Thursday, June 21, 2012

A Bouquet of Sunshine in an Antique Victorian Pitcher

To me, flowers are nature's most beautiful craft product.  Recently, my very sweet neighbor, Laura, left a bouquet of gorgeous lilies and orchids (not in photo) at my gate.  Looking at them for a week now has made me smile every morning.  At first, I left the flowers in the vase that they arrived in but a few days ago I had a serendipitous find in a shop in downtown Hilo.  The pitcher that the lilies and blue gingers are in now was purchased for a mere $10!  What's even more amazing is that the pitcher is over 100 years old....so it is REALLY an antique.  Because I am a collector of blue and white Victorian ceramics (especially from England), I was extremely surprised to find this treasure in Hilo (usually I need to travel far or visit Ebay to purchase a piece like this.  (This piece was clearly marked on the bottom with the place of origin, production date, and pattern name.  A quick check on the internet can be an invaluable aid in determining age and value.) The fine hairline crack in the pitcher and the fact that it is part of a wash basin set, account for the less than $500 price, but it still was a bargain and one that has a practical use, too.  Anyway, the point of this post is to remind you to find joy in the simple things and to keep your eyes and mind open for treasures which are everywhere if you just look.  May you find just what you are looking for to make you happy!

4 comments:

Annette Allen said...

aww so sweet you have neighbors like that...and that pitcher is an antique and so beautiful...Love the old blue and white..

Creations by Shirl said...

Wow I think you got yourself one sweet deal... How sweet of your neighbor to leave you some flowers too! Sounds like you have some antique collections of all kinds...
I would love to make a collection of some sort but where I live it's too dusty right off the highway... I couldn't see myself dusting them everyday! LOL!

Have A Scrap Happy Day said...

OMG, you sure scored a priceless find. Using a pitcher for a vase is a great idea. Love the arrangement.

Cheryl said...

Wow, you have such a nice neighbor! That vase is so pretty! I love finding things like that too especially if it's a deal.