Truth be told, I think the secrets are all out! My old English cupboard has little mystery left in it. It was one of the very first things I blogged about years ago, and it has taken on a few different looks over the seasons and years. But mostly subtle ones.
My relationship with this piece of my life is both delicately complex and understated. The very definition of subtle.
I don't make too many bold strokes on these shelves. The quiet colors of nature feed and soothe me. I feel most comfortable with the familiar, the tried and true, and the intimate friendliness between me and my sideboard. (I love this mix of both real and faux in these acorns.)
A storybook cupboard is iconic to cottage life. Can you have a little cottage without one? Not only is it all about small spaces and cramped storage, but it is about the inner life of the owner. What does one hold on to? What does one let go when there is only a wee bit of room left to work with?
There is the chapter on my favorite laces.
And a page for small new narratives to tuck into the story.
Like these soft and silent forest enchantments. . . .
My wooden shelves are only a bigger version of the shoebox housed under the bed of childhood. A collection of shiny objects and found treasures. And of maybe no longer so secret desires.
If I may not take hold of a Toad Hall mansion, I can have the illusion of Mole End close to my heart! (*smile here*) And why not?
I keep tucking in twigs and ideas here and there, and fill in the little spaces with the current season.
As my collections grow and change. . . .
The tale weaves on with every new object set next to the old.
This year I found these sweet little putz cottages to add to my fancies. (at Michael's craft store) I like how they can be put up in November and stay all through winter.
It may be all the twinkling snow that we will see here over the season!
It is the very kind of small happiness that one can sneak into an ordinary day.
Like a little whispered secret between special friends. . . .
What is your personal equivalent to the secret shoe box under the bed? It's funny how all my children are split fifty-fifty on how they are either collectors or not. Some of us just have a bigger need for fairy tales I guess! Either way, I hope it is an enchanting time of year for you!
Have a great weekend ahead!
Jacqueline
Join me at
Gorgeous photos of your beautiful collections. I love the new putz houses! They are darling and yes, they can be out now. I'm getting the itch to put out some decorations and will wait a few days yet as the weather is too nice, and I like to wait until Remembrance Day is over or at least until the afternoon of the 11th! Have a lovely week Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved your cupboard, Jacqueline. The tea-cups with the feet are so adorable. Putz houses are one of my favorite things. I look forward to bringing mine out, too. Lovely post. Deb
ReplyDeleteThat cupboard is truly magical Jacqueline!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you decorate your cupboard, especially the linens on the shelf. I am still looking for the perfect cupboard.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, love your commentary!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI so love your blog, the colors of your home are so natural and beautiful and soothing! I have started adding to my collection of old silver with ivory handles, friends come over and ask if I use them because they look too beautiful for everyday use. I do use mine, do you use yours? Love the little putz houses! I would much rather decorate with them than have to go out and shovel the real thing, but I know the snow will come at some point, it always does here in Northwest Michigan!
ReplyDeleteI love your treasures! I'm so drawn to white ironstone and brown transferware. The acorns and nature are a sweet touch, too. I just love it all. And you may have inspired me to do a fruit basket turnover with some shelves and cupboards in two different rooms. I hadn't even thought about that until I saw your post. Now, to get moving......
ReplyDeleteI too love your photos and the cups with the little feet. You need some gum nuts to go with the eucalypt leaves and your acorns. Our house is much more colourful. I don't think we could restrict ourselves to such a muted palate.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always and I LOVE those little snowy houses
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeleteI adore the Fairy Tale hints within your Cottage Cupboard, dear friend!!!
The shoebox was kept in the far back corner of my closet.
It held notes from classmates, tickets from a end of Grade School Dance, a photo or tow of some boy who thought I needed Him, and some pieces of broken shoe laces that I couldn't dare to part with. MoMa's day off was Tuesday. One Tuesday, MoMa cleaned my room and o u t went my shoebox. Taken off by the trash men before I came home from school. I was heartbroken. Never, ever, could I retrieve those treasures.
I am the Dreamer in our family, the hopeless Romantic, the Believer in Fairy Tales and in Happily Ever After!!!
Thank you for sharing your "chapter" within your Cottage Cupboard, dear one.
For now, like you, I have (several) Cottage Cupboards that I fill to the brim with treasures that please my heart!!!
Blessings upon you!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Love your treasures and how you put them together - always so serene and cal and lovely. The rich history (and your use of neutrals) are spot on awesome.
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
It's beautiful. I love the new little cottages. So cute. I had to hunt down some acorns like yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheerful little visit...thanks for sharing your treasures!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, your English cupboard is such an inspiration, and so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes pitter patter over beautiful fairy tales. Those little houses and white treasure just delight my heart. Your story enchanted me.
ReplyDeleteThe linens, so perfectly arrayed, speak as much to me about you as your 'collection' does : )
ReplyDeleteAll is lovely and unique and telling. Beautiful pieces; love your cupboard!
Karen O in CO
Such creamy autumnish loveliness. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by the lovely lace and crochet. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, wpadam tu by zobaczyć Twoją ukochaną szafę z przepiękną białą lub kremową porcelaną i znowu obejrzeć nowe wzory ślicznych koronek - romantyczny zaśnieżony domek oczywiście skradł moje serce - pozdrawiam serdecznie
ReplyDeleteOh us girls and our collections. I recently filled some shelves with all my (mostly McCoy) matte white pottery.
ReplyDeleteSwooning!!!!! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Week Jacqueline.
Kris
Well, I for one, am a big believer in fairy tales! Love your darling sparkly and snowy putz houses! All the laces and white china ware is so soothing. Every image is simply lovely and restful. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day. Oh, BTW, I adore the white cotton peasant blouse and skirt outfit on your mannequin in your shop. Looks very much like something I would wear.
ReplyDeleteAutumn blessings,
Sandi
Yes, I agree, china cabinets and hutches do tell stories, and mine is very close to my heart..well, um, I actually have more than one, truth be told. Just have never lived in a house with enough storage for my dishes, you know. I enjoyed your story very much, especially the reference to Wind in the Willows, which I love. Thank you for a lovely post. God bless, Becky
ReplyDeleteOh, big smile! How I love the stories in your storybook cupboard. I never thought of that but oh, the stories our treasures tell. And I love your frosty houses! I think I need to make some of those when my show is over! Enchanting!
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline, Your cupboard is beautiful filled with whites and neutrals. I love the snowy little cottages. So charming!! You are always an inspiration. Have a great week. xo
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteI so love how you're able to put into words your feelings about your cupboards and the items displayed on them! Like so many of us gals here, I can definitely relate :)
Your vintage whites look so lovingly displayed among your found treasures!
Thanks so much for sharing and enjoy your week...
Mary
Delicate and pretty! Love the putz cottages. I got some last year at Michaels but these are different. Love their sparkly look!
ReplyDeleteAutumn is an enchanting time of year for me, but truly, I'm enchanted each time I visit Cabin and Cottage. Love the soft browns mixed in with all this white. I must stop into Michaels this weekend. The little houses are adorable. I just may need to add a few to my village.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
This is my first Holiday season blogging and the temptation to do ...what's hip and new...and buy stuff, is overwhelming. But I think I will just share my old goodies, because they will be new...and your lovely lace and low key approach is super. Love the transferware and naturals! Sandi
ReplyDeleteLovely post, I'm new to blogging and this will be my first Christmas season...I think I will take your approach and use what I have --maybe with a bit of snow and fresh glitter,lol, Sandi
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline, I could visit your ironstone collection everyday.
ReplyDeleteLove your sweet little snowy cottages they always tell their own little Christmas story. I love the new header here, and am so looking forward to the holidays here and where your tree is placed.
Xx
Dore