Treasure Hunting....

I went on a little treasure hunt the other day.  There wasn't really anything "in season" on my hunt...I just enjoy antiquing to see what might turn up during the adventure.  It never fails me, when I go for something specific, I never find exactly what I am looking for. If I do, it's usually out of my budget.  

Country Living Magazine

I just read a great blog the other day that focused on collections.  My Sweet Savannah, who is an awesome blogger that I follow, did a great feature about building a collection of treasures.  This particular feature was on the antique glass called Jadeite.  Wow....I did run across a great collection of Jadeite at the antique mall in Cuba.  I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me....unfortunately.....it was PRICEY and a little bit out of my budget!  I will have to wait a few years before I can start that collection.  If you ever come upon some Jadeite and it's affordable, you might want to grab it quick!

My treasure hunt did turn up one really cool find.  I LOVE old vintage lighting.  Over the years I have stalked Rejuvenation, which is a website that sells replica lighting from specific time periods.  They have amazing lighting and it's very nice quality.  I was able to purchase a few of their lights for our previous home that we built.  They were so pretty and unique.  I was instantly in LOVE.  Ideally, if you could ever score an "original" you would be crazy not to go that route......but those are like finding a diamond in a mine. 

Rejuvenation Enamel Warehouse Light-$375.00

Well, a diamond came my way finally!  Sitting right there before me, just calling my name, was this beautiful piece.  I was super scared to even touch it because I knew I would have to flip the price tag and that  would be my disappointing moment.  To my surprise, it was $55.00 and it immediately went in my arms to be all mine.  

  I did a little research and believe (not 100% but maybe 99%) that it was made by Appleton Electric Company.  These lights were made for barns or gas stations.  The one that I used to identify my find was listed and had sold for $210.00......which makes me super excited for my steal. 

 All that I had to do was bring her home, clean her up, and rewire the electrical part (well.... not actually me).  I did opt to use an antique filament bulb and couldn't be more proud.  I realize those bulbs are a bit costly, however, the impact they make is really priceless.  

The electrical box for my table light does not sit directly above it, so we improvised.  We purchased a pendant light kit from Lowes with the oil rubbed bronze plate to match my other lights and the "old looking" brown fabric covered cord.  Remember the old fans or table lamps that had a brown cord that looked like it was woven in string?  We also purchased a little $3.00 hook and pulley to help with the table centering.   After using the new cord (new electrical wire) and hooking it into the box, we strung it over the table and used the little pulley to secure the cord.  I am going to look for an antique pulley to keep with the look, however, for now this one will work just fine.    

 I can now say that my new light is proudly hanging over my farmhouse table and looks almost original to our home.  

Sometimes....just when you least expect to find a little jewel.....one will appear right before your eyes.  I love giving old treasures another chance.  I just wish I knew who had the pleasure of owning this little beauty and the story that it carries.  I am happy to give her a new job and a renewed purpose in my home!

Pantry Project Complete....

As the year comes to an end, we finally have our pantry compete!  For the longest time,  I really just looked at it as a big hole in the wall.  I know the previous owner had big plans for it as she loved to cook.  I could tell it was her passion when I saw all of the kitchen gadgets and appliances in there when we looked at the property.  Most of the items were so much more sophisticated and complex than I even understood.

In the planning phase of this project (my complicated Pinterest research).... I had several notions of backing out of making this a pantry.  I had considered a small office, a very small sewing room, and then just storage.  I guess the pantry idea was a little overwhelming since I really don't know my way around the kitchen as well as others.  What did make sense, was the fact that we have a large family to feed and the need for additional storage for food and snacks.  So we moved forward with the pantry.

I did solicit some help and perspective from my good construction friend Kim.  I am proud to say that we did all of the work ourselves in a short amount of time.  

Here are the parts/timeline of the project:

• We purchased 1/2 inch sanded (nicer finish) plywood from Lowes and had it cut down into 5 inch planks for the flooring.  I white washed it in the end.
• I did some "not so fancy" drywall work to repair where we added new sheet rock that was not installed when we moved in the home.  It didn't have to be perfect as the shelving would cover it when we were finally done.
• I painted the walls using some left over paint from our previous home (yeah....it lasts forever if you keep it in a warm spot and sealed tight) called Coastal Fog by Benjamin Moore.
• We installed "authentic" old tin tiles on the ceiling that I had originally purchased for our previous home.  I scored these from an architectural salvage warehouse and luckily had just enough.  
• For the back wall, which was very messed up from wiring and drywall, we did the plywood planks there and white washed them as well.  
• I also scored some great benches that were left over from a wedding.  We cut them off on each end and stacked them on top of each other.  I literally had to do NOTHING to them except have them cut and wash them up from storage.  
• Finally, I dug up some things in my storage that I had not used to decorate the other wall.  I did purchase a buffet from my sister at The Little Brick House.  I gathered up all of my glass jars, wire baskets, and antique storage containers and went to organizing!  

Here are my timeline photos.......