Take a peek at our piddlin’ finds from August’s return to treasure hunting! Lots of fun stuff here.
We are back on the piddlin’ trail today, so please, always let us know what you are hunting for- we can keep an eye out for you! We’d love to help look–
the best thing about finding a truly great antique, is how they will always have a special ability to evolve right along with you! Take this trunk for example. For years, it was the perfect end table in a warm + sunny coffee spot, then it was a moving aide, great for packing things into while between houses. Years later, it served as a dollhouse stand + the year after that an actual dress-up trunk. That’s exactly the journey this one has been on + who knows where it will land next! The adventure doesn’t end when you bring the treasures home; that’s sometimes when the magic is just beginning!
What old things are you repurposing at your home? Maybe you don’t even notice, they’ve been there for so long. Perhaps you just bought something “new to you” but with all the old-time charm or maybe you have a piece that you are making into a good antique with each passing year. Won’t you please share your favorites with us below!?
If you have recently bought something but don’t know where to put it, or maybe that unique thing caught your eye but you hesitated to bring it home– please get in touch + I can help you find a place for it in your space! Read more about my design business, pencil + ink creative, here.
Happy piddlin’ to you!
so often, when the piddlin’ pals head out on a fresh adventure, we find things that speak to us + that is what we bring home. I’m sure you’re thinking, what kind of mumbo-jumbo is that? well… it’s not impulse buying + it’s not buying something to collect, it’s trading money for a good, because you are drawn to it.
early in our relationship, Ryan + I used to always say to each other while reflecting over our recent trips or finds “the best antiques choose you”. This is so true. Just look at this powder room from our tiny townhome from our early days in Charleston. My handy architect had already laid the tile, replaced the sink/cabinet + had even installed beadboard, the only thing amiss to me was the wall color. Funny as it may sound, every time I went into that water closet, I was thinking about paint colors! Finally I brought home a few samples, + made a move. We painted on Urbane Bronze + loved every second of what followed- why hadn’t we done this sooner?!
As fate would have it, we already had the antiques to polish off the new look as a result of all of our piddlin’ adventures together. After the paint went on, we threw together a basic layout for a gallery wall, using vintage, framed, group photos, mixed with a few new pieces, then added a preserved boxwood wreath to the towel ladder. I still love this room so much, years after moving that I’m thinking it’s time to recreate it in our home here in Georgia.
If you love this as much as us, let us know! I can find a way to add charm to any room/wall of your space too! Get in touch with me today + let’s make your spot feel more exciting, warm, friendly + fun. It would be my honor! Learn more about my design business pencil + ink creative here.
Keep piddlin’ y’all!!
As I mentioned before, we really kicked off this new year with a few back-to-back piddlin’ weekends, all mostly around town. One particular weekend in January, we loaded up the crew in the piddlin’ pickup + headed north.
I had caught wind of a promising estate sale + the pictures were enticing. Despite the low draw it had on instagram it was also listed on an estate sale website, so the place was absolutely crawling with folks by the time we arrived (mid-morning). Items were all exactly my vintage style, but relatively overpriced in light of deep discount/liquidation sale prices advertised. It was a fun target + something that really slingshotted us away from the usual piddlin’ fare, which is so important to do from time to time. We got to enjoy the mountain views + pastoral scenes of the North Georgia Mountains, just by driving an hour away from home!
We were recently that way for a celebratory family field trip to go hiking + see a double waterfall this past summer. It brought a smile to each of us as we journeyed back to the area six months later in a different season. It’s nice to recall the warmth of summer memories in the midst of winter’s cold.
Even though we didn’t get to haul a bunch away from the main draw as anticipated, we found some items on this trip that we otherwise may have never come across. Simply leaving town makes a piddlin’ trip memorable. More often than not, the best treasures end up coming from the little side stops along the way + the journey is made all the more fun + spontaneous because of it.
[TOP] extra large, old glass window pane // lots of charm on this extra large, chippy white, antique-glass window; my architect says it was likely used in an old church or factory
[BOTTOM L] “vintage” toy cars // The part I most loved about this trip is how the girls got to pick out something that excited them! We’ve started giving them a few dollars to spend, so they pay close attention to the “number tags”, which is becoming a bit of a game for them!
[BOTTOM Center] 1940s royal companion portable typewriter // I’ve been writing on it since we got her tuned up + working again!
[BOTTOM R] black + white enamelware tray // just like the butcher used in Mrs. Maisel!
The girls discover such wonderful treasures, oftentimes items which I may never notice, if not for them. This time, they unearthed these toy cars, a cute little Curious George lunchbox + a pink fishing pole. None of these things were terribly old, but the fact that they are learning to hunt alongside us, learning the meaning of seeing value in something no one else wants at a young age is pretty fun to see!
I’ve been doing this so long, I only recently realized it’s so green to collect old things + find different ways to reuse + repurpose them– so much better than buying those cars, or that typewriter or containers from a store. On top of that, these trips are great family quality time for all of us + we always ask them for input before setting any plans on Saturday morning as to what they want to do.
The real fun often, is just riding in the piddlin’ pickup together + even more now that they have been given their own pint-sized piddlin’ picnic basket-!! These are the days, + this is how we love spending them right now– out + about exploring this great big world, with our crew. The family that enjoys piddlin’ together, stays together!
May all your piddlin’ journeys be full of smiles + memories to last you a spell…
I miss those days of meandering amidst endless cardboard boxes falling apart at the seams with chipped china plates + scuffed up architectural pieces. You just haven’t been piddlin’ until you’ve seen a show like that!
I’ve been spending lots of time lately at the usual haunts around town. After meeting a new friend late last year + kicking off 2020 with a piddlin’ streak, you could say the antique bug has bit once again! There are SO many fun stops around Metro Atlanta; this helped make our decision to relocate here so easy. Pro Tip: the areas that surround Atlanta are full of piddlin’ potential for miles for those willing to put in the travel time.
This past Friday I traveled a couple hours away to do just that. I found a lot of fun, saw some wonderfully unique things + also brought a few home. It was sensory overload with all the pretty booths + vignettes throughout the vintage market, though I’m forever on the hunt for a classic antiques show like the ones I cut my teeth on.
So here’s a few glimpses from the “show” + a few items that spoke to me that came home!
This quick day trip was a great change of pace + I’m beyond lucky my family can provide the flexibility to be able to let me go. I love the pause I’m given to think + reflect. I also found myself smiling, reminiscing about the time I snagged my first deal at Metrolina in Charlotte. I circled a very primitive wood bench (probably quite obviously, looking back), 😂 until I finally worked up the courage to make an offer. To my surprise, the dealer + I bargained a bit until finally settling on the exact price I wanted to pay for it. I have been hooked on hunting for treasures since. I still have that bench + have always treasured it as a symbol of the self-confidence I gained that day as well as the love for piddlin’ it instilled in me.
I so wish we could find another place where we can take a walk through piles of chippy, patinated junk as previously seen at places like Metrolina + Scott’s. I miss those days of meandering amidst endless cardboard boxes falling apart at the seams with chipped china plates + scuffed up architectural pieces. You just haven’t been piddlin’ until you’ve seen a show like that!
I’m talkin’ piddlin’ finds worth the bargain made for them. Those awesome things that hadn’t yet been dusted off or brushed up; rusty, dusty, fabulously forgotten finds. There is a bit of authenticity given to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” when you are actually digging through the tangle of tossed things found at a great antique show. Bonus points if the piles of stuff are found outside! There is simply something added to the whole experience when it’s out in the elements.
This was an awesome time for the two of us to spend some rare one on one time + we both really enjoyed the spontaneity of the meeting in the middle for the day. One thing we are equally interested in is antiques-!
When I was in middle-school, mom’s mom + her aunt took my cousin + I to “The Flea Market” at the Gaillard in Charleston on many occasions. While we honestly didn’t love it at first, we grew familiar to the experience what, with all the visitin’ with my grandmother + great aunts friends, + we began to look forward to picking out the souvenir hankie we would take home. We ended up with quite a collection. Though we grew away from those trips, mom continued to go until the building was renovated. I can still remember the last time I went with her while it was being held at an adjacent building—that was where we found my beloved Bermuda bag! Such memories made at an event that I would have never asked to go to otherwise.
Mom has also taught me a few of the tricks of the trade over the years, like how to make a deal, how to stay nourished while piddlin’—always pack a piddlin’ basket for the “intermission” tailgate, + how to efficiently pack up the car for the ride home. When I go piddlin’ I always carry my cash in the sterling cigarette case she gave me. She has a lot of stories from all of her trips with friends + encourages me to make a few of my own with my girlfriends too!
Over the years our styles have evolved, but the silver lining is we can now appreciate each other’s eye + pick side by side, while helping each other a little along the way. Remember this tip: the best piddlin’ partner is one who is willing (eager) to go check out a few local spots before heading back home.
A friend of mine also made a girls’ weekend trip to some of her favorite spots + they snagged a church pew for $125 (steal) – at their FIRST stop!! Doesn’t get any more meant-to-be than that. They also ventured to an auction which is what drew them to the area + walked away with some lovely Americana pieces—a beautiful GE fan, a sturdy wooden pulley, some enamelware frigidair refrigerator drawers with beautiful art deco type, a wooden checkerboard with loads of charm, a ladder for almost nothing, some nice vintage metal bin labels with great type, vintage ice skates + roller skates!! It’s so fun to make a girls’ trip out of these journeys because even if you haven’t found what you came for, you walk away with such memories!!
Have you done any hunting lately? What’s your favorite thing to collect?
I’m already looking ahead to see where my next day trip might be + making a wish list for it. Until then…keep piddlin’!
It has been -T W O- years since our last trip to Scott Antique Market here in Atlanta. Last trip it was Ryan, Walker, myself +1 in utero + we got a steal on an old table with chippy green paint. It has currently taken up residence in our shed as my antique sorting table…hope to share more on that soon!
Just wanted to post briefly here for a moment for all of you who are visiting via instagram or for the first time / in a while. Scott’s is having it’s monthly show this weekend at the Expo Center down by the airport + I was lucky enough to take my first born babe to tag along. Boy, did she ever. She mostly enjoyed pointing which direction she wanted to go next which humorously led us in roundabout circles + figure eights but seemingly always to the art, orientals (that’s my girl!), vintage baby dolls + fabulous cameos alongside exciting costume jewelry! Pretty good tastes for a not-quite-four-year-old!
I have so cherished watching her grow into her own person + had a goal from the start to teach her to have decisiveness early on. No one is perfect in making decisions, but for the most part I have a girl who knows what she likes + technically speaking, there are two of them in my quiver!
I hope to post pictures soon (come back to see later!) of the items shared on my insta-stories today along with a couple items we brought home- the BEST! For now, please message me or comment below with any questions you have about what you see or Scott’s show, as I am more than happy to answer!
Hoping your Mothers’ Day weekend is nice + cooler than the heat wave we are currently weathering here!!
X—X,
‘pressed while thinking of what we’ll be noshing on for the “Big Game” next Sunday…Go Falcons!
As I began to write this week’s post about wire egg baskets –to be continued– I realized I would be remiss to not first discuss this D R E A M of a kitchen gilt with piddlin’ decor:
Where do I begin?!
Wouldn’t you just love to see the rest of this home!? // You can by the way, simply follow the source link above. //
We have a dear family friend whose home is decorated in this way, ceiling to floor, front door to back porch. Without her as my first piddlin’ muse, I may not even know about this style of living! You know who you are–JB! Also, big thanks to mom for introducing us. There is such an incredible energy I get just walking into + through her home each time I visit…every item of piddlin’ decor just seems speak to me + each piece has been placed with the utmost thought + intention making for a very cozy home, regardless of size. One of my favorite features in her home is an antique screen door on her pantry as well as the bathroom full of mirrors! // “Don’t forget to sign the guest book!”–yes, really. //
This vignette above captures my home’s style perfectly. What a better way to make old things new, than turning one’s piddlin’ finds into piddlin’ decor that help keep things tidy to boot!? Swoonworthy!
What do you love most here? I would so love if you’d tell me how you use your favorite antique around your home!
Speaking of…more to come on egg crates next week, plus it’s almost time for February, which means all things: ❤️💘💕💖😍
| keep piddlin’
‘pressed while netflixing…and waiting for baby’s any-day-any-week-now-arrival!
After one has spent enough time at any piddlin’ outpost, there may often be a need to take a break to allow for booths to be refreshed + shook up a bit before returning to successfully uncover more spectacularly long-awaited finds once again.
Put simply –it never hurts to give a place a rest–
I’ve been looking back through some of my photo archives + came across these fun piddlin’ sights from some months ago (could it have really been over a year?) + it may be time to circle back for a fresh look!
Can someone explain why these lovely mounted antlers seem to always cost a small fortune? …Also, that round mirror! These two items will both be on my mind for years to come.
A beautiful secretary has been on my wish list for a few years now…though I have been spotting them with more frequency on my piddlin’ trips, I’m unsure I will ever be able to pull the trigger on one as they each have such a lovely, victorian charm about them in so many ways. Some with lattice work atop their glass cabinet, others with intricate drawers + cubbies, + still a great many feature fancy finials on top. I love them all.
A few more sights from our outing:
What a bummer it is to miss your chance to snag a fun find + oh,
how it feeds the frenzy of a good pick to come!
…I always say “nothing haunts like the antiques we didn’t buy”, so when some fabulous find once seen is still there after a hiatus, it’s a sure sign it belongs with you! Otherwise… all you have are the snaps you take while speed pickin’. I’ll be honest, there are more than a few things here that will be haunting me for a little while longer.
| happy haunting piddlin’ to you this october!
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!
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!
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!
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
piddlin' 