antiques – Page 3

Piddlin’ Finds | Southern Gems

I haven’t been piddlin’ very often so far this year, so two Fridays ago, I was able to get over to Antiques Market in Mount Pleasant for a speed-pick just before they closed. Sometimes, I just like the smell of an antique mall and the comfort of being surrounded by old things just waiting to be rediscovered. After all, the secret to great piddlin’…

I haven’t been piddlin’ very often this year, so two Fridays ago, I was able to get over to Antiques Market in Mount Pleasant for a speed-pick just before they closed. Sometimes, I just like the smell of an antique mall and the comfort of being surrounded by old things just waiting to be rediscovered. Afterall, the secret to great piddlin’ is that nothing has to be purchased, often times it is a scouting trip that turns out to be time better spent than a big buying trip. On this occasion however, I was pleasantly surprised to have these two Southern gems find me. Let’s not forget that is how it happens after all!

This lovely, well-worn piece of driftwood came home with me for $8 and this classic “blue book” of etiquette {Emily Post’s no less} was on sale, so I snagged it for $16! I just LOVE the gold engraved writing revealed, now that the dust cover is no longer on the book! The font is exactly what I would imagine for a book of this subject matter! I can’t wait to flip through it’s beautifully yellow-ed pages and see what’s changed and what hasn’t since its publish date! What Southern lady or gentleman doesn’t love a little etiquette refresher after all? I will have to share a few excerpts from the book once I have a chance to look through it. Have you been enjoying any good piddlin’ lately? Please, tell me about it below!! I miss hearing from everyone!

| Until next time!

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Piddlin’ Finds | For Auld Lang Syne

Photo Dec 31, 9 30 57 PM

It’s already 2014 and I still have piddlin’ finds and stories from 2013 to tell! So- without further ado let me show you a few of these sweet finds that brightened my year, but first have a quick peek at the fun time we had ringing in the new year in our own backyard to the sound of area fireworks!

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Now to the good stuff! We picked up these sweet piddlin’ finds from Antiques Market this past September with a little birthday money I had been given in August and I have been loving them so very much.

I have been looking for some uniquely fabulous milk glass pieces to jump-start the collection. What is not to love about this hob nob milk glass vase? It’s ultra feminine and just so perfectly retro.

Next up: this pretty little toast rack that was just featured in February’s Country Living! {see below} I looked everywhere in 2013 for something just like this one to hold our outgoing mail + correspondence {call me an old soul; I am a *huge fan* of sending and receiving snail mail} + we finally snagged this one for $10? $12? also found at Antiques Market!

Photo Jan 01, 7 09 42 PM

Lastly, take a look at a few of my favorite {vintage gifts} I was given for Christmas! Aren’t vintage gifts the BEST!?

This {little lion locket} is my new favorite!! My mom has named him, “Leo the Lion”…I’ve never seen anything quite like him- have you?

I am loving our evolving collection of milk glass– look at this mini hob nob milkglass vase for the dantiest of flowers! Perfect size for a guest room, window sill or bathroom sink- so sweet.

These gorgeous mother of pearl binoculars are the PERFECT thing and just what I have been hoping to find for a night at the ballet! Mom and I recently went to see The Shanghai Ballet at Sottile Theater and we had dad’s football binoculars with us…not exactly what a lady should take to the theater! {These beauties} will be classy & fabulous for our next girls’ night out! PLUS: I spotted the very same ones a few days after Christmas featured in Southern Living! Jackie O would be so proud. That Santa always knows just what to give!

Ryan’s Grandma also loves antiques and she gifted us with this fun little vintage bottle rack! I’m thinking it will be perfect to store some vino or perhaps even the milk jar collection we started so long ago! I’ve also seen organizers like this used for magazine and condiment storage! What would you use it for? Regardless, it’s the cutest thing with the little wooden handle that’s sure to add a nice shabby chic touch to any room.

Also, while we were at Grandma’s for Christmas, Ryan’s brother had asked about trying on a pair of their grandfather’s cowboy boots. As luck would have it, Ryan was able to fit into this amazing pair of boots that he remembers his Granddad wearing. This was one of the coolest things we brought home from Elizabeth City because last Friday was one year since we lost Granddaddy Sam. These will be such a special reminder for both of us, but especially for Ryan each time he sees them! There is nothing more special, nothing more truly vintage than a hand-me-down.

The day after Christmas we enjoyed the scenic drive from Charleston to Kiawah to be with our Walker Family!

As a new tradition this year, we decided to play White Elephant Gift Exchange instead of exchanging gifts to each member of the family. It was such a blast especially since I walked away with Granny Mabel’s Framed High School Diploma–!! Everyone was in an uproar as I opened it’s bright red wrapping because half the family didn’t even know it existed. The best part? It will be kept by the relative that opens her then, brought back each Christmas -wrapped- to be included annually in the Walker White Elephant Exchange! I love this and I am so elated that I got to take it home first! It is the biggest, most beautiful diploma I may have ever seen.

Last, and certainly not least, we received a very, very special antique this Christmas…

…this beautiful {sterling silver rattle} that will be held, loved and cherished in the Summer of 2014!

Here’s hoping your 2013 and Christmas season have been filled with love, hugs and lots of laughter.

May your 2014 be bright and blessed.

| with love

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Piddlin’ Finds | Carolina Cane Chairs

These chairs really compliment our new to us antique table’s character + were found in Gibsonville, NC just NW of Greensboro where we spent the weekend taking in the ACC tournament- a huge tradition among basketball and all college athletics fans alike. It was fun getting a chance to spend time with Ryan’s dad leading up to his birthday too!

Here’s a close up look at the chairs when we found them in the antique mall…Ryan has gotten so good at finding these places that all I have to do is go along for the ride! See all of our recent trips on the “Past Piddlin’ Trip” page found up top!

and here’s one more of the beautifully unique table legs on this amazing find originally from the area near High Point, NC! The table belonged to a man who lives in Mt. Pleasant, who had inherited it from his mother, originally from that area in North Carolina! …we found it…..on Craigslist. Definitely a case of an antique finding us…just meant to be.

| keep piddlin’!

Piddlin’ Trips | Piddlers’ Speed-Pickin’ Surprise

This Thanksgiving my boys + I traveled to Southport for our second year eating turkey and oysters with the fam…so I made sure to bake a few of great grandmother Helens cutouts!
Another tradition around this time of year is piddlin’, both while meandering in downtown Southport, as well as on our way home!

First stop: Olde Church Antiques in Supply, NC just outside Shallotte! Sitting right on the highway, I had definitely been in once before on a little piddlin’ outing with a family friend, her daughter, and my mom while we were all vacationing at their beach house on Oak Island; we were fascinated by the number of vintage signs that lined the ceiling!

This trip was predetermined to be a speed pick and so it had to be quick, especially with the pup in tow. We did a blitz of the upstairs and ran downstairs “just to see”…not 3 minutes had we been spelunking this old, cold and wet basement, when Ryan {who seems to have become even better at eyeing the finds than myself lately} find a wonderful double wash-basin on casters that we plan to turn into a bar! All his idea! {What a catch!}
After spotting the red dot on the price tag, we knew we’d get a steal on the awesomely aged, two-tub basin and can’t wait to get it in commission so we can host friends when they come over during the holidays! {consider that your open invitation}

Now since then, we have seen an incredible streak of piddlin’ luck! Take a look at these other piddlin’ basics we’ve been lucky to find:
This perfect little red and white enamelware bucket, a perfect match with the other one we have to store cleaning products!! {Makes it super easy to tote around the house from room to room and it’s much cuter than any old plastic bucket for sure!}
I have been searching for what seems like months for a rake head just like this one!! Go figure, Ryan finds it- in the back of a pretty large antique store in downtown Georgetown {on Front St} -of all places! It will be great once we hang it on the wall for organizing necklaces and bracelets! What a fun contrast that’ll be!!

Now this was a GREAT find! I have only ever found ONE other paint by number which now hangs on our French-inspired bedroom wall pictured is a Paris street with a cafe, art peddler’s cart and a view of the Eiffel Tower! It was a ridiculous $5 at Metrolina in NC! This one is a beauty and sure to be among our wintery/Christmas decorations for years to come! $10 at the awesome ‘tiques store downtown Southport! Just feast your eyes!!!
Check out this egg basket! Currently sitting under our tree and filled with tree trimmings + makes a great organizer for just about anything! For now it makes a great decoration!

This next beauty stole my heart while we were piddlin around the antique shops in downtown Southport! It was just recently featured in Country Living this past Fall as they showcased a bunch of collegiate memorabilia…I have a feeling it’s owner knew this, as the price reflected its newfound limelight; so it stayed in Southport and I left daydreaming about all the uses for it at our tailgates to come-napkins, utensils, cookies. Ryan and I both decided it would have been worth it had any “good” schools (i.e. ours) been included…hahah maybe next time!

Lastly, I have to share this fun locker rack that we found while poking around the cutest little coffee shop!
Unfortunately the locker was in use and unavailable for purchase, but we still enjoyed some delicious chai lattes at the quaint coffee/antique shop!
…and found Josh Duhamel’s scribble on the wall from his recent time spent in Southport filming Safe Haven!
I love our Thanksgivings in Southport- always so full of fun and excitement! Christmas in Ryan’s hometown of Elizabeth City is always fun too- I love spending time in the town where he grew up and spending more time getting to know all of his family better!

Next up: take a peek at how we do Christmas decor with antique flair!

Lots of Christmas joy and love to you and yours,

| keep piddlin’

Piddlin’ Trips + Finds | Long Time, No Write!

Well hey there, stranger! Long time, no see-

I have been quite a busy piddler lately! Since March I have been…to

5 weddings
3 bachelorette parties- not including my own,
shopped for 4 bridesmaids dresses- for myself and for my own fair ‘maids,
then attended 3 engagement parties
5 wedding showers
opened countless packages and cards filled with wonderfully thoughtful words and gifts
attended a delicious food tasting at Newton Farms
had fun at Charleston Fashion Week with the cutest neighbor who is also Charleston’s favorite Lilly Pullitzer store manager
house sat at my favorite antique mansion
acquired my first passport
created a wedding registry at 3 of my favorite stores
took a ferry trip up the beautiful coast of North Carolina, also known as The Outerbanks (that’s OBX for all you tourists)
ate the best teriyaki ahi tuna sandwich of my life at an undisclosed location en route
and met lots of Ryan’s friends and family

…all while making plans for our own special day (coming soon to a church near you). Through all this, we have been renovating what will soon be “our” kitchen and I have managed to hold onto at least 25% of my sanity at all times.

Now you can see how there has been little to no time for piddlin’ nor even so much as a sentence-length update to the piddlin’ press and I have really been having withdrawals- All work and no ‘tiquin’ (that is…antiquing or piddlin’) makes MC a dull girl! I mean look, for 3 years now, I have been able to post some type of preview, image or update almost every month and for the very first time I have gone some 5 months without so much as a peep! So last weekend, when we knew a trip to IKEA was in store, we took the opportunity and ran with it!

Ryan and I started renovating the kitchen back in March and it has been such an adventure! I was on a friend’s bachelorette weekend in Florida when the first of the revamps took place and I was genuinely upset about not being able to help with that first round of demolition—which everyone knows is THE best part of renos! Ok well, let’s face it, I do love to paint and pick colors, tiles and the like, but I digress. Each phase of the process my handy architect sits me down and walks me through the step by step process at hand and we discuss back and forth a bit about how it ~~will~~ should go. It was during the most recent chat we decided to replace the old (circa 1970-something) counter-tops, with beautiful beech butcher block counters! Now, my fiance, being the crafty/resourceful man that he is not only found out that IKEA sold butcher block, but also had planned in a side trip to one of our happy haunts: Sleepy Poet! We, correction, I have had my heart set on a very specific screen-door style. While this type of door is available new, Ryan and I have a love of all things worn-in over the brand new, so we set out on a hunt for just that- our new/old screen door.

While this trip may not have produced any screen-door finds, we did manage to rustle up a few great picks. You mind, now- I have already picked out the perfect paint for said door, hahah…I just haven’t quite gotten my hands on that particular object for painting it as of yet! (mercy)

So, in the meantime, check out the fun finds below that we snagged on this (much needed) trip and look for more updates on home improvement with Team R+C. (total nerds, yes)

[>] This is a piece I have been wanting for some time now! …it’s an old ceiling tin square that used to make up the ceilings of just about every restaurant for a time. The tin is magnetic and can be used as a magnet board for photos, mementos and notes! I can’t wait to hang this on a wall in my finished kitchen or even upstairs in the hallway!

[>] These awesome gas station numbers (below) were discovered by Ryan at Sleepy Poet! So in love with these- once we hang them we’ll have no trouble remembering our anniversary! ;)

[>] Next, you’ll see more gas station lettering here with our two favorite initials that also make up the name of one of our favorite collectible items: RC Cola! Ryan grew up drinking RC on Saturday mornings which he spent working on tractors with his granddaddy at his Case International tractor shop!

When Ryan and I were first dating, I bought him an antique iron bracket that I knew he would appreciate as a repurposed door stop with him being an architect. This was after he had once told me, “you’re more than welcome to fill up my house with antiques!” I took him completely seriously and the piddlin’ habit grew. The second antique I ever gave Ryan, was one that I found at Metrolina in Charlotte- it was a wooden RC Cola crate. Prior to gifting it to him, I filled it with RC Cola cans, knowing he was sure to love it! It was later on that we realized the letters in the drinks’ name were also our initials.

[>] These fabulously-French inspired dishtowels are tres-chic and tres-handy! We found these gems at IKEA of all places…can you say .79 a pop? The antique version goes for MUCH much more!

[>] Now, the next couple photos are finds that we picked up at Riverside Antique Barn in Wallace, NC on our way home from the wedding shower thrown in our honor! It was Memorial Day weekend, but we had no idea they were open and had even looked up their hours online, once in the car. Ryan decided to drive me by it so I could see what a killer warehouse it really was (he had been once before). It was just our luck that they were open on the occasion and here is what we found!

[>] Some fabulous antique clothespins…

[>] These 2 precious red + white enamel refrigerator tins (that’s pre-tupperware, ladies and gents)!

[>] and lastly, these Dr. Pepper bottle caps which will be magnets by the end of this week! Love the 10 -2 and 4 on these especially!

That is it for now, thanks for checkin in and catchin up! Don’t forget to let me know of any items you’re looking for as I am always happy to pick up a sursie or two for anyone! (Meredith, still looking for your ladder!) Hope to have more again soon to share. ‘Till then-

| peace, love + antiques for all

Just Piddlin’ Y’all!

Okay, first order of business, I owe you a post and it will be a good one when I finally find the time to polish it up! More importantly, I awoke Saturday morning to find a lovely little magazine article from a publication you may have heard of…Southern Living – !!! posted on my facebook page.

The article is in this month’s issue and talks about the art form that is piddlin‘!!! Please, don’t take my word for what a fun read this is! Just read it here in Rick Bragg’s Southern Journal! {Enjoy}

Keep Piddlin’!

Life is FULL of Surprises!

Mom always said, “If you’re good, life will be full of surprises!” So let’s see…there were a few stops in Southport, NC for Thanksgiving where Ryan’s brother lives, even though I wasn’t entirely sure we’d have time what with all the cooking, eating, napping, and football watching we had in store this Thanksgiving (our first together). That was where I first saw and fell in love with this *GEM* which was later given to me from Ryan’s parents for Christmas! *Such* a fabulous, fabulous surprise!

Then there were the somewhat surprise stops in Landrum, SC and Inman, SC en route to Asheville, NC where we actually found some very fab vintage coke glasses for Uncle Tom-which he LOVED, a neat baguette board as seen in this picture holding the green and gold ornaments:

and then from Inman,SC : we found these very fun Spanish tiles which I plan to make into coasters very soon!!

That was early December so our next trip came on December 22nd as we drove to Elizabeth City, NC to celebrate Christmas with The Jennings Families! We stopped just outside of New Bern, NC (yes, the birthplace of Pepsi) and found this wonderfully unique “Maola” milk crate complete with heavy steel/aluminum bottom. SO AWESOME:

AND the other fab find was an addition to mom’s collection of Royal Doulton children’s dish line, “Bunnykins.” The find? …a bowl that pictures bunny’s picking peaches!! AH! I wanted to keep it for myself, but she started her collection first! Hopefully my name gets written down to inherit it (wink, wink)!!

As if these great finds weren’t enough, we even were gifted with some cool antiques this Christmas that ONLY mom could have found—she always finds the BEST stuff!

So first-this awesome red, brit-inspired, mailbox!!

and then this really cool vintage baseball game given to Ryan, that brought back memories for our parents and grandparents alike! It proved to be very fun- and addicting! If it is not yet obvious, we are baseball junkies. You should see our house!

Last but not least, my sweet fiance found some very perfect items at Antiques Market that reminded him of me, a small sampler chalkboard (not pictured) and this fun sign (I’m def a beach girl!- very perfect!)

That’s all for now, but there’s STILL more to follow! So stay tuned for another update from the piddlin’ ‘press!

Happy Piddlin!

Bouckville 2011

A guest post by our friend, Sarah from New York on her piddlin’ adventures near and far: Enjoy!!

Bouckville, or should I say Madison & Bouckville, are quaint villages located side by side about 30 miles southeast of Syracuse, New York. The two locales are known for their numerous antiques shops and enormous antiques festival held every summer. In mid-August, both communities transform into an endless piddler’s delight; fields & fields of vendors, tent after tent, shop after shop, and deal after deal. There’s something for everyone at Madison Bouckville’s Antiques Week.

I’ve had the privilege of attending this antiques extravaganza over the past 4 years. I know I’ve never come close to seeing it all! I recommend you arrive early and stay late. Eat salt potatoes amp; fried dough at any one of the many food vendors you’ll find street side along US Route 20. Bring a wagon or cart – you’ll need it to carry your many wares. No one wants to trek back to their cars once they’re in their groove.

This year I picked up 3 old Maxwell House Coffee tins (without lids) for $1 each:

…a blue & white vintage spice rack with ceramic jars depicting the following spices: salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice & paprika for $25:

and an old blue & white swirl graniteware colander for $20.

I also purchased a piggin gift for my Sister Jessie (aka Pig). Hint: it’s so “piggin” cute; hope she can use it for her cookbooks in the kitchen. This represents the least amount of purchases I’ve ever scored at Bouckville.

In years past I’ve picked up kitchen chairs, more blue & white swirl graniteware and a collection of equestrian goodies that I used to decorate my daughter’s bedroom (back when she was interested in horses). BTW those items are now for sale if y’all like horses.

I’ve been with a friend who scored an oak desk for her hubby (that helped justify her other purchases) and another friend who found the perfect side table. Last year I found 2 kitchen cabinets that I absolutely loved but knew I could not justify buying them. They weren’t there this year; I know as I looked and looked thinking I might just break down and “acquire” one. “Acquire” is what I say to my husband when I don’t exactly tell him how much an item was. (editor’s note: this is a sign of a good seasoned picker! haha)

If The Piggin Piddler (aka Mary Catherine) allows, I’ll update y’all from Central New York next August as I return to Madison Bouckville Antiques Week in search of the perfect piggin’ kitchen cupboard.

Sista Sara | hatrickme@twcny.rr.com

Thanks to Sister Sara for the fabulous post! What a great pick she had! If YOU are interested in guest posting, just email me at pigginpiddler@gmail.com! Stay tuned for the latest on this piddler’s recent move and revamp of the soon to be love nest~ until then keep piddlin’!

Old, New, Borrowed & Blue

So as they say…good things come in threes. I don’t know that I have ever experienced this phenomenon in the past, but I can definitely speak for it now.

I managed to make it through every day of last week with a smile on my face (which is a huge accomplishment), received countless encouragements from my co-workers, and on Friday evening I received a wedding proposal that was out of this world amazing (more to come later.)

It may be hard to believe, but these aren’t even the three good things I intended to share with you.

On the night of my engagement I also received three antiques. They are three that I will forever associate with the happiest time in my life to date.

1. A “nautical” antique lantern: given as a third of five clues leading me to Ryan on the beach and the aforementioned wedding proposal!

pondering the initial use of a lantern like this one…

2. An antique I have been searching for everywhere since I first started piddlin’ with gusto: a fabulously old painter’s ladder with hardware to boot! Given as a gift from the one and only “sister Sara,” who is the sister of our dear neighbor Jessie Buck. (who we also call “the pig”- and that is a whole post for another day)

um…how piggin’ perfect is this ladder !?!?!

3. And finally, the most perfect ring I have ever seen and more than I ever dreamt it could be ….mine?! Yes. This is the third antique I was given after a beach dinner picnic and the 5 clues (baseballs with messages) leading up to it. I am not completely convinced that I deserve something of such stunning beauty, but I am forever thankful and quickly humbled by such a gift. I mean, just look at it: Found in Ryan’s very own Elizabeth City, North Carolina…a city just as beautiful as this ring and now, forever a part of our life together!

thering — The most unique 1910-1920s Art Deco Estate Gold Filigree & Platinum Engagement Ring anyone has ever seen!

SLF_1169 — after a trip to the jeweler…its back on my finger clean sparkling and fitting like a glove!

It has been a long week, but every time I look down at that ring on my left hand, I am reminded about how much I am loved…and not just by the giver of such a beautiful gift, but also I am reminded of the love of his parents and mine who have spent and sacrificed so much of their time to bring us to this point. We are all truly looking forward to planning and celebrating such a happy occasion.

Finally, I must add that tomorrow is THE TRIP of a LIFETIME…

Okay. well. maybe not a LIFEtime, but it is certainly a big trip for any piddler, because since I knew it existed I have always wanted to take a trip down south to Atlanta, Georgia’s very own Scott’s Antique Show. I have only ever heard stories but tomorrow and subsequently after work, travel and sleep time, (Saturday) I will finally lay eyes on the closest antique Mecca South of the Mason Dixon and East of the Mighty Mississippi….SCOTTS! FINALLY!

_________________

WHOOHOO!!! We’re finally getting married!!!! I am the happiest and luckiest girl in the world!!!!

I leave you with one of my favorite lines by Emily Bronte, taken from Wuthering Heights:

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

Stay tuned because there are sure to be all sorts of fun finds on the blog next week!

happy piddlin!

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Vintage Virginia

ROANOKE & BLACKSBURG,VA–Virginia is a long way away from the tidal coastlands that we call home…and I will admit, I am bit of an antsy pants. (i.e. can’t sit still for more than 2.5 hours at a time). Regardless of the seemingly endless drive, there are perks: absolutely beautiful scenery worth photographing the whole way up and down and through the mountains; the fresh, thin, mountain air that infiltrates your lungs and fills your soul, and (my favorite) LOTS of antique stops!

I could go on and on for days and days about our most recent trip to The Old Dominion State, but for the sake of time I will sum it up the best way I know how, with pictures, ENJOY!

one of MANY beautiful views, looking straight up, while hiking on Dragon’s Tooth Trail in Salem, VA

From the lookout on top of the mountain crest! We made it the whole way up (4,000 ft above sea level, if I am remembering correctly)

Ryan’s second home is this campus, this beautiful beautiful place in Blacksburg, VA. We got to see the whole place covered in a morning fog and it was simply magical!

our favorite! HOMEMADE framed chicken wire…if you haven’t seen these yet….pick up the latest issue of Country Living! I already have one hanging in my office! LOVE THESE.

We found this AWESOME white barrel in Christiansburg, VA – just $35-!! I have put it to use as additional “counterspace” in my quaint kitchen!

Been looking for this EVERYWHERE….now if only I can snag a South Carolina, the abbreviated collection will be complete! Piddler’s be on the look out for me!!!

The finishing piece of the trip! The highly sought after trunk which is now by new COFFEE TABLE! yesssssss. This was a great find, in great condition, complete with wheels on bottom. Although, the side (leather) handles were long gone, the brackets that once held the old straps are GORGEOUS with stars shining brightly. This is definitely one of my TOP 10 finds. I knew it was meant to be, when the tag read: ” old trunk, would make great coffee table” SOLD. What an adventure that was!

There are so many pictures from this trip, it would almost be impossible to share them all, although I would really like to! I will try to post more on facebook in the near future!

thats all for now, | keep piddlin’ !