Wednesday, April 29, 2009

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

Oh, I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to find this lovely antique scale at my favorite little antique shop. I have searched FOREVER to find just the right one to use as a background for my version of a favorite design of Terrye French. The scale has a metal plate on either side that reads, "Wimberly & Thomas Hardware, Birmingham, Alabama." Isn't it ironic that after all these years, this piece was found only 45 miles from where it was originally used? I love to think of what it weighed over the years... nails, screws, or seeds perhaps? I wonder about the stories it could tell. I don't think it minds one bit that it has found a new life as a candle stand or maybe a base for a mason jar full of rosehips.



Oh Diane...... find a scale as quick as you can. If you thought that garden trowel was fun to paint on, just wait until you try this!!!

6 comments:

Brenda said...

That is so cool! I have been trying to find a scale to do that same design on. Not having any luck. I have seen some but they want a fortune for them!!
Brenda

Susie Mitchell said...

Oh Martha...an artist after my own heart. I love the scene...you are an inspiration. I've been fortunate to paint on many old scales similar to this one through the years...a few times even getting the metal basket that sits on top to weigh the items. When I didn't get the basket...I searched for just the right wicker one...and added contents appropriate for the painting and the season. I have one scale left that I use...it isn't painted. I've always had a rule that if I paint it...I sell it. I think I'm ready to retire that rule and paint up a few of the treasures I've accumulated for myself.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and your lovely comment. Sometimes...it's the sound of that uplifting gospel music that gets me through the day!
Make every day a day worth remembering.
Blessings, Susie

Andrea said...

Very pretty! I love antiques, and though I've never been to Tuscaloosa, I have visited a couple of antique stores in Birmingham. I need to find some more. We have several in Huntsville, but it's hard to find a lot here. I enjoy going to Hannah's in Birmingham. Beautiful, but expensive.

Take care. Have a lovely Friday.

Blessings,

Andrea

Jody said...

Wow! What a transformation! I love that design. Scales are hard to find here in Illinois, and when you do find one they are so expensive! You did an awesome job on this one as always my friend.

Anonymous said...

Martha, I am oohing and ahhing over this scale and thinking...I have TWO of them! LOL! Yours is so wonderful!
I love finding things that have been used locally too. We started collecting railroad lanterns for our son-in-law and have been lucky to find many from the area where they live. It makes it more special.
And the food keeper....love it!!
Diane

dee begg said...

Martha,

I love the scale...and of course Terrye's patterns are great!

D