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.

Reclaimed Rustics - The Old Cabinet

[Capital Style UK]

This is a simple, quiet piece. It's understated and practical - especially fitted with curtains. It's allows you to either use the piece for storage you may want to disguise, or for prettier things you want to show off.

I don't know about you, but I love old cabinets. I love that they have a second go at being useful. I love their age and quirks and character. I love how I would choose an old wooden cabinet, probably chipped with loose hinges and maybe a broken pane of glass, maybe even salvaged from an old barn, over a shiny new model, every time.

But that's me.

I have a sneaky suspicion that most of you are probably the same way.

In that case, here are a few lovely old pieces that I would be more than happy to add to my collection.

(Not to mention the amazing collections they're housing!)

[Atlanta Bartlett]

This piece is stunning. Having twice the space, with lovely double doors, it's sure to be a focal point you can't help but stare at. I love the hardware as well - especially the old key!

[Unknown]

Now this piece is massive. It's quite literally, weighting this room. There is ample storage and display space with this lovely piece, which thankfully for the movers, comes in multiple stacking pieces. The detailing on the door panels dresses up this otherwise simple cabinet.

[Jason Loucas]

This piece has a bit more of a clean and pretty look to it. It's most likely been completely redone. Though it looses the rustic feel of an old salvaged piece, it still boasts charm. They gray and pink pieces displayed, paired with lots of pretty glass, really make it more feminine.

[House and Garden]

And this one, well it's just a happy medium. It's just right in size, detail and age to me. It's rustic, but still slightly refined. It's got equal amounts of hidden and displayed storage, and it doesn't sacrifice character. I love that it has detail and still clean lines. And, I especially love those window panes - so charming!

Reclaimed Rustics - The Old Window

[thewickerhouse.com]

Aren't these windows gorgeous? They have so much character.

I've been inspired by a pile of old windows, sitting outside of a local antique shop, that I often pass. I've inquired about them, but I just can't seem to commit to buying them all. It's a set of 6. They all match and they're all simple, white, six-pane wooden windows.

To be honest, I've had this idea for the perfect use for them for a while now, but I'm not brave enough to tackle it just yet. Maybe in a year or two.

I've seen, a few times now, old windows attached together to make a small greenhouse. Wouldn't that look so charming in amongst a garden? And, it would be functional too! But, alas, it would require quite a few windows and quite a bit of handy work - hence, the future project.

So, until I tackle that project, here are a few clever uses for these old windows. They're fairly inexpensive ways to add a ton of character to a room.

Enjoy!

[Country Living]

These two long windows have been used in this gorgeous bedroom to replace an existing door.

[Country Living]
This is a really great way to divide off your bathroom, giving a bit more privacy, without closing anything in.

[Better Homes and Gardens]

Or how about this room? Who says that a window has to look outside? A window into an adjacent room can bring possibly non-existing natural light in, making the room much brighter. It also makes the space feel a lot larger.

[Unknown]

Or how about this? You don't get character like this from a modern cabinet door. This is just gorgeous! And, how simple would it be to make something like this?

[Country Living]

And finally, simply hang an old window from a wall as a decorative piece or from a fence and use it as a make-shift window box. There are so many possibilities!