Monday, May 11, 2009

Addictions

Several months ago, my mother-in-law downsized to a smaller home. After her unneeded property was assigned to each child, there were still many items left. You can imagine my surprise and delight when I noticed that none of my husband's siblings were interested in taking the tarnished, mismatched silverware. So, of course, I volunteered to give it a new home.Shortly afterward, a good friend called me. She had found a great buy and wanted to share. Knowing my love/addiction to apothecary jars she asked if I wanted her to pick up a set for me. Of course my reply was YES!I'm ashamed to admit that for months both of these collections sat unattended to, even though it seemed like they were meant to be together. Finally I decided that I needed to take the necessary time to combine my two addictions.I started by dividing the silverware into "family groups." I'm not sure why I chose to start with this step other than maybe it's my obsessive/compulsive tendency. But seeing how pretty each separate grouping looked sparked an idea. I decided to tie each utensil family into a bundle using vintage looking lace.Then I piled each bundle into the medium-sized jar, arranging the groups from tallest to smallest. I adore the look of organized disorganization!I then took the remaining large serving pieces and put them into the largest jar. I added in a few thrift store finds for a more interesting display.I think my mother-in-law will be pleased that her old silverware is still being loved and my friend will be so happy that I finally decided to unpack my pretty jars.

29 comments:

Stefanie said...

Beautiful! So much nicer than mine...left lingering in a kitchen draw.

Stacie said...

That is such a great idea!--but I am dying to know where in your home you are displaying these. Maybe you will share a photo with us later:)

Darlene said...

I LOVE that silverware in the apothecary jars! BEAUTIFUL!

Cindy said...

What a beautiful, beautiful idea! You are so creative, I love reading your posts!

Stacey said...

What a pretty idea!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

Oh, I love tarnished silver! They look great in the apothecary jar. What a pretty display! I picked up a bunch of old silver at Goodwill a couple of years ago and made fridge magnets out of a couple... here's a photo. Those strong rare earth magnets are wonderful for these :)

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
{Bellamere Cottage} said...

I LOVE apothecary jars.......it makes whatever is inside so much more special, and at the same time?....no DUST!! I love that. This is a great way to show off your lovely old silverware......surely better than stuck in a drawer somewhere.

Blessings,
Spencer

Jennifer said...

This looks great! I love anything in glass jars - wine corks, spheres, shells - but this is new!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Amazing! I really like this!

Southern Fried Gal said...

Really cute idea!

Heather at Happy Chippy Junk said...

Aren't you glad other people over look the beauty of simple junk?? Looks Great!!

GreatToBeGrammy said...

I just found your blog and read it for the first time a few moments ago. I really like it.

Just last night, I rolled over in my bed to jot down a quick note - look for the box of old silverware I had picked up years ago at a yard sale. I wanted to finally make use of the forks by making little easels to give inspirational quotes to a few friends (I read about that on one of my newfound blogs yesterday). I got out the box this morning, but only had 7 forks. Then, I thought, I need to find another way to use these, I can't just get rid of the forks and the leave the other pieces. I sorted them and placed them back in their box, then on the shelf, till I figured out another use.

Imagine my surprise when I found this as todays post! I've been inspired by you to place them in apothacary jars and intersperse them with my white dish collection! Thanks for the idea!
A new reader, Terry

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

I LOVE the silver in the jar!

Nikki said...

I love what you have done with the silverware. I have been looking for some old, tarnished silverware for a project that I have seen...do you have any suggestions on where I can find any?
knikki84@gmail.com
kevinandnikki.blogspot.com

Sweet Tea said...

Great that you gave the silverward a place of respect - and to be lovingly displayed. I'm SURE your MIL will be pleased!

EMBELLISH said...

This is so my style. I have jars all over my house filled with just stuff. I think it looks amazing! Old door knobs, cookie cutters, etc. In fact, I just posted some of them on my blog today! Love your blog. Check it often.

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

What a pretty idea!

~ Sarah

Kasey said...

I think it looks great.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

AWW... that looks great! What a fantastic idea, thank you for sharing it with us!!

oliveoyl64 said...

I too have an addiction to "homeless" flatware. I used to make windchimes and have quite the collection. The apoth jars are super cute.

Unknown said...

Hi Joy,
That is a great way to display the silver!
:) Diane

annelise said...

you are amazing...

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Don't you love when inspiration hits?! Beautiful!

Amy

Cathy said...

Love the idea and I'm gonna use it!! I have lots of old silver pieces stored and what a great way to display them.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I think that is a wonderful way to display them.

American Homemaker said...

I love it! I have lots of apothecary jars in my bedroom. I use them to store vintage jewelry :)

Just Rhonda said...

ooh i love this idea! I have some silverware I've been saving for something too! I might have to find some jars!

Anonymous said...

Who knew? Your creations will be studied for years to come...to the tune of..."she was way ahead of her time"...

My best, Lynn

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