Dana's Legacy

When I was one month old, I was given up for adoption, by my Birthmother, whose name was Margaret. She was 38 and unmarried. She had previously been married and had already raised a daughter who was now 18. She divorced her husband, due to his alcohol addiction and had moved on. She became pregnant with me from a relationship with another man, who was a truck driver. Apparently neither decided that marriage, for the sake of an unplanned pregnancy, was the right option. My Mother did a very brave thing and went into a home for unwed Mothers, knowing she would no doubt be the oldest pregnant woman there. Perhaps it was her only option back in the 50's. She was surrounded by young unmarried girls who were ashamed, lonely, and probably scared about their future, let alone the ordeal of childbirth. I was told by the Home years later that she developed a skill for making jewelry for the girls there. Perhaps it helped her past the time as well as helped her feel useful, giving a part of herself to the others, who no doubt could connect to her. After all, she was an "adult" who was in the same situation as they, and was not judgmental. When my birthday came, she named me Dana. I never saw her again. She died before I found the truth about my beginnings. It is funny how life comes full circle without our help. I like to think that my love for creating vintage jewelry, is her talent coming through to me. These pieces bring the past to the present and are called Dana'a Legacy.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanasLegacy

Kitschy Plates

What is it about these crazy "old lady" plates that has me hunting them down in every thrift store and garage sale?  They were made in Japan or Korea in the 50's & 60's and were cheap decor for who knows who. Who would dare give such a gift or let alone bring them into your house on your own? Maybe it was the sentiment written on them that holds the key to my wonderment. I have always loved painted china and can appreciate the work that the artist imparts to his craft, but these are usually pressed on decals. I still love them! My favorite is my recent find that says : THIS IS MY HOUSE AND I'LL DO AS I DARN PLEASE. It fits me... as my husband just shakes his head and keeps quiet when I bring these "treasures" into our home. Yes, I'm that old lady with the ever changing kitchy decor.

Light Reading

I came upon a real find at my local Goodwill Store this week. This 1919 Funk & Wagnall's English Dictionary that is 6 inches thick and weighs a ton! I was the envy of the check out line. It was in great condition and full of amazing old facts... long ago forgotten.  It contains pictures of things my children's children will probably never read about.  The photo of one of the first telephones is priceless. How far mankind has come .... or not.

Birkey & Gay Co. Chair

This is a repainted chair that I bought at a local auction. The original color was  a walnut type stain popular in  the mid 1800's. It was scratched, chipped and well used.  It had the company named imprinted on the bottom of the seat and I was able to research it's origin. The company was in Grand Rapids, Michigan and made quality wood furniture starting around the mid 1800's and stopped production in 1940's. The company was known for their Gothic Revival and Eastlake styles and became one of the leading furniture companies in America, even winning high merit recognition at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. I decided to give this sturdy piece a new look by painting it with Annie Sloan "Old White" and a touch of Fiddes &Sons "Dark" wax to give it some character.  I'm in love with the outcome and might just keep it! 

Vintage McCoy Pottery

McCoy pottery has always been a favorite of mine. It is affordable and relatively easy to find. There are so many different patterns, colors and categories to this begone Midwestern pottery company, that I could fill my house! I have tried to contain my collection to the muted pastels. Maybe they remind me of simpler time where floral displaying in these pots were what women did to pass the time... instead of facebook.

Vintage Aluminum Ware

I am drawn to the beauty of old aluminum ware.  It was an affordable alternative to silver and silver plate that was popular in the 50's & 60's. The handles were gorgeous and a bit more modern than silver work. Perhaps it was the poor mans "silver"? It is getting harder to find in good condition due to it's light weight design and easily scratched surface. It's cost is still low and can be found at local thrift stores and garage sales. I think it is SO under valued and appreciated!

Vintage Wood Type

These are beautiful examples of old wood type. A means of communication with ink and paper.