Sleepy's On The Move

Sleepy recently changed locations for two reasons ~ 1) He creeped my son, Corbin, out when he was home visiting and would wake up in the guestroom with Sleepy looming large over him and 2) I couldn't stand the thought of him being hidden in a back room any longer.  So, here he is front and center as you enter the foyer to my home.  Notice the cluster glass pendant light from West Elm ~ it feels light and airy in the space.

I also recently added these two wonderful 19th Century ridged zinc barrels ~ I found them here. 

I put my hubby's collection of walking sticks in one of the barrels ~ they all are pretty sentimental to him.  Just wondering ~ what are you collecting these days?  

P.S.  I'm sharing lots more Tattered Style images on Instagram ~ I'd love for you to follow me ~ just click here.  Hoping you have  a wonderful week! 

~ Dana

Faces of Time

Clocks ~ another thing I have an odd affection for ~ possibly because they tout an array of lovely faces.  I have a love for any type of letters or numerals ~ so why not on a clock face as well?  It really doesn't matter to me whether my clocks work or not.  Honestly, don't most of us look to our cell phones to check the time these days?  I'm not particularly biased when it comes to my collection.  And although these tick-tocks are a motley crew, I do appreciate them for all their uniqueness.  Some may run a little slow while others have broken faces ~ no worries ~ they fit in just fine in my Tattered Style world. Plain and simple ~ I have an appreciation for clocks and thought I might share a few I possess.      

This retro looking electric clock was found at an estate sale.  It purrs softly as it runs ~ eventually it gets behind ~ no bother every now and then I take a moment to adjust it.  

One might think this is vintage, but it's not.  It's a nice little knockoff from Pottery Barn.  I think they did a lovely job ~ and this one actually does keep good time which makes my husband happy.  

I know ~ this one has a broken face but it's so wonderfully tattered.  I scooped this one up at a flea market for a few dollars.  I think it had been passed over many times ~ but not by me. 

Clocks can add a sense of coziness to any setting ~ they're perched all over my home. Here one rests on a shelf in one of my living rooms. Next time you are creating a vignette, why not incorporate some lovely old clocks in the mix as well? 

Also, just though I would let you know, Tattered Style is now pinning on Pinterest ~ click here to view my pins.  I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.  :)

Photos courtesy of Amanda Kate Photography.

Rake Wine Glass Holder

I received an interesting voicemail the other day.  It was from my brother-in-law, Terry, who was in a shop and saw how the proprietor had cleverly used an old rake head as a wine glass holder ~ how smart!  Over the years, I've incorporated old rake heads into many different design scenarios ~ jewelry holders, art, etc. (I'll share more uses in future posts). But honestly ~ I've never thought of them as a wine holder ~ sheer genius! 

I've accumulated a collection of these rusted wonders over time.  They had been discarded and long forgotten by their owners ~ I'm sure since the rake heads had broken off of their handles and they were no longer useful tools.  When I happened across them, I scooped them up ~ with permission of course ~ knowing their future was bright.  They've lived all over my home ~ inside and out.  Such a humble, utilitarian object yet so much potential.

I had to try this idea out for myself ~ here's what the rake looks like without its handle. 

I attached it to the wall using two wood screws ~ making sure to hit studs for added security.  If you are unable to hit studs, I would use anchors so the holder is safely secured to the wall.

To me, it far surpasses any wine holder I've seen in retail markets ~ and I think it gets an A+ for ingenuity and creativity.

The exquisite crystal etched monogram wine stopper was a gift from a dear friend of ours ~ Sydney.  It's quite lovely!

I have a quirky affection for the unexpected, unusual and not so perfect.  Kudos to my brother-in-law for spotting this creative idea.  Maybe you have a clever idea for a rusty old rake head.  I'd love to hear about it.

P.S.  Thanks for the Cab Kym!

Collections

Belgium Dominoes ~ Nat brought these to me from a Brussels flea market. The scale and bowl are a local flea market find.

I like things; different things, unusual things ~ and I collect them. I guess that makes me a collector. Although, even the word can make me shudder, (have you seen the show Hoarders?). The challenge is to collect just the right amount of things without it being imposing or taking over. I like order and am a minimalist so when I collect something, I'm selective in the items I choose. A collection is defined as ~ a gathering of objects, as works of art; a quantity of anything collected together into a mass; an assemblage. Collections are art to me and I use them to accessorize a space. Here are a few of my current collections.

Bingo Cards ~ I simply can't get away from black and cream anything!

Folding Measuring Sticks ~ are functional as well as artful.

Letterpress ~ Letters ~ I love all lettering!

Letterpress ~ Numbers 0-9 ~ I love any kind of numbers!

Wine Corks ~ I label and date them so I can recall the event.

Vintage Clothes Pins ~ the yellow ware bowl was Nana's when she was a young girl.

As much as I enjoy collecting, it's not unusual for me to pass a collection on as my likes and tastes change. That leaves me with the question then, "Am I really a collector?" Maybe I'm a transitioning collector...hmmm. What are some things you are drawn to? What are some of you favorite collections?

P.S. Be sure to "Like" Tattered Style on Facebook. :)

White ~ Always the Perfect Choice

Light, bright, clean and white!

The absence of color is soothing to me. It’s not that I don’t like color; I just like the absence of it a little more. In this technology driven age, where there is an overabundance of visual stimulation, I find myself craving the simplicity of a neutral environment. I eagerly anticipate entering my home, and settling into my calming retreat.

My love of white extends beyond the design of my home, its art and accessories and extends to my choice of dishware as well. Over time, I have accumulated quite the motley collection of wonderful old ironstone and restaurant ware. I thought I might share a few of my favorite pieces with you:

I run across hodgepodge pieces like these gravy boats and pitchers at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets and rarely pay more than a dollar for any of them.

I like the beauty and simplicity of old restaurant ware. It is solid and has stood the test of time. I can only imagine some of the conversations that were overheard by these dishes down through the years.

I enjoy serving meals off of these wonderful oval restaurant plates.

Papa’s favorite cereal bowl; he also loved to eat Fritos or cornbread with buttermilk from these.

The beautiful soup tureen was given to me by mom, affectionately called Mimi.

The hobnail milk glasses were a gift from my sister-in-law, Datha. The tablecloth a dreamy purchase from Anthropologie's clearance table.

I love setting a table with white dishes; the presentation of any food against the white backdrop makes it look all the yummier! For me, white is always the perfect choice.

The Weigh In

Most of us have a collection of one thing or another. And while one object in and of itself may not be so special, when it comes to collecting, there is power in numbers. This can be problematic for me because at heart I am a minimalist and thrive in an ordered environment. Although I have amassed several collections, I have to be quite selective with my choices. I edit ferociously when it comes to display. I like for collections to be featured so that they take center stage, like an actor in a play awaiting their debut.

When it comes to collections, I'm particularly fond of all things industrial like these vintage scales. Let's weigh in on a few of my favorites, acquired from various antique stores and flea markets (they ranged in cost from $5.00 - $20.00).

I think each scale is unique, unlike so many of the mass produced accessories you might find in a retail store.

To me, this collection is not merely a grouping of things, but has artistic value.

These scales also make a strong design statement lined up on a mantel or shelf.

This beautifully rusted scale has such a rich patina.

A divergence from my typical black/cream palette, I fell for this muted green scale.

So RETRO and I actually use this one for measurements in cooking!

Collections are as varied as the collectors themselves. And I've found that over time, I often develop a liking for something different. With my minimalist personality, I'm okay with enjoying a collection for awhile and then letting it go for someone else to take pleasure in ~ but for now, my fancy and accumulation of vintage scales weighs in as one of my favorites.