I know what I'm talking about. Signing out of Hotmail this evening, what do I see but "Summer's hot decorating trends" with a picture of some Asian-ish looking crap. Now, you go ahead and click on that and it is going to suggest you add some "Tea House Chic" to your interior decor, but I am asking, "Who told you first?" And I didn't call it "tea house chic" (Although I did reference that idea when describing the house of my grandma's friend, when I said what her look wasn't.), but plain old Asian-ish. Now, are you really going to pay over $200 for a crappy Asian-ish vase at Horchow? I don't think so. Get your butt down the thrift store and pick up some of that Asian-ish stuff they are getting rid of. Please.
More cups and saucers?
Mom and dad were by for a visit right after I found those great cups and saucers from the last post. She was quite smitten with them and asked if there were more at the store. At the thrift store? She should have known I would have bought all they had! BUT, I was back by St. David's the next week and there WERE more. Not quite the same, but very close: plain white glaze with a little texture. So I bought them and what a great mother's day gift!
P.s. There were twelve cups and twelve saucers--and yes, I bought them ALL.
Long-winded Update
Since MTSS relocated to Austin, TX we have run into numerous problems with the location of our new offices. MTSS is of course building a completely green and ecofriendly complex of buildings that are close to beautiful and affordable neighborhoods where we expect our legions of employees to live. While the design is thoughtful and brilliant, environmentalists in the area (crazy wackos who need to get real jobs) have gone to City Hall to prevent us from breaking ground on our groundbreaking new building. Something about a spring? Who cares. Anyway, all of this hoopla has kept the staff very busy trying to spin the new building, etc. leaving precious little time for our real work. Blame the environmentalists! But, progress has been made on the official MTSS Presidential Manse as well as many exciting finds, friends and objects. Read on for exciting news, predictions and photos.
1. New Sofa
Finding good, upholstered furniture at the thrift store can sometimes be tricky. Occasionally you even have to fight for it. For years I have been fantasizing about a beautiful mid-century French Provincial sofa, just like the one I grew up with. My mother had the living room completely decked out in the stuff, originally covered in that classic white damask, and later in a gold and blue fabric. Sofa, chairs, ottoman and tables to match. Funny that it was called the 'living' room when in fact the only time my brother and I were allowed in was to practice the piano. Otherwise, only the Avon lady got to sit on the sofa. The barely used furniture was eventually sold when the room was converted into an office/game room sort of space.
So I have been looking high and low for a replacement. Problem is that most French Provincial sofas are:
A. Expensive
B. Not the right style (I wanted a mid-century version, not a Victorian style)
C. Ugly and smelly.
On the way home from work one day, I popped into the electric razor shop next to Salvation Army for some new blades and Mitchell went into SA to have a look at some tables I'd spotted earlier in the week. When I found him, he was standing next to this lovely blue sofa (it's in between a robin's egg and peacock--I'm calling it peacock's egg blue to cover all the bases). I asked the salesperson what the discount tag color was that day, but it wasn't the one on the sofa--it had just arrived on the floor hours earlier. Discount or not, I didn't care because it was in great shape, didn't smell and I had to have it. I grabbed the tag and the (very nice) salesperson gave me 20% off anyways! While I was paying, this redhead comes in and starts picking up the cushions, smelling the upholstery and kicking the tires. I was like, "Yoo hoo, missy! I'm already buying it! It's mine...please quit touching it..." But she didn't hear me. In fact, she was so enamored that she returned to examine it two more times. I didn't look back to see the tears in her eyes as we carried it out of the store and wedged it into the wagon. Finders keepers. Lord knows I've lost out on numerous pieces due to lack of speed or general bad luck.
The blue sofa looks great in the living room and we are going to paint the walls a lighter shade of the same color. I'm calling the overall look 'high modern French colonial Asian-ish.' Other people, like Jonathan Adler and some design magazines have begun to use the phrase maximalism--which is the opposite of minimalism. I am a confirmed, unapologetic maximalist. As I've said many times, less is a bore, more IS more.
2. Dumpster Diving
David Earl Smith of Houston, TX is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Mr. Smith is very proper and a little on the snobby side. Once, years ago, when he introduced me to a new acquaintance of his and inquired about my response to her I merely said, "I'm just glad you've finally found a friend who is as big a snob as you are." David would of course refer to this as one my classic back-handed compliments.
This is all to say that David is not someone you would imagine digging around in the dumpster of his apartment complex, but in fact he does and is in quite good at it. Dumpster diving is below thrift shopping on the recycling goods scale, which is based on the amount of energy output necessary to procure goods, from more to less. The scale goes:
A. Dumpster Diving
B. Garage Sales
C. Thrift Stores
D. Estate Sales
E. Antique Malls/Auctions
David has made several wonderful finds of late included a gigantic foam frame which he transformed into a fantastic headboard with just a little help from moi and a lot of d.i.y. ingenuity.
Over the winter holidays, as we were pulling into the parking lot, David Earl became quite excited, exited the car and ran to the dumpster where he pulled a giant gold high heeled shoe from the trash. It's original use? Not sure, but it is a wonderful place to stage a Miss Blessed Virgin Mary Pageant and would work equally well in the right kitchen as a spice rack. N'est-ce pas?
3. Living Room
I love faux. The fauxer the better. Faux ceramic sea shells, faux coral, faux ivory...you name it and I love it. Especially faux bamboo. What is it about faux bamboo that is just so satisfying? I had been looking and looking for a new china cabinet or organizational system for all of the dishes. The old house had tons of built-in storage space which I had packed to the very maximum, while the new place does not. Luckily, I stumbled onto 'It's New to Me' which is a consignment furniture store filled mostly with crap, but amidst all the trash there were several treasures--including this china cabinet and matching serving table. Each holds quite a bit and the Canonsburg Temporama looks stunning in the cabinet. Love it. LOVE it. And a bargain, believe me.
4. Avatar of Interior Design
People often stop me on the street and ask for some tips on what is hot right now for American interiors. There are so many answers that I could give, so many directions that I could point you in my dear reader, but I have distilled it down to three very simple elements that you can include in your home to give it that very of the moment, yet not of THE moment look.
A. Snails
Snails are hot, hot, HOT. It is true that trends wax and wane like the moon, but some motifs remain a solid, bankable part of good design. Snails, despite their rising popularity, are one of those items. In my own decor, I have included a small porcelain snail found at the citywide garage sale and a set of two ceramic snails (there was a ziplock bag which contained two owls [given to April], a squirrel [given to Kristina at work] and a duck [pitched into a drawer, ducks are very out right now] in addition to the snails) from St. David's (see below) in the china cabinet. These small objects serve to balance the seriousness of the china with a little whimsy in the same way that the snail planter I use for trash can balances the overall stoic tone of my den. What I wouldn't give for a set of snail canisters for my kitchen!
B. Early American
In the 1950s, at the height of popularity for designers like George Nelson, Eva Zeisel, Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Russel Wright and others, there were some people who didn't give a crap for American moderism. Atomic patterns, plastic furniture and fondue pots were not for them. My grandmother, Ruth Barbara Pierson Johnson Decker, was one of those people. Sadly, she did not serve us breakfast on atomic-inspired patterns by Franciscan that I would eventually inherit. Nor did she tell the time by a starburst shaped clock that would eventually hang on the wall above my mantel. However, She did decorate her house in a solid, traditional manner, investing in classic reproduction pieces of early American furniture which she augmented with family antiques. I have been lucky enough to receive her coffee table (which I wanted for as long as I could remember, it was always the perfect place for games or just to sit and draw) and her dining table as she downsized in the years before she passed away.
When you're at the thrift store, look around. Do you see any chairs by Charles and Ray Eames? What about dishes by Russel Wright? Yes, once in a while there is a great find at a store that doesn't know what they are selling. But wake up kids, most of it is gone. Gone. It's in resale shops, auctions, showrooms and museums. Now I love this stuff as much as the next person, but it's time to stop whining and find a new obsession. Early American. It's everywhere! Chairs, tables, desk, china cabinets, dry sinks and more. This mid-century interpretation of classic American pieces is often simple and blends in well with other pieces from the same period, classic or not. Take it from me, think early American.
C. Asian-ish (see above and below)
My same grandmother had these fabulous friends when I was growing up. They had a ranch not far from her house and we would go by to visit, pick grapes for jelly or for dinner. They had a very well-decorated home and served exotic things like broiled fish with the head still on. (Part of the reason I never liked fish, I think.) Their home was very Asian-ish. It wasn't some neo-Japanese inspired tea house. It wasn't made from sustainably-harvested bamboo. It wasn't arranged according to the strict rules of Feng Shui. They lived in a very American home that was peppered with Asian (particularly Chinese) pieces they had purchased while living in China after the war. At least that is how I remember it. It was Asian-ish.
Again, look around. I was at the thrift store the other day and people are discarding Asian-ish pieces like it is going out of style. Okay, so it is. All the more reason to scoop it up and add a piece here or there for a little eastern flair.
5. St. David's
One of the best thrift store I've ever shopped in is right here in Austin. It took me a while to find it, but now I'm there every week. Next-to-New is a project of St. David's Episcopal Church and I think they must spend thirty minutes every week begging their parishioners to give up the goods. This store is packed with wonderful furniture, great dishes and fantastic tchotch. It's organized, clean and doesn't sell a bunch of chipped and broken junk. Only drawback? Next-to-New is a little on the expensive side. BUT, they have this great sticker system that lists the price and depending on how long its been there, the price drops. So, it's a bit of gamble. A fun gamble. How badly do you want it? Heidi works the register and you can tell she runs the place with an iron fist--but from the fist dangle great bracelets! She greets everyone with her lovely European accent and makes sure breakables are properly wrapped. I've found some wonderful things there:
These wooden mice picks are from Denmark and each one has different colored eyes to tell them apart.
This very 60s orange plastic container has four little plates and a spoon. It was labeled salsa server, which is ridiculous as no amount of salsa would fit on the tiny plates. It works well for nuts or other little nibbly things and looks great on the coffee table.
My mom was very jealous of these coffee cups I picked up the other day. There are two of each color and they match my collection of lotus bowls fairly closely. I can't wait to use them.
Remember Asian-ish? I found the Quan Yin on the left at St. David's, but had to get her some friends. She was lonely! Now they party on the coffee table in the living room.
6. Ottoman/Poof/Tuffet
April and I found this fab white ottoman at the Salvation Army a while back. It was very dirty, one of the seams was ripped and they were asking a lot for it. Too much. I kept circling and circling, finally deciding to ask if they would go lower. As I walked to the register and caught the salesperson's eye, he said those magic words: all furniture is 50% off. Sold! Mitchell sewed it up and I applied a little vinyl cleaner. Good as new, it's the perfect perch for a party.
All caught up? All worn out from reading? Go thrift shopping, you'll feel way better.
1. New Sofa
Finding good, upholstered furniture at the thrift store can sometimes be tricky. Occasionally you even have to fight for it. For years I have been fantasizing about a beautiful mid-century French Provincial sofa, just like the one I grew up with. My mother had the living room completely decked out in the stuff, originally covered in that classic white damask, and later in a gold and blue fabric. Sofa, chairs, ottoman and tables to match. Funny that it was called the 'living' room when in fact the only time my brother and I were allowed in was to practice the piano. Otherwise, only the Avon lady got to sit on the sofa. The barely used furniture was eventually sold when the room was converted into an office/game room sort of space.
So I have been looking high and low for a replacement. Problem is that most French Provincial sofas are:
A. Expensive
B. Not the right style (I wanted a mid-century version, not a Victorian style)
C. Ugly and smelly.
On the way home from work one day, I popped into the electric razor shop next to Salvation Army for some new blades and Mitchell went into SA to have a look at some tables I'd spotted earlier in the week. When I found him, he was standing next to this lovely blue sofa (it's in between a robin's egg and peacock--I'm calling it peacock's egg blue to cover all the bases). I asked the salesperson what the discount tag color was that day, but it wasn't the one on the sofa--it had just arrived on the floor hours earlier. Discount or not, I didn't care because it was in great shape, didn't smell and I had to have it. I grabbed the tag and the (very nice) salesperson gave me 20% off anyways! While I was paying, this redhead comes in and starts picking up the cushions, smelling the upholstery and kicking the tires. I was like, "Yoo hoo, missy! I'm already buying it! It's mine...please quit touching it..." But she didn't hear me. In fact, she was so enamored that she returned to examine it two more times. I didn't look back to see the tears in her eyes as we carried it out of the store and wedged it into the wagon. Finders keepers. Lord knows I've lost out on numerous pieces due to lack of speed or general bad luck.
The blue sofa looks great in the living room and we are going to paint the walls a lighter shade of the same color. I'm calling the overall look 'high modern French colonial Asian-ish.' Other people, like Jonathan Adler and some design magazines have begun to use the phrase maximalism--which is the opposite of minimalism. I am a confirmed, unapologetic maximalist. As I've said many times, less is a bore, more IS more.
2. Dumpster Diving
David Earl Smith of Houston, TX is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Mr. Smith is very proper and a little on the snobby side. Once, years ago, when he introduced me to a new acquaintance of his and inquired about my response to her I merely said, "I'm just glad you've finally found a friend who is as big a snob as you are." David would of course refer to this as one my classic back-handed compliments.
This is all to say that David is not someone you would imagine digging around in the dumpster of his apartment complex, but in fact he does and is in quite good at it. Dumpster diving is below thrift shopping on the recycling goods scale, which is based on the amount of energy output necessary to procure goods, from more to less. The scale goes:
A. Dumpster Diving
B. Garage Sales
C. Thrift Stores
D. Estate Sales
E. Antique Malls/Auctions
David has made several wonderful finds of late included a gigantic foam frame which he transformed into a fantastic headboard with just a little help from moi and a lot of d.i.y. ingenuity.
Over the winter holidays, as we were pulling into the parking lot, David Earl became quite excited, exited the car and ran to the dumpster where he pulled a giant gold high heeled shoe from the trash. It's original use? Not sure, but it is a wonderful place to stage a Miss Blessed Virgin Mary Pageant and would work equally well in the right kitchen as a spice rack. N'est-ce pas?
3. Living Room
I love faux. The fauxer the better. Faux ceramic sea shells, faux coral, faux ivory...you name it and I love it. Especially faux bamboo. What is it about faux bamboo that is just so satisfying? I had been looking and looking for a new china cabinet or organizational system for all of the dishes. The old house had tons of built-in storage space which I had packed to the very maximum, while the new place does not. Luckily, I stumbled onto 'It's New to Me' which is a consignment furniture store filled mostly with crap, but amidst all the trash there were several treasures--including this china cabinet and matching serving table. Each holds quite a bit and the Canonsburg Temporama looks stunning in the cabinet. Love it. LOVE it. And a bargain, believe me.
4. Avatar of Interior Design
People often stop me on the street and ask for some tips on what is hot right now for American interiors. There are so many answers that I could give, so many directions that I could point you in my dear reader, but I have distilled it down to three very simple elements that you can include in your home to give it that very of the moment, yet not of THE moment look.
A. Snails
Snails are hot, hot, HOT. It is true that trends wax and wane like the moon, but some motifs remain a solid, bankable part of good design. Snails, despite their rising popularity, are one of those items. In my own decor, I have included a small porcelain snail found at the citywide garage sale and a set of two ceramic snails (there was a ziplock bag which contained two owls [given to April], a squirrel [given to Kristina at work] and a duck [pitched into a drawer, ducks are very out right now] in addition to the snails) from St. David's (see below) in the china cabinet. These small objects serve to balance the seriousness of the china with a little whimsy in the same way that the snail planter I use for trash can balances the overall stoic tone of my den. What I wouldn't give for a set of snail canisters for my kitchen!
B. Early American
In the 1950s, at the height of popularity for designers like George Nelson, Eva Zeisel, Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Russel Wright and others, there were some people who didn't give a crap for American moderism. Atomic patterns, plastic furniture and fondue pots were not for them. My grandmother, Ruth Barbara Pierson Johnson Decker, was one of those people. Sadly, she did not serve us breakfast on atomic-inspired patterns by Franciscan that I would eventually inherit. Nor did she tell the time by a starburst shaped clock that would eventually hang on the wall above my mantel. However, She did decorate her house in a solid, traditional manner, investing in classic reproduction pieces of early American furniture which she augmented with family antiques. I have been lucky enough to receive her coffee table (which I wanted for as long as I could remember, it was always the perfect place for games or just to sit and draw) and her dining table as she downsized in the years before she passed away.
When you're at the thrift store, look around. Do you see any chairs by Charles and Ray Eames? What about dishes by Russel Wright? Yes, once in a while there is a great find at a store that doesn't know what they are selling. But wake up kids, most of it is gone. Gone. It's in resale shops, auctions, showrooms and museums. Now I love this stuff as much as the next person, but it's time to stop whining and find a new obsession. Early American. It's everywhere! Chairs, tables, desk, china cabinets, dry sinks and more. This mid-century interpretation of classic American pieces is often simple and blends in well with other pieces from the same period, classic or not. Take it from me, think early American.
C. Asian-ish (see above and below)
My same grandmother had these fabulous friends when I was growing up. They had a ranch not far from her house and we would go by to visit, pick grapes for jelly or for dinner. They had a very well-decorated home and served exotic things like broiled fish with the head still on. (Part of the reason I never liked fish, I think.) Their home was very Asian-ish. It wasn't some neo-Japanese inspired tea house. It wasn't made from sustainably-harvested bamboo. It wasn't arranged according to the strict rules of Feng Shui. They lived in a very American home that was peppered with Asian (particularly Chinese) pieces they had purchased while living in China after the war. At least that is how I remember it. It was Asian-ish.
Again, look around. I was at the thrift store the other day and people are discarding Asian-ish pieces like it is going out of style. Okay, so it is. All the more reason to scoop it up and add a piece here or there for a little eastern flair.
5. St. David's
One of the best thrift store I've ever shopped in is right here in Austin. It took me a while to find it, but now I'm there every week. Next-to-New is a project of St. David's Episcopal Church and I think they must spend thirty minutes every week begging their parishioners to give up the goods. This store is packed with wonderful furniture, great dishes and fantastic tchotch. It's organized, clean and doesn't sell a bunch of chipped and broken junk. Only drawback? Next-to-New is a little on the expensive side. BUT, they have this great sticker system that lists the price and depending on how long its been there, the price drops. So, it's a bit of gamble. A fun gamble. How badly do you want it? Heidi works the register and you can tell she runs the place with an iron fist--but from the fist dangle great bracelets! She greets everyone with her lovely European accent and makes sure breakables are properly wrapped. I've found some wonderful things there:
These wooden mice picks are from Denmark and each one has different colored eyes to tell them apart.
This very 60s orange plastic container has four little plates and a spoon. It was labeled salsa server, which is ridiculous as no amount of salsa would fit on the tiny plates. It works well for nuts or other little nibbly things and looks great on the coffee table.
My mom was very jealous of these coffee cups I picked up the other day. There are two of each color and they match my collection of lotus bowls fairly closely. I can't wait to use them.
Remember Asian-ish? I found the Quan Yin on the left at St. David's, but had to get her some friends. She was lonely! Now they party on the coffee table in the living room.
6. Ottoman/Poof/Tuffet
April and I found this fab white ottoman at the Salvation Army a while back. It was very dirty, one of the seams was ripped and they were asking a lot for it. Too much. I kept circling and circling, finally deciding to ask if they would go lower. As I walked to the register and caught the salesperson's eye, he said those magic words: all furniture is 50% off. Sold! Mitchell sewed it up and I applied a little vinyl cleaner. Good as new, it's the perfect perch for a party.
All caught up? All worn out from reading? Go thrift shopping, you'll feel way better.
Shopping with Ursula
Ask and you shall receive, the first rule of successful thrifting. My friend Ursula (Assistant Curator of Latin American Art) and I saw that rule demonstrated to the nth degree the weekend before last when we went out exploring together. Our main objective: find the best, most outlandish white elephant gift for the staff holiday party. We're both new at the museum and there are so many ways to make an impression on your coworkers. You can dress really nice and wear a jacket and tie to work everyday; tell jokes in meetings; take food to work (I do!). But, I decided to make a statement with a gift. Something from the thrift store. Something unique. Something perfect.
I could have shopped all day long, but the moment I stepped into the Top Drawer Thrift Store and turned to my left, this lovely "lamp" stared back at me and I knew that I'd found the perfect gift. It was the most traded at the party (three times, the limit set) and the recipient seemed very happy to be going home with it. Imagine, it could go on a bar or might even inspire an entire thematic decor. Martini anyone? Ursula also found a great gift--a vintage puzzle called Ego Buster with hilarious photos of perplexed men on the top.
Ursula ogles the Pyrex. So much....heaven!
More Pyrex displayed prominently in a case--U. bought the one on the far left, front.
We got spirit, yes we do! We hot spirit, how 'bout you?! U. and I both seem immune to the whole UTexas spirit, but she couldn't help donning this hat in at attempt to reverse her situation. Strange enough, a women in line in front of us was buying it. No joke. Swear on Pyrex.
A really gorgeous can opener, which I didn't buy, paired with a scary doll and iced tea maker.
Beyond the gifts, we found a lot to be happy about. I purchased a chest for my grandmother's silver--the one that came with it was a little tight--very nice shape, with a dark read interior for only $4. Also found a divided wood tray and some glasses at a great price. More glasses? I resisted the Pyrex, didn't I? You can't expect me to buy nothing...
Ursula found a perfect lamp and some plates that were absolutely sweet.
I could have shopped all day long, but the moment I stepped into the Top Drawer Thrift Store and turned to my left, this lovely "lamp" stared back at me and I knew that I'd found the perfect gift. It was the most traded at the party (three times, the limit set) and the recipient seemed very happy to be going home with it. Imagine, it could go on a bar or might even inspire an entire thematic decor. Martini anyone? Ursula also found a great gift--a vintage puzzle called Ego Buster with hilarious photos of perplexed men on the top.
Ursula ogles the Pyrex. So much....heaven!
More Pyrex displayed prominently in a case--U. bought the one on the far left, front.
We got spirit, yes we do! We hot spirit, how 'bout you?! U. and I both seem immune to the whole UTexas spirit, but she couldn't help donning this hat in at attempt to reverse her situation. Strange enough, a women in line in front of us was buying it. No joke. Swear on Pyrex.
A really gorgeous can opener, which I didn't buy, paired with a scary doll and iced tea maker.
Beyond the gifts, we found a lot to be happy about. I purchased a chest for my grandmother's silver--the one that came with it was a little tight--very nice shape, with a dark read interior for only $4. Also found a divided wood tray and some glasses at a great price. More glasses? I resisted the Pyrex, didn't I? You can't expect me to buy nothing...
Ursula found a perfect lamp and some plates that were absolutely sweet.
The Wages of Stuff
My monastic existance is over--everything is here and there is no place to put it. I rented a one-bedroom apartment because I had no idea how long it would take the Wichita house to sell. It's sold and now everything we didn't get rid of is HERE. Scary as it is, it's also somewhat comforting. Now the task is finding a new place where everything will fit neatly and nicely. Is Versailles available??
You Think I Have a Lot of Dishes?
Copywright, NYTimes, Michael Schmelling
Check out this article from NYTimes T Magazine which discusses, among other people, a couple with a zest for collecting:
"Their collection now numbers well over 3,000 dishes, including coveted designs by Eva Zeisel, Russel Wright, Ben Seibel and other modernist masters. The dishes are arrayed on custom-built shelves, in cabinets and in 1950's built-in drawers. Not a few of them are usually being washed." (emphasis mine)
It's worth a read and definitely helped me to put my collection in perspective: I certainly don't have as much as those weirdos, so I'll have to buy more.
Read it here.
Never stop shopping!
Return of the Mojo
As reported, my first Austin thrifting experience was a bit of a letdown. However, I was not dissuaded from my mission and with perseverance as my moto, endeavoured to try again. A couple of weekends ago, I made the rounds to Goodwill, Savers Thrift Department Store and the Top Drawer Thrift Store. I'm pleased to report that my thrifting mojo has successfully made the move to Austin resulting in the discovery of several wonderful things and several new stores.
My first stop at the Goodwill resulted in several keen finds...
This open vegatable from Noritake had a lovely pattern, but was heavily damaged so I passed.
Ah, the mushroom motif (MM), even in the fair city of Austin. I imagine that had I begun sereral years ago, I could have an apartment furnished entirely with MM. Collect it now, it won't last forever.
A conundrum. Do I need more dessert plates? I picked this beautiful stack of ten plates up and put them back down at least three times. Plain white, with a silver band that is still in very good shape, they're classic Noritake. I kept thinking to myself that I didn't need them, but they were only $.59 each. I picked them up one last time and headed for the door.
At Savers, I found these great plates and a single bowl by Block China from Portugal. The pattern is Sextet. I've always been a big fan of the Block designs and this one, indictative of the Eurotrash style that graced the pafes of Metropolitan Home in the mid 1980s, is the next wave of collectability. There was also a stack of saucers, but alas no cups. The checker said someone had just been in and bought a giant set of it. I know that faced with that decision, I would have done the same and don't really need yet ANOTHER set of dishes. Personally saved, I congratulate the finder out there, and will enjoy my small set.
The big-eyed ceramic child motif. I would love to have a giant collection of these gracing little shelves on my wall. The photo reminded John of a Madonna song: "she's gonna keep her baby, ooh, oh, yeah..." I didn't purchase this lovely specimen, although I was tempted.
A pipe in the shape of an ashtray. Clever.
The Top Drawer Thrift Store is everything a thrift store should be AND they have a great sign to proove it. Lots of wonderful finds, including Pyrex that I didn't buy.
Two dessert/salad plates by Ben Seibel for Mikasa were too beautiful to leave behind, though. If only there had been a couple of dinner plates.
Summary: Thrifting in Austin is going to be alright.
My first stop at the Goodwill resulted in several keen finds...
This open vegatable from Noritake had a lovely pattern, but was heavily damaged so I passed.
Ah, the mushroom motif (MM), even in the fair city of Austin. I imagine that had I begun sereral years ago, I could have an apartment furnished entirely with MM. Collect it now, it won't last forever.
A conundrum. Do I need more dessert plates? I picked this beautiful stack of ten plates up and put them back down at least three times. Plain white, with a silver band that is still in very good shape, they're classic Noritake. I kept thinking to myself that I didn't need them, but they were only $.59 each. I picked them up one last time and headed for the door.
At Savers, I found these great plates and a single bowl by Block China from Portugal. The pattern is Sextet. I've always been a big fan of the Block designs and this one, indictative of the Eurotrash style that graced the pafes of Metropolitan Home in the mid 1980s, is the next wave of collectability. There was also a stack of saucers, but alas no cups. The checker said someone had just been in and bought a giant set of it. I know that faced with that decision, I would have done the same and don't really need yet ANOTHER set of dishes. Personally saved, I congratulate the finder out there, and will enjoy my small set.
The big-eyed ceramic child motif. I would love to have a giant collection of these gracing little shelves on my wall. The photo reminded John of a Madonna song: "she's gonna keep her baby, ooh, oh, yeah..." I didn't purchase this lovely specimen, although I was tempted.
A pipe in the shape of an ashtray. Clever.
The Top Drawer Thrift Store is everything a thrift store should be AND they have a great sign to proove it. Lots of wonderful finds, including Pyrex that I didn't buy.
Two dessert/salad plates by Ben Seibel for Mikasa were too beautiful to leave behind, though. If only there had been a couple of dinner plates.
Summary: Thrifting in Austin is going to be alright.
Less is a Bore
I love my stuff, and I still have all of it (unlike those people from the hurricanes and earthquake), but it has been quite a shift temporarily living with less. My apartment in Austin is great, situated to many conveniences, including work, but it just feels slightly strange...
When I moved several weeks ago, I only brought two chairs, and ottoman, a bed and a few dishes. Honestly, I feel almost monastic. If I were sleeping on the floor, I might have to start chanting every morning. But all of that stuff? What is the point of it? When people marvel at the mass amounts of dishes, serving pieces and other dinnerware that I possess, I always tell them the same story: When I was a poor, little girl growing up in the slums of Tulsa, OK and eating off of paper plates, I told myself that when I grew up I could have all the dishes that I wanted. With God as my witness, I'll never eat off paper plates again.
But what do all of these things mean? Zeebahtronic has a nice excerpt by her friend Pansy on how things can overpower the really important parts of our lives. Mostly I agree with what she had to say, and I think that it’s important to be mindful of the things that we keep. You're laughing aren't you? But it's true, I have A LOT of junk, but I use it all and all of it is an important part of my life: socializing and entertaining friends and family. I do think that shopping at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales is a more conscionable way to live and be in this world. Wal-Mart, and many other outlets, makes things cheap and affordable, but also blinds our society with the availability of it--allowing other things to be ignored: injustice, education, and community to start. When the poor didn't have anything, they fought for the right to unionize, for civil rights and for education. Now, our entire society (in every social spectrum) is too numb with stuff to think about anything but more stuff. Whew! Deep thought from MTSS.
On a lighter note, the little thrift shopping I have done in Austin has rendered basically nothing. When I first got here, I needed a table for my computer and thought I could easily find one at a local thrift store. Five stores later, and nary a thing to show except for a small set of juice glasses adorned with birds. They're lovely and I wonder who could have gotten rid of them? Perhaps they just wanted less stuff. It seems that Austin will make thrifting more challenging, as all of the hip kids are tapped into what is great and what is trash. Lots of trash.
Remember to thrift (and live) thoughtfully.
When I moved several weeks ago, I only brought two chairs, and ottoman, a bed and a few dishes. Honestly, I feel almost monastic. If I were sleeping on the floor, I might have to start chanting every morning. But all of that stuff? What is the point of it? When people marvel at the mass amounts of dishes, serving pieces and other dinnerware that I possess, I always tell them the same story: When I was a poor, little girl growing up in the slums of Tulsa, OK and eating off of paper plates, I told myself that when I grew up I could have all the dishes that I wanted. With God as my witness, I'll never eat off paper plates again.
But what do all of these things mean? Zeebahtronic has a nice excerpt by her friend Pansy on how things can overpower the really important parts of our lives. Mostly I agree with what she had to say, and I think that it’s important to be mindful of the things that we keep. You're laughing aren't you? But it's true, I have A LOT of junk, but I use it all and all of it is an important part of my life: socializing and entertaining friends and family. I do think that shopping at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales is a more conscionable way to live and be in this world. Wal-Mart, and many other outlets, makes things cheap and affordable, but also blinds our society with the availability of it--allowing other things to be ignored: injustice, education, and community to start. When the poor didn't have anything, they fought for the right to unionize, for civil rights and for education. Now, our entire society (in every social spectrum) is too numb with stuff to think about anything but more stuff. Whew! Deep thought from MTSS.
On a lighter note, the little thrift shopping I have done in Austin has rendered basically nothing. When I first got here, I needed a table for my computer and thought I could easily find one at a local thrift store. Five stores later, and nary a thing to show except for a small set of juice glasses adorned with birds. They're lovely and I wonder who could have gotten rid of them? Perhaps they just wanted less stuff. It seems that Austin will make thrifting more challenging, as all of the hip kids are tapped into what is great and what is trash. Lots of trash.
Remember to thrift (and live) thoughtfully.
Re: Quick and Brainless
From Zeebahtronic
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
My true love-
A pyrex casserole-
Propping up geraniums
In a pot.
Won't someone rescue you?
It was actually the only sentence in that post, but oh well.
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
My true love-
A pyrex casserole-
Propping up geraniums
In a pot.
Won't someone rescue you?
It was actually the only sentence in that post, but oh well.
No One Makes Passes...
While cleaning out in preparation for the MOOOVE, Mitchell found a box of vintage glasses collected from the thrift store. We were meeting friends for drinks and I thought it would be fun to take them along (and the camera) and see how they looked. Here are some of the best shots:
An array of glasses to choose from.
Barb-a-licious as a fifties fox.
One of Katie's students who happened by.
Mitchell working the Elton John style.
Our waitress on whom the cat eyes give a eighties double-vintage look.
Katie looks tres swank in these oversized frames. Don't you want to buy her a white-wine spritzer?
What is your sign?
On the bartender however, the look is very imperious diva.
Cody in a look that might be described as part hepcat, part Cary Grant.
I was very surprised at how good these looked on me.
An array of glasses to choose from.
Barb-a-licious as a fifties fox.
One of Katie's students who happened by.
Mitchell working the Elton John style.
Our waitress on whom the cat eyes give a eighties double-vintage look.
Katie looks tres swank in these oversized frames. Don't you want to buy her a white-wine spritzer?
What is your sign?
On the bartender however, the look is very imperious diva.
Cody in a look that might be described as part hepcat, part Cary Grant.
I was very surprised at how good these looked on me.
Manic Thrift Store Garage Sale
Everyone keeps saying, "Keep only what you love" or "Sell half of what you own." But I love it all and want to keep every object that passes through my hands for the rest of my life. Honestly, I come by it naturally and could tell you stories about bizarre relatives who labeled all of their possessions in black magic marker. I am coming to realize, however, that sometimes you have to say good-bye and let things go, and a garage sale is the perfect place to do so. My friend Teresa bought and wrote the ad as a going away present (how thoughtful!) and used her professional PR super powers to give us the stand out of the bunch. There was quite a response and I must say that things literally flew off the shelves.
To all of the dishes, platters, Pyrex, furniture and tchotchkes that are now in a new home I have to say "Good bye, good buy! I love you! I miss you! Be happy and write often...."
With Willpower of Iron, I Resisted
In Chicago last week, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of thrift stores with friends, but managed to resist quite a few nice finds including several pieces of Pyrex. Sad, but true.
(aside: It's amazing what setting up for a garage sale and packing can do your sense of ownership! The garage sale starts tomorrow and I'll be selling lots and lots of thrift store finds. My friend Alyson told me to keep only what I love. But since I love all of it, I'm passing on delicious finds to friends and strangers. All of this in preparation for the move on the 26 of September.)
We visited one old Salvation Army that looked like it might have been the area headquarters, with a soaring facade replete with glass blocks and rusty letters. This store features three stories crammed full of great junk and even has a boutique that sells the best finds of the place. Unfortunately, while we shopped inside, evil people took a piece of the curb, busted Michael's window and stole Ryan's golf clubs! Unbelievable. And the glass? There was so much glass from one little window, it was difficult to believe. While a depressing event, we did recoup karma points that evening with a fantastic meal at Green Zebra.
Remember, thrifting can be dangerous. Shop prepared.
(aside: It's amazing what setting up for a garage sale and packing can do your sense of ownership! The garage sale starts tomorrow and I'll be selling lots and lots of thrift store finds. My friend Alyson told me to keep only what I love. But since I love all of it, I'm passing on delicious finds to friends and strangers. All of this in preparation for the move on the 26 of September.)
We visited one old Salvation Army that looked like it might have been the area headquarters, with a soaring facade replete with glass blocks and rusty letters. This store features three stories crammed full of great junk and even has a boutique that sells the best finds of the place. Unfortunately, while we shopped inside, evil people took a piece of the curb, busted Michael's window and stole Ryan's golf clubs! Unbelievable. And the glass? There was so much glass from one little window, it was difficult to believe. While a depressing event, we did recoup karma points that evening with a fantastic meal at Green Zebra.
Remember, thrifting can be dangerous. Shop prepared.
Thrifting in Madison
I'll admit it, I've been avoiding the thrift store. Have you seen how much stuff I have? And now that the MTSS Corporate Offices are relocating to Austin, TX (That's right folks, we've been bought by Condé Nast and have to move the works.*), there is so much to pack up you wouldn't believe it. But, I love to thrift wherever I go, and I had to sample the stores of Madison. Jessie and Dave took us to two fantastic thrift store, Savers Thrifting Department Store (which she had been talking about for months and did not exaggerate in her tales of its greatness) and the Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.
Fantastic Savers, The Thrift Department Store--everything was SO organized, it was bizarre.
Blue Heaven dish for Molly--a new pattern she is collecting.
Jessie and the cute creamer and sugar I strong-armed her into buying. Lord knows I don't need another set...
While some may disagree, I do have a modicum of self-control. Case in point, I passed up the BEAUTIFUL set of Taylor-Smith-Taylor China with a silver, striped border. Ugh. Why? Whyyyy?
Stop rhyming now I mean it! Anybody want a peanut? Seriously, nice piece of Frankoma behind--even in Wisconsin.
Barb-a-Licious in her new, fur coat.
Always a bridesmaid...
Stoooool, everybody loves a stooooool. (For Katie, who was in need.)
Mitchell found this great shotglass set which matches a set of flutes that Barb owns. Score.
*Seriously folks, I've accepted a job at the Jack S. Blanton Museum in Austin, TX which I will start on September 29. This will probably be the last post for a few weeks, but rest assured, I'll be back and I'll let you know.
Fantastic Savers, The Thrift Department Store--everything was SO organized, it was bizarre.
Blue Heaven dish for Molly--a new pattern she is collecting.
Jessie and the cute creamer and sugar I strong-armed her into buying. Lord knows I don't need another set...
While some may disagree, I do have a modicum of self-control. Case in point, I passed up the BEAUTIFUL set of Taylor-Smith-Taylor China with a silver, striped border. Ugh. Why? Whyyyy?
Stop rhyming now I mean it! Anybody want a peanut? Seriously, nice piece of Frankoma behind--even in Wisconsin.
Barb-a-Licious in her new, fur coat.
Always a bridesmaid...
Stoooool, everybody loves a stooooool. (For Katie, who was in need.)
Mitchell found this great shotglass set which matches a set of flutes that Barb owns. Score.
*Seriously folks, I've accepted a job at the Jack S. Blanton Museum in Austin, TX which I will start on September 29. This will probably be the last post for a few weeks, but rest assured, I'll be back and I'll let you know.
Random Thrifting
Sunday morning was a whirlwind of dishes and cleaning after the impromptu dinner from the night before. I also made trips to Target and the grocery store to get some necessities. When 4 o'clock rolled around, we had lazily missed our movie and were feeling....the ennui of summer days: restless and adrift. Needing a couple of things they don't stock at the regular supermarket, I suggested a trip to Whole Foods, a local chain of health food stores not to be confused with WHOLE FOODS, the national chain of gourmet health foods stores. It just so happens, there is a DAV on the way to WF, and of course I got sucked right in. (I'm beginning to believe there is a thrift store on the way to everywhere...)
Mitchell found these great salt and pepper shakers. I know you were thrown off for a second, and thought I had posted photos of my bowling trophies, but these are very small and neatly marked with a bowling ball for the pepper and bowling pin for the salt. How clever.
Of course, they'll go perfectly with the odd collection of S&P we have in the kitchen including some from my mam-ma (the corn) and others collected over the years. My favorites are the ones that resemble appliances like the television and the toaster. The little pieces of bread actually pop up and are the shakers!
Suddenly, I'm obsessed with globes. Last year, Molly bought one for Jamie and I had to keep it so he wouldn't find it. The DAV had a ton of great globes, but I wasn't in the mood to spend the $$. And I don't know exactly what I would do with them, not a rule I've ever really followed, but still problematic. This one was fairly inexpensive and was made by Fisher-Price. It lights up and has a little viewer that you can position over various countries which shows you a little image of their food, customs or landmarks. Very fun and a nice lamp.
My favorite find of the day was a small collection of painted ceramic shells. Each is less than two inches long and carefully decorated to resemble the real deal. I love faux (except for fauxhawks--I say mohawk or nauxhawk.) and I love being able to rescue a collection like this. I imagine someone spending a lot of time painting these and being very proud of them and it pains me to think that someone just donated them to the DAV after they passed. Kind of like a collection of dogs I ran across last year, but there were too many and they were too costly to save. But the shells, I saved the sea shells from the sea shore.
Whole Foods was closed when I finally got there, though. Oh well.
Mitchell found these great salt and pepper shakers. I know you were thrown off for a second, and thought I had posted photos of my bowling trophies, but these are very small and neatly marked with a bowling ball for the pepper and bowling pin for the salt. How clever.
Of course, they'll go perfectly with the odd collection of S&P we have in the kitchen including some from my mam-ma (the corn) and others collected over the years. My favorites are the ones that resemble appliances like the television and the toaster. The little pieces of bread actually pop up and are the shakers!
Suddenly, I'm obsessed with globes. Last year, Molly bought one for Jamie and I had to keep it so he wouldn't find it. The DAV had a ton of great globes, but I wasn't in the mood to spend the $$. And I don't know exactly what I would do with them, not a rule I've ever really followed, but still problematic. This one was fairly inexpensive and was made by Fisher-Price. It lights up and has a little viewer that you can position over various countries which shows you a little image of their food, customs or landmarks. Very fun and a nice lamp.
My favorite find of the day was a small collection of painted ceramic shells. Each is less than two inches long and carefully decorated to resemble the real deal. I love faux (except for fauxhawks--I say mohawk or nauxhawk.) and I love being able to rescue a collection like this. I imagine someone spending a lot of time painting these and being very proud of them and it pains me to think that someone just donated them to the DAV after they passed. Kind of like a collection of dogs I ran across last year, but there were too many and they were too costly to save. But the shells, I saved the sea shells from the sea shore.
Whole Foods was closed when I finally got there, though. Oh well.
When Pyrex Breaks
You are not alone, just remember that the next time you have a favorite piece of Pyrex break. It has happened to everyone, from Paris Hilton to your bank teller. While it can be a heart rendering experience regardless of your income level, it doesn't have to be. Pyrex breakage can be a time of celebration, a moment to reflect on the life of that bowl, plate or casserole and to remember the good times with the bad.
Just this morning, I was removing a stack of Pyrex bowls from the cupboard in preparation to make the chocolate mini cupcakes you can read about on bigYELLOWbowl and realized that a disaster had occured. The medium-sized olive green mixing bowl, mid-way down the stack, had a giant piece missing from it. Could this travesty have been prevented? Probably. I didn't have to have so many bowls stacked together and this one, actually a Fire King piece* in a highly desirable shape and color, most likely had too much pressure on it from the convential shaped bowls in the stack. But, in situations like this, it's often the first reaction to blame yourself, to heap all of the sadness and anger you are feeling right back on your own head. It doesn't have to be that way.
Most urban communities, and many rural ones, have chapters forming of a national organization you should know about so that you are prepared when this happens to you. And make no mistake, it will happen to you. American Broken Kitchen Glass Support Network of America is an umbrella organization that can connect you with a local group who can listen to your experience, tell you about theirs, and offer support in your time of need. I can only say that from my own personal experience with broken Pyrex, that without ABKGSNA I wouldn't be here today. Without the friendships I have made in my own local chapter, friendships that I know will carry me throughout my life, I wouldn't have made it through the multiple tragedies they have enabled me to endure.
So today, when you sitting there reading this post and thinking, "Broken Pyrex can't happen to me," remember that it can. You can't always prevent it, but you can prepare for it by joining a local chapter of ABKGSNA and by giving your time and money to support their national iniatives.
Do it today, for yourself and for your community. Join ABKGSNA.
*I use Pyrex as a overarching term for all pieces including those by Fire King, Glassbake, and others. While ABKGSNA uses a more general term, I feel the word Pyrex, like Kleenex, is one the general public more easily recognizes.
I've said it before...
...and I'll say it again: ya got to dig around when you're thrift shopping.
Look in every area, even if isn't one that you're usually in. Open any and all boxes that may be on a shelf. Look at the bottom shelf and reach up high to the top shelf. Lift up plates, bowls and platters because there is usually something better hiding underneath something ugly. Shop not just with your eyes, but with your hands. Touch everything and keep disenfectant wipes in the car. Return to the scene of the crime. Smell furniture before you buy it.
Last week I popped into the DAV on the way somewhere else, just for a minute and found this fantastic Lazy Susan, still in its original box, crammed back on the bottom shelf of the dish section. It was made in West Virginia, but had been shipped to South Dakota from a department store in Minneapolis with an incredibly long name, yet ended up in a thrift store in Wichita, KS. It's made up of six pieces: a metal frame into which four leaf-shaped dishes slip with a little bowl to rest on top. Perfect for vegetables and dip, pickly things, or other small delicacies. Do I already have a Lazy Susan? Yes, but not one like this. Plus, it was only $4. I couldn't resist and shouldn't have to.
Remember what I've taught you and thrift with all your senses.
Glasses and Bowls
Some things are just so hard to resist, and I'm only just so strong. I find myself at the thrift store, almost if by magic, not remembering driving there at all. Looking at all of the beautiful things on the shelves, I think of my own shelves (and drawers, closets, china hutches) filled with things and know that I don't have any more room for anything else. But sometimes its just too difficult to say no...
I was strolling the aisles of the Salvation Army a couple of weeks ago and trying to resist temptation when I spotted this set of six glasses. I'm sure they're supposed to be juice glasses, but with the lovely bell shape and heavy base, I thought they'd be perfect for wine in a so-of-the-moment-stemless-wineglass-sort-of-way. BUT, there was no price on them and given my recent experience with the coffee table, I was extremely wary. Rather than ask the manager with the big afro, I just took them to the register where the lady told me they were fifty cents a piece. Sold!
Along with the glasses, I found these two blue bowls which appeared to have been mouth blown due to the slight ridges on the side and the pucker on the bottom where the pipe was attached. Don't they just scream summer? They were marked a dollar, but it was 50% off red sticker days and LUCKY ME, they were red stickers, so I got both for a dollar. Perfect for dips, spreads and other little nibbly things, I'm sure you'll see them regularly on bigYELLOWbowl.
Sometimes its possible to satiate my desire to buy dishes and thrift goodies by picking things up for OTHER people. That way, it's not my problem where it goes, but theirs, yet I still get the satisfaction of a great find. These three ashtrays were a little pricey, but happen to match my friend Michael's dishes. Smoking is gross, but I think that it's very cool that you used to be able to buy ashtrays that matched your dishes. What could be prettier on a dining room table than coordinating ashtrays filled with butts and ashes? A belated b-day present, they'll be in the mail very soon, I promise.
Several weeks ago I was in Salina, KS with some friends to see the Henry Darger "documentary" In the Realms of the Unreal at the Salina Art Center Cinema. It was pretty good and elicited much conversation for several days. We also did a little thrift shopping, but didn't really find anything completely fabulous. At the antique mall however, we found TONS of good buys which didn't make it onto these pages because this is Manic Thrift Store Shopper, not Manic Antique Mall Shopper. One of the best things was a set of dishes by Homer Laughlin in a pattern called Snow White-simple, classic and elegant. For about $40, it was a very full set and I did my best to talk my friend Lorena into purchasing them, knowing that if she didn't they would be mine. I'm very persuasive, so she did buy them and saved me the agony of trying to find a place in my sagging pantry.
But at the DAV, I found these lost and lonely pieces by Sango in a pattern called Strafito. Again, simple and white with just a little texture around the edges. I thought they would go perfectly with the set she had purchased, mixing it up a little with pattern, but still holding to the overall idea of the table. For $20 they were a steal and she loved them, again saving me the agony of trying to find a home in my cupboard for them.
Are you shopping for something specific or general? Let me know, maybe I'll find it and make us both very happy.
I was strolling the aisles of the Salvation Army a couple of weeks ago and trying to resist temptation when I spotted this set of six glasses. I'm sure they're supposed to be juice glasses, but with the lovely bell shape and heavy base, I thought they'd be perfect for wine in a so-of-the-moment-stemless-wineglass-sort-of-way. BUT, there was no price on them and given my recent experience with the coffee table, I was extremely wary. Rather than ask the manager with the big afro, I just took them to the register where the lady told me they were fifty cents a piece. Sold!
Along with the glasses, I found these two blue bowls which appeared to have been mouth blown due to the slight ridges on the side and the pucker on the bottom where the pipe was attached. Don't they just scream summer? They were marked a dollar, but it was 50% off red sticker days and LUCKY ME, they were red stickers, so I got both for a dollar. Perfect for dips, spreads and other little nibbly things, I'm sure you'll see them regularly on bigYELLOWbowl.
Sometimes its possible to satiate my desire to buy dishes and thrift goodies by picking things up for OTHER people. That way, it's not my problem where it goes, but theirs, yet I still get the satisfaction of a great find. These three ashtrays were a little pricey, but happen to match my friend Michael's dishes. Smoking is gross, but I think that it's very cool that you used to be able to buy ashtrays that matched your dishes. What could be prettier on a dining room table than coordinating ashtrays filled with butts and ashes? A belated b-day present, they'll be in the mail very soon, I promise.
Several weeks ago I was in Salina, KS with some friends to see the Henry Darger "documentary" In the Realms of the Unreal at the Salina Art Center Cinema. It was pretty good and elicited much conversation for several days. We also did a little thrift shopping, but didn't really find anything completely fabulous. At the antique mall however, we found TONS of good buys which didn't make it onto these pages because this is Manic Thrift Store Shopper, not Manic Antique Mall Shopper. One of the best things was a set of dishes by Homer Laughlin in a pattern called Snow White-simple, classic and elegant. For about $40, it was a very full set and I did my best to talk my friend Lorena into purchasing them, knowing that if she didn't they would be mine. I'm very persuasive, so she did buy them and saved me the agony of trying to find a place in my sagging pantry.
But at the DAV, I found these lost and lonely pieces by Sango in a pattern called Strafito. Again, simple and white with just a little texture around the edges. I thought they would go perfectly with the set she had purchased, mixing it up a little with pattern, but still holding to the overall idea of the table. For $20 they were a steal and she loved them, again saving me the agony of trying to find a home in my cupboard for them.
Are you shopping for something specific or general? Let me know, maybe I'll find it and make us both very happy.
Warmth
As I've mentioned before, I love using wood pieces to accent a table. I think they add warm tones and complement the smooth texture of ceramics, metals and china. A couple of years ago I started to collect odd pieces while thrifting and now have a nice little selection. Saturday, I popped into the DAV and found the mother of all wood dishes--a giant leaf carved from Koa wood and brought back from Hawaii. I love it and can't wait to use--perfect for veggies, pickly things, etc.
Is this Heaven?
When I saw these photos and the accompanying article in Martha Stewart Living June 2005, I audibly gasped. What is this place, where dishes are stacked and organized by color and styles; silver is all cataloged and kept in a giant cabinets; and a variety of tablewares hang on walls or rest on tables. Each waits for its star turn on some glossy photospread in the pages of MSL. Sigh. What joy, what bliss.
And the people who work there? Can you imagine how very lucky they are?
My dream job (something I'd be very good at): chief shopper for the MSL prop room.
Audio post #1 (Check, baby, check)
