more oldies but goodies donations

In one of my earlier conversations, I described some of the items that were donated to the Grant County Historical Society for the fundraising event called the oldies but goodies sale.  Here are more pictures of some items on display at the museum in Elbow Lake, Mn.  One great piece is the Roseville Magnolia pattern  8" bowl.  How great that would look in your china cabinet or special cupboard.  You will find jewelry,  lovely postcards or greeting cards and a variety of small items.   In addition to the antiques and vintage pieces,  there are a number of books, Norwegian collectibles, T shirts, plates, mugs etc.  which would make perfect gifts for anyone on your birthday, Christmas, or anniversary list.  Or, why not treat yourself to something special---everyone needs an attitude adjustment day now and then!  Visit the museum and see for yourself.

signs of the times

No, I'm not referring to the song by Prince what's his name.  Signs have become a great decorating technique or just a way to express opinions or create a fun theme.  We meet lots of people who are looking for specific items such as porcelain kitchen signs (those are hard to find!)  Or some want beer related types, whether they light up or have clocks or advertise a particular brand.  We have had lots of folks looking to make their laundry rooms more fun or guys trying to decorate their "manrooms"    some are taking exception to the term mancave and can't say I blame them----boring.   Anyway, whatever your ideas , signs are fun, colorful, come in many sizes and can make a statement if you're trying to make one!  Many dealers in particular antique shops are specializing in this collectible.  One shop to check out in Mpls is Hunt and Gather which has some awesome examples.

tickle your fancy

Must admit I don't decorate in the mid century mode, but there are certain elements that just tickle my fancy and this light is one of those things.  This little light makes such a statement with its glistening and shining in a dark room.  It's one of those moody images that just make you feel good.

Coke Is It!

The Pause that Refreshes, Can't beat the Real thing, Things go Better with Coke, Coke is it etc. etc.  Coca Cola has been around since the early 1900s and every year there seems to be a new slogan along with new collectors.  The bright colored graphics, attractive signs and the good taste of coke has continued to attract new fans of the product.  In the picture, you will see a ca 1950s trolly car sign.  It is approximately 2' x 4' and is made of heavy duty cardboard.  BUT-----it is 2 sided.  So, when you're tired of looking at one pretty girl, just flip it over and enjoy a different scene.  In addition to the sign you will also find an easel backed stand up Santa as well as a menu board with the Coke logo.  These items are available for purchase at Yesterdays in Alexandria.  Check them out!

NOVELTY RADIOS

These novelty radios can be found at  Yesterdays in Alexandria.  What fun for a collector of unusual radios, or cars, or BARBIE memorabelia.  Either of these radios would be perfect for the one of a kind person who needs a one of a kind gift!

Gail hits more homeruns!

Creative Gail at Yesterdays Antiques in Alexandria, Mn. must stay up all night thinking of new and exciting things to make with repurposed tools, hardware and architectural items.  She also has helper elves called: "husband" and "son".  One of the pictured items sold as I was taking pictures, but she will be adding more fun pieces to the inventory as fast as her crew can work to keep up with the demand!!  Way to go Gail.

early Weller

This is an early Weller pottery piece in the Flemishware pattern.  It is a hanging bowl in beautiful earth tones with a touch of rose.  It would make a wonderful addition to an established collection, or could be the center piece of a new found interest in this much sought after pottery.  You will also note the very old Schoenhut doll from an estate in addition to a Grafton, North Dakota vaseline glass souviner vase.                                                           Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls, Mn

pretty perky pottery!

What's not to like about such an assortment of color and form?  Mid century modern has had a resurgence (another re- word!) in the past several years.  Some shops in the twin cities carry only this look, in addition to  individual dealers who have discovered  a market for objects  someone's grandmother, mother, aunt etc etc may have decorated their homes with.  Todays grandmas didn't necessarily grow up in a log cabin with no electricity, running water or (gasp) a TV or phone------present day grannys are a lot hipper!  Anyway, McCoy, Van Briggle, Haeger, West German, Italian, Red Wing pieces can still be found for reasonable prices  and aren't they fun?   PS:  from a private collection.

occasional sales

One disadvantage of living in outstate MN, is that we only visit occasional sales in Twin Cities area about twice a year.  Just had the opportunity over Thanksgiving to visit two.  Have been to Cottage House ( chicago Ave.) earlier in spring and found it to be just as much fun as I remembered.  Had to stand back as furniture went flying out  the door while other pieces were brought in to fill spaces.  It is really amazing how painted furniture is still attracting a multitude of buyers.  Of course, the reasonable prices probably have something to do with it!  In speaking to two dealers, it is apparent it's becoming more difficult to find items that can be refurbished and turn a profit.  Cudos to those folks----"you're doing a great job."   I received permission to link this blog to their facebook page so looking forward to expanding our reach!  The second visit was to the Pink Flamingo which is on Cedar Ave in Mpls.  This shop carries a few more collectible type things, as well as some mid century modern items tucked in.  The folks here are also most helpful and accommodating and so both experiences provided a very enjoyable morning, even though it was drippy and overcast.

fun and funky market/messenger bags

 Feed sack bags for sale on etsy
through mommy made in Mn blog spot
carriem24 with my heart and hands

Messenger/Market bags:

Blue Toile located at Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls, MN

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bag located
Weekend Cottage  in Clear lake, Mn

If you follow the link Mommy Made In MN, which you will find on my blog favorites, it will take you to some really fun bags made from advertising feed sacks trimmed, lined and otherwise decorated with vintage materials.  Tablecloths and other hand decorated linens are used to creat bright accents to coordinate with each unique bag.  Great for shopping at your favorite co-op, grocery or to carry books, shoes, ipads or things your kids are always asking you to "keep" for them,  Some are located at Exit 55 in Fergus Falls, Yesterdays in Alex, Weekend Cottage in Clear Lake or Olde Farmhouse in Ashby, Mn.  What a great gift for birthdays or special holidays.  Also, a great way to repurpose wonderful vintage fabrics and trims!

rusty stuff = decorating buzz

Some of you may remember old farm sales where there was lots of machinery and rusty parts which were not big sellers.  Amazing that in today's market, those items are considered desirable.  Several years ago I attended occasional sales south of the twin cities and encountered plow parts used as center pieces gracing a very long table (6ft?) They were flying out the door.  The dealer said she had to replenish several times that morning.  Now you can find articles and pictures in almost every decorating magazine showing examples of how items can become wall decor, stools, tables, sculpture type designs and almost anything your imagination can come up with.  One of the dealer/designers at Yesterdays created a bonanza in late summer with the use of gears, tractor seats, pulleys and other large or small pieces of primitive hardware.  She and her son were kept very busy coming up with new creations and trying to find new sources of raw material.  In the latest issue of Country Sampler there is an article called the "wheel deal" using sprockets as wall art.  Restoration Hardware and Cabins and Cottages (?) magazines had articles on this new craze.  Hopefully, I'll get some pictures downloaded so you get an idea of the raw material used in these projects.  Yesterday, my batteries died in the camera and the sun disappeared behind clouds so I didn't get photos.   Next I need to figure out the mechanics of downloading!  Success!!  The items shown above are creative products by Gayle a designer/dealer at Yesterdays.    Awesome!!

The re- phase

Recycle, repurpose, reuse, refurbish, redesign are a few of the buzz words in the antique world these days.  In our throw away society, if something can't be put in the dishwasher, won't fit in a closet, needs a few nails or refinishing----throw it out or buy plastic or paper.  However----we have found that a coat of bright paint can hide multitudes of blemishes and flaws.  This method of refurbishing can be used in redecorating and is referred to as  SHABBY CHIC.  Wow, what did we do before that term came into vogue?  We also continue to see the chippy paint fad still in favor in spite of the fact many of the old paints contained lead.  So cover with a polyurthene finish to contain chipping.  Using neat old pieces of furniture can add an interesting look to most rooms and often offer solutions to storage while fitting in quite nicely with pieces from big box stores.  The willingness to retain old tables, dressers, cupboards, chairs etc.,  or turn items into garden art  keeps things out of landfills and saves them from ending up being burned or buried on old farmsteads!  That's a whole other story.

hot items

Many shoppers are reliving their childhoods with the purchase of vintage toys.  Old metal or cast iron cars, trucks etc. are among the most desirable.  Recent auctions would indicate the economy isn't affecting the purchase price for many bidders who are adding to collections or buying with the desire to enhance the decor in their homes.  Maybe American Pickers, Picker Sisters and other antique themed programs are adding to the awareness of how much fun it is to have unique and one of a kind items as part of their overall house design.  Even older Fisher Price toys are bringing high prices.  In other words, don't throw anything away!  Our grandsons are enjoying playing with their dad's and uncles' Little People, airport, shopping mall and parking garage that have survived since the 1970s. 

little cars and trucks at Exit 55

A well loved old pedal car at Exit 55