New Antique and Vintage Finds
Finding antique and vintage pieces to bring into our home makes my heart happy. I’m so excited to share my new antique and vintage finds with you today.
Our admiration of the antique is not admiration of the old, but the natural.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
I love history and old pieces. The more flaws the better (I think). I love finding old ironstone with crazing or little chips and cracks. Weather and patina makes for a more interesting piece than something that’s perfect.
The other day I went on a little antiquing adventure with my mom. We love “the hunt” for antique treasures and could spend hours looking. We’ve gone antiquing together ever since I was a little girl. The happiness is in the search but it’s an even better day when one finds a treasure to bring home. The other day I hit the antiquing jackpot finding a beautiful sailboat photograph, a bunch of ironstone, two Lily Pulitzer dresser for summer AND a bunch of votive candles. I know you guys love to see my finds so here they are!
A beautiful vintage sailboat photograph
If you follow me on Instagram you maybe already saw this beautiful sailboat photograph:
This was propped up on a shelf at Patina Antique Mall and there just was something about this photograph that captured my heart. I loved the boat itself but there’s also something about the people in the photograph. They look so relaxed and carefree. A perfect day to sail!
The frame is original and is a stunning silvery gray with bits of paint perfectly flaking off. I had no idea where this would go in our home but knew I had to have this sweet little sloop in our home. Right now I’ve placed it on the Welsh dresser but I have a feeling it will move around our house. I also thought it would look beautiful in Conor’s bedroom or our bedroom BUT not many people would be able to enjoy it in one of our bedrooms so…. for now it’s here:
I love the warm wood paired with the black and white photograph.
A few people on Instagram thought it might be a Rosenfeld. I’ve emailed Mystic Seaport who have his entire collection to see.
Ironstone
I love vintage Ironstone and have a growing collection on our Welsh dresser. What I love about it is – it’s a neutral element but has beautiful shapes and looks wonderful as a collection displayed in one area.
In addition to it looking pretty, it’s functional! We use our ironstone all the time. I serve vegetables, sliced meats, and side dishes on all our plates. I also upcycle pieces and use them for plants (as above) or create centerpieces click here to see that.
You can read more about my ironstone collection here.
The other day I found 4 new pieces for my collection at Patina Antique Mall. We were about to leave and then I spotted these high up on a shelf that I nearly missed:
I aboslutely love the shape of this tureen. The ladle is missing but that’s okay.
Aren’t the handles unusual?
This piece had a broken top:
Finally, I couldn’t resist this sweet little pitcher and plate.
The pewter plate in the background was from my parents’ restaurant – Baldwin’s in Woburn.
This little pitcher looks so cute with a small frilly daffodil tucked in.
I left Patina with a box full of treasures, excited to display them in the dining room. Before we headed back to the house we stopped at ReStyle Consignor around the corner. It’s mostly clothing and accessories BUT I, of course, had to look at the housewares.
Mercury Glass Votive Holders
I have a weakness for votive holders. I always think they add so much to a table.
I ended up bringing home four larger mercury glass votive holders and two smaller. They actually have a pale turqouis blue tint to them so thought they’d also be lovely for the summer months.
Each night we enjoy dinner in here with our kids and always have candles lit. It just makes dinnertime so much for special and we usually linger longer over meals and conversation.
For this tablescape I mixed in a cheesecloth runner with linen napkins, vintage brass candlesticks, and shell candles that we made, click here for that tutorial. Also, John made the hand dipped candles click here for that tutorial.
Well, I can’t wait to hear what you think of my latest vintage finds. If you enjoyed this post you might also like this one and this one, both on decorating with antiques and vintage.
Before I sign off, I wanted to give you a few tips if you decide to go out on the hunt.
Tips for Hunting for Antiques
- Always keep an open mind and an open heart. You’ll be surprised what vintage goodness will find you if you keep your eyes and heart open
- Wear comfy shoes and dress in layers. Antiquing isn’t a fashion show. I like to dress comfortably so I can really look properly
- Bring a tape measure and have measurements of areas in your home if you’re hunting for a specific spot. It would be a shame if that table or dresser doesn’t fit in the spot you’ve imagined it in.
- Usually pricing is flexible. If I think the price tag is a good price I don’t usually try and negotiate, if it’s high I might ask if they can do better.
- Ask the dealer if they know more about the piece your buying. They might have a fantastic story that goes with it! To me that’s just as special as the actual thing!
- Antique stores and thrift shops are ALWAYS getting new things in. I try to rotate the places I enjoy going.
- If you love something get it! If you think it will be there next time you come back – it won’t!
I hope this gave you some ideas for going on a vintage / antique hunt for your home! Investing in antique pieces really make a home so inviting and warm, and most importantly, unique!
Danielle, I am also a huntress, and just got back from a few days of antiquing with my two Panoply sisters. We mainly shop for resale in our booths, but I most always find things I must foster first.
I love your framed photograph and votive glass. Your ironstone collection is wonderful, the new pieces fun finds. Better still, I love your displays and tablescape. Your home makes for a welcoming place to want to linger in conversation! Have a great weekend.
Going out on the hunt is a wonderful feeling isn’t it? Especially when you have others who love searching for stuff, too. Your trip with your sisters sounds wonderful. I went out with my mom again today but didn’t have quite the same amount of luck today. Thank you for your kind words. We’re about to sit here with our boys and candlelight and eat Chinese takeaway 😉
Nothing better than a day of antiquing and thrifting, especially when you find some treasures. I also collect ironstone and your new pieces are wonderful. The photograph is fabulous and looks wonderful on the dresser. I love your style!
I agree! It’s just so much fun to look at old things. I’m so glad you like my new finds. Isn’t that photograph so sweet? I just couldn’t resist it!
I know I’m dating myself, but I’ve been antiquing for 30+ years and it’s such a treat to hear about your antiquing trips! I would also go with my Mom and we would have the best time ‘on the hunt’. We’ve even gone to a few out of state shows and had a blast! My favorite memory is buying an antique wood rake that was about 6’ long and bringing it to the United Airlines counter at the airport to bring home with me! The look on their faces was priceless! Ironstone is also my weakness. I also have a… Read more »
Sharon, you are not dating yourself. I started when I was 2 so I’ve been antiquing for nearly 42 years! Ha! Ha! Ha! 😂 I love hearing your story about the vintage rake. So funny! Oh, I’d love to see what your butter molds look like! How fun! Yes, I agree, a home with antiques is so much more welcoming and special! It makes your home one of a kind!
I’m originally from Woburn and spotted the Baldwin mansion plate right away. There’s nothing like a day hunting for antiques good for you and your mom.
Oh, wow, Paula! What a small world. My parents owned Baldwin’s for 10 years. I grew up working at the restaurant. Really miss seeing all the regulars. In fact, many regulars came to our wedding in England (19 years ago next month). I believe in decorating with things that have meaning. That plate has so much meaning for our family.
Give me details on the cheese cloth table runner, please.
Thanks for sharing.
The pale pink cheese cloth runner is from Afloral. I’m not sure they still have it in stock though.
First have to say you are blessed having your mom join you. Mine never understood my desire of thrifting and antiquing lol.I have some pieces of Ironstone, love it, and want more. Your Welsh Dresser is nothing less than amazing. Love your home and everything in it.
Hi Debra, I feel blessed to have my mom. It’s something we’ve always enjoyed together. In fact, my kids love going antiquing, too. LOVED hearing about your collections. One can never have too much ironstone 😉 Thank you for your kind words xx
Great finds. Love your hutch.
Aw, thank you! It’s one of my lucky finds. Can you believe I found it on FB Yard Sale?!?
What a great post! This is exactly what I dream to become. I thrift all the time, but I don’t have good lighting or the dedicated space for photos like this. Working on it though. Such an inspiration.
You are so kind, Alexandra. I started just where you’re at. As you collect and style you’ll find your style and you’ll also improve your photography skills. I started with my blog with a point and press camera and also uploaded very bad phone photos. If you look back at posts from 2011 you’ll see 😉 Hang in there and keep doing what you’re doing! It means so much to me that this post inspires you. xx