Shop Talk: What's New

Speaking of our ambitious shop goals, I'm pleased to report that we've had the shop stocked non-stop (say that ten times fast), since re-opening last September!  I joked on Monday about what a feat that is.  When we first opened, about three years ago, we got into this terrible habit of running it for a few months, making a few sales, then shutting down for a year or more, then re-opening and running it for a few months, then shuttering it again.  We've been closed more than we've been open!  It wasn't lack of interest - when we closed corresponded with time I spent in Budapest for my PhD research, first a month long language course, then a four month research stint.  Then Hubs and I moved across the province, so the shop was put on the back burner again.  It's made it decidedly less fun because getting started is usually the hardest part of any task, so this system was really terrible.  But we've now been open steadily eight months or so.  Yay!  I know we should be embarrassed by celebrating this incredibly small feat, but for us - me especially - it feels like a really big deal.

In addition to our shop sales, we've held a few successful Instagram sales, sold some larger vintage items locally, and we took part in a great flea market recently - which was surprisingly lucrative.  We're actually thinking of doing more vintage shows/flea markets, and the pop-up shop I've casually mentioned is looking even better now (we have the perfect venue, but it means performing a Herculean task in 36 hours).  We've even decided to dabble with eBay!  Have any of you listed items on eBay?  It took forever - simply because everything was new to me -  but we put up our first listing the other day.

I have no idea how to eBay, but I'm determined to keep trying.  It's just easier using Etsy, because it's so familiar.  I listed a bunch of new items, actually, and wanted to share my currents favorites...

This gorgeous bowl is West German pottery.   It caught our eyes because it boasts a gleaming green glaze coupled with a brown, faux bois exterior.  Both my Mom and I wanted to keep it, and we might still, but neither of us has the room (if we're being honest).

I had barely reached for these quirky solid wood egg cups when Hubby said, "No."  Wet blanket.  I think they are adorable and they will brighten someone's brunch.  I'm spreading joy, here.

You know me, brass isn't my thing, but that doesn't stop me from loving it in other people's homes!  This brass wall pocket, made in Italy, is a sturdy little guy, ready to hold a small cactus or air plant.  I'm probably going to bite it on the shipping because he's a beast. 

Similarly, "Western," is not how one would describe my style, but when I'm picking for the shop I try to narrow in on things that are unusual, beautiful, or on trend.  Certainly leather is having a moment.  Even if it wasn't, these Western glasses are awesome.

They need to be paired with these bakelite steak knives.  Or this whole bakelite cutlery set.  I have had a number of International folks want to buy them, but I am avoiding shipping to Europe for the time being.  Last time around I spent weeks chasing down a parcel to Italy, although other International shipments went smoothly - now I am a bit nervous.  But I guess this bakelite set speaks to Europeans...

Much more my speed, this Rosenthal vase (designed by Bjørn Wiinblad) has been super difficult to part with, but since moving to a smaller home I've already had to make some tough choices and sell some of my own vintage collection, so I can't really be adding anything new.  Seems counter-productive.  Can't say I'll be bummed if this doesn't sell, though.  This polka dot coffee pot is from Germany, too.  So is this Bareuther Waldsassen vase, which is really striking - like it was sliced from a glacier.  Those Germans have style!

Speaking of vases from my own collection for sale, this teal glass vase was originally for the shop but I scooped it, petted it for a bit, and have decided to set it free.  Hope it finds a loving home, because it's such a substantial piece.  I'm feeling good about it, because my aqua cased glass vase already sold, and so did these aqua shot glasses and these ones. 

Oh, and this teal one is for sale too.  It's identical to a swatch of paint in Bert's painting - but I have one the same size in a more blue teal and, frankly, I'm not much of a gardener so there's no way I'll ever produce multiple vases worth of blooms.

We're in agreement that the "atomic flower" on this Federal Glass luncheon set is a pot leaf, right?

But this is just a puppy.  Well, he's not just a puppy, he's a puppy with a polka dot shoe.  I bought him last summer but I stashed him with the Etsy stuff and only recently listed him.

I WANT these glasses, but I cannot commit to two new colours in the kitchen.  Orange was a big enough step for me.  Baby steps.

Quatrefoil is a fun word.  I've been enjoying typing it again and again.  But the longer I look at it, the more incorrectly it seems spelled.  This pottery piece was made in California - it just feels sunny, doesn't it?

I have reluctantly listed some Iittala - you know my passion for it!  I am still waiting for the right buyer for the whole Kastehelmi set, but I also found a matching ashtray, small plate, and I listed the solid glass polar bear.  I know, he is adorable.  

How could I not buy this milk glass silhouette vase?  It's got everything.  Speaking of milk glass, I love that this Federal Glass set is a full set of six! 

In the wake of my rock casualties, you can understand why I kind of want to keep this hunk of gorgeousness.  But my desk is so littered with junk, you'd never see it, anyway.  Seriously, within reach I've got a pirate pencil sharpener, a camera battery charger, a mason jar, holiday cards (holiday cards) I haven't put away, a book on hat making, a garbage bag tag for the dump, a huge pile or receipts and bills, and a swipe card from when I worked at the University of Ottawa.  Was I supposed to return that?  More importantly, where the heck did it come from?

I have an eerily similar round box on my nightstand, filled with dog treats for Szuka.  Mine is Hungarian Kalocsa, but I think the familiar shape and ethnic handpainted floral design of this sweet box lured me in.  Plus the lacquer is so shiny.

It's been awhile since I shared my shop favorites (February? Where does the time go??), so thanks for indulging me - there are 110 items for sale right now, so it was tough to choose.  Although it's so much more work than I ever imagined, I really enjoy our Etsy shop.  Connecting with people who finally found what they were looking for is the most fun part, and I especially love getting feedback from people who have bought items as gifts.  I've got some fun stories, for sure. 

Treasure Hunting Report: Her Finds/My Finds

Gemma (from the sweetest digs) and I like to DIY in tandem, so is it any surprise we thrift together too?  She was my good luck charm when we hit the thrift shops recently, because look at the goodies I scored!  (Of course, Hubby might call her an enabler, but I think "good luck charm" has a nicer ring to it).

The brush strokes on this hand painted planter from Japan remind me of Jen's paintings, especially this one.  The soft pink and brushed-on bronze/gold is so stunning.  This is definitely shop-bound when we re-open.  (I've kept the shop open a few more days because a couple items have just sold or are on hold for folks).

It isn't vintage, but this sweet lime green, cream and grey planter - with it's pretty little drips and "made in Germany" stamp - is sure to tickle my Mom's fancy.  Neither of us are big into plants (we murder them), but this would be perfect with a big, wide candle for her patio table.

I can't believe I even hesitated!  Thanks to Gemma for encouraging me to get these amber-coloured highball glasses.  Yesterday they were sitting on the dining room table, waiting to be photographed, and just glowing.  There were only seven (boo), but my Mom has one we thrifted earlier in the summer (yay) so now we'll have a set of 8 to list.

I love melamine trays.  We have a pair that we keep in the living room, that fit perfectly onto shelves in our wall unit, to make our ottoman more coffee table-esque when we need it (without losing the squishy comfort).  Now I have a spare one for bringing drinks to the patio, or when the living room ones get full of my books.  And you know I love mint (how original).

My Mom has a collection of these little dessert dishes and the matching glasses as well.  But someone else will get to enjoy these shop-bound gems.

I also found a super sweet red fondue pot with a pretty white design.  This looks like it was never used!  I'm sure someone will love this for their next party, or even just as a fun kitchen accessory.  Anyone know how an alcohol burner works?

UPDATE: My blog friend from Planet Powers let me know she had one of these that worked on gel fuel that is much easier to find these days!  Excellent to know!

This copper tray was a "maybe" until I saw it paired with the mint tray and then I was sold.  This would look gorgeous paired with mint or pale aqua glassware.

But it doesn't look too shabby with the amber glasses, either - they have the same quilted look.

I rarely find Pyrex (and am so jealous of folks who do), so when I spotted this pretty opal ware casserole, I didn't even care that it lacked a lid.  The turquoise wheat sheaf is simple and perfect.

This cute little jar (what the heck is it for? Salad oils?) came home with me because it's got a turquoise spout/lid and was made in West Germany.  I'm snobby about things being made in Europe.

UPDATE: Thanks to Brigitte, of The Baker's Daughter, I now know this is a sugar dispenser common in Germany.  Apparently many restaurants have them!  Thanks, Brigitte!

On a jar kick, I also bought these vintage spice jars with ochre & tomato (plus one cream) coloured lids.

My Mom has a bountiful collection of these chrome and bakelite trays by Glo-Hill Canada, which produced elegant serving ware from the 1930s-1970s, and now she will have one more.  Some pieces have glass inserts (like this version I found yard saling in TBay) but I'm not sure if this may have had one . . .

Just for kicks, I bought this martini shaker.  It isn't vintage but I've been worried about the lead content on some vintage martini shakers with metal strainer parts.  I bought a vintage one before and the metal started peeling, which gave me the heebie-jeebies.  Is that highly neurotic?  This one is 100% safe plus it has a sweet combo of colours.  Can't wait to mix a drink with Hubby.

I'm saving the best for last.  I found an amazing carving set, still in the original box (with original price tag).  I'm a sucker for bakelite and was totally sold by the drool-worthy bakelite handles.  They look like giant chunks of butter amber!

Seriously, did you check out the handles?  Here's a closer shot:

I don't think you'll truly appreciate my weird obsession with this set until you picture me crouching down with the camera, getting a photo from every angle . . . take one last look at how pretty they are.

They don't match, but happen to look nice with a few pieces, also with bakelite handles, that I bought at a yard sale in Thunder Bay.  The difference is the yard sale pieces were $1.00 each.  The carving set, from Value Village, was $19.99!  Ouch.  But it obviously brings me too much joy to have passed on.

That wraps up my sweet finds.  The only trouble with thrifting with someone who has great taste, is you might end up seeing them buy something you would have loved to have spotted first.  Check out Gemma's blog today to see her finds from the same thrifting adventure and try to guess which item I am pining for. 

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How to Frame a Vintage Brooch for Display

I had a wee bit of an ebay addiction in my early twenties.  I spent many sleepless nights "sneaker-fishing" my way into senseless purchases.  I kicked my habit but have many reminders, including two fabulous, but un-wearably inconvenient, vintage Bakelite pins.  The solution to a collection of brooches I don't wear?  Frame them!

  Supplies:

• Cotton batting (I used leftovers from an upholstery project)
• Silk (sourced from my fabric hoard)
• Primer (leftover)
• Paint (leftover from paper storage organizer I painted)
• Small paint brush
• Glue (Aleene's worked well!)
• Vintage frames ($5.00 for pair at estate sale)
• 2 Vintage brooches (try flea markets, yard sales and estate sales)
• Sandpaper

How to re-paint wood frames:

I lightly sanded each frame, removing any sheen.  Then I gave the frames a quick wipe with a damp cloth.  Using a small brush I applied a coat of primer, let it dry overnight, then applied two coats of paint.  I used a smaller artist's brush to get the paint into the "carved" detail.  Spray paint with a built-in primer would make light work of this job!

How to create a padded backing to display a brooch:

I used the original "artwork" as my base - you can cut a piece of thin plywood/scrap plastic etc., if your frame is empty.  I cut a piece of batting and silk slightly larger than the backing and "upholstered" it.  I wrapped the fabric tightly, squeezed the backing back into the frame to check fit (and make sure the lines on my silk weren't woobly), and then glued the batting and fabric in place on the back.  I secured with tape while the glue dried (hot glue is faster, but I find that it doesn't always have as strong a hold as I would prefer).

Putting it Together:

Working with finishing nails was a pain (it is aggravating to hammer something that tiny, super gently).  Instead, I stapled beside the backing so instead of the staples going through the backing (into the thinnest part of the frame), the staples hold the backing in a kind of friction fit:

The finishes pieces combine my favorite things: a silhouette look (black on cream), turquoise, an ornate frame (I'm accidentally growing a collection), and making use of what I have. 

Now I just need to figure out where to hang them . . .

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