New Uses for Old Jars

I decided to look to Zibbet for inspiration regarding re-using vintage items, and I wasn't disappointed. I came across as store named ScreamingMonkey Circus, and it's tag-line is that it makes old technology new again. Of course I had to check out the items.

The store isn't that full, but I noticed the ball jars to the left. They're Mason Jar Lanterns, and you use them outdoors; whether you want a winding path or garden lit, they would be ideal. You want light, you pop the battery in, when you're done, take them out. The would also work well for a garden party or wedding. I can also seen them working great for Halloween, and lighting paths for trick-or-treaters.

I've seen Mason Jars in a variety of colors, so you could mix and match. Vintage lids and bands are used, they are 30 plus according to the listing, so it truly is re-using. It's a creative idea, and I think they're pretty. I just wish I had thought of it.

I Made the Front Page of Etsy

I honestly thought it would never happen to me. I have been improving my photography, but what with there being thousands of treasuries in treasury east, the odds of me being picked were slim. The treasury that corrnucopia was kind enough to include me in made it to the front page. I'm the last item, the little cup. I'll say this, being on the front page is a good thing, the item sold, and several people hearted me. If anyone else would like me to be on the front page of Etsy again, I'm more than happy to do it.

Vintage Fashion-Vintage Wedding Gowns

I'll be honest, I never was a bridezilla. However, every bride wants to stand out and be pretty on her special day. If you use a vintage wedding dress, it will be unique. There are also so many styles and time periods to choose from, you're sure to find something you like. The cost is often less than some brand new dresses, which is an added bonus. I've found three different styles on Etsy on Zibbet to use as examples.

This one is for sale by TheWitcheryVintage on Etsy. According to the information it dates from the 30s/40s, and has the elegance you see from that time period.

This is a wedding dress from the 70s by posypower on Etsy. It would be lovely for a wedding in nature.

This is a stunning vintage beaded wedding gown by Artemis53 on Zibbet. Almost makes me want to get married again, but to the same guy of course.

Fostoria Baroque

Fostoria Glass made the Baroque pattern from 1936-1966. It comes in many colors, including crystal, azure blue, and topaz yellow, which are the more common. Other harder to find colors are green, cobalt blue, pink, amber, and amethyst. If you do come across any colored elegant depression glass that is reasonably priced, grab it. If you don't want it someone else will. Also, mixing and matching of colors is fairly common in collections, and getting all one color can be expensive, time consuming, and impossible due to scarcity of color.

The candlesticks done in the Fostoria Baroque pattern are especially striking, and appeal not only to elegant depression glass collectors but to candlestick collectors, which increases demand and price. Cream soups are hard to find in the Baroque pattern, as are punch bowl sets. I love the punch bowl sets done in depression glass, but they are rather rare and often sought after. On the rare occasion when one does come to market I've seen it go well above book value. Not a bad investment if you got one for free from a grandparent.

If you see any pieces that have a purple or pink tint do not overpay for them. They are newer. Lancaster Colony glass did them for Tiara glass in bowls and vases using Fostoria molds. The color doesn't hold up to the original. As with most quality glass, the colors done in elegant depression can't be equalled.

I have a couple of examples from my own store, Modred12 on Etsy. The top is a pair of candlestick and the bottom is the azure blue water stem.

80s Flashback-Michael Jackson

I know this may seem hard to believe, but there was a time when Michael Jackson was king. No one was cooler than he was, he ruled the world. By the time of his death he was viewed in many different ways, victim, bad guy, or even worse, but musically he was in charge in the 80s. He marketed himself well.

He released Thriller in 1982, and it was one album that everyone had "back in the day." Rich, poor, black, white, everyone bought it. I remember my friends all buying posters of him, and another made her own version of his single sparkle glove. He also pioneered the music video scene, everyone wanted his jacket from Beat It. My favorite video of his was Billie Jean, still not sure why the squares lit up when he walked, but trust me, at the time it was genius. Several people in my school tried to do his dance, "the moonwalk," but they couldn't pull it off, and looked silly trying.

Since this is a post about the 80s I don't want to focus on his fall. It's always sad when people die young, especially if they have children. In the 1980s he really was The King of Pop. If you weren't there, you'll just have to take my word for it.

Vintage Furniture

I'll be honest, I don't know much about vintage furniture. Oh, I love the look of it, but don't ask me any detailed questions. Vintage is like anything else, not everyone knows everything about all areas. There are so many areas, glass, jewelry, primitives, art, furniture, and the list could go on forever. That's why Antiques Roadshow have experts that handle certain areas, such as the pottery table or ephemera booth. Vintage furniture isn't one of my areas, but I love to learn more about it. I was surprised and pleased that Etsy had vintage furniture sellers, and some great items.

Domus Modern on Etsy has this Knoll Barcelona Chair for sale, and it's a classic yet unique style.


This great chair is for sale at FunkyQuailVintage on Etsy. This color would work with about any space, and would add a touch of the 60s to any room.

This is a clear Lucite chair and table that dates from the 60s, per the information given by brownsugarvintage on Etsy. Aren't they a great set? The only flaw is it wouldn't work too well for hide and seek.

New Uses for Jello Molds

I love being in treasuries on Etsy. So you can imagine I was pleased when I was included in a great Keeping it Fresh treasury by jillhannah. It was filled with Tupperware, Pyrex, and all the small joys of life. I was also pleased to have my next blog article in one the the pictures, check out this great Jello Mold that has been re-used as a light. Hats off to BootsNGus on Etsy for this great idea.

I like to think of myself as a creative person, but this idea just would never occur to me. It's probably good it hasn't, because I have little knowledge of electricity, and might burn the house down. This would be such a fun light for a kitchen nook, or even a bathroom. You know it would be unique as well. I've checked out the store and this is just the tip of funky iceberg. This is another reason to be a fan of treasuries, you never know what items you might find. My thanks again to jillhannah for including me, and making such a wonderful treasury, and for introducing me to such a fun shop.

Summertime

It's been a busy summer. I have both kids home, and as such I don't have as much time to give to my blog. When they are home I want to spend time with them, not on the computer. I need to enjoy the time while I can.

This summer has been play dates, doctor appointments, parks, and errands. Happily, the item I donated to the HelptheGulfCoast on Etsy has sold. It has been mailed and received. I also donated another item to a similar shop on Etsy, WildlifeAvatars. It's the little Shawnee Pottery puppy miniature, at left, and I hope it sells for a good cause.

This weekend we did a garage sale. It started off with rain, and then once the sun came out it was a humid day. It was a slow day, and we didn't sell as much as we would have liked. It was a boring Saturday, just sitting there waiting for people to come. What we didn't sell we will donate, so more items to a good cause.

I did come across some nice items at an estate sale on Sunday, it was some unmarked Fire-King Crinoline. Since it wasn't marked, they didn't know what they had and most people just walked on by. That's an advantage of being a vintage dealer in the "know." All vintage dealers have their areas of expertise, and glass happens to be mine. I'll list what I can as time allows.

Zibbet Showroom

I've been on Zibbet for awhile now, and I love how they have made their web-site so much faster. I admit, it was slow, but no more. I love clicking on Showroom to see the different items for sale. It's random, no one can accuse anyone of favoritism, and the items are great. They also did a three month battle plan, which I'm looking forward too. In the meantime, I'll keep clicking showroom and see what's on Zibbet, as I come across a variety of vintage and handmade items. Here are three of my favorite items.

When I had questions on Zibbet, mimiandcolette were always happy to answer them. I can't imagine a nicer seller, and aren't these adult size Mary Jane shoes adorable?

I'm a big fan of pottery, and was pleased to learn that BlueSkyPottery is now on Zibbet. As you can see, this is no ordinary pottery.

This painting is done by DavisGalleries. It is aptly name Spring Stream.

Help the Gulf Coast on Etsy

What is going in the Gulf Coast is making me sick. The stories of people losing their way of life and the pictures of oil covered animals are disturbing, and that's an understatement. While we go about our daily lives the oil is still flowing and more damage is being done.

I was pleased I came across a store on the Etsy forums, it's called HelptheGulfCoast. Etsy members are donating items, and the profits will be split between two worthy charities. I have dontated the Florida tray plate at the right, and once it's been purchased I will be happy to ship it.

If you have a moment, check out the store. Shipping is free, so you can find some great items and help out a worthwhile cause. A special thanks to flapperdoodle on Etsy for setting up the store and doing the work behind it.

Heisey Crystolite

Heisey made Crystolite from the late 1930s-1957. It often has the Heisey mark, the H inside the diamond. Please note that not all Heisey pieces have this, they also used paper labels. I have heard people say it's not a Heisey if it doesn't have the mark, and that simply is not true. If you deal in glass, you can recognize the look, heft (weight), and appearance of true quality glass. If you can't, find a dealer you trust and who allows returns.

This pattern has a lovely pitcher with a swan handle. The handle looks like a neck with a swan head. You'll know if you come across one, but they are priced rather high, as they are desirable.

As most elegant depression patterns, dinner plates in good condition are hard to find. They are either scratched, or mixed and matched with china plates, so less were purchased. This pattern was made in crystal only. It's a well made Heisey pattern, and I'm still able to find pieces in this pattern, which I can't say for a lot of Heisey patterns. It's simplicity has a timeless quality, and it would work with any decor preference.

80s Flashback-The A-Team

I used to love the A-Team. I can still remember the theme song to this day, I even made up words to the music only theme song. Okay, so the words were me repeating "the A-Team" over and over again along with the song, but you get the idea. I also loved the spoken word introduction "...and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team."

It was an enjoyable show for a young person. It's a world where you could shoot machine guns and flip cars, yet no one got hurt. Face was my favorite, he was the con man. I didn't think he was handsome, I just liked the way he was tricky. My dad thought Howlin' Mad Murdock was funny, and Mr. T playing B.A. Baracas was the favorite of most of my classmates. This was my first introduction to George Peppard, I had no idea he had a career that included Breakfast at Tiffany's prior to this. They also had a girl character named Amy, but she didn't stick around long and truth be told I didn't really miss her, but I would ask my dad occasionally what happened to her.

I stopped watching in the second or third season. Even as a kid, it was too formulaic. The plot was the same, some person needed helped, they hired the A-Team, the A-Team got caught or goofed somehow, then B.A. would make some awesome machine gun tank or something similar and they won in the end. Throw in B.A.'s fear of flying and how they had to trick him or drug him and you had the show in a nutshell. It even included the classic 80's montage.

There's a move version of the A-Team coming up, which isn't surprising. It does stir up a sense of nostalgia, even though Hannibal is now being played by Liam Neeson. Face is way more handsome in the movie than he was on the show. I doubt I'll go see it, but if it starts with the same theme song that would be nice.