The first antique store I visited was only about year ago. I can’t believe I had never been to one before! We easily could have spent hours looking at old dishes, paintings, and books among other things. Needless to say, I am hooked!
I love to visit antique stores any chance I get and this past weekend when my husband suggested we visit some antique stores on his day off, I was ready to go.
We ended up visiting 5 different antique stores and this is what we found…
- a wicker basket with a lid that latches
- some red transfer ware dishes
- a framed cameo
How I Used the Wicker Basket
As soon as I saw the wicket basket, I knew it would be perfect to hold my frequently used sewing essentials. I have a basket that I currently use, but I liked the idea of being able to latch and hide my scissors and such away from my curious toddlers.
I didn’t know if my large scissors would fit, but I crossed my fingers and bought it anyways! Thankfully, they fit….barely, but enough to satisfy me.
How I Used the Red Transfer Ware Bowl
I fell in love with red transfer ware when I saw some in an antique store last summer. I, however, didn’t purchase any because I didn’t know if it was a passing whimsy or if I would actually like it long term. My love for red transfer ware did stick around though so I have been looking to add some of these beautiful old world pieces to my home.
Unfortunately, blue transfer ware is much easier to find than the red. Almost every antique store we visited had a piece or a whole collection, but it wasn’t until the very last store that we stumbled on some red transfer ware hiding in a corner stall.
Now I don’t know if this is real transfer ware or a good imitation because these pieces were made in the US and not in England where these type of dishes are typically made. I’m thrilled to find some even if they aren’t the real deal.
I immediately knew that the decorative shallow bowl would work wonderfully as a ring dish in my kitchen.
How I Used the Red Transfer Ware Plate
Originally, the plan was to use the red transfer ware plate as part of a gallery wall in the living room, but then I realized my kitchen cabinets have a ledge above them. I have seen a few homemakers use that ledge to prop decorative dishes on so I gave it a try.
The elegance was a wonderful touch! I couldn’t believe how well it looked and fit with our kitchen. Up until now, I thought our kitchen was kind of ugly and would love to some day remodel it, but adding this little bit of beauty totally distracted and almost hid what I didn’t like about our kitchen.
Maybe my kitchen was ugly because it simply needed some elegance to make it beautiful. If I can find more red transfer ware to add to my kitchen, I think I could be satisfied with the kitchen just the way it is. You will never know how much a little bit of beauty can transform and cosy up a space.
The Plan for the Cameo
For now, the cameo is set aside for a gallery wall in my little girls room. This is just the beginning of a simple and elegant collection that I believe will make a huge difference in her nursery room. Some other ideas I am keeping my eyes out for are…
- vintage floral or portrait artwork with decorative frames
- more cameos
- a decorative mirror
- perhaps and old decorative brush or comb
Also, if I don’t end up liking the way the cameo looks because of how the background has aged and discolored, the background and portrait part actually come out so I could still use this beautiful frame.
Final Thoughts!
Finding antiques that you like and that will work with your home takes time and patience. We actually didn’t find anything at the first four stores. All the pieces I got were actually at the very last store.
Part of the reason that we didn’t get anything at some of them is because some antique stores can be overpriced. Perhaps they are priced correctly for the antiques they are selling, but I prefer to shop at the stores that have super great deals or have affordable pricing.
I am so thrilled that I finally did find some red transfer ware though! It’s a good thing that the store where I found them isn’t very close to where we live because I am tempted to go back and get some more ASAP even though it isn’t in the budget for this month. Oh, well. I know the patience will do me good and help me curate a better collection.
Save it for Later!
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