I know I have mentioned before that I really love old things - I'm not talking about C (he's a bit younger than me anyway). But I love antiques. I think I got that from my grandma, she loved antiques and had a house full of them (many of which are now in *my* house). One item that I have that I think is particularly interesting is my living room "end table". When people visit I find them spending time looking at this table and its contents.
My "table" began its life as a trunk. This trunk was part of the furniture that came with my stepfather when my mother married him - he had used it for years as a table (so unfortunately, I can't claim this idea). I always marveled at it and thought it was so pretty. After my stepfather passed away, I acquired the trunk (that was back into service as a trunk) and recommissioned it as a table.
It's just an old trunk with the tray in it - we haven't modified it or painted it. The trunk is covered with leather and has the original leather straps on it. It's a bit worn, but that adds to its charm. The tray inside is made of fabric and after years of wear it has become flimsy. So C reinforced it so it wouldn't break or rip when we put stuff on it. We have a piece of safety glass cut to fit the opening and when placed on it - makes the table top. It makes a WONDERFUL area to display things. See, isn't that a really cool idea!?!
I have lots of things down inside it. The tray is wrapped with a quilt - you know how I love them! But the quilt in the trunk is special - it was made by my great-great grandfather (yup, you read that right - grandFATHER). We have lots of other special items in it - there's an old Bible that my mom got when she graduated from high school, 2 pairs of baby shoes - a bronzed pair that were my mom's and a pair that belonged to C's dad, we have a china-faced doll, my stepfather's Mickey Mouse watch, C's first eye glasses and case, some old keys, an old light bulb, an electric insulator, an old tape meaure and some old scissors, just to mention some things.
I really love this table, it has so much potential. It can be changed to match the seasons, though I have not been so ambitious. I do put forth some effort during the holidays. At Christmas, we cover the quilt with that white cottony, sparkly stuff and place some antique Christmas items in it.
I just felt the need to share this with you.
