The little Hoosier started out looking a little rough, as demonstrated here. And even though its reconstruction was a success, I have to admit that it was used primarily as a) pet supply storage underneath and b) clutter collection on top. Stuff that I would bring home from a sale would sit here until I took it upstairs. Sometimes I pretended that it looked OK - the stuff I was bringing home was mostly vintage housewares, after all - but instead of looking eclectic and fun, it mostly looked just jumbled.
When I found a 1950s plate rack at the thrift store last week, it landed, naturally, on the little Hoosier. I had planned to sell it (they're usually worth picking up when you find them, because they're usually inexpensive and usually sell well, and yes, I know I qualified this sentence with an unusual repetition of the word 'usually.') But that 50-cent purchase ended up encouraging me to make better use of the space.
The bottom is still devoted to pet storage. (Yeah, they do have a lot of stuff!) But the top shelves look a lot more organized.
I built the shelf unit for the top all by myself last summer with scrap lumber from the shed, except for the trim piece on top, which I bought because it was a near match to the trim on the original Hoosier. One of the proudest moments in my life occurred last fall when my brother visited and remarked on the Hoosiers. "Did you buy these together, or did you just happen to find ones that matched?" he asked. My brother, who has remarkable do-it-yourself and repair skills, was stunned that I built something.
It's nice to have the little Hoosier clutter-free, with all my ducks in a row. Or birds, as the case may be.
How fabulous is that display!! Your shelf unit is just perfect for your hoosier. I'm enjoying all your mix of vintage treasures. Love it.
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | April 19, 2012 at 02:00 PM
I'm impressed too! Great job, love the red and jadeite combo as always.
Posted by: Gina @ Vintagejunkinmytrunk | April 19, 2012 at 02:10 PM
*sigh* i wish i had the courage to paint my kitchen green. i'm a green collector, just like you, it seems.
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | April 19, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Excellent, most excellent redo of the cabinet. How nice to surprise your brother with an I DID IT!
Posted by: Laurie magpieethel | April 19, 2012 at 04:11 PM
As if the little Hoosier wasn't cute enough ... the shelf unit puts it over the top ! Great job Barbara !
Posted by: Lisa W. | April 19, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Hold on...I need to go down stairs and put my cookie cutters in my silverware drawer like that. Good grief this is so cute. Honestly, I flipped through twice to make sure I saw all of it. Yes, pets have a ton of stuff. Smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | April 19, 2012 at 06:30 PM
I can't take my eyes off of that beautiful piece of furniture...someday...
Posted by: Vicki | April 19, 2012 at 08:27 PM
You are a true Renaissance woman. I would love to own some sort of dangerous table saw and build things but I'm quite confident my work would in no way 'stun' your brother (except maybe in the not-so-good way) or anyone else. Your brother's surprise surprises me since we readers all know you to be quite handy and crafty (in the good way) -- does he read your blog?
;-)
Posted by: Into Vintage | April 20, 2012 at 05:57 PM
LOL B -my brother would never believe me if I told him I had done this kind of carpentry...good for you! So how long will it stay organized? Love all your :stuff:
Posted by: Jewels | April 20, 2012 at 06:35 PM
Love your little cabinet and I am so amazed you built the top section! You're very good! Love all of your little pretties in there too. I have a little Jadite bowl like yours, the smaller one.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)
Posted by: shelia | April 20, 2012 at 08:06 PM