Unconventional Vases

This weekend's Saturday Night Special on 
Funky Junk Interiors is all about vases, or rather, 
what can be used as a vase. 
Since I have a tendency to collect containers 
or anything that resembles a vessel, 
this week seemed a no-brainer for me.

Here are a few of my contributions to the link party.

Antique coffee can.

Line it with a bowl, add a floral frog, 
and she's ready for flowers.

So how often do you use your silverplate condiment holders?

They have such beautiful pierced detailing, 

that it seems a shame for them to only 

grace the table for utilitarian purposes, No?

I lined this with a spice jar, but any small glass will do.

The wide base is especially suited for use as a vase,

as it keeps it from tipping when full.

Isn't this so much prettier than a bottle of A-1?

I got lucky lining this one, because I just happened to have 

a square honey sampler jar on hand. 

A perfect fit.

The back side of this one has the little hook for hanging

the condiment spoon.

Any small jar will work with this size,

but I used a chrome shot glass 

that looks fabulous.

When I acquired this cigar box eons ago,

the previous owner had nailed in wood dividers

to make the box more functional. 

Despite the nails, I really dig that this

cigar box is wood, and isn't the paper label trim gorgeous?

But I digress.

Aside from the obvious cigar box use as storage,

I really love the look of the lid, but when it's closed,

you can't really enjoy it. 

The paper "hinge" was wearing down,

so I detached the lid completely, then turned it around.

I wanted to attach it somehow to the box, 

in an upright position, but didn't want to add any 

obnoxious-looking hardware to it. 

So, after searching high and low,

I found some brass turn pins I use for making frames,

and attached them to both sides of the back of the box, 

right next to the top edge. I screwed them in tightly,

so they don't turn, and Voila! I inserted the lid

between the turn pins, and it sits perfectly on the box, 

and it's easily removable, if I wanted to switch it out

with a mirror or picture.

I've seen lots of wooden bottle crates used to display glass

vessels with flowers in them, but how about making 

a petite display with a cigar box?

I used votive candle molds as mini vases,

and added small bottles in between.

This display makes me think of a woodland walk,

and the collection of nature's specimens 

you find along the way.

Join me on Instagram

@MagiaMiaEtsy

Linking to:

Another Product of Chalk Paint Addiction

Wooden tray in a weary stained finish.

All dressed up and ready for some action.

I loved the barrel shape of this tray, but the finish was sad.

Now that she's coated in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue, followed by clear and dark wax, and heavy distressing, 

she's ready for use.

I can picture so many displays with this.

White sea shells, candles, guest towels, or dried Hydrangeas.

Mini white or orange pumpkins, and even Halloween candy.

Christmas holly, pinecones, red berries, and Blue Spruce branches. 

As Amy so succinctly commented in my last post, 

I am a chalk paint junkie.

I'd better get some new colors 

before I get tired of my beloved aqua shades.

.........Never.

Join Me on Instagram

@MagiaMiaEtsy

My first chalk-paint-on-wood makeover

from Frumpy Wallflower........

to Belle of the Ball......

I was happy with the wood's finish, so I decided to use that as the base color. I added 2 coats of Annie Sloan's Provence chalk paint, followed by clear wax and lots of distressing. Finished off with dark wax, 

to really give it the Old World patina. 

As much as I love Duck Egg Blue, the rich, luscious Provence continues to thrill me. I would love an entire wall to have 

the finish of this corner shelf, 

with the reddish-brown tone revealed in spots. 

Perhaps something fun to do on clay pots or a brick wall.

Okay, so maybe it appears like I have a one-track mind, with all the chalk paint projects in Provence and Duck Egg Blue. The reality is that these are the first chalk paint colors I've purchased, as samples no less, and I still have plenty of paint left. Now that I know I'm in love with the paint, 

and how fabulous it distresses, 

I'm sure a few new colors are in order, and stat!

Next painting project.....rustic wooden tray.

Chalk Paint Frame: Parte Deux

Good, elegant bones, so not quite a sow's ear........

Definitely a silk purse..........

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint over a gold/white metal frame.

Cream base coat. Provence blue top coat.

Clear, then dark wax and sanding to enhance all the pierced details.

This chalk paint even does wonders for the old easelbacks. This backing was a worn Burgundy velveteen, so with a coat of Cream, then Duck Egg Blue, it's got a great new life, and coordinates lovely with the frame.

Next Chalk Paint Morph: Vintage wooden corner shelf.

Join Me on Instagram
@MagiaMiaEtsy

A Vintage Gathering

As I mentioned in the previous post, I went to 2 vintage outdoor markets on July 30th, the other being Barn House. I've already expressed my sentiments of the magical atmosphere of treasure-hunting in a farm setting, so I'll just show you some pictures of A Vintage Gathering. This show is just a few miles down the road from Barn House, which made for a fantastic destination for an all-day treasurefest! 

I got to meet some great people, but my first priority was to meet my bloggy friend Amy of Into Vintage. This was her debut into the vintage flea market world, and she did a bang-up job. I took a couple pictures of her booth, and had to crop them way down, to show what was left in her booth! And this was before I left, so there was probably even less when it was over. Go Amy!

This farm was totally charming, and the air was filled with vibrant and creative energy.

You'll have to excuse so many photos of blue sky. Here in the PNW, we haven't really seen a true Summer up until a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it just the most gorgeous weather for strolling through a vintage market with a cuppa? 

A Vintage Gathering does several shows a year, so check their site for future vintage goodness!

Barn House Virgin No More

Vintage flea markets are fairly new to me, having only gone to antique malls and shows at the Portland Expo Center. I'd heard of the big fleas like Round Top and Rose Bowl, among others, but up until about a year ago, was unaware of what was brewing in the PNW. Thanks to the fabulous Land of Blog, I have discovered a whole new world of vintage Utopia. When I found out that a taste of this goodness was in my neck of the woods, 

I knew I had to mark my calendar. 

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to go to not one, but 2 vintage flea markets. At only 45 miles away, how could I not go. One of these shows was the fabulosity that is Barn House, and hosted by the generous and spirited duo of 

Joe and Jermonne, 

on their farm in Battleground, WA.

I've only read about their show, so needless to say, 

I had to see for myself what all the hype was about. I was not disappointed. The terms flea market, venue, vendor, and dealer are so nondescript, that they simply do not do justice to the people and location that created this experience. Because that's what these shows are - experiences. There is such creativity and sense of community in the atmosphere, that I truly felt like I had arrived at the Mothership. So much time, effort, and love is put into every "Vintage Utopian's" display, that you realize this is not just a place to shop, 

it's a lifestyle. 

I could go on about all the highlights of the displays and treasures, but I think perhaps the most striking facet of a vintage show at a farm is the juxtaposition. The pairing of vintage elegance with a pastoral backdrop, complete with barn, animals, and hay underfoot, is the most incredible visual feast, as each element truly complements the other.  

I've got a soft spot for whimsy and theatrics, having dabbled in them myself for various projects, so I get pretty stoked when I witness over-the-top displays. It takes a lot of creative moxie to go crazy with your bad self, putting your whimsical mind's eye on display. I give that individuality award to Cindy, Queen of Tarte. Is this fabulous, or what? You go girl!

I met some wonderful people at this show, like Auntie Joy, Cindy of Tarte, Lisa (Thing for Roses), and of course, the BH hosts with the most. I'd like to give very special mention to Deb and Bob Kennedy, affectionately known as DeBob, who took the time to chat with me a great deal in the hot, hot sun. Their welcoming and spirited conversation was captivating, and they treated me like an old friend. So captivating, in fact, that I assume that's why I completely failed to take pictures of their inspiring, grand display. 

Well, that's my theory, and I'm stickin' to it!

Thank you Joe & Jermonne, for having the vision and generosity to share your farm for such a memorable event. I will most certainly be back, and will tell everyone I know about the magic that is Barn House! 

Join Me on Instagram
@MagiaMiaEtsy