Q I’ve just moved into an old New England farmhouse. I’ve accumulated 
a lot of primitive painted furniture over the years but not many accessories.
I want to spend less than $150. What types of pieces would work with what
I have, and how can I get the most for my money? —Mary Cochran, Berwick, ME
A With your limited funds in mind, we skipped the brick-and-mortar stores and opted instead to scour bargainers’ Mecca eBay. We honed in on a well-rounded “accent” mix—unified via complementary colors and an early, handmade feel—
placed our bids and waited. Setting your sights on auction goods is never a sure thing, but the deals are worth the uncertainty—to say nothing of the leftover change. |
Redware Pottery Mix: $35.49
 Made of simple red clay, the most collectible American redware is decorated with slip-glazing and was forged — by hand or on a potter’s wheel — in the late 1700s through about 1860, often in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. While older slip-glazed plates can easily command $300–$800, depending on how ornately they’re patterned, these recently created “apple” pieces—with a nice weight to them and an artfully aged finish — were a steal at $14.99 for the pair. The real deal, however, proved to be a sponge-painted cake mold: a late 19th-century original, snagged for a cool $20.50!
For similar pieces, search: “Redware” under eBay category “Pottery and Glass”.
Folky Hooked Rug: $27.99
 Handmade originals dating from the late 1800s through the early 1940s have become increasinglyscarce and pricey, fetching anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on design, color and overall condition. The most primitive-looking pieces,depicting animals, phrases, people or objects, are generally the most sought-after. Clearly, this reproduction’s got it all—plus a little something extra: While antique rugs are so delicate they’re used more often as wall hangings than on the floor, our eBay find is strong—and pretty—enough to function either way.
For similar pieces, search: “Primitive Folk Art Rug” under eBay category “All Categories”.
Outsider Paintings: $38.49
 eBay is brimming with the works of self-representing outsider artists like Sara Pulver (barnyard scene: $32.99; basementart.homestead.com) and Gina Percifull (crow: $5.99), whose original paintings are pictured here. Inspired by the efforts of self-taught folk artists like Grandma Moses and many of her lesser-known 19th-century predecessors, outsider pieces are rendered by a deliberately naïve—almost childlike—hand, rich in color and always highly whimsical. While they can find a comfortable home in almost any decorating scheme, they spring to especially vivid life in a country setting.
For similar pieces, search: “Folk Art Painting” under eBay category “Art”. you also can search directly under the above-listed artists’ names. •
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Dish With Country Decorating Ideas: Got a decorating problem, smart solution or a story of an amazing “country” find? Write to us at Country Decorating Ideas; Harris Publications; 1115 Broadway, 8th floor; New york, NY 10010. If applicable, please include a photo along with your letter. (We can’t return photos because of volume, so make sure you can part with them!)
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