Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Shiny and Durable


When it comes to materials household items are made from, everyone has their individual preferences.

For example, regarding pots and pans, I like the “look” of copper, but thoroughly dislike cleaning it to make it shine. Consequently, no copper pans will be found around our house.

Stainless steel appliances may be the rage in new homes but I absolutely do not like them. Give me the brightest white sinks and counter tops available, thank you, and we have both in our newly remodeled kitchen.

One material that appeals to me, which others may wrinkle their foreheads over, is brass. Brass candlesticks, door handles, door knocker, fireplace accessories, shower curtain rods and faucets in kitchen and bathrooms and so on are all part of our home. Polished, shiny brass is classy and rich looking to me.

Now comes an admission. After Christmas, I decided, once again, to limit impulse shopping for awhile since I have two weddings to attend this year, both out-of-state. These will entail a lot of expense.



However, while there are good intentions, there is also temptation. I love (emphasis on the word love, pul-eese) thrift store shopping. It’s almost therapeutic to me. When feeling bummed and my car steers into a thrift store parking lot, I immediately feel better, even before going in. Yeah, obsession rules.

Such was the case this week. The day had a busy, and frustrating at times, and there were 20 minutes to kill. So my car headed right for the Salvation Army Family Thrift Store. Since there was so little time, not much harm could be done, could it?

Skipping the color coordinated clothes section, I made a bee line to the household goods. Had to make very good use of the short amount of browsing time.

There it was! Among the mismatched china, chipped cups, photo frames, and vases sat a shiny etched brass tray on a bottom shelf. I picked it up and it was really lovely.

Okay, I thought. Wonder how much this is. It would look perfect in a holder and placed on the table in the front hall. Gently turning it over, the stick-on price tag read: 99 cents. I squinted to make sure I was reading it correctly. Yup. 99 copper Lincoln head pennies. Score!


So there it sits in the hallway. It was hard to photograph because my camera and I kept showing up in the reflection. However, you get the idea in the photos included in this post.

What do you prefer---brass, copper, pewter, or other?

14 comments:

diane stetson said...

I have copper, silver, and brass items in my kitchen cupboard that need shining up, polishing and the like. I HATE to do that so they've sat there for years ..I never used them...so be it! Enjoy your new purchase!

Susan said...

Di. Why don't you bring your unused items to a thrift shop? That way, they would get some use and you'd have free space in your cupboard. Just a suggestion. Hope you have a lovely day. Warmly, Susan

Adrienne said...

Or .... Di could mail all the brass to you and the silver to me. I really like that solution.

I'm afraid it's silver for me but I'm gotten rid of lots of it because of the constant polishing. Around here it tarnishes really fast. Something in the air...

I've kept the pieces I use the most - trays, my gorgeous silver water pitcher, and ice bucket. I'm afraid the cute casserole holders had to go.

Terri Tiffany said...

Oh I love all kinds if the piece is special looking. I like to mix it up in my house.

Andrea at My Feathered Nest said...

Oh yes, Susan, I know exactly what you mean about the therapy of thrift shopping. Our monthly credit card bills usually show the after effects of my therapy sessions!! lol
I've been a follower of your blog for quite some time. I'm the doggie pix. That's Holly. I think that I have you as a link on my favorite blog list, but if not, I'll add you today.
hugs and happy shopping
ANDREA

Chatty Crone said...

Well, you'll probably hate me - but I am not into anything like that - I'm bad - but if I had to pick - silver. Sandie

Susan said...

Adrienne....What a GREAT idea! How 'bout it,Di? Ha! Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

Hi Terri...I have a mix in our house, too. As cliche as it sounds, variety really is the spice of life! Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

Ohhhh, thanks Andrea. I'm so happy you follow my blog. So, so happy for ALL my followers. It's so wonderful to know that I'm not just writing for the wind! Thanks for adding me to your blog list! You're a doll! Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

No, Sandie. I would never hate you. Different strokes for different folks, right? You have many other interests and that's fine. Sincerely, Susan

La Tea Dah said...

Your brass tray is absolutely beautiful! I love brass and have some (friends brought me a beautiful brass vase from India). But right now I am on a silver streak. :D I love how metals brighten up a room and add the final touch.

Susan said...

Oh, thank you, La Tea Dah. I love brass, too. It's warm and welcoming. Silver's nice, too. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I guess it would be silver but I also love the hammered aluminum. Not so much the brass, but that works, you get the brass I get the silver!!

Susan said...

Hi Linda! Ha! Works for me. Thanks so much for your visit and comment. Sincerely, Susan

Related Posts with Thumbnails