As I was walking through the farmhouse, I realized just about everything around me was either given to us or purchased with my love of vintage or repurposing in mind. These repurposed items have made this house a home. Let me show you some of my favorite pieces.
First time ever shopping for vintage things and bought a bed to make this bench.
These Repurposed Items Have Made This House A Home
Before I share some of my favorite pieces, I want to clarify something. I do not think it’s a bunch of stuff that makes a home. It’s the people and/or pets. What happens if you’re by yourself and have no pets? The items you surround yourself with are what bring you joy and happiness. Yes, I find my joy in the Lord but those items also have me yearning to stay home more often.
My grandmother’s quilt sitting in a chair a client gave me decades ago.
Even though I have a husband, I like it when he goes out and I get to stay in. I am perfectly content being home alone. I get to do what I want, sing at the top of my lungs (off key), and girl piddle. Raise your hand if you love girl piddling?
First purchase for the farmhouse and on the day the first Painted Tree opened in north Texas.
Girl piddling is rearranging furniture or things without asking for help or permission. It’s making another hole in the wall and not worrying about getting the side-eye. Last time I asked the mister for help, he said – my gosh, this wall looks like Swiss cheese!
Before cleaning up around the farmhouse, I started hanging chandeliers in several trees.
Girl piddling is also sitting in front of the TV and watching Hallmark without a “want me to tell you how it ends” explanation.
The pumpkins were my first craft for the farmhouse and the deconstructed lamp shades are faves as well.
Being able to do those things also makes a house a home. I look around at those material possessions and smile. It took me years to figure out that I didn’t need to worry about decorating trends. However, I pay attention to clothing trends. That’s another story for another day. But let me say – just because they sell it in your favorite store doesn’t mean it looks good. LOL.
Purchased for me by my son-in-law. Isn’t it nice having people that get you?
Let’s get back to some of my favorite things. All the photos you see are pieces that bring back great memories of where I was and who I was with when I got them. Sometimes it’s a sense of accomplishment because it turned out to be the perfect thing for that spot.
We use the collection of vintage pieces and ironstone dishes for every meal. You should see the rest!
No matter where I got it or where it sits, I love every single piece. And who doesn’t want to be surrounded by love? Even if that last statement sounds like justification for material things, it’s true. I am infatuated with each piece.
A vintage mold with doilies purchased when visiting friends that moved to Arkansas.
There’s nothing around me (except maybe my husbands computer stuff and wires) that make me want to donate it, trash it, or grit my teeth. And there’s something to be said about that these days with so many new things in the retail stores. Or seeing so many other homes on social media.
Wrote a Pinterest Challenge post with these. Click here to see it.
If you can’t say the same about the items in your home, take a long, hard self assessment and ask yourself why you are keeping it.
The toddler chair was used by the Mister when he was younger.
Is it because it was your moms? Did one of your kids make it but you have ten of the same type makings? Even sentimental people remove some items that no longer bring them joy.
An old sewing bin used by my husbands, Granny Hattie, is now a planter.
Years ago I would pick something up in our home and ask if I’d buy it again or if it was covered in dog poop, would I clean it up and keep it? LOL! I know the latter sounds gross, but it’s true! Especially if it were made of fabric. I’ve thrown away a couple of things that I thought were sentimental but I haven’t missed them.
I seriously enjoy the silver and silver plated utensils on a daily basis too.
If I truly disliked something, it would have been inherited and accompanied with a hand written note saying if you don’t keep this the rest of your family will be cursed by God. That might keep me from giving it away. Okay, that’s not entirely true. Mostly because I can’t be guilted into anything. Ask my mother.
It’s hard to count the many ways I’ve used this old baby bassinet. Love it!
Now that you know how these repurposed items have made this house a home, tell me what you enjoy surrounding yourself with at home.
Old mailbox given to me by a dear friend.
I hope you were encouraged and inspired today. Thank you for stopping by!
Oh boy…. you have hit a nerve over here! I love this post, and you have given me the courage to do a post along the same lines. I’m not sure I’ve seen that hutch with the black background and all your white (probably all ironstone?) dishes, platters, bowls and cow! The pieces on your front porch are all absolutely perfect and work together seamlessly to create a cozy, welcoming spot. I’ve never confessed to this, but here goes: I would love for someone to come and knock on my door and say to me: ‘Show me every little inch of your home, and tell me ALL the stories.” I would be so delighted. And thank you for cheering all us thrifters on for our quest to find the most beautiful, charming and meaningful pieces for our home. Like you, I have pieces from my great grandmother, grandmother and parents. And even what I think are amazing pieces from estates sales and thrift shops. I do have a husband who doesn’t always ‘appreciate’ my creative pursuits, but somehow we work it out! (The cat is indifferent.) Pinning away!!
Author
My Love Language is words of encouragement, and I also wish for those who enter my home to love every inch as much as I do. But alas, I know I’m different in my aesthetic. But I’m glad. 🙂 There are things people will find weird (like my print from Allison McFriend) mixed with a traditional lamp and another vintage casserole dish with a plant inside, which combined, are darling.
I bet if I lived near you, we’d be the best of friends and love spending time in each other’s homes. And it sounds like are hubbies can go do something else together while we discuss stories! Thank you Kristine!
Girlfriend
You and me are on the same page today. Lol. Love your post.
Author
LOL Rachel, thank you! That is a fabulous compliment!
Love girl piddling!!
Author
It’s the best! My hubby has his piddling, which is usually outside, mostly on the tractor, and boring! SO of course my idea of piddling is much much better. 😉 THank you Carlie
I think you should write a book, cause I know I would buy it. I love all you’ve said and agree. I have thing like that, they don’t look like much but I love them and they are special to me. I have things from my grammy and mother, that I will not part with. Thanks and have a wonderful day.
Author
Marlene, you constantly make my days with your sweet comments. I cannot imagine writing a book. I’d give those grammar and english majors a run for their money. Thank you for the sweet compliment. Wish I could see those treasures.
Thank you for giving what we do a name – piddling! Love your sentiments
Author
Yes Mam, girl piddling – greatest thing since the color pink, air-conditioning, and the best of all pastimes! Thank you for visiting and commenting Dana. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
I agree with everything younsaid in this post! Girl piddling!!! I 💗 it. It’s genius. I too love when my hubby goes out to eun errands and such so I can piddle in peace. Lol. Thanks for the great article.
Author
We sounds like two peas in a pod Marie! Cheers to the hubbies running more errands! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend.
Lovely post. Yes, things can make a home, but it is also the memories and the people who cross the threshold, old and new. Thoughtful post and this type of blog hits right in my home of OldNewGreenRedo. I think with the coming year we are going to see a lot of reusing and thoughtful posts to anchor us in what may some will describe as a hardtimes. Sandi
Author
Thank you Sandra. I hope at least one person begins repurposing things. And if they don’t already love vintage and antique items, I hope this helps! Sounds like you and I are at least two people doing our part to help the earth. 🙂
I loved this fun post Cindy! YES to alone time to girl piddle to our hearts content, YES to surrounding ourselves with things that bring joy and happy memories! I love your sense of humor my friend, you brought a smile and inspiration. And now I’m going to go root through boxes to find my ironstone mold so I can fill it with doilies 😉😘
Author
You crack me up my friend. 😉 Go find that ironstone mold and fill it will doilies. I KNOW it will come out looking better than mine! If you can’t find it, you’ll probably mold your own from clay and crochet your own doilies in 10 minutes! LOL. Thank you for the encouragement. You made my day.
CINDY!!!!
Boy, Am I glad that I came back to read this post!!! I really enjoyed reading it!! I will admit that since I lost my husband a year ago, I am more in my element with what I do in my home…He was not one that ever told me I could not do anything but instead, he always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted in our home….as long as he was not the one doing it and I did not ask him for help!! LOL! No problem because I have always prided myself for being a carpenter’s daughter….He actually did get a bit more judgemental in retirement because we were home together after working opposite shifts for 37 years!! One year has now passed and I am settling into a life style without him and I will admit that it is oddly freeing being totally in charge of your life especially financially….I now do whatever I want to , whenever I want to…. And I just love your term “Girl Piddling”!! I may need to borrow that if I may as I really do love to do some girl piddling…..I now need to go back and look at all your wonderful finds and how you used them in your home…I am a sentimental decorator and I love every item in my home because they all have a story behind them and they make me smile….thanks so much for sharing these thoughts as I really loved reading your story….Have a great weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Author
I feel I can understand what you mean by retirement. My husband has worked from home (as do I, mostly) for years. When he started that, I had to learn when to ask him for help if I needed it. Many days it was like having the best assistant! I love reading your comments, Debbie. Thank you!
Love the term ‘girl piddling’ it’s the perfect way to spend time in your home.
Author
🙂 Thank you Linda!
“Can’t be guilted into doing anything”…yes! We just dig our heels in deeper, right? LOLing! Loved this post. Yes, love all the stories that go along with everything; probably why we won’t ever move. Built too many memories into this place, and we’re all nostalgic about every little thing-kids, too! Thanks for sharing your heart; enjoy the farmhouse!
Author
I wish at least one of my kids were sentimental about anything! I’m afraid they got that from me though. Oh well, they get to deal with all my stuff when I’m hanging with Jesus. Although, I have been on a purging/organization kick lately. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll sell it all and live in a tiny home with nothing but a pink velvet couch and a bathing suit. HA!