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Worn Wooden Boxes & Cool Rusty Things!

July 22, 2024 by Kimberly Snyder 37 Comments

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While I wasn’t born in a barn, my parents did keep me in a box! Even now, some of my favorite things are worn wooden boxes & rusty objects!

old wooden primitive looking trough filled with geraniums, propped up on stacks of wood

I was born before the days of  infant car seats.  Apparently, in order to keep me “safe”, my parents laid me in a box in the back seat!  I don’t know if it is because I heard the story so many times or if I really remember but I can see myself riding along in the pink car we had, laying in my box looking up at the night sky.  Most likely, it is a combination of memories of laying in the back seat coming home from seeing the doctor when I had a bad case of the flu or laying in the back trying to sleep because it was late when Dad picked me up at my Grandmother’s house.

Frankly, if they did keep me in a box, I am surprised we didn’t still have the box because my Mother didn’t get rid of very many things!  One thing she did burn was all of her vintage paper mache Halloween decorations!  I am still upset about that!  The woman had all sorts of other things she could have burned but she chose to burn the German paper mache Halloween decorations!   More can be learned about the process I went through after she passed away by reading this blog post. 

and maybe this one, too! 

This isn’t the box they used, but it looks like something they would have used!

bench turned upside down

How to Safely Clean Old Wood**

or maybe this old trough!  This looks like something they could have used as well!

piece of slate with Herb Trough written on it. Placed in an old wooden trough filled with herbs

Birthday Treasures

Birthday Celebration 6 years old

I am still fascinated by worn wooden boxes and rusty objects!   A few days after my birthday one year, my Mom asked me what I spent my birthday money on… I told her a carrier and a wooden box…. she looked at me kind of strange and said, “don’t you already have a lot of those?” Well, a girl can never have too many primitive carriers, boxes or cool rusty things, can they?

petals & porch posts

My Mom wasn’t the only one who liked to have a lot of stuff!  I just like to “blame” her when I am whining about how long it took to complete the downsizing process.  There are more details found here:

Speaking of Cool Rusty Things

My dad was a farmer and he had the coolest workbench in his workshop.  This picture reminds me of his workbench.

wooden box full of nails on old work bench

He had a machine on his bench similar to this one.

old grinder

During my final trip to the farm , I took the little grindstone off of the end of his machine and brought it back with me.  I have it in the entryway now with an old skeleton key .

heart topiary with grindstone

The large grindstone on the rusty stand was also one of the treasures I brought back from the farm.  Here is a better picture of it.

grindstone in the garden with a pot of pink flowers

Springthyme in the Garden

It was in one of my Mom’s flower beds for years.  I am so happy to have it!

My Dad’s Sea Chest

My Dad was in the Navy during WW2.  One of the things I have treasured for years is his sea chest.  It has a label on it (sadly now very faded) were he sent it to an old girlfriend!  I am not sure how he managed to get it back when the old girlfriend found out he was marrying my Mom.  I bet that is quite a story!

How to Store Silk Flowers

I have used it in my various homes over the years.  Normally I used it as a coffee table.  It now holds all of his Navy uniforms and other family treasures.

One of my Favorite Wooden Boxes

This old wooden box belonged to one of my uncles. He used it as his tool box.  It is so neat.

old garden tool used to prop up a lid

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gray themed gathering on table

Early Spring Garden Style Tablescape

More Rusty Things!

rusty patina

vintage metal yard art

These vintage metal hearts belonged to my paternal Grandmother.  Dave tried really hard to put them in the metal recycling!  I managed to rescue them!  He doesn’t realize how close he came to being in the recycling pile!

These garden urns….

wire urns

antique wire basket with pink geraniums

They belonged to my paternal grandmother.  Somehow they ended up on the farm.  I am so glad!  They are probably one of my very favorite things!  They fit perfectly in the garden in Florida!

How to Decorate with Antique Garden Accessories

Carriers or Tool Boxes

dianthus and forget me nots

Divided Carrier on a reclaimed wood farm table

old carrier on top of box on hearth

The Fireplace Mantel Decorated for the Seasons

carrier under the table

Inspirational quote in a display

old tool box filled with mason jars & flowers

Simple Mason Jar Arrangements

My Favorite Curbside Find

carrier on top of primitive cabinet

I loved this primitive base cabinet!  It didn’t make the cut of things to come to Florida, though!  If you are interested on learning where I found it, you can read about  it here:

Rusty Garden Tools

Summer Daisy Gnome Themed Fireplace Mantel

Summer Daisy Themed Fireplace Mantel

I Still Gravitate to the Cool Rusty Things!

Look what I found at Round Top!

Brocante!  What in the World is Brocante!

Industrial Salvage

I found this awesome treasure at the local resale shop.  It was tucked way back in a dark cubby in an almost hidden room.  I think it is a vintage wallpaper roller!  It is definitely a piece of industrial salvage!  It is about 10 inches tall.  I just love it!  I haven’t found the perfect spot for it yet but I have some ideas!

roller used to made wallpaper

Here is one way I used it.

peace love joy sign with wallpaper roller

I got it for a very good price compared to what similar ones are selling for on Ebay!  It makes a great stand for a figurine.

Snow man Bob on wall paper roller

Tightly Coiled or Spiraling Out of Control

 

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Rusty gears

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Filed Under: Blog Post, Decorating & Design Tagged With: Architectural Salvage, Family

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Comments

  1. Paula@SweetPea says

    August 7, 2021 at 9:16 am

    I so much enjoyed seeing all of your wonderful vintage finds.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      August 7, 2021 at 10:52 am

      Thank you , Paula!

      Reply
  2. Rebecca says

    August 7, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    I love rusty things too!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      August 8, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you, Rebecca!

      Reply
  3. Leslie Watkins says

    August 8, 2021 at 8:49 am

    I remember early years of riding in the back seat of our car…never in a box though! I get being a “keeper” of things…and it sounds like the memories those things being to mind are important to you, too, friend. Happy Sunday!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      August 8, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you , Leslie!

      Reply
  4. Carol Karl | Living a Real Life says

    August 10, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    I really enjoyed seeing your vintage finds.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      August 11, 2021 at 9:19 am

      thank you ,Carol!

      Reply
  5. Sue at Blu says

    August 7, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    From the treasures that were your dad’s to the garden shots, the rusty things and of course the boxes…love this post! Pinned

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      August 8, 2022 at 9:01 am

      Thank you, Sue! I do love my rusty things! My best friend, who unfortunately is no longer with us, could never understand my fondness for rust!

      Reply
  6. Cara says

    July 9, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    I would be upset to lose the vintage Halloween decorations too! You have so many wonderful items, but my favorite is your dad’s sea chest! I imagine that is quite the story, so glad he was able to get it back Kim! Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall?

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      July 10, 2023 at 9:44 am

      Yes, I would really like to know more about how he ultimately got the sea chest back! His ex girlfriend must have been more understanding than I might have been had I been in her shoes!

      Reply

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Hello! Kimberly (Kim) Snyder and I'm glad you're here. An entrepreneurial spirit, I've owned a flower shop and antiques store, a pizza parlor and now we're in Florida living a new adventure. Join me as we downsize into our new digs and continue the adventures! WRITER & BLOGGER

Kimberly Snyder shares the adventures of moving to Florida and beginning again in a new space as a herbalist, a creative, and a serial entrepreneur

Instagram

We had the house painted last fall. I finally got We had the house painted last fall. I finally got the vintage urns out of storage and added white mums.  #brocantestyle #brocante #gardenantiques #gardenstyle #kimstyledecor #whitemums #fromfarmhousetoflorida
Instagram post 18044738081437452 Instagram post 18044738081437452
I love to use my Mom’s vintage Hamilton Beach mi I love to use my Mom’s vintage Hamilton Beach mixer! It still works after all these years. I did have it re-wired several years ago because the original cord was frayed. #hamiltonbeach #fromfarmhousetoflorida #vintagekitchenwares #mothersday #farmhousekitchendecor
Not sure if I ever shared this version of the pott Not sure if I ever shared this version of the potting bench. I started decorating it with a lavender theme. I must have gotten distracted before I finished it! It just needs a few potted lavender plants ti finish it! #lavender #farmhousedecorating #gardenstyle #fromfarmhousetoflorida #pottingbench
Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower o Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower out of the trim from an old pillowcase.  #sugarmoldcenterpiece #sugarmolddecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida #farmhousedecor #fauxhydrangeas #gardenstyledecor #cottagedecor #kimstyledecor
Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been foll Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been following me for a while, you know I can’t resist filling a dough bowl (or2) with blooming plants! I designed this one with a combination of vintage garden tools, an old book and a selection of plants.  It would make the perfect gift fire that special Mom in your life! #mothersdaygifts #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #gardenstyle #farmhousedoughbowl #doughbowl #kimstyledecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida
I don’t talk about my faith a lot. I do believe I don’t talk about my faith a lot.  I do believe God puts certain people in your path for a reason.  An example of this occurred on Tuesday.  It was colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy day.  I was really nervous about how it would all work since it was my first time since I had my cancer surgery. 

 The nurse that was taking care of me in the pre op area turned out to be the same nurse who had prayed for me last year. My husband was in the parking lot of the medical center speaking with his friend who happened to work at the center with this particular nurse. I was very sick at the time and they prayed for my healing.  It was great to be able to thank her in person and let her see that the prayers had been answered. ❤️

Then the anesthesiologist came in and told me about his cousin who had also been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer about a year ago. He mentioned some of the treatments his cousin had had and how important a positive attitude is.  I was touched that he took the time to tell me about his cousin’s experience. 

 We had arranged in advance to have my husband’s friend as the nurse anesthesist.  He was able to pray with us as well as reassure us about the procedure.

The procedure went well. The three polyps that the surgeon removed were sent to pathology.  The report is already back and there no evidence of cancer.  Prayers were answered again❤️

#coloncancersurvivor #coloncancer  #coloncancersucks  #colonoscopy #sigmoidoscopy  #fromfarmhousetoflorida
Celebrating my “roots” for Earth Day and beyon Celebrating my “roots” for Earth Day and beyond! The tractor was painted a few years ago by a dear family friend @annrund  The two white wooden hearts were purchased at one of my favorite shops in Illinois @thefeatherednest1  #fromfarmhousetoflorida #farmhousedecorating #gardenstyledecor #gardenstyle #kimstyledecor
Instagram post 18068406688937948 Instagram post 18068406688937948

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