Tacky Pumpkins

Good morning.  I thought that I would share my very limited halloween decor.  We live in an apartment, but I think that this house number pumpkin would be great on a porch or doorstep.

This was the easiest project and is something that would be fun for the kids to do. 

When I found instructions they said to hammer nails in.  But I just pushed upholstery tacks in.

I thought that white pumpkins would be tough to find but that was not the case at all.

Happy Halloween!

Today I am going to make a white mini pumpkin wreath for our front door.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Have a great weekend!

Michele

The Love of Patina

"Patina ( /ˈpætɨnə/ or /pəˈtiːnə/) is a tarnish that forms on the surface of bronze and similar metals (produced by oxidation or other chemical processes); a sheen on wooden furniture produced by age, wear, and polishing; or any such acquired change of a surface through age and exposure. On metal, patina is a coating of various chemical compounds such as oxides or carbonates formed on the surface during exposure to the elements (weathering). Patina also refers to accumulated changes in surface texture and colour that result from normal use of an object such as a coin or a piece of furniture over." Wikipedia

I am focusing on the patina on metal for this post

 I particularly like the rust at the top contrasted with the white color at the bottom of this candlestick

The patina on the urn accentuates the detail 

I purchased this pitcher from a brother and sister team from France while at an antiques fair

Fred and Coco are wonderfully charming people 

It was still dark when I arrived at their stall.  I could barely see two galvanized pitchers.  

I said that I would like one and asked which of the two they preferred

Fred said that this one had an almost blue patina to it.  I chose it based upon that information

When I went back to pick it up, in the daylight, I was thrilled to see what he had chosen for me

I use this bucket as a waste basket in my bedroom.  One day I discarded some beads from New Orleans which my girls used to play with.  They got tangled around the handle accidentally.  I have left them there since.  I think I like that look.

 I love this old German watering can.  I think it is unique because of the braided or twisted piece of metal that holds the arm of the can in place

 There is nothing quite like the effect age has on us

Have a good one

Michele

Les Gamelles

Good afternoon

 Today I want to show you my small collection of French enamelware lunch boxes called gamelles.

 From what I have learned they were used in the 30's and 40's in France by miners and school children.

They are a type of enamelware called graniteware or splatter ware 

Notice how pristine the inside of the lid is.  I find that this is the case regardless of the condition of the exterior.

This one is blue and white on the outside and green and yellow on the inside

I think that this may be my favorite

The tin insert is to hold bread or crackers white the box itself held soup or stews.

They were submerged in hot water in the morning so that the soup would kept warm

I love the hues of blue and green 

I also admire the texture.  I hope you can see it a bit on the following two pictures

                                  My girls are dying to take them to school one day.  We'll see :)

I hope you all have a great evening.

Michele

Ps be sure to enter the great giveaway offered by Belle Blanc this month 

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