Pretty Pictures

Age Has Its Benefits

Today was another fine day of rag pickin’ at the flea market. Every where I looked were great pieces of folk art, antiques and vintage memorabilia. I was initially tempted to buy an amazingly strange, cathedral-like bird cage from New England, made of weathered wood and chicken wire. The seller was asking a pretty penny for his find, so I passed hoping he would lower his price as he day wore on. Unfortunately when I was ready to haggle, the cage was gone, on it’s way become a conversation piece in another lucky person’s home. I suppose the lesson to be learned is to never second guess your instincts.

I did however secure a beautifully-aged, mustard yellow chair with stunning cracklature that looks like elephant skin in many places. While there are no markings to research the maker, the vendor told me it was purchased from an estate sale in Walnut, Indiana and is probably close to 100 years old. I’ve always been taken with the beauty of weathered paint. Mother Nature can lend an amazingly brilliant touch of flare to somewhat conventional and otherwise ordinary designs.