Inspiration from..rolling pins?

I suppose I owe my mother some credit for my decorating skillz (yeah, still spelling it with a z) - mom, if you're reading this, notice I said some and not ALL!  She gave me the antiquing bug for sure - we often scope out shops in New York and Connecticut - actually not "scope" - we scour / dissect / look into every object until Dad wants to drive off the highway and into the Connecticut River.

Antiques are super fun because everything has a story - not just a history.  What was once a chopper for root vegetables is now decorative wall art - and those canning jars?  My god - let's get into the number of ways you can decorate with jars.  Even rolling pins these days!  I took some pics of the more popular items that you may have seen in your antique shops in decorative arrangements so you know how they can be used.

This set of choppers is around the door way to the dining room in my parents' CT home:

One suggestion: if something catches your eye in a shop - don't just buy one!  Collectables are super popular and make great displays that are cause for conversation.  Always consider where you're putting them - choppers are great in this entryway because it leads in the from the kitchen - always fitting for displays of kitchen and cooking products.

Yes - even rolling pins make a great set!  Who would've thunk it?!

I love these arranged with other simple kitchen items - it's so much fun and a bit more recent on the antique scene.  Another great collectable that is emerging are old cutting boards arranged on your kitchen wall.  So fun!

Now Jars Jars Jars!  We all love Jars!

Here's a group shot!  You can fill jars with almost anything and it will then fit any style of home - country style can have flowers or buttons while contemporary coast line can feature beach glass and shells - modern homes can feature exotic marbles or stainless steel balls - jars come in all shapes and sizes.  You can mix them together or have them alone.

Putting letters or other old game pieces make really fun gifts and they also dress up a kid's room - super fun!  Scrabble was never so stylish!

These jars look great when partnered up with another favorite - old seltzer bottles!  More on those in future episodes..

My personal favorite - reclaimed tool boxes.  They are great for so many uses and just give you an excuse to buy more stuff - you know, you have to add some bling to your tool box!

Here is my mom's version with amazing flowers from the garden:

I love it and if you look closely..yup, the flowers are sitting in JARS!

Here is my version of the tool box - tricked out with booze!

This shows that you can mix antiques with modern elements - placing this amazing shaker from CB2 and these stemless martini glasses makes such a fun display for parties - plus it makes carrying all those drinks so easy.

Speaking of drinks..hmm..