CHILDREN'S TEA SET

I have collected children's tea sets since I was a little girl, and was delighted to find this set at Three Frogs in Selmer, TN. So tiny with all of the lids intact, made of porcelain with a tiny floral decal on each one.  I found the cloissone tray separately for only $1!  It was a real prize, with such beautiful enamel work flowers, and the wonderful lime green.  What a treasure!

BLUE WILLOW MINIATURES

I have been using Blue Willow dinnerware since I first started collecting.  Back in the 1980's, you could buy plates and bowls at a garage sale for $2 a piece.  Cheaper than any set I could find at the store, so I bought dozens of pieces.  The children were always dropping and breaking them, so it became a habit to keep an eye out for individual pieces.  Come to find out many years later, I had collected dishes from the 1800's, 1940's, 1960's and 1970's...they never stop making this pattern!

Today I ran across a tiny little pitcher to add to my ongoing collection.  I took a picture of it next to a 5" saucer to show you how tiny it is.  Sweet!

WHATSIT?

I love boxes in all shapes and forms.  I ran across this 8 inch container the other day and had to have it!  The seller assured me that it is from the late 1800's to early 1900's (in other words, he didn't have a clue) and that it was used to store knitting 'things'...I told him knitting needles were a little long for this particular case, but maybe he meant crochet hooks?  What do you think?  What is it?

SUNDIAL SNAIL

 Well, it has been awhile since I have been out and about to do my treasure hunting.  It has been hot and humid here in Tennessee! I just sit about in the air conditioning whining about the whole thing, and try to think up mischief!  Anyway, our trip to the local flea market netted me the silliest thing...a Snail Sundial!  It isn't old, or antique.  Probably made last week, but it caught my fancy.  Funniest of all?  The seller made sure to let us know that it really worked....without batteries!!!  What a hoot!  We couldn't pass up his salesmanship, and I have a fun piece for my ocean-themed rock garden.

It sits alongside the copper fish, and the brass mermaid that I found this year!

 

 

LOOK FOR INTERESTING PLACES TO SHOP

I found a new place to shop this weekend...

They had spraypainted chalklines of bodies on the floor...

There was a creepy figure in the window...

There were interesting things for sale...

The rules for check-out were pretty stiff...

This place was located out on Highway 22 S, outside of Michie, TN.  Despite it's rather intimidating appearance (with a police car and a hearse parked out front for effect), it was owned by a lovely lady, assisted by an enthusiastic teenager.  It carried a lot of everyday items, as well as a few interesting ones.  The creepie tailless fish was only a dollar, and there was a lot of clothing items as well.  Don't be afraid to stop and check out some thrift stores off the beaten path...you might find a real deal there! 

PLASTER PLANT STAND

 I found this wonderful plant stand, made of plaster, and embossed with figures! Plant stands have really gone out of style, especially in these days of boistrous pets and kids.  They are so easy to knock over! 

I love all of the 'friezes' molded into it, and it is a nice piece to put in a cozy corner, and highlight something special.  I cycle things out...sometimes I want to highlight a few books, sometimes I put a small brass sculpture on it. I like the little pop of surprise when you come around the corner and see a favorite piece on it.

SOMETHING ODD...

I found a vintage Creepy Crawlers mold at the flea this week!  I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but what a find for a quarter!  I am sure that I can mold polymer clay in it, and make something wonderfully icky for my grandson...or I can emboss handmade paper with it...Lots of fun, and brings back memories of my little brother trying to scare me with the rubbery spiders he made from his long ago kit.