Augusta's and Christie's

As Summer is slowly saying goodbye to us, the anticipation of Autumn is getting greater with each passing day.

Autumn weekends, for me, are often spent browsing flea markets and attending local artisan and antique shows.  And this year hasn't disappointed. Since I don't have my own sale to prepare for, and with our dollar the way it has been, I really didn't think I would get much shopping in. But I was very wrong.

I've visited the top ten antique malls in Ontario. I will have attended all of the local handmade markets and shows, as well as the top antique shows in Ontario - Christie's and Aberfoyle.

I find browsing through these shows so peaceful and inspiring. I loose myself in rows of beautiful old things, dreaming up how they could be brought back to life in my home. And when I need a few minutes to rest, there's always a good cup of coffee.

Two weekends ago was a local show - Augusta's Fall show.

Her little farm, complete with a mule and a few sheep, is merely a few minutes from me. And while her style is more primitive, there are always things that I love.

This year I purchased a pair of cast iron urns for our front porch. I will show you them when I have the entrance decorated for Fall. I also found a few handmade gifts for Christmas from another local artist.

Christie's, while considerable slower than other years, and maybe not as full, was still a success for me. I managed to find a few great things!

I also rediscovered a childhood favorite that brought back many sweet memories - Apple Floppa (Fritters).

These fried pillows of donut-covered apple were warm and tossed in cinnamon and sugar. They were the perfect treat with a hot coffee and kept me warm and cozy while it began to drizzle. My Opa and Oma used to take us to a farmer's market on holiday's and every time we visited we had a slice of Hawaiian pizza for lunch, and watched them make Apple Fritters by hand. Then we'd buy a box to enjoy on the way home.

I picked up this cream scale, which will likely find it's way to my dad's, amongst his collection of antique scales.

One of the first pieces I came across was this pretty little pitcher. It immediately caught my eye. When I saw the price tag, my heart started fluttering. It was $4 because there was a crack in the spout. I nearly paid and ran before she changed her mind!

Another great find was this wicker basket. It's going to be a trash can until Christmas, when it will become a base for a small tree.

I also picked up a lovely antique linen towel.

And two small ironstone pieces.

And this.

One of my other great finds was this painting. It's quite a large piece, with an ornate frame in great condition.

I experienced another episode of heart fluttering when she told me for $65 I could take it.

It will most likely go in the family room, but for now it's hanging above our bed.

This weekend is the Aberfoyle Fall Outdoor Market, and I'm looking forward to another wonderful afternoon browsing. 

Hopefully I will have just as much luck.

New Painting and A Rose Bush

There's something so exciting about receiving mail... Especially parcels.

Yesterday one of my Christmas presents arrived.

A while ago I had found artist Shannon Bauer on Etsy. While all of her work is lovely, there were a few that I liked in particular.

This one, Dusty Country, was one of my favourite pieces. I love the colours and the movement and the beautiful scene she's depicted.

I'm still looking to find an antique frame that suits it.

I already have my eye on another piece I'd love to purchase. Maybe for Mother's Day?

I also found this little cream rose bush at the grocery store the other week. I was only planning on picking up a small bouquet, but for the same price, it's lasted me much longer. I don't know the specific variety as there wasn't a tag of any kind.

It's done well in this spot and has lots of new buds coming.

It reminds me of my Winchester Cathedral roses in the garden, though these unfortunately don't have the same beautiful scent.

I took this photo this afternoon while Hudson and Ryan were reading. Willen had gone to school and they were enjoying some quiet time together. He's become quite a daddy's boy.

A Painting and White Cabinet

 

I decided to hang a painting that I've had stored away for months in our living room yesterday.

 

I got it from an Aunt of mine who had it hanging in her guest room, but had grown tired of it and was going to donate it. I had always admired it.

 

However, this beautiful piece of art is old, and worn. It's Gesso frame has broken and chipped over time and it's colours have dimmed under years of dust and impurities.

 

Regardless, I still love it. The wood and plaster frame compliments our sofa covers and adds life to the all-white walls.

 

I hung it above an old cabinet I had purchased two years ago.

 

 

 

It's a pretty pastoral scene with a farmer in blue, a small flock of sheep, a simple barn and a small town with a church in the background. It's quaint and warm.

 

As you can see, the frame has broken in many spots, but the details are beautiful.

 

I added a simple Ivy potted in an old ironstone sugar pot and a pillar candle in a hurricane vase to add a bit of warm light in the evening.

 

The frame compliments the room and matches the large Gesso frame hanging above our couch. It also is worn and old, but still beautiful.