Bride’s Baskets and Bowls

These berry of fruit bowls were popular in the late Victorian wedding gifts.  Art glass inserts included transparent colors with enameled floral patterns, Peachblow, satin glass, cased glass, and much more.

They were often cradled in silver-plated holders that were engraved or embossed with cherubs and even a wide assortment of animals including birds.

Bride’s baskets fell out of fashion after the turn of the century.  Collecting the extraordinarily beautiful examples is possible even today.  I have seen a huge variety of these at auctions, estate sales, and even antique shows where I live.  You can even collect these by the maker or to fit the color motif of a certain room.

There are some fantastic bride's baskets and bowls in my Etsy shop, which can be seen here.

Do you have any bride’s baskets or bowls?

Weeding

Homeowners this time of year begin to get rid of lawn weeds in hopes of having a lush green front yard.  Likewise, shoppers need to learn to “weed out” those items which typically show up on flea market and antique shelves this time of year.

Weeds are what I like to call reproductions, and they can be quite convincing.

It could be an advertising sign that is rusted and looks to be ever so real.  Damage to the corners, fading to the paint, and even dents are all applied to a brand new sign to help make it look older than it is.

There’s glassware on the market that copies Depression glass and art glass patterns.  It is so convincing that the pattern and the color are the spitting image of the old items.  There are manufacturers that have figured out how to make a piece of glass “glow” like the old stuff without using Uranium.

Brass imports such as spittoons or boxes, wooden furniture that is hammered and faded are also plentiful without much looking around.

So, buyer beware.  Do your homework!  You can never have too much information when it comes to antiques, it always comes in handy.

Vintage polyester

Polyester is great.  It doesn't wrinkle (who likes to iron), it lasts wash after wash, and keeps its color and doesn't fade.

In the 1960's and 1970's when the fabric hit its highest popularity, it was looked at as almost a miracle fabric.  Today, maybe the description is tacky.   "How many polyesters does it take to make a blouse" is a common joke about it.

The "retro" look of jumpsuits, dresses, or even leisure suits is still popular today for the stylish offerings that were made out of the fabric.

There are three fantastic jumpsuits in my etsy shop, which can be seen here.  What kinds of colorful, stylish (and best of all wrinkle free) finds do you have in your closet?

Candleholders or candlesticks for every collector

The earliest type of candlestick was called a pricket and was constructed with a sharp point to “stick” the candle.  As lamps came into use, candleholders became less utilitarian and more decorative.

 Today, our tables and mantles are adorned with art glass holders (or even silver ones) or any number of artistic creations that add beauty and a touch of personality to our lives.

I have managed to acquire several examples.  You can check out all of them in my Etsy shop here.

What are you looking for?