Inspiration from Sherry, Guest Contributor

Whenever I need inspiration, or just a fun afternoon of gabbing about a few of our favorite things, I head over to Sherry's house.  I love it when she says two things, "I'm weeding out.  Do you want to have a look before I have a garage sale?" and "I'm reorganizing.  Let's play with the L.S." (little stuff). 

Someday Country Living magazine should interview Sherry and let the readers in on some really special, unique collections.

This is Sherry's display of garden collectibles on a child's toy cupboard.  The wheelbarrow is filled with odds and ends, including pin-back buttons with a "growing theme".  The garden markers were from years ago when she planted an ABC garden with her kids.  Flower frogs were part of her mother's collection for displaying arrangements.  When I asked Sherry about the brass hose nozzles, she replied, "I don't know when or why I started collecting them.  I just like them."

Sherry and I started a long conversation about seed packages.  She has quite an assortment displayed in a Red Wing spongeware bowl.  

She especially likes the graphics on vintage sweet pea packages. I wish I had taken a photo of the zinnia packages.  The photos on the front of the zinnia packages were taken of her mother's real zinnias at Farmers Market.  The seed company asked Lou's permission to publish the photos on their zinnia packages for the following year.  How cool is that?!

My favorites! Gotta love the 1950's.

Sherry also collects trophies.  This display is part of her larger collection.  They represent her favorites and they all tell a story. Wow, everything from figure skating to state fair hogs.  Hmmmm... I don't see Mark's favorite there.

Weekend Treasures - Let the season begin!

Cindy found this great Red Wing Pottery pitcher at an estate sale on Saturday.  Although it's not in perfect condition, the price was right since it will be used as a beautiful vase or as a conversation piece.  (This is also the prime reason why it's torture to treasure hunt with a sibling, relative, or good friend.  I'm trying to be a good sport but it's tough to miss something you'd really like to have.  She'd be wise to keep an eye on it or check my bag before I leave her house the next time.)

We've collected Shiny Brite ornaments for years.   This little drum was sitting in a pile of misc. ornaments.  Since I don't have this one, I snatched it up.  I'll probably add the top piece from a broken one I have. 

We have purchased Monarch spice tins and cocoa tins, but the garlic salt and celery salt shakers are new to us.  

Who can resist a Red Wing beater jar?  At first we thought it was a reproduction.  After looking at the bottom and the smooth, rounded inside, we are convinced it's the real thing.