Decorating with Collections

Today I was thinking about using things that I collect to decorate my house.  I love collecting things!  I have since I was young.  My first "collection" started when I was in elementary school when I began collecting turtles.  Why turtles you might ask? Hmm... I don't know.  Actually, I do know.  My friend, Karen, collected frogs, and I wanted to collect something so I chose turtles!  In hindsight, this makes no sense because I am terrified of any animal that belongs in the amphibian/reptile group!  So, while I think huge turtles that you see at the zoo are really neat, I would never actually TOUCH one!  Nonetheless, I collected turtles when I was young - then I moved on to collecting things that I actually liked!  Gee... collecting is so much more fun when you really love what you are collecting - Amazing!!  I went through a phase where I collected teddy bears, Gail Pittman Pottery (before it was mass produced), heavy vintage dishes (my sister called them an "early truckstop" pattern), and Longaberger baskets. 

Don't you love these "truckstop" dishes?

I currently collect McCarty Pottery.  You may see my post about McCarty here.  Another collection that is dear to my heart is my Radko Christmas (and Easter) ornaments.  I get so excited when I see them each year as our family decorates our Christmas tree.  Another of my favorite things to collect is alphabet books.  This may seem a little odd, but once a teacher, always a teacher!  I began buying Seth alphabet books when he was a toddler.  Between the two of us we have quite a collection,although I only display them in my office at work.  I also have a small collection of vintage copper pots, aprons, vintage pyrex dishes, and old silver pieces.  My favorite finds are vintage silver teaspoons.  I am so tickled when I find those with a special engraved monogram.  I notice I seem to have a "thing" for all things vintage.  Possible because as my dear friend Lynda says, "we are becoming vintage ourselves!"  So true! 

Here are some of my Longaberger baskets and a few McCarty bunnies too. 

I recently started a collection of white ironstone pieces.  I love milk pitchers and soup tureens.  I find myself looking in antique stores and on eBay for ones that are really pretty, but still affordable.  Thus far, I only have a teapot with a cream and sugar.  I really enjoy looking around for the perfect piece! I am looking forward to growing my collection.  My sister gave me two pieces of Etta B Pottery for my birthday last week.  I was thrilled!  Anita already collected Etta B, which is another Mississippi pottery.  It is very simple and pretty!  The Christmas pieces are so precious too!  I am thrilled that she started a new collection for me - Jon is probably not so sure!! :-)

An Etta B plate and tiny bowl.  

I can't decide where they will be displayed yet, 

but that is part of the fun of  collecting. 

What are your favorite items to collect?  I would love to hear about any special treasures you display in your home.  

A Staffordshire Dog!!!

I have been wanting a Staffordshire dog for a while - I didn't think I would be able to find one of the little treasures that I could afford.  I have looked for them at antique shops, Craig's List, Good Will (one can hope!) and eBay.  Some of the antique stores were more affordable than others, but I wanted a BARGAIN!  I bid on a few and they quickly went out of my price comfort zone!  I found one last week though that says it IS a Staffordshire (i.e. it doesn't say Staffordshire STYLE)..... Well, I WON it on ebay.  I thought I got a fabulous deal on it!!! Now here is the deal - I don't know what particular markings it should have one it so I can't guarantee that it is a true Staffordshire dog.  One lady at an antique store in Fairhope, AL said the price could also depend on how old the piece is - obviously the older the more expensive.  She had a pair that was over $600! Either way, I love my new treasure - and for a fraction of the price!!!  Maybe I will learn more and luck up on a pair of Staffordshire dogs.  I really want a pair of black and white ones :-)  Until I am happy with my new precious trinket.  He reminds me of my Cavalier, Bentley!! 

Not sure where his permanent home will be but for now

he is on the end table in our great room. 

What a precious face!!!

This week I am linking to the following parties:

WUW at www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

Whassup Wednesdays @ www.elements-interiors.net

McCarty Pottery

McCarty Bunnies

I have been collecting McCarty Pottery for many years.  I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces with you.  My dear friend, Laurie, started my collection about 20 years ago when we were both young (really!) teachers.  I immediately fell in love with the simple style of this beautiful, earthy pottery.  I was even more smitten when I found out it was made in the Mississippi Delta.  If you have read my blog before, you may remember that my mother's family is from the Delta.  That made this pottery even more special. 

My camera is  not the greatest - in fact, I keep thinking that if I say that enough a wonderful, new camera with all the bells and whistles will make its way to my home.  I am so envious of the amazing pictures I see on some of my favorite blogs.  Nonetheless, I will share my McCarty pottery with you.  Believe me, once you see it, you will be in love.  In fact, I have known several brides who have had a "McCarty Shower".  Isn't that a hoot?

McCarty Pottery is made in Merigold, Mississippi.  You can see really great pics on their webite here.  Check it out!

It is such a treat to visit the McCarty store and restaurant (called The Gallery) in Merigold.  The food is fabulous!  All the food is served on McCarty pieces.  On a side note, this is where I first had Chocolate Cobbler.  It is unbelieveable!  I mean, really, chocolate and cobbler all in one?  Be still my heart!!

I think the hints of blue on the brown "nutmeg" bunny are just so pretty!

Some interesting "things" about McCarty:

All of the pieces are packaged in a brown paper bag signed by Lee McCarty.  You NEVER want to throw away a bag! 

The little brown line on the pieces signify the Mississippi River.

When you give a piece of McCarty as a gift, you always leave the price (written on masking tape) on the piece!  (GASP!)  Yes, you do!!!  It increases the value, significance - not sure really, I just know that you don't remove the price. 

Most of the pieces have names (mainly animals, I think).  I LOVE the bunnies.  Some of my favorite names are Lettuce, Tuppertime and Tupper's Mama.  I once bought a set of three small bunnies that were named Peter, Paul and Mary! 

I have lots of animals, but I do have serving and other "usable" pieces as well.  I am telling you, it is addictive!!

This fox just makes me happy!

The largest bunny in this picture was my last Christmas present from my mom.  I will treasure it always!

Please excuse the "blahness" of this picture, but I adore these birds that sit on the vanity in Seth's bathroom.

Two tiny birds and a small pitcher in the guest bedroom. 

As you can see, McCarty comes in brown, blue and a pale green.  I love them all!

My sweet Aunt Jane bought Anita and me McCarty angels shortly after my Mom passed away.  The "bunny bowl" was a baby shower gift to me! It went in Seth's nursery.

Bunnies on the mantle decorated for Easter. 

Square plate with sugar, creamer, and a tiny "cup" for Splenda!

I have shown you just a few of my favorite pieces.  I have them in every room of the house!  I hope to make a trip to Merigold soon.  I feel the need for a new item for my collection!  

This week I am linking to the following:

Debbie's Newbie Party @ http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Amaze Me Monday @ http://www.dittledattle.blogspot.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays @ http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Tuesday's Treasures @ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Whassup Wednesdays @ http://www.elements-interiors.net/