I was at an auction on Monday night, hoping to get some little treasures I’d seen in the preview. I did get a couple of the things I wanted, but the others? Well, the auction was packed and therefore the bids multiplied and soon they were out of my price range. I’ve learned a lot about auctions from observing my friend Heidi in action. So I went in with a list of things I was interested in, set a price limit for each one, and then stuck to it. Oh, it was hard to lose out – so hard – but I’m proud that I stuck to my guns. (I’m slowly accumulating some treasures because I’m thinking very seriously of starting my own little Etsy shop. Maybe. In the future.)
I’ve been fortunate to get some great deals at auction in the past. One of them was this framed print:
which hangs above the sofa in the den.
I fell in love with this print for two reasons. As you already know, I love flower paintings. But the frame – oh, the frame. When I saw that scalloped edge with a hint of green, the obsession to own this took hold. We sat through a long night (this auctioneer was very slow) and it almost didn’t come up for auction. I think it was around midnight and the auctioneer was starting to wind up the evening when I realized he might not get to it. So I shouted out that I wanted to bid on it. I was the only bidder and got it for $15.00. Take a look at the frame:
Isn’t it beautiful? It’s quite heavy, by the way. Do you see the touch of green on the edge of the frame? I love it. And I have the perfect view of it from my blogging chair. As happens so many times in my life, I realized it went perfectly with another piece I already had.
We found this little vintage shelf several years ago. I’ve never seen another like it. The finish on the wood is the exact same shade as the finish on the frame. Meant to be.
I’ve been crafting a bit. Here’s a little work in progress:
I found a paper cone at Michael’s and thought I’d play a bit. So I covered it with some sheet music and then added some vintage crochet. Then some vintage seam binding at the top and a millinery flower (yet to be attached.) I’m not done yet, but what do you think of it so far?
I’m off to Heidi’s shop today to help with Christmas decorating. I missed her decorating party on Monday night, so I’m going to do whatever a girl with an achy back can to help out. Have a great day.
That painting is so YOU! Ohhhh, Michael’s has cones?!? I need to go over there today, LOL, another PROJECT but I LOVE tussie mussies and wanted to make some as Christmas gifts!
xxoo
Love the frame and how wonderful that it matches the shelf. I have a thing for small shelves and frames too. I have never seen either one of those pieces anywhere before. Great find!
Your treasures are amazing…I so adore the picture…happy decorating my friend. xoxo
Oh! I love that frame and the shelf too. So cottagey cute! I think that all your pretty cone needs is something in it, though I might add a pretty button or two.
WHAT A GREAT IDEA ABOUT YOUR ETSY SHOP.
YOU HAVE SOME NICE ANTIQUES. YOUR SHELF IS ADORABLE, NEVER SAW A SCALLOPED FRAME LIKE THAT, VERY NICE.
RIZZI
Your new picture is lovely, and I too love the frame. And for $15 that is a real bargain!
What an interesting shelf as well. I wonder how old it is?
Your cone is coming along beautifully, I really love the seam binding you put up around the edge.
Hugs,
Terri
Hope you had fun at Heidi’s. And you are right… they are a perfect match in color. You got lucky.
Di
Love the cone. Love the frame too. The edges on that frame are wonderful. I keep telling myself I’m going to make some of these cones. Sometimes called tussie-mussies. I’m getting my craft hat back on lately. So maybe I’ll churn one out soon. Yours is just so cute, Claudia!
Brenda
Congrats on the picture, it’s perfect. And it proves it pays to speak up! My son waved hello to me at an auction once, and unwittingly won a bid (:
Oh I love that painting – SCORE!! I was just saying today that I’ve never been to an auction – it’s something I NEED to do!
Love how your cone looks – so very vintage!!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Leann
Fun frame and print, Claudia! I’ve never been very good at auctions as I tend to bid on things that others want and end up wanting to win and go up through the roof! So I’m not sure I get bargains. I do, however, find them on eBay.
Love the colors of the frame and that cute shelf, and oh, what cuteness you have in that shelf! Claudia! I love all the Humpty Dumpties and things. SO cute!
Okay, that last sentence should give you nightmares with all of the exclamation marks. So I will stop now before I kill again. LOL!
XO,
Sheila :-)
I can see why you feel in love with the painting. It is lovely and the frame is beautiful. The cone looks great but I’m sure you will continue to embellish it. Love your blog.
Hi Girlfriend,
Wow, I just finished catching up on your blog……..oooooooooohweeeee you got a sweet soundin’ husband. I can definately see why your ole heart goes pitter patter……lucky girl, and he’s handsome, too! I love, love, love that painting you picked up, and the frame is awesome. I would have bought it just for that. I hope your back starts feeling better soon. Take care.
Stop by and see my new blog look.
Hugs,
Meri
I love your charming old print…and your cone project is lovely!
That frame is just beautiful, I have a thing for scalloped edges too, and ruffled edges……love them! Know what you mean about auctions…I wanted a doll but last time I looked the bidding was over three hundred, yikes!
Your cone looks wonderful, I love the way you put the lace over the sheet music……have decorating!!!
Might have to pull out a few things this weekend, that might help inspire me!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
I’ve only been to one auction and I was terrified to scratch my head for fear I’d be buying something. :-) However, I did have that little fling with eBay.
Love that frame…. I’d have had to have it too… I ADORE scallops. And, the painting looks just like something I’d imagine you’d pick out.
Huggies,
Spencer
Hi Claudia, I have never been to a live auction, but judging from my ebay experiences I don’t think I should try. I get competitive, and then the stress gets to me. I’ll stick to the antique stores! Your picture frame is so pretty–I can see why you wanted it. Linda
What an awesome frame on your print. I don’t do well at auctions, as the things I normally want go way out of my price range. Love your cone!! I’m still dreaming of an Etsy shop, but stay too busy to get it going. Can’t wait until you open one. ♥
Gorgeous frame and print….love the tussie mussie you are working on…and your friend the antique lady….Oh my!! Love her place!!
Please say a big “Hello” to Heidi for me!
Claudia, I love your floral art and the frame is perfect for it. I would have probably wrestled you to the ground for it so luckily I was not there..lol!
I love your cone. So dainty and pretty. Oh! I almost forgot, I would love a good close up of your little figurines on that sweet shelf!
Have a fun day you little cutie!
Deanna :D
Claudia,
It’s just lovely! Isn’t it funny how that works out sometimes…finding an item that seems to “go” with another favorite that you already have?
I love your cone too, I’ve been making some of those also, maybe to sell in my Etsy.
Thanks for your visit, it means a lot to me!
Gail
I’ve never seen a frame like that before. It is SO sweet. I love that it goes with your shelf. I have a knick knack shelf that was my parent’s. It’s dark stained wood, which I’ve never cared for, but I love the detail on it. Maybe, one day, I’ll get brave enough to paint it.
I love the Picture and the Frame! and Your cones are very pretty. I hope you open and etsy shop!1
Sherry
The midnight auction buy was worth the wait. The picture is from the 40’s maybe? It is perfect for that spot. ♥O
Hello Claudia, Love the print. Isn’t it nice how things you get at different times just seem to go together! You are right…Meant to be.
Your music cone is really pretty. I made some once with doilies dipped in starch and wrapped around a cone to dry. I guess they went to the Good Will when we moved. sigh. I think of something I miss about once a week!
OH! I just went down and listened to Your hubby’s singing I Believe in You. I t was beautiful. Seriously.
I have been in Tulsa for the past week so I’m catching up on my bloggy friends tonight.
I love the cone, what a great idea.
Miss you,
Mere
you did well claudia! auctions stress me out, so i don’t go often….well, almost not at all. lol. i love that frame too. i’m with you!!! you couldn’t reproduce that patina if you tried. it is gorgeous!!!!!
good luck with the tussie. i’ve tried to make those, and i have no idea what i’m doing….yours is so pretty.
take care
sue