Alabaster Crush

 

Here of late (don't ask me why) but I'm crazy about alabaster.  I can't get over how beautiful it is.  This quarried stone can be costly, but I've been lucky enough to run across some pieces that were perfectly imperfect ~ making them more affordable.  Here are a few of my favorites.  

The alabaster bowl (above) stands lovely by itself but I also use it for a fruit bowl. 

 

In spite of their imperfections (although unnoticeable in these photos) I still find the alabaster pieces to be stunning.  This photo says calm and serene to me.  

I use the rectangular box to hold Q-tips and the ashtray is an ideal ring or bracelet holder.  The exquisite necklace was a gift from my sweet friend Tara ~ see more of her amazing work here and the fabulous bracelet was made by my friend Gloria ~ check out more of her unique creations here.  

The candle holder above came from the thrift store for a couple of bucks.  It seemed oddly appropriate that I pair it with this pear candle that I found on clearance here.

I'm on the search for more pretty alabaster finds.  Wishful thinking...I hope to find a couple of vintage lamps...someday. :)

Just an FYI ~ I've had a little hiccup with my camera (the one I usually shoot photos for the blog with).  The shutter hasn't been opening all the way.  So, it had to be shipped off to New York for repair.  The pics today, were with my iPhone.  All things considering, I think they turned out pretty good.

I hope to see you back here soon.  Have a super week!  :) Dana

Gum Machine Lamp

A number of years ago my mom owned an antique shop filled to the brim with endless amounts of wonderful old treasures.  I've often entertained the thought of owning my own store as well.  Not necessarily a bona fide antique store, but one filled with funky, eclectic, wonderful things ~ things that have the ability to make a house feel like a home. 

During those years, I didn't often have the opportunity to be around the store.  But when I was in town, I would frequent the shop and peruse its aisles, exploring the nooks and crannies of the shop to see what interesting things had taken up residence.  I had my eye on an old vintage gum machine that had been perched on a shelf.  Sadly, a time came when Mimi decided to close the store down but she remembered I had an affection for the gum machine.

And one day to my surprise, she presented it to me (thanks Mimi) and ~   

 

I filled it with oodles and oodles of gum ~ and turned it into a lamp.  Here's a quick step-by-step how to:

 

1) I had a lamp base made from wood, and had it wired to fit the gum machine.

2)  I fitted it with a lampshade made from a nubby linen fabric.

3) I opted to trim out the shade using all the colors of the gum pieces ~ why not?  A little playful and fun.

I know things are just things.  But I do appreciate the way that some things, like lamps, can make a space feel cozy and warm.  For me this bubble gum lamp does simply that ~ and it's funky and functional all wrapped up in one little package.  Do you have a favorite lamp conversion story?