I broke down and ordered a couple of antique grain sacks from Ebay. Out here in the middle of the prairie, I've discovered that you don't come across many antique European textiles... and I really wanted some! I've been mildy obsessed with checking Ebay and trying to decide which sacks I wanted to order (just ask my husband!), and I finally settled on two, both with blue stripes.
The first one has a nice cobalt blue triple stripe, and ended up as a pillow on my couch.
The second one, with three fabulous thick dark indigo blue stripes, is perfect as a table runner on our small dining room table. I considered opening up the side seams to make one extra long piece, and laying it all the way down the length of the table, but I just couldn't quite bring myself to do it. I know people chop up grain sacks all the time to make pillows, upholster chairs, and make long table runners... but I can't. At least not with this beautiful sack. So instead I laid it across the short side of the table, creating a nice intimate table setting, just right for two. And since I only keep two dining chairs at our table anyways, I think it works out just perfectly.
The new table runner also inspired a new centerpiece, using some of my favorite ironstone, stoneware crocks, and wooden kitchen utensils. I love the simplicity of white ironstone paired with old wood, and combined with the grain sack, the whole table has a rustic french farmhouse feel.
A small, primitive, stoneware salt crock with a wooden lid keeps coarse sea salt handy at the table.
An antique stoneware marmalade jar from England holds a handful of well-worn wooden spoons and a butter paddle. I love the way that the grayish stoneware and aged white ironstone look together.
I also did a little furniture rearranging and moved the antique shelves full of ironstone from the opposite side of the living room into the dining area so that it creates a nice backdrop to the table.
Let it be known, however, that while "a little furniture rearranging" sounds easy, it is in fact back-breaking work when it involves moving a pair of bookcases full of hundreds of books, and a super heavy antique cupboard filled with ironstone. Decorating is a hard job, but the payoff is so worth it...
I paired the "Meat Market" sign that I painted this fall with the cute old black and white wooden pig sign, and hung them both above the ironstone cupboard. A trio of antique baskets on top ties the whole display together, and finishes off my dining room make over.
It all looks so great! I feel the same way about my grain sacks..I dont want to cut mine either!! Your cabinet full of ironstone is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteOh, that looks amazing. I just love that cupboard. The sugar bowl is so sweet. I would have lots of fun playing with your dishes.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to see someone enjoy decorating as much as I do. Only those that enjoy it can appreciate it. The grain sack is beautiful. I can't wait till May when we head to Brimifield Antique Show in Massachusetts. There is a vendor that has hundreds of grain sacks. I stock up...you can never have enough.
ReplyDeleteHow pretty and soft everything looks!
ReplyDeleteYour home and collections are just lovely, and you photograph them so well. I'm a new follower.
ReplyDeleteYou're hard work definitely paid off! Love your grain sack table runner and your centerpiece ~ the little salt crock is so cute! I like how you paired the pig with the 'meat market' sign but I'm not sure how piggie feels about it : ) !
ReplyDeleteYour cabinet with the white dishes looks incredible. Your table runner looks fabulous with the platter and wooden utensils. I love using wooden and bamboo utensils when cookings. It's pretty much all I use now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection you have Ellie.
ReplyDeleteLove the ironstone cupboard with baskets and adorable wooden pig ♥
Just found your blog and love it! I especially appreciate your showing a photo of the redecorating process - piles of books and ironstone waiting to be re-displayed. It is truly inspiring to see that it is not all effortless. It does take a little (or a lot) of elbow grease to get the look you want. But you sure pulled it off! It is simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog and it is so lovely! These photos are fantastic, and your home looks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJosie
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