Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Getting Artsy


One of the things I'm really enjoying about living alone (or at least as alone as a woman with two dogs and a cat will ever be) is the complete freedom to decorate as I please. No negotiating about where to hang a picture or place a piece of furniture. ZoĆ« and Fannie and Millie never ever say, “Where are you going to put that?”

I think I may be turning my house into a gallery. I keep finding pieces of art that I can't resist, and locating one more spot to accommodate the new acquisition. There was that watercolor from the estate sale a couple of weeks ago, which seemed to open the floodgates. The next time I went garaging, I picked up another original painting…for a dollar. 


I love it; reminds me of the creek I now live on (though my location is nothing like so rural – I'm only about 10 blocks from the state capital!). The next day I went to the Baptist rummage sale, and there was another original oil, this time an autumn scene of a covered bridge. (Did you know we have more than 50 covered bridges in western Oregon?) 


The price was two dollars, so there was no incentive to resist. Hanging next to it was a beautifully stitched and framed crewel embroidery, probably from the 70s. 


I believe it was a Paragon kit called Poppies in Bloom (for some obscure reason…). Whoever stitched it did a beautiful job.


Of course art comes in all formats, and I've always loved folk art. Which certainly describes my newest bunny, who comes from Russia with love. (MY love – I'm crazy about him!) 


When you swing the wooden ball he paddles his boat; it is fabulous. I keep taking him down to play with.


Found an area rug for my living room that was art to my eyes. Thick wool plush, looks like new, twenty bucks. Yes please.


And I stand firm in my belief that well-designed, practical items we use every day are a wonderful form of art. Into which category I put my new paring knife; don’t you love using a good knife? 


In fact, a big part of the enjoyment I get from cooking (and oh yes, I do love the eating part!) is using the terrific kitchen tools I've found on driveways over the years. Excuse me while I go make a note to do a future post on a tour of my favorite kitchen stuff…

17 comments:

  1. I love the little bunny! You find the coolest stuff. Someday when I retire (I’m a Librarian too) I’m going to knock on your door and go junkin’ with you!
    Clara

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  2. You are a queen of finding delightful things; I like the oil paintings and the cute rabbit. I am new to living alone but you have a good point, I can decorate as I please.

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    1. It's a whole layer of stress gone, knowing that no one is going to ask, "Where are you going to put that?"

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  3. I am so glad you share your great finds - and they are amazing - love the bunny that rows - your are the Queen of Great Finds.
    Joy

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    1. It's amazing how much fun one can have with fifty cents!

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  4. Your rug looks just like the background for your blog! I too have an addiction to art and especially oil paintings.

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    1. Hey, maybe that's why I was drawn to that rug! I had to find a new background a few weeks ago b/c the one I had for ages simply disappeared.

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  5. The original art you are finding is wonderful! I too love living alone and doing as I please with my home!

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  6. That rug and that crewel are wonderful!!

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    1. Thanks! I still can't believe I got a virtually new wool rug for $20!

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  7. Original paintings can be found so cheaply....plus the lovely crewel work....there's so much of it and no one wants it!

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  8. Some fantastic finds! There's no such thing as too much artwork, or too many books... in my opinion.

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  9. I enjoy your Blog very much. Always fun to see (in your photo's) the fur babies you meet at yard sales. I also love beautiful things at a bargain price. Over the years I too filled my home with them. Live Happy ~ Jody

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    1. I've certainly got some happy stuff in my house...including the fur babies!

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I really love your comments. Thanks for coming along on my thrifty adventures!

 
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