Calling all my crafty sisters and brothers, last chance for buttons

In case you didn't know we have buttons and a lot of them. The owner of Container Antiques literally stumbled over boxes and boxes of buttons at a French flea market. The buttons are from the 1920's - 40's. The flea market merchant was selling his late wife's collection, she was a seamstress. The cards could be used for altered art as well. The buttons used to be priced anywhere from .25cents to 1.25 per button but now every button is just .25cents.
We have a lot of local crafty etsy sellers who have already bought their share, now it is time for you to come in and pick out yours. We won't be here much longer!

Christmas in April? Santa needs a new home...

It has been a very busy week at Container Antiques. Since announcing that we will be closing our doors, we have had many people stop in for a visit and to wish us well. The very best part of my job is and will be the people. Ellen and I feel so fortunate to have met such a great, diverse group of people. We have been asked many times “what is next?” and the good news is that we have so many plans for our “free” time that for right now, we are just happy considering all the possibilities. What we know for sure is that I will be heading back to school and Ellen will continue to peruse and develop her “real” job. What many do not know is that Ellen has super (freakish) powers and has always enjoyed working (a lot!) While she worked on and maintained Container Antiques she also has a private practice for the past two decades and contracts her services out for another business in town. So we each have our eyes set forward and are looking forward to closing the doors on the shop. We would like to close-up shop within the next 4 – 6 weeks. We have all our merchandise color coded with stickers representing the discount (20 -50%).

Everything in the store is at least 20% off, all chandeliers are 25% off and rugs are 30% off.

Two years ago we found this guy out in Tumalo and I know with promises from our local weather guy of Saturday hitting 70 degrees it might be hard to think about Santa.

Let us just call it Christmas in April…. supposedly he graced the doors at Tumalo Feed Co. years ago…

He is motorized and still works. (He waves and moves from side to side.)

Call if you want more details, it would be cool to keep this guy local. As we all know –once you live in Bend, you don’t ever want to leave.

Another one bites the dust... going out of business!

Another one bites the dust....

We have decided not to renew our lease. Our big going out of business sale started this morning. All items are discounted 20 -50%.

We have definitely been affected by the economy but that is not our reason for quitting. We are a family business and it is just time to move on and start a new chapter.

Function and Form

Jewelry – most of us have at least a few treasured pieces of jewelry in our homes. Most of mine is costume and until a couple of years ago, was haphazardly thrown into a box or a tea cup. It was not until a box of metal glove molds came into our store that I incorporated jewelry into the decorating of my home. (More specifically my bedroom)

I loved these metal glove molds so much –I had to have one. They are antique yet modern, industrial and very chic.

I decided to put mine on my nightstand but it didn’t have a purpose and stuck out like a sore thumb waving at me. Then one night after removing my necklace- instead of throwing it into the tea cup – I draped it through the fingers of the mold. Voila! Function and Form. Fabulouso!

Since then I added an Antique framed cork board with old fashioned sewing pins into my dressing space so that my necklaces are easily accessible and displayed like little works of art.

Here are some examples of accessories from the shop...

For the love of Friday!

The sun is shining, we averted any snow and/or rain and it is Friday…it doesn’t get any better than that!

Best wishes to our friends at Ski Country Antiques.

Monday I heard news that Ski Country Antiques closed their doors.

We are very sad to see our friends go. Although separately owned, Ski Country was like a brother store to ours. We worked well together finding solutions for our customers needs. A source for fabulous European antiques and lodge décor, Ski Country will be missed.

We want to thank our friends for their camaraderie and wish them the very best for their future.

Every room needs a little character

Choosing furniture for your home.

I think the goal for any of us is to get the best value for your dollar but some of us fall into the big box trap because of convenience. The adverse effect of convenience is that in the end big box gets more of our dollars. I call it the yo-yo effect; you buy something that isn’t made to last over time, the laminate begins to chip, the hardware strips out- the piece begins to fall apart and then you yo-yo back to buy another piece.
Furniture that endures is not made of particle board and laminate. Drawers should not be stapled together. True craftsmanship is in the details and character comes from the history of the piece.

With a little footwork you can find good quality furniture, even here in Bend, at affordable prices. When you make the decision to invest in a piece of furniture you want to make sure that it will last over time & add authentic, classic character to your space.

Just say no to big box and yes to local businesses. Support your local economy – you might be surprised by what you find, you will love the way it makes you feel and in the end – it is a better investment for your dollar.

Arts and Crafts sideboard from the early 1900's.

Spring tease

There is no other place in Oregon I want to be, other than Bend when the weather shines like it did this past weekend. The brilliant snow capped peaks showcased against the crisp blue sky, the smell of spring and the warmth of the sun on my face; it was the perfect spring tease! By Sunday I was yearning for the cherry blossoms, daffodils and crocus but with snow expected this weekend – we are not out of the winter woods yet.

We cannot control the weather but we can welcome spring into our homes to hopefully stave off any winter blues.
In this example I used some of the things that conjure up spring; a wood bird cage, an image of a bird, some jars of grass and brown speckled green eggs. What is great about this display is that it can easily transition and be used with multiple holidays.

An important reminder, incorporate scent into your home!
It is time to put away scents of Christmas or holiday baking
and exchange it for a fresh, clean scent.

By mid-March you can incorporate flowering branches and have an artistic display that can carry you into spring.

Art work from a French bistro

Choosing the right artwork for your home can be as challenging as it can be rewarding.
You always want to select art work that speaks to you, so that you can bring your personality into your living space. Our walls are filled with artwork, everything from landscapes to still-life. The most eccentric work came out of a French bistro, painted wall panels depicting an outside garden and a couple enjoying each others company. In the right space one or all of these panels could create an impact of color and conversation.

Another great alternative to traditional artwork is to display old instructional charts from schools. This idea has gained popularity in the last few years and these maps usually have really fantastic colors to go with most decors.

This large wall map of Europe came out of a classroom in Belgium and would be great choice for someone trying to think outside the box.

Hey speaking of Bistro's... have you checked out bistro corlise downtown yet?

The whisper of a thousand prayers

On our trips over to Europe we love coming across lost treasures that speak to people's faith. It is hard to choose a favorite but we often think about our kneeler and feel empathy for the thousands of prayers that has been prayed in private moments. We picked the kneeler up in France and it is estimated to be from the late 1800's. Solid Oak with hand carved detail and gilding.

Happy Valentines Day

French burlap market bags are a stylish way to carry all your must have items or your groceries. This bag is perfect for school, the lake or Trader Joes. We have both the tote (shown in image) and also the messenger style. Bags are lined with cotton and have French graphics.

This and that...we have a little bit of everything.

We are NOT your Momma's antique store

Container Antiques has been in business since 2005 and they still have many people who accidentally find them by driving by. Easily seen while driving on the bypass but a little out of the way, located next to the Sparrow Bakery in the historic Bend Iron Works Complex.
(50 SE Scott Street, Bend Oregon 97701 ph. 541.382.1785)
Family owned and operated they specialize in furniture from Belgium, Germany, Holland and France. Nesters at heart, Container Antiques also carry a variety of decorator items that add the finishing touch to any room. The walls are filled with original paintings from European artist and the ceilings are covered with chandeliers.

If you are looking for something different

Container Antiques thinks outside the box for a unique look that can be funky-licious.