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Monday, July 4, 2011

Feeling Cagey Part 2


WARNING:  Liable to cause addiction!!!  This post is part 2 of a series about a vintage object that we all seem to have an affinity for… BIRDCAGES!!!  Whenever I spot one, they never fail to cause a gasp and make my heart go pitter-patter. 

First, let’s view the rare and unique.  I found it by chance one day as I was browsing in a local antiques shop.  Way down low on a dusty shelf, I spotted him. To my surprise and delight, I found out….

 He’s a clock!!! That’s right, with each tick he slowly turns to mark the seconds. The white band of numbers tells the hour and the lines mark the quarter minutes. I quickly plunked down my money, and have been smiling ever since!!!

Now, what do you think this treasure is??? No, it’s not a clock this time, but close.  It’s a German automaton. Automatons were made by clock makers as a way to show off their skills. The more functions they could integrate, the more desirable the piece.

 I’d wanted one of these for a while and had never come across one until one fine day I was perusing the Coconut Grove Antique Show in Miami, and there he was.  Funny thing, the dealer said he’d have to give me a discount as it did not work and I’d have to find someone to repair it. But ever since the day I brought him home he’s never failed to open and close his beak as he whistles his happy tune, flaps his tail feathers and turns his head from side to side. Oh, how I do treasure him!

 Birdcages are so versatile as they offer something for every taste. 

 If you lean toward a more traditional look, you might like this little cutie.  Its the keeper of books and ….. what?!

 Why I declare, has someone moved in to share the cage? Ah well, after all it is a “bird” cage, right?

 There is no end to the possibilities when it comes to where to place them. Way up high on the kitchen cabinets is this lovely trio. The larger on is made of bamboo and has a pair of cute little porcelain feeders. The other two are made of brass and date back to the early 50’s.

 Next, the boudoir is home to my girly –girl, frou-frou cage. It’s all decked out with flowers and bows.

If you look inside you’ll see my collection of old poetry books topped off with a folding lorgnette from the early 1900’s.

 Oh, and I can’t forget this little sweetie. The little bird is a saccharin keeper from back in the day before we knew it could kill us! (LOL)  He even has a magnet to hold his serving tongs in place.

 Now let’s do a little shabby chic. These babies were in need of some freshening, s-o-o….

I first spray-painted them white to lay on the first layer of shabby goodness.  Then things got really fun.  I took some wired ribbon, an old stretch pearl ring, a nosegay of flowers and tinkered some more.  Finally, I put in a few pieces of blue and white porcelain, ( but you could add plants, or candles or whatever suites your fancy). TaDa!!!

 Go ahead, peek inside.  I put in a pie bird and cup, and see the sparkly little chandy? I made it with some floral wire and a couple of bobeches. After all every home deserves a little bling.

Now, this is for all you DIYers out there. I present my "Time to Read Lamp". It's just a cute little bookshelf accent that makes me smile.

The birdcage is drilled through and the lamp kit just fits inside. Since the cage has a hook at the top it can be hung by a chain or if you like it can be mounted on a candle base as I did.

Well that’s it for today, but if you heart is still racing for more click here and check out my other lovely chippy shabby cages out on the porch. Now if you think that's all my cagey beauties, you are sooo wrong!!! Join us for our next post: "Lady Sings the Blues" 'cause I've got a couple more tricks to show you. Happy 4th!
 
Patti


We are linking up to the following blogs:

Transformation Thursdayvif187Stuff and Nonsense
{Primp}
PhotobucketPhotobucket   

Masterpiece Monday @  
Boogie Board Cottage 

Today's Thrifty Treasures @  
Southern Hospitality
Metamorphosis Monday @ 
Between Naps on the Porch 
Tabletop Tuesdays @ 
A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday @ 
Savvy Southern Style  
White Wednesday @ 
Faded Charm 
Good Life Weds @  
A Beach Cottage
Show and Tell Friday @
My Romantic Home
Home Sweet Home @
The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday @
French Country Cottage 
 French Inspiration Thursday @
The French Cupboard
Vintage Thingie Thursday @
The Coloradolady

33 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your birdcages are just fabulous. I love how you have decorated them. They are all wonderful. These would also be perfect for my
Summer Cloche Party that I am having on 7/19. It is for any type of container that you decorate in or under and birdcages are always a favorite. Hope to see you there. Also, there's a fabulous giveaway going on. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post! I love seeing all of your pretty birdcages!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

The Charm of Home said...

Your birdcages are amazing. I love the little bird that sings. That is the only kind of bird I would own. So very neat!
Sherry

BELLE BLANC said...

Hi Patti & Paula,

just came here to say hallo and thank you for your lovely comments you left while visiting my blog. You have so many beautiful birdcages... and I loved your post about the Indian Cooking, very inspiring.
Wish you a nice week, greetings Mira from Germany!

Anonymous said...

I'm back to thank you for choosing to follow me! I'm following you, too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

Wonderful to see so much birdcage love! Someone else who shares my obsession. Your lamp is so sweet and so clever! x Sharon

Karyn said...

I love your birdcages! And I especially love the German automaton. The lamp is just fabulous! Saving that one to my idea file :)

Karen

Frieda said...

Bonjour
Following links, I reached in this nice world
I love vintage spirit
Have a nice day
Frieda

Anonymous said...

You are so clever. Love how you have displayed all your pretty cages and added the extras. :) I am partial to the old Hendryx cages and am thrilled when I run across a domed decorative one...especially if it has butterfly clasp. Hope you had a fun fourth and enjoy the rest of the week. ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn

Roxy said...

How beautiful! I love your ideas for creating such unique items. Now I want a birdcage or two for my home :)

Cottage Panache said...

I love all of your bird cages! Right up my ally ~ love of birds, cages, eggs!!! I have a couple of the automaton cages, although not in a good of shape of yours. Would love to be able to find someone who restores them. Mainly dusty and the birds have lost some feathers and flocking...but my how they sing! Enjoyed reading your comment ~ and so happy that you did ~ loving your blog!
:) Maureen

Karen said...

Hi Patti, thanks for visiting me, I love your birdcages. I'm a fan of them as well. Your blog banner is so beautiful, I have some of those same photos saved.I think we may have quite a lot in common and am a new follower. Please visit again soon.

lvroftiques said...

OMG!! I'm dying here! Y'all have the most amazing collection of bird cages I've seen! The birdie clock...LOVE.....The automaton birdie..LOVE!! (I have one too but mine isn't nearly as pretty as yours *winks*) And the "Time to Read" lamp.....soooo perfect!!! And be still my heart!...I won't be happy until I've found myself a folding lorgnette! I have a few pairs of the mother of pearl french opera binoculars but now I NEED a folding lorgnette! Lol! Now look what y'all have done! Lol!...You did warn me this post could be addictive....and you were RIGHT!!*winks* Vanna

Tricia said...

Oh, love that first one. At first I thought it was a little tape measure around that ball :)

Honey at 2805 said...

You girls are enablers! Encouraging my addiction! This really is a beautiful collection!

Brandi said...

such a beautiful collection Patti, i love all of your bird cages!!

Cindy Adkins said...

Your birdcages are gorgeous!!!! I have something to tell you--Guess what my post is tonight? Birdcages!! lol And I'm having a big giveaway where I'm giving away a birdcage in the next week, so you might want to come back to sign up to have a chance to win!

XO
Cindy

Diann said...

OMG! I am drooling over all of these gorgeous birdcages!!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Patti, These are the most gorgeous birdcages! The first two are truly amazing. Thank you for joining my party this week.
xo,
Sherry

blossoms vintage chic said...

Hi Patti, Thank you for your sweet comment and for following me...it is so wonderful!! Now I am a follower of your lovely blog...and oh my
how I love bird cages!! Your post is just wonderful...looking forward to visiting often!
xx
Debbie

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I am so glad that you stopped by my blog! It brought me to yours and WOW I love it!!!!Newest follower here:) Your collection of unique birdcages and how you display them is amazing. Very talented:) Have a beautiful weekend:) I will be back to say hello:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Rhonda said...

Your collection of bird cages is nothing short of spectacular!!! I love bird cages - I have always wanted one with the little birdie that sings - maybe I will run into one some day.
Thanks for showing your beautiful birdcage collection at Treasure Hunt Thursday.
Rhonda

La Brocanteuse said...

Hello Paula and Patti,
thank you for visiting my blog, and of course I am excited to have joined your's as a follower as well.Compliments to your banner- very inviting to want to see it all! Thank you for sharing this lovely post on bird cages! back soon Col ~ Afrique du Sud

lvroftiques said...

Hey you two!
I hope you're having a wonderful week in the sun!
I'm off on the tiquin' trail with one goal....to find a lorgnette! *winks* I think they could be my new obsession lol! Wish me luck! Vanna

poppilinnstudios said...

What a beautiful collection of bird cages! Love the white ones with the ribbons cascading down. Although, they are all lovely!
-Lynn

abeachcottage said...

Love your bird cage collection. The one with the singing bird is such a treasure find! Thanks for sharing at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.

Cottage and Broome said...

Hi, I just popped in to say thank you for leaving a comment on our blog! I love the bird cages, just beautiful. I also love the vintage photos in your banner, are they family photos? You are lucky to have them if they are of your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh I can see why you are addicted....they are all so lovely! And thank you so much for your wonderful and generous comment on my Will and Kate post... you put a smile on my face!

Cheers!
The French Mouse

The Charm of Home said...

Thanks for linking it to Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Oh My What wonderful treasures Love your fabulous collection and thanks for the warning you are right I think the cages could become addicting they look so great
thanks for linking with me for Treasure Chest Friday
Grateful
Pam

The Tablescaper said...

I'm so loving your bird cages!

- The Tablescaper

Alison Agnew said...

just a note to let you know that i am featuring your lovely post this week on fridays unfolded...have a wonderful weekend!

alison
stuff and nonsense

LV said...

What a rare and different collection you have. I have never owed a birdcage. After seeing some of yours, wish I had. They are great and you are using them so nicely.

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