Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Elevating the ordinary


My grandmother used this set of canisters for their intended purpose as did her mother before.


I prefer to display these sentimental objects. 

Their regular use in the past means they are not in the best of shape and I am missing one lid. That container has become my countertop lollipop storage and beats the bag it came in as a functional container.
I love using vintage and antique containers for all of the ugly, ordinary stuff that would otherwise be on view.

 If you didn't inherit this sort of thing I advise you head out, right now, to each and every thrift store in your area  to look for containers.
Here are a few of my "thrifted" containers and their contents.

 I couldn't stand the ripped Crayola box another second.
 Is it breakable? Yes. Is it precious? No. It is a milk glass cachepot with a chip and it works to hold crayons that were threatening a coup of my family room.


Not terribly exciting but I liked the 50 cent glass and made it hold Q-tips for now. It sits atop an antique butter plate that I used a a soap dish until I put liquid soap in that bath.

 Maybe we are strange (I know I am) but we need an array of pencils, pens, Sharpies and scissors everyday.
I put mine in this large, antique engraved glass jar that I picked up for a buck. It has a minor chip.

 This silverplate candleholder (?) with lid holds scented oils and matches out view but at the ready.

Have you used pretty little things to keep ordinary items?

3 comments:

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

You just gave me new ideas for some of the containers that are crowding my closet.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

yes -i do the same thing -even in my medicine cabinet I have teacups which are missing saucers which hold small items. Makes everyday things into 'moments'. Even my paperclips on my desk at work are in a chipped wedgwood creamer.

Anonymous said...

I love to use mismatched containers for (hiding) or adding a bit of drama in a room. If you are lucky you can find great finds at thrift stores. I like your idea for crayons! The boxes that hold the crayons just don't last very long.

Kris♥