages waiting for one thing or another - a' moitie' fini'. The first stain was applied, then the second, and by evenings approach - "fini".  Take a look and dust off the memory - or for convenience sake - just flip back through the blogs.                         
                                                                              But isn't she just lovely !

A Wing and a Prayer

Special new finds often come from some of the most unlikely places and events. Take for instance a routine dentist visit.  Not necessarily a time for prayer (unless you are like me and have high anxiety). So to calm my nerves and soothe the inevitable, our favorite dental assistant chatted with me about this and that in an attempt to distract me from what lie ahead. Funny how topics of conversation evolve.

"Since you've both retired, are you able to keep up with refinishing projects and get out to antique a little more?  she asked.  " Indeed we are, even with the daily humidity and rain we've had".  Drool bib centered on my chest, leaning the chair back, she continued " do you think you might take a look at an old chapel bench I've had for decades"; gloves and mask now donned. " It's a bit weathered, but it was from my dads church and I'd love to have it restored".  "Sure, we'll come around one Saturday afternoon and take a look..........,"  one filling later, I mumbled from numbed lips " I'll call you next week".

After a week of torrents of afternoon and evening rain, and a 4th absent of any firework spectaculars, we headed to our favorite Saturday Flea Market, knowing full well the it might be a slim venue due to the holiday weekend and weather.  Of course, after years and years of frequenting this locale - we were correct.

Might be tricky here

Quick thinking and being nearby, we made a call, and headed to look over to examine the church bench.  What a charming little chapel sized pew bench.  A good amount of sanding, some repair needed, but certainly salvageable.   A "before the holidays requested completion" was determined and worked for us with our present inventory schedule.  Loaded up it headed to the Barn.  I'll bet it's heard it's share of church hymns raised on Sunday mornings and Wednesday church meetings - and so   "In the Sweet By and By" this pew bench will be restored.  Don't forget to check back on this when the weather is cooler and the leaves are turning, and of course stop by the Barn anytime to see all the work in progress - there's always coffee on.

Dovetailing in need of repair

Nice detail

Original color - maybe ?

 

Round To It

I know you've heard the expression..., or maybe you've said it a time or two yourself  " I'll get a round to it".

This time though, the expression is two fold. First the table we're featuring this month is one that we said " when the weather breaks, we'll get a round to it" and second; the table is actually ROUND.

Found at a Charleston, South Carolina outdoor bazaar type market that featured crafts, local baskets, seasonings, and some very unique items made from sea grass, there was also an area that hosted antiquities, attic treasures, and auction selections. Some pricey, some reasonable. This table had a cracked glass top, so to make the price a little more enticing and to save the travel issues associated with transporting glass, the dealer made me a deal I couldn't refuse.  As you can see, the delightful little table is probably best considered for a coffee table used in front of a love seat or chair-and -a -half is being prepared for touch ups, stain and a top. 

While the original stain was a cherry blend, it has lifted quite nicely.  We're thinking a medium teak or bamboo colored stain will breathe new life and inspire a new home.  It is responding to sanding well so we're doubtful that remover will be needed. Also considering alternative mediums for the top. Something southern in style - reminiscent of tall lemonades on the verandah or embellished iced tea with a sprig of mint. 

Given it came from the south, I am looking toward a clever application with a textured technique that when finished will resemble a steamer trunk top.  Altered Art is a form of applying different mediums - sometimes fabric such as Toile' and then distressing it to appear aged. A special paste is then applied that gives a thick glazed finish.  The only drawback - the weather needs to be humidity low in order for it to dry - alas, we've had a rainy June.

But doesn't the idea of a coffee table situated in front of an over-stuffed love seat with some southern charm and detail sound like a relaxed summer afternoon. So prop your feet up, grab a good book and a tall glass of something cool and tasty - but be sure to check back and see how this turns out.

    

 

Not your Average End Table

Every now and again you should take a step to one side and look outside the box.  The box being that little rut we sometimes get into doing the same things, the same tried and true way - and while this is "a good thing" to be reliable, consistent, and predictable, it can also be a tad bit b-o-r-i-n-g. So when I was approached by one of my favorite customers to get creative with a bamboo side table I acquired, I was ready for the challenge.

I headed to my trusty files, folders, and albums to search for unique ideas - magazine clippings, penned notes, a snapshot taken of an idea (permission obtained of course) and given that the customer requested a nautical tropical theme with cool colors I was able to combine two separate ideas into one FABULOUS finished product.  With a little help from the "Podge" - a 1960's favorite glazing technique, success was achieved and inspiration renewed.

Take a look at the  ..........,   BEFORE 

In sad shape, but salvageable

Bamboo was in good condition

Laminate top - what were they thinking !!!

 ....., and the AFTER .....,



    

Florida themed side-table - vintage map top

This was a fun project, and out of my "norm-zone" - but tapped into my "creative-side"

Bottom Shelf - vintage postcards

 

There's No Place Like Home ...,

So sayeth Dorothy.

With March winds briefly past and April showers ushering in the spring, our weather thus far has been slightly more than "unpredictable". Last year this time temps were in the 60's with no humidity - perfect weather to apply paint remover or to varnish and seal. But no such luck this year.

Rising early I ventured "not far from my own backyard".  Boneyfiddle Antique District, Portsmouth, Ohio. Located along the Ohio River, this quaint section of town is a favorite of summertime visitors arriving on sternwheelers or party barges to tour the shops, enjoy lunch and stroll along the historic Murals.  I just enjoy antiquing here.

Upon opening the old squeaky door of my first stop, as the little greeting bell rang, I was surprised to see an old friend.  Look familiar ?   Rewind to July 2012 " July Brings Out the Beach In All Of Us ". Perhaps a "cousin" to my Florida customer's little side-table now painted lively in Caribbean colors.  Ideas sprang to mind as I recalled this being one the easiest projects we'd ever tackled. Hmmm - still more shops to see.

Vintage isn't my cup of tea, but you've gotta admire the arrangements. Attractive and stylish.  Moving on to the next shop which I am confident has furniture, it started to snow. SNOW - APRIL - not unheard of, but not the norm.  I grabbed a cup of coffee and continued on.




I found several little side-tables to my liking, and while we have a couple of unfinished projects in the Barn waiting good weather, it's like shoes, you can never have too many.     Here's a couple I passed on - but it was a struggle to pass them by.
                               
                                               

Clicking my heels three times, I was back home in a flash (well 20 mins at best). Scooping the mail from the box, I settled into a comfy overstuffed chair with a warm cup of cocoa. Shuffling through the advertisements, solicitations, and such - ah - the new issue of  The Magazine Antiques.  While the snow continued to fall, I was warm and cozy and could still do some shopping among the magazine pages. Like I said..., there's no place like home ! 

Irish Post Script

Post Script from Ireland .................,

Looking back on my initial research and google-traveling the information highways, post-it tabing pages from library books and tablet downloads, I failed to consider one important factor that came to me on the flight home - culture, lifestyle, and tradition.

I observed a very different lifestyle while there, and frankly it was reminding.  Reminding of a time when we preserved rather than disgarded. When what we had was built to last and we kept it longer. A time when we purchased what we needed and surplus was not thought of.  Traditions were revered. What our grandparents brought over was cherished, retained and handed down.  These represented our culture - the years of hard work, saving and vision that included yester-year in the tomorrow.

That being said, I think the reason I found few pieces of furniture is because they are retained. They aren't salvaged or discarded. Although I would have liked to have found a nice piece to send home, I like more that the old pieces are resting in homes and amidst the decades of family history.

Irish Eyes R Smiling

 

Perhaps I should have titled this entry - Irish Eyes R Droopin.  After the trans-Atlantic flight across the "Pond" over and back, I am truly droopy.  There is no doubt that it was WORTH IT !

Ireland has been in my top five places to visit, and I would visit again in a heartbeat.  Before I tell of the antiquities I spotted I will share a few photos to set the mood.    



In Ireland, they say everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day - while I was not there on THE day - it was close enough. The shops and town folk were busily readying their stores, pubs, and polishing the tea carts for the 17th of March.   







I was not aware that tea in Ireland was such a mainstay. So a "Tea" I had to try. A lovely tea it was.      

  I was now ready to explore Dublin and the Antique shops I'd researched. But wait ....,  I maneuvered through the cobblestone streets and alleys orientating myself to the grid- system, and learning to look a little higher on the building corners to find street names. Signage is in Gaelic and English (thank goodness).  My first stop was at the Grafton Street shops.  I was delighted to find so many shops in one location. Browsing the first few shops I enjoyed the complete organization and neat rows of antique china, statuary, jewelry, hats, stoles and vintage clothing..., but no furniture.  Around the corner I made my way to some more shops, and spied a small curved chair - ornate in design; velvet stuffed seating and backing - THIS I surmised was the place I'd been looking for  - alas- its the ONLY chair in the shop - but it was adorable.  I carried on weaving my way around corners and on the "Lift" taking me to the second floor of the Powerscourt shops. Aha ! Furniture !

                   MASSIVE FURNITURE

Taller than me - you can't tell it, but I was standing waaaaay back and using my zoom to take this picture. Maybe that's why Ireland calls them the "little people" - the furniture is so BIG. But it is

beautiful. Just look at the intricate detail on this piece   Loved shopping in Dublin - but really no luck with furniture. 

On to Killarney.

   Not much furniture in the shops, but I did chance upon two antique cash registers in perfect condition.  A small stool caught my eye, but alas, the proprietor informed that it wasn't for sale.  Euros in hand, tale tucked, I did what any red-blooded American gal on a shopping trip would do ...., I headed for the pastry shops.