What is it about Rust?

I have a thing for rust! As soon as I saw these doors I had a plan for them. The white stenciling is new as of last week but, soon I know the iron oxide will penetrate the new paint and begin to creep into the pattern and create a weathered patina that is unmatched in character...in my opinion.

They are metal cabinet doors my husband took off so that he could better use the cabinet in his shop. Knowing I love a little rust, left them out behind the building exposed to the elements for over a year...well, we forgot about them. The little bit of rust that was in a few choice places took over as they blew to the ground during a storm I suppose and became leaf covered in the fall. They remained there through the very wet winter and spring. Early in June, they appeared on the studio porch after the hubby rediscovered them. ...very proud of "his" work, later that day he told me my doors were ready. 

 They make a unique back drop for photo sessions or behind a guest book table. I also envision them separated and used individually behind fern stands...so many ideas!!

As I look around here I see rust in every direction...

This is a great old piece...heavy, heavy! It's an old street light base and makes a gorgeous pedestal...think ferns or other spillover plants or add a flat surface to the top and use as a guest sign in spot.

How cute is this rusty old Radio Flyer? 

What would you do with this old fireplace grate? I love it for flower pots.

Okay, you just never know when you will need a rusty old iron with a bent handle...but you do know where to find one!

If I keep looking I'm sure I could find just as many more pieces around here!

Chapter Three...Vintage Rental

My sister and I in about 1966

Here I am in my third year in this business and true to what I said on my ABOUT page when I began this blog, I am trying on lots of hats until I find one that fits...

I'm now wearing the vintage rental hat. It took a year and a friend drawing me a picture for me to realize that I should give it a try. A vintage rental business provides brides, event planners and photographers with unique vintage props and antique furniture for weddings, events and styled shoots. I also want to offer my skills as stylist as well if anyone has a need.

Last year we had a cute engaged couple stop by and ask if they could have their engagement photos taken in and around our barn. We were happy to oblige. It so happened that the day they were to have their photo shoot was the day before our occasional sale and I had lots of the overflow of vintage furniture and other goods out under the studio shed. 

The photographer, Amber Belangia of ASB Photography, hadn't been here until the day of the shoot and as I watched her I could see her cogs turning as she surveyed what we had to offer. She went out behind the barn into the woods...

She went across the road to the cow pasture... 

I just absolutely love this one! 

She went in the barn, and up to the loft... 

and I was pleasantly surprised that she made several pictures at the studio and among the junk! 

Did you notice you're see through a mirror view? So cool!

And I realized, we are at no loss for weathered farm buildings here to use as a backdrop either!  

These are just a few of the photos from the afternoon and I think Amber did a wonderful job! I now realize that we have the potential to provide more in the way of props and opportunities. I'm getting very excited! I can't continue without thanking my friend Lee from Stressed Out Furniture for making the suggestion that I should look into doing rentals. She and another new friend, Cindy from Cabin Creek Antiques, and both from my Design Junkies group, are also just starting their vintage rental businesses as well.

By the time we have our Country Marketplace at the Ranch sale on May 17th and 18th, the showroom will be ready and I hope we will be well on our way to having a completed inventory portfolio including styled photos for inspiration...I'll also have PLENTY for sale that weekend under the shed, and probably under a tent as well, so don't think I've stopped junking or selling...I've set June 1st as the official opening day for rentals to start. Consultations will be by appointment and at your convenience so I'm not going to set days or times.

There will be more to come as I progress. In the meantime you can check out more of Amber's photos on her Facebook page, website and blog.

Thank you Andrea and Robert for letting me use your sweet photos! And thank you Amber for sharing you talent with us!