It’s really just the tiniest things that can inspire & entertain me. A habit that started when I was in college 10+ years ago still prevails today. When I get stressed out & need to clear my head, I just stop by my favorite antique mall & get my nostalgia fix. It’s all about the colors, designs, & feelings of comfort that a place like that evokes. The idea that I might stumble on a treasure is what keeps me coming back again & again.
I’ve been a sewing, packing & shipping machine lately. On my way home from the post office a few days ago, I stopped by an antique mall that I like to browse in for a quick, much needed, break. It was all decked out in vintage Christmas decorations & was newly stocked since my last visit. I quickly headed to my favorite areas first & started my little pile of finds. When I spotted this puppet box on the ground, beneath a display, I seriously started to get butterflies. I would have bought the box by itself just for the palette & graphics alone. But look at what was inside! Those of you that have followed this blog awhile know about my love of puppets.
It’s so funny, but I snatched up that box like it was the must have toy of the season and it was Christmas Eve. I don’t think I can even explain or understand myself completely, how happy this sweet $4 prize made me (yes, I said $4). It was the best break ever. I was inspired & ready to go back to work with a pile of nostalgia to help me get through the holiday rush. What do you like to do when you are stressed & in need of a pick me up?
20 Comments
Chantale
16 December 2010Ooh that box! And it's got all its pieces inside! In pretty good condition too. 4$. I can't get over it! I need a place like your antique mall near me too.. I wonder what else you picked up (pile of nostalgia)? Glad to hear these things revved up your design mojo! The greatest stress reliever for myself has been my trusty friend: the treadmill. lol. Also, Mr Sunshine outside. I am completely deprived of it at work and feel run down almost immediately. Getting out and seeing all that light makes me feel light and instantly happy. : )
Chantale
16 December 2010Ooh that box! And it's got all its pieces inside! In pretty good condition too. 4$. I can't get over it! I need a place like your antique mall near me too.. I wonder what else you picked up (pile of nostalgia)? Glad to hear these things revved up your design mojo! The greatest stress reliever for myself has been my trusty friend: the treadmill. lol. Also, Mr Sunshine outside. I am completely deprived of it at work and feel run down almost immediately. Getting out and seeing all that light makes me feel light and instantly happy. : )
Chantale
16 December 2010Ooh that box! And it's got all its pieces inside! In pretty good condition too. 4$. I can't get over it! I need a place like your antique mall near me too.. I wonder what else you picked up (pile of nostalgia)? Glad to hear these things revved up your design mojo! The greatest stress reliever for myself has been my trusty friend: the treadmill. lol. Also, Mr Sunshine outside. I am completely deprived of it at work and feel run down almost immediately. Getting out and seeing all that light makes me feel light and instantly happy. : )
Chantale
16 December 2010By the way, I love the donkey in this set. It reminds me of Trotro.. a character Keira loved to watch on tv.. http://www.video-enfant.fr/Trotro.htm
Chantale
16 December 2010By the way, I love the donkey in this set. It reminds me of Trotro.. a character Keira loved to watch on tv.. http://www.video-enfant.fr/Trotro.htm
Chantale
16 December 2010By the way, I love the donkey in this set. It reminds me of Trotro.. a character Keira loved to watch on tv.. http://www.video-enfant.fr/Trotro.htm
Daria
16 December 2010I absolutely understand you about the box!!! It's wonderful! Oh, I just spotted that it was made in Czechoslovakia!! No wonder the design is so good. Made me remember a splendid wooden toy store in Prague – I think you'd go kaboink there!
And the puppets remind me of Czechoslovakian cartoons and puppet shows I used to watch on the TV as a kid 🙂 Ah, memories…
Really a great find K! I envy you your mall…
Daria
16 December 2010I absolutely understand you about the box!!! It's wonderful! Oh, I just spotted that it was made in Czechoslovakia!! No wonder the design is so good. Made me remember a splendid wooden toy store in Prague – I think you'd go kaboink there!
And the puppets remind me of Czechoslovakian cartoons and puppet shows I used to watch on the TV as a kid 🙂 Ah, memories…
Really a great find K! I envy you your mall…
Daria
16 December 2010I absolutely understand you about the box!!! It's wonderful! Oh, I just spotted that it was made in Czechoslovakia!! No wonder the design is so good. Made me remember a splendid wooden toy store in Prague – I think you'd go kaboink there!
And the puppets remind me of Czechoslovakian cartoons and puppet shows I used to watch on the TV as a kid 🙂 Ah, memories…
Really a great find K! I envy you your mall…
Layers and Layers
16 December 2010I love the fact that you found something that made you so happy 🙂 What a lovely find …
Layers and Layers
16 December 2010I love the fact that you found something that made you so happy 🙂 What a lovely find …
Red Rood Blue Door
18 December 2010Your post made me smile. I had that same set of finger puppets when i was little! They were great fun.
Red Rood Blue Door
18 December 2010Your post made me smile. I had that same set of finger puppets when i was little! They were great fun.
KLT
18 December 2010@Chantale- Yeah, it did rev it up! Isn't that box great? I like the donkey too- I'll look up that link. 🙂 Puppets & sunshine = even happier me.
@Daria- I knew you would like the box too. Ha- Yep I think I would go kaboink in Prague! 🙂 I'll take you to my favorite junk stores (Chantale too).
@Layers and Layers- Thanks Sharon- Pretty goofy that something like this could make me over the moon happy. 🙂
@Red Rood Door- That's so great to hear! How wonderful that you had that same set. Do you still have them?
alix
21 December 2010WOW!!!! the cover was worth the $4 alone, but the puppets inside are just fantastic!!!! i love them!!!
and yes you would go bonkers in Prague! hee
alix
21 December 2010WOW!!!! the cover was worth the $4 alone, but the puppets inside are just fantastic!!!! i love them!!!
and yes you would go bonkers in Prague! hee
alix
21 December 2010WOW!!!! the cover was worth the $4 alone, but the puppets inside are just fantastic!!!! i love them!!!
and yes you would go bonkers in Prague! hee
Kenziepoo
10 January 2011Great Finds Kristin! Love those puppets… I wish I could shop in this lovely antique mall too! xo
Kenziepoo
10 January 2011Great Finds Kristin! Love those puppets… I wish I could shop in this lovely antique mall too! xo
Kenziepoo
10 January 2011Great Finds Kristin! Love those puppets… I wish I could shop in this lovely antique mall too! xo