As I was working on the Money Saving Mom cleaning challenge for today, I came across these gorgeous antique tiles that I have been storing in my bedroom closet. The tiles are 24 inches by 24 inches and are from the original Jacob Spori Building on the Ricks College now Brigham Young University-Idaho campus. I worked/practically lived in the Spori Building as a freshman. It was a beautiful building, rich with history. The Spori burned to the ground the night it was being torn down. Still remember watching it at 4 am huddled together with my newspaper friends.
I was thrilled when I discovered these tiles at an antique show in Jackson Hole. I snatched up three and several more for a friend and teacher. Unfortunately, I have not found the best way to display my treasures. Should I hang them on the wall? Paint them? Decisions, decisions. What do you think? Leave me your suggestions in the comments! I love the intricate details. Here is a closer look:
After getting my tiles out, I spent the rest of my 20 minute clean up folding laundry, making the bed, and picking up my children’s toys from the floor of our bedroom. Sound familiar? That’s what I did last week! I definitely need to work on a better laundry system so the piles don’t end up in my bedroom.
What should I do with my tiles?
How is the 30-Day Cleaning Challenge going for you? Is your house staying cleaner?
7 Comments
Charlene · April 9, 2013 at 5:21 pm
What a beautiful treasure to rediscover! I think I’d hang them up just as they are!
Taralyn · April 9, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Thank you, Charlene!
Blythe @ The Bungalow Brood · April 9, 2013 at 5:27 pm
What a cool find! But I must ask the question: what about the tiles do you like? Is it the design or look of them? Or is it the memories that they evoke? I have to ask myself these same questions about MANY treasures that I have, and it really helps me to know what to do with them. For example, if you just love the fact that they are original tiles that encapsulate a happy memory in your past, maybe one tile on display is all you need, and you can let go of the other two. Do they match your decor inside?
Or if you would rather have a practical use for them, could they be incorporated as stepping stones in some part of your garden outside?
Not sure if I really helped you out or not….just wanted to share a few thoughts ๐
Taralyn · April 9, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Those are great questions, Blythe! We are house sitting right now so we don’t necessarily have our own style at the moment. I do like the design, but the memories are definitely the clincher.
Theresa · April 9, 2013 at 8:46 pm
I love the tiles (and the story behind them). If they were in my home, I would leave them as is (no painting- the raw look is awesome on these tiles) and hang them vertically in a row. Ooooh, you could turn one of them into a clock. They sell clock kits at places like Hobby Lobby or Jo Ann’s.
Good Luck, I can’t wait to see what you decide.
Leah @ Sanity Saving Mom · April 12, 2013 at 10:09 am
Those are very beautiful! As stated in an earlier comment, you could just hang them as they are either horizontal or vertical. Do you just have three? If you only have a few you could separate them with some small candle wall scones. Great find!
Taralyn · April 12, 2013 at 10:43 am
I do just have the three. I like the idea of separating them with candle sconces!