Milk Glass Centerpiece

Remember the milk glass vases from my last thrift store find? I have been putting them to good use as a collection holding individual flowers, creating a pretty centerpiece. You don't need a huge bouquet to make a beautiful arrangement. 

I cut roses from my garden that were in full bloom, one per vase, and grouped them on a large silver tray.

I love the contrast of bright coral/pink petals against white.

After the roses faded, I bought a mixed bouquet for $4 and split it up among the vases. 

I even had enough to fill another new favorite milk glass piece, this adorable round pitcher. A gift from Christy (she knows me so well). 

I loved looking at them on my kitchen table every day. You can find these style vases at thrift stores and garage sales, sometimes for .50 cents to $1 or $2. They make striking accent or centerpieces.

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I found a TON of inspiration online. Just search for "milk glass vases" on Pinterest. Each one more gorgeous than the next.  

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I think I'll keep trying to incorporate new flowers and different arrangements with my milk glass collection. So pretty! 

Thrifty Finds

I wandered into the thrift store Friday afternoon and found a few treasures.

You know I can't resist milk glass. I've been keeping an eye out for a few select vases in classic patterns that I didn't have - until now. At .49 cents each, how could I NOT get them? I have plans for these vases... I also found a sweet little candy dish.

Then I found a set of 8 "new" large mason canning jars, still in the box, with all the lids.

With commemorative liberty bell design, no less (Andrew liked that). They looked like they had never even been taken out of the box - the instruction sheet was still in there. 

I have plans for these too. Maybe to hold tea light candles on the deck. Flower vases. Fun  glasses to sip iced tea. 

 I got all 13 pieces of glassware for $7.49. My lucky day!

Sunny Sunflowers

I think sunflowers are my second favorite flower (gerbera daisies are my first). Last weekend I stopped at one of our local farm stands to get some veggies and I couldn't resist taking home a couple stems. September is in full swing, which means summer is sadly on it's way out. These sunny jewels will be gone before long.

I love driving past a sunflower field, stretching toward the sky, top heavy with happy blooms and floppy leaves. They make me want to whip out a pair of scissors and cut myself a big bouquet!  

There's just something about flowers that draws me to them and makes me appreciate creation. A delicate form of beauty. Exquisite. Unique. Colorful. Temporal. They bring me joy. I like looking at them. Especially in my kitchen. How I wish they didn't have an expiration date. 

So pretty I had to take a couple photos. I'm thankful for sunflowers and the sunny days that bring them.

Goodwill Good Find

You might know I'm a fan of Goodwill and other second hand stores for great vintage finds. You might also know how much I like milk glass. Coincidentally, a lot of my favorite milk glass pieces have come from Goodwill and other thrift stores. It baffles my mind that these treasures are donated or tossed aside, ending up at second hand stores for just pennies. I can't help but imagine the homes they might have come from, like Ward and June Cleaver's (Leave it to Beaver). A different era. 

I came across this large lattice edged milk glass pedestal compote at Goodwill. I have not seen a piece like this before. I am familiar with the pattern on the base but the top is new to me. I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to add this piece to my collection, because I have been trying to be more selective lately. When I first started collecting milk glass, I would snatch up every piece I came across. Now, it seems to be everywhere. I have been looking for pieces that are very unique and that I really like. This beauty was only $3.99. I had to take it home. 

Look at the lattice detail. I wonder how it was made without breaking it. When I looked it up on Ebay, this same piece ranged from $15-$45. I learned that it was manufactured in the US by Westmoreland Glass Company, prior to 1948. There were no markings on the piece, which meant it had a paper label at some point. 

I couldn't leave it empty, so I put some (fake) lemons in it for now. White milk glass really goes with anything. Maybe I'll use it as a cake stand or dessert platter. I'm glad I added this unique piece to my collection!

I Heart Milk Glass

I was thrilled to find this little bud vase at the Goodwill, along with a little candy dish (not pictured). Each for $1.99! Great find. I don't know what is is about vintage milk glass pieces that draw me to them, especially the Fenton hobnail style of the 1950's. I had a lamp in my bedroom growing up (that now lives in my guest room) that I'm sure you've seen (similar to this one).

My Aunt sent me some beautiful pieces that still had the original Fenton labels on them. Ruffled bowls (left) and candle stick holders (not pictured).


My Mom searched flea markets high and low to find a vase that we had when I was growing up (that I didn't appreciate at the time, of course). She found one! Leave it to my Mom to find that desired item and not give up until she does. Do I have a great Mom or what?!

I found this goblet style...candy dish? fruit bowl? during my first trip to Rices Sale & Country Market in New Hope, Pennsylvania while visiting our family. What a place THAT is. If you are ever in the area on a Tuesday or Saturday (7am-1pm) you MUST check it out. They have knock-off designer purses, sports team T-shirts, jewelry, antiques, As Seen on TV items, you name it! I'm using it to store all my buttons.

I heart milk glass.