The Magic of Paperwhites

A few years ago I discovered the beauty and magic of paperwhites. To me they epitomize the grace, tranquility, and delicacy, that says "Christmas".

Three years ago I started gathering vintage sugar bowls and creamers, pots and kitchen bowls, humble mismatched cups and vases; containers of every kind. I planted paperwhites and sold them at the store and gave them away to family and friends. I enjoyed it so much, they were great gifts, so this year I did the same.

These next two photos are of last year in my space at Leola's.

Milk glass and pottery and ironstone cups.

An old bread pan with checked ribbon, a little more primitive.

I think I had around thirty containers full.

This year I planted twelve bulbs in a green

transferware vegetable bowl for the Dining Room.

Christmas coffee mugs with a paperwhite bulb

I had four of these matching mugs,

 they went as small gifts.

I tied them with plaid ribbon

 and attached a "mitten" ornament and tag.

Old Staffordshire blue transferware soup tureen,

 missing it's lid, found for just a few dollars.

A little over a week ago...

And today.

Shabby china sugar bowl.

And old McCoy cream planter in the kitchen.

Paperwhite Narcissus are really easy to grow. Just find a container that doesn't drain, because they need to stay moist at all time. Place some pea gravel in the bottom, with about 2 inches of potting soil mix, then nestle the bulb, root down in the soil. Water and keep in a bright spot. You will be amazed at how fast they grow. Paperwhites bulbs don't keep well, so I just discard them after bloom time. Buy several bulbs and plant at alternating times. You can have them all winter long!

Are you finished with all your shopping?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Debra

Meet an Old Friend

I have an old friend that lives in my family room,

He's a quiet unassuming little fellow.

My parents bought him for me when I was just a baby,

as he had been gifted to others years and years before.

I brought him up to the Dining Room where the light is better. I'm so glad my parents didn't repaint him or change him. He was given to me again back in the early 80's. I didn't remember him, but he had been kept safe in the loft of my Dad's garage workshop. I'm so glad that we were reunited all those years ago. He has been a joy to have, and each time I see him I think who might have climbed upon his little sturdy body and ridden off into the world of their imagination.

May you remember lovely images

of your childhood Christmases,

 Debra

What I Rescued Last Week, Monday

Yes, I know, I am the Queen of Smalls. That seems to be pretty much what I found last week. When you have a small booth then it just makes sense to concentrate on smaller items. Believe me, I love big furniture and have had my share of selling it, but since my last heart attack scare last January, I have made a deal with my husband and myself, and that is "not to buy anything I cannot carry myself." (OK...maybe a few items, but nothing like before...old habits are hard to kick!)
I have some really great little tables, shelves, bookcases, etc. that I have in the garage, but I've been on the lookout for darker, "fallish" items, lately. Booth spaces are starting to show signs of fall colors, with leaves and pumpkins showing up, so I guess it's not too early to start the change in my space for fall decor.

Four great bird illustrations

Brown transferware soap dish

Stack of restaurant ironstone platters.

little drawers

Hat case with gorgeous blue lining.

Check out "A Heart in Provence" on my blog list. She has two wonderful

hat boxes in great condition.

The find of the day... Blue Staffordshire tureen bottom.
Can't you just see this filled with fall fruit and leaves,

and then at Christmas with paperwhites?

(this is a keeper)

And lest anyone think I am just shabby, pink, white, and chippy,

I do like some primitives.

Primitive shelf

Antlers in small garden urn.

Small yelloware crocks and bubble prints labeled

"Souvenirs from San Francisco".

paperweight with a courthouse view

English bisquit tin

This old popbottle crochet hot pad brought back memories.

small print of Mount Vernon

Orange Italian tray that screams FALL!

Very old tortoise shell

Hiding under all this is a great grain sack that I found

on the way home from St. Louis.

I have the update on my table re-do from last Monday.

It took some elbow grease, but it turned out really great and very functional.

I'll show you soon.

Hope you're off to a great week!

Debra