stock up the shop: california

It's so fun to think about what it must have been like in California in the 1950s and 60s and even back to the 30s and 40s. A piece of this history is the pottery that was being produced in studios and commercially at the time. Such style...reminiscent of the beach and innovative, laid-back western lifestyle.

I'm becoming more familiar names like Vernon, Franciscan, Metlox, Bauer, Gladding McBean, Heath, etc. There's much more for me to learn, and there are many experts out there. Vernonware is popular because of its great quality and California style of course, but also because its "Raffia" pattern has been featured in the Mad Men kitchen:

 

So cute!

Here are some Vernon finds I've come across lately:

Vernonware "Sherwood"

Produced from 1958 - 1965

Vernonware "Trade Winds"

Produced just from 1954 - 1955

I would love get more of this, it's lovely.

A little bit later Vernon pattern called "Della Robbia"

1960s - 1980s

Metlox is the umbrella company for Vernon, Poppytrail, and anything referred to as "Prouty." Prouty was the name of the founding family. These amazing early 1930s grill plates were from the early years of Metlox. Look at the cool back stamp!

My grandmother had this "Vineyard" pattern and we always kind of joked about them, us little girls thinking they were so ugly. Then they sat for years and years in my parents' garage...Mom often tried to talk us into taking "Grandmommy's grape dishes." Did she end up getting rid of them? I'm afraid to ask now! Even though I still don't totally love the pattern, it would be nice to have them as a keepsake.

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: atomic goodness

At the funniest little estate/garage sale in Boulder a few weeks ago, I picked up this somewhat random set of very atomic-looking china. It was dirty and full of bugs, as if it had been sitting in a milk crate in the back yard for a few seasons.

Amazingly enough, after bargaining with guy for way too long (suddenly it was important to him, very rare and special china...uh huh...this is how you take care of your rare, special things Mister?) I took it home, cleaned it up, and it's basically in mint condition. Not a knife scratch or sign of any usage.

I couldn't find out the name of the pattern, despite my best online efforts and even contacting some folks, but I do know from the stamp that it's Mayer China from the 1960s.

Check it out..and enjoy a little imaginary voyage to an era gone by:

Sometimes I'm a sucker for the great feeling of diner/restaurantware china. I can just imagine the diner, the counter, the people using these dishes.

Alas, despite my near obsession with these, I've decided to list them in the creekhouse etsy shop. Hopefully, they'll find a great mid-century modern atomic retro livin' pad to settle in!
~ Jenny

la solana

Picked these up the other day.

I really wasn't sure what they were or how old they were. They were unmarked, but I was sure I loved them! It was one of those should-I-shouldn't-I moments. The seemed something special; heavy, smooth, very well made. The semi-matte glaze is like butta...and check out the handles!

I started researching them (oh I love the research process.) I learned that they are La Solana pottery. Ever heard of it? Well, I hadn't.
La Solana started in California in 1946 and by 1954 the business was relocated in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is no particular artist credited with the styles, as far as I can find. I've found La Solana items around on Etsy and Ebay and such. It's too bad there's not more info out there...it's just lovely! Not a lot of resale value at this point, but  maybe someday. We'll see.

Apparently, most La Solana is unmarked, with a few exceptions. A very few have an impressed stamp, and more commonly found is the gold sticker.

Image from plasticliving.com

Image from rossauction.com

Image from rossauction.com

Pretty colors! Something fun to keep an eye out for...

arabia!

I was lucky this weekend in my treasure hunting adventures. Arabia!

~ Jenny