It was hot, hot, hot and humid with a Capital H, but it was wonderful spending the day with good friends antique shopping! Four of us gals piled in my Jeep and our destination was the quaint town of Blissfield, Michigan. By the time we finished my vehicle was filled to the brim with our new found treasures, and we were already planning our next great shopping adventure to the one and only Country Living Fair 2009 ! It looks like a fabulous event, and it will be my first time attending. Has anyone been before or planning on going?
The first shop we stopped in had unbelievably, reasonable prices. My dear friend bought these two matching cherry tables for the grand sum of $10 each!
After shopping for hours, and severely wilted from the heat, we took refuge in a cafe for a cool drink before carrying on. We were already sitting down when the last of our group appeared, and mentioned the shop next door looked interesting, so we went there next.
At that point I was the only one who had not purchased anything, but that quickly changed when I walked through the front door of Patina! Can you say CUTE, CLEVER and CHARMING? My socks were blown off when I saw this adorable jewel of a shop, and was grateful they had good air conditioning!
Everywhere were amazing displays and vignettes. They carry a nice mix of antiques, vintage and new items, all extremely reasonably priced. There were several clever altered pieces created from combining different items together. I was so impressed that I asked the gracious proprietor, John Kwaitkowski, for permission to take photos for my blog. He kindly agreed and gave much credit to his wife Connie for being the main talent behind the store. I have no doubt John plays a large part, especially in creating the altered pieces. A store this wonderful simply does not happen by accident. I was sorry Connie was not in, so I did not have the opportunity to meet her and tell her how much I admired her many lovely touches!
Patina has two levels, and the downstairs is as charming as the upstairs. I am getting ready to paint my basement steps and will definitely be using this for inspiration.
Many collective Ooh's & Awe's over this clever hanky display!
Kicking myself twice for not buying this updated vintage bucket!
If imitation is the best form of flattery then I will be flattering this great look!
I spied this antique hatbox on the lower shelf. This is one treasure that came home with me!
Taking a short cut through an alley, I noticed even the back door was thoughtfully done up!
Thank you Connie & John for allowing me to share your lovely store with my readers!
After our afternoon of shopping, we arrived at my friend's adorable 1930's era cottage, lake front home. We laid out our goodies and admired each other's catch of the day, while waiting for dinner. Our husbands told about their great golfing adventure. Let's just say Tiger Woods you have nothing to fear!
I saw this birdbath first, but hesitated since I already have one. Luckily my friend didn't, and it will look perfect in her garden.
My purchases included this stylish hat box with Mallary Hats printed on it. I did some checking and the company was originally started in 1825 by Ezra Mallory in Danbury, Connecticut. The beaver skin hat craze was very, very beneficial to this company! I also took home this cute brass shell dish topped with a cupid. After I rework the finish it will make the perfect soap dish.
This large, beautiful oval container adorned with pheasants cost next to nothing, because the hinge was broken which can easily be fixed.
This wicker easel was the most expensive purchase of the day. The store owner agreed to a $15.00 price deduction after asking if he could do better on the price. Woo, woo,! Lesson learned, it doesn't hurt to ask, ever so politely of course.
With the holidays coming fast this punch set will be put into good service.
Posted at:
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasures
Melissa @ The Inspired Room
Julia @ Hooked on Houses
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Cathy