Send me a (vintage) Postcard

I have always been someone who likes to write letters and cards to people and mail them.  I used to mail out over 200 Christmas cards every holiday season.  But I don't do that anymore because...well, no one does it anymore.  Who has time?  

Now I love postcards a lot.  If I'm going to send one, I sort of want it to be vintage and of course from the area I'm visiting.  Now that I'm in Florida, I sort of can't help myself during the winter and just have to needle my more Northern, Ice bound buddies about how wonderful the weather is here while they are snowed under.  

I've started a judicious hunt for vintage Florida postcards to offer to people.  You can find some of them at my shop at FlowerChildTrends.  

A great collection of vintage Florida postcards 

High Fashion

I myself am not exactly what could be called a fashion maven.  I normally have fly away fuzzy hair (my naturally curly hair meets Florida humidity).  I like to be comfortable for doing artwork, writing or sorting through vintage items for my sales.  

That said, I do know good style when I see it and I happen to have an extensive vintage handbag, brooch and scarf collection.  

I adore this vintage 1950s-1960s oil painting in its original frame.  It depicts a fashionable woman walking down a street.  Perhaps she is in Paris?  I was never able to decipher the name of the artist and actually don't care because this luminous piece of artwork is just a joy to behold.  

Parisian woman strolls down the road in
gorgeous fashion.  (Is she barefooted?)

Southern style biscuits and gravy

I had fully intended to include a photograph of the absolutely divine biscuits and gravy that my sweetheart made me for breakfast on Sunday. But I forgot to take a picture in my delight at eating that scrumptious Southern delectable. 

Then I had planned to take a picture to include here today when I reheated the left overs for lunch. Again, something about this Southern staple just fried my brain and I forgot the camera in my rush to get these goodies in my mouth.

I did not grow up in the South and until 10 years ago, had never ventured into Southern tradition or biscuits and gravy land.  For that matter, my  mammy didn't make gravy--she might pour the juice from the bottom of the roasting pan over our potatoes but she didn't fry it up with flour in a skillet, that's for sure.  So you can imagine my ignorance never having tasted this treat.

I wish I could give you the recipe--remind me and I'll see if I can wiggle it out of my darling man.

What I do know for certain is that the use of this vintage biscuit cutter has made many a weekend morning breakfast all the sweeter.  According to my sweetie, it just makes it so much easier to get the biscuit out than trying to cut them with a glass--which suctions the biscuit into the glass and requires a careful digging out.

If you haven't tried Southern biscuits and gravy, Lordy Lordy chil' you need to get sum!!!

Vroom Vroom goes the die cast model car

I live with a sweetie who happens to like cars.  He can mechanic them pretty well most of the time.  Occasionally he likes to watch them zoom around a race track and on a rare occasion he has even helped with several different types of races, most recently a race at Sebring featuring a Viper (don't ask me the details of the name of the race or the year of the Viper...or for that matter, the racer's name because I just don't know them.)

What I do know is that there are many die cast cars out in the world for those who love cars to collect.  Many of them feature vintage or classic car designs.  And as the die cast collectibles world gains interest with fans, some of the die cast models are even getting close to being vintage all on their own. 

The best ones are still boxed in their original packaging (as with most toys) which makes them pristine.  But of course, getting them out of the box doesn't make them lose their charm at all.

1/18 scale die cast model cars are a definite collectible item.
This collection was recently sold at an estate sale.

If you are seeking a unique gift to give to a brother, a son, a husband or dad, consider finding them a die cast model of their dream car--if you can't afford the real thing, at least they will know you are thinking of them.

Giddy-up Cowboy

I grew up in the Southwest. Cowboy hats were de rigour and no one thought anything of it.  In fact, I thought it was normal everyday wear for men. Until I went to the East Coast. And nary a cowboy hat did I see. In fact, I feel fairly certain, that anyone sporting cowboy hat, faded Levis and a good broken-in pair of boots would most certainly have been given the askance glance by the mobs of black/gray/white wearing fast-track speed-walker business suits of say, New York City or Washington D.C.

That is, if the said city slickers would have noticed long enough to look up from their mad-dash cell phone sprints to bother to see a cowboy.  There is, after all, a reason Crocodile Dundee resonated...

For me, a good Stetson hat, blue jeans and comfy cowboy boots have a sense of comfort and home. They mean slower (not necessarily less effective) moving, less rushing, more sunshine and wild flowers and maybe a touch of horsiness.  

Vintage brass horses or ceramic horse statues, vintage tee pees or other travel souvenirs are evocative of grass roots and earthiness. They connote solidness, steadiness, staunchness--someone you can count on. Okay, they might also conjure up rodeos and roughnecks, Dancing with the Wolves and Little House on the Prairie.  But that can't be all bad, right?

For a Southwestern flair to your home styling, add some vintage western wear or equine detailing.

A vintage collection of two cowboy hats circa 1960s, a wigwam/tee pee
diorama, and two vintage horse sculptures.

Primarily Pyrex

While I am a sucker for Pyrex and specifically adore the Amish Cinderella turquoise and white pattern of nesting bowls with the pour lips, I also find these vintage primary color Pyrex nesting bowls from circa 1970s to be just as appealing.  

I love the rich colors.  I love the clear glass bottoms.  And for baking, a set of nesting bowls is almost a necessity since you normally have to separate, sift and fold ingredients into each other.  

And on a shelf where they can be seen, they are a knock out.  If your hutch has glass windows or your kitchen shelves have no doors, these primary color Pyrex bowls are the perfect collectible for the vintage loving cook.

Gorgeous primary colors next perfectly in these Pyrex bowls

The Clothes I Could Have

I have said and will most certainly say it again in the future (hopefully not ad nauseum) that I love vintage clothing--particularly from the 1940s - 1970s.  And a little bit at a time I am adding items to my wardrobe that will reflect my own personal style and at the same time pay homage to the classic vintage styles I adore.

Luckily, I am fortunate enough to live near the Pinup Parlor Boutique where I can shop for my very favorite yet up to date styles.  Check them out at FaceBook  to see more specifically some of what I love there (their website has shopping but it mostly isn't the vintage styles I love). 

I have no skill whatsoever in sewing.  I tried when I was younger--even helped my mom make my prom dress--but I did not find it relaxing.  In fact, I found it bloody annoying and stressful.  Most certainly not my cup of tea.  While I have many talents and skills, I am not ashamed to admit that sewing is not one.  I mean really, the term for it is seamstress.  And that sums it all up for me.

However, should you be a person with that particular skill set and focus, there are plenty of us non sewing inclined folk out there waiting for someone to pick up these old patterns and stitch up some vintage bohemian goodness to gladden our rags. 

Vintage patterns can be found for a song (these 3, though their packaging is not pristine) were quite affordable even for someone on a small disposable income.  Look for vintage patterns in thrift stores, at estate sales and yard sales. If you want the packaging intact, you can also find them at antique and vintage shops and malls for a slightly higher premium. You can also go straight to the source, like Simplicity Pattern Co.

Mix It Up

I recently sold this vintage 1960s hand mixer to someone who is styling their home in Mid Century goodness.  It is a no-name appliance and the beaters were in pretty rough shape having beaten lord knows how many different batches of homemade delicacies over the years.  Its most appealing factor, for me, was this turquoise/sea green coloring.  And, in some weird way, the motor smell which elicited some vintage memories when I tested it out prior to selling it--you know that smell--the one that old appliances used to make but new appliances rarely do.  Perhaps that aroma is not especially desirable by the modern kitchen maven, but a vintage kitchen wench (sorry, taking liberties) would most certainly enjoy it as it mixed with the smells of home cooking.

Vintage 1960s hand mixer

Bake some cookies, save some bread

Vintage cookie cutters and vintage "bread loaf" coin bank

Although I am a passable cook, I am a far better baker.  It was always one of my favorite activities in preparing for holidays to bake dozens of different types of cookies, make candy, even to envelop myself in the process of making the very large recipe of 12 loaves of Patica, (the recipe here is very close to our family recipe but on pain of death I am keeping that a secret).  This Slovakian Christmas bread is very similar, I am told, to Stollen--without the powdered sugar.

Not only do I use the rolling pin that my mother owned, which makes me happy and brings back so many joyous memories, but I also have a lovely selection of vintage cookie cutters with wooden handles to  cut out the shapes from my favorite butter cookie recipe.  For me, there are few things that say "Holiday" more than a plateful of beautifully decorated shaped cookies.  And what a great gift to give to family or friends, especially if you happen upon a vintage platter or tin you can gift with the cookies. 

I know, it is only September, but since last year I really struggled with getting into the holiday spirit, this year I am working overtime and getting in to it way early.  Maybe I'll even have all my Christmas shopping, wrapping and baking done so that I can relax a little as they draw near.  In the meantime, maybe I'll go see if I can hunt down some Halloween shaped cookie cutters or at the very least, some leaves. 

Collect an Angel

Technically not truly vintage, but definitely very collectible!

I love these little angle figurines.  They are vintage 2000 so really technically not yet "Vintage"--give them another 5 to 10 years.  But they are highly collectible and each one has a unique name.  Made by Willow Tree from Willow Creek, these angels range in price from about $17 and up.  The originals are made by Susan Lordi, a Kansas city artist.  Only a few of the angels have been "retired" thus far.  

Her originals are carved from wood. Then they are sent to a factory in China where they are molded and made from a form of resin.  Finally they are hand painted. The figures and angels are created in a rustic or country style.  The fact that the faces are blank is an artistic decision meant to symbolize every one. The angels and figures are created to celebrate specific occasions or feelings. 

Even if these not-yet-vintage angels don't appeal to your vintage loving soul, it is always possible to create a unique vintage or antique angel collection.  One could in fact start with vintage angel Christmas ornaments or tree toppers, like this one my mom made for me 50 years ago.  A collection of misfit angels can make a truly lovely vintage vignette especially around the holidays.

Mid Century Milk Glass

A delightful collection of vintage white milk glass

Fenton Glass Company stopped making their traditional glassworks in 2011.  The Ohio company (also known by some to be a West Virginia company although the original glass factory was located in Martins Ferry Ohio) is still in existence but has changed focus to art glass and jewelry items.  It sold off it's proprietary glass recipes and molds in 2011.

I can't help but still find the traditional white milk glass to be some of the most charming and collectible.  Their signature hob nail look (the slightly rounded raised bumps) has been often imitated but rarely done well. It is in fact their hob nail milk glass line that enabled the company to become such a success.  During the Great Depression era, they focused on making functional glasswares that could be used in everyday households.

Since my mother and my grand mother had some Fenton milk glass around the house, it is a piece of vintage glass ware that I equate with the comfort of home and the nostalgia of my childhood.  Sweet times.  Happy memories.  Since the genuine Fenton article is no longer being produced, their glassware is and will continue to be sought after and valued.  

Another Cup of Tea

Cobalt Blue, white and gold gilt Royal
Albert bone china tea cup and saucer

Tea anyone?  I think I've mentioned that I love to drink tea.  I think I've also mentioned that I love to host real tea parties and to go to tea houses.  I've loved to do this ever since I was a child.  My mom would make a cup of tea for both of us and we'd sit out on the patio after dinner drinking and catching up with each other. 

When I went to college, there as a divine bohemian tea house about a block away from where I lived called Ginnies.  I could spend all evening on Friday and Saturday nights there with my then beau.  I'd try different teas and desserts and enjoyed seeing how each room in the tea house (a converted old clapboard home) was decorated.

Just about every place I've lived I've hunted down the local coffee or tea house.  Some have been disappointing to say the least and others have been hugely commercialized and just didn't have the charm of Ginnies' by a long shot.  In my travels, I've always loved best the tea houses where they served the tea from real bone china tea cups and saucers.  There's nothing the authenticity to make a cup of a tea a joy.

Lets Play Dress Up...Everyday

A sampling of the vintage purses and some
modern hand-crafted jewelry in a vintage suitcase
Offered by Etsy shops FlowerChildTrends and
EspressoBarDesigns

When I was a young child, I had a few very favorite activities that I adored playing.  One was of course to play dress up with my dolls and especially my Barbie...since my mom and I had created a number of home made styles and looks.  

But I also loved to get special permission from my mom to plow through her closet and find fun high heels, vintage scarves and rhinestone jewelry to play with.  Dress up is still probably one of my favorite activities and I adore having a reason to pull out my finery and go out on the town.  When my sweetie takes me out on a date, I switch from my mundane and utilitarian shoulder bag and put my phone, a tiny wallet with my cash, credit card and id and a little bit of lipstick to go on a special date.  I love carrying a vintage handbag or evening bag.

Some day, when I get the courage and a bit of extra cash, I'm going to begin investing in some 1950s style dresses and shoes that I can wear out on these dates and to lunches with my friends.  I love the style from that era (love the 20s, 30s, and 40s, and some of the 60s also).  I think dressing up with vintage loveliness makes our dates feel all the more special to me.

Upcycle and Reuse

Beautifully upcycled furniture and items from
Gypsy Angel Studios.

Carolyn of Gypsy Angel Studios does great work.  These pieces are currently for sale and I'd be happy to put you in touch with their creator.  

I LOVE what she did to that sort of awful lamp, which was, to be honest, pretty hideous in its previous incarnation.  Under her loving hand, it is now a perfect lighting solution in this seaside themed trio.  I love the soft-washed blues and greens reminiscent of the ocean...perfect for beach life or the beach front condo get-a-way.  

I always hate to see items go to the dumpster or landfill.  And I appreciate when a piece that is too far gone to sell in it's original state gets a loving face lift to give it a new life.  I am and always have been a proponent of upcycling and reusing. Brava Gypsy Angel Studios!