Treasures at the Top of the Stairs

This is what you see when you walk up my stairs. A gorgeous antique shadow box, a couple of antique pie crust mirrors, a rose watercolor, and yes ~ A toolbox on a chest of drawers.

I showed the shadow box a long time ago on my blog. I had intended to redo it. But I lived with it's charm and I really love it. The only touch I added was the mother and child cameo that my husband had given me soon after my second daughter was born. It really seems to fit right in and gives it a personal touch for me.



The toolbox was my grandfathers. He was a toolmaker and used this all his working life. It was in my parents basement for years still with my grandfathers tools in it. My dad cleaned and polished it and presented it to me for my birthday one year. I use it to store and display some of my vintage powder compact collection.

Some travel souvenir powder compacts.

An assortment of mostly Stratton of England compacts.

A sweet favorite.


Another favorite. I was thrilled to find this strawberry embroidered vintage hanky. I knew right away it was perfect to display with this compact.

This compact caught my eye because of the swan down puff. It's so soft!


My grandpa's toolbox has become my treasure box at the top of the stairs.

The Blues

The Pink Rose Cottage

Presentation Boxes

It’s always just a little extra special to find a treasured item in it’s original box. But finding something in a presentation box is more then exciting! Not only does it add value, but also adds a little something extra to the item and the way it’s displayed.

Take for example this vintage gift set from Mais Oui. While the perfume and talc bottles are charming on their own, the presentation box with its outstanding graphics is more then an added bonus!



This pretty but simple Richard Hudnut rouge and powder compact is delightfully enhanced by its satin blue box. Dated 1924.


Another Hudnut powder compact with a more elaborate presentation box. With it's French flare, lovely shade of pink and it's enchanting little tassel, this box is as desirable as the compact itself.




Sometimes a sturdy but uncharismatic box holds stunning surprises. These two Art Deco vanity items are a perfect example. The striking pink and black is a raspberry rouge compact and framboise lipstick. Unfortunately both the presentation box and the cosmetic containers have no evidence of their maker.

The outstanding red compact holds both powder and rouge and is by Lucien LeLong and was made in Paris, France. Safely hidden away and protected in the simple presentation box has kept it in near prefect condition.





This little box is as sweet on the outside as the vanity items are inside. This cosmetic duo was put together by none other then the Fuller Brush Company. The cardboard box is what we now call “Cottage Chic” with its buttoned ruffled print trim and cottage pink rose bouquet.

The inside holds Debutante Jewel Red nail polish and lipstick of the same color. Both containers are gorgeously designed to match the presentation box. The cosmetics are by Daggett & Ramsdell of New York.



And last but not least, this presentation box is exquisite all on its own! This box almost certainly held jewelry instead of perfume or other vanity items. The top is a deep rich pink velvet framed with celluloid lace. Heart shaped, it opens to ivory satin lining with a double heart imprint. Marked Crosby.

While it’s original contents remain a mystery, the box is perfect all alone!



So whether you find a gorgeous presentation box all alone or with it’s gift, they are a lovely addition to your collectible and to your decor!

Summer Pretties!

I recently acquired many, many beautiful estate items. Everything from antique linens, to hand painted china, to silver, to vanity items...and so much more! I'm sorting, organizing, and listing. So please visit The Pink Rose Cottage and see what's new. And check back often. New items are added weekly!