Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I am a non conformist!









Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday...









and Faded Charm for White Wednesday!

****************************
Before we go any further, let me just say,
I have never lacked for *compliments* using these terms;
strange, bizarre, eccentric, unusual, unique, odd, peculiar, curious!
I'm sure you will be using at least one of these by the end of this post!
~*~
Can you guess what these are?
AND
Which one doesn't belong?
~*~
These are all (but one) vintage 'irrigators'!
There are a couple of 'different' uses that I will
let you discover on your own!
(just google 'vintage irrigator' and see what you find)
Now, like I said, my mind doesn't run down the usual track.
I like to think 'outside of the box'!
When I saw my first irrigator, I didn't say "ooh yuck,"
I thought, "What a cool planter!"

Just look at these babies! Perfect for planting trailing plants
and hanging on fence posts! They come ready with a 'drainage tube',
have a flat back for hanging on a post,



and already have a hole for the nail!
Some even have convenient handles on the front!




These colored ones are a bit more rare and have wonderful
patterns such as spatter, chicken wire and Snow on the Mountain.
These are usually European and much more expensive.

I found my first two vintage irrigators at a garage sale, still in their original
boxes ~ for 99 cents each! How can you beat that for a vintage enamelware
planter! That began my search for them on Ebay. I kinda got carried away
with how many I purchased, but I have a lot of fence posts to 'embellish'!
The price has gone up considerably, so I'm thinkin' I'm not the only
'unusual' person out there!


This is the 'one that doesn't belong'.
This is not an irrigator, but after some research, I found out
that it is a vintage 'water conditioner' (didn't come with the lid).
This is about a 3 gallon size and comes with a handy hanger
for hanging on a wooden fence board. This is actually where
they were used!
*****
Well, I have them all planted up, now, with Convolvulus and Morning Glory.
I will have to show them to you when they are all blooming and beautiful!
Then, just maybe, you will not think I am quite so odd after all!
:~P

~*~*~*~*~

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2

16 comments:

Candy said...

From one wacky collector to another...I love them all and was thinking the big bluish one was a odd bird. But then odd birds attract gals like us. Have fun playing with a great collection!
Wednesday Blessings ;-)

Faded Charm said...

These are very cool and I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. You are right though, they will make wonderful planters. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Thanks for sharing and the history lesson today.

Take care,

Kathleen

Rebecca said...

OH, I'm short on time. Can't wait to do a little more research and find out what these were used for! Meanwhile, you are a gal-after-my-own-heart! I'll look forward to seeing the blooms!

Raspberries and Rose Petals said...

What interesting conversation pieces! And great planters! Thanks for sharing with us today! Too cool!

Have a great day!
Warmly,
Lori

jamjar said...

Well, I'm going to have to remember to look up vintage irrigators. I love enamelware and I love finding creative uses for vintage pieces...Now I want a vintage irrigator and I don't even know what one is!!!
I love Ro 12.2 in fact all of Romans 12. I once memorized the chapter just so I would always have it on the tip of my memory!

Jennifer said...

Love those - and what a great idea for planting....and I hope I am always known as "not conformed" - especially to this world!

Anonymous said...

What a neat collection!

And yes, I think I have an idea on what they "were" used for :)

But planters...a much better occupation :)

Do share the blossoms...

Have a blessed day,

Maria

myletterstoemily said...

i like how you think!

Amanda at 32˙North said...

I love old enamelware and graniteware. Your collection will make wonderful planters, for sure!

Amanda

joanna said...

I cannot wait to see your Out door Wednesday post when they are all planted up and hang with care on the garden fence post. A splendid idea, my farmer gal blog friend.

Joanny

Andrea said...

It was so good to hear from you!!! I hope you are doing well.

Your antique canisters are really interesting, and until I read further, I had no idea they were irrigation cans. I love antiques/old things and find them fascinating. I always wonder where the items come from and who owned them.

Many blessings to you, and love in Jesus Christ! God is so good!

Andrea

P.S. Thank you for your precious comments. They mean more than you will ever know.

CailinMarie said...

Well - I do like enamelware! I have an idea what they might have been and I'm not sure I want to spend too much time thinking on it ;-) but I'm sure they will make lovely planters!
http://cailinyates.blogspot.com

Annesphamily said...

I like your thinking! When I see the words non-conformist I am drawn into it! Having been raised in the Catholic school system and being an out of the box kinda girl I like different! I like it a lot!

Wanted to say thank you for the lovely postcard! It was an excellent one to send! Thank you so much! Have a blessed weekend. Anne

GranthamLynn said...

Oh I love those. So cool would love to see them filled with plants! BTW I came over from Kelli's I was checking in on her and read your comment. I miss her too I know what you mean. I am glad you commented and lured me over here. I would like to join your virtual tour next time. But I will be back before then. I loved my visit. Nice to meet ya!
Have a Blessed Weekend,
Sherry

Marqueta (Mar-kee-ta) G. said...

Dear Lady Farmer,

Ooh, I like them! My first thought, when I figured out what they were, was that they would be a lot better than the cheapie plastic ones they have now days! I think it's safe to say that I'm a non-conformist, too ;) !

Love,

Marqueta

Camille said...

What a fun post Raeann!! Such a HUGE collection you have! They must be beautiful when they are all in bloom! :)

Love,
Camille