Rainy Day Shopping

There is nothing I love more on a rainy day than a trip to a vintage, antique or used furniture store. Especially when there are some goodies. I'll admit, on more than one occasion I've felt I was wasting my time. But usually, I find some rare gem that I find a home for.
Some things aren't lucky enough to come home with me but receive a knowing smile. The smile that says.. I see your beauty. Don't worry. Someone will come for you very soon:)
A trip out yesterday proved somewhat fruitful. I picked up some crystal coasters and plates for storing jewellery. I was inspired by Beau Lifestyle's beautiful display. (If you haven't checked out her blog yet you really must.)

images via beau lifestyle

I forgot to take a picture of my coasters but I also got some crystal dishes
that will hold bracelets and necklaces.

Some pretty plates were purchased to be hung on the wall.

The "tumor". What better than a good conversation piece? 

I don't really know what it is but cool all the same!

And my favorite. A vintage heater to be converted to a light fixture.... for a buck!

Here are some other pieces (the ones that got the smile):

Cute chairs that would be amazing with new upholstery and a coat of glossy paint.

A set of versatile white china trimmed in gold. $40 for the complete set.

More adorable chairs. $50 for the pair. I loved the shape but they were actually kinda mini.

Never underestimate the power of a paintbrush. This dresser has gorgeous lines. 

I envision it a soft pink in a little girl's room since it's not very tall.  A bit like Eleanor's.

I'm digging bamboo pieces lately painted a fun bright color. If I had room in my bathroom, this piece would be mine, painted a fun color and filled with soft white towels!

I dabbled in painting over the winter and discovered I don't have much talent.

If I did this would be the perfect easel.. ah well:)

Beautiful and huge. Someone should really buy this one.

Love the base. Crying for a new shade!

I'm on the hunt for vintage glassware for my bar cart. 

I found a great selection but none that called out to me. (ignore the cheesy commemorative plates!)

I was super bummed that my favorite shop for good bargains, BC Antiques closed up shop early. I had spotted a vintage crystal ice bucket that I've been thinking about since my last visit. Maybe I'll head back over the weekend!

Vintage Trolley Cart

A couple of years ago, I bought a vintage trolley cart. It is from an old general store here in PEI. I love the weathered wood and the rusted, steel wheels.
I want to use it as a blanket rack in my living room, but I can't figure out how to have it stand against the wall without rolling away from it. When I tried putting it against the wall to see how it would look, the wood made black marks on the wall. I tried sticking furniture pads on the handles but they won't stick.. I'm at a loss for ideas. Frustrated, it was relegated to the shed until a solution was found.
I had forgotten about it until I came upon this photo today. It is very similar to mine.

source unknown

Can anyone offer a suggestion? As the cool weather settles in, I would love to have it out!

*I'm unsure of where I found the picture.. it someone knows please let me know so that I can properly source it!

Pure Project #13: Finally Hang it!

Over at Pure Style this week, Lauren is challenging us to hang something we haven't gotten around to. Since I've been off this summer, I've checked a lot of those things off my to-do this. I really wanted this to be the kick in the pants for me to do my planned plate wall. However, I simply can't find plates that I like!
Anyone know any good sources?
Then, I remembered that I had bought a cute print by artist Luke Leunes last week in Charlottetown. It's called Birds on a Wire. Again, bird weakness. I hung it in the office. Which really isn't an office yet because while mostly complete, there is no desk.

In my living room, I've had a blank wall for a long time. It drove me crazy. I tried different things and nothing seemed to work. I needed some color! What I was left with was lots of holes in the plaster walls. Last week, I found this:

It's big enough to cover the holes:) and adds some color to the space. It hangs over my antique barrister bookcase. I hung it last week, but I think it still should count toward the project!

Local Antique Shopping

My sister, niece and I spend the day yesterday scoping out the local antique shops for some unique finds.
While I truly appreciate a quality piece of antique furniture they don't always fit into my budget. My father refinishes lots of them and I am lucky to have a few on loan. I love perusing the shops in hunt of affordable pieces that just need a coat of paint or a little TLC.
We discovered some great pieces at decent prices. I think anyone from around here needs to get out shopping asap! Seriously!
Here are some Riverview Antiques finds:

This lamp was kinda dusty and the shade is terrible but I think it is beautiful!

A little polishing and a simple new drum shade and it could be fantastic.

Price tag? $59.00

There are 4 of these faux bamboo bedside tables.

You could paint them with a glossy paint in any color... white, black, or even yellow or orange!

Price tag? Unfortunately, a little overpriced in my opinion... $110.00 each.

Super cute side table.

Price tag? SOLD Sorry my sister bought it! She plans to paint it black.

Great legs on this coffee table. It also has a raised edge. It would look great painted.

Price tag? I can't remember :( But affordable!

A great bench that nearly came home with me.

It would be oh so nice in my front entry with a freshly upholstered seat.

I left it there though for you. Too expensive.

Price tag? $169.

Cute magazine rack. Painted of course.. Are you seeing a trend here?

 I look at everything and envision it with a fresh coat of paint.

Price tag? $69

Then we headed to Coulson's. I didn't get a chance to ask any questions about prices because there were closing up shop. In my experience though, Mr. Coulson is very reasonable.

Look familiar? I'll bet the price is a little better too.

I'm sorta regretting not scooping up this little guy. I'll see how I feel in the morning and what he costs!

 Potential don't you think?

Not shopping at local antique and used furniture stores is sometimes a missed opportunity. You can pick up some great things and revamp them to make them your jive with your own style. Often they are better quality than anything you may find in a box store. Plus, it feels so great when you upcycle!

Remember that the prices at these stores are rarely firm so don't be scared to push for their best price. It usually always pays off.

Of course, there are a few items I left out because I want them for myself. I would be a sad girl if one of you went out and bought them. I guess you'll have to go see for yourself! 

 So what about you? Anything good in your hood? :)