Why Decorating with Vintage is Just Better

One of the many (many) reasons I love vintage is that unique element it adds to your home. Having a well decorated home just makes you happier, in my humble opinion. While I know that some people just don't have that decorator gene and decorating with vintage is not as easy as buying new things, I feel it is well worth the effort.
I get this statement from people ALL. THE. TIME. "I just don't know how to decorate with vintage." Which is probably why big box stores do so well, you know besides the billions of dollars at their disposal, they put together nice displays and show you how to use the items in your home.
 Vintage offers a little more challenge, when you decorate with vintage you're not going to be able to furnish your whole house in one swoop the same way you would if you went to Ikea. For me, that's part of the thrill, putting the time and effort into decorating with forgotten treasures or repurposing older items, it makes your home more meaningful. Anyone can go buy the new stuff, but by reusing things from the past, you can decorate with pieces that have a story, a history and are often of better quality than the new crap stuff. So maybe searching this stuff out isn't your forte, well you're in luck, there are many vintage sellers that love finding this stuff for you and we can't keep everything. Below I've shown you few different uses for the Dansk Teak Tray and incorporated it with some vintage from my shop.

All these items can be found here: orrefors candle holder, candelabra, and teak tray

I always like to include some seasonal decorations with my displays, it adds some variation and colors that can't be beat. I also may have taken the spruce clippings out of the local dumpster…

Similar amber glass that would also look great as part of this display.

This Fall theme is easy to put together, maybe you have a pumpkin spice candle you can use instead of the amber glass or any neutral or yellow McCoy planter would add a pop of color.

The teak Dansk tray can be used with pretty much any display or items, you can also use it to hold your barware.

Turquoise Barware, Apple Ice Bucket

Have this tray sitting on your coffee table and display candles or other decorative items.

Big White Yeti candles can be found here (and they're awesome).

Kokeshi doll

These teak trays are so versatile, you can use them for so many different things. I have a similar tray that I use to hold my barware, but I love it because I've also used it in my kitchen to hold things and on my coffee table for display.What would you guys use this teak tray for? Let me know in the comments.

Some Finds and Blog Ideas

Wow, it's been a while since I updated this blog. I would make a sweeping declaration about how I am going to try to be more consistent with my updates, but we all know how well that usually works. I was thinking of trying something new with my blog, instead of just doing posts on my weekly finds, which I will still do. I want to feature collectors and their collections- because really who better to get information from than a collector? Maybe some vintage recipes, you know the ones with spam and green jello, I'll even wear a frilly apron and pearls when make them. Also, I want to feature how to decorate with vintage. What do you think? Would you be interested in something like that? Tell me! Tell me! On that note, here are some of my super fly finds of the week.

How great is this bowl? I love the atomic feel and color- perfect for any mid century home!

Fauna bowl designed by Oiva Toikka- seriously the detail and imagery of this glass can't even be conveyed in a picture. 

Stavangerflint ceramics designed by Inger Waage, so whimsical and lovely.

The pattern on this dish is daisy and button, I love the amber color too.

Hope you folks have a great week and let me know about the blog idea. :)

Enamel Bowls + Promotional Pyrex

I went to an estate sale this week and stood out in the cold to be one of the first people in the door. I actually hadn't intended to stand in line (because, hello it's cold!), but I must have misread the opening time. So I stood in line and listened to the people in front of me complain about their health problems. Moral of the story, I'm glad I did! I found this amazing Finel bowl.

This Finel sunflower bowl designed by Kaj Franck is in the shop. 

I have been on a mission to find jadeite for a fair price to restock the shop, it's become so popular I can't find it or keep it around for very long. This bowl has some damage, but is still wonderful. 

Jane Ray Jadeite Bowl

Also thrifted the sweetest pair of kokeshi dolls, they melt my cold heart.

Kokeshi couple

This cute jadeite lotus candle holder came from a consignment shop, wish I had found the pair.

Fenton Jadeite Lotus candleholder

This bowl was a really great find! Found it at a thrift store I usually avoid, because I never find anything there and it is in such great condition! I was so excited when I picked this up.

Krenit Enamel Bowl

And last, but not least I got this for a fair price at one of my favorite mid-century modern stores. I can't say no to promotional Pyrex and this piece is in minty condition.

Pressed Flower promotional Pyrex casserole, and it's already sold. :)

Hope everyone else had a great week thrifting/doing what you love.

Vintage Finds From IL and WI.

Did a little thrifting in my favorite spots in Wisconsin and Illinois, here are a few of my finds and tales of thrifting.

Sweet Kokeshi laquer box found at my favorite consignment shop.

This Dansk Fjord flatware set is my absolute favorite find of the week (month), I found all but the spoon at one Goodwill and then found the missing spoon to my set at my local Goodwill. IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES! Isn't that crazy!?

Cant resist a cute Berggren teapot when I find one.

I was having this internal dialogue in my head when I found these: "Geez, why do I come here? I never find anything, this place is full of cra… OH!"

Cute platter, does anyone know the maker and/or pattern!?

And finally, I decided to photograph my Dansk collection. Those bright enamels are my favorite.

Just some finds.

Wooh, it's been awhile and believe me, I've found some awesome stuff.
My favorite find last week was a first for me, Cathrineholm in the wild! I almost screamed when I saw it.

Adding this beauty to my own personal collection.

This hand crocheted table cloth is in the shop (so it the turquoise milk glass).

I like the bohemian feels to this rug. 

Found these Mckee sail boat fridge dishesa few days after New Years, I figured this was a good sign. 

I'll try to post a bit more consistently, but I make no promises. ;)