I have always said that there are three hobbies I enjoy:

  1. buying art supplies
  2. organizing art supplies
  3. using art supplies

(Sometimes I do a little too much of hobby #1.)

As it turns out, renovating a house has some similar activities to engage in, particularly when it comes to the buying part.  In some ways I suppose this isn't surprising. This house is simply the largest arts and crafts project I've ever done!

Because I have an old Victorian house (built in 1890) I have been visiting lots of super fun salvage shops up and down the East Coast.  I thought I'd share a few photos with you.  I love the craftsmanship in a Victorian home and I've been searching for ways to restore the home I bought to its previous glory.  These photos are a smorgasbord of old house parts.

From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting
From the Balzer Designs Blog: Treasure Hunting

I don't know about you, but all of these house parts make my imagination begin to swirl about what could be. It's actually the same feeling I get looking through an art supply store.  All of the possibilities are there.  What will you do with them?

Do you want to know the saddest part of all of this salvaging?

We didn't buy a single thing!  Overwhelmed by choice, I suppose.  We lusted.  We touched.  We fantasized. But in the end, we couldn't pull the trigger.

Sigh. Perhaps when the house is a little further along….

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

70 thoughts on “Treasure Hunting

  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • I do hope the animal heads dont make the sale! Lol. You will buy when your home is furthwr along and the rooms tell you what is right.

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lots of fun findings. I love visiting old world treasures What fun. Looking forward to seeing how you put it all together when your home will come alive. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • Wow, Art Overload. You have to put some Stained Glass in the decor. My sister put stained glass in couple windows of her Craftsman bungalow and when the sun hits them its gorgeous. Ant the postal cubbie, so fabulous for artsy stuff. Right probably a bit too soon.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • What an awesome art project! You will have years of fun and get to buy lots. Some of the things you showed today are from the Arts And Crafts Movement I believe. And I think they would go beautifully in your Victorian Home. Have a blast shopping for and renovating your new house.

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Hell-o Julie
    My son is getting ready to work in my house that was built in 1921 he is going to gut the walls to see what condition the Electric wiring, add insulation etc. he hasn’t started bu I know my house needs repairs. The outside is stucco all over. I am kinda wound up I have to move out and either live with my daughter in Georgia or other son in Northern VA. I am 76 Watch You on HSN TV and you emails you send your Blog.LOve paper Crafting Love cards and Scrapbooking since 2008. I am a crafty person just something I picked up LOL.
    JUST want to say it is a good thing to look back into history of your house and see what was there when first built Awesome!!! God Speed with you and your All your endevors!
    Gloria C Harvey

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Love how the light shines through one pair of stained glass windows. Beautiful!
    Instantly thought the boar’s head would be quite entertaining if you put a sign near it “Don’t be boaring, darling!” Would make quite the conversation piece. LOL!

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Drooling. The stained glass with the ovals in the center and the bright colors around…..oh my.

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • Please tell me where this salvage shop is? I live on the East Coast and need to go, it’s fabulous

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply
  • What fun! Oh to be young again!! That door that says “OFFICE” on it would make the coolest door for a guest powder room. Once upon a time I did this kind of thing with an 1879 farmhouse in Michigan. I wish I could do it again, but I will do it vicariously through your posts. Thank you!
    Marylizzy

    Reply

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