Monday, September 12, 2016

Short sabbatical.

Greetings blog readers.  I am a reader of signs.  I listen to their voice, their imagery and their consistency and it doesn't take me long to do a redirect or "reboot" in today's vernacular.   

Some might find this scary, but I have learned over the years that life's changes have always been a positive thing for me.    I will be going quiet for the next few months as I work through this reboot and then I will be back to share with you the magic of new beginnings.  

Was at a local auction on Saturday and they had tons and tons and tons of stuff.  Unfortunately, most of it was of no interest to me, although I did come home with a few nifty items.

Pretty little souvenir red transferware plate. These always sell well.

Heavy pair of weighted, sterling silver candlesticks.  These polished up beautifully and are always sought after for holiday tables.

And now, what I really, really wanted to win and "did" were these five, antique Alaskan Inuit, Yupik coiled baskets with knob top lids.  Dyed and undyed rye grass and some with embroidered native birds.  

Brilliant red and black dyes in the line design.

A pair that have natural dyed embroidered birds native to the region. 

It's so easy to identify the Canada goose on this one.

These pieces are tightly coiled and the lids hold tight.

The smallest of these knob baskets has pretty red butterflies around it.  They measure from 3 inches to about 7.5 inches in height and they appear to be from the early 20th century.

Lovely set of six cups and saucers and dessert plates of fine, bone china from one of europe's oldest pottery houses, Rorstrand, manufactured in Sweden since 1726. 

The early brown mark dates from 1890-1920s.

And finally, who expects to find a pair of Aquatalia black patent leather boots, never worn with the Nordstrom price tag of $450.00 at an auction? Not me but I got them for a song so they are now up on ebay for a great price as well and with free shipping.  Size 6 if anyone is interested.  

So it was a minimalist weekend of finds but still some great treasure. Now to tackle the "reboot" and a short goodbye to friends.  Know that I will be back to blogging in November and as always, blessings to you and those you love.  SeaWitch

Monday, September 5, 2016

Labor Day Fun

They say one "woman's chore" is another "woman's fun."  With a three day weekend, I filled it with treasure hunting and cleaning out closets, taking stuff to Goodwill and painting interior doors, prepping walls for a repaint and pricing items for my spaces.  In between those plans, Gynness and took walks and sat in the sun on the back deck.  It was pure joy and a lovely way to spend the last summer holiday before the year comes to a close.

Saturday was my treasure hunt day and I took off for Monroe, Georgia.  First stop was at Davis Street Antiques, I always find unique pieces there.  Check out this magnificent morning glory speaker on the Edison Home Phonograph, handpainted and works.  

I had to keep reminding myself that there was a mortgage to be paid and I should walk away from the phonograph.  It will have to go home with someone else.

I have a weakness for antique, EAPG butter dishes and I nearly squealed with delight when I found this one.  A Centennial piece for America's 100 year anniversary.  Liberty Bell aka Centennial by Adams Glass co. ca. 1875. It has a little liberty bell shaped finial as well.

There is a quiet elegance about master knife rests, a tool from an age gone by, these are lovely on anyone's holiday table.

It's been years since I came across a pair of Victorian button boots and this pair is in marvelous condition.  They also have that much sought after "witchy" heel that everyone loves.

Lovely beaded and crocheted flapper handbag.  This one is in great condition and very usable today.

Pair of sweet, Aesthetic design blue transfer ware child’s tea cups.  Little girl with kitties drinking milk, this pattern is often referred to as Mae with pets. Made by Charles Allerton & Sons in the late 1800's

Nice assortment of vintage sun and prescription glasses and cases.  My visit to Davis Street was a win fall of goodness.

From there it was on to Ian Henderson's Antique Mall. With over 500 dealer booths and 100,000 square feet of awesome, (as their tag line says), you will find something you must take home with you.

Whooo hoooo, I nearly did cartwheels up the stairs to the check out with these two fantastic halloween items.  A vintage paper mache pumpkin that was priced for my budget and this nifty, handmade witches hat from corrugated and poster paper and painted with black poster paint.

Sought after Don Anderson vintage straw hat with gro grain ribbon trim and leaves and berries.  Circa 1940s.  This is a real beauty.

Marvelous girls sampler with embroidered red wool on linen canvas.  Trying to talk myself out of keeping it but I think I'm losing the battle.

Love Colonial overshot coverlets and this is a nice piece of one that will make a lovely decorative element.  As a wrap up, if you haven't been to Ian Henderson's Antique Mall, then you must plan a trip there.  It is a joy to walk through the old textile factory, they have lots of parking and they are also surrounded by other antique shops making it a "plan a day and lunch" at this location.

From Monroe, I headed home but made one more stop at a favorite haunt and found these items. 

A terrific find, I was thrilled to come across this late Victorian newspaper/magazine hanging rack.

Here is an example of the same type of rack in the renowned Castle Marne, Denver, Colorado. 

Pretty little quadruple plated cup engraved "Aunti to Ella, March 10th, 1886.

RARE Blue Dog holding a Cornucopia Bud Vase. Spectacular Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) piece with the daisy & button pattern.  Produced in the 1890's by Columbia Glass, Findlay, Ohio.  Minor damage with a missing scallop at vase edge.

Four lovely Tiffin, Cherokee Rose etched champagne glasses.  Circa 1940-1955.  

Set of three long tin types of two marvelous ladies and one dignified man.

 My Victorian booth is looking witchy in time for the Halloween festivities.

These three marvelous days are coming to a close and I have had too much fun and am not in the mindset to return to work.   Have a gentle week and wishing blessings to you and those you love.  SeaWitch