A couple of weeks ago I decided to check out one of our local antique malls. I really hadn’t been out scouting in several months. Having the bug I wanted to see what was available. Though I didn’t come home with any treasures I did see some things I had never seen before.

Walking by this table with all kinds of stuff, I saw the phonograph, the bottles in a crate, and the dolls in the small trunk. Something registered creepy and very good Halloween to me. The dolls kind of creeped me out and I kept walking. Then I did a double take. Registering the porcelain table and the grooves in it. No it couldn’t be! Is that an embalming table? Why yes, yes it is. And, it can be yours for the small sum of 1049.00. I have a daughter who absolutely loves halloween. She would get a kick out of this table. You know, everyone needs one!!!

What else will I find?

For starters I loved these 3 wicker bottles. A little dusty but otherwise in great condition. Did you know the best thing you can do for old wicker is give it a mist with water? Yup it softens it up and keeps it from becoming brittle. These have become quite popular this year and companies like Pottery Barn have their own version. But really wouldn’t you rather have the real deal?

These bronze sculptures were wonderful for the right place. Quite large they could be a great addition to the back yard. These were definitely investment pieces.

Each one is holding a fishing float which is unusual for land locked Nebraska. You definitely have to use your imagination and I would love to know their history. Also loved the ships throttle or whatever that thing is there on the floor. Interesting stuff.

This old billie club had a wonderful old patina. You could tell it had a lifetime of history wrapped around its handle. A bit of wax and this would be a great piece.

Then I became focused on stuff for Halloween. I know Halloween decor is the number one holiday next to Christmas and I decided to scout for that kind of stuff. Since working at the Assistance League Omaha Thrift Shop I have also come to realize it is one of the things that is most sent to thrift shops. If you’ve been reading FTLOO for any length of time you know that I am an advocate for repurposing and thrifting your decor. There was so much available to create anything from spooky porches to fun dining tables.

Cute paper mache’ pumpkin with handle. Great basket with lid. Loved it.

These cute little ghosts on top of the pumpkins were fun. Vintage maybe but not old. Also loved the pumpkin vending machine. Would love to know that story. Old machine with new paint maybe.

Fun ceramic tureens would be great on a dining table.

Loved this little high chair. The cain just sent me. The foot rest is broken but I wouldn’t even worry about that. Again a coat of wax would do wonders for the patina.

As I was leaving I saw these two clocks. The shelf clock has a reverse painted design which had some loss but the clock face was pretty as was the case and it was priced right. A great addition to a vignette or mantle. You can’t let imperfection bother you when you are an antique lover.

This case clock was lovely with a fabulous face. I wish I had been more mindful of the glare. Even though these clocks are currently out of fashion an antique can hold its own. This clock was a great example of something that could be displayed as an art piece and admired for its craftsmanship. So much more interesting on that awkward wall space than just a picture. Again I would love to know the history.

Antiques have a story. You may not know the story, but it is worth stopping, assessing, and taking the time to admire a piece of art and craftsmanship from another era. And, it is so worth bringing these treasures home to create a new story. The story of the find, the story of the placement the story of a new life that lives with a family who tells a story.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley