Newsletter Subscription

Sunday, July 25, 2010

INVISIBLE METAMORPHOSIS!

After I rearranged the shelves in our breakfast nook, I thought I’d join Metamorphosis Monday.  Then, I posted the pictures and realized that nobody would be able to tell any difference between the “before” and “after” pictures!

BEFORE: breakfast rm shelvs bf This is kind of like a “Where’s Waldo” contest!  Did Laurie REALLY change anything on these shelves?  Yes, I really did, but I admit most of the same things went back on the shelves that were on the shelves in the “before” picture.  But since I spent an hour taking everything out and then putting all of it back in, I decided I’d post it anyway.  (When I finished, I THOUGHT I had changed the shelves.  I also THOUGHT I had edited some things out of the shelves!  Darn it! I just have a hard time getting rid of anything!) 

 

 AFTER:

shlvs now

I know, I know, it looks like I posted the same photo twice, but I REALLY DID change a few things, and I know it’s different, even if nobody else knows.  If I’m totally honest about this, I’ll tell you that, although I  started out with the goal of deleting some things from these crowded shelves, I ended up adding some things to the shelves!!!  Inspired by Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict (who recently found THE best ever deal on a huge set of Quimper), I grouped a lot of my Quimper on the top shelf.  In the “BEFORE” picture, I didn’t have as much Quimper as I now have.  (Ooops! I see that I left two German plates at the back of this shelf – they do have the same colors as Quimper, and they depict a dancing couple.  I hope the French and German plates can get along.  I may need to add a Swiss plate for neutrality!  Yep! I’m talking about adding again!)

quimper shelf

juice shlv

bottum shlf

When I first fell in love with Quimper pottery, I was only familiar with the Quimper that had paintings of Bretons (the people of Brittany in France). (The two plates below hang on the wall next to these shelves in my breakfast room). I didn’t know the pottery was made with any other designs or colors.  I also didn’t know there was Quimper in forms other than dinnerware.  (I hope nobody from the Quimper Club International Blog is reading this post!)  

brets I had never even seen any that had more than one person on each plate!

055

The pieces with Bretons on them remain my favorites, but since I began  visiting the Quimper Club International blog, and receiving email flyers from Brittany Byways, I have learned that I knew absolutely nothing about Quimper when I began my small collection of plates with Bretons on them!  As a matter of fact, I was shocked when I realized that I had a piece of Quimper that I didn’t realize was Quimper.  I received a sale email from Brittany Byways, and something about the little knife rests looked familiar to me.  I ran to the china cabinet to find a little dog figure that I had paid $5.00 for at an auction years ago.   I was shocked and thrilled to find that it is indeed a Quimper knife rest (which was confirmed by my friend, Sarah, at Hyacinths for the Soul, who is a Quimper collector and member of Quimper Club International).  So, my Quimper knife rest had to join the rest of my little Quimper collection on this shelf.

knife rest I had never checked the bottom of this piece, because it had never occurred to me that I could have a piece of Quimper and not know it – and certainly not that I could have purchased a piece of Quimper for $5!!!  (Now that was luck – not as lucky as Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict though – can you tell I am green with envy?) 

Even though I’m the only one who knows there was a metamorphosis, I am joining Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, and I’m joining Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.  I think my “knife rest story” qualifies for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, and since everything on these shelves (heck, almost everything in my house) is on, at least, the 2nd time around, I am joining 2nd Time Around Tuesday at A Picture is Worth 1000 Words.  Thanks to all of these hostesses.

MM[1][1] (2)-horz

Thank you for coming to see my invisible metamorphosis.  I hope you’ll come back to visit again soon. laurie

33 comments:

Kat said...

Laurie, this made me laugh out loud. You added things? Sounds like me. Whenever I'm trying to streamline, I end up finding things that I had forgotten about and then I just have to display them :) How exciting that you found that Quimper piece for $5.00! I've had my eyes peeled ever since I read Deb's post. Kat

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

You are too funny, Laurie! I spotted the difference immediately...all of your wonderful Quimper on one shelf! Love it! I am amazed at your $5 dog...so cute! See...you were attracted to it without even knowing it! Thanks so much for mentioning my find...but I was just in the right place at the right time! I hope you are having a great weekend and staying out of the heat!...hugs...Debbie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Laurie, I can tell the difference. It is just gorgeous both ways. I love the addition of the new plates and accessories. You do have so many beautiful things and you really do know how to display them. Just gorgeous. Hope you are having a super week. Hugs, Marty

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie my dear,
It wouldn't matter if you changed a thing because I just love looking at all your gorgeous china!!!
But I can see the difference, and of course, it looks awesome!!
I love your header too! Is that your gorgeous pool? I want to go in!
Hugs,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Laurie,
I cannot believe you changed it all out in just an hour. It looks beautiful.
MimiKay

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I did notice a few of the changes. The birds were one, the fan was out front and the adorable bunnies were different. Your displays are always beautiful.

Sarah said...

Laurie, I can see the difference. I think your new grouping makes things stand out more. The grouping of Q looks terrific.
Funny that you were doing this. I spent the entire afternoon rearranging the shelves in my office. I didn't think about taking before photos. LOL
But it has a new look now. I did manage to pull out a box full of French faience, but like you, I'm afraid the shelves are still pretty full. It's a new look to me though, and I'm pleased with the result. Now I need to move downstairs and work on the living room built-in shelves. Then it's on to the dining room and kitchen to tackle the Welsh dresser and the pine cupboard. :-) ~ Have a great week! ~ Sarah

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Cracking up here...did you not see that there was anything in the simplified pile? I do see the changes though....It looks fabulous! Isn't Simplifying fun? Oh, isn't rearranging and adding stuff even more fun?????!!!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

You are too funny and the shelves look great either way. I do love that little Quimper dog knife rest.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I start out to edit a little and well it usually doesn't happen. I like the change and it looks great. I'm still drooling over the pool in your header...it has been so hot it's not funny.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I can tell the difference and like the change.
It has been a busy but enjoyable weekend, despite the heat.
Have a great week.

Olive said...

More is more. Yes? you are so very cute. I like it and if you like it that is all that matters. olive♥

Beeutiful by Design said...

Laurie: you made me smile at 6:00 AM on a Monday morning that's pretty good! Yes I can tell a difference and the before and after look great! Jennifer

Anonymous said...

What matters is that you are pleased with the results.
And now you know everything is dusted and shined as well.

Anonymous said...

This would be a great pair of pictures for a contest in spotting all the changes. A few of the changes- I see the cute little lamp is missing and the bunnies are upset with each other as they are spaced out!

It's all those little things that make such a difference. And since we are too old to play with dolls- I get my fix by playing with my dishes!!

bee blessed
mary

Carrie said...

Yes, I can see the changes and additions...Beautiful displays!

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Laurie...first I want to tell you I love your new header....very pretty! Second I am in dishes envy...you sure have some beautiful china...I think either way is nice the way you have it displayed. Have a great night. Debbie

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I can see the changes, Laurie and it is all beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie! You're a hoot and I just love hoots! I can see your changes and I love every piece you've put back on your shelves.
Now your Quimper is wonderful and that little dog is adorable!
Be a sweetie and keep being a hoot,
Shelia ;)

xinex said...

I can spot the difference right away, Laurie, even though I like both. I am drooling over all your Quimper, pitcher and transferwares. I even like your display shelves.....Christine

Sonny G said...

It looks wonderful, every way you arrange it.. I love seeing all your items so dont be editing on my account:)

Sonny

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Thanks for your very nice comments Laurie! And YOUR post made me laugh! Love your Quimper! Jacqueline

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello sweet friend...

I just had to come over after reading all of those sweet notes that you've been leaving for me! Wow...I feel like I've missed an entire year in Blogland, even though it's just been a couple of weeks! Hehe! Everything moves sooo fast here...doesn't it? Anyway, thank you so much for coming by, Laurie! I always love when you visit and you always make my heart smile!!!

Girlfriend, I remember when I first seen your Quimper collection at RMS. You were the one that introduced me to these fabulous French dishes! Hehe...I even remember you telling me how to pronounce the name correctly! You're the best, sweet friend! Since that time, I have seen just how popular these beautiful pieces are...but you were the one to get me started! Ohhh my goodness, and can you believe that deal that Debbie got...I was green with envy too! Hehe! On the same note, I can't believe that you got that sweet little Quimper dog (knife rest) for just $5!!! Yeeeehawwww!

I always love looking at all of your collection of dishes, my friend! You have sooo many pretty pieces! And...of course you know how I love transferware...any shape or any color! Your shelves just look exquisite with all these gorgeous pieces! Hey...and I could see a difference! Hehe! Job well done, my friend! Ohhh...and I know what a job that can be...taking everything down...cleaning...and rearranging! Not an easy feat! Thank you so much for sharing your pretties with us...I always count it as such a treat!!! Well sweet lady, I do hope that my note finds you and your family well! Sending love and prayers, Girlfriend!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Sue said...

Oh Laurie, I could see the difference right away and it looks so very pretty. Love your Quimper and the other dinnerware patterns and accessories. How fun to discover your little knife rest is a Quimper piece. hugs, Sue

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Laurie, It doesn't matter if you changed nothing, I always love to see your transferware and Quimper collection. Congrats on the Quimper knife rest for $5.00! What a deal.
Hugs, Sherry

Heidi Pocketbook said...

You have such a good collection! That is so cool about the dog being Quimper and is now hanging around with his cousins ;-)

Kathleen said...

Amazing collection! I can see the changes, like Waldo!
You should go visit Debbie and bring a big suitcase, really, really big!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

I can see your pretty changes and I love the dog knife rest! Thanks for your very kind visit to my Greek post -- it was a wonderful trip!

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Laurie~
Delightful shelf arranging ~ and I love the bunnies! Blessings~ Katie

Diann @ The thrifty Groove said...

Hi Laurie!

I noticed the changes right away as well. Your shelves look so pretty with such gorgeous pieces on them! That little dog knife rest is precious!

And I love your new blog header! I just want to jump right into your pool!

Anonymous said...

Whichever way you moved everything around, it looks great to me. Quimper ware is such a fun cheerful pottery. Wasn't finding out about your knife rest a nice surprise....love those kind of surprises! Hope your Wednesday is a perfect day Laurie!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

You're so funny! That's why I always enjoy reading your posts. I admit, I scrolled back and forth trying to see the changes! Anyway, your cabinet looks wonderful and the Quimper knife rest is cute!

Manuela

Marigene said...

Laurie, you moved Waldo from the bottom left to the bottom center! Your dish collection is very nice, especially the Quimper.