Blossoms, Brass and Brown Transferware

 

My weekend has started off on a perfect note.

I'm happy to report that Spring has finally arrived in all her glory! The fruit trees are ready to explode into rows of beautiful blossoms and the warm weather has touched every tree and plant, leaving behind the promising buds of leaves and flowers to come.

On my way home from a flea market at a local church in town, I stopped by the post office to pick up a parcel. I had found a beautiful brown transferware serving dish online and the lady who had posted it happily shipped it to me (it was too far to justify driving to). My collection of pink transferware has grown quite large recently, but this is one of the few brown pieces I have.

From there I took the back roads home through the orchards and it looks as though this weekend our trees will be in full bloom. One of the farmers was out pruning the peach trees and sent me home with an armful of blossoms. They won't last long, but they're a beautiful sight for now.

Our local farmer's market began yesterday also a sign that Spring has arrived. So far the selection of local produce is sparse, but Spring favorites like asparagus and peas will arrive before we know it!

Have a lovely weekend!

At the flea market I picked up this set of brass candlesticks for $5.

I also found this little brass candlestick for $.25! 

Along one of the back roads we noticed this empty nest in some brush by the road. She's a beautiful addition to my collection in my office.

These beautiful blossoms were also along the road. I'm not entirely sure what tree they are from but they're beautiful.

Reclaimed Rustic - The Butter Pat

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

It's been a long time since I've posted on any vintage finds I've re-purposed, so I thought I would share how I've been using a little collection of ironstone butter pats that I found at a show this summer.

These are petite little plates, about two inches in diameter, that were at one time used to hold a pat of butter, and was part of a place setting.

They can be found all over, and for fairly cheap, if you really keep your eye out.

First, they make perfect little soap dishes. I have one sitting on my vanity, and they are just the right size for a guest bar.

You could also use one by your kitchen sink for quick access when scrubbing up before dinner.

They make great jewellery holders, especially for small, dainty pieces, and they also keep loose change in one place.

Here, a set of three hold a few office supplies and add some charm to a work space.

They also are a tidy little saucer for used tea bags.

And, if you're feeling very creative, you could always use them as they are intended - as butter pats!

I'm hoping to be able to have my photos from our trip sorted by the end of the week. In the meantime, have a lovely rest of the week.

Flea Market Wish List

One - This stunning farmers market sign. I want this in my kitchen! It's perfect!

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

I had previously shown you my two favourite booths at Christie's Antique Show a while back, but I wanted to share a few of my most favourite finds that we're throughout the show.

If I had my way, and an appropriate size truck, I would most definitely have come home with each of these stunning pieces.

Can you believe it's Friday already?

I'm off to pick out a lovely shade of white for my dining room hutch (more on that to come later), and then I think I may spend some time with my sewing machine this afternoon.

Have a lovely weekend!

PS. I have a little announcement this weekend, possibly regarding a one year anniversary, and maybe also including a giveaway of sorts.... Check back later for more on those very vague hints.

Maria

xo

Two - This collection of jadeite, or even a just a few pieces of it. This is something I've always been drawn to, but am too afraid to purchase because I know it will become one of the those obsessive collections that grows and grows, and quite frankly, I just don't have the space for another collection!

Three - I really love this cupboard. I also really love those vintage pins. They would suit Willen's room.

Four - The charming bench. It was just in such delicate condition, which is too bad, because it would make the perfect bench for a farm table, or in a gorgeous hallway, or maybe even at the end of a bed.

Five - And finally, this pair of doors. I know! The price tag on them was so high I think I thought for a moment I was cross-eyed and seeing a few extra zeros. I wasn't. So they stayed.

How gorgeous are they?

Feathers

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

This past weekend, I took a trip out to one of the largest antique shows in Canada. It's held about an hour from our place so it was barely a trip at all, but it felt kind of like a road trip: The anticipation of what you'll bring home, the getting up while it's dark, the early morning, peaceful drive, and the good coffee and donuts. Road trip.

Though there are some highlights from the show coming later, I wanted to share one specific booth with you. It was one of my two favourites of the entire show, and, you'll soon see why.

It's actually kind of funny because the brilliant woman behind the booth happens to be someone who I see, quite regularly, at a local auction. In fact, I can often expect some competitive bidding from her on certain items I love. I figured she was just a typical dealer with good taste... then I saw her booth.

It's filled with the most gorgeous mix of vintage linens, rustic garden ware, French antiques and just a hint of industrial chic. Gorgeous.

Take a peak inside this lovely booth belonging to Joanne Price of Feathers.

I thought it was a good find worth sharing.