Collections Show and Tell

I have a lot of "collections", but one of my favorites

I keep all together on my studio shelf.

And now that I think of it, my chipmunk and squirrel collection

probably has been around the longest of anything that I collect.

Today I'm joining Suzanne over at Privet and Holly

for her Collections Show and Tell Party this week.

These little cuties usually spend their time here on the shelf,

but come Fall, they scamper around the house

hiding in many of my Fall vignettes.

It's about time to start dusting them off and watching them find

a temporary new spot.

This is one of my favorites, a new paper mache box,

that my daughter bought for me several years ago.

Some of the stuffed variety...

A birthday card from a few years ago,

Salt and pepper shakers,

creeping (not creepy) chipmunk planter from Japan,

Most of the figurines are vintage Lefton.

love the detail...

a Japanese Majolica planter,

These two on my front porch started it all.

A very old chalkware bank,

and a silver art deco/modern piece from my older daughter.

Hey!... what's this?

Sorry it's blurry, I grabbed this photo quick.

We have an abundance of both squirrels and chipmunks.

I feed the birds so they enjoy the leftovers.

The kitties would love to "enjoy" them.

Hope you'll join Suzanne for the linky party starting Tuesday July 26.

see ya there!

and Marty for Table Top Tuesday

and Kristin for Tuesday Treasures

links on sidebar buttons

 

love,

Pottery Barn bedding peek...

Just wanted to share with you

my new pillow shams and duvet cover

from Pottery Barn that arrived this week.

The bedroom doesn't get a lot of light so it's hard to take photos here,

plus the rest of the room isn't blog-worthy at the moment;

hence the tight "bed only" shots.

The quilt is one my mother-in-law made for us about 20 years ago.

She has stopped quilting, but I have many of her lovely,

meticulously quilted pieces that I treasure.

I'm totally in love with this pattern, Camilla,

and think it really adds a luxe touch to the room.

As you can see, Miss Wrigley thinks I bought it for her.

She thinks the bed is hers and sleeps between us every night,

just like a spoiled kid.

I was happily surprised with the wonderful quality of his set.

The linen is heavy and true to color.

I'll get some more photos of the rest of the space soon,

I'm making some grain sack pillows today.

That's more fun than cleaning the bedroom!

love ya,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 47: My Potting Bench

I thought I'd better get this post out about my potting bench

before the snow started flying.

I had a lot of fun putting it together this Spring.

and guess what...

I've really been using it!

It's been great having a "garden central"

where I can keep all my garden tools, gloves, potting soil, etc.

Instead of searching all over the place for them.

Under the deck and sunroom is pretty dark and dreary.

I'd never really considered it as anything but unsightly

It's a place to stash pool chemicals, garden equipment,

and the occasional raccoon potty.

(you'll notice I won't be showing before photos)

(OK, this photo is a close as you get to having the feel of the "before")

euw.....

I've wanted a potting bench for forever...

but duh...

it never occurred to me to put something...

under here.

I'd been thinking about a base table or bench,

and had actually tried another smaller one,

but that just looked silly and not to be taken seriously.

But a while back when we attended

Pheona's Vintage Market Sale

ta da!!!!

there it was in all it's sturdy glory.

Just what I had been looking for.

I imagine it had been in someone's garage to use as a tool bench.

The top had been sanded down to the bare wood,

probably to get rid of all the paint can rings

(works for me!)

I wasted no time floofing it up with garden goodies;

old pots, a galvanized tub of my mil's, jars, seeds, and carriers.

I'd love to have a separate potting shed,

but in this neighborhood you have to get permission

from 50 committee members,

then...

you actually have to build one...hmmm...

So, I'll just set here in my chippy Adirondack chair with a garden magazine

and drink my lemonade in the shade...

and try to avoid the raccoons!

Now for some fun from last week.

These are just a few,

I wish I could feature all of you!

Laura from B &B's Nest

takes us shopping where she finds this adorable mini hutch.

My good friend and super-talent,  Dore, from Burlap Luxe

shares her home "that speaks French".

If you've not met Dore,

please go visit, her blog is full of wonderful French inspiration!

Lezlee, from Prior came up with an "out of the box(springs)" idea for a window treatment.

Go check it out!

and Laurie from Heaven's Walk

creates a wonderful chalkboard, with a perfect message!

If you've been featured here at VIF,

please grab the "featured on" button for your sidebar.

(thanks for spreading the party love)

Here's where I'll be partying this weekend:

Hope you'll join in on Vintage Inspiration Friday

"anything vintage or vintage inspired"

pretty please link back to the party with a link in your post

or directions to a button on your sidebar.

Thankyou!

Now. What's been inspiring YOU?

It's a Birthday Party!

Attention all you furry kids out there!

A superstar of the feline variety is having a special Birthday Celebration.

Baby Kitty

 our amazing "co-host" from

 Confessions of a Plate Addict

(click above to get party times and directions)

is turning the big 8 on Friday

and we're all gonna

Par-tay!

It's a little early for the party,

but the girls and I thought we'd send out a head's up invitation

to one of the biggest little parties in blogdom.

They're taking a break from their supervisory painting positions

to get spiffed up and send hugs and kisses

to the most handsome dude around.

Baby Kitty, himself!

Miss Jenkins...

and Miss Wrigley

are saying,

"Come on all you cool cats and pups,

let's get down with the fun!"

Be there, or be Square!!

See ya back here Thursday afternoon for

Vintage Inspiration Friday!