Monday, April 23, 2012

Random Treasures


On Saturday, my daughter patiently accompanied me to a local thrift store, where we found some random treasures.

Truth is, we weren’t looking for anything in particular, because we don’t actually need anything. But, that doesn't often stop me.

I’m not sure what I’m going to be using this pitcher for. I already have so many vases. Any ideas?

I think my daughter was sufficiently rewarded for coming along. She came home with the game Guess Who?, a bargain at 99 cents. She also picked up an agenda book, which she checked first to ensure there was a section for phone numbers. Busy social life at seven years old, I suppose. She also chose a diary and a notebook. She is always scribbling away on one piece of paper or another.



She also snagged this pretty shawl.





I love all of the little details.


I know I will enjoy this little framed picture of a Mary Cassatt painting.


Here is a closer look at this lovely scene. Tea anybody?


My husband is not a fan of this Japanese spice cabinet. Too much like something he would have had in his home as a child. I like it though, so it’s staying. Not necessarily for spices. Any ideas on this one?


He is also not impressed with this shot glass. But, we have a whole shot glass display case with only a few shot glasses in it, and I like this little guy.


My favourite find of the day is this set of pottery wine goblets, by J. McKenna, The Dove Pottery, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Upon further investigation, I found this obituary for The Dove Pottery founder Joan McKenna.  She was born in Dublin, Ireland and later moved to Montreal, where she worked as a model and trained as an artist at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts under Arthur Lismer.

In 1974, she and her husband Bryan arrived in Thunder Bay with their four children. She opened The Dove Pottery, combining her passion for art with the practicality of pottery, which was sold both locally and nationally. Joan's love of animals meant that there were always dogs, cats and birds around.

She sounds like she was an accomplished and likeable woman, and I am happy to own some of her charming work.

This post was featured at:

BEEZ RENTAL DESIGNS

Linking up with these wonderful blogs: Coastal Charm and The Thrifty Home and Beez Rental Designs and Knick of Time and Her Library Adventures and Apron Thrift Girl and Cap Creations

30 comments:

  1. Ooh, I love those goblets! And unlike your husband, I really like the spice cabinet! :) Seems perfect for toiletries in the bathroom.

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    1. Hi Heather, What a great idea to use it in the bathroom! Could even be a medicine cabinet...hmm...

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  2. I agree with Heather, display your posher toiletries in it next to the sink. I would use the pitcher to (excuse world's most unoriginal idea) pour wine into those gorgeous glasses.Rx

    http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. It's settled then. I will try it in the bathroom! I think that is a great idea for the pitcher too - I can use two of my "treasures" at once.

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  3. Fantastic treasure hunting as always! The pottery is to die for & I'm with Rachael on using the pitcher as a pitcher-- an adorable collection of mismatched pottery {to match your gorgeous collection of dishes?} too sweet. And the bathroom suggestion is without question exactly what should be done with the cabinet~*

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    1. Thanks Tabetha! I love the pottery too. I wish I could serve you all some wine in that pitcher! I will be trying that cabinet in my bathroom just as soon as I get the kids to piano and basketball. We'll hurry back. ;)

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  4. What delightful treasures you found - I like them all.

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    1. Thanks Paulette! So much fun treasure hunting, isn't it?

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  5. What a great pitcher. About the spice cabinet, I would paint and antique it and then use it in my studio to hold supplies such as ribbons and even add spice jars back in filled with pearls and other small jewelry parts. But that's just me, I need jewelry supply storage lol! Thanks for linking up at Cap Creations.

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    1. That is a great idea too! I had given some thought to painting it. I also like the idea of using the spice jars for storage. I saw a cabinet like this with the jars included, but I didn't like the shape of the cabinet as much. Maybe I'll go back...

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  6. Great finds! Sounds like your daughter got a great haul. Thanks for following me and I've just become your newest follower!!

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  7. Such a lovely post: these finds are great!
    Take a look and if you want we can follow each others: Cosa mi metto???
    Win a $60 gift card to spend on The Quiet Riot

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    1. Thanks Fabrizia. I will definitely follow you!

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  8. All the Things look so lovely :) ,nice Post ♡

    xoxo

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  9. Hey, I just found your blog!! :)
    Amazing post, very interesting!!!
    Maybe you'll have time to visit my blog and follow if you like!!
    Kisses,
    Chiara

    Books in my bags

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    1. Hi Chiara, Thanks for visiting. I would love to see your blog!

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  10. Great finds! I love the pink shawl and the pottery is fabulous! :-)

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    1. Thanks so much! I can't wait to use that pottery!

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  11. I love thrifting. It's so very dangerous for me, but I love it. You made some great finds! Of course with the pitcher and rack my mind goes to using them in my studio to hold supplies! But that's just me :)

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    1. I am beginning to really love thrifting too. I hadn't thought of the pitcher to hold supplies, but now I can see it holding some taller things! Interesting.

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  12. A fresh new color of paint on that little spice rack might give it an updated look. Very nice finds!

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    1. I'm debating that. Trouble is, I'm a bit lazy! ;)

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  13. Those goblets kind of took my breath away - such history behind them as well. And your daughters shawl, so pretty and colorful (cracked up at the busy social life at 7).
    You sound like me, I will go to the thrift store even though I don't need anything. For whatever reason (thrill of the hunt, maybe?) I can't stay away. Thank goodness it's an affordable hobby. My boyfriend usually laughs at the stuff I bring home and then tries to tell me with a straight face that he likes it. Which was the scenario today when I came home with 2 vintage paintings - outbursts of laughter followed by "I like them, baby". Lol, good because they're staying. :)

    Enjoy your finds, they're all wonderful!

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    1. I like to think about who made the goblets. I love the fact that she was an artist and a mom trying to make everything work together. Thrifting is certainly an affordable hobby compared to many, and more fun I would say! I like that your boyfriend laughs, but still accepts that the stuff is staying. Good man. My husband knows not to argue. I hope to see your paintings!

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  14. Your daughter had a great score day! Its good to get them thrifting early. I like the spice cabinet too, I'd probably grab some of my vintage spice canisters, put beads in them and use it in my craft room. I might paint it up crazy first though.

    And I'd love to see the pitcher paired with some yellow and red flowers. Even some nice heavy lilac....Although wine is a wonderful solution too. Have fun!

    ~Trudy http://thriftscore42.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Trudy, All great ideas! Thanks for sharing. Joann

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  15. What great finds, you and your daughter really scored. I really like the spice rack, didn't realize it was large enough to be a medicine cabinet. Makes it even better and can't wait to see it in your bathroom. I too love your goblets and the pitcher together. A little wine or even mixed drinks on the patio this summer! : ) This is the real idea of frugal treasures. Thanks so much for linking up to my Frugal Treasures Tuesday party. Wanted you to know you will be featured as the link with the most clicks for last weeks party! Hope you make it back to share again next week.

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    1. You are right about the cabinet. It is on the smaller side. I forget that when I look at the photo. It would have to hold smaller toiletries or medicine bottles. I like the sound of mixed drinks on the patio this summer! I am very excited that you are featuring me! Thanks so much! Joann

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