Old Things

My niece gave me this sign several years ago for Christmas. She knows me well, because I do love all things old. I love vintage items. Vintage refers to items 20 years or more in age. Antiques continue to refer to items 100 years of age (although some would disagree with that definition). I love the decades of the forties, fifties, sixties, and seventies. 

 I collect old letters - look at that penmanship.  More on ephemera on another post.We don't even teach kids cursive writing anymore. Don't get me started! I love old rubber stamps and one of my favorites was scoring this old rubber stamp from Derry, La. where my mother was born.

 I have several retro ashtrays because they are such works of art - not intended for smoking but for home decor. The colors are amazing.

 I love old maps and have several in my home. The old map was obtained from Michael's aunt - it is  a vintage historical map of the Natchitoches/ Sabine areas. I framed this and it is one of my favorite vintage items.

 I love to use old items like this camera to make a vintage statement. No words are needed - it immediately takes you to a time gone by.

 I love old furniture - especially those with a story. Michael's grandfather made this dressing table for his grandmother. Of course it has been painted with new knobs. My sweet mother-in-law asked me to never let anyone outside the family have this piece. She treasures it's story and so do I.

  I made this grouping in my main bathroom - 2 old rusty Avon powder cans, 2 old watch faces, and some newer perfume and pearls. Gives a retro feel in a subtle way.

 These chalkware plaques are so beautiful. I have done research on these and never seen anything like them. They are in relatively good condition for chalkware that is almost always damaged because of age. These adorn the wall in my master bath.

This is a printer's tray that contains sentimental items from our family members like: watches, knives, cuff links, duck calls, lighters, etc.

In conclusion, in the past I tried to decorate my home like pictures in a magazine ( and failed) but now I realize my home should be filled with things I love and sentimental items that tell a story. My house should reflect who Michael and I are - it truly is a work in progress even after all these years.  What do you enjoy in your home? Share with us your favorite things and why.