Antique Stoneware & French Beaded Flowers

In the midst of preparing the store for Christmas, I had to step out to run a few quick errands. After several stops and my "to do" list completed, I decided to take a little break and stroll through a local charity thrift shop. 

While searching I spotted it, tucked away on a shelf in the kitchen section, surrounded by various and sundry pots and pans... was this beautiful antique stoneware tureen.

As I inspected the tureen's condition, I noticed another petite stoneware tureen hiding just behind it. It's a cute little piece with heavy crazing and no lid but I just couldn't separate the two.

As an extra bonus, at the check out table... a sign which read "Half Off Housewares Today!" 

I love old stoneware but it is becoming more and more difficult to find, at least here in California, so I was thrilled to add these treasures to my collection.

I use my antique white stoneware tureens and casseroles to display seasonal accents at home. Shells in the summer, seasonal nuts & fruits in the fall, antique holiday ornaments and paperwhites for Christmas and so on.

This small piece would need some special attention as the items I traditionally use as filler are just too big for it. I remembered a very special treasure we brought back from France that would be just perfect!

We found these antique handmade glass beaded flowers at a flea market in Normandy. I have sold most of the stems but I did set aside some for myself and this was my chance to use them.

Ready to use any season of the year, this is not only a beautiful piece, it is a little reminder of our trip.

I'm looking forward to placing these two pieces in my grandmother's corner cabinet along with a few of my favorite pieces.

More treasure hunting this weekend and I will post some holiday vignettes from the shop soon.

Thanks for reading and

Happy Hunting!