Recent Finds: Wardian Case, Camel Back Sofa, and Stool

Posted on | October 18, 2010 | 28 Comments

I had a major score moment this weekend! I found a glass terrarium (Wardian case) with a stand at Grace Sales in Marblehead for $85. I’ve spotted them at fleamarkets before but they were usually rusted, had broken glass or newer versions that used plastic rather then glass for the walls. When I was in Brimfield this spring with the design*sponge team we saw a few but they were really pricey ranging from $500-$800, yikes!

Below a photo of the terrarium showing how the top open ups. Update: I filled the case with beautiful ferns and mosses. See here: An Antique Terrarium For My House.

Below a camel back sofa my mom gifted to me. The sofa is for our first floor living room which we haven’t even starting renovating. She’s renovating her house and needed to get rid of it. I’m thinking of reupholstering it in a ticking stripe (my inspiration photo here) or maybe a simple menswear plaid wool?

At the very bottom a stool I also picked up at Grace Sales over the weekend too. I don’t know what I am really going to do with it but I liked the lines and it was a great shape for the price. For now it will probably become a little side table.

Grace Sales Co.
185 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA
781.631.0046

Category: furniture, vintage finds

New Find! Blanket Chest

Posted on | October 7, 2010 | 15 Comments

I really haven’t bought any furniture since we bought the house. I’m trying to keep the rooms clear so it’s easier to renovate. But when I do find pieces that I like and can afford I’m starting to pick them up. I spotted this piece at my friend Katherine’s letterpress studio in Marblehead. The box came from her mom who is an amazing collector—you would die with envy if you saw all the amazing antiques Katherine has in her house.

Katherine’s mom says it’s a Blanket Chest. The small box inside the chest is where the deed was kept. We found some writing inscribed on an inside panel. I’m not quite sure what it actually says but it was so cool to find. Maybe a love note?

I’m not sure where I’ll put the piece but it would be great as an extra table in my living room or at the end of my bed. Now I finally have storage for my wool blanket obsession.

New Finds: Table, Marble Bowl, and Oil Painting
New Find! Vintage Steele Canvas Basket
Antique Seth Thomas Mantel Clock

Category: furniture, vintage finds

Brimfield 2010

Posted on | May 13, 2010 | 26 Comments

I’m back from Brimfield, tired, not broke and a little sunburned. Overall feel? Eh, I didn’t find anything amazing that I needed. Well expect for an old watering can, kinda lame but it’s perfect. Maybe I’ve gotten picker? I did check out a lot of tilt top candlestick tables, chairs and beds. But honestly I thought everything was too pricey and nothing was really outstanding. I am looking for more and better examples of early american furniture in beautiful cherry or maple wood.

I had a lot of fun looking. I met up with the ladies of design*sponge. Check out a cute photo of Amy Merrick, Amy Azzarito and Grace Bonney below. And I bumped into fellow boston twitter friend and blogger Julieann of CreateGirl. Having some girltime was the best part.

I think auctions might be a better bet for me. Leave me a comment if you know of any good ones coming up in New England.

p.s. see a photo of me and the girls over at d*s including some of Grace and Amy’s finds.

Category: massachusetts, vintage finds

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