Monday, January 17, 2011
A to Z Things
They probably have everything you need here at A to Z Things.
I'm always intrigued by odd store names. This time I remembered to photograph it. It's in Chicago on Kedzie near Irving Park I think.
I'm always intrigued by odd store names. This time I remembered to photograph it. It's in Chicago on Kedzie near Irving Park I think.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Apartment That Ate My Time
I had big plans to participate in the Vintage Bazaar which is happening this coming Sunday, 8/22 from 12-7pm at Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee. But, unfortunately, I’ve had to cancel at the last minute.
This crazy apartment re-model and impending move just has us totally overwhelmed. We are splitting the cost with our landlord and therefore we are very much involved in the process.
You’d think that having someone else paint and refinish the floors would actually relieve some of the pressure. But that has not been the case entirely. Sure, we didn’t have to actually paint, but we definitely had the pain. Finding the workmen, getting the estimates and overseeing the jobs takes up time. Mostly in piddly little bits which eat big holes out of your day. And worry. Worry takes up a lot of psychic energy which interferes with ongoing daily life, and I am a big worrier without a doubt. Can’t change that at my age, though.
The floor people were great, and in the end all I had to do after they were done was some minor clean-up. And the new floors are worth the money. I can recommend Peters Wood Refinishing here in Chicago.
The painter was another story. While he did an OK job in the end, he was a complainer all the way. Every time he was asked to fix something he slopped up, no matter how nicely I approached him, I got constant talk back and a million bizarre reasons why nothing was his fault.
The thing is, he underestimated the time and the cost of the job, so he got resentful half way through and he really wanted to give it all a lick and a promise and just skip out. I do understand that some people are desperate for work these days, what with the downturn in the building trades right now. But no matter how desperate you are, do not underestimate what you are really willing to accept for a job. And if you do, just do the damned job and learn from your mistake, already. Don’t take it out on me, please. I could never recommend him for other work as a result of this bad experience. And, I really resent the loss of time and energy that dealing with him took from me.
There are a lot of other details to see to as well. Again, all piddly little stuff, but time consuming in bits and pieces and always requiring yet another trip to hardware store because something was forgotten. We got new blinds, some new switch plates, cleaned all the cieling fans and lights, windows, floor grates, etc. We fixed the door knobs, found and installed new cabinet locks. I'll try to put up a little how to soon on cleaning brass grates and on making new cabinet knobs look old.
We had to find bathroom vanity and sink we could afford and have it installed.(Man, those things are expensive! As are plumbers.) We removed and replaced baseboards. We still have to seal grout in the bathroom, replace the mirror and put all the fixtures back in place.Like I said...piddly, diddly stuff.
The big DIY moment for us will be finding and installing some sort of cheap but decent looking tile or linoleum solution for the back porch floor, and then installing wainscotting on the porch, but not until we determine if some partial drywall needs to be replaced due to a previous problem.
Then there is The Kitchen. We started from scratch in the kitchen. So I’ve had to learn to be a kitchen designer, layout artist and contractor. After exploring kitchen options at both Home Depot and at IKEA, I decided IKEA was the best option for us, cost-wise.
Designing a new kitchen in the most efficient and cost effective way for that small space, and figuring out how it would all fit took the most time of all. I had to do it in InDesign because the IKEA software was not compatible with my Mac. Now, I understand IKEA has a new web based system which should be better for future users. The kitchen install will be soon, but not before the plumber and the electrician get done. If you move the placement of sinks and stoves, you inevitably will have to move some of the utilities around. That is being done this week.
Of course, this all messes mightily with our getting our business done, so that is suffering as well. We squeeze it in whenever we can. Not a good thing when you are bleeding money.
Oh, and did I mention that in the midst of all of this we actually have to pack and move? Even if it is just downstairs we can’t avoid packing up everything, although we have been trying really hard to avoid it.
So these are all my excuses as to why we will not be exhibiting at the Vintage Bazaar this time. But please do go and support Katherine and Libby’s efforts. They did a great job with the Spring show at the Dank Haus, and I am sure this one will be even better. We hope to find a little time to drop in just to shop if we can.
This crazy apartment re-model and impending move just has us totally overwhelmed. We are splitting the cost with our landlord and therefore we are very much involved in the process.
You’d think that having someone else paint and refinish the floors would actually relieve some of the pressure. But that has not been the case entirely. Sure, we didn’t have to actually paint, but we definitely had the pain. Finding the workmen, getting the estimates and overseeing the jobs takes up time. Mostly in piddly little bits which eat big holes out of your day. And worry. Worry takes up a lot of psychic energy which interferes with ongoing daily life, and I am a big worrier without a doubt. Can’t change that at my age, though.
The floor people were great, and in the end all I had to do after they were done was some minor clean-up. And the new floors are worth the money. I can recommend Peters Wood Refinishing here in Chicago.
The painter was another story. While he did an OK job in the end, he was a complainer all the way. Every time he was asked to fix something he slopped up, no matter how nicely I approached him, I got constant talk back and a million bizarre reasons why nothing was his fault.
The thing is, he underestimated the time and the cost of the job, so he got resentful half way through and he really wanted to give it all a lick and a promise and just skip out. I do understand that some people are desperate for work these days, what with the downturn in the building trades right now. But no matter how desperate you are, do not underestimate what you are really willing to accept for a job. And if you do, just do the damned job and learn from your mistake, already. Don’t take it out on me, please. I could never recommend him for other work as a result of this bad experience. And, I really resent the loss of time and energy that dealing with him took from me.
There are a lot of other details to see to as well. Again, all piddly little stuff, but time consuming in bits and pieces and always requiring yet another trip to hardware store because something was forgotten. We got new blinds, some new switch plates, cleaned all the cieling fans and lights, windows, floor grates, etc. We fixed the door knobs, found and installed new cabinet locks. I'll try to put up a little how to soon on cleaning brass grates and on making new cabinet knobs look old.
We had to find bathroom vanity and sink we could afford and have it installed.(Man, those things are expensive! As are plumbers.) We removed and replaced baseboards. We still have to seal grout in the bathroom, replace the mirror and put all the fixtures back in place.Like I said...piddly, diddly stuff.
The big DIY moment for us will be finding and installing some sort of cheap but decent looking tile or linoleum solution for the back porch floor, and then installing wainscotting on the porch, but not until we determine if some partial drywall needs to be replaced due to a previous problem.
Then there is The Kitchen. We started from scratch in the kitchen. So I’ve had to learn to be a kitchen designer, layout artist and contractor. After exploring kitchen options at both Home Depot and at IKEA, I decided IKEA was the best option for us, cost-wise.
Designing a new kitchen in the most efficient and cost effective way for that small space, and figuring out how it would all fit took the most time of all. I had to do it in InDesign because the IKEA software was not compatible with my Mac. Now, I understand IKEA has a new web based system which should be better for future users. The kitchen install will be soon, but not before the plumber and the electrician get done. If you move the placement of sinks and stoves, you inevitably will have to move some of the utilities around. That is being done this week.
Of course, this all messes mightily with our getting our business done, so that is suffering as well. We squeeze it in whenever we can. Not a good thing when you are bleeding money.
Oh, and did I mention that in the midst of all of this we actually have to pack and move? Even if it is just downstairs we can’t avoid packing up everything, although we have been trying really hard to avoid it.
So these are all my excuses as to why we will not be exhibiting at the Vintage Bazaar this time. But please do go and support Katherine and Libby’s efforts. They did a great job with the Spring show at the Dank Haus, and I am sure this one will be even better. We hope to find a little time to drop in just to shop if we can.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
I Love My City
Went to the Art Institue last week to see the Matisse show. The AIC Lions were doing cos play in honor of the Chicago Blackhawks. Wonder if they have all manner of costumes in stock and they just send a call to wardrobe to bring out the helmets?
I think the guy is touching the lion for luck.
Then I went to the Chicago Cultural Center and happened to get this postcard view of Millenium Park from the window upstairs.
I love my city. I really do.
Then I went to the Chicago Cultural Center and happened to get this postcard view of Millenium Park from the window upstairs.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Collections Out of Control? Oh, What to Do?
Once you start collecting seriously, you put yourself at risk for addiction. One item is not enough. You think you can easily handle three, or five or ten. Soon, everything is completely out of control and your collection is now in charge. The objects of your desire have taken over your space. You are at risk of becoming the subject of a hoarders episode. You finally realize that you have to do something about the problem, so you can get your life back and get your space back in order.
What happens when your collections get out of control?
You rent a space in an antique mall and sell it off. To wit.
On the way back from the East coast, we stopped at some antique malls, one, a big mall in Centerville, IN where we found the following evidence of collections which clearly had gotten out of control and which had to be banished to the antique mall.
First, an entire booth focusing mostly on BREAD containers.
Another booth had hundreds of rolling pins.
Found a grinder line-up in another booth. What's up with those kitchen items, anyhow?
Looks like the car collectors came to their senses early on. Only three here.
But wait, right next to the cars there’s a booth with motor oil. Lots and lots of motor oil There were three huge shelves with different brands. Full cans. I understand most collections, but I really do not get motor oil collectors.
All kidding aside, Webb's Antique Mall, Centerville, IN, is a huge mall with booth after booth of really great stuff, lots of it. It is not far from Richmond, IN. We bought very little there though, because our car was already full from a previous stop in a small town mall earlier in the day. Here are just a couple other pieces I photographed.
For those who want to store their collections we saw this Library cabinet on legs for only $250. Very nice buy and in great condition.
On top of it was a wallpaper trimmer, of interest to me only because it was originally from Evanston, IL, my old hometown. But actually totally useless.
And for the mid-century modern collector, there was this 1950s cafe booth. Hard to say for sure whether it was original or a repro, but it looked very nice. The boomerang formica was beautiful. They were asking $695 for it.
If you ever go to Centerville, take an empty truck. And an appetite. They have great peanut butter pie.
What happens when your collections get out of control?
You rent a space in an antique mall and sell it off. To wit.
On the way back from the East coast, we stopped at some antique malls, one, a big mall in Centerville, IN where we found the following evidence of collections which clearly had gotten out of control and which had to be banished to the antique mall.
First, an entire booth focusing mostly on BREAD containers.
Another booth had hundreds of rolling pins.
Found a grinder line-up in another booth. What's up with those kitchen items, anyhow?
Looks like the car collectors came to their senses early on. Only three here.
But wait, right next to the cars there’s a booth with motor oil. Lots and lots of motor oil There were three huge shelves with different brands. Full cans. I understand most collections, but I really do not get motor oil collectors.
All kidding aside, Webb's Antique Mall, Centerville, IN, is a huge mall with booth after booth of really great stuff, lots of it. It is not far from Richmond, IN. We bought very little there though, because our car was already full from a previous stop in a small town mall earlier in the day. Here are just a couple other pieces I photographed.
For those who want to store their collections we saw this Library cabinet on legs for only $250. Very nice buy and in great condition.
And for the mid-century modern collector, there was this 1950s cafe booth. Hard to say for sure whether it was original or a repro, but it looked very nice. The boomerang formica was beautiful. They were asking $695 for it.
If you ever go to Centerville, take an empty truck. And an appetite. They have great peanut butter pie.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Back Home With Decisions to Make
We had a great trip and the workshop went well. More on all that later.
We have a new issue to deal with which is consuming my brain right now.
We are seriously considering moving downstairs to the first floor apartment in our building. We've lived in the building for ten years, so we are very much ensconced in our space. So moving, even downstairs, is going to be a big task. But the opportunity to both continue with reasonable rent and to live on the first floor is very attractive, not to mention getting squatters rights on the yard and possibly use of the garage. And I think my knee will thank me very much for being spared going up and down two flights of stairs every day.
The apartment needs a fair amount of work, plus painting and cleaning throughout. I'm approaching this as a reno-for-renters opportunity as we try to pick and choose what we are actually willing and able to do and how much we can really afford to spend on property we don't own to make it acceptable for us. So we will be working with the landlord as to how we will handle it all. At the same time I am also wondering if all the work required will really be worth it in the long run. Accomplishing it all definitely feel a little daunting.
I'm not putting any pics here, because it's technically not really my apartment yet. But if we do this, I will try to post some pics of the ongoing process.
~~~~~~
After speaking with the owner, it definitely looks like we are all in agreement and we are going to proceed.
We have a new issue to deal with which is consuming my brain right now.
We are seriously considering moving downstairs to the first floor apartment in our building. We've lived in the building for ten years, so we are very much ensconced in our space. So moving, even downstairs, is going to be a big task. But the opportunity to both continue with reasonable rent and to live on the first floor is very attractive, not to mention getting squatters rights on the yard and possibly use of the garage. And I think my knee will thank me very much for being spared going up and down two flights of stairs every day.
The apartment needs a fair amount of work, plus painting and cleaning throughout. I'm approaching this as a reno-for-renters opportunity as we try to pick and choose what we are actually willing and able to do and how much we can really afford to spend on property we don't own to make it acceptable for us. So we will be working with the landlord as to how we will handle it all. At the same time I am also wondering if all the work required will really be worth it in the long run. Accomplishing it all definitely feel a little daunting.
I'm not putting any pics here, because it's technically not really my apartment yet. But if we do this, I will try to post some pics of the ongoing process.
~~~~~~
After speaking with the owner, it definitely looks like we are all in agreement and we are going to proceed.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Shape Shifting
Dear Internet,
Please excuse my absence.
I’ve had to set the vintage and collectible blogging aside for a bit as I’ve assumed my jewelry artisan persona and have been busy filling a lot of jewelry orders. Next, I’ll be shape shifting into bookclasp workshop teacher. Since the workshop is coming up very soon, I’ll have to do some prep for that, and pack my tools and equipment.
While having so many personae can certainly be interesting, it can also be counter productive, especially when there is an inconvenient intersection of demands on my time, and I have to be more than one person simultaneously. Inevitably, just when I begin to get engrossed in one thing, I have to shift to another mode which often prevents me from being able to devote enough time to do anything as well as I would like.
Now, more than ever, it's time to think seriously about eliminating something. Most likely it will be the thing which produces the least return for the amount of time I put into it. I'll be thinking about this while I am on my trip east.
Along the way I am hoping to stop to search random antique malls for bargains. If I find something good and if there is a free moment I may surprise you with a brief update or two.
When I get back I hope to post new entries in my collections series, which I began in March. In the meantime, I noticed someone else has picked up on my accidental collection thought in her post over here.
Meanwhile, you can always shop, live, in Chicago at the Edgewater Antique Mall. We are always adding new items to our booth as we find them.
I still have a lot more work to finish before I leave, so I'd better get on it before the next shape shift.
Please excuse my absence.
I’ve had to set the vintage and collectible blogging aside for a bit as I’ve assumed my jewelry artisan persona and have been busy filling a lot of jewelry orders. Next, I’ll be shape shifting into bookclasp workshop teacher. Since the workshop is coming up very soon, I’ll have to do some prep for that, and pack my tools and equipment.
While having so many personae can certainly be interesting, it can also be counter productive, especially when there is an inconvenient intersection of demands on my time, and I have to be more than one person simultaneously. Inevitably, just when I begin to get engrossed in one thing, I have to shift to another mode which often prevents me from being able to devote enough time to do anything as well as I would like.
Now, more than ever, it's time to think seriously about eliminating something. Most likely it will be the thing which produces the least return for the amount of time I put into it. I'll be thinking about this while I am on my trip east.
Along the way I am hoping to stop to search random antique malls for bargains. If I find something good and if there is a free moment I may surprise you with a brief update or two.
When I get back I hope to post new entries in my collections series, which I began in March. In the meantime, I noticed someone else has picked up on my accidental collection thought in her post over here.
Meanwhile, you can always shop, live, in Chicago at the Edgewater Antique Mall. We are always adding new items to our booth as we find them.
I still have a lot more work to finish before I leave, so I'd better get on it before the next shape shift.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Fleas and Owls
This morning we went to a flea market at Robert Crown Center in Evanston. This one has been around for a while, and in the early days it was sometimes fairly interesting and fun because it was like a little conglomeration of small garage sales all gathered to together in one space. But as the years went by, it slowly deteriorated until it became a venue for mostly not-very-crafty types, Avon sales reps and bulk merchandise sellers, with only a few other sellers who had something interesting to offer.
This year for the first time they held it in the Spring instead of the Fall. Thinking that this change might attract some new people, we took a chance hoping to get lucky and hook up with some good merchandise.
We got there early and the line was not that long, not a good sign. Only one regular was there. We stood behind this guy, hoping the words on his jacket would be true, but knowing that it was probably going to be a waste of time.
And, as you can guess from looking at these photos it was pretty much a disappointment.
We saw three dealers we know and picked up a couple items from one of them, in addition to a few small items from some other legitimate vintage sellers.
On the way home, we happened across another rummage sale and stopped. It, too, was mostly disappointing.
Although we did not make wise choices this weekend, it turned out to be an owl-ly day for me.
I picked up a cute owl dish made by the Couroc company of Monterey, California back in the 60s. They produced items made in black phenolic resin, which is basically just a form of black Bakelite, think of those old pot handles, hand inlaid by artisans with various items like shells woods, coins and metals. This owl is wood and metal, and is surprisingly nicely done.
If you collect owl-ish things from the 60s it would make a great addition to a collection. It would be really handsome hanging on the wall, which would be a good place for it since it is apparently not dishwasher safe. Again, think of those old bakelite pot handles which develop a nasty matte finish after many times through the dishwasher.
The other owl I picked up is really kitchy. It’s one of those made from distressed copper coated tin, vintage, popular in the 70s. Turns out he is missing one of his eyes. So in an effort to sell him as is, I made him an eye patch and decided he’s going to have to hoot like a pirate.
I’ll let you know the outcome once we do the research.
This year for the first time they held it in the Spring instead of the Fall. Thinking that this change might attract some new people, we took a chance hoping to get lucky and hook up with some good merchandise.
We got there early and the line was not that long, not a good sign. Only one regular was there. We stood behind this guy, hoping the words on his jacket would be true, but knowing that it was probably going to be a waste of time.And, as you can guess from looking at these photos it was pretty much a disappointment.
On the way home, we happened across another rummage sale and stopped. It, too, was mostly disappointing.
Although we did not make wise choices this weekend, it turned out to be an owl-ly day for me.
I picked up a cute owl dish made by the Couroc company of Monterey, California back in the 60s. They produced items made in black phenolic resin, which is basically just a form of black Bakelite, think of those old pot handles, hand inlaid by artisans with various items like shells woods, coins and metals. This owl is wood and metal, and is surprisingly nicely done.
The other owl I picked up is really kitchy. It’s one of those made from distressed copper coated tin, vintage, popular in the 70s. Turns out he is missing one of his eyes. So in an effort to sell him as is, I made him an eye patch and decided he’s going to have to hoot like a pirate.
“Who, who, who, matey!” AAAR.
However the day wasn’t a total loss. A book purchased for 50 cents is worth $40.00. We will likely sell that on eBay. In addition, we may also have found a really old piece of Early American hand blown glass, or so says the resident glass collecting expert in our house. Here it is below and on Flickr.
I’ll let you know the outcome once we do the research.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Start Your Own Collection: Leave The Driving to Us
While curating my collections around the studio, I happened upon a couple of Greyhound bus collectibles. Curiosity made me do a search in vintage items on Etsy just to see what other types of Greyhound items might be available. In addition to mine, I offer a couple of links to listings by other Etsy sellers, so you can jump start your own Greyhound Bus memorabilia collection.
Of course, you are going to start with my items.
Then you can add this great bus-meets-grasshopper-head-on vintage card from Etsy seller, PostsfromthePast. Wish they had a better photo, but it's very kitchy in a good way.
Or, kickoff your collection with this vintage Greyhound Bus ad from Etsy seller, thebabykitties
Or go the serious route with this copy of a vintage Farm security Administration photo from Etsy seller, HistoryPrintShop.
Now that I've done the driving for you, see how easy it is to start a collection?
Of course, you are going to start with my items.
Then you can add this great bus-meets-grasshopper-head-on vintage card from Etsy seller, PostsfromthePast. Wish they had a better photo, but it's very kitchy in a good way.
Or, kickoff your collection with this vintage Greyhound Bus ad from Etsy seller, thebabykitties
Or go the serious route with this copy of a vintage Farm security Administration photo from Etsy seller, HistoryPrintShop.
Now that I've done the driving for you, see how easy it is to start a collection?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Collections 4: Architecture, Airplanes and Insight
Looking around my studio lately, I've noticed that we have three of a lot of things. Possibly because we'd half-heartedly start a collection, then get distracted and just abandon it at three. Or, in the case of the following two sets of items, we'd come to our senses quickly and realize that collections of large items would consume far too much space.
First, today, we have three architectural structures: a log cabin, a two-car garage, and a church made of matchsticks.
I would classify all of these as primitives. I purchased the log cabin at the Jazz Fest in New Orleans back in the 80s when we were there participating in a craft fair. I've forgotten who the artisan was, but at the time the person was apparently well known around those parts for making these log cabins.
We found the home made two-car garage in a garage sale, and we just liked the primitive quality of it.
The church, made entirely from matchsticks glued together, was sold to us at a house sale by someone who said that it was an example of prison art. While it is true that this was a craft popular in prisons for a while, it was also a technique used in some tramp art. Making matchstick structures may have also been a popular Boy Scout activity at one time. Regardless of it's origin, it is just impressive that someone would have the patience and time to make this sort of thing.
All three of these were housed, as it were, in my family room for years. But when we downsized, we had to move them to the studio, and after I do a little conservation work on some of them, they will be off to the mall and hopefully to new homes.
As we move into the next room and look upwards, we see the next collection of three. Airplanes (and a fugitive windsock from the California Raisins series) hanging from the ceiling in the center of our studio. I do not actually remember when or why we acquired these bi-planes, or where they came from. We hung one up, and each was added in turn as we happened on them.
The crowning touch to this collection came one day when, in a moment of pure inspiration, we added the two wooden mannequins to one of the planes, and it instantly transitioned from being a random collection to becoming a commentary expressing exactly how we feel about our crazy precarious lives as artists and collectors...
First, today, we have three architectural structures: a log cabin, a two-car garage, and a church made of matchsticks.
We found the home made two-car garage in a garage sale, and we just liked the primitive quality of it.
The church, made entirely from matchsticks glued together, was sold to us at a house sale by someone who said that it was an example of prison art. While it is true that this was a craft popular in prisons for a while, it was also a technique used in some tramp art. Making matchstick structures may have also been a popular Boy Scout activity at one time. Regardless of it's origin, it is just impressive that someone would have the patience and time to make this sort of thing.
All three of these were housed, as it were, in my family room for years. But when we downsized, we had to move them to the studio, and after I do a little conservation work on some of them, they will be off to the mall and hopefully to new homes.
As we move into the next room and look upwards, we see the next collection of three. Airplanes (and a fugitive windsock from the California Raisins series) hanging from the ceiling in the center of our studio. I do not actually remember when or why we acquired these bi-planes, or where they came from. We hung one up, and each was added in turn as we happened on them.
The crowning touch to this collection came one day when, in a moment of pure inspiration, we added the two wooden mannequins to one of the planes, and it instantly transitioned from being a random collection to becoming a commentary expressing exactly how we feel about our crazy precarious lives as artists and collectors...
...always just barely hanging on for dear life.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Collection of a Different Sort
 |
| Today's Offering |
Ahem, correction made.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Collections 3: Accidental Frogs and Stars
Looking around the studio the other day, I noticed that we have several totally unintentional or accidental small collections. How do they happen?
These metal flower frogs and many others have been around for a while. Although they were actually intended to be a collection, I was never sure how or where I was going to display them. At some point in their life, these four leapt into this perfect little found wooden box and became a tiny collection all on their own. Still, I had never hung them because I couldn't find just the right place for them.
We just recently acquired the three metal stars. We found two at a house sale a few weeks ago and didn't give too much thought to them at all, planning to sell them right away at the mall. Serendipitously, we happened across another one at a mall a few days later. If we did not already have the two, we would have just passed it up, I'm sure, but, apparently, they occupied a little space in our minds, causing us to zero right in on the third. It was priced so low that we could not resist it. Once you have three, I think you already have a collection. So up they went on the side of one of the studio bookshelves.
Last week I came across the metal flower frogs again and something about them, either the fact that they were metal or their industrial quality, or maybe both, just told me they would be right at home with the stars. And there they will remain for the time being, complementing each other.
I have a feeling that this could be the beginning of an collection of small industrial metal items.
These metal flower frogs and many others have been around for a while. Although they were actually intended to be a collection, I was never sure how or where I was going to display them. At some point in their life, these four leapt into this perfect little found wooden box and became a tiny collection all on their own. Still, I had never hung them because I couldn't find just the right place for them.We just recently acquired the three metal stars. We found two at a house sale a few weeks ago and didn't give too much thought to them at all, planning to sell them right away at the mall. Serendipitously, we happened across another one at a mall a few days later. If we did not already have the two, we would have just passed it up, I'm sure, but, apparently, they occupied a little space in our minds, causing us to zero right in on the third. It was priced so low that we could not resist it. Once you have three, I think you already have a collection. So up they went on the side of one of the studio bookshelves.
Last week I came across the metal flower frogs again and something about them, either the fact that they were metal or their industrial quality, or maybe both, just told me they would be right at home with the stars. And there they will remain for the time being, complementing each other.
I have a feeling that this could be the beginning of an collection of small industrial metal items.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Edgewater Antique Mall Spring Sale
Just a heads up for Chicago people to let you know that The Edgewater Antique Mall, 6314 N Broadway, is having its Spring sale this weekend, the 19th, 20th and 21st. Business hours are 11 am to 6 pm every day.
About 55 dealers are offering a large variety of collectibles, antiques, and vintage clothing, jewelry and books. Items range from the extremely eclectic and esoteric to many examples of the current trendy mid-century modern and beyond.
Not to mention that the people there are the best! Plus Nate Berkus shops there, and even gave it a mention in the current Chicago Home magazine!
These few photos I took yesterday are a very, very small sample representative of what you might find there. So if you are looking to expand your collections, go to the sale. I know you will find something great! Especially since most dealers are offering discounts from 10% - 30% off regularly priced items. A lot of the discounts will be extended throughout the week.At a minimum it's worth a look just to get some good decorating ideas.
Esoteric and Eclectic
Books
Variety of Interesting Collectibles
Not to mention that the people there are the best! Plus Nate Berkus shops there, and even gave it a mention in the current Chicago Home magazine!
These few photos I took yesterday are a very, very small sample representative of what you might find there. So if you are looking to expand your collections, go to the sale. I know you will find something great! Especially since most dealers are offering discounts from 10% - 30% off regularly priced items. A lot of the discounts will be extended throughout the week.At a minimum it's worth a look just to get some good decorating ideas.
Esoteric and Eclectic
Books
Variety of Interesting Collectibles
Very interesting decorating ideas!
Toys and more
And it's spring!
Don't you need a baseball?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Collections 2: Naive Pet Paintings
Some of you may have already read this one when I posted it elsewhere, but I think it really belongs in the collections series, too. Enjoy!
On one wall in my studio there are four naive pet paintings. Paintings painted by amateurs who loved their pets enough to want to immortalize them in pet portraits.
On one wall in my studio there are four naive pet paintings. Paintings painted by amateurs who loved their pets enough to want to immortalize them in pet portraits.
The first I found at a garage sale — a little black and white cat sitting on a pink pillow against a purple background with orange flowers. Although it is not a very good painting, I think I bought it because I could see that it was done with love, and I just didn't want it to end up in the trash.
The second is another of a striped cat lying on a quilt, found in a thrift store. After all, I already had one pet portrait, and I needed to add to my new collection. 
The third one, also from a thrift store, was purchased sometime in 2007. It's a scary little dog, but there there is an amazing story attached to this painting.
As I was showing her around he started to get agitated and she asked him what was wrong. He had noticed the painting and was nearly freaking out. I was a little afraid he was going to have a psychotic break or something. However, It turned out that he was the artist who had painted this portrait as a commission for one of his neighbors. He was shocked to see the picture in my studio out of it's original context, especially since I was a complete stranger to him, and we were located far from their neighborhood. I was also absolutely stunned by the coincidence. In fact, I didn't even believe him until I looked on the back of the painting and there was his signature. I took a photo to document the event.
I nearly died laughing when I found the last painting, acquired just this year, at another thrift store. It is my very favorite, though. These two dancing chihuahuas must have been much loved, and you can see that they loved each other as well. I give you, Missie and Samba, immortalized by Lula M. Galbraith, Jefferson City, TN., 1983.
I just love these guys! How can I ever stop looking for these paintings and adopting them? Or are they looking for me?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Collections 1: Multiples
I'm gathering together a series of photos documenting various collections. Some we own and some I happen across in daily life.
First, a group of some bench pins saved over the last 20 years. Some were mine and some were those of the various people who worked for me over the years when I had employees. What prompted this collection was that one day I noticed that while we were all making basically the same items, each of us left a different "hand print" on our individual pins. They hang together over the door of the studio. I love them and I will never part with them. Multiples of the most mundane things can be wonderful.
Since we started with the jewelry theme I'll include a photo of the gas tanks in the lot of the gas supply company. Not a collection I live with, but a collection I came across in everyday life when we went to pick up a new acetylene tank the other day.
I'll guess I'll end up with a collection of photos of collections when I get done with this.
Friday, March 12, 2010
new etsy listings
I listed several new items today, among them, some little vintage metal toy irons from long ago. These are certainly not suitable for children and are collectibles only. They could never be made today because they would be too dangerous to use as playthings. It’s a wonder I survived my childhood considering the toys we were allowed to play with.
For a long time, I had a little collection of these irons in my kitchen, along with some toy toasters but I am tired of them, so now someone else needs to own them. Toasters will be coming soon, i think.
For a long time, I had a little collection of these irons in my kitchen, along with some toy toasters but I am tired of them, so now someone else needs to own them. Toasters will be coming soon, i think.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
bowl me over
Another item from the Saturday sales, proving that there is a lot more left on half price day than just basement detritus. I found these really nice green Depression glass bowls for half price.
In general Depression glass is kind of out of favor with current collectors, and I would usually leave it behind. In fact, I did leave a lot of nice glass behind at this particular sale as did others, obviously, since there was so much left the second day. But this set is a very simple design which could be right at home just about anywhere. I got the whole set, plus another duplicate of the small bowl for $25. If I don't keep them, I will probably sell these at the mall.
In general Depression glass is kind of out of favor with current collectors, and I would usually leave it behind. In fact, I did leave a lot of nice glass behind at this particular sale as did others, obviously, since there was so much left the second day. But this set is a very simple design which could be right at home just about anywhere. I got the whole set, plus another duplicate of the small bowl for $25. If I don't keep them, I will probably sell these at the mall.
The bottoms have this nice squared base.
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