Imaginary Flea Market

 

Hi! Spring cleaning--nope, never really did it, I do a Fall and Holidays cleaning instead. But this year since I lost Mo, I've changed my tune. Still scrubbing schmutzes on walls, vacuuming endless ''pug glitter''/ shedded fur. This week I'm washing and /or putting on new loose [ha!] slipcovers on my white sofas and chair. Oh it's hard to do, what a workout. Back is killing me. Instead of fitted IKEA covers I got inexpensive loose covers. They look a lot like sheets. I hope to get used to this look--at least they look clean, until I can finally save up for new furniture. 

I've been tackling closets and kitchen cupboards too. The kitchen has produced some very fun finds, long forgotten! Like these pink vintage mixing bowls. 

I don't collect pink bowls, have no idea why or when I bought them, prob at the Big Sunday Flea pre-covid?

I only remember the largest one, grey, white, and pink. I used it for dyed Easter eggs years ago. No memory at all of the others. Note the wobbly edge.

It is crudely finished, 1920-30s American. Unglazed base.

Then this 1940s-ish lusterware. Tacky then, tacky now.

A pink and burgundy stripe, Hull? before 1950s?

USA but no brand mark.

A small but fine RingWare Beehive, California Pottery or Bauer. on the left, Dusty Rose color. Art Deco fad, c. 1930s. This is the most valuable piece, they run over $40.oo-60.oo on eBay.

I also found my McCoy pots, all except the much wanted pink one. Why is it missing? [these are also expensive now, in $45-55 dollar range for tiniest size].

And I see some Swedish crystal vases, mid-century modern and Waterford. [My mom adored ''Danish Modern, despite my dad's total focus on American colonial and primitive] I hope to get someone to climb up on the ladder and reach them down. Note the ladybug planter, second row/right.

In the bedroom is a pine library file case; I use it to store my random treasures. I found the old letters from my mom, and old photos of my kids in primary school. And I found a lovely small travel alarm clock in a red lizard case, My grandma brought it for one of her Euro trips she took each summer. The case is a horseshoe. And it has glow in the dark numerals. My brother collects mid century small alarm clocks...so I mailed it off to him. Sorry I forgot to take its pic tho. c.1950?

Then I found a long forgotten old milk bottle. Actually eBay says it is a cottage cheese jar.

I love it, fun to rediscover . I remember it in my college apartment filled with daisies--or paint brushes, probably was  dump dug by my dad. The embossed logo says Drink Milk for Economy and Health. Good to know it endorses my cottage cheese and veg afternoon snack. And on the base it says Universal Milk Bottle Company. Not for Resale. Cincinnati. 

c. early 1900s

It's in the window now, I m hoping it turns purple. I'll fill it again with daisies soon, I hope.

Today's project was easy and pleasant: unearthing the blue and white  Staffordshire transferware plates and platters.

They get a good wash and will replace the black Staffordshire in the next few days. In recent years I have kept the black version displayed, as it's been my favorite. The blues were such joy to rediscover.

I also found this gorgeous big heavy spattterware platter. Bought years ago, never really looked at til I washed it today. Examining the base, I realized it's an old, antique even, piece, not an 80s Cute Countree revival copy.

Real fleas! Once years ago I had a chance to go to Brimfield but I blew it.

I am sad to be missing the fleas. Even the church white elephant will be exciting when I manage to get there with its current odd times and poor parking. HERE My brother has been stepping up and often sends me pics and finds from the Ohio fleas. Note the stenciled crocks, painted tool box, the quilts, painted butt basket!

Springfield Extravaganza: HERE

He and my SIL collect things that I don't so no conflict except we all love vintage Christmas, marbles thimbles and so on. She collects miniature sewing machines! And J  likes Rookwood, toys, etc. 

My brother has a great eye for the Americana prims I love. He sends pics--and boxes finds, so thrilled always.

He's been looking for pantry boxes and firkins for me. Often he is outraged recently tho by what he calls New York prices. I think he said this stack of maybe not authentic/ modern repro/ recently painted firkins was almost $700.oo.

Or---nevermind the firkins, lookit this red bench. swoon.

This pitcher--one of their best finds for me:

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meanwhile back in the sewing room I made my first mock up of Posies/ aka Lizzy's Last Garden:

and started my seeds on the deck.

At first I wasn't too happy w Posies but as it's hung there all week I am starting to love it. I think it's the polka dot leaves, an unintended touch.

I'm also working on Boardwalk, mostly. Soon I 'll be sidetracked bedazzling and tie-dying camp shirts and sewing doll clothes. K-pop Demon Hunter costumes, for oh so wholesome Am Girl dolls. Omigosh. Three sets!😧

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Sure was glad one rare warm day that I took down the storm windows and washed all the windows. (she said sarcastically). Gale warning instantly flashed up of course. But most of my seeds are in, early. Thing to do item  accomplished! ✅

Note the ''feels'' temp, brrr.

More soon!

love

lizzy 

gone to the beach...

weird Moby Dick cloud or is it a UFO?

More pink petals snow so loved by me and  Baby Mo on our chilly May walks.

erosion, sandbars: