stock up the shop: yellows and blues

So, since starting my stock up the shop posts, I've noticed that the purchases seem to "go" together aesthetically. Not every piece, but when I place them on my table to take a photo, I'm struck each week at how nicely they fit together as a little grouping. Interesting, I think. I wonder why? Does this happen to you?

Seems like yellows and blues are the thing this week:

My camera focused funny in the dim Saturday evening light. Sorry for the not-so-crispy image. Here's what I rounded up today:
- Tensor mod "eyeball" lamp (I'm excited to see how this one cleans up.)
- Awesome set of four mint 70s stoneware mugs (Japan I assume...and what IS with all the mugs lately?)
- Gemco giant cream and sugar set in the Pyrex "Butterfly Gold" Pattern (What was that I said about C & S sets last week?)
- Heller glass canister (Gathering up a little collection here...to sell or keep, such a dilemma.)
- Metlox oval bowl (Has a really pretty, almost periwinkle, interior glaze.)
- Copenhagen Porcelain B&G Mors Dag 1974 commemorative plate (Mother's Day...adorable little polar bear cubs snuggling/suckling up to mama bear.)
- Silver clown bank

In my October 1 post, I showed a little wooden humidor I came across. It turned out to be a bit of a treasure, one of those "Should I, Shouldn't I?" moments. Just posting on this blog generated a bit of interest I wasn't prepared for. It turned out to be a highly collectible piece designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art -made in Brazil in the 1960s. I ended up selling it on Ebay because I wasn't sure how to price it. I'll do a little feature post on it someday.

I don't want to get into the purchase price vs. sale price thing, but I always love that sense of following your gut feeling when treasure-hunting, that feeling of intrigue you get when you find something that seems like it might be something special, but it might very well be not so special. Thought it might be fun to highlight these experiences when they come along...the successes and failures...to provide perhaps some information, or maybe just a good laugh at my expense! :)

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: arabia, seibel, denby

Some weekend finds to continue the stock-up-the-shop efforts:

- Ben Seibel Iroquois Impromptu "El Camino" small pitcher/creamer
- Arabia "Oliivi" 8 cups and saucers (Designed by Ulla Procope in the 1960s. Perfect condition.)
- Denby England "Gypsy" platter (70s-80s)
- Large stoneware shakers (Made in Japan, have handles that are a bit hidden.)
- Stainless cream and sugar set (I try not to buy too many cream and sugar sets, because I really don't think people use them so much anymore, but I really like the shape of these.)

And one more funny little addition:

How fun are these? Friehof Jagertee is an Austrian alcoholic beverage "punch," to be heated and served to hunters, hikers, skiers...after a long day in the alps. :) Doesn't that sound lovely? They definitely feel Christmas-y to me. These mugs must have been a promotional item. I love the graphics, colors, and the vintage nordic ski vibe - the boots, poles, skis, sweaters and hats.

Having a ski-fanatic-Norwegian-blooded husband who did the longer-than-average ski "bum" thing in Vail, then living in our turn-of-the century log cabin at 8,500 feet for 8 years with said husband here in Colorado, and just being a winter-loving Wisconsin-born girl all contribute to my love of all things alpine. These mugs get me excited to practice my measly skiing skills this winter, learning along with my 3 and 6 year-old, and then be rewarded with a warm drink in a cozy mountain lodge. Here's to winter!
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: mod pops

As I get more and more selective about what I bring home for the shop, my "hauls" have been smaller lately. But then I have days like today (and last week) where I end up with more things than I should. But, hey, it's good stuff!

Have a look:

- Couroc Tray (With French wedge of cheese and Gouda images, and an attached wooden cutting board!)
- Resin Tray with Swiss Fondue Bourguignonne Instructions (Cute old-timey instructions for this type of meat fondue.)
- Heller Glass Containers (I dream of a huge collection of these to store bulk items in my dream kitchen. Gotta get that dream kitchen, first.)
- Georges Briard Butterfly Glasses (A little worn, but so fun.)
- Johnson Brothers Cups and Saucers set of 6 (1980s "Eaton" pattern.)
- Pyrex cast iron warmer (With spot for a votive.)
- Coors Porcelain Co. evaporating dish (Amazing labware from the 1920s.)
- Electric Ladybug (Yes, electric. Plug it in and it buzzes. Made by a company which made outdoor accessories. So mysterious. I have no idea what it is or what it's for but I totally love it and if anyone has any insights to this, I welcome it. If not, for now, it's an electric ladybug.)

Working on getting these, and others, listed. And joining in this:

My goal is to get two things listed daily, catching up if I get behind, to get a total of 62 new items listed in the creekhouse Etsy shop by the end of October. Hope I can keep up!

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl and Her Library Adventures in their weekly shares.
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: warm tones

Thought I'd join in the treasure-hunt-sharing trend and start regularly posting my weekend finds. I love seeing the things that other people find, so what the heck...maybe someone wants to see my scores! I know I'm always excited about them! My husband might just appreciate not being the only one who has to see show and tell each weekend.

I'm usually up and out on Saturday mornings, enjoying some much-needed alone time after a busy week of teaching elementary schoolers and being a mom of two, hitting a few favorite local thrift shops and also estate and garage sales. Some days, like today, I'm up and out before anyone is even awake.

So here's my Stock-Up Saturday:
- Dorothy Thorpe punch bowl (Pretty sure it's the real deal.)
- Dansk Tiny Tapers
- Pyrex blue snowflake bowl (I still can't resist some Pyrex now and then.)
- Arcopal France mushroom mug
- Pottery Craft Vino set (Decanter and four cups.)
- Made in Japan stainless and wood fish bottle opener (Husband may not let this go, sorry folks...we'll see.)
- Le Grand Tetras canteen France (I've never hiked with wine, but this might be the perfect excuse to start.)
- Cute little wooden bucket with "locking" lid and cork interior. (Came home and realized it's actually a little humidor for storing loose tobacco...strong smell of pipe tobacco. Hmmm. I like it, BUT...)
- Cattail wall hangings

Think I'll join in the fun over Her Library Adventures' Flea Market Finds on Sundays and Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Mondays. Seems like a great way to get the blog up and going again!

Most of the things pictured here will end up in the creekhouse Etsy shop... I've gotten wayyyyy behind in listing so hopefully this weekend all of this, and more, will be in the shop.

Had a shelf collapse in the garage yesterday. Is that a bad sign?
~ Jenny

end of summer sale

Hello sad, neglected, lonely little blog! And hello readers, if you're out there...

It's been a while, but thought I'd pop in to say hello, share a few new items, and let you all know that there's an End of Summer Sale goin' on over at the creekhouse Etsy shop. LOTS of great things marked down, wayyyy down.

While you're bargain hunting, check out a few fun new items I've added:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81141256/ovenex-starburst-loaf-pan

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81140863/hyalyn-tile-dutch-windmill

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81140454/yellow-plastic-accordion-wall-hooks

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81139936/blue-heaven-by-royal-usa-creamer

Happy Labor Day!

~ Jenny

research: staffordshire potteries mugs

I see these fun, funky, retro mugs popping up here and there and decided to learn about them and look for them a bit. Staffordshire Potteries Limited, from England, started producing cups and dinnerware in the 50s. In the 1960s and 1970s they put their efforts into mugs, also introducing the "Kilnkraft" line in 1972. I love the simple graphics and whimsical colors.

Currently for sale at Retro Rubbish on Etsy

My favorite! Blogged at skinnylaminx.com

Blogged at h is for home

My first find! A cute set of 6.

There is a  flickr group dedicated to sharing their photos Stafforshire Potteries mugs treasures. Such a fun little photostream to click through.

So awesome, but already sold...

A great set of two for sale at found vintage style on Etsy

Cute stuff, huh?

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: diggin' digsmed

Recently came upon a sweet stash of Danish goodies at my favorite little thrift shop. I'd been curious about Digsmed items, and lo and behold, there they were. Isn't it funny how that happens? I can't find much information on the Digsmed company at this point, but I love the style and the clear smokey gray pieces that compliment the teak. The covered cheese board below is marked Digsmed Danmark, and is missing the original knife.

The Lazy Susan (Am I supposed to capitalize Lazy Susan? It doesn't look right with just "Susan" capitalized, and it doesn't look right with "susan" un-capitalized either.) Anyway, the lazy Susan (see?) is not marked, but the little glass gray dishes lead me to believe it's Digsmed. Even if not, it's a lovely piece!

Digsmed Danmark Covered Cheese Board

Digsmed? Lazy Susan with 8 Glass Dishes

Unfortunately, this baby is sold, but this is the quintessential Digsmed piece to get your hands on!

Click here to see other Digsmed listings on Etsy.

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: pretty vintage trims

As I got the camera out and began to prepare to list these recently-found beauties, I couldn't help but re-post them each individually for your enjoyment. Some of these take my breath away...if this doesn't kick me in to summer-sewing mode, I don't know what will.

blue lily trim

vintage mexican trim

vintage woven trim

vintage woven trim

blue daisy trim

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: oh mexico

We took a trip to Mexico two weeks ago, just the four of us, right after school ended here in Colorado. We went easy and relatively cheap...an all inclusive resort in Cancun. The intent was family time, beach time, rest, and relaxation. We definitely succeeded with that! It was beautiful, and since we rarely take such vacations...we cherished every moment. I did an especially good job cherishing, if I do say so myself.

I did have a desire to go hunting for some vintage Mexican treasures or fabrics for sewing. I definitely did NOT succeed with that part. It was far too taxing for me to put my drink down and get my - ahem- out of my beach chair to go exploring.

So, funny thing, after we got back I hit some estate sales. One of which was a retired teacher (Really? Will I actually retire some day?!) She had traveled to Mexico in the 60s and 70s and had purchased some fabric trim for sewing projects. Funny thing.

Needless to say, I quickly scooped it up to buy...feeling a twinge of guilt that I hadn't put that drink down and done at least a little bit of exploring while I myself was south of the border. (Yes, I know, south of the border is much different now than it was in the 60s and 70s, but let's just keep that romantic vision in our minds for a few moments.)

She had all sorts of souvenirs from her travels all over the world. She was selling her old camera straps, which yes, I also quickly scooped up to buy.

Don't they just make you wonder? Where all has she been? Did she travel alone, take her children, her husband? Did she do this traveling during her precious teacher summers? Does she still have all the pictures she took? She was such a sweet lady...a junior high science teacher. Selling all her belongings, moving out of her home, her adult children helping at the sale, no husband anymore. Hmpf.

I think next time, I'll get up and go exploring a bit...but this was pretty fun too.

I'll be back Mexico!
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: bennington potters

How 'bout a bit of Bennington? This Vermont pottery is very popular with collectors. Some I like, and some I don't. I love this one:

It's a large roaster, big enough for a chicken or a bit ol' hunk of meat. Found it at the thrift for $6 and it's all for me. It's quite brilliant in it's simplicity (which we always love) because the lid can slide side to side, but catches on the little mini speed bumps in order to safely release the hot steam. The lid can also be used as a divided serving tray or as an actual carving tray, allowing the juices to drizzle down into the sections. See? Brilliant!

Some other pieces I came across recently:

a lugged soup bowl in "Pink Agate" or "Morning Glory Pink"

a small batter bowl...so pretty

And here are some shots of their backstamps. Interesting because the number represent models, not years, and the models were used over and over again. This makes it hard to really accurately date Bennington pieces.
One thing that I love, that I just learned, is about the symbol you can see on the third photo below. The designer, David Gil (whose initials are on the 2nd picture below,) came up with the symbol of an arm and a hand, representing the physical craft of creating pottery. At the top of the arm is a little star which represents the "spark" of imagination also required to create. How cool! Some of the pieces started to be too small to include the whole arm, so often all you see is the "spark."

Can you match the back stamps with their piece?

Here's a graphic of the backstamp:

http://www.benningtonpotters.com/potters_stamp

~ Jenny