Patina White

pretty papers....

greetings! being the collector I am - I gather paper bits & pieces like nobody's business! sometimes I just find things that serve no other purpose than just sitting there and looking "pretty".  and here we have a tiny sampling of just such items...

a shirt tag {below} from years ago still has a place on my kitchen magnet board. I never tire of looking at the beautiful colors and graphics...

and here a bundle of store tags {below} that could serve multiple functions but I continue to hold onto them in all their faded vintage glory.  a very kind gift from a kindred spirit, jenny...I don't know how she parted with them...perhaps I should take a lesson on sharing from her! :)  but for now I am happy to admire their happy green cuteness! 

and who can get enough of birds and eggs? especially when it is in the form of a vintage litho {below}! ooohh...the colors and formats are such eye candy! nature's beauty at it's finest...very "pretty"!

while strolling thru a thrift shop the cover of this piano music {below} caught my eye! don't you just adore it?  I am always drawn to things with fun fonts!  and of course the graphics were a winner here too! those animals bring a "jingle" to my day!

and lastly for today's pretty papers...this old button card {below}! a dreamy palette & mother of pearl! it really can't get any prettier than that!

 

so, there ends my picture show of things that are sitting pretty! thanks for peeking & please join my tomorrow for another tour into a "corner of my world"! have a super day!

what's new magoo?

hello! i have to admit this sign {below} couldn't say it better...

and thank goodness for the last minute since it seems to be when I am in the highest gear!  as I get those "last minute" details worked thru for shady hollow tomorrow I thought I would give a quick like look at a few new goodies that I will be showcasing this sunday!  and here we go...

these sweet little sterling plated charms {below} are double sided thus allowing for two photos or perhaps a loved one and a cute snippet of paper?  anyway you shake it it looks cute with the sterling open heart and collage charm...just what a mommy should have don't you think?

I often gather wares that I can "enhance" a bit making them just a little extra special...this cast iron moon {below} is a perfect example...I collaged a favorite quote & put in the opening!  a match made in heaven...no pun intended!  

and here again...a necklace I sourced {below} that had a non-descript key to begin with...I worked a little patinaWHITE magic replacing it with an old cabinet key for a fun pairing of the old with the new!  that's what it's all about! and I'm not talking the hokey pokey here!  I'd like to think patinaWHITE style is making the ordinary EXTRAordinary!  

so if you happen to find yourself in the area of detroit lakes, minn...stop on in...say hi and see what this "magoo" has new for you!  have a great one and thanks for peeking!

a corner of my world {come & sit a spell}

hop on the bus!  it's wednesday which means I would love to share with you a "corner of my world"! and with that...welcome to our porch!  a perfect summertime place to hang out and enjoy mother nature at her finest!  

this locker unit {below} was a cast off rescue!  I drug it out of a heap of metal in ankle deep mud!  there was no way I was leaving without it!  send in the search & rescue if you like...I am a determined girl when I want to be! (if you ask my hubby I think he may say stubborn!)

and here we have a close up of my concrete sweetie {below}...bedeckled in a vintage tiara...a gem fit for this "queen"! the aqua pistols are part of the collection of garden junkyard art available at patinaWHITE! sorry folks...this little number is staying with me for now!

isn't it funny how things we love just "go" together even though they have no business mingling?  here is a delightful gathering of bleached old antlers...faded seashells and vintage fish net floats.  I am a firm believer in no rights or wrongs in decorating...just surround yourself with things you love + make you smile & amazingly they usually look fabulous!

a glance here {below} of the porch...

and again here {below} don't you just want to snuggle up and read a book or perhaps take a nap?! surrounded by vintage grain sacs, ticking & comfy blankets...I really can't think of anywhere I would rather be on a sunny day~

most folks don't want any rust on their cars...on this little guy though, it is just terrific!  in the passenger seat rests one of many plants you will find around our home!  beep beep...hold on & let's go cruisin'!

i am a HUGE fan of vintage cast iron urns.  you just don't see them available like you used to though! when I come across one I need to pick myself off the ground since I have likely passed out from the excitement!  and I do believe that is exactly what I did five years ago when I happened on this marvel at a flea market in southern minn.  pretty hard to negotiate with the dealer when you have a smile on my face like I did...they know they have ya at that point...your excitement has just given them the upper hand. 

and here again {below} is that heart stopping cast iron!  this was a find in florida...at the oronoco flea market many moons ago.  once apon a time I made a number of trips to florida to this market and found over the top wares!  this treasure was coming back with me no matter what...even if it meant buying it a seat on the airplane!  luckily it shipped home in one piece and now proudly showcases some beautiful blooms!

and to round out the tour today I thought I would end with this pair of vintage rockers {above}!  the colors couldn't have been more perfect and I love that it is a true worn paint but still very functional!  but don't ask about the trip home with one of them deciding to make the leap of faith out of the back of my truck...that's another story.  so titled "things you DON'T want to happen on junking journeys"  

if you're in my neighborhood won't you "come & sit a spell"?  have a great day!

simply irresistible

greetings all!  on sunday at the hollow I found {1} sole treasure on my quick brisk thru the vendors before opening patinaWHITE. nestled in a bin of odds 'n ends was the sweetest little box {below} in cheerful colors.  I plucked it out to discover the box had "irresistible" on it.  intrigued, I opened it open to discover a vial of perfume bearing that very name.  well, I did agree that is was and happily handed the friendly dealer his $1 asking price & called it a morning on the treasure hunting.  I sat the box by me at the cottage and admired it all day...

that little box inspired me to share with you a handful (I mean bucketful) of items that are "simply irresistible" to me. items that, no matter how many I have gathered, I continue to adopt & welcome to the always growing family.

#1. excuse me...do you know what time it is?  

I do...time to show my collected pocket watches & clock dials {below}!   I should never be short on time with these around!  

#2. now i know my ABC's.

i adore old these letters {below}.  and could never in two lifetimes possibly ever use them all!  who would want to?!  i am hard parted with them but have on occasion snuck them in a project or two.  the boxes are also another visual treat all in themselves!

#3.  there's a sparkle in my eye.

& it must the glint of all the rhinestones piled into this here cigar box {below}.  I often say I am like a magpie.  seeking out sparkly treasures to "feather my nest" with.  everyone sing out...shiny happy people...and bring on the glimmer!

#4.  you've got to have faith.

meaning + beauty.  i appreciate both qualities in vintage rosaries {below}.  which might explain the nearly {100} of them that have found their way into our home. they are so thoughtfully crafted which makes them dramatic in groupings.  

so there you have it...some things that brighten my world & are "simply irresistable"!  thanks for taking a peek and have a most wonderful day!

mailbox inspirations

hello!  I have to tell you that no one is happier to see the mailman when he brings me delightful catalogs & postcards!  one of my favorite things is flipping thru their pages and being enthralled by the graphic eye candy!  and this week just happened to be one of those that yielded yummy "mailbox inspirations"...just see for yourself! 

a fleur for your thoughts? {above}...

I would like to adopt this beautiful one of a kind masterpiece {below} created by ZoZo...the magic queen, indeed!

and here we have the front to a card catalog {below}...I haven't had time to flip thru the pages yet but judging by the cover I better do so when I have a few extra minutes!  a kaleidoscope of color & pattern!

and this cutie is gift tag by the wonderful ZoZo!  magical things are happening in this catalog!  wish I could carry them all!

and finally, always good for oohs & aahs, is the simply fantastic anthropologie! if you are able...stop by their store and bring your sleeping bag!  If you're like me you will never want to leave!  and if that doesn't work you can always get on the mailing list for a taste!  merchandising brilliance...over the top wares and an euphoric atmosphere make this a most memorable place to peruse!  their recent catalog featured some fab art with a woodcut look in updated colors. {below} beam me up scotty! this place is out of this world!

and there you have it!  a little visual delight from my mailbox to your screen!  one problem with these various ephemera treats is that I seldom (ok...NEVER) toss them away...rather I stockpile them in stacks & folders on every level of our home!  no one ever said creativeness needed to be tidy!  and thank goodness for that! thanks for stopping and make it a great day! 

a corner of my world {stairway to heaven}

hello friends!  it is that time again...time to hop on the tour bus that is meandering thru yet another "corner of my world"...a little place we love to call home.  the tour started at the heart of our home...continued to always kiss me goodnight... which brings us to today...stairway to heaven...or perhaps I should say a "heavenly stairway"!

just what makes a stairway "heavenly"?  well, won't you join me in finding out just that!?  

these boots were made for walk'n.  here we have here my beloved "old gringo" cowgirl boots.  I have oodles and oodles of boots but these three pair are hands down my favs!  old gringos are soft, supple and just of amazing quality!  not to mention a bit sassy!  giddy up cowgirl and let's go...

heading up the stairs is a little square window looking out to our front door.  much of the millwork in our home was vintage stock purchased from a small town lumberyard in nebraska. hunkered on the ledge is a gathering of rusty tractor implements turned candleholders...oh, yes, and a little jingle bell wreath I created!

here {below} we have a detail shot of the corner rosette.  I was lucky to score a set of (4) vintage curtain pin-backs in my trusty star icon. this seemed like a fitting place to showcase them.   love love love 'em...and the green accent makes me adore them even more!  

trekking up the stairs (you don't need a stair master after a few trips up and down these puppies!) there are two landings.  one houses a local auction score...a luggage scale!  oh my...blackish brown...a weathered dial and rusty hints here and there...this "stout" girl stands proud with a couple old, what-else, suitcases on her.  

and a bit closer {below}..how can't you love this "face"?

and as we reach the top of the "heavenly stairway" you will look back and see a, grand in size & appearance, italian chandelier.  like most chandis in our home it is embellished with a set of vintage beaded bulb covers.  we just had a dimmer installed on it and it makes for a cozy nightlight!  the LARGE old school map was spied by my hubby at an antique mall!  sometimes he surprises me with his keen eye for decorating! (though he would never admit to that)! the map fits perfect on the huge wall area and narrow ledge!  the colors were spot on too! good job hon!

and finally at the top of the stairs you will be greeted by a make shift display.  as our home is always a "work in progress"...or, as i like to say {W.I.P}...I have a vision for this spot.  but for now a weathered wood frame leans against the wall encasing a collage I created on a large canvas with vintage what nots. and I should mention I am a sucker for small chairs.  especially handy when you need a step stool in a pinch. just make sure it's a sturdy one! :)  

and there you have it!  you have climbed right to the top with me!  now I know that a staircase may not seem like a big deal...but there are whimsies in every corner and what good tour guide doesn't cover all the angles?  I hope you will join me each and every wednesday to visit another "corner of my world"! thanks for plugging along with me!  happy day to you!  beth

a little birdie told me

greetings!  it would seem that the birds have become very creative in their nesting locations! 

the other day at the "hollow" I noticed a mama robin swoop in & land on a tiny, non-descript window ledge on the backside of my cottage. then up popped three hungry mouths!  it was the closest look at nature I think one could be granted! imagine watching thru glass, within three feet, a bird feeding her young! here they are {below} nestled in waiting for more grub...or should I say A grub!

then imagine my surprise as I went to water one of my hanging porch plants this morning and saw this tucked between the leaves....a teeny tiny nest with four eggs!  now that is going to make for interesting watering the next couple weeks! I am sure she wasn't impressed with me, but...worry not...for as we speak, she is warming these little gems you'll see {below}.

you just have to admire those mamas for their determination and creativity!  they are ready to take on anyone who thinks they are gonna mess with their kids! a little birdie told me...to enjoy...but from a distance!  and that I will!   have a wonderful day...thanks for stopping by!  beth

gift = happy me

why hello everyone!  I had to share my happy gifts I "received". the only thing is is that I was both the recipient AND the giver!  who better to receive a gift from I thought...myself!

it's been awhile since I have found a garment that called to me...and yesterday I happened to find {2} plus a little bonus!  well...the first "gift" was the white "burnout" long sleeve tee with an inspiring quote and pretty print.  this was quite a find at a special little shoppe called LAKEGIRL which is a branch of PEGGARY- a wonderful "shoppe" of shady hollow. PEGGARY is actually my next door neighbor at shady hollow.  not only are PEG & her husband GARY two of the darn nicest folks you will meet, but peg's keen eye and merchandising magic have made her a favorite stop at the hollow for years!  

here's a full view of my fabulous "gifts"...

and a detail shot here...

as I scooted toward the door, a glimmer of sparkle caught my eye!  who could resist a tank top emblazoned with a dazzling chandelier!?  surely not I, which is why it became another "gift" to self!

so after those two wonderful gifts I decided that the gift wouldn't be complete without one more addition. so, I treated myself to a "dirty aqua" glam tee. featuring a bling'd crown & oh so true VINTAGE CHICK tagline.  and where did I pick up such a treasure?  well, this fun little place called patinaWHITE of course! these glam tees were a new addition to my summer line up and they have been wildly popular!  so much infact that I just got a small order to replenish missing sizes!  and as luck would have it one of those just happened to be mine!

there you have it...happy me!   if you are a vintage chick at heart and need a gift to give yourself...swing on into shady hollow this sunday!  we'll be waiting!  and I am sure that we can help in all your "gift giving" needs!  thanks for stopping and have a wonderful weekend!  beth

a corner of my world {always kiss me goodnight}

why hello all!  it is wednesday which means we are continuing the tour bus journey of a "corner of my world". in-case you missed the first stop on the tour...you can see it here to catch up!  so, hold on tight & enjoy!  today's stop is going to be our master bedroom...or shall we say {always kiss me goodnight}! 

these reclaimed doors lead into our "boudoir".  the sign...well let's just say I thought it was kind of silly!   

you will notice that most of the rooms of our home are a neutral palette of linen white with a brighter white trim.  far from sterile, it provides a grand canvas to which I warm up with textures in worn woods, faded blankets, ghostly aged mirrors & rusty metal accents. 

I created our headboard with a salvage "chippy white" architectural trim.  it seemed appropriate to fit into the patinaWHITE theme!   beds to me are an opportunity to pile on cozy linens.  just don't ask how long it takes each morning & night to make and unmake it!  at the foot of the bed is my all time favorite old european feather filled eiderdown.  it is a double size and so warm!  a must for minnesota winters and brisk summer eves! 

a close up below of the eiderdown...it's colors & paisley pattern are so dreamy. the throw under it adds layers of texture!

flanking the bed are mismatched his & her nightstands.  similar in composition but uniquely different they provide a quirky way to add a bit of whimsy to the room. 

{his}

and {hers}

 

this is my crown jewel of the ball!  my vintage italian beaded chandelier was an eBay find many moons ago.  I have adored it since day one and never tire of staring at it's glorious, clear {but not always clean} prisms!  I know I have a lot of "favorites" but if there was a fire & I was able - I would yank this girl right off the ceiling and run!  :)

and here we have my collection (yes, another) chippy, charming and oh so cute chalkware pups!  just call me old macdonald...this "farm" family rests high ontop of a cupboard!  EIEIO...

who doesn't love a good mani?  mannequin that is!  this gal holds a collection of necklaces that I throw on a moments notice.  her wings were a treasured find at the most fabulous silver bella.  a must see event if you find yourself in my home state of nebraska during the month of november! the wood mirror is yet another nebraska find...I hauled it home in a near blizzard hoping not to add seven years of bad luck!

and a bit closer to see some prized jewels...

and so ends the tour for yet another wednesday!  they come quick so I hope you will swing in next week for yet another jaunt thru a "corner of my world"!  have a wonderful day & always kiss your loved ones goodnight!  beth

come & flea with me...

summer has officially begun and I am back in the swing of things at my quaint little shoppe @ shady hollow.   I don't mind a bit spending most (make that all!) of my time on the weekends there~it's actually my home away from home.   shady hollow is a gathering of old friends and many new ones!  I look forward to bringing in new creations and the anxious folks who pop in weekly to see what's "new".

here is the cottage outside {below}...there are lots of goodies awaiting on the front patio!  my sweet husband laid the pavers for me last year.  I am tickled to have a level playing field now for my outdoor treasures!

take a deep breath in...can you smell 'em?  the intoxicating aroma of fresh lilacs...I am off to scent heaven!  they are happily arranged in a vintage canning jar "lifter" and decked out with a patinaWHITE specialty...metal tags cutout with "happy" words.  the message beans are stacked proudly next to them...I will be sharing more info on those little numbers later! fun stuff!

 

and speaking of tags...here are few nestled comfortably in their old wooden cash register change drawer. much of my signage is hand stamped by moi with collected sign maker sets.  I adore a jaunty and perfectly imperfect look!

this old cooler {below} looked so cheerful filled with "faux" flowering snowballs! the color was easy on the eyes too!  weathered rusty aqua = good...VERY good! one of those "wish I kept" pieces...but it found a good home with a discerning shopper!  enjoy, holly!

 

and here we have a vintage oar {below} featuring cool old pulleys I adorned with rusty metal stars.  you can't live in 10,000 lakes country and not have your trusty "LAKE" oar by ya!

now...won't you come on in (the front door) {below}?

and this is what will hit you smack in the face upon entering {below}!  my building is very small at around 14x16 total.  I squeeze whimsies & wares in EVERY nook & cranny.  make sure you look high, low, and twice in between.  bet you still see something different each time!  what I am here to do...is proudly spelled out in vintage flashcards...literally hanging from the rafters! INSPIRE!!!  don't you love the little hangers?  my customers sure do! 

who says being "weathered" isn't wonderful?  this old gal {below} looks simply fabulous with all her crackling beauty!  she was cast in a wonderful glow this sunny morning!

can I give you a helping hand?  vintage porcelain hand that is!  I use old glove forms {below} to showcase my offering of bracelets and other baubles.  

sparkle...shine...repeat!  these little necklaces {below} do just that while "hanging" out!

and speaking of necklaces!  just have a gander at the corner of my counter that is one heck of a jewelry treasure hunt!  I sell elements "a la carte" to create a one of kind necklaces in a cluster of creativity! come often and much to dig here...it's a fun place to be!  

unique cards {below} await for your special occasions.

I adore vintage fixtures to highlight my goods.  this is a well used former thread display...it now provides a small and tidy spot for cards that will bring a smile to your face!

and continuing on the topic of display pieces.  I had my friend terry assist in the creation of these fantastic shelving units {below} fabricated from old screen doors...farmhouse interior doors + old barnwood.  they have been "dolled" up by glam tees, sparkling necklace designs and "big bling" cadet caps!

I hope you have enjoyed this little peek inside my summer...sweet summer...home!  I work very hard at providing a unique selection of "less than serious" wares in many departments for your viewing pleasure! stop by if you are in my neighborhood and have a first hand "peek" of your own!  happy day!  beth