Sunday, January 31, 2010

MISSION: Organization!

Most people start posting blogs about organizing the first week in January.  I started late, but I promise you I will get organized.  I'm taking it slowly, giving myself the rest of the year to organize my ENTIRE home including the overstuffed garage.  This weekend, I am starting with the main floor of my house.
 
Mission #1: My desk area.  I've begun to accumulate too many pieces of paper like: receipts, cards, letters, newspapers ( yes, they still exist), magazines...you get the idea.  I have a miriad of organizational tools including folders, filing cabinets, drawers, cubbies, notebooks, even a shredder, but I find I'm not using them the way I should.  So, today, I organized, labelled, tossed, filed, and shredded for 2 hours.  It's beginning to look as serene as a Martha Stewart magazine lay-out.  Note the word, beginning- please!   I would love to know if anyone actually functions in a completely organized world.  Is this a reasonable goal?  I'm giving a shot.

I promise not to give any advice on this topic.  I need advice.  Here are some pics that inspire me.... 

One from Martha...


A desk set from RetiredRecords.etsy.com...



A notebook with a constant reminder from twoguitars.etsy.com...



And, of course, one from my shop--the soon to be listed, Vintage Globe Desk Organizer from HydrangeaRow...




Sunday, January 24, 2010

Valentine, Be Mine

Many feel that Valentine's Day has become a commercialized industry, manufactured to cause anxiety in the hearts of all attached men and to make anyone single feel depressed one day a year.  In many ways they are right.   After all, the day after Christmas, the stores begin rolling out the red in preparation for this day of love.  It can be a bit much; but I do love Valentine's Day.  The old sentimental collector in me loves the history of this holiday, and, of course, my small, personal collection of Valentines.
The first posted Valentine was from a sailor to his wife in 1806 in England.  Since then, tokens of love (and rejection) abound.  There are elaborate Valentines that are miniature pieces of art.   There are cutesy Valentines meant for children and exchanged in classrooms.  The soldiers in the Civil War even had Valentines made available for them to send home to their wives and families.  Then, of course, there is the homemade Valentine.  The ones made of paper and glitter and glue.  I'm sure that somewhere in every household there is at least one of these still hanging around kept out of sentiment.  Admit it.
So this year, let's embrace Valentine's Day.  You don't need to buy anything fancy, simple tokens are often more heartfelt and appreciated.


http://www.woolandwater.etsy.com/ has their own version of a Valentine...



A page showcasing Valentines from 1953 scrapbook listed in my shop...http://www.hydrangearow.etsy.com/


Friday, January 8, 2010

Preventing Collections from Becoming Clutter

This is an occupational hazzard for many antique dealers and collectors.  I know I can't pass up certain items, like the WWII medal, or the 60s enamel flower pin, or the gorgeous Roseville vase, but what do I do with it all?   For one, I sell them.  But I also derive great joy from my collections and from the thrill of hunting them down and acquiring them.
One of the best tips I've ever read was to put all pieces of your collection together.  When grouped together, they make a statement.  I recently bought a beautiful antique china cabinet with delicate, wavy glass and locking doors complete with a skeleton key.  This is now the home to my collection of Blue Willow and Flow Blue china. ( I also threw in the WWII cake toppers and some vintage shell art for good measure.)  Now I can see it daily and enjoy it.
 I also encourage everyone to use their things.  Many times, I go to estate sales only to find that there are boxes of unused china, pottery and glassware.  On one hand, I'm glad it is in such good condition, but how sad that it's former owners never used it.  Crystal stemware, fine china and the like are made to be used and enjoyed. 
On that note, another way to enjoy a collection is to repurpose them or use them as decoration.  The 60s enamel flower pins that I collect have become a very swanky lamp shade for my daughters' bedroom.  Some of my pottery I use to contain my kitchen utensils and mail.  Look around your house and see what practical pieces can be replaced by something that you collect.
My New Year's Resolution is to find new ways to enjoy all the interesting finds that I've acquired.  I'll keep you posted.


No one displays collections better than Martha Stewart.  Here a collection of transferware makes a stunning statement...



Even humble objects can look great when grouped together.  These types of collections are often my favorite.  Here are a couple from Country Living...





Here, from French Kissed Design, a tablescape with many repurposed items.  Notice, the old clock was made into a home for a bird's nest and the wine goblets contain her collection of silverware.