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Monday, March 4, 2013

SHELF DISPLAY (OR IS IT STORAGE)

I know these shelves are supposed to be for display.  After all, that’s why I had them built.  When we moved in, they were display …for about a month.  Now, they are more storage shelves than display shelves.  You may recall that these were Santa filled at Christmastime.  Obviously, I had to put the Santas away and clutter the shelves with something else, so I’m sharing the non-Christmas look today.shelves

I should have put cabinet doors on the front of them, but I have a the “out of sight, out of mind” disease.  If I pack something away, it will never be seen again.  I rationalize that this also keeps me from acquiring more “stuff”.  If I don’t have some place to put it, where I can see it, I don’t bring it home.  Of course, I obviously don’t mind cramming stuff into my house.  May I call this the “layered” look?

SHELLS

I know what you are thinking…“No wonder she has the out of sight, out of mind disease. Who has this much stuff to try to remember!”

must pitc

BLU VASE BTR

That brings us to yet another disease I have.  It’s the “if you don’t use it, you need to get rid of it” disease.  Sadly, getting rid of “stuff” is another problem I have.  Yikes!  I hope none of this is contagious! 

busts

I want to share a story about the little painting below.  I went to a charity auction about 20 years ago, and I bid on this painting.  I was so sad when I decided I had to quit bidding, because it was going too high.  I didn’t know until that Christmas that my mother was bidding against me, so that she could gift me with it.  I was sorry I had made her bid so high!

dog pic only

ftbl boy

N CAROLINA

Nobody can ever say that there is nothing to see at Laurie’s house!

SNAKES

chld china 1

chld china 2

fruit shlf

Today, I shared half of the shelves in my family room.  I thought it might be too overwhelming to see all of this “stuff” at one time, so I might show you the other half next week.  (Ooops! Did I just lose some blog readers for next week?)

I’m joining Table Top Tuesday at a Stroll Thru Life.  I’m glad you came to visit. laurie

23 comments:

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Since I started blogging I have some display shelves in my den where I store blog props in plain sight. Also tweaked for Christmas blog photos and family get togethers. I don't know how to blog without stuff. I don't think people will keep coming back to see me rearrange the same ten or so items! And I don't have big renos or furniture painting going on. Pretty much vignettes and flower gardens here.

The French Hutch said...

Hi Laurie, I'm loving looking at all your collectibles. You have so many beautiful things and you have the talent of arranging them beautifully for display. I love all of your open shelving. I could use more display space too.
I'll be back for part two!

~Emily
The French Hutch

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just beautiful my dear friend..you know I also have a ton of stuff and can't part with any of it ha ha!! how sweet about the painting your sweet mama got for you..memories last forever.. Hugs and love Laurie..How's are little guy doing this week?? Many prayers coming from my mountain to yours..Gloria

Carol said...

Your shelves are beautiful! I loved the story of the painting & your Mother. What a sweet memory.

Smiles,
Carol

Mary Steinbrink said...

Laurie, I love your shelves! I wish I had that many to fill with my treasures. I love seeing all your goodies and knowing there are more collectors like me out there!

Sarah said...

I'll be back for the second half. It's fun to see your shelves up close. I like the collected look. We have that too!

The Tablescaper said...

Laurie:

I love your shelves and I love all of your stuff! You're lucky you have so many places in which to display your stuff, because you are so right about being out of sight and out of mind.

- The Tablescaper

Mellodee said...

It's lovely, but you must spend all your time dusting!! :)

sweet violets said...

Oh, I'll be back for part II.....I love your shelves....what history!!! I have the same collected look and very sentimental about most of it too......

Tricia said...

Too funny, Laurie! I would love to come see all your pretties in person, so the next time I have a free week. . . :-)

I especially enjoyed seeing the little plate featuring children in various scenes -- so cute!

Debbie said...

Personally, I think you layer wonderfully! I love the story about the painting. I'll bet she just wanted to throttle you for continuing to bid. I wish I could have seen that.

In about the fourth shot down, there is what looks like a drawer lined with writing. I love that!!

Diane said...

You did not lose me - I cannot wait to see the other half! Love the story about the dog painting - so sweet!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie,
I love your shelves. Perfect for your displays and collectibles. The background is gorgeous. Is that fabric or paper?
Love the story about the painting your mother gifted you with. What a treasure and special memory.
Looking forward to the other half.
Have a happy Tuesday,
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

All of your displays are a work of art and if it is storage, I love it. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love stuff and I love your shelves and how you layer! I call it visual interest!! Your treasures are amazing and I too love the story about that little painting from your Mom. I have so much trouble getting rid of things I love but I'm getting better at letting go of things I don't love!! Can't wait for the second half of the shelves. We love you Laurie and your stuff!
hugs, Linda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

What great shelves - and you have so many beautiful things. I would have a hard time parting with any. When I pack something up try to do it by season or holiday and then mark the box. That helps some. Will be back for next week.
Have a great week!
Mary
PS Hows the little guy?

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie! I adore all of your shelves and you have the most wonderful things to poke on them too! Your home is just amazing and I love looking at it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

xinex said...

I would love to go to your house, Laurie. and see all these beautiful treasures. I think we have the same disease, lol...Christine

xinex said...

Oh I forgot to mention how I love the story behind the painting. What a sweet mom you have!..Christine

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, from the first time I saw these beautiful shelves on RMS I fell in love with them and you. I'm so glad you didn't put doors up, it would have shut all your beautiful things away. You display your treasures beautifully, what a touching story about the picture.
fondly ~Lynne~

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh I enjoyed it so much
I'll be looking for the second showing of the shelves

I seen a lot of items I would like also

ellen b. said...

What a great amount of shelves you have! I'm having a wee bit of shelf envy right now!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I had popped in to the Pt.2, but had to quickly come over to Pt. 1 first -- I am such a chronological thinker! I think your shelves are so lovely. Call it storage or call it display, you did it beautifully! Okay, now I can go see Pt. 2!