Touring the Countryside for Antiques

One of my sisters recently had some holiday time she needed to use up, so we agreed to plan a day trip to visit as many antique malls as we could. This was quite an undertaking as they are all quite far from each other, making for a very long day of driving. However, the thought of scouring through rows and rows of collectibles and rooms and rooms of treasures was simply too alluring for us.

I'm happy to share that after five hours of driving, and a few turnarounds, the day was a success!

I came home with a few bags of carefully wrapped findings.

What was even more successful, was that we managed to do the entire trip with both boys! And can I just say that they were unbelievably good sports. Though I did put some effort into making the day more exciting for them. I created a scavenger hunt for Willen to do in the antique store which kept him happily occupied - the prize was $10 to spend at a surprise destination later in the day (a Lego store complete with a build-your-own-care racetrack, and life-size Lego creations). We also made stops at a farm and at a park, ate lunch at a chip truck that was an old fishing boat, and ended the trip with a giant ice cream cone. They also napped in the car, which helped.

On one of the back roads, we came across this field and a small herd of Jersey cows. It was such a pretty pastoral scene, I couldn't resist pulling over and taking a few photos.

As for what came home, here are two gorgeous ironstone pieces I found. 

The pitcher was $19, "as-is" (which means nothing to me as it usually just means it has even more character and charm, and will simply be displayed on my shelf) and the sugar pot was $35. What's even better is that I actually had this exact one, and sold it a while ago. I regretted it, which rarely happens to me, so it made the find even more sweet.

I've come to love the detailed pieces - the pots with ornamental handles, and pitchers with pretty patterns.

I also picked up this small frame for $19 and this charming little gold alarm clock, that works perfectly, for $11. I think the clock was a steal!

Also, my roses started blooming for the second time this year! They were the only bit of my garden I could move with me, as they were in pots, and for a long while I wasn't sure if they would survive. But after a lot of watering and care, they've recovered and a full of buds. I just hope most of them either open, or stay tight before we leave for the cottage!

The old basket to the left wasn't a find on this trip, but I did recently find it at an antique shop in town. It was $20 and it holds things we use each day at the table - my bible and notebooks along with Willen's activity books and homework supplies.

I also found this ladder back chair, with it's perfectly simple design, for $18. I plan on recovering the seat with a piece of antique linen. I can just see it in the boys room, with a lovely old quilt folded on top of it, or in the front entrance with a basket of mittens and scarves set on the seat.

I also found a few other things which I will show later.

Coming up in September, I have two more large antique shows that I'm looking forward to - the Fall Christie's Antique Show on Saturday, September 12th, and the Annual Aberfoyle Fall Outdoor Antique Show the following Saturday, September 19th.

For now, I was happy to cross a few items off my list.

At Auction and Some News

You know when you have one of those days that just seem to be perfect? It's not that anything particularly monumental happens, it's just a perfect day.

Last Saturday was one of those days.

I spent the most beautiful first Saturday in May at auction. I love a good auction. I love browsing through piles of curious things, wondering which of the lovely pieces I'm handling will come home with me, what kind of deal I'll get on them, and where they'll find their new place in my home. But it wasn't that it was just a good auction. It was the most perfect day in May. The sun was shining and the day was warm and yet the boughs of old pines brought shade. The auction was held on one of my favourite estates - it's drive lined with a fascinating collection of pieces, more of which were scattered through it's well-maintained barns. There were even a few pieces on display inside the now empty house, which provided the opportunity to view the inside of this lovingly restored home.

I even had the company of my sister, a coffee and a few hours free of worrying about what the boys were getting into.

It was lovely. 

I really had to exercise self-control as there were so many pieces I wanted to bring home.

This, however, was what I was most excited for. I have never, in all of the auctions I've been to here, seen a collection of ironstone like this one up for auction. Ironstone is quite a rare find here. It's not as common as it is in the States, which is where I usually find most of my pieces. So you can imagine my excitement.

I happily picked up four lovely covered dishes, all for a great price. However, not every piece was a great deal. Some of the pieces went for what I would have expected to be retail prices. But that's to be expected when they are so rare a find at auction. Also, the condition of the collection was really exceptional.

While I didn't find this pitcher and bowl at the auction, I did pick it up that weekend. It was another steal from Kijiji at $40!

It has beautifully intricate floral detailing, and is in great shape.

I left happy.

I also stopped by a garage sale down the road, that same weekend, and picked up this collection of antique children's books for a mere $5.

I thought the colouring of the books made the perfect collection for a little boys room. 

But I think what made it so particularly relaxing was that the previous day, Ryan and I officially signed off on the sale of our current home, and purchased another.

We have been looking for a home in the area for the past while, and finally found a small property in Port Colborne. We are quite ecstatic.

The sale of our home has consumed a great deal of my time for the past two months. We seemed to have continual viewings, which required a home that was always in perfect condition, and that can be exhausting. Then the stress of negotiating, and paperwork, and waiting, and unknowns, and inspections - it's a lot! 

So to arrive at the auction, and know that it was all finalized, and that I could now allow myself the indulgence of purchasing a piece or two for our new home, was a blessing.

With our closing date being five weeks away, we've begun to slowly pack. We can hardly wait to be there and begin making it our home.

For now, here are two photos taken from my phone of the exterior. It's an old stone home, built in 1835, full of character and rich in local history.

Saturday Morning Antiquing

I wanted to share a few photos from Saturday morning. I browsed Oliver and Rust's spring sale before heading into the shop, and I'm so happy I could peruse her beautiful collection of vintage finds.

She does such a wonderful job of putting together a great show. It made for a lovely start to the weekend. And of course, I came home with some great finds. A few of which were three beautiful antique scales for my dad that found a new home in the store.

I'm looking forward to her next show in the Fall.

Vintage Tag Sale

It's that time of year again!

On the 12th of October I will be hosting my annual Vintage Tag Sale.

Come shop the shed for amazing antique and vintage finds, unique gifts, home decor and other curiosities.

Produce and seasonal decor will be available at The Market Stand, and Bremfield's will be serving hot coffee, apple cider and fresh baked goods! 

Fall hand-tied bouquets will be available for your thanksgiving table and you can place your order now for your fresh baked pies and pick them up the morning of the sale!

Also, just a few minutes away is the Two Brothers and A Barn Sale. It's literally down the road. Make it a day trip and shop the Vineland and Balls Falls Craft Shows, both with in 10 minutes from the sale.

Here are some photos from our last sale.
The Grower's Daughter - Vintage Tag Sale

Join the event on Facebook here.

This year, due to the need for more space, we've found a new venue:
The Corner of Regional Road 20 and Victoria Ave
West Lincoln, Ontario
L0S 1C0

See you there!

- Maria