It is a beautiful morning! I am sitting by the window enjoying some coffee and watching lots of little birds come and go. Last night I was reminded that there are a few new items in the house that I have not showcased. One of which is a super awesome painting of a Matador that our friend Heather passed down to us. She originally bought it at a flea market for $3. It is easily one of our favorite pieces of art in the house.
I wanted to show off this piece, because it is a great example of adding amazing art on a budget. Some of the best places to search for affordable art are flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales. You can always revamp "old" art by putting it in a new frame, or mounting it in an interesting way. The most important part is to find something that speaks to you. I also love the idea of giving the art a new life in your house. We are honored to have The Matador hanging in our bedroom.Here are some other examples of recycled art hanging in our house. I have shown these before, but I wanted to reiterate that all of them were either found at Goodwill, or a flea market:
In total, all of these pieces probably cost $10. I love that each one has a unique story to tell and that we were able to give some eye-catching art a new home.
Last night I also realized that I never shared a very special Christmas gift I received from my mother-in-law. She is one of the best gift-givers and this holiday season was no different. She sent me a box of hand-blown glass dip pens and ink sealed with wax in glass bottles. Beautiful!
Along with the ink and pens, she sent me something called an Heirloom Diary. I had never heard of such a thing, but now I can't believe I went this long without one! Basically it is a diary to keep track of items passed down and their story. I already have an extensive collection of heirlooms, including my engagement ring. I cannot wait to write about all of my very important items and where they came from.
Such a cool gift idea!
For more information about the dip pens and ink check here.
Wow, I wanna play with that glass pen set!
ReplyDeleteLove all of your findings!
Love the idea of the Heirloom Diary, Kate! Jonathan and I were recently given a load of furniture and house items. Many of them are beautiful woodcrafted pieces that my great-uncle made and also some funky, fun items that belonged to my grandparents, great-grandparents and even great-great grandparents. That diary would be an awesome way to keep track of all of these new-to-us treasures.
ReplyDeleteI think you are definitely going to need one! I will ask my mother-in-law where she found it (although, I am sure some simple research would come up with some options). Each page has a place to fill in a description, an appraisal, who gave it to you, when you received it, and even who you want it later passed on to. SO cool!
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