Collecting Jadeite

Anchor Hocking Flour Shaker $45.00

I don't usually make New Years resolutions, but if I made one for this next year, it would be something like "learn more." I love learning about new things. Writing for The Collect Collective 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 Jadeite. 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.

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: Martha's, Paula's, and the Pioneer Woman's). 

Jeannette Bud Vase $24.00

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." The Anchor Hocking Company, near Lancaster PA, is most known for it's "Fire King" glass ware. Fire King was produced in a variety of colors, but their Jade-ite remains the most sought after. This article offers some helpful hints for identifying the producer a jadeite piece. 

Fire King Batter Bowl $35.00

If you are interested in learning more about Jadeite I'd suggest checking out some of these titles: "Jadeite: An Identification & Price Guide," or "Delphite and Jadeite A Pocket Book For Collectors." If it's Fire King your are most interested in, available in it's 4 edition is: "Anchor Hocking's Fire King & More." Also helpful Fire Kings specific reads are; "Unauthorized Guide To Fire-King Glasswares," and (with a spectacular jacket, I might add) "A Collector's Guide To Anchor Hockings "Fire-King" Glasswares."

 

Unmarked Cup & Footed Saucer $25.00

 

Display your Jadeite loud and proud, make 'em all green with envy!

The Jadeite items you see here are available for purchase on Etsy. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your gorgeous photographs!

For the Love of Pyrex

Dear Pyrex Obsessed,
I was wandering around Etsy earlier and I came across a few sites of handmade goods using Pyrex. I know, I know, why ruin such a beautiful thing.. But it's quite special to see our beloved Pyrex in a whole new light.

Erin Ink custom design has a number of adorable Pyrex prints and cards at reasonable prices. Coming out of Virgina, Erin Ink has been selling on Etsy since 2009. I just love the simplicity of her prints. 

5 X 7 Print $8.00

5 X 7 Print $8.00

Tile Magnet $4.50

Jeff and Mark over at BootsNGun have been selling high quality up-cycled lamps on Etsy since 2009. I adore these sets of lights made out of vintage Pyrex!!

Up-Cycled Pendant Lights, Set of 3 $230.00

Up-Cycled Pendent Lights, Set of 2 $140.00

Husband and wife team of scarboroughseashells have been crafting out of Rhode Island for over 10 years. Specializing in glass material, the pair creates with seashells, sea glass, and mosaics.

Sterling Silver Pendent $45.00

Great ideas for the extras from your Pyrex collection, or gifts for a Pyrex loving friend!

Collecting: Melmac

Cups and Saucers Set of 3

The thing I've always loved about Melmac, is the colors, such vibrant pinks, muted greens, soft pastels and earthy browns. They stand out on the shelves of even the drabbest thrift stores. Also, I've always been hooked on collecting vintage kitchenware and Melmac is usually reasonably priced.

Hot Pink Berry Bowls Set of 8

Melmac dinnerware was developed by American Cyanamid for the Navy during World War II. The light weight and virtually unbreakable dishware could handle wartime in the rough waters. The craze caught on at home and soon stores were displaying Melmac type dinner sets alongside some of their finest China. Hiring creative teams and designers, Boontonware, Raffia Ware and Melmac transformed into a sought after style. By the 1950's it was a staple in all American Homes. 

Raffia Mugs Set of 4

Melmac's popularity took a down turn after a rumor, allegedly spread by a porcelain manufacture, that the plasticware gave off toxic fumes. This rumor has been proven false. At the top of  the game, there were over 350 company's producing plasticware. As the years went on, production began to drop. Households were buying more glassware. And Melmac was reserved for commercial use; restaurants, hospitals, schools etc. 

Salad Bowls Set of 6

Because of it's exceptional durability, Melmac lasts for years. It is the ideal dishware for camping. You could probably drop your gear filled with Melmac under your car, run it over a few times and it would be fine for lunch. I bet it could survive a bear attack. It's light weight and easily packable too. 

Robin's Egg Blue Collection 7 Pieces

Here is Paula Deen's guidelines to preserving and caring for Melamine dishes: 

For scratches ands stubborn stains, use commercial cleaners made for Melamine, like Dip-It ($3.49, 5 oz.) instead of scouring powder. Also, avoid putting your plastic tableware in the microwave and never in the oven. Melamine tends to absorb heat, which can cause it to soften, blister and even crack. It is dishwasher-safe. 

 If you are interested in learning more about collecting vintage Melmac dishware there are books available. It can't hurt to ask your librarian if your local library carries them. I found two on Amazon; "Melmac Dinnerware" and "Collectable Plastic Kitchenware and Dinnerware." 

 Modern Yellow Collection 15 Pieces

All of the dish sets seen here are available for purchase on Etsy. Thank you, Etsy sellers, for the use of your gorgeous photographs.

I Collect: Emily

The Internet is a strange and amazing thing. If you can believe it, The Collect Collective isn't the only blog out there focused on collecting! I Love Collecting is Emily's project. She shares her flea market and garage sale finds, thrifting tips, display ideas and great photos. She has an eye for treasure, and an assemblage of collector friends who often make appearances showing off their own collections. 

My Name is: Emily

I collect: a lot of things but right now I'm mostly collecting pottery. McCoy, Shawnee, Haeger, etc... vases, planters, flower pots...

Its been going on for: a long time!

I look for additions to my collections at: flea markets, thrift shops, yard sales, antique shows, centers and shops

When I find one I feel: very happy!!

The star of my collection is: hmmm, i love all of my pieces but i guess it's a double handled HULL vase... pink and blue combination.

The oddest piece in my collection is: can't say that any of my pottery is odd although some of the shapes can be unusual...

 A way my collection has gotten me into a tight situation: finding spots to display it! It's not that I am running out of room, it's just that I like to keep my collections together so most of it is displayed in my sun room... there are almost 300 pieces in that room!

Some other things I like to collect are: restaurant china, vintage garden sprinklers, vintage kitchen stuff, vintage trophies, milk glass, bride and groom cake toppers, tin globes, black and white group photos, garden hoze nozzles, antique bill spikes, chalkware fruit, creamers, vintage christmas tree stands, rusty wire things like light bulb cages, lamp shade forms, some old garden stuff, vintage baskets from florists, souvenir plates, wire plant stands and flower pot holders, cocktail shakers and vintage barware, vintage oil paintings... portraits and still lifes... all of this stuff can be seen on my blog

My family and friends think my collection is: amazing, fun, beautiful, crazy

Thanks for sharing Emily!

I Collect: Laurel

Laurel has a number of interesting things. She is often found thrifting around the Bay Area, not only to beef up her own person collections, but to find gorgeous items for her successful Etsy Shop "SixtytoSeventy." 

My Name is: Laurel Wilton

I collect: orchids, pedestal mugs, lamps, foil ornaments and felt ornaments, old magazines, salt and pepper shakers, glass ware, vinyl

Its been going on for: For a long time--- I used to collect Jones Soda bottles when I was a teen (now I only have one left), but I did not realize I was a collector until a few years ago. That's when I started going to the thrift stores on a regular basis and had a better feel for what I was searching for.

I look for additions to my collections at: Good Will, Salvation Army, Antique Stores, Fairs, Estate Sales, Craigslist, Ebay.

When I find one I feel: I feel like my eyes bug out and in my head, I say, "O-M-G! This is amazing." If I don't get that feeling, then I don't buy it. 

The star of my collection is: That's tough... I have a lot of favorite pieces, but I guess the star would be...my JVC space helmet television. 

The oddest piece in my collection is: My Syrocco Monk Corkscrew. My dad gave it to me, and it is a very odd piece. 

A way my collection has gotten me into a tight situation: I suppose I am just running out of room (literally, a tight situation), forcing me to sell.

Some other things I like to collect: tinsel garland, vintage shoes, small tins and boxes, vintage ceramics, news papers, 8 track tapes, old postcards, vintage purses and coats. 

My family and friends think my collection is: huge and fantastic. I love it, and it makes me happy. Being on the hunt and finding that treasure is a great feeling. 

 

Thanks for sharing Laurel!