Moms Finds - Pendleton Reindeer Sweater

Some of moms finds for me from a few estate sales. Chinoiserie style red orange lacquer mirror. Red Rudolf stuffed deer and a Swedish Dala. The reindeer Pendleton wool sweater (Made in the USA) going to my thrift buddy Scott at New Documents.

The organizer below was formerly used in a sewing room. Plus an 80s cow moo tin. Thanks mom!

Estate - Excuse Me, Do I Look Retarded?

So I actually went to this estate sale early but was caught in commuter and construction traffic for almost an hour. Missed the other primary Pyrex set, jadite pour bowl and some small Norway enameled bowls. This sale mentioned tools and it was mostly men going hog wild throwing things about. People must like to buy old cans of paint?

A new in the box Danish candle holder that is wonderfully crafted and designed SOLD. There are sparkles in the metal and I'm very tempted to keep it. Another wood elephant, my 4th. My first primary Pyrex bowl set. A very cute pull ornament of an alpine skier in sweater and winter cap, made in Austria SOLD. Picked up another damn large green stamp Chemex again SOLD (I'm afraid to count the numbers)! For some reason its now raining these suckers. This one has the optional lid.

Excuse my following rant. The estate sale was just an omen for how the rest of the day would proceed. At my dermatologist office (I never met a derm. there either) I was informed my rate of $175 would double to $350. Evidently, if you give a silent deadpan stare at someone trying to; how do you kindly say "bend you over..." it makes them very nervous! The sales lady tried to give me this story of what a wonderful gift I had been given for all these years (the $175 rate) and I should be appreciative and now gladly pay $350 for a 20 minute visit. Do I appear to be some 6th grade edu-ma-cated bum hick that fell off the turnip truck? Since when are you running a charity and not a business, telling me I should be grateful for paying $175 for a 20 minute visit with an esthetician. Your account and business manager allow you to undercharge people? I assume you offer Botox, dermabrasion and plastic surgery out of the goodness of your heart? Bleh bleh with your bullshit lies, shovel that crap to some other retard 'cause it ain't me.

After the derm. I bombed at several thrifts where I usually find something. Picked a green primary Pyrex bowl (I know, I know, no more Pyrex) and a 1966 1st edition Joan Walsh Anglund book, I have a soft spot for her illustrations. The little Anglund frame was found in a Cape Cod thrift.

Thrift - Alexander Girard for Braniff Airlines

Took my neighbor thrift with me, she bought a tin and I got all this crap! Nesting tins from 1977 SOLD. Hot pad illustrated by Sally Gregory Hesper in 1969 SOLD. A Lapid, Israel pottery dish, some idiot had Elmer glued felt to the bottom which had kept the name hidden. Fortunately the felt came off with water. 1970s small ochre and yellow table cloth. Flower recipe tin. And a brown Rosti Denmark utensil.

At GWill I was excited to find a set of Braniff Airlines coffee mugs designed by the great Alexander Girard. Braniff is best known for their 60s uniforms designed by Pucci (nice fish bowl) and later Halston. A NIB Mirro cookie press set, you can't tell from the picture but it has wonderful bright colors SOLD. A pack of vintage Gary Larson "The Far Side" Christmas cards SOLD. If they don't sell, folks will be receiving them in the mail.

A NIB set of Vitra W. German kitchen canisters. A Christmas mug (found the same one a couple of weeks ago) NIB colorful Dutch napkins and coasters that I hope someone will like. Hopefully, I can get everything cleaned up, photographed and listed soon but I'm super backed up.

Estate - Meany

So I drove a bit of of way to this estate that promised to be a "diggers paradise." Perhaps if digging through paperclips, pencils and mismatched spoons is your idea of paradise.

Actually had a large pile of items (nothing great) but the woman running the sale got pissy with me because I didn't like her prices and said I didn't want certain items. She suggested that people who wanted to bargain should go to the back of the line. I'm not paying $10 for a POS just cause you pull the price out of your ass. And since when are you not allowed to bargain at estate sales? Guess she was stressed out since she has been nice at other sales.

The few things I managed to get; pair of red enameled bookends-you bet I like the color! SOLD Set of little vintage science picture books (mmm, my collection might be getting too big at this point) Pair of teak paddles.

Set of painted mouse picks made in Japan. Tiny Bojensen style duckling made in Japan SOLD. Pile of vintage teak picks SOLD. The Dansk green glass dish is from a thrift store. And that's all I managed to find and mind you I sifted through piles of crap!

Thift - Drought

So I made a long trek to 7 thrift stores I frequent every month or so. Shelves were empty-I mean 20 items on the shelf and they were broken or pieces of Ziploc plastic. Above is an English tin, a Scandinavian style mug and a Kilborn Aloha cat mug.

I have been finding a lot of scarves lately? For my sister I picked up a ladybug Vera Flowerpot scarf, 70-80s silk Vera neck scarf, a huge 1960s polka dot Echo, Japan silk scarf and graphic Galla Japan scarf. Had to pass on a very cute silk Vera scarf because of a multitude of yellow stains-unsure could be washed out.

Finally "The Four Musicians of Bremen" wall hanging in mint condition, probably German. The style reminds me of Marimekko fabrics, love the red mushrooms and foliage.

The last two photos are things I passed. A 1990 Bodum box set designed by Carsten Jorgensen except mine had the creamer and sugar but was missing 4 coaster. Too pricey. And last thing was the "Dish Doctor" designed in 1997 by Marc Newson for Magis, Italy. Had wear around the rim of the utensil holders maybe a mistake to pass?

Thrift - German Barometer & Vera Scarves

Stopped by three thrifts on the way to my moms. At the first I picked up the tiny green turkish pot, a polka dot polyester Vera scarf for the sister and a silk Vera corn on husks scarf also for the sister. And how could I resist the cute little German barometer. The German woman running the thrift explained if the woman came through the door it meant good weather for the following day and if the man with raincoat and umbrella came through it meant rain for the following day.

At GoodW. I found the lotus bowl but passed on a huge Circus themed cookie jar hand-painted in Italy. The sticker on the bottom said "Made in Italy for Saks Fifth Avenue" (prob. early 80's) It was in excellent shape with the top being the round tent topped by a flag. (I really need a camera phone to tweet pics) I put it down cause the thought of packing it scared me. Two minutes later, I looked back to see an overly excited white dude holding it. Hmm, I think I made a mistake. The last thrift was a bust. I still miss that cookie jar.

Mom went to an estate sale and picked up a Rosti Denmark pitcher and utensils. Dunoon Scotland mug. And another plastic desk organizer SOLD.

Thrift - Don Shoemaker

After the estate I bailed on the second and instead hit 8 thrift stores but only found items at 4.

Picked all this at one store. Another Boyton mug, sigh. For Sale.

A red Fire King style mug. Larger blue enamel Turkish pot made in Poland SOLD. Paid $5 for the Nymolle Hoyrup Denmark pin dish. I know, I paid too much but I couldn't bear to leave it. Passed on a small $2 Nambe heart paperweight, too many scratches to top.

Vintage Napcoware pixie vase, made in Japan. SOLD. Three Swedish style Berggren tiles SOLD.

Tiny vintage blush tin prop in my sisters shop, circa 1950-60's. Four teak mouse napkin rings, made in Hong Kong SOLD. And my favorite find Don Shoemaker rosewood "elephant" salt and pepper shakers, 1960-80's. They look more like bears to me SOLD.

Thrift - Russel Wright

So my sister went out to a estate that was rubbishy. I don't mind dirty so much but complete junk! And dirty pricey junk!

Disappointed by such a stinky sale we stopped by three thrift stores and at one I found eight Russel Wright "Iroquois" tea cups sans saucers. A lone Ecko Japan knife. And how could I resist a pink glazed "Plum Gekkeikan" Kokeshi Japan decanter. I have a highly collectible white Benihana one too.

Thrift - Vintage Haba Horse

Took a quick stop at my fave thrift store not expecting to find anything so close to Christmas. But I was pleased to find this vintage wooden and leather fringe German "Haba" horse probably from 1960's. Waiting for Haba Germany to send me back the history on this guy.

"Heros" of Germany wheeled cart of wooden building blocks SOLD. Vintage colonial rocking horse, made in Japan SOLD

1993 Russian doll with only two dolls inside. Sandra Boynton Christmas cards from 1981. Two creepy flocked ornaments made in Taiwan. Pair vintage paper clip boxes.

Estate - Faked Vase

Our third and last estate sale of the day. I usually avoid this company because they bring in tons of items and they mark most things retail. Today wasn't any different. Unfortunately, they do almost all of the mid century sales in the area.

Arabia Finland pale periwinkle blue "Ingrid" teacup. I found 4 or 5 a year or two ago. I need to start selling some of my tea cup sets as I have an unbelievable amount. Four vintage girl & boy mice, knee hugger style, made in Japan. SOLD

They were trying to sell these Lagardo Tackett as a sugar bowl and vase. When I mentioned the lid was missing the woman near blew her top. The vase is actually a tumbler. SOLD I picked these up 'cause I have the bowls.

My sister picked up a wallet.

Passed on two "Valencia" Arabia Finland 1960's plates handpainted and designed by Ulla Procope 'cause they were $22 each and I had no way of checking prices. I was tempted as they were very beautiful and probably a mistake to pass! There was some other Arabia dishes that I passed on as well.

We stopped at the thrift store and I found two little red Swedish pigs candle holders.

Thrift - Snowbabies!

Headed out early today. Finally bought the yellow Tupperware pitcher that has been calling me for a
few weeks. 1970s Wood painting of spice rack, signed by the artist.

Pair of Heller bowls, I always think it's weird just to find a few Heller items. SOLD

Swingline stapler that I haven't decided if it's worth selling. Vintage Santa mug made in Japan SOLD. Baggie of birds but I just wanted the carved walnut, sticker underneath says "Made by Olga." These two unmarked wood soldier ornaments didn't do anything for me but I thought they were too well made not to purchase. Made in Austria? SOLD. Red hat bottle cork that, I think, is from Italy?

Paid decent dollars for a baggie of teeny tiny snowbabies but I had noticed a few of them were marked Germany.  In addition, when I pointed them out another lady watched me intently perhaps in hopes that I would put them down? Some of the German babies are marked 1935.

1980 Avon roller skate cologne bottle.

Thift - Poor Little Angel

Went to my three local thrift shops this morning as I don't feel up to doing estate sales this weekend.

Marimekko Finland sole place mat though I understand there were four put out on the floor. White Copco spice rack with half the spice bottles. SOLD Pair of Japan knee huggers. Vintage Santa mug made in Japan. SOLD And a small winter themed tablecloth. Found the 6th Vera snowman napkin ring to the five I found a few days ago.

German Steinbach "Chimney Sweep" ornament. A victim of the thrift store is this a little Sevi, Italy "4 angel" for 10 cents.

Thrift - German Textile

Seem to be finding a lot of German items lately. Just ornaments today except for the kitsch yellow dog bank made in Japan.

All made in Japan in the 1960's; six knee hugger elves, stuffed cat and donkey. Many tiny ornaments still in bags all made in Taiwan. 

West German ornament of angel playing organ made by Christian Ulbricht. Two flat angel & horse ornaments, unsure of origin. Hanging cotton/linen German Christmas textile. SOLD

Thrift - Another German Smoker

Pickings are still slim though I did find a third German smoker in only a few weeks? German "Mushroom Picker" smoker.

I love the Department 56 wood matte painted advent calendar that someone made a new number cover though. Hmm, what to do about that? Teak spice stand will look lovely once oiled. SOLD Little velvet clad Santas. SOLD

Yep, another Boynton mug, I can't resist these. Teak coaster set. SOLD Paul Frank style "Holland" cow mug from Amsterdam. Five Six Vera napkin rings. 1980 ceramic gnome. SOLD

Thrift - Bahhhhh

By far my fave find today was the ram and his ewes! Even has a black sheep. Nice box frames that someone made. I can't believe no one picked this up!

Otherwise, there seems to be a drought on for really cool stuff. Teeny tiny 1960's Tensor lamp. SOLD

1969 Royal Copenhagen Blackberry vase, I paid too much. SOLD Russian doll missing baby. Homemade 1960's hand crocheted card basket. 1960's Napco mini Santa mugs, made in Japan. SOLD. Handmade Virgin Islands straw ornament. And in the background an 1960's electric hot plate. I love how they tried to jazz it up by using the iron Dansk candleholder, ha ha. SOLD.

Thrift - The Blahs

Don't have much time but here's a photo of some thrift finds. Pair Taylor & Ng mugs SOLD. Donvier ice cream maker, I've already sold a few SOLD.

1981 made in Japan trash can. Made in Japan hanging bird plant pot SOLD. Porcelain heart box made in Germany SOLD.

Orange Tupperware container, made in USA. 'Twelve Days of Christmas' glasses in box, never used, made in USA. SOLD

Good quality basket for $5 for the garden. USMC Couroc tray SOLD. Recipe tin, made in USA. Christmas pin dish. SOLD Four Vera Christmas napkin rings, made in Taiwan. SOLD

Thrift - Treasure Craft

Finds from my fave thrift store and local Goodwill. Sorry for the weird lighting had to take the photo at night. Kept looking at these for a few weeks 'cause I thought they were cute and finally decided to pick them up. Paid $3 for this partial set of gold Christmas snifters to add to my Fred Press 'Fish' snifters (also a partial set) Vintage Hallmark tin with a bunny, squirrel, & chipmunk.

First time, I've ever seen or found Treasure Craft of Hawaii. This is item is called "Handi Tray" 1962 from Maui.

An interesting large white ceramic planter signed Young. Disturbing in the way it reminds me of a toilet seat. Perhaps it goes around a lamp or light? I feel that it's missing a piece. For Sale

At GoodWill I rescued this 1984 Avon tray and a Japanese lacquer tray (finding all the time now.)

Estate - Dansk Acorn Box

Couldn't force myself to go to any estate sales this weekend (though, I think, I missed a good vintage clothes sale) I did manage to drag myself down the road to one on the last day. The house was pretty well cleaned out. Passed on a set of white textured Bjorn Wiinblad Rosenthal tea cups, dinner plates and serving bowls & plates ect for $115.

The Bjorn Wiinblad 'Josephine' tile in the background was by no means a bargain and I have been unable to find examples online. However, on the back of the tile is a write up dated December 1989 of the Hotel Anatole in Dallas and the various works by Wiinblad residing there. SOLD

The IHQ Dansk teak acorn box is rare but has condition issues. SOLD. Little teak elephant. SOLD

Matryoshka Russian doll candlestick toothpick holder. Large glass bowl with leaf design. Found 3 or 4 small ones at the thrift store ages ago. I have yet to discover the maker which drives me nuts. Pair of Dansk iron and brass candlesticks. The droopy dog bank is marked 'My Toy Inc. 1971" SOLD

Thrift - TWA Glasses

It's been a long while since I've last blogged that I don't think it's possible to catch up. Ended up at my fave thrift store 1/2 hour before they closed (for some reason I forgot about the thrift store today.) Considering, I arrived so late I think I found some decent items!

Four Waechtersbach German red heart mugs SOLD. Pair of older tiny hearts mugs. SOLD.

"Spara Keramik" West German planter SOLD. Small shot glass that I have eight matching full sized glasses too. Three dutch style glasses that I found the matching martini mixer to months ago.

My fave find is the set of six TWA travel glasses SOLD. 50 cents for the little Butterprint refrigerator dish without lid. Unused white cloth gloves for the sis.

Thrift - Sea World Tiki Mug

Found these items with my sister at the local GoodWill. The Fire King Tiki 'Sea World' mug sold a few minutes after listing it. 'I Had An Idea' Glasbake mug. SOLD

Pair of 1984 L.A. Olympic mugs. Another pair of 80's rainbow mugs. SOLD This was the first time I've ever found Jadeite in the wild. SOLD And a teak endwood box made in Denmark. SOLD