Our Vintage Woodland Shelf

This shelf has been around for a few decades, it's been in the family for at least 50+ years. It's a mammoth piece, measuring in at about 3' X 4'. I just knew that the dated stain could be updated with a fresh coat of paint.


I knew exactly where it wanted to hang, and I knew that it would look fantastic with my vintage Mikasa, that Justin got me for my birthday! Isn't it fantastic pattern? Designed by Vera Neumann, a well known artist, turned textile designer, created this, among others for Mikasa in the 50's, 60's and 70's. This pattern was discontinued in 1974, it's called Woodland. When I saw this set at a local antique shop, I really went weak in the knees! This pattern is very hard to find! It is a service for six, so I thought I could display quite a few pieces on the shelf.It seemed like forever to paint the shelf, 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of white semi-gloss. I took off the lower rung with the little bobbers in it, which to me it didn't seem to fit the style of the shelf. I used pliers to pull each one out and then reattached the top piece to cover up the holes. I suppose I could have used wood filler to cover the holes, but using the existing rung was a good way to upcycle an otherwise odd piece. I'm still trying to figure out something interesting to do with the thingies I took out...maybe earrings, or a cool chunky necklace...I'm still working out the details. At any rate I am really loving the piece.

BEFORE:

AFTER:
Now because I plan on using my priceless-to-me Vera dinnerware, I didn't want to run the risk of the plates slipping down, so a quick trip to Lowe's to pick up some tiny quarter round molding. After painting it white I attached it near the back of each shelf to act as a plate stop. Can you see it below?

Now in addition to my regular plate addiction, my newest addiction are stray plates. You know, the one of a kind plates that you always see thrifting...you like it but don't buy it because it's a loner...and I have to thank Christina at Down and Out Chic, she started me thinking about the possibilities of a plate wall...where none of the plates match. I know, I know, this is not front page news, but it just never occurred to me. I always had this mental image of the perfect "Charles Faudree" plate wall in my head, and well that's just not me. A plate wall can be artistic and eclectic, now that's me. I have only found a few so far, but am very patient.

Royal Copenhagen, Mothers Day 1977, love the little squirrel family.

This owl plate is from Limoges, but I couldn't find out very much about it, I would like to find more of him!

My loner plates can live on the shelf for now, I want to get some of those disc hangers for when I start hanging.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're inspired!

Also, thank you for the kind words and support from my post yesterday!

The fireplace reveal is going to have to wait until next week, I'm this close! :)