Yesterday was an errand day for Don and me: bank, drop off donations at Salvation Army, and shop for groceries as there seemed to be nothing left in our larder. Routine stuff that is always more fun if we do it together, especially grocery shopping, something neither of us like to do.
On the way to the bank from the Salvation Army I saw an antique shop that I have been meaning to explore for years. It’s on a busy street and I’m usually driving past this establishment on my way to our mechanic or the aforementioned Salvation Army or some other errand. This time, I suggested we stop and explore.
Oh my goodness! It’s in an old house. There are two floors packed with everything under the sun. I mean, it’s so filled with all things vintage and antique that there was absolutely no way I could take it all in. Display cases filled with little treasures, prints, framed art, furniture, pottery, smalls of all kinds…I went nuts in there. It’s been there for four years and this was the first time I’d ever stopped in. I can’t believe what I was missing. Don went crazy too. Apparently, the owner is an elderly man who is a Collector with a capital C and he decided to start selling some of his stuff and oh my goodness, aren’t we lucky?
We were on a parking meter, so we kept watching the time. Today we’re going to go back and park somewhere without a meter so we can really take our time. This is now my favorite shop. I’m afraid it may have spoiled me for any others.
I did come home with two little finds. You know I have a modest collection of miniature pottery, which was sparked by a fellow blogger’s collection of Shawnee miniature pottery that I fell in love with. Some of the pieces you see in my shadow box shelf are Shawnee, some are not. Every time I go into an antique shop I have my eye out for some Shawnee. I’ve never found any. Until now.
Amidst the masses of tiny little treasures in several display cabinets, I saw this. It sure looked like Shawnee to me but I asked to see it and, sure enough, it was. Isn’t it thrilling when your eye lands on something sort of hidden away, as if it was guided there, and you want to shout out but you don’t, because you have to ask to unlock the cabinet first, and then you must look at it closely to make sure? And then you discover it is indeed what you were hoping it was?
I know you understand.
I also spotted this charming and very old little framed flower print. It’s small in size. Can you tell I like small things? I love the frame and the flowers and the wooden backing that is oh so carefully nailed into the frame. It’s hanging on the wall right next to my desk. I love it.
A very affordable little haul. A new shop I couldn’t stop thinking about yesterday. And today, it seems.
I’ll try to take some pictures next time I go. It’s crammed with treasures, all of them fascinating. I could spend hours in there.
Happy Saturday.
I adore the print above your little shelf. Collies and lambs…two of my favorite things. Have fun in your new little shop. They are treasures to find.
I love that print, too, Deb. I got it from a fellow blogger’s shop.
Oh what a pretty floral print. The flowers look like carnations and in red. Two of my favorites. I too tend to gravitate to small prints because they are more versatile to display. Love the Shawnee pottery it’s so precious.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful treasures,
Vanessa
My pleasure, Vanessa!
What a great place. It is always so exciting to go in and find so many treasures. I love what you got, especially the flower picture and the piece of pottery. Oh wait, that’s all there was. Can’t wait to see what you find today. Have fun. xo Layra
I will, Laura. I know you’d love this place!
How fun! And…you are going back! Super fun!! I think it’s all in the thrill of the hunt…great little pitcher. What will you find today? Take pics…we love pics! ;)
I will – probably with my iPhone, but what the heck!
A little jewel of a store, as my mother would say. And one of Life’s Most Fun Moments. You set foot inside, take one look around and in seconds, you know there are HOURS of exploring fun ahead! Hope you get back there soon…
I love that feeling. We’re going back this afternoon – such a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon, Janet.
I love shops like that! Just so much fun to shop in!! Hidden treasures everywhere. Love the print, so you. Of course I love your miniatures collection and finding a PINK Shawnee vase….fantastic!!! Can’t wait to hear about your second visit!
hugs,
Linda
I wonder if there’s another Shawnee miniature hidden in those cabinets?
Oh, what fun! And a return trip today… maybe one day while Don is away working, if you tire of working around the house, or if cabin (or cottage) fever sets in, you could go and wander a bit more! A certain prescription for a fun time!
Is the owner on site? Is he an interesting man who has stories about the treasures he has accumulated? That always makes it so interesting!! Have a wonderful time and can’t wait to see what else you find!
No, the owner is 78. He has a shop manager who is very knowledgeable and has a great eye. Apparently he has a barn full of stuff he’s collected.
I just love little shops like that.
The pottery piece is so sweet. Love the color. I know you must have been thrilled. The flower artwork is old and reminds me of something I’d see in my Granny Jo’s house!
Have fun when you go back there.
Pat
I love old flower prints, I’m drawn to them, Pat.
How exciting, Claudia! I am just now (after living in the mountains for 10 years) beginning to miss my city shop favorites. Florists, antique shops, BAKERIES, restaurants, and on and on. I think I need a city trip. :)
Enjoy discovering this wonderful shop in greater detail!
xo,
Lin
You probably need a trip to the city every once in a while, just for the contrast alone. It will be stimulating and fun and then you’ll be ready to go back to your lovely home in the mountains, where your heart is.
I love shops like that..Please take us back and take lots of pictures…
I took some pictures, I’ll have to see how they came out.
Enjoy yourself, Claudia! The little painting would have caught my eye; I wonder what the story is behind it.
-Karen
Me too, Karen. It’s always a mystery.
Hi Claudia,
Are you willing to share the name and/or location of the shop? It sounds divine.
-Arlene
It’s in New Paltz NY – and it’s called Horsefeathers.
Thank you Claudia. Now I have yet another reason to head for the Hudson Valley!
It seems like a shop to love. And, I do love your finds!
It’s charming – mostly full of smaller items, a few pieces of furniture, of course, but all sorts of fascinating smaller pieces.
Sounds like the kind of place I would LOVE! What sweet finds!
I think you would like it very much!
Hi Claudia…I have changed to a new blog. Address is http://simplybalisha.blogspot.com/ I’ve had all kinds of problems this weekend…and this was the last resort. Hope you’ll visit soon.
balisha
Balisha, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had troubles with your blog. I’ll come on over and check out your new blog. The problems were unfixable?
What fun! I’m glad you found a new favorite Claudia. Be careful though, you’ll soon be needing a new cottage to fit everything in.
Blessings,
Betsy
That is my favorite kind of shop! Just from your description, I want to go there. Wish I lived closer to you! Can’t wait to see some pictures. I love miniature pottery like the pieces you have, but have never been able to find any. I also love miniature paintings; I have quite a few.
Claudia,
Your set of miniature pottery pieces are just precious. Love all the colors.
What pretty finds. The miniature pottery pieces are adorable. I love that soft pink one.
I am up in Northerner Minnesota than where I live. My cousin discovered just such a shop not to long ago. It is on our agenda while I am here to go exploring. I can not tell you how excited this makes me. I love the possibilities that lay ahead in unexplored territory.
Makes me sound like a a great world explorer, and maybe in my world I am.
As you are in yours.
I adore that print, Claudia! And how wonderful that you found a piece of the pottery you collect. I so enjoy discovering new shops like that. Wishing you happy times ahead as you investigate it further! I’m sure we’ll be seeing more “finds” in your blog after some of your trips there. (And the elderly gentleman sounds like he might be a fascinating fellow… I hope you get to know him.) Hoping you’re not too buried in snow and ice. Wishing you a lovely weekend. x