Country Treasures…

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share some “new” old things I found over at my parent’s house.

These sifters are really old and I fell in love with the blue color, which I am adding here for spring.

I can imagine my grandmother using these little pans for something yummy…

This tin is one of my favorite things! I love the tropical scene…

Enamelware is such a classic.

I also love this old colander that belonged to my grandmother.

Thought I should have a lantern too.

There are several of these vintage baskets here, so I borrowed this one.

I used all these things to change up the corner cabinet my husband built for me from reclaimed wood. Not finished–it still needs doors:-) I am still “channeling” a country store feel as my grandfather owned one here. A lot of these things came from there.

On the top shelf I have my vintage “I Love Lucy” coffeepot, a vintage coffee can and my mom’s enamelware coffee pot.

I added this vintage needlepoint, my castor cruet set, and some aluminum trays my dad made in the 1950s. The books belonged to my grandfather, and the photo is of my dad and great grandmother.

I brought in a 100-year-old quilt and some vintage linens to soften all the hard edges. I included my grandmother’s old iron, her sewing box, some Watkins liniment, and some empty silver frames to update the vintage overload a little bit!

My mom’s home-canned veggie soup and spaghetti sauce. She grows all the veggies here then makes everything from scratch.

The basket is on the bottom with some stone crockery.

I am enjoying changing things out seasonally, although I will be glad to get doors on here! What I really love is that these things are all from my family and not mass-produced at a factory in China.

I have been thinking a lot about really focusing here at Far Above Rubies on what I am passionate about in my home and that is reusing, repurposing, recycling and living a truly ‘green’ lifestyle. I have found that my dad is an expert in this way because it’s how he grew up, so I’m hoping to share some more of his ideas for using things we already have in the best way possible.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Anita

I’ll be joining:

Home Sweet Home

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Nifty, Thrifty Tuesday

34 Comments

  1. xinex
    March 8, 2012 / 8:31 pm

    Those are precious treasures, Anita. Love all the patina of the vintage items.How lucky of you to have possessions of them….Christine

  2. Lavender and Linen
    March 8, 2012 / 8:54 pm

    I love all your vintage things and how you use them. We have many vintage items that belonged to my husband's family. I'm trying to add them in my decor a little at a time.

  3. chateau chic
    March 8, 2012 / 9:44 pm

    It's so great to have things passed down through the generations of a family. I'm sure your grandparents would be delighted that you value these things from their home. That sifter with the blue stripes is a favorite!
    Mary Alice

  4. Tablescapes By Diane
    March 8, 2012 / 10:09 pm

    Hi lovely lady.
    Your Treasures are Beautiful"" and also the way you have put them all together!!SWEET.
    I hope you have a wonderful week with your family. It's been a long time hope you can come see me.
    XXOO Diane

  5. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    March 8, 2012 / 10:31 pm

    Wonderful treasures Anita! I love how you displayed them. Very inspirational!

  6. Anonymous
    March 8, 2012 / 11:38 pm

    You have so many terrific new old treasures. When I see them I sometimes get a little envious, then I realize how great it is that you have them! I'm just so very excited for you. I just love looking at all your goodies.

  7. Carlene @ Organized Clutter
    March 8, 2012 / 11:47 pm

    Love love love all your accessories!

  8. Entertaining Women
    March 9, 2012 / 12:09 am

    I love the authenticity of your treasures and vignette. I can hardly wait for those doors to be attached! Cherry Kay

  9. Pamela Gordon
    March 9, 2012 / 1:12 am

    Anita, you have some wonderful old treasures in your cabinet. I love displays like this. Pamela

  10. Ann@A Sentimental Life
    March 9, 2012 / 1:47 am

    Great family finds, they are the best because as you pass by and look at them..you think of your ancestor whom they belonged to. Wonderfully displayed.

  11. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
    March 9, 2012 / 2:10 am

    It must be fun to "shop" at your parents house, Anita. It's even nicer that you are finding pieces that have a history in your family.

  12. Anonymous
    March 9, 2012 / 2:35 am

    Oh, I love all your olden goodies. This is a really awesome display.

  13. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
    March 9, 2012 / 2:47 am

    Anita your so lucky to have all those treasures from your grandmother! That cabinet your hubby built is beautiful!

  14. The Decorative Dreamer
    March 9, 2012 / 3:38 am

    Oh, how pretty! It really does remind me of an old country store too. You made such wonderful vignettes with your families old and new pieces, that is so special. I know you would like to get them on but honestly, I don't think I'd want to cover this up with doors. It's very pretty and accessible just as it is! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

  15. Creations By Cindy
    March 9, 2012 / 4:05 am

    Oh I love the sifters and colander! Love oldstuff like that especially when it belonged to family. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

  16. Emelia DiCarlo
    March 9, 2012 / 4:17 am

    Oh Anita, I love everything. My daughter and I watch I Love Lucy in wee AM during breakfast before she heads to school. I often think of you…!Wish we lived closer and I could share my similar items. Treasure is a good word. I am so happy you live near your parents and they are so much part of your life. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing your special things and stories with us. 🙂

  17. Ann
    March 9, 2012 / 4:31 am

    You have some fantastic old treasures. Your vignettes are so special and interesting. I've been decorating with family vintage items and antiques for the last 40 years, as I'm a firm believer in living "green." Love what you're doing and I'm now following so I can follow your future green tips.

  18. rjerdee
    March 9, 2012 / 7:10 am

    So many lovely old things here, Anita. And such lovely vignettes you've created with them. I recognize the little tins like the ones we used for chicken pot pies 🙂

  19. Marigene
    March 9, 2012 / 3:46 pm

    What nice family treasures you have created vignettes with…that colander is my favorite! The added touches of aqua are very striking.

  20. Barbara F.
    March 9, 2012 / 4:24 pm

    Hi Anita,I am slowly making the rounds of blogs. I love all your family treasures,and they are really treasures. xo

  21. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    March 9, 2012 / 7:36 pm

    Anita, I just love my visits here! You always have the most amazing family treasures!! I can just feel the love in your home!! You have done an amazing job in making your house a well-loved home!!

  22. RuthSMac.
    March 9, 2012 / 8:17 pm

    Your treasures are gorgeous! so many lovely things filling with love. Thanks for the sharing.

  23. Angie
    March 9, 2012 / 8:26 pm

    New follower popping over from Feathered Nest Friday! I love your vintage finds! Hope you will return the visit~Angie

  24. County Line Road
    March 9, 2012 / 10:20 pm

    Just hopped over from At the Picket Fence and I must say it felt like home. Love your photos and vignettes.

  25. Joanne Kennedy
    March 10, 2012 / 2:24 am

    How wonderful you get to have all those great things from your grandma. I would treasure them forever. I don't have anything from my grandma. She died when I was younger and wasn't into these type of things yet. Sadly no one in my family was either. Wish I could go back in time.

    Oh canned veggie soup! I want to can that 🙂 Would you mind getting your mom's recipe for me? I would love a tried and true good soup recipe.

    Thanks!
    Joanne

  26. At The Picket Fence
    March 10, 2012 / 2:48 am

    What amazing treasures Anita! Any chance I can pop over to your parent's house too? LOL! Thanks so much for sharing them with us at Inspiration Friday!
    Vanessa

  27. shannon i olson
    March 10, 2012 / 5:53 pm

    what gorgeous vintage items you have!! lovely displays

  28. Mimi
    March 10, 2012 / 7:02 pm

    Love the patina on the coffee can. Have a wonderful weekend!

  29. Bellenza Wedding Bistro
    March 11, 2012 / 2:30 pm

    Such treasures you have! And so beautifully displayed!

  30. Something Special
    March 11, 2012 / 4:52 pm

    Oh, I love your style and the name of your blog. I have become a follower of yours here and over at Pinterest. I will be pinning lots from you!

  31. Pam Kessler
    March 13, 2012 / 9:00 pm

    You have such fun stuff in the cabinet. Love the flour sifters!

  32. The Charm of Home
    March 14, 2012 / 1:59 pm

    Love your collection here Anita! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  33. Unknown
    March 17, 2012 / 10:35 pm

    I love every single thing in your corner shelf. I would not put doors on the corner shelf if it were me, looks fantastic the way it is. You have many great items to cherish.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Michele

  34. Anonymous
    March 20, 2012 / 4:45 pm

    I love reading your blog. Sometimes I think my patient husband is probably sick of seeing things that belonged to my family for the last 100 years! THEN I come and read your postings and you validate me :^)
    Thank you for a lovely visit!
    J
    (the Texas musician/minister)