tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10291388837103684452024-02-19T14:49:24.413-08:00The Collect CollectiveDedicated to collecting all things worth saving in collections.Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-70668972392574570292012-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:002012-07-17T12:28:14.431-07:00Instant Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wUHDIPaIcw/UAW8f8-2pJI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vgKOJPnV-s4/s1600/cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wUHDIPaIcw/UAW8f8-2pJI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vgKOJPnV-s4/s320/cars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90191660/tiny-little-colorful-cars-instant?ref=pr_faveitems" target="_blank">Vintage Toy Cars, Set of 10 $15.00</a></div>
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<br /></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-80186092053248005472012-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:002012-06-07T19:04:57.757-07:00I Collect: Stefanie<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the Internet. I was doing a little googling the other day and came across this fabulous blog by fellow collector Stefanie. Having been inspired by <a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/2011/08/collection-day-lisa-congdon.html" target="_blank">Lisa Congdon's</a> "<a href="http://collectionaday2010.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Collection A Day</a>," Stefanie decided to blog about collecting everyday for one year. Quite and ambitious feat. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkW1f92NdtM/T9AQ-w9dz8I/AAAAAAAAApo/uJyy9Zrg7PI/s1600/stephanie8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkW1f92NdtM/T9AQ-w9dz8I/AAAAAAAAApo/uJyy9Zrg7PI/s320/stephanie8.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<b>I collect:</b> Many, many things, but my
largest collection is vintage elementary school books from the
1930s-1960s. I also collect vintage toys.</div>
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<b>Its
been going on for</b>: I got my first school book in 1984, but I've really
been collecting them seriously for maybe 10-12 years. I have somewhere
around 500 school books. As far as my toys go, I've been a toy collector
for nearly 30 years. I am a toy designer by profession, so this sort of
goes with the territory.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yCKKnFVtC8/T9FX9jM2bQI/AAAAAAAAAp0/KFfXO3fyymY/s1600/stephanie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yCKKnFVtC8/T9FX9jM2bQI/AAAAAAAAAp0/KFfXO3fyymY/s320/stephanie10.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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<b>I look for additions to my collections at</b>:
Mostly antique malls/ flea markets. Although I've bought things on eBay
from time to time, it sort of feels like cheating to me. I prefer the
joy of the hunt!</div>
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<b>When I find one I feel</b>:
Excited! But I have to keep photos of my various collections on my
iPhone, because I can't tell you how many times I've bought duplicate
books- it's so hard to keep them straight, and there are so many! Now,
it makes it easier to look at my photos to tell what I have.<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEUSH4NHJqQ/T9FZCASYetI/AAAAAAAAAp8/MdQ0PhbA6DM/s1600/stephanie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEUSH4NHJqQ/T9FZCASYetI/AAAAAAAAAp8/MdQ0PhbA6DM/s320/stephanie5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The star of my collection is:</b> My near-mint
set of Scott, Foresman Dick and Jane books from 1951 & 1956. (There
is actually one I don't have, but it's a 6th grade reader, which isn't
as desirable, so I haven't been in a huge hurry to finish the
collection)</div>
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<b>The oddest piece in my
collection is:</b> If you count all of my collections, I think I'd have to
either go with my 1867 wooden patent model of a steam valve, or perhaps
my diddley-bow... that's a little one-stringed musical instrument. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jHZ93prF_U/T9FZ1JaN38I/AAAAAAAAAqE/qzQLL0nVZyY/s1600/stephanie9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jHZ93prF_U/T9FZ1JaN38I/AAAAAAAAAqE/qzQLL0nVZyY/s320/stephanie9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>A way my collection has gotten me into a tight situation:</b> I guess the
tightest situation my collections have gotten me into is my blog. A year
ago, I came across a fellow collector who posted one of her collections
every day for a year. Although it was a fun blog, and she had some cool
stuff, I thought my collections were more interesting, and I decided I
could do a similar blog. I decided to post one of my collections every
day, Monday through Friday, and then feature another collector each
weekend. I'll tell you, it's been a tough year. I've decided to suspend
my blog on June 30, when my blog reaches one year old. It's been really
stressful (but fun!) to document my various collections because I tend
to do it one day at a time instead of all at once. So, nearly every
morning, I'm setting up stuff, taking pictures, editing the photos, and
then putting together the blog entry. As the year
has progressed, I have created 'special days', like Toy Tuesday, and
School Book Friday, and I also added Orphan Wednesday, where I feature
my 'unique items' that don't fall into the 3 or more rule. </div>
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I'm really
glad I did it. It's given me a chance to document the extent of my
collections, photograph everything, share it with the world, and learn a
few things to boot. But doing a daily collector blog is not for the
faint of heart. I plan on putting everything into a book when I'm done. I
also am thinking seriously of thinning my collections out substantially
too. I'll definitely keep my books and musical instruments, but I'm
willing to part with many of my other collections.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ullM_13OS70/T9FbXbvCjmI/AAAAAAAAAqM/lVwWqem6KUA/s1600/stephanie7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ullM_13OS70/T9FbXbvCjmI/AAAAAAAAAqM/lVwWqem6KUA/s320/stephanie7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Some other things that I like to collect are</b>:
vintage toys and games, musical instruments (mostly stringed), ephemera,
books. You'll just have to look at my blog to see the different kinds
of things I collect!</div>
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<b>My family and
friends think my collection is</b>: My husband wishes I'd dust a bit more,
my kids roll their eyes (they are all grown, and none of them are
collectors), but my friends think it's awesome.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na49duJK7mQ/T9Fb1P_bZxI/AAAAAAAAAqU/BFajFXjZPZg/s1600/stephanie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na49duJK7mQ/T9Fb1P_bZxI/AAAAAAAAAqU/BFajFXjZPZg/s320/stephanie2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>I've received a couple of honors for my collections</b>: in 2000 I won
the Judges Trophy at the Ventura County Fair in California for the best
collection (school books). I was also featured in 2004 in Playthings
Magazine (a trade publication for the toy industry) as their collector
of the month, again, for my school books. </div>
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My collector blog: <a href="http://copycatcollector.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://copycatcollector.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></div>
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My creative blog: <a href="http://stefstyleblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://stefstyleblog.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a></div>
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My gallery on Collector's Weekly: <a href="http://www.collectorsweekly.com/user/stefdesign" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>collectorsweekly.com/user/<wbr></wbr>stefdesign</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmAeXMvRQpU/T9FcJKqyCJI/AAAAAAAAAqc/e8xN6J2zK98/s1600/stephanie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmAeXMvRQpU/T9FcJKqyCJI/AAAAAAAAAqc/e8xN6J2zK98/s320/stephanie4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9H6d0hwlW8/T9FcLGUZQGI/AAAAAAAAAqk/O2NYFy65D-A/s1600/stephanie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9H6d0hwlW8/T9FcLGUZQGI/AAAAAAAAAqk/O2NYFy65D-A/s320/stephanie6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Thank you so much for sharing Stefanie!</i> </div>
Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-79087171099184627822012-05-26T11:05:00.000-07:002012-05-26T17:45:41.555-07:00Collecting Coral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--taLYLSuDaY/T8EKOnZQAcI/AAAAAAAAAo0/GMB8tP_nxfI/s1600/coral2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--taLYLSuDaY/T8EKOnZQAcI/AAAAAAAAAo0/GMB8tP_nxfI/s320/coral2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93317807/vintage-white-coral-branch-artifact" target="_blank">Coral Branch $24.00</a></div>
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Mine is a body that should die at sea!</div>
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And have for a grave instead of a grave</div>
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6 feet deep and the length of me, </div>
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All the water that is under wave! </div>
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(excerpt from "Burial" by Edna St. Vincent Millay)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5UcFeojIQ/T8EQQ8xf-aI/AAAAAAAAApA/zCj6noDqq0M/s1600/coral3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5UcFeojIQ/T8EQQ8xf-aI/AAAAAAAAApA/zCj6noDqq0M/s320/coral3.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87250321/vintage-sea-coral-print-8x10-p106" target="_blank">Vintage Coral Print 8x10 $14.00</a></div>
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What a magnificent animal. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral" target="_blank">Coral</a> is in the Anthozoa class of marine organisms, which also includes sea anemones. These builders of reefs are an integral part of the sea's ecosystem. By secreting calcium carbonate, they create hard skeletons which build up over time to form coral colonies known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef" target="_blank">"reefs"</a>. Spanning over 1,600 miles, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef" target="_blank">The Great Barrier Reef</a> is the largest. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCQo1aIq_Ac/T8ERyWuloKI/AAAAAAAAApI/ykHqcWFZEo4/s1600/coral4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCQo1aIq_Ac/T8ERyWuloKI/AAAAAAAAApI/ykHqcWFZEo4/s320/coral4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97115246/brown-sea-tree-9x12-in-soft-coral?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Sea Fan Coral $10.50</a></div>
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Coral reefs are being threatened by many things including coral mining. If you are interested in having one of these nautical natural history pieces in your home, it is best to find one that has already been mined vs. going into the sea and gathering it yourself. <a href="http://www.fws.gov/coralreef/fish.cfm" target="_blank">Organizations like the United States Coral Reef Task Force</a> are working to protect what is left of the worlds coral. This includes the conservation, restoration and protection of. As the reef population dwindles, it is important to do our part to keep what is left in the ocean, <b style="color: #9fc5e8;">in the ocean</b>. That being said, there are many places to find coral like aquarium stores, garage sales and the internet (especially places like ebay and etsy).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agGr8GIMo8U/T8EVBH-waQI/AAAAAAAAApc/VlFHsxNmLw4/s1600/coral6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agGr8GIMo8U/T8EVBH-waQI/AAAAAAAAApc/VlFHsxNmLw4/s320/coral6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83402734/vintage-white-branch-coral-pieces" target="_blank">Coral Branch $42.00</a></div>
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If you are interested in collecting corals you may find these titles (available on amazon.com) helpful; "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Super-Simple-Guide-Corals/dp/0793834562/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336421240&sr=1-6" target="_blank">The Super Simple Guide To Corals</a>," "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Corals-Quick-Reference-Oceanographic-Series/dp/1883693098/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336421240&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Corals; A Quick Reference Guide</a>," and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Corals-Selection-Husbandry-Natural/dp/1890087475/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336421240&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry and Natural History</a>." If you are looking to identify corals in your collection you may want to use the <a href="http://www.chucksaddiction.com/CoralGenus.html" target="_blank">Coral Genus Identification CD</a>. The Coral Science website (<a href="http://www.coralscience.org/main/articles/taxonomy-2/coral-finder" target="_blank">found here</a>) is also a great resource of information and links. If you are curious to see a large coral collection in action check out the <a href="http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/January-2010/The-Waikiki-Aquarium-039s-Coral-Collection/" target="_blank">Waikiki Aquarium's</a> massive coral collection, said to be one of the largest in the world. And please take the time to check out the <a href="http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1932500/coral_crochet_exhibit_opened_at_natural_history_museum/" target="_blank">crotchet coral exhibit</a> at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. <a href="http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/hreef/" target="_blank">It is amazing. </a></div>
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<i>Thank you etsy sellers for the use of your beautiful images. Everything you see here is available for purchase on Etsy. </i></div>
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<br /></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-62341558664057521382012-05-22T19:02:00.000-07:002012-05-22T19:03:08.171-07:00Instant Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eroOF_uOj2g/T7xE1HwUJdI/AAAAAAAAAog/VuncSZdgebM/s1600/instant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eroOF_uOj2g/T7xE1HwUJdI/AAAAAAAAAog/VuncSZdgebM/s320/instant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79708322/vintage-radio-instant-collection-retro?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=instant+collection&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=vintage&show_panel=true" target="_blank">AM/FM Radios Set of 3 $35.00</a></div>
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<br /></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-4804586675321678962012-05-05T18:11:00.000-07:002012-05-05T18:11:08.363-07:00Finders Keepers: The Heart of Collecting<div style="text-align: center;">
Ooooh this looks so good!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/10UkRTPEQgA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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"Meet the collectors of antique telephones and talking machines, confectionery molds, snow globes, handcuffs, brewianna and other interesting artifacts as they tell their unique tales of research, preservation and passionate pursuit. It's a fascinating and revealing look into a special fraternity of modern hunters and gatherers." </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finders-Keepers-The-Heart-Collecting/dp/B0064TLR7Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1336266533&sr=1-1">Available on Amazon.com for $19.95</a></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-31591571714252182672012-05-03T19:41:00.002-07:002012-05-05T18:13:02.953-07:00Collecting Garden Gnomes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVvfYzFi3mA/T6MvMchdpCI/AAAAAAAAAoI/3gDxj88WkNE/s1600/gnome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVvfYzFi3mA/T6MvMchdpCI/AAAAAAAAAoI/3gDxj88WkNE/s320/gnome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98193493/unieboek-gnome-ornament-vintage-1970s">Small Gnome Figurine $14.00</a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/April_showers_bring_May_flowers">April showers bring may flowers</a> and who better to serve and protect those blooming beauties than a delightful garden gnome? </div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_gnome">The Garden Gnome</a> has been gracing us with his (and sometimes her) presence for a few hundred years. Sometime near the end of the 18th century "House Gnomes" had become all the rage. They were mostly porcelain-most likely manufactured in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuringia">Thuirngia</a> area of Germany, a thriving ceramics local. World War II had a devastating effect on the production of all ceramics, especially unnecessary pieces; like yard decorations. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ker1tvFqYAU/T6M08t_uomI/AAAAAAAAAoU/M5iSUAxVMis/s1600/gnome2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ker1tvFqYAU/T6M08t_uomI/AAAAAAAAAoU/M5iSUAxVMis/s320/gnome2.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87522856/three-plastic-gnomes-vintage-1970s">Set of 3 Plastic Gnomes $11.00</a></div>
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Not only has the Gnome been labeled as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsch">kitsch</a>, but has also been the butt of many jokes and the focus of one extremely involved prank. The prank has been called a few things including "<a href="http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_1632268e-c1a1-11df-a50a-001cc4c002e0.html">The Roaming Gnome</a>," or "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_gnome_prank">The Traveling Gnome</a>." It involves a stolen gnome being photographed next to various "sights" (as if traveling) and then, most times, being returned. One extreme group dedicated to this Gnome trick goes by the name <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Gnome_Liberation_Front#Garden_Gnome_Liberation_Front">"Garden Gnome Liberationists</a>," and has been in the news since 1998, when it's leader was involved in the theft of 150 gnomes, getting himself in to some serious (french) legal trouble. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8LuUM4z9l0M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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"Gnome Wants To See The World" from Amelie</div>
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If you are interested in learning more about Gnomes, I'd suggest <a href="http://thingtheory2009.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/want-do-gnomes-want-freedom/">this very well written article. </a>Also helpful would be these titles, available on Amazon.com: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Gnomes-History-Shire-Library/dp/0747807108/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332357947&sr=1-2">"Garden Gnomes: A History</a>," "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gnomes-Thirtieth-Anniversary-Wil-Huygen/dp/0810954982/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332357774&sr=1-8">Gnomes</a>," or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gnomeland-An-Introduction-Little-People/dp/1554074061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332357544&sr=1-1">Gnomeland: An Introduction To The Little People</a>." Also, do not miss <a href="http://www.bestweekever.tv/2011-07-18/ron-the-gnome-worlds-largest-gnome-collection/">this</a> "Real Life Gnome" displaying the largest collection of Gnome memorabilia!</div>
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<i>There is no place like Gnome. </i></div>
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<br /></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-33116259138809862942012-05-01T19:24:00.003-07:002012-05-05T18:13:27.646-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be back soon, with more collections! </div>
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(I'm awaiting a Dr.'s appointment for some wrist pain that has been keeping me from the keypad) </div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-66799645897305947982012-03-19T18:44:00.000-07:002012-03-19T18:44:52.820-07:00Collecting Love Locks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiPZpKPSmQc/T2eOrrDAOrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/efcaADKzkCU/s1600/locks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiPZpKPSmQc/T2eOrrDAOrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/efcaADKzkCU/s320/locks1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81895269/love-locks-paris-fine-art-black-and">"Love Locks Paris" 5x7 Silver Gelatin Print $14.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where have I been? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides all of the obvious answers, why have I not heard of this phenomenon? For quite sometime,<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mathieus/love-padlocks-invade-the-world-8q4"><b> all across the world</b></a>, lovers are affixing "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_padlocks">Love Locks</a>" to bridges, light posts, and street signs. The padlocks are meant to represent their everlasting union. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhvS3oLJuE8/T2eQhDDyYEI/AAAAAAAAAng/zY6WQz-nnRI/s1600/locks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhvS3oLJuE8/T2eQhDDyYEI/AAAAAAAAAng/zY6WQz-nnRI/s320/locks2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81838051/le-pont-des-arts-the-love-locks-bridge">"Les Pont Des Arts" 8x10 Fine Digital Print $18.00</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is no clear origin for this custom. The legend varies from country to country. In Spain the idea is attributed to the popular book "I Want You," which has recently been made into <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0877522/">a film</a>. In Taiwan, the story goes; bridges that lay above railroad tracks contain energy capable of granting loving couples wishes. And on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Most_Ljubavi">a bridge</a> in Serbia, lovers have been leaving locks since before World War I, "protecting their love from being torn apart" which is said to have happened to a famous local couple. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tqdHMHPJaI/T2fTjQt3iuI/AAAAAAAAAnw/PbJklPgEAWM/s1600/locks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tqdHMHPJaI/T2fTjQt3iuI/AAAAAAAAAnw/PbJklPgEAWM/s320/locks3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62951411/romantic-paris-photography-heart-lock?ref=pr_faveitems">"Romantic Paris" 8x10 Fine Digital Print $25.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These romantic sentiments have caused quite the ruckus! The weight of these locks is damaging the infrastructure they are attached to. They are threatening the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/23/italy-bridges-locks-of-love">safety of bridges,</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/06/world/europe/06rome.html?_r=2">damaging historic structures</a>, and even causing (as <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1099359--toronto-parks-department-plans-to-cut-off-the-humber-bridge-s-love-locks">some city officials have put it</a>) <a href="http://www.thejournal.ie/wheres-the-love-council-removes-love-padlocks-from-dublins-hapenny-bridge-327300-Jan2012/">an eyesore</a>. In many instances, the locks are removed, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/lovelocks-return-to-the-bridges-of-paris-2293506.html">only to pop up again</a>! Lovers are being urged to express their undying connection via the Internet with sites like "<a href="http://www.lucchettipontemilvio.com/">Lucchetti Ponte Milvio</a>," and "<a href="http://www.lucchettipontemilvio.com/">The Love Grid</a>," (both digital scenarios for lovers to a fix locks) or to use designated frameworks built to <a href="http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/03/14/2003527754">safely hold the padlocks</a> of passion. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H83RagWVs7M/T2feOYUYfsI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gQfna63Vx6U/s1600/locks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H83RagWVs7M/T2feOYUYfsI/AAAAAAAAAoA/gQfna63Vx6U/s320/locks2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94414220/love-is-the-key-to-every-heart-5x7">"Love Is The Key To Every Heart" 5x7 Fine Digital Print $15.00</a><br />
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<b><i style="color: #e06666;">Isn't it Romantic?</i></b><br />
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<i>The beautiful images you see here are photographs available for sale on etsy! Thank you etsy sellers for the use of your fantastic images! </i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-76991228708466921572012-03-17T19:57:00.001-07:002012-05-22T19:23:16.167-07:00Collecting MixTapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFcqJ17kbF0/T2U8dy3AnsI/AAAAAAAAAmw/HXO4UoYQx0E/s1600/mixtape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFcqJ17kbF0/T2U8dy3AnsI/AAAAAAAAAmw/HXO4UoYQx0E/s320/mixtape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94490820/baby-onesie-hand-embroidered-mix-tape">Hand Embroidered Baby Onesie $15.00</a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mixtape">Urban Dictionary</a> definition of a mixtape is as follows: </div>
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<b>Mixtape</b> A homemade music compilation (usually on a cassette tape or a CD-R) containing all your favorite tracks. Often you give such a compiation to the guy or gal of your fancy in hopes that it will win their heart.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8FV14Rca7E/T2U-glIZSeI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Kflh8BdtuFA/s1600/mixtape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8FV14Rca7E/T2U-glIZSeI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Kflh8BdtuFA/s320/mixtape2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90301236/valentines-photography-mix-tape-8x12">"Mix Tape" Photograph $35.00</a></div>
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Over the years I have had the fine pleasure of being the recipient and the giver of many a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixtape">mixtape</a>. Some of the best gifts I have <i>ever</i> received have been mixtapes (which as I aged, were actually on CDs). There really may be no better gift to give. When presenting a mixtape to someone, you are sharing an intimate part of you. In making a melodic flow of poetry for your recipients ears to feast on, you are creating a piece of art. A mixtape is very personal. </div>
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A mixtape also, is as much selfish as it is selfless. Maybe your mixtape recipient can't stand <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9wIzi96_E">Mungo Jerry</a> (which you didn't know) but you couldn't think of a better song to start your "Summertime Mix." Maybe they told you over and over that they <b>hate</b> Talking Heads but you decided that <i>if they only heard</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTPqPZzH-LA">the (Naive Melody) version of "This Must Be The Place"</a> that they would retract every bad thing they've ever said. Or maybe when you passively put <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZJJiW1z3QY">Fruit Bats</a> on your B-side, it was your way of saying "Stupid, I've loved you all these years don't you fucking get it yet?" Mixtapes are completely narcissistic. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOT7SVChxxk/T2VCU8X8paI/AAAAAAAAAnA/thjvTDbISTE/s1600/mixtape3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOT7SVChxxk/T2VCU8X8paI/AAAAAAAAAnA/thjvTDbISTE/s320/mixtape3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95004884/iphone-4-case-with-mix-tape">Mix Tape Iphone Case $18.99</a></div>
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I've come to love (one might even say obsessed over) a number of songs that were introduced to me thru gifted mixtapes. The most memorable being <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na-UEQF4NNQ">"Bride And Groom Hot Air Balloon," by Hop Along, Queen Anselis</a> (a wonderful and heartbreaking song which to me, speaks of a dying relationship), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDzPokzLey4">"If She Could Cry" by Miracle Legion </a>one of the great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Mulcahy">Mark Mulcahy's</a> many projects, and the ever so groovy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZgaMdysMzU">"Mama Roux" by Dr. John</a>-which if anyone has any idea what this song is about, I'm dying to know (I have a few ideas). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdCrAQjH334/T2VG_xyQ4YI/AAAAAAAAAnI/0enriCUKKAQ/s1600/mixtape4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdCrAQjH334/T2VG_xyQ4YI/AAAAAAAAAnI/0enriCUKKAQ/s320/mixtape4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93837272/cassette-tape-pillow-case-purple-retro">Screen Printed Mixtape Pillow $30.00</a></div>
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There are a couple of songs I can't help but include when I am making a mix for someone. I'm pretty sure "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIkWJZf33UY">Hey</a>" has been a frequent guest on mixtapes I've created as well as "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRrM6tfOHds">Check The Rhyme</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIkU-G2wqLo">Bragging Party</a>," and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLKYngRjbQc">Books about UFO's</a>." I think I just dated myself here. I also love and have included many times over Steve Martin and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001613/">Bernadette Peter's</a> sweet <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI8NuFAETMQ">duet</a> from the film "The Jerk." Every time I hear it, I can see the scene play in my head and I smile at the part where she pulls out the trumpet at the end. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql0ukkg7Wgs/T2VJ8L3PXDI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/cMnoToysOqQ/s1600/mix5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql0ukkg7Wgs/T2VJ8L3PXDI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/cMnoToysOqQ/s320/mix5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67101204/6x6-retro-cassette-tapes-print">Cassette Tape Print $9.00</a></div>
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If you are interested in learning more about mixtapes pick up the wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thurston_Moore">Thurson Moore</a> edited "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mix-Tape-Art-Cassette-Culture/dp/0789311992/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328817865&sr=1-2">Mix Tape: The Art Of Cassette Culture</a>." If you are curious about the hip hop compilation side of things-which I did not touch on, check out this <a href="http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape/news_feature_021003/index8.jhtml">MTV produced site</a>. And of course read Nick Hornby's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Fidelity_%28novel%29">High Fidelity</a>," where the ins and outs of mixtape creation are discussed at length. If you don't read books (which makes me sad to think) watch the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146882/">film adaptation</a> starring the likeable <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000131/">John Cusack</a>. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KgzeHd5wpU4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>keep mixing</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">All of the wonderful mixtape related items you see here are available for purchase on etsy. Thank you esty sellers for the use of your lovely photographs. </span> </i></span></div>
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</div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-80197449586082953212012-03-04T08:02:00.000-08:002012-03-04T08:02:11.004-08:00....it's been awhile...<div style="text-align: center;">sometimes life gets in the way of blogging</div><div style="text-align: center;">i'll be back soon </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">INSTANT COLLECTION</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVSwlqcS5Lg/T1ORdP_ZgpI/AAAAAAAAAmo/PEiLiOU5k7E/s1600/clockeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVSwlqcS5Lg/T1ORdP_ZgpI/AAAAAAAAAmo/PEiLiOU5k7E/s320/clockeys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93799809/vintage-collection-clock-keys-brass?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=collection&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_favorite_listing_id=94007040&ga_show_panel=true&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage">Vintage Brass Clock Keys set of 13 $26.00</a></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-5091945687177124482012-02-04T15:07:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:07:45.189-08:00Collecting Vintage Valentines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZaqE61iA4/Ty1c7WV72bI/AAAAAAAAAlw/p6JKT8bcW2I/s1600/val1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZaqE61iA4/Ty1c7WV72bI/AAAAAAAAAlw/p6JKT8bcW2I/s320/val1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89698171/vintage-1930s-valentines-card-valentines">Boy and Dog $6.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a killer sweet tooth. I mean that. Its really, really bad-always has been. I spent a lot of time at the dentist growing up. My dentist was about 275 years old. He had been my mom's dentist her whole life. He was tall and lanky, wore glasses, and was sweet as apple pie. I remember his office vividly (probably because I spent so much time there). He had 70's looking avocado green dental equipment and the walls were covered in wood paneling. There were windows you could look out but the chair usually faced a large cartoon style map of Minneapolis. Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still see that drawing. It was very detailed and interesting to look at, but by the 7th cavity fill of that quarter it got pretty boring. Luckily every February the whole office would transform. My dentist had a passion for collecting vintage Valentines and would cover the walls and doors with his collection. I loved that time of year. Sometimes he would even take Valentines down and let me hold them while he told me where he found them. A true collector, he was thrilled with the hunt. I always think of him whenever I see an old Valentine. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXU7hqD_KS0/Ty1gEe3dUAI/AAAAAAAAAl4/df6sCmdjXYM/s1600/val2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXU7hqD_KS0/Ty1gEe3dUAI/AAAAAAAAAl4/df6sCmdjXYM/s320/val2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89514772/vintage-1940s-waac-wwii-paper-doll">W.A.A.C. Paper Doll Valentine $12.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day">Valentines Day</a> falls on February 14th each year. It is a holiday in which lovers express said love for each other, traditionally with flowers, candle lit dinners, heart shaped things, chocolate and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeting_card">greeting cards</a>. The first Valentines cards were hand written but over time have made way for more mass produced greetings. These cards, for the most part, depict images of hearts, cupids and love struck victims. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EJ162koNwI/Ty1icWUh0YI/AAAAAAAAAmI/SepihNK8pWg/s1600/val4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EJ162koNwI/Ty1icWUh0YI/AAAAAAAAAmI/SepihNK8pWg/s320/val4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89868006/vintage-1930s-valentine-love-sick">Love Sick Valentine $12.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Early Valentines were much more elaborate. At the start of the 1800's, mechanical Valentines were in vogue. With a opening and closing or the pulling of a tab, the Valentines would come to life. These tended to be on the bigger side and would sometimes increase the cost of mailing. But boy were they interesting! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T34-pRiptBs/Ty1jsOg9SXI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/p_CtvwM6pKQ/s1600/val5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T34-pRiptBs/Ty1jsOg9SXI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/p_CtvwM6pKQ/s320/val5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89907240/vintage-mechanical-valentine-girl-in">Girl and The Goat Mechanical Valentine $15.50</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">By the 19th century sending valentines was such a popular thing to do, Valentines were being mass produced in factories. The postal rate had gone down which also spiked an interest in Valentine exchanging. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that 190 million Valentines are sent each year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Du5b3rahDNE/Ty20IZi_3pI/AAAAAAAAAmY/9cWgIrxhonE/s1600/val6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Du5b3rahDNE/Ty20IZi_3pI/AAAAAAAAAmY/9cWgIrxhonE/s320/val6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've Got A Secret Valentine $6.00</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in collecting vintage Valentines the best starting place for resources would be <a href="http://www.ephemerasociety.org/">The Ephemera Society of America</a>. Through them you can been connected to a network of other Valentines collectors. You can sign up to receive their newsletter and you can learn about upcoming ephemera conventions. (Which BTW the Antiquarian Book And Paper Show is happening <u>this weekend</u> at the Concourse Center in SF-check it out if you are in the Bay Area). </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> These titles are available on Amazon.com; "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Years-Valentines-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/076430707X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328289054&sr=1-2">One Hundred Years of Valentines</a>," or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Greetings-Love-Book-Valentines-Architecture/dp/1565549937/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328288459&sr=1-1">Greetings With Love: The Book of Valentines</a>." If it is prices or values you are interested in check out "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Valentines-Values-Schiffer-Book-Collectors/dp/0887409326/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328289054&sr=1-4">Valentines With Values</a>," or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Valentines-Price-Dan-Campanelli/dp/0895380781/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328289054&sr=1-5">Romantic Valentines: A Price Guide</a>."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhjaLQgw6A/Ty2258niq5I/AAAAAAAAAmg/SeBUsniIMh4/s1600/val7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhjaLQgw6A/Ty2258niq5I/AAAAAAAAAmg/SeBUsniIMh4/s320/val7.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88423748/vintage-1920s-flapper-girl-mechanical?ref=pr_faveitems">Flapper Girl Mechanical Valentine $4.50</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want more? Check out the <a href="http://www.vintagevalentinemuseum.com/">Vintage Valentine Museum</a>, a blog with pages and pages of Valentines. The <a href="http://postalheritage.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/valentine-cards/">British Postal Museum</a> has a collection online also! And did you know there is <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vintage-valentines-day-cards/id351900355?mt=8">an app</a>? Vintage Valentines for your IPhone for only $1.99.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All of the amazing Valentines you see here are available for purchase on Etsy. Thank you so much Etsy sellers for the use of your great images!</i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-45797369349442631902012-02-01T19:55:00.000-08:002012-02-01T19:55:12.297-08:00Collecting Fruit Jars (Mason Jars, Ball Jars, Atlas Jars)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q1EfiOaNeI/Tyn4nItAb1I/AAAAAAAAAlA/eYmby85KtlU/s1600/jar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q1EfiOaNeI/Tyn4nItAb1I/AAAAAAAAAlA/eYmby85KtlU/s320/jar1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64496680/jar-with-frog-lid">Ball Jar with Frog Lid $22.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The problem with being a collector of many collections is I end up with all kinds of little doodads and whatsits. Its no wonder that within my collection of collections lives a stockpile of storage. I have lots of jars. I've always had lots of jars. Weather I am collecting my brown vitamin bottles to keep beads or buttons or ribbons, or I'm paying top garage sale dollar for a strong shoulder Atlas jar for my collection, I seem to hoard jars. One year for Christmas my mom mailed me a box of Ball masons and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collectors-Guide-Ball-Jars/dp/9990394032/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328046569&sr=1-2"> a book </a>on collecting them. I even took a trip on the coast of Maine and came back with the required sticks and shells, but the only souvenir I managed to pick up for myself was a pair of aqua, glass lid Ball jars (which I of course filled with moss before loading them in my suit case).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXzkMCUAI94/Tyn7oxWw8vI/AAAAAAAAAlI/ihc0UnP6yzI/s1600/jar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXzkMCUAI94/Tyn7oxWw8vI/AAAAAAAAAlI/ihc0UnP6yzI/s320/jar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90019469/3-hazel-atlas-strong-shoulder">Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason Jars set of 3 $40.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because a good strong canning jar is built to last and last and <b>last</b>, they are always up for grabs at your local thrift store, second hand store, estate and garage sales. I always keep my eyes peeled for a new jar to add to my collection. Weather or not I am <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-storage-s-1-127751">displaying them</a>, I always need more jars. They make great vases! And they are the perfect addition to a home made treat from the kitchen-I was gifted some gorgeous handmade marbled marsh mellows this past winter holiday and they came-for all eyes to view-in a mason jar wrapped with a red ribbon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3wNesv57B4/Tyn-Phmzd3I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/fur67fdqltg/s1600/jar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3wNesv57B4/Tyn-Phmzd3I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/fur67fdqltg/s320/jar3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86517565/dried-lavender-blue-perfect-mason-ball">Blue tinted Ball Mason Jar w/ lid $12.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The need for canning jars was a long time coming. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon">Napoleon </a>even issued a reward to the person who could come up with a surefire way to keep fresh food available for his soldiers. In 1858 John Mason applied for a patent for the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_jar">Mason Jar</a>." The invention changed food preservation immensely. Canning jars took on many forms after that, each manufacture attempting to improve the seal or lid. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Brothers">The Ball Brothers</a> created the "Ball Jar," which due to popularity is synonymous with the Mason Jar. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/A-View-Showing-the-First-Mason-Jars-One-Wooden-Model-and-One-Glass-Model-Posters_i7117694_.htm"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy8BLVG4cRE/TyoBy9jM5bI/AAAAAAAAAlY/KOmUw5fIQuQ/s320/jar4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Early Mason Jars Wooden Model/Glass Model</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some collectors strive to collect every single bottle they can. Others look for specific colors. Some are looking for logos with specific fonts or scripts. And some collectors are simply looking for <a href="http://www.antiquebottles.com/fruitjar/fame.html">the most rare pieces</a> they can find. <a href="http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=353498">This article</a> on Food.com can help you identify your mason jar, as well as <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tips-for-identi-126591">this article</a> on ApartmentThearpy. Or if you are trying to date your Ball jar you might find help <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Eraclay/DatingBalljars.HTML">here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZynOAmB0mg/TyoESFsib3I/AAAAAAAAAlg/Gzs0RzFWP0c/s1600/jar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZynOAmB0mg/TyoESFsib3I/AAAAAAAAAlg/Gzs0RzFWP0c/s320/jar5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88648365/vintage-ball-jar-teal-blue-with-wire">Teal Ball Mason Jar w/ Glass lid and Wire Basket $22.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in learning more about collecting Mason Jars, a great resource available is the <a href="http://www.fohbc.org/">Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors</a>. They host wonderful glass bottle themed events, put out a quarterly and run a large network for other collectors to connect. There are dozens of books out there on the subject. Ask your local librarian to recommend some titles that your library may carry. Amazon.com has a few available for purchase. These may be helpful to your inquiry: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/1000-Fruit-Jars-Bill-Schroeder/dp/0891453474/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328046247&sr=1-5">1000 Fruit Jars.</a>" (with 2010 pricing), "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Book-Collectors-Guide-Fruit/dp/0965555860/ref=sr_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328047238&sr=1-18">Red Book 9, The Collectors Guide To Old Fruit Jars</a>," and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collectors-Guide-Ball-Jars/dp/9990394032/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328046569&sr=1-2">A Collectors Guide To Ball Jars</a>." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSQMyxtYqPM/TyoG0UwKnTI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7jy8pqgwr8g/s1600/jar6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSQMyxtYqPM/TyoG0UwKnTI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7jy8pqgwr8g/s320/jar6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91867149/number-13-blue-vintage-ball-pint-perfect">Number 13 Blue Ball Mason Jar $48.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All of the sweet jars you see here are available for purchase on Etsy. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your stunning photos!</i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-72437518717729020102012-01-31T09:03:00.000-08:002012-01-31T09:03:59.718-08:00Attn: Minneapolis; Exhibit Closing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2F1UCqity0/TygZnC--JJI/AAAAAAAAAko/3oFIzeA4Qv4/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2F1UCqity0/TygZnC--JJI/AAAAAAAAAko/3oFIzeA4Qv4/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Man oh man it's been a busy busy month. My daughter turned one and on top of putting together a very special, low maintenance cupcake and balloon party, I've had some other heavy lifestyle issues to deal with. I wont get too personal here, but instead I'll share something that I've had the chance to enjoy. On the 1st floor of the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&gs_upl=5853l9554l1l9790l34l22l0l0l0l1l1161l8322l2-12.5.2.1.0.2l22l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1525&bih=666&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,14207980514366553254&fb=1&hq=institute+of+the+arts&hnear=0x52b333909377bbbd:0x939fc9842f7aee07,Minneapolis,+MN&gl=us&daddr=2400+3rd+Ave+S,+Minneapolis,+MN+55404-3506&geocode=0,44.958087,-93.27311">Minneapolis Institute of the Arts</a> is a small exhibit of <a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/2011/10/collecting-cast-iron-mechanical-banks.html">Mechanical and Still Banks. </a>The exhibit is titled "<a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/2011/10/collecting-cast-iron-mechanical-banks.html">Mechanical Menagerie</a>: Selections from the Kathrine Kierland Herberger Collection of Banks." It is a pretty impressive collection and it runs through the end of March. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONkh5OTVBEk/TygdbdQ42fI/AAAAAAAAAkw/jRNTWmJVkTk/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONkh5OTVBEk/TygdbdQ42fI/AAAAAAAAAkw/jRNTWmJVkTk/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Considering the MIA is a free facility, you really have no excuse for missing this show. And while you are there you can check out the period rooms, the amazing modern collection and the adorable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright">Frank Lloyd Wright</a> diorama. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmLVDkihUbo/Tygd-qD-mQI/AAAAAAAAAk4/SeWk-Kc-Gkg/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmLVDkihUbo/Tygd-qD-mQI/AAAAAAAAAk4/SeWk-Kc-Gkg/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-8457987135116547632012-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:59:11.828-08:00Collecting Vintage Luggage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Ja5brctbY/TxZA31k0sdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/MkZuYIAEfmA/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Ja5brctbY/TxZA31k0sdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/MkZuYIAEfmA/s320/luggage.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89584138/brown-samsonite-train-case-repurposed">Samsonite Train Case $32.99</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love storage. And I love thrifting, digging and picking. Over the years I have accumulated a number of vintage suitcases and luggage. They are so easy to find and look wonderful tucked in a corner or piled up high. They are the perfect addition to hide other collections I'm not displaying at the moment. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc0SSmuJcs0/TxZCPwzYBmI/AAAAAAAAAkI/BKYtiFnN33Q/s1600/luggage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc0SSmuJcs0/TxZCPwzYBmI/AAAAAAAAAkI/BKYtiFnN33Q/s320/luggage2.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89543309/rustic-yellow-weave-wooden-suitcase">1940's wooden suitcase $65.00</a><br />
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Vintage luggage carries (pun intended) a wide range of price points. Some of the less expensive pieces could be mere pennies at your local thrift store, or something like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Vuitton">Louis Vuitton</a>, coveted by high end collecters, could be in the thousands. This site had some <a href="http://www.vintageseekers.com/buyers-guide/luxury-luggage">helpful information</a> on choosing the right European luxury piece.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aocNjdsXIPM/TxhErjUBvJI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/d7GZeM4lnWY/s1600/luggage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aocNjdsXIPM/TxhErjUBvJI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/d7GZeM4lnWY/s320/luggage3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74368692/vintage-french-suitcase-french-country">Linen Lined French Suitcase $125</a><br />
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One issue that luggage collectors face is cleanliness. Often a suitcase, especially if it has been well loved, or stored in the depths of ones estate for years on end, can come with it's own special smell. The case may also be scuffed, blemished or have sticky residue from peeled off <a href="http://eclectictravel.hubpages.com/hub/vintage-travel-posters">luggae labels</a>. Thanks to the "High Planes Thrifter!" Here is <a href="http://highplainsthrifter.net/2010/04/06/how-to-clean-vintage-luggage/">expert advice</a> on cleaning and maintaining your vintage luggage pieces. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYkSVZiDdBU/TxhHBl7j6GI/AAAAAAAAAkY/9MFXMGxXgB4/s1600/luggage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYkSVZiDdBU/TxhHBl7j6GI/AAAAAAAAAkY/9MFXMGxXgB4/s320/luggage4.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85593567/vintage-red-tiara-train-case-by-american">American Tourister Traincase in Red $29.00</a><br />
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If you love the printed word as much as I do and are looking to sink your eyes into some vintage luggage literature I recommend; "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Luggage-History-Helenka-Gulshan/dp/0856674982">Vintage Luggage: A Case History</a>," and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Antique-Trunks-Pat-Morse/dp/0873496469/ref=sr_1_35?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326857061&sr=1-35">Antique Trunks: Identification and Price Guide.</a>"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_fK1D18Z3o/TxhIhNF_bqI/AAAAAAAAAkg/3dy0afXrjK0/s1600/luggage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_fK1D18Z3o/TxhIhNF_bqI/AAAAAAAAAkg/3dy0afXrjK0/s320/luggage5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Antique-Trunks-Pat-Morse/dp/0873496469/ref=sr_1_35?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326857061&sr=1-35">Handpainted Circular Overnighter $60.00</a><br />
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<i>Can't get enough? Check out this <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/10/sneak-peek-best-of-luggage-in-homes.html">luggage eye candy</a> over at DesignSponge. </i><br />
<i>Tired of keeping your luggage stacked in a pile in the corner? Or Stuffed way back in your closet? Try making it into<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/10/sneak-peek-best-of-luggage-in-homes.html"> a beautiful coffee table</a>! </i><br />
<i>Surprise your little one with the unexpected-<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/283445370267111572/">a doll house inside of a suitcase</a> (thanks to the creative minds over at birch & bird!)</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-10748725766557812622012-01-12T19:06:00.000-08:002012-01-12T19:06:49.368-08:00I Collect: Kaylah<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been reading Kaylah's blog for awhile now. I love her style, her wit and her love of cats! The other morning, while enjoying a cup of joe and a sleeping baby, I was checking in on Kaylah to see what she's been up to when it <b>hit</b> me-I collect interview! I'm super pumped to share with you Kaylah's strange and awesome tooth collection. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlLJ90EOMSM/Tw-baGy8gwI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4UVARFex3m4/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlLJ90EOMSM/Tw-baGy8gwI/AAAAAAAAAjY/4UVARFex3m4/s320/IMG_6005.JPG" width="231" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>My Name is:</b> Kaylah Doolan. I'm a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircusBearVintage?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">small business owner</a> and full time blogger over at <a href="http://daintysquid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Dainty Squid</a>. I love cats, mycology, and of course, collecting way more things that I need.<br />
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<b>I collect:</b> teeth! I collect both human and animal teeth, tooth shaped things (brooches, planters, etc) and dental items (like slides, ceramic molds, etc)<br />
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<b>Its been going on for:</b> a few years. My collection has really bulked up over the last few months though!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KkjRUsrCrI/Tw-dL7jChtI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Xc8SJ8OVM6Y/s1600/IMG_2661+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KkjRUsrCrI/Tw-dL7jChtI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Xc8SJ8OVM6Y/s320/IMG_2661+copy.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I look for additions to my collections at:</b> everywhere I go! A walk in the woods might find me an animal skull with teeth for my collection but I would have to say estate sales and ebay are my main source of additions. <br />
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<b>When I find one I feel:</b> Excited! It's a natural high to find pieces for any of my collections. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cH_OvycyhOo/Tw-drLBnpSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/XdLl92E0jOE/s1600/IMG_2668+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cH_OvycyhOo/Tw-drLBnpSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/XdLl92E0jOE/s320/IMG_2668+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>The star of my collection is:</b> my teeth! I got 8 teeth pulled when I got braces - four wisdom teeth and four others to make room for my teeth to straighten out. It was a pain finding a dentist who would let me keep them because they're apparently "biohazards" but it was totally worth it! <br />
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<b>The oddest piece in my collection is:</b> a strangers dentures! I found them in the garage at an estate sale of someone who recently died. They were in a box with a few other things and I was certain they'd cost more than I'd want to pay, especially since I just wanted them because they were so weird. But they ended up costing me fifty cents and since then I've bought four more pairs for my collection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHqCM-kfju4/Tw-eEZek1pI/AAAAAAAAAjw/MC5-QtH5Ap8/s1600/IMG_2688+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHqCM-kfju4/Tw-eEZek1pI/AAAAAAAAAjw/MC5-QtH5Ap8/s320/IMG_2688+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>A way my collection has gotten me into a tight situation:</b> I don't think my collection has ever really gotten me in a tight situation. Sometimes I do feel a bit awkward about admitting I collect teeth because everyone thinks it's really gross, weird, or inhumane. All of the real teeth in my collection come from consenting humans or deceased animals so it's not inhumane! As for gross, all of my collection has been cleaned thoroughly, and bleached when necessary. But I guess I can see how it could be weird! ;)<br />
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<b>Some other things I like to collect are: </b>vintage paint by numbers, cameras, nesting dolls, mushrooms, cuckoo clocks, vintage dresses, belts, keys, both faux and real taxidermy and maybe a few other things that I can't think of off the top of my head.<br />
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<b>My family and friends think my collection is:</b> strange, but they're very supportive. My dad got a bunch of teeth pulled sometime before Christmas and my mom gave them to me all packaged up nice in a fancy jewelry box, so I'd certainly say they understand me! ;) I come from a long line of collectors. My grandma was a collector, my dad is, I most definitely am, and my 8 year old nephew is too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so25UFUjBdk/Tw-epaULjII/AAAAAAAAAj4/N6I2NYFHu6o/s1600/IMG_2701+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so25UFUjBdk/Tw-epaULjII/AAAAAAAAAj4/N6I2NYFHu6o/s320/IMG_2701+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thanks for sharing Kaylah!</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">See previous I Collect Interview<span style="background-color: white;">s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> </span><a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/search/label/I%20Collect%20Interview" style="background-color: white; color: black;">Here</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-71489019660805859592012-01-10T19:04:00.000-08:002012-01-10T19:04:47.513-08:00Tara Donovan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAxzN0etVQg/TwzxeHnYvvI/AAAAAAAAAio/5IW6XDboCtQ/s1600/tara1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vAxzN0etVQg/TwzxeHnYvvI/AAAAAAAAAio/5IW6XDboCtQ/s320/tara1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1044263570"></span>Styrofoam Cups, Hot Glue/ACE GALLERY</a><br />
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I <b>love </b>it when an artist creates work by collecting something usually taken for granted and turning it into an absolute thing of beauty. So is the case of artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Donovan">Tara Donovan</a>, the Brooklyn artist and winner of the <a href="http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.4537253/k.8750/Tara_Donovan.htm">MacArthur genius grant</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPWzsJzLq34/TwzzHr2x_tI/AAAAAAAAAiw/iyYagKtsmpY/s1600/tara2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPWzsJzLq34/TwzzHr2x_tI/AAAAAAAAAiw/iyYagKtsmpY/s320/tara2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.acegallery.net/artwork.php?pageNum_ACE=41&totalRows_ACE=58&Artist=8">Toothpicks/ACE GALLERY</a><br />
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Using everyday materials, Donovan creates mystifying sculptures and site-specific installations. Some of her pieces involve hours of labor and a team of work. She must be in love with the process, creating something so completely tedious, an OCD-ers dream even! Read <a href="http://observatory.designobserver.com/entry.html?entry=7417">this great interview</a> at The Design Observer Group! Then watch <a href="http://blog.art21.org/2010/04/08/prelude-a-discussion-with-tara-donovan/">this art:21 discussion</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zHiYYXv1AQ/Twz0nfwoSzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/R8ySN4tHPvI/s1600/tara3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zHiYYXv1AQ/Twz0nfwoSzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/R8ySN4tHPvI/s320/tara3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.acegallery.net/artwork.php?pageNum_ACE=21&totalRows_ACE=58&Artist=8">"Nebulous" Scotch Tape/ACE GALLERY</a> <br />
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Her work was featured in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Biennial">Whitney Biennial</a> in 2001. She won the Calder Prize in 2005. In 2006 she had her first solo exhibit at the Pace Gallery (who currently represents her). She had a <a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/the-right-stuff-tara-donovan-is-the-ultimate-material-girl/">well received</a> solo show last February at the Pace Gallery, of her <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663295/tara-donovans-brilliant-drawings-made-of-thousands-of-pins-slideshow">Pin Drawings</a>. And she's shown many other places; including but not limited to; the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Museum_of_Art">Met</a>, Cleveland Contemporary Art Museum,<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/01/art-review-tara-donovan-san-diego-museum-of-contemporary-art.html"> San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art</a>, at BAM UC Berkeley and the Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnUn6kKnJgg/Twz4uTjDtcI/AAAAAAAAAjA/-iicNLdODAE/s1600/tara4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnUn6kKnJgg/Twz4uTjDtcI/AAAAAAAAAjA/-iicNLdODAE/s320/tara4.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/the-right-stuff-tara-donovan-is-the-ultimate-material-girl/">Pins/NY TIMES</a><br />
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Tara Donovan, I've got my eye on you! I can't wait to see what you come up with next. In the mean time, I'll be picking up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Donovan/dp/1580932134">this lovely book</a> made in conjunction with your solo exhibit at the Institute for Contemporary Art/Boston. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4-IkUV4N0E/Twz6IK3pQWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/BkmQ3WsqZMo/s1600/tara5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4-IkUV4N0E/Twz6IK3pQWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/BkmQ3WsqZMo/s320/tara5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.acegallery.net/artwork.php?pageNum_ACE=14&totalRows_ACE=58&Artist=8">Paper Plates/ACE GALLERY</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n9hz4IGVtQ/Twz6YYeks0I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/LFWfRAxgKiY/s1600/tara6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n9hz4IGVtQ/Twz6YYeks0I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/LFWfRAxgKiY/s320/tara6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.acegallery.net/artwork.php?pageNum_ACE=45&totalRows_ACE=58&Artist=8">Buttons/ACE GALLERY</a><br />
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!!!<br />
<i> </i><br />
<span id="goog_1044263571"></span></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-23089729208241876982012-01-06T19:31:00.000-08:002012-01-06T19:31:51.955-08:00Instant Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzNYkL5PaAA/Twe8MaxFu7I/AAAAAAAAAig/Y_kMCqKuPUY/s1600/instant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzNYkL5PaAA/Twe8MaxFu7I/AAAAAAAAAig/Y_kMCqKuPUY/s320/instant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88188858/for-filing-vintage-instant-collection-of?ref=sr_gallery_25&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=instant+collection+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage">Mini Staplers Set of 3 $5.50</a></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-17716697128217909272012-01-01T19:01:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:01:18.682-08:00Collecting Jadeite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogQl6BKyEnl3PG2fEXielqeNClmp90HMQTWfvc1o6gQhc0qGBjPG_J6hKA4HDNBxWQFDcsgGn2FS4keeMlTJn_KUGOYdNBSNSyXraW8xj33XLHe5qadgn0Xwao4wOJDWx72rDrUgLut4/s1600/jadite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogQl6BKyEnl3PG2fEXielqeNClmp90HMQTWfvc1o6gQhc0qGBjPG_J6hKA4HDNBxWQFDcsgGn2FS4keeMlTJn_KUGOYdNBSNSyXraW8xj33XLHe5qadgn0Xwao4wOJDWx72rDrUgLut4/s320/jadite1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72940273/sale-anchor-hocking-green-fired-on-flour">Anchor Hocking Flour Shaker $45.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't usually make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_resolution">New Years resolutions</a>, but if I made one for this next year, it would be something like "learn more." I love learning about new things. Writing for<a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/2011/06/collections.html"> The Collect Collective</a> really gives me the opportunity to hone in on new subjects of interest. One collectible I've been curious about, ever since I started digging around estate sales and antique shops, is <b>Jadeite</b>. I've always had my hands full (literally) with too many other collections, that I haven't picked up any jadeite for myself yet. One day I hope to have a wall of jadeite in my kitchen, a whole wall of that delicious green. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anchorhocking.com/blog/93-tracking-down-vintage.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysMLCpRPxiDMu1M3fQUzr_uu9XEtg1ynvN8mnVC9PKLvJA-TZbyLokzffo5dcLXAGaA_TcXElG9fKxiilzB90lzzs1VbQCN8AdLcaerN_aE3iEWlsYs2ROl-OwiKsIJijkyfYSeJNCOY/s320/Jade-Ite3poser.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jadeite used to be so cheap it was free! It was the prize found buried in tubs of Quaker Oatmeal or the buyers incentive with a sack of flour. Many restaurants and institutions served meals on jadeite due to it's durability and resistance. Because of it's high threshold for breakage, there are many pieces still out there today. (and large collections too, see: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/851601/marthas-jadeite-collection">Martha's</a>, <a href="http://www.pauladeen.com/food_section_articles/view2/paula_collects_vintage_jadeite/">Paula's</a>, and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2008/04/my-favorite-things-fire-king-jadite/">the Pioneer Woman's</a>). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTlHUt6ym4QlPE6t9oYt4r_nNu-xt4TaRILBX7zrWAdi6PX6PuZ-VXUhJNKInmMMBcCRu7c8rCSYpoofos1N7sJGB9f-d_YA5wX0ogbfFbXn3LHfNL3tM8DuPNJWoB9JMpmTo8GyoTJI/s1600/jadite3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTlHUt6ym4QlPE6t9oYt4r_nNu-xt4TaRILBX7zrWAdi6PX6PuZ-VXUhJNKInmMMBcCRu7c8rCSYpoofos1N7sJGB9f-d_YA5wX0ogbfFbXn3LHfNL3tM8DuPNJWoB9JMpmTo8GyoTJI/s320/jadite3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88853485/jeannette-jadeite-bud-vase">Jeannette Bud Vase $24.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jadeite was mass produced beginning in the 1930's. Mckee was the first manufacture-and the least popular among today's collectors. Jeannette Glass Company is credited with popularizing the term "Jadeite." <a href="http://www.anchorhocking.com/index.html?section=home">The Anchor Hocking Company</a>, near Lancaster PA, is most known for it's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_King">Fire King</a>" glass ware. Fire King was produced in a variety of colors, but their Jade-ite remains<a href="http://spglass.com/fkrarities.html"> the most sought after</a>. This article offers some <a href="http://doit101.com/collectibles/jadite.html">helpful hints</a> for identifying the producer a jadeite piece. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpKzz_x35QSchhgzyyL_4vA4yeXUVlyPVcSO1QUofRfKtl8CszFTF6F-gVEwzE6Bw8CydGCpy8Uuc6m4gSGUtcm2b-p_gJFhkaHiPq8MWUsG3gAyVVguQRyBD9mucPwI-6HYQ44NOv-Y/s1600/jadite4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpKzz_x35QSchhgzyyL_4vA4yeXUVlyPVcSO1QUofRfKtl8CszFTF6F-gVEwzE6Bw8CydGCpy8Uuc6m4gSGUtcm2b-p_gJFhkaHiPq8MWUsG3gAyVVguQRyBD9mucPwI-6HYQ44NOv-Y/s320/jadite4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84876915/fire-king-jadite-batter-bowl-good">Fire King Batter Bowl $35.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in learning more about Jadeite I'd suggest checking out some of these titles: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jadite-Identification-Price-Joe-Keller/dp/0764318217/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325004380&sr=1-1">Jadeite: An Identification & Price Guide</a>," or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delphite-Jadite-Pocket-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764316400/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325004380&sr=1-2">Delphite and Jadeite A Pocket Book For Collectors</a>." If it's Fire King your are most interested in, available in it's 4 edition is: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hockings-Fire-King-More-4th/dp/1574326287/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325471885&sr=1-1">Anchor Hocking's Fire King & More.</a>" Also helpful Fire Kings specific reads are; "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unauthorized-Fire-king-Glasswares-Monica-Clements/dp/0764325159/ref=pd_rhf_se_shvl29">Unauthorized Guide To Fire-King Glasswares</a>," and (with a spectacular jacket, I might add) "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/collectors-Anchor-Hockings-Fire-King-glassware/dp/0963511912/ref=pd_rhf_se_shvl40">A Collector's Guide To Anchor Hockings "Fire-King" Glasswares</a>." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHotEss8TIcO7rUmJJ9ocpCLxDf_Uwl2usEAvONDhMQNSg-N30X3k2HByS9eBusRKUBbjkH86L_3Gm3K0eOwgrR07XDsbUIRawf5cCGEmfnRRUHvI4F23KHlFucxY4k2LSIKw-y1kq2jY/s1600/jadite2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHotEss8TIcO7rUmJJ9ocpCLxDf_Uwl2usEAvONDhMQNSg-N30X3k2HByS9eBusRKUBbjkH86L_3Gm3K0eOwgrR07XDsbUIRawf5cCGEmfnRRUHvI4F23KHlFucxY4k2LSIKw-y1kq2jY/s320/jadite2.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHotEss8TIcO7rUmJJ9ocpCLxDf_Uwl2usEAvONDhMQNSg-N30X3k2HByS9eBusRKUBbjkH86L_3Gm3K0eOwgrR07XDsbUIRawf5cCGEmfnRRUHvI4F23KHlFucxY4k2LSIKw-y1kq2jY/s1600/jadite2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88870029/jadeite-heavy-c-ring-handle-cup-with">Unmarked Cup & Footed Saucer $25.00</a></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Display your Jadeite loud and proud, make 'em all <b><span style="color: #93c47d;">green </span></b>with envy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Jadeite items you see here are available for purchase on Etsy. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your gorgeous photographs! </i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-90961035172130459692011-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:002011-12-30T18:03:55.944-08:00Instant Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBjAKIIrJxR2WeQGd85IfXm-9YdV9W6gWdzDRkIvs__GW21O4LWNd479iMrzejDJTrIjjCC6Zsiq6G58Kh7RdrOXNreVaL_QgCZNSM6V2zm5YyzPEEhygX6xtMHcXBblnlaZOhkIxc2o/s1600/instant+collecton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBjAKIIrJxR2WeQGd85IfXm-9YdV9W6gWdzDRkIvs__GW21O4LWNd479iMrzejDJTrIjjCC6Zsiq6G58Kh7RdrOXNreVaL_QgCZNSM6V2zm5YyzPEEhygX6xtMHcXBblnlaZOhkIxc2o/s320/instant+collecton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79595384/vintage-swizzle-sticks-collection-of-50?ref=pr_faveitems">Swizzle Sticks Set of 50 $15.00</a></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-42782588878703114252011-12-24T20:44:00.000-08:002011-12-24T20:44:38.549-08:00Collecting Enamelware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA9WlbJ3WsCZmP9lQH6HP-y1QnNQ5TMPvUtxeIiRvu7_OLQnWGYlRlDcQe5_ExHQ1J7KyPgoJ_Qx9UbJbOeJzs4gYaME_eQiUIfbJhJZ4_GhEG5ci5MiM6AGqh8kcy0Gw9W2V2nxEyCo/s1600/enamel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA9WlbJ3WsCZmP9lQH6HP-y1QnNQ5TMPvUtxeIiRvu7_OLQnWGYlRlDcQe5_ExHQ1J7KyPgoJ_Qx9UbJbOeJzs4gYaME_eQiUIfbJhJZ4_GhEG5ci5MiM6AGqh8kcy0Gw9W2V2nxEyCo/s320/enamel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88795529/mid-century-cathrineholm-lotus-pattern?ref=v1_other_2">Cathrineholm Lotus Frying Pan and Set of 3 Plates $310.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's Christmas eve and I'm in a cabin in the woods drinking tea and waiting for Santa to come. We've been doing a lot of cooking and eating these past few days. The cabin has always been where old plates and dishes come to retire. There are plenty of cast iron cast offs, mis-matched silverware and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitreous_enamel">enameled</a> dishes. Enamel wear works at the cabin but it also looks great displayed in collection! I think I might grab a piece or two and take them home with me to love them all year long, instead of just on long weekends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid11-JXOKwxAP7MtR0prN1XPuXjXn8r8nThXFnhvoOUct1yvFksh4ujnJNiWLZjoqlJdSwpqyVpMn3JGdQgN08QZosCRpCGxbCKSIJ2Vnwbzk3Njj3Xk0z02h4uOBuzzsz0kKA6tskEzA/s1600/enamel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid11-JXOKwxAP7MtR0prN1XPuXjXn8r8nThXFnhvoOUct1yvFksh4ujnJNiWLZjoqlJdSwpqyVpMn3JGdQgN08QZosCRpCGxbCKSIJ2Vnwbzk3Njj3Xk0z02h4uOBuzzsz0kKA6tskEzA/s320/enamel2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87121455/cherry-red-vintage-enamelware-ladle">Red Enameled Ladle $24.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enamelware first gained popularity around the same time it became readily available in mail-order catalogues and dry goods stores, this was around the end of the 19th Century. Items like biscuit cutters, ladles and baking tins were stamped out of thin sheets of iron or aluminium and then coated in enamel. It was much lighter than the kitchenware previously used and much less fragile than the very fashionable china ware was. The trend picked up quite quickly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMzhyphenhyphen0A5GFZJ53Ia2RxeaxcyZ4xreI5EeTx78y_WlQAF_BplafGVWR15Wbz-3wZiAoTduhrOGO999HgdaZfx42BNCnS-AP1r2mRJK7d-I59PSrP_fJYeCzBJAhhCKQevw3vcBQ9n5sI0/s1600/enamel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMzhyphenhyphen0A5GFZJ53Ia2RxeaxcyZ4xreI5EeTx78y_WlQAF_BplafGVWR15Wbz-3wZiAoTduhrOGO999HgdaZfx42BNCnS-AP1r2mRJK7d-I59PSrP_fJYeCzBJAhhCKQevw3vcBQ9n5sI0/s320/enamel3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82074603/vintage-yellow-and-white-saucepans">French Enameled Sauce Pans (w/ Great Pattern!) Set of 5 $245.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enamelware has gone by many names including; granitware, ironware and agatewear, though graniteware is the most recognized and collected by collectors. <a href="http://www.collect.com/Categories/Article/Collectibles/Graniteware1111009/L0">Here is a great article</a> that touches on the hay-day of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collectors-Encyclopedia-Granite-Ware-Bk/dp/0891455345/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324777735&sr=1-1"> graniteware</a> and talks a little about Granite City, IL-the hub of enamelware production. Enamelware was produced in red, blue, purple, brown, green, pink and white. There were patterns, speckles, shades designs, and mottles. <a href="http://reviews.ebay.com/COLLECTING-ANTIQUE-FRENCH-ENAMELWARE?ugid=10000000002587488">French enamelware</a> usually features a floral motif. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhDZSEkWxwHR8VjQqoPkZ_kRE7aXxqVQqjGfb0t6WhZSwc441_6i99M_wmGD5vYsoQyX60f1XR-imPhG7UqrSzs6EAw3cOVXyMzqztyYQdGXuhBiVQ7wn_57Bd9_eDy8oAgzzMkfd3eY/s1600/enamel4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhDZSEkWxwHR8VjQqoPkZ_kRE7aXxqVQqjGfb0t6WhZSwc441_6i99M_wmGD5vYsoQyX60f1XR-imPhG7UqrSzs6EAw3cOVXyMzqztyYQdGXuhBiVQ7wn_57Bd9_eDy8oAgzzMkfd3eY/s320/enamel4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82031914/antique-french-country-pot-vintage">Blue Delft French Enamelware pot $19.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For collectors of enamelware some super finds include rare french patterns, purple, red and cobalt blue pieces and the well known Scandinavian designs of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grete_Prytz_Kittelsen">Grete Prytz Kittelsen</a>-manufactured by Cathrineholm. Enamelware had a resurgence in the in the 1960's when some U.S. manufactures begin producing it again. Older pieces can be identified by smoothness of finish and handle material (wood vs. plastic). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96vbzSLX8emlEqP6kYqLR9ile3qOGr1IMlx1nzZudRM-qWIFMBQfUHtwa-SWWAmdPWEv0-WYUdWhyx-JHW_R82LVyshnkrOas-cH_dNV4AfUrMTSaMGnc7AsbHnQM3KFEx449-Tccio/s1600/enamel5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96vbzSLX8emlEqP6kYqLR9ile3qOGr1IMlx1nzZudRM-qWIFMBQfUHtwa-SWWAmdPWEv0-WYUdWhyx-JHW_R82LVyshnkrOas-cH_dNV4AfUrMTSaMGnc7AsbHnQM3KFEx449-Tccio/s320/enamel5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87164581/red-and-white-cathrineholm-enamel-bowls?ref=pr_faveitems">2 Cathrineholm Enamelware bowls in red $92.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enamelware lasts <i>forever</i>. Which means it has optimum opportunity to get filthy. Grimy enamelware should be washed clean with hot soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use anything sharp or scratchy-like steel wool, because enamel is actually made of glass and can be scratched or chipped. Instead, if you have a really tough stuck on something use oven cleaner (be sure to follow the directions printed on the bottle) and cover any handles or wooden pieces with plastic wrap before spraying. Brown deposits may come clean if you apply baking soda. Stubborn stains may benefit from a long (over night) soak in vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). To stop the spread of rust apply cooking oil. If you plan on eating on vintage enamelware be sure that any bit that comes in to contact with food is not exposed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZojA2rzX2yBD9z4ceBj0S_MWCqtRlll1VBGdwrEedb7rlIqdhfrUNRzBFhblOfe3bPemh8L-T8qllWjKduNodHPeqdUhLfSiuwcHt4L-E28X93046h60hDadFb-QKf2TbNdmO6k051E/s1600/enamel6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZojA2rzX2yBD9z4ceBj0S_MWCqtRlll1VBGdwrEedb7rlIqdhfrUNRzBFhblOfe3bPemh8L-T8qllWjKduNodHPeqdUhLfSiuwcHt4L-E28X93046h60hDadFb-QKf2TbNdmO6k051E/s320/enamel6.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83428265/mid-century-danish-modern-finel">Red Mid Century Danish Modern Picture $54.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All of the enamelware pieces you see here are available for purchase on etsy. (last minute Christmas gift?) Thank you etsy sellers for the use of your great images. </i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-60082240476249220732011-12-20T20:31:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:06:45.131-08:00Collecting Embroidered Sweaters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ixVXZIy0Lc/TvEXw8MwzKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/yDHopBv_6Ps/s1600/embrodiory1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ixVXZIy0Lc/TvEXw8MwzKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/yDHopBv_6Ps/s320/embrodiory1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88762666/vintage-1950s-floral-embroidered-mustard">Floral Embroidered Sweater, Sm or Med $44.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Minnesota is cold in the winter. It breaks my heart to have to put away my dresses at the end of the fall. At least my cardigans get to hang around and my sweaters come out of hiding. I love vintage clothing. I've definitely <a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results">shared that before</a>. Over the years I have accumulated a number of great embroidered sweaters and worn the love right out of them. I'm the girl who keeps on wearing a sweater even though it has no more elbows and an aged coffee stain on the front hidden behind a brooch. When vintage picking I always keep my eyes peeled for that next great sweater.....even on the sweatiest of summer days I've been known to add a piece to the ole stash. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOQ8OCCALjY/TvEaOtrU0lI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ISrQj6Vn5KI/s1600/embrodiory2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOQ8OCCALjY/TvEaOtrU0lI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ISrQj6Vn5KI/s320/embrodiory2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66096496/vintage-1970s-sweater-70s-embroidered">Brown Embroidered Pull Over, Med $28.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The exact inception of embroidery is hard to pin point (pun intended). Let's just say that for as long as humans have been wearing clothes, they have been adorning them....with embroidery. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embroidery">Embroidery</a> refers to decorating fabric with needle and a thread-or yarn etc.) Many different cultures, spanning many centuries, have incorporated embroidery into their garments. Some of the earliest known examples have been dated to 3000 BC. <a href="http://www.needlepointers.com/displaypage.aspx?ArticleID=28256&URL=http%3a%2f%2fheritageshoppe.com%2fheritage%2fessays%2fhand_emb.html">This article</a> at Needlepointers.com outlines embroidery through history and region. It would take many books to truly cover embroiderys impact over time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I93TYDj1T4I/TvFXV2MOuqI/AAAAAAAAAf4/sG826fVmxv0/s1600/embrodiory3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I93TYDj1T4I/TvFXV2MOuqI/AAAAAAAAAf4/sG826fVmxv0/s320/embrodiory3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84838114/vintage-girls-sweater-dress">Girls Embroidered Turtleneck Sweater Dress $20.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're looking to hear more of embroidery's past, check out some of these books; "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Embroidery-History-Style-Technique/dp/185149359X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407093&sr=1-1-spell">Art of Embroidery: History of Style and Technique</a>," or "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Early-American-Embroidery-Designs-Needlepoint/dp/0486249468/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407180&sr=1-8">Early American Embroidery Designs: An 1815 Manuscript Album With Over 190 Patterns</a>." There is also the hard to find "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Royal-School-Needlework-Book-Embroidery/dp/0004117107/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407285&sr=1-16">Royal School of Needlework-Book of Needlework and Embroidery</a>." Plus don't miss the dense (over 300 pages!) Reproduction of the early 1923 gem "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Lace-Manufacture-Collectors-Readers/dp/1271350122/ref=sr_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407285&sr=1-19">Embroidery And Lace: Their Manufacture History From The Remotest Antiquity To The Present Day. A Handbook For Armatures, Collectors, And General Readers...</a>" It's always a good idea to ask your librarian if they have any suggestions too! </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF36O0ehr4I/TvFcS1jMQQI/AAAAAAAAAgA/GdmClTvZq60/s1600/embrodiory4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF36O0ehr4I/TvFcS1jMQQI/AAAAAAAAAgA/GdmClTvZq60/s320/embrodiory4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84734540/15-1960s-cardigan-coat-60s-cream-sweater">Floral Embroidered Sweater Coat $34.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's important to care for and preserve those pieces we really love. Though don't abandon them in your closet because of life's risks. If that's the case, pop that baby in a frame and call it "Art." Because it is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Some helpful hints for cleaning your embroidered garments</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Wash in mild detergent</li>
<li>Machine was in cold</li>
<li>Delicate wash cycle</li>
<li>Remove promptly after wash is completed</li>
<li>Never leave soaking in water, or in a wet pile</li>
<li>Never wring out anything with embroidery</li>
<li>Never rub out a stain</li>
<li>If you are unsure, hand wash</li>
<li>Lay Flat to Dry </li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ADW6ZuceBc/TvFe0Dq3k8I/AAAAAAAAAgI/Y8PD2XS8s6A/s1600/embrodiory5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ADW6ZuceBc/TvFe0Dq3k8I/AAAAAAAAAgI/Y8PD2XS8s6A/s320/embrodiory5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84265056/sale-80s-vintage-floral-embroidered">Floral Embroidered Grey Wool Sweater, Sm $14.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The lovely embroidered sweaters you see here are all available for purchase on Etsy. The woods are lovely dark and deep, lets wrap up in warm embroidered sweaters.</i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-7054858909942241162011-12-18T19:34:00.000-08:002011-12-18T19:34:29.374-08:00Collecting Taxidermy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JB64IDCVB8M/Tu4ggwDEtDI/AAAAAAAAAeg/ZRyxnqICdbs/s1600/taxidermy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JB64IDCVB8M/Tu4ggwDEtDI/AAAAAAAAAeg/ZRyxnqICdbs/s320/taxidermy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88548191/vintage-african-springbok-antelope">African Springbok Antelope Shoulder Mount</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From what I hear, <b>collecting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxidermy">taxidermy</a> </b>is extremely addictive. <a href="http://vessel-gallery.com/natalie.html">A friend</a> of mine had a collection that got so out of control, she said, that her home started to resemble a natural history museum. In order to slow down her accumulation she imposed a rule for herself-that she could, from then on, only collect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albinism">albino</a> animals! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taxidermy is popular with many subcultures and has been around for quite along time. Because of this, the resources available for those interested in collecting taxidermy, or witnessing taxidermy collections are quite vast. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsiG5yr0Fs/Tu4jEmrttoI/AAAAAAAAAeo/zJ4QHPfbkxw/s1600/taxidermy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsiG5yr0Fs/Tu4jEmrttoI/AAAAAAAAAeo/zJ4QHPfbkxw/s320/taxidermy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88718395/taxidermy-of-20-duckling-real-duckling">20 Ducklings Unmounted</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">During the <a href="http://www.taxidermy4cash.com/Victorian.html">Victorian era, taxidermy</a> gained an unprecedented popularity. It was used frequently in great interior design, and a symbol of wealth. Victorian naturalists did not have binoculars or cameras. Often times their only method for identifying a species was to shoot it and examine it later. By the 18th century almost every town had it's only tannery and taxidermy set up. Customers could bring in animals and hides to literally have them "stuffed" with cloths and rags. By the 20th century taxidermists were considered artists-bringing life to the dead by posing and creating realistic settings to display their pieces in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-u5qzN7jHc/Tu4n4d6QbWI/AAAAAAAAAew/GW2H_o_zuzE/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-u5qzN7jHc/Tu4n4d6QbWI/AAAAAAAAAew/GW2H_o_zuzE/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Field Natural History Museum</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two interesting and well known taxidermists are<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Maxwell"> Martha Maxwell</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Potter">Walter Potter</a>. Martha Maxwell is said to be the 1st woman naturalist who killed and stuffed and collected her specimens. She created natural environments to display her findings in. During her career she discovered a number of new species including (that which is named for her) The Maxwell Owl. Walter Potter, the most outstanding <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropomorphism">anthropomorphic</a> taxidermist, spent the greater part of his career <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1319869/Bizarre-world-Victorian-taxidermist-special-exhibition.html">recreating famous nursery rhymes </a>with taxidermied animals. Including "The Death And Burial Of Cockrobin," the highest grossing piece in his collection-which was broken up and sold in 2003. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmWwe4a7EWk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With taxidermy having a long history and passionate following there are great opportunity's to witness truly artistic and mind blowing pieces. There are <i>many</i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_history_museum"><b>natural history museums</b></a> all over the world, filled with dioramas, tableaus and menageries, waiting patiently for your patronage. Martha Stewart even recently <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/853388/my-home-yours-taxidermy">revealed her taxidermy collection</a>! You can find taxidermy in movies and t.v. shows (like Fox's sitcom "Scrubs" where the main character has a 'pet' taxidermeid dog). Taxidermy is on display and for sale in some wonderful and hip boutiques like San Francisco's <a href="http://www.paxtongate.com/">Paxton Gate</a> (Where I have been known to drop <i>way</i> too much money on plants I've never seen before). And of course, the Internet is an every flowing stream of taxidermy in all it's glory. One wonderful website being "<a href="http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/">Minnesota Association of Rouge Taxidermists</a>," is dedicated to showcasing the work of modern taxidermy artists from Minnesota (props to my homeland!) and beyond. And also enjoy the humorous site "<a href="http://crappytaxidermy.com/">Crappy Taxidermy</a>."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMtOuWDbbl8/Tu5mjTU0nwI/AAAAAAAAAe4/2BhfHOg5OUE/s1600/taxidermy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMtOuWDbbl8/Tu5mjTU0nwI/AAAAAAAAAe4/2BhfHOg5OUE/s320/taxidermy3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81563513/loved-to-death-gothic-victorian-memento">Squirrel Head Necklace</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are <i>so many</i> books about collecting taxidermy, beautiful, beautiful books. It's a collection all in itself. I found a good many of them on Amazon including "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Nature-Habitat-Dioramas-American/dp/0810959402/ref=sr_1_31?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324181270&sr=1-31">Windows On Nature: The Great Habitat Dioramas of The American Museum of Natural History</a>," and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walter-Potter-Museum-Curious-Taxidermy/dp/0954559681/ref=sr_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324181169&sr=1-19">Walter Potter and His Museum of Curious Taxidermy</a>," and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/History-Taxidermy-Art-Science-Taste/dp/0956487319/ref=sr_1_24?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324181250&sr=1-24">The History of Taxidermy: Art, Science, and Bad Taste,</a>" plus the highly acclaimed "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Zoo-Taxidermy-Cultures-Longing/dp/0271053720/ref=sr_1_23?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324181250&sr=1-23">The Breathless Zoo: Taxidermy and The Cultures of Longing</a>." Also check out "The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Animal-Inside-Obsessive-Taxidermy/dp/0312643713/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324180956&sr=1-4">Authentic Animal: The Odd and Obsessive World of Taxidermy</a>," and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Still-Life-Adventures-Melissa-Milgrom/dp/B005B1FRJW/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324180956&sr=1-7">"Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy</a>." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stay on after the jump for some alternative and vegetarian taxidermy examples! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br />
<a name='more'></a>Just for fun, here is some animal free taxidermy available to you from our friends at Etsy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8HiUENR_zQ/Tu5tQS5Vy5I/AAAAAAAAAfA/NUd1AVt48Sk/s1600/taxidermy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8HiUENR_zQ/Tu5tQS5Vy5I/AAAAAAAAAfA/NUd1AVt48Sk/s320/taxidermy4.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81804469/burrowing-owl-athene-cunicularia-2009">Mounted Paper Sculpture of a Burrowing Owl</a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6GIO8XlR3Q/Tu5t0RrqXiI/AAAAAAAAAfI/RTViQ-QN3PE/s1600/taxidermy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6GIO8XlR3Q/Tu5t0RrqXiI/AAAAAAAAAfI/RTViQ-QN3PE/s320/taxidermy5.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84360194/floral-camouflage-faux-deer-trophy">Mounted Floral Deer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiaqCjOapiA/Tu5uY7zlEVI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/gOkk9KbMMkA/s1600/taxidermy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiaqCjOapiA/Tu5uY7zlEVI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/gOkk9KbMMkA/s320/taxidermy6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56638710/wall-tentacle">Mounted Tentacle Sculpture</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wyPhs8UEZM/Tu6sX3pRZ2I/AAAAAAAAAfY/fEQw84bfMhc/s1600/taxidermy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wyPhs8UEZM/Tu6sX3pRZ2I/AAAAAAAAAfY/fEQw84bfMhc/s320/taxidermy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83125094/sherbert-flox">Mounted Felt Fox</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKjenG3QovE/Tu6tpb5BfDI/AAAAAAAAAfg/LLGt939ywj8/s1600/taxidermy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKjenG3QovE/Tu6tpb5BfDI/AAAAAAAAAfg/LLGt939ywj8/s320/taxidermy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38612433/barry-the-badger?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=faux+taxidermy&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Mounted Badger Sculpture</a><br />
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<i>These are all great, but I much prefer the real thing. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-70146838751304823812011-12-15T07:46:00.000-08:002011-12-15T07:46:56.967-08:00Instant Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O2immpBI-c/TuoV31rH6WI/AAAAAAAAAeY/IZb-_mF5xcQ/s1600/instant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O2immpBI-c/TuoV31rH6WI/AAAAAAAAAeY/IZb-_mF5xcQ/s320/instant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84606963/instant-collection-vintage-bell-girls">Lil' Chimers Christmas Bells set of 6 $15.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-7647205851251189872011-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:002011-12-11T12:31:12.362-08:00Collecting Ephemera of the Christmas Variety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grz1G1AUNBg/TuTPMo6JKhI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/xvZFtkuY8uQ/s1600/ephemera1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grz1G1AUNBg/TuTPMo6JKhI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/xvZFtkuY8uQ/s320/ephemera1.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86014983/prosperity-and-mirth-to-the-linton?ref=pr_faveitems">Studio Portrait with Greeting $11.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally finished my Christmas cards. I have a million uncles and cousins and friends in other lands, all of whom are expecting a Christmas greeting. And not just any Christmas greeting, seeing that I have a 10 month old, it has to be an extra adorable Christmas greeting. Cross it off the 'to do' list cause it's done and done! Getting the stack of envelopes off to the post brought to mind a favorite holiday collection: <b>paper Christmas ephemera</b>. I've <a href="http://thecollectcollective.blogspot.com/2011/11/collecting-ephemera-notebook-ledger-and.html">talked about </a>my love affair with <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemera">ephemera</a> before. And the holidays offer us a free pass to get crazy with the ephemera hoarding via cards, postcards, wrapping paper, box labels, sheet music, die cuts, packages and so on!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWfyzcNv6E8/TuTR64y9UuI/AAAAAAAAAdY/wgadKrrBWlU/s1600/ephemera2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWfyzcNv6E8/TuTR64y9UuI/AAAAAAAAAdY/wgadKrrBWlU/s320/ephemera2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87263592/vintage-christmas-pop-up-postcard-snow">Early 1900's Post Card $15.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> One of the most sought after pieces in Christmas ephemera collecting is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_card">greeting card</a>, or most often greeting <i>post</i> card. The first commercially produced Christmas cards were commissioned by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Cole">Sir Henry Cole</a> in 1843. These early English cards were not depicting religious and wintery images like the cards we know today, but favored flowers and and fairies instead. In 1875 greeting cards were introduced to the American market. Then the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcard">postcard</a> hit the scene and changed everything, though by the 1920's cards with envelopes were coming back into style. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlkCE0Lw3x4/TuUGtC5t8LI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dKZdDHdd9Ic/s1600/ephemera4half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlkCE0Lw3x4/TuUGtC5t8LI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dKZdDHdd9Ic/s320/ephemera4half.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86090180/black-americana-christmas-postcard">1919 Black Americana Christmas Postcard $14.95</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in Collecting Christmas postcards and greeting cards <a href="http://www.ephemerasociety.org/">The Ephemera Society of America</a>, as I've mentioned before, is a <u>wonderful</u> resource for budding and experienced collectors. The books "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cards-Shire-Library-Michelle/dp/0747804265/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323631880&sr=1-1">Christmas Cards</a>," "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Greeting-Cards-Collecting-Identification/dp/1574324659/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323631880&sr=1-2">Children's Greeting Cards: Collecting Vintage (Identification & Values), " </a>and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yule-Log-Vintage-Christmas-Card/dp/B004CN3KQW/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323631880&sr=1-5">The Yule Log</a>" are available for purchase on Amazon.com. The British Museum has obtained the wonderful Christmas card collection of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Teck">Queen Mary</a> and is available for viewing during the holiday season. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another marvelous thing I end up keeping after Santa's yearly visit is wrapping paper. Yes, I'm that person that carefully slips the gift out of it's trappings, folds the paper flat and stores it to use again. I have collected some of the greatest pieces of wrapping only to see them go as I hand them off to that special someone. Wrapping paper floats in and out of my life like snow. Although, if it was a particular pattern that I couldn't live with out, I'm sure it has ended up in my file cabinet-a mysterious and deep vortex who's innards have only briefly been explored. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48kNA2CEcWY/TuULMD1DLxI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Yw2J6c_6JOg/s1600/ephemera5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48kNA2CEcWY/TuULMD1DLxI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Yw2J6c_6JOg/s320/ephemera5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62274121/holiday-gift-wrap-green-ice-skaters">1960's Green Ice Skaters 2 Sheets $7.50</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is said that the wrapping paper we know and love slipped into the sales market on accident. According to the lore, the Hall brothers (pioneers of Hallmark) had sold out of their well known red, white, green and holly printed tissue paper. In a pinch they placed some fancy french envelope linings and they sold out too! They offered them again the next year and found they were just as popular-even with the increased price. That was in 1925, by the following decade they were selling papers rolled on tubes and shrink wrapped-the paper we are most familiar with today. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iI9DDM1ecxU/TuUOWvLY1iI/AAAAAAAAAd4/L7gQ0Z1hhf4/s1600/ephemera6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iI9DDM1ecxU/TuUOWvLY1iI/AAAAAAAAAd4/L7gQ0Z1hhf4/s320/ephemera6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85757673/de-luxe-vintage-christmas-gift-wrapping?ref=pr_faveitems">Snow and Sleigh 20' x 30' piece $7.50</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S65xS7SJCCU/TuUPSgvthcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/w1haMFvQaK4/s1600/ephemera7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S65xS7SJCCU/TuUPSgvthcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/w1haMFvQaK4/s320/ephemera7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87899659/santa-and-3-girls-original-woodblock">Santa and 3 Girls Woodblock Print $55.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be sure and use Christmas as an excuse to hoard more than you normal would. It's what I do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3UsEY4Oxcg/TuUP-elfaVI/AAAAAAAAAeI/OQNDsjecplc/s1600/ephemera8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3UsEY4Oxcg/TuUP-elfaVI/AAAAAAAAAeI/OQNDsjecplc/s320/ephemera8.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80944473/vintage-art-nouveau-posters-will-bradley">Will Bradley Art Nouve poster-reproduction $9.95</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Display your Holiday collections with pride! Everyone loves a good Christmas Collection. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kALOPgJjPGU/TuUQl41tLzI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/KV2tUZrPbrI/s1600/ephemera9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kALOPgJjPGU/TuUQl41tLzI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/KV2tUZrPbrI/s320/ephemera9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84824031/6-vintage-die-cut-santas-gettysburg">Die Cut Santas set of 6 $9.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE COLLECT COLLECTIVE. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All of the great Christmas Ephemera you see here is available for sale on Etsy! It would make a great gift. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your photographs. </i></div>Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02235060235757697458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029138883710368445.post-80847632972118606062011-12-06T18:57:00.000-08:002011-12-06T18:57:53.059-08:00Collecting Christmas Deer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCBo_GVoGnU/Tt6SBc8JOPI/AAAAAAAAAco/rtfLfnJ92s8/s1600/deer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCBo_GVoGnU/Tt6SBc8JOPI/AAAAAAAAAco/rtfLfnJ92s8/s320/deer1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87721934/vintage-toy-reindeer-1959">Stuffed Deer $58.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's the most wonderful time of the year. I truly adore the holidays. It really brings out the collector in everyone. We patiently wait for Thanksgiving to pass to drag out our boxes of holiday decorations, memories, and collectibles. There are many Christmas things I keep from year to year, bird ornaments, music boxes and <b>deer</b> to name a few. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gOhg_UZxos/Tt6T6TyNMRI/AAAAAAAAAcw/CWe6mw0YdsQ/s1600/deer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gOhg_UZxos/Tt6T6TyNMRI/AAAAAAAAAcw/CWe6mw0YdsQ/s320/deer2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86400923/retro-winter-holiday-white-and-gold">Gold and White Ceramic Pair $25.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the years I have had many deer come and go. Some of my favorites included a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flocking_%28texture%29">flocked</a> deer wearing leg warmers (it was the 80's), a mother an child deer pair, and a beautiful white <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celluloid">celluloid</a> deer my mom gave just a few years ago. When I was living in Oakland, my roommate liked to decorate with deer all year long. She had a great set of brass deer on display. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KiFEHWKRbM/Tt6WOfS5evI/AAAAAAAAAc4/PGkFWdhfZlo/s1600/deer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KiFEHWKRbM/Tt6WOfS5evI/AAAAAAAAAc4/PGkFWdhfZlo/s320/deer3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86823689/vintage-brass-reindeer-candle-holders">Brass Deer Candle Holders Set of 2 $34.99</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> The popularity of deer as a Christmas symbol comes from the reindeer we know as "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixin, Comet, Cuipd, Donder and Blitzen." These are characters from the 1823 poem "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Visit_from_St._Nicholas">A Visit From St. Nicholas."</a> The poem, also known as "The Night Before Christmas," was written by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_Clarke_Moore">Clement Clarke Moore</a>. It is largely responsible for Santa Clause, his sleigh, his reindeer, the toys, and really the whole American idea of Santa and his part in the Christmas story. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMbLyDaO5R4/Tt7QVLjYlPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/1uraBj9edFo/s1600/deer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMbLyDaO5R4/Tt7QVLjYlPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/1uraBj9edFo/s320/deer4.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86605381/knee-hugger-elf-on-reindeer?ref=v1_other_1">Elf on a Reindeer $9.25</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reindeer">Reindeer</a> also know as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribou_%28disambiguation%29">Caribu</a>, are wide spread in North America and also some Arctic regions. Though numerous in population, some subspecies are rare and in some instances <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinct">extinct</a>. In the story of Santa Clause and his mighty flying reindeer the deer are mythical or fantasy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O_p5aNiLyc/Tt7UMysG-cI/AAAAAAAAAdI/K4waGWBV80w/s1600/deer5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O_p5aNiLyc/Tt7UMysG-cI/AAAAAAAAAdI/K4waGWBV80w/s320/deer5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87038355/vintage-white-reindeer">Celluloid Deer $7.00</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This year I will proudly display my deer and embrace Christmas, embrace nature, embrace poetry and embrace all those wonderful memories of Christmas past. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All the deer you see here can be added to your collection, they are available on Etsy. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your grand photographs! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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