I am a collector by nature. I'm always on the lookout for some funky piece that I haven't seen anywhere else. The problem is, you can only collect so much before it starts to take over your home. So I had to make a decision--quit collecting (which I knew I wouldn't do!!) or find interesting things that I could actually use. It's made me a much more discriminating buyer because I not only have to love the piece, I have to have a purpose for it. Here are a few of my favorite finds.
I found this old hand cart in a junk shop. It has wooden handles and it's made of metal strapping that is now rusted and red. Too good to pass up. When I brought it home, I had a piece of plexiglass cut for the top and it became the table for our deck. I love it!
I found this old metal nesting box at a new favorite junk shop. I have chickens, which is probably what attracted me to it in the first place. The problem is, my chickens nest in their coop which is right where I want them to stay. So what else could I use this for? It became the perfect shampoo, soap and towel caddy for my outdoor shower. Again, I love it!
I inherited this old scale from my brother, so it is a sentimental favorite. It sits on my kitchen counter with any fresh produce I have that doesn't need refrigeration. Practical and charming!
This old bird cage was a gift from my parents. Why a bird cage? I just love them. It sat in my sunporch for years just being itself, when one night while giving a party I realized what a great candle holder it made. It's had that job ever since.
Of course not everything in my home has a dual purpose, but now I love the challenge of trying to give things new function. Some things are obvious, others take a little more imagination. I know this for sure--it has made my treasure hunting a whole lot more fun and rewarding. Try it! If you like it you really can't go wrong.
Lynn
