A Koi McCoy or Roseville Jardiniere

I'm not a McCoy or Roseville collector and have only admired most jardiniere's from the distance but I recognize an uncommon piece when I see one and this is one. I found this gorgeous koi/fish jardiniere just down the street at a garage sale this morning. I believe it dates to the 30's but have found only a few references to this mold on the Internet. A great find for only $5.00. The antique dealers were a little jealous when they arrived a few moments later to see it in my arms.

Pop Culture, Collectibles & The Campbell Soup Kids

The Campbell soup label has to be one of the most recognizable labels emanating from the later part of the 20th century. Andy Warhol made it the icon of American Pop Culture and Americans made the Campbell Soup Kids part of their family. They've changed a bit through the years, even slimming down but they're still the symbol of "mm mm good". Campbell Soups first collectible was issued in 1905. Since then thousands of different items have been produced. America's fascination with collectibles hasn't seemed to wane even with a recession. The question is are collectibles an investment or just for fun? Is it common or rare? As always the market is driven by demand. Remember when old comic books where the rage? Only the rarest of issues have maintained any value now. What may be in demand today may not be in a couple of months. Americans are fickle creatures. It's all about time. None of us can predict the future so if you purchased collectibles like baseball cards, Department 56 Christmas Houses or Campbell Soup items enjoy them, use them and be prepared for their second coming. You really can't go wrong when you invite the Campbell Soup Kids into your home.

You can purchase the Campbell Soup items pictured HERE. SOLD I have yet to find this bread box anywhere online which leads me to believe it's not so common.

Danish Make Over

It's been a while since I shared a garage sale find. For one thing I was in a class for 2 weeks and the rain in June never seemed to end. I have made a few purchases and this post is about a great find from this morning's bike ride. I seem to find the best things when I'm not looking very hard. If I've said it once I've said it a dozen times, I can furnish a one bedroom apartment for $500.00 or less and do it well. This excludes the mattress and box spring for obvious reasons. These chairs are actually much prettier in person then the photo. I spent $8.00 on the pair and another $12.00 on new fabric. A little Old English furniture oil made to help with minor scratches and the end result is a striking pair of chairs featuring dove tailed joints and full back support. There's a beautiful white Danish Modern sofa at the local thrift shop for $30.00 that would be perfect with these chairs. It can be done............and you can do it too.

BEFORE

My Grandpa and the Cherry Tree

After my family moved away from the Midwest to the South we rarely got to see my grandparents. The summer after second grade we drove up to Ohio to visit my father's family. I loved visiting my grandparents they had a huge yard with beautiful gardens. They had raised 6 kids through the depression and the victory garden was a way of life. We had no sooner gotten to their home and my parents, siblings, aunts and cousins decided to go shopping. All I wanted to do was check out the yard so they agreed to leave me behind with Grandpa. My grandfather was old world. He was the son of German immigrants and was a hard working stiff. He never talked much to us and we were always just a little nervous around him. After about ten minutes inside the house with him........alone. I asked if I could go out in the yard to play. He said that would be fine but "don't eat the cherries". My grandparents had three cherry trees in their yard and they were full of ripe red delicous cherries. As I walked by them I assumed that my Grandpa just wanted to keep all these cherries to himself. So I helped myself to a few. Now as we all know no one can eat just one cherry. Soon enough I pulled the garden bench over to one of the cherry trees and had climbed up into it. I was picking cherries by the handfull and gobbling them down just as fast. Then........I heard the screen door slam. Oh no Grandpa was outside. I scurried down the tree and sat on the garden bench. I put a fist full of cherries in my mouth and swallowed them, pits and all. My grandpa rounded the corner and saw me under the tree. "You didn't eat the cherries did you?" As I was swallowing the last of my cherries I shook my head "no". Grandpa reached up to the tree and plucked a cherry from it. He opened it and inside was a big fat worm. He said to me, "a little extra meat never hurt anyone", and then he strolled off to the garage. I learned alot that day from my Grandpa and he had only said three sentences to me.

The Best Little Flea Market in Michigan

One of my favorite flea markets in the summer is Cornwell's Turkeyville, U.S.A. The prices are always right and the food and entertainment isn't bad either. Everyone can find something, (housewares, furniture and mantiques), and the dealers are ready to bargain! Last year I found a huge silver punch bowl with all 12 cups and a ladle. It looked like it had never been used. I don't use silver often but this piece was fun for entertaining through the holidays and was only $20.00. So don't miss the biggest flea market of the season!

Flea Market and Antique Show : July 03, 2010 - July 05, 2010

Blenko Pitcher

Despite a major set back for Blenko in January 2009 when a judgement was made against them, Blenko Glass Company continues to manufacture it's wares for the masses. Production has been greatly reduced. The elegant midcentury design in their pieces makes their products a very desirable room accent in a modern room. Blenko pieces continue to be a worthwhile investment for any collector of modern glass. For more information on Blenko's history and their products check out the links below.

The Blenko Project
Blenko Glass Collectors

This pitcher is available for purchase HERE!

Eames Lounge Chair Assembly

A film made by Charles & Ray Eames in 1956.