Jean Miro Artist Series Ashtray

I found this way cool Jean Miro inspired ashtray the other day. I don't smoke and maybe you don't either but this is a gorgeous mid-century modern ceramic piece. The back is stamped "Made in the U.S.A., Artist Series, After Miro". What a unique and fun piece.

This Miro Artist Series Ashtray is available for sale HERE!

Knowles Festival Dinnerware Set

Wow this was a great find! I love the simple abstract modern pattern on this Knowles dinnerware service for 8 in the pattern called Festival. Edwin M. Knowles took over the Potters Supply Company in East Liverpool, Ohio in the late 1800's. By the turn of the century he became the founder and president of Knowles China Company, quickly changing the name to the Edwin M. Knowles China Co. Festival is part of the Foremost Shape series produced between 1956-1958. Festival is a great representative of American dinnerware with an abstract wheat pattern in green, yellow and gray. This Knowles dinnerware set is available for sale HERE and the matching serving pieces are available for sale HERE!

SOLD

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk is Done!

This is a great example of what $20.00 can buy, add about $40.00 in sand paper, stripper and stain and a desk is given a new life. I plan on using this desk for my art work. I'm thinking this desk spent the last few years in a young child's bedroom. The surface looked as though a motor cross had been occurring there on a regular basis. I am guessing a toy car had many adventures there. I had a very difficult time with the surface marks and the walnut stain. The combination meant many hours of sanding and it still has a slight five o'clock shadow. None the less it has a new life and so begins a new story for this Planner Group Desk designed by Paul McCobb.

Hazel Atlas Decanter Set and Inland Glass Golden Triangle Casserole

Inland Glass Golden Triangle Casserole Dish with Warmer for sale HERE! SOLD

Just a couple of weekend finds! Top is a Inland Glass Golden Triangle 2 quart casserole dish with a warmer. Included is an original advertisement for this sweet casserole dish! Below is a very cute retro Hazel Atlas decanter set in blue, orange and green polka dots. It's in great condition with only one slightly scuffed polka dot on a shot glass and I think it's on the seam and was done in manufacturing. I love fun finds like these!!

Hazel Atlas Polka Dot Decanter Set for sale HERE!

The Treasure Mart Ann Arbor MI

Summer thrifting isn't complete until you have visited The Treasure Mart in Ann Arbor, MI. Opening in 1960 The Treasure Mart is at the TOP of my list for recycled and reuse items for sale on consignment. It's three floors filled like no other consignment shop I've been too and the prices were on spot. Maybe not as good as garage sale prices but certainly below antique shop prices. No sooner was an item picked up for purchase and another item replaced it. It was hard to keep track of how fast it was all moving. If you're headed towards Ann Arbor point your car towards Kerry Town and take some time to stop at The Treasure Mart!!

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk Stripped and Sanded

This is a work in progress but the black paint came off pretty well. This little "Planner Group" desk will have natural wood on the drawer case and legs. The drawers and top were stained in a very dark walnut so I plan on warming the tone up a bit to give it a nice contrast with the natural wood on the legs and drawer case. Just a little more sanding and it will be ready.

When you find a great Mid-century piece like this that is in poor vintage condition, check the structure and consider giving it a face lift. If the piece is in good condition just leave it alone. It took about 5 hours of stripping and sanding to get to this point. There will probably be another hour of sanding and then it's time to stain and apply a satin finish. Could be Tuesday before that happens. :) It's time to celebrate the 4th of July.

Finn Juhl or S. J. Wiener Clam Shell Chair in Aqua

This is a chair attributed to Finn Juhl, (1912-1989), a Danish architect, interior and industrial designer. Juhl was the designer who introduced "Danish Modern" to the American public. This chair was manufactured by Kodawood in Miami, FL. It seems that there is some question as to whether Juhl designed the chair or an American designer S. J. Wiener. I think the patent may explain it all so I have included it in this post. :) American designers deserve more credit then they often get. I love the chair and am looking forward to getting it cleaned up and redone. It will take a little time to find someone who can re upholster this piece but I think it was a worthwhile save. It just goes to show that you never know what you'll find at a garage sale.