Friday, March 30, 2012

Sunny Yellow Forsythia and a Whatzit


The sun shone so brightly today...
...yet the temperature was cool.
A perfect spring day!


Years ago I bought this zinc container
 at the Trade Secrets Garden Show.
I was with my girlfriend Paula...and she bought five.
One for the backs of the four chairs in her dining room...
...and one to hook over the foot-board of her bed.


I seem to remember the vendor telling us that they were used by
 French grape harvesters to carry their tools.


...but Paula didn't remember that...
...so maybe I made it up!


Do you know?


Let me know if you do!


Whatever it's original use...
...I love it !

Hope you enjoyed your day
 and that you have fun plans for the weekend!
:)
at

36 comments:

  1. Muffy's MarksMarch 30, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    I don't know what they are, but you have given them a good home. Very Clever.

    ReplyDelete
  2. d e l i g h tMarch 30, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Whatever it is it works so perfect on your chairs. The yellow flowers are beautiful and I adore the touch of lace.
    Linda

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  3. Michele M./ Finch RestMarch 30, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    Neat whatever they are - not sure if it is just me but two of your pics didn't upload properly and I couldn't see em.

    Have a GREAT weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMarch 30, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    Very pretty!!

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  5. oldgreymareMarch 30, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    Don't know BUT forsythia is my favorite as I think I told you last year too. Makes me miss my Dad.
    xx
    z

    ReplyDelete
  6. KarenaMarch 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Laura I know that I love it!! It is the perfect floral vase!

    Please come visit to enter my amazing Cross Bottle Giveaway!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1March 30, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    I don't know but they look great on the chair! I think I prefer things to have a new use anyway....have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. SarahMarch 31, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    What ever it was used for originally, I think you've found the perfect use for now. Love it, too!
    Stop by to see my Violets of March post. Your violets are featured. ;-)
    Thanks again for allowing me to use the photo. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  9. WolvesAtTheDoorMarch 31, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    Ah, just beautiful! I wonder how I could make my own, what a lovely idea for a garden tea party - to have one on the back of every chair!

    ReplyDelete
  10. JuneMarch 31, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Well I think whatever it was used for, I like your use for it even better Laura :)
    It looks like the leather sheath I keep my garden knife in.
    hugs from here...

    ReplyDelete
  11. 17-17March 31, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Beautiful idea, I like it.
    Magda

    ReplyDelete
  12. pinkyMarch 31, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    Hello Laura,enjoyed your blog.I love enamel ware.
    i would love to have an enamel coffee pot in good condition as it reminds me of my childhood days when Mum would make coffee during teatime for us kids, thanks dear.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Andi's English AtticMarch 31, 2012 at 3:14 AM

    That's a nice story whether it's true or not. :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pura VidaMarch 31, 2012 at 3:57 AM

    Very nice patina

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  15. manon 21March 31, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Le jaune est la couleur de ce printemps en France,on en voit partout...

    Bon weekend mon amie

    Manon

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rose Garden MalevikMarch 31, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    Ooooooooh I just LOve the Bright colour now in Spring........
    Lovley Post :)
    and do not miss......

    S
    A
    T
    U
    R
    D
    A
    Y

    S
    H
    O
    W

    O
    F
    F

    It is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  17. RozmeenMarch 31, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    I also dont know...but they look beautiful. xoxox Rozmeen

    ReplyDelete
  18. chateau chicMarch 31, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    I sure like how you've used your little zinc holder. Perfect for flowers and adding some fun to your chair.
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  19. Susie~From My Home To YoursMarch 31, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    I know what they are.......they are awesome and just about one of the coolest zinc items I've ever seen. (Tell Paula if she ever wants to rid herself of one or two to let me know...hehe).

    Ahhhh, forsythia and Spring! I think we've just skipped Spring here.

    Enjoy the weekend weather,
    Susie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Vickie @ Ranger 911March 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    It sure looks like it could have been used for some sort of snipping tool. Whatever the original purpose, it looks pretty darn cute holding the flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  21. BlissMarch 31, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    It's a hook for a chair with yellow flowers in it. I can't think of anything better to use it for, so lets just go with your idea.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  22. CHRISTOPHER BENTLEYMarch 31, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    I think they are vases from a mortuary supply, used for leaving flowers at peoples grave sites.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wild Oak DesignsMarch 31, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Cool....Love the flowers....I think we are all ready for spring....
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. joanneMarch 31, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    the whatzit is a vase for flowers that go on a grave. it is placed in a recess and you pull it up and put your flowers in it....

    ReplyDelete
  25. ThreeOldKeysMarch 31, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    Beautiful ... forsythia = spring.

    I'm pretty sure the zinc pockets are actually holsters for duelling gardeners. Who can draw their clippers fastest?

    Just kidding.

    You found the perfect use.

    ReplyDelete
  26. JudyMarch 31, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I've never seen a chair with a vase on the back! How clever.
    The forsythia are breathtaking! I think their brightness and lush blooming pattern make them among the most beautiful of spring blooms. Your pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for the treat.

    ReplyDelete
  27. JudyMarch 31, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Shame on me, I didn't read your text closely enough. The chairs are your creations and did NOT come that way. More kudos to you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Castles Crowns and CottagesMarch 31, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Laura dear! WHAT A FABULOUS piece! Is it vintage? I wouldn't be surprised if it is a tool for the French harvesters to carry their tools..they are so artistic in even the most practical inventions!

    Thank you for visiting today to offer encourage! The love and support is amazing here. I love your grape hyacinth on your sidebard!

    Have a great weekend, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  29. Beulah BeeApril 1, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    I have to agree with Susie From My Home to Yours, that it might be for holding flowers at a gravesite but I am not an authority.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Pink Roses and TeacupsApril 1, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I don't know what it is either, but I love what you did with it. Love that piece of tatted lace wrapped around it.

    Debbie

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  31. Nella MillerApril 1, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    I absolutely love those containers....they would be perfect for weddings!!! So many ways to use them. N.xo

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  32. www.MaisonStGermain.comApril 1, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    Oh I love that! Is it me or is the Forsythia extra gorgeous this year? I love Paulas idea of putting them on the backs of chairs too. Have a great week:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

    ReplyDelete
  33. LizlovesVintageApril 1, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    Laura,
    I've never seen these before. They are fantastic!!
    Have a great week,
    xxx Liz
    I will email you :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Shanon at Vintage Sparkle ChicApril 1, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    I love these fun containers. They look perfect with your bright yellow forsythias. Love them on the back of the chair.

    ~Shanon

    ReplyDelete
  35. W. theAntiquesLoversApril 2, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    So Nice Laura!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. tea4two321April 2, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    I tried to use the "contact me" button, but It wasn't working for me. I am trying to plan an antiquing getaway for my 40th birthday this summer and wanted to get your opinion on THE must see antique show (east coast). I've never been to any antique shows so I'm open to ideas. Also I'm more of an everyday type collector, So I'm not looking for high end items. Digging through piles and boxes is fine with me! Thanks for any help you can offer.

    Tina

    tinaanthis@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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