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.

Circus of FUN

These children's book illustrations are kitschy! They bring back memorable images of colorful scenes that made reciting the alphabet fun and maybe easier.  I found this vintage book and had the orange mats professionally cut. The frames are 8"X 8" in size. I wonder who owned this book and where they are today.

Vignettes

I am learning about display vignettes from my friend and mentor Glenda at Mishawaka Antiques. I have had a booth there for 6 months now and I am a "newbie" to the dealership side of antiques.  Glenda has an amazing ability to whip up a gorgeous display vignette that will take your breath away and transport one to another time and place. Her co-owner Scott is equally as talented. I call him" Edward scissor hands" He works so darn fast and "Voila!" it is finished and beautiful! They share their experience and knowledge with all the booth owners and their eye for design has a huge following that keeps growing. Just walking into the store is visual experience of textures, styles, color and history. Every time I am there I notice new treasures that make me smile and swoon. I am so lucky to be apart of this haven of vignettes!