Upon returning from the Snap conference, I was pleasantly surprised to come home with our lilac tree in full bloom!
My fireplace mantel needed a shot of spring, so I got to work, creating a lilac filled junky toolbox planter.
In order to get that amazing fragrance in the house pronto, a few blooms were cut and set inside vintage jars of water.
The jars created instant vases once placed inside this old HUGE toolbox, found at a local thrift. But with all that blank space on the outside of the wood, I had to fill it with something.
Rummaging around in my luggage that was still packed, I pulled out the vintage tap handles, fresh from Salt Lake City.
They are from George’s Architectural Salvage. Just wait till you see this place…
When I summoned for help on Facebook asking where to go junkin’, George’s was suggested, so I gave him a call.
Well, they weren’t open. But George’s brother Chris was able to meet me there to open the store. Just for me. Wow.
I knew I was somewhere special the moment I got out of my car.
Isle after isle, indoors and out, there was wall to wall architectural salvage. Big and small, they truly had it all.
Here’s a little more of the outdoor yard. Tell me this place doesn’t drive you into a junk pickin’ frenzy!
Anyway, I was so over the moon thrilled that George wouldn’t take no for an answer and wanted me to come, explaining they at times open the store to those that can’t come by another time. So glad I did and so glad I had Chris give me the tour! Thanks so much, guys!
George’s Architectural Salvage
470 E. 900 South, SLC, UT 84111
(801) 539-1140
I also picked up something else from them I’ll show you another time.
Thanks to George and Chris, my fireplace mantel is very, very junk happy once again. 🙂
If you visit them, please let them know you saw this post. I’d LOVE for them to know that crazy Canadian they let in on an off day was worth it. 🙂
It hurts to go through your pics and know so much had to be left behind. I hope you are able to find a way to retrieve some of those wonderful items some day. I have ended up with a smaller car and it sure does hamper my creativity. Although in some ways keeps me from adding to junk I haven’t even gotten to yet. And a storekeeper who understands their business and customers….he is golden.
OT…I am not getting your posts and a few others via email. Started digging to figure out why, but no answer. Do you know why this is happening? For now I am going through Bloglovin. Is this preferable to most without a website?
There’s a feedburner issue going on it appears. Most that subscribe via email go through feedburner. Looks like it’s time for me to take action to a paid service. I sure appreciate you letting me know!
Bloglovin’ is a great way, but getting them via your own inbox is the very best so you don’t have to hunt.
It is hard to leave some of those things behind for sure when you know you have to fit what you desire inside a suitcase. But I now just focus on what I CAN bring home when I travel. It’s easier to deal with! haha
Your lilacs are just gorgeous. Sadly, they don’t grow in our part of North Texas. They remind me of spring and my mom. Your tool box is adorable and I love the junk attached to the outside. It looks like a great junk shop.
Donna, George’s reminds me of my favorite junk shop. Hope to attend SNAP next year. I have a lot of those taps and also some wheels similar to yours. I think I see my next project :-). Also have a beautiful blooming snowball bush!. Have a great week and thanks for the inspiration.
donna wow that mantel is so cool love the tool box love your lilacs can almost smell them….. and i so wish georges was in my neighborhood i would be there constantly xx
So cute. How did you get your purchases home on the plane?! Love those stove legs, but suppose those were too heavy for your luggage.
Hey Teddee!
I just ensure to bring home things that will fit in a suitcase. I bring along an empty tote bag that can be checked in going home.
I have brought home an oversized item before, however was able to check it in as a bag at the airport. Or you can also have it sent home from where you shop, best to know your shipping prices to help with your decision.
I love this idea, I am impatiently waiting for my lilacs to come in. It has been a long winter. I have never thought to display them this way. I will have to use this idea. Also I am envious of the store you have there. I have not been able to find one like that by me, I would be there ALL THE TIME!
Ohhh trust me, if this place was near me, I’d be in trouble too! In the very best of ways. 🙂
Donna – love your mantel with your Utah junk. It sounds like you had an awesome trip!
LOVE READING YOUR POSTS, DONNA. THIS IS ONE I RELATED TO BECAUSE I HAVE A TOOL BOX VERY SIMILAR TO YOURS. IT WAS MY FATHER’S AND HE CARRIED IT TO WORK AS A CARPENTER FOR MANY YEARS. NOW I HAVE IT AND I USE IT TO DECORATE AND DISPLAY GOODIES AS WELL. EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT, I RECALL FOND MEMORIES OF HIM.
I MISS MY LILAC BUSHES! AFTER SEEING THESE, I MUST PLANT A FEW ONCE AGAIN. I’VE ALWAYS HAD THE DEEP PURPLE, BUT THINKING I MAY HAVE TO GET SOME WHITES AS WELL.
…how did you not throw your clothes away and pack those Corbels into your suitcase!!!
Any way love the hardware you did bring home!
I am so in love with the spring mantle. This is my kind of display. I wish I could grow lilacs like that here! My shady spots are spoken for and it gets wickedly hot here. But maybe I should try….
I will be in SLC this summer to visit and family and look at colleges with my oldest. I am definitely adding this to my list. If you have any other don’t miss places, I would love for you to share. I am bringing my giant van and hope to load it to the top! I never get a chance to junk when I am there, this time my kids are old enough to help!
Love the tool box. You did an awesome job with that.
Hi Donna!
Love this look…especially LOVE the lilacs – can’t grow em here in Savannah, but my Sweet Dad overnights me a big box of them from Idaho for my birthday sometimes! They are my absolute favorite and make me think of my Sweet Mom. Miss her.
Blessings to you this day!