Buried Treasure

As a child, I was more inclined to be attracted to the new and shiny things in life.  My parents, however, used to drag my sister and me to local antique fairs, flea markets, and garage sales.  I absolutely hated it.  My mother collected depression glass, Redwing crocks, bells, collectables with my hometown’s name on it and anything else that caught her eye.  My dad enjoyed vintage and antique cars and just general browsing.  It wasn’t until a trip to the ladies’ room at The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin did a flutter of interest emerge.  The walls of the bathroom were lined with old glass blue bottles and backlit to show their beauty.  I was so entranced by the sight that it stuck with me.  From that moment on, whenever we went to a flea market or antique fair, I had a mission.  I probably collected almost two dozen old bottles in a variety colors and shapes.  Just thinking about it makes me regret the fact I donated them years ago.

Little did I know I would be spending hours participating in auctions, scanning Craig’s List and ebay, and walking the aisles of antique, consignment, and thrift shops to fill my new tea room with unique and much-needed furnishings.  My sister, who is an avid antiques collector, would text me photos of anything she thought I may want or need.  Before I knew it, I had tables, chairs, dishes, mirrors, coat racks and more!

One of my good friends gave me these beautiful dishes from a house flip and they matched a set I had already obtained from an auction!  How lucky was that?

One of my favorite antique and consignment shops had this cute pitcher and bowl.  The little green bird was just too cute to pass up.

I really liked the colors in this little tray.

This was one of the better thrift stores that carried a lot of dish ware.

I even found a set of dishes that looked exactly like my late mother’s!

This used to be $60 and I got it for $30!  What a bargain!

My parents had one of these paintings in our family room many years ago.  It really brought back memories.

I was lucky to find this little table at a Habitat for Humanity consignment center.

It doesn’t exactly fit the look of the tea room, but I got this cabinet for almost nothing.  A fresh coat of paint really made a difference and it works perfectly in the gift shop.

I wonder what I can find in here?

I love looking at the old teapots, cups and saucers!

Are you looking for the restroom?  Just look for the sign!  I bought this for about $8.00.

This old case features a mirror and will be perfect for when children come to the tea room.  It will be filled with beads, puzzles and a toy tea set.  It will be next to some fun hats to wear.

I was so surprised this little mirror wasn’t already snatched up!  It will look great on the gallery wall.

This this little desk came with a small chair and will be in the children’s area.

House renovations are almost complete so the real fun can begin!  I can’t wait to start setting up the tea room.  While things aren’t moving as quickly as I had hoped, it’s getting closer.  Keep watching for updates!