Vintage Plastic Melmac Dinnerware History Melamine

Vintage Plastic Beauty Make Up Products

2013-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

This set is $12 at GlassLadyAtHome Etsy Shop.

When I think of the art deco era, I think of everything plastic fantastic. Old celluloid plastic brushes, combs, and boudoir trays (even plastic mixed with shell coverings on old perfume bottles) are reminiscent of yesteryear. It was in every proper girls' room you see. If you couldn't afford those type trays perhaps you weren't really missing anything. Some were sort of drab in style anyways.

Orange Door Vintage on Etsy has this vintage powder container. Note how pretty it looks in fine plastic.

What about the old plastic make up cases or containers? I remember my great grandmother telling me that if you had money, you would have make up in milk glass containers or glass. The plastic was somewhat associated with inexpensive makeup--the kind you'd find at the five and dime. Are you kidding me?

HoneyBeePollen found this in the original package. Was $1, now only $10

You wouldn't find the old Hochschild-Kohn in Baltimore , or Hecht's or Macy's carrying plastic. I never understood the big fuss. I mean, who cares if you bought cheap make up the kind that made you look pretty but didn't cost very much--isn't it the way you wear it that counts?

Vintage old stock, originally .89 now $10 at HoneyBeePollen on Etsy.

Back in the forties and fifties, you would have to go to the upper class department stores to find the high quality metal powder cases. You paid for them, too. Pulling out your metal shadow or lipstick perhaps was a status thing. Perhaps you would be scoffed at someone for having your plastic eyeshadow. How retro and groovy those old packages were. Why on earth would you go for something metal, dull, and boring?

RetroCorrect found an original plastic pump container of hand lotion, buy it in their Etsy shop.

Just think, without plastic half your beauty products or shampoo containers would not exist. Thanks to plastic tubes or bottles that carry your favorite lotion, your skin looks fantastic. Who's going to know if you bought your make up in the dollar store ? That plastic wet and wild may make you look beautiful....

This vintage plastic mannequin head is for sale on Etsy courtesy of of AlchemieVintage

British Toys Out of the Kitchen Plastic

2013-04-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

Plastics Out of the Kitchen and Into the Hands of Babes

Although America's melmac dinnerware and kitchen craze was mid forties through the late fifties, and we were making plastic everything, England and Australia were too!

Gorgeous London mottled plastic toy survived all these years, available at Etsy

You can read my previous article about Bessemer Plastics and how Australia was making great kitchen designs. What about England? When one thinks of England we think of china and ceramic tea sets, but what about plastic?

Courtesy of llandr on Etsy

British Cyanamid was indeed using plastics for household wares to toys to picnic ware sets. If you were out at a picnic in your pretty woven basket of goodies, you may find their version of beetleware (named Beatl brand plastic dinnerware) to eat off of. Lovely egg cups and luxury kitchen items all made of high quality melmac, melamine, bakelite, and plastic. Radios, modern designed lamps, and boutique items. It is true in the UK, plastics were everywhere you looked.

This lovely double decker bus was made in England and is available at frenchvintagedream on Etsy

Plastic Toys for Girls and Boys: What Were THEY Playing With?

When you think of your childhood and what you played with, it often brings a smile to your face. Showcased here are some English toys so you can see just what toys were produced in England.

As for the USA, if you ask your dad or grandfather, and they lived in the United States, most likely during the 30's to the 50's they had toys that were also made in the States. That was the time of Industrial USA. You would be shocked at the tin toys , cars, trucks, and sand pails with chipping paint they were allowed to play with back then. Or the electric irons and ovens which really plugged in....now considered a fire hazard that children used to play with. Oh yes, things were much different then.

SouthernBellaVintage on Etsy shows this English toy Abacus by Invicta, made in 1970 only $6.99

Industrialism Vanishes in the USA

My how the times have changed. Enter the 60's and 70's and all the cheap Japanese, Taiwan, or Hong Kong imports. This was the start of a new era, where the US could obtain cheaper toys by not making them ourselves, and our government felt good about that since it helped these other countries by stoking their economies. Not to mention, these items could be purchased for less and sold for more. Unfortunately this idea backfired as the cost of doing business in the US would soar and our country would go from powerful to poverty. By the 80's and 90's not much was produced here anymore. Once America had so many doll companies it never had to import a plastic children's doll, but today, flip it over and see if it's not made in China.

Find this vintage plastic baby doll at the shop FrenchVintageDream on Etsy

Nylex Bessmer Australia Kitchen Designs

2013-03-29T07:16:00.003-07:00

Hello, look at this, a double egg cup by Bessmer sold at Hobart Collectables on Etsy

Australian Kitchen Wares and Designs

Who can argue that other countries sure have a great view on design? I really love the designs that are found coming out of Australia, by Nylex Corporation --- who mainly used melmac in their Bessemer line. Their designs are funky, mid century modern styled, and over the top.

Bessemer Plastics by Nylex: Made in Australia! Photo: HobartCollectables on Etsy

The Legend of Nylex

Nylex Plastics employed so many people in Australia back in the day. My research indicates struggling with unions and rising costs of assembly, the company was destined for final failure in 2009. What most people do not know, is the company was known for it's gorgeous melamine, but also it's beloved coolers, which had the brand name of Esky. (Ironically nicknamed after Eskimos.)

When the company went into financial failure in 2009, Coleman actually bought out the product line. Aside from the beloved coolers, and tons of lost jobs and industry, the major news stories were all fights over preserving the iconic sign (below) . Perhaps the rest of Nylex, someday, will be forgotten history.

Nylex Iconic Sign Credit: Vincent Quach (Invincible)

Collecting Bessemer

Assembling a collection of Bessemer may be difficult if you aren't in Australia, as you would have to purchase most from overseas collectors. The problem being the monetary conversion and shipping may be hefty getting this into the states. The final result would be so very worth it however, as Bessemer's designers had a knack for making these great kitchen ideas!

DestinationVintageOz on Etsy offers this melmac steak plate / platter by Bessemer!

It's my opinion that Bessemer would be rare to find here in the States, unless it was coveted as a gift or souvenir, or people who have moved from Australia and bought it with them.

Assembling a full collection may be hard. Since it was primarily known for sugars, creamers, platters, trays, and pitchers, a good sized design worthy shelf in your home would be able to house the best in mid century modern kitchen designs.

Bessemer Butter Dish and Sugar Bowl in Pretty White by NostalgiaBloom on Etsy

As for the designers; This great post by Ian Wong shows who designed for Bessemer at least the chief designer being Lionel Suttie ..Share your Bessemer stories below!

Also from Nostalgia Bloom (above) on Etsy. These come apart!

Related Reading:

All Bessemer.

Plastic is Saving My Dog's Life

2013-02-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Plastic (dropper, leash, collar, toys) are currently keeping my dog Buford T. Woo alive.

Thank you Plastic.

I never thought I'd say that especially since the whole dog-food-melamine incident, but today I realized just how essential plastic is and has been in my dog's life. I'm dealing with the fact my 13 year old basset hound (Mr. Buford T. Woo short for Buford Thaddeus Woo) has colo-rectal cancer. Okay, technically he's 12 years and 8 months.....

Buford underwent a colo-rectal operation having anal glands and a small tumor removed in April 2011 after discovery of a rectal tumor. We have just been advised it has come back recently, in his two pelvic nodes.

Buford has been successfully battling colo-rectal cancer for almost two years.

I should be lucky my faithful friend has lived so long, but to see him strong and healthy and running around is great---he doesn't even have arthritis! It's an irony for me since the whole reason I started this very plastic blog was when my mom was battling her Colo-Rectal cancer. Sadly, she did not last as long as my dog. As soon as she passed, my dog was diagnosed with it. Amazing to think this deadly disease has taken or will be taking everyone I love.

Now in all honesty, Buford has lived a great long life and I've spoiled him so, and for that I'm thankful. There will be no chemo or chemicals, he's already living on borrowed time for goodness sakes. Besides, if you remove the lymph node (which he could very well sustain the operation) chances are the cells will travel elsewhere. So now I'm happy to report the Woo has gone holistic with natural treatments and with the help of natural remedies, he's now a living case study. He is still healthy and in no pain..for now.

Plastic droppers like these on Etsy at The Glass Connection help me give my dog his drops

So what about the Plastic?

Just the other day I realized without my plastic stopper it would be impossible to give him some Dr. Reckeweg's R17 drops and combine healthy vitamins and herbs to boost his system and allow him to live out his days comfortably. No way, no how would a glass dropper work. Think of how many lives are save with the help of plastic medical supplies. I just realized that.

This collar is from Ronkita on Etsy, much like the one the Woo wears

My Time With Woo Now is Crucial

Without the plastic in his collar I'd be unable to take him for walks as I still do. The plastic retractible leash I hook to it is essential for doing this. As long as he's up to it I will continue to exercise him since walking helps oxygenate his cells and enjoy this special time together.

Red Plastic Wham O Frisbee, $5 at Moderndayvintage on Etsy

His plastic toys he still plays with, I'm not sure why, he's 13 and you would think he'd outgrow them by now. He loves to tug with our 5 year old mini doxies and maybe that's why. Perhaps it is them playing that keeps him moving around. Moving is good, more oxygenation in his cells. Thank you plastic.

This is the one just like what we have, available at DogSupplyNetwork

His plastic crate I brought him home with as a puppy still sits in my basement and I remember looking forever for plastic dog crates just to find that special one when I went to get him. Although it's much too small for him now we still use it taking our cat Masen to the vets, or the mini doxies.

Dentists love to use plastic, these are acrylic teeth available at TheMonsterofMyHeart on Etsy

Then of course there was that time he ate my plastic night guard and buried it in the yard. I caught him with it about two years later when he dug it up and ran around with it hanging out of his mouth. I was sure ticked off having to spend another $300 getting one made at my dentists and thought for sure I had lost it. I remember giving him a run for his money that day.....

Buttermilk Celluloid Clock Available at Wierclock on Etsy

So with heavy heart I watch my plastic clock on the wall and wish I could freeze this moment in time forever because today he's happy and bouncing around and he's still here with me. I almost wish I didn't know that time is limited. I think it's actually harder for the pet owner as we are the ones who must determine when the time is right, if they don't go on their own. Not to let them suffer of course, but the decision comes with such guilt. Such is life I suppose. Soon I will be missing him so much more than he will ever know.


Basset hound bank in plastic says it all..... on Etsy at nanometer

The moral of this story?
Buy something for your dog (plastic) and go and hug your dog today.

Russel Wright Residential Melmac is Out

2013-02-17T08:44:00.002-08:00

Russel wright plastic tumblers. Courtesy RetroChalet on Etsy.

You may have read my previous post where I told you designer Michelle Yeeles was determined to reintroduce the Russel Wright Residential and it's out. One of the stores carrying it is Black Ink in Cambridge, Soon you will see Russel Wright melamine reintroduced into your part of the world, but if not, just sign into facebook and look here on the official Bob's Your Uncle Facebook Post.
I think back to my retail days and wish I was the one playing with that floor display.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Yeeles.

What is Old is New Again

So what happens to the values of the old melmac once the new is introduced? This is not an uncommon question and if truth be told, I think more curiosity will be involved in the designer himself. People buying a new set may wish to reference the old and read the history on Russel Wright Residential and perhaps a new interest in collecting it altogether may occur. I don't think prices will drop initially on the originals. In fact I think the market may be flooded with people scurrying to pull it out of their grandmother's attic to covet the old for a time, until they decide if the new craze and demand is worth selling it.

We've seen this same trend happen again and again. Designers will continue to design or reintroduce their new goodies, yet their original styles are held in timeless tradition and soar in pricing. I wouldn't be so sure we won't see a huge Russel Wright flood into the secondary market.

Speaking of Appraisals

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Russel Wright Reintroduced Melmac Is Out Residential

2013-02-16T18:55:00.002-08:00

To read this post go here

Vintage Melamine Wedding Dinnerware

2013-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

For $60 at Grammy's Goodys, you could certainly use this at the bridge and groom's table at a wedding.

Since When Is Melmac Wedding Worthy?

This is a true story, and some of the unpaid rewards I receive while blogging. Not so long ago I had a personal email me and ask if I had enough of "one style" melmac to catering his wedding with. He actually wanted Brookpark, by Joan Luntz, which is a timeless design indeed. Of course I did not have matching, good enough condition to loan him, but I was in shock.

Since when is Brookpark Melamine desired for weddings? This at L2Country on Etsy

I was wondering, just who uses vintage melamine as their wedding ware? Then I thought about it - how cool would that be to serve your guests retro 1950s style? I assume only the rich and famous could afford to piece together enough to feed 300 guests. Read on.

How to Use Vintage Melmac For Your Wedding

The issue would be finding enough of it in good enough condition. You could do it - if you are planning your wedding two years out, but it may cost you a lot of money finding pieces. If you go for more common and easy to find lines, like Royalon's Corsage below (still often found on Etsy and Ebay as well as in thrift stores, flea markets, and antiques malls) you could assemble it rather quickly for a small wedding party.

If you email the look and brand to all our friends and wedding guests, and let them go on a hunt for you at their local thrifts and fleas, you may be surprised at what you could rally up. Between local Craigslist, KRRB, and Salvation armies, if each assembled a small set the two years leading up to your wedding you would have enough of it. Keep in mind, you would need appetizer plates, full course plates and of course, dessert wedding cake plates.

GrammysGoodys on Etsy sure has great melmac in stock. This whole set for $75 is a steal.

The set above could be mixed in with solid white melmac from just about any line. You could not easily match the purple as this lilac was pretty much a color used only by Royalon. Theo other lilacs and purples I've seen (By TexasWare) have been a bit darker.

Another Solution: Go with *NEW* Restaurant Melmac

Now modern day solutions--you could purchase melamine restaurant ware melamine at a restaurant store -- (online at Instawares, Waldo Wares, or Wasserstrom ) and look for quality names like Carlisle , GET , Prolon, or ThunderGroup. These are still being produced today for chain restaurants. They make a lot of colors, but buying in a few cases may run you a pretty penny. A dozen *new* Carlisle bread plates may run you $46+ Shipping. If you had a wedding party of 100, you will be spending about $600 for bread plates alone. Just crazy, unless you have a rich uncle paying for the wedding, then do it!

Factoring in Wedding Costs : Is Melmac Feasible When You Have Wedding Gown, Bridesmaid Dresses and Everything Else?

The answer is clearly if you wish to have melamine, you must ask your caterer. Perhaps they have melamine dinnerware they have already purchased for events that they could use.

Even with vintage, buying piece meal sets on Etsy may run you $100 shipped to your home service for 8 or twelve. That is why it's essential to get your wedding guests involved (as discussed previously) to go on a hunt for you. It may be better to only use melamine at smaller gatherings or at just the bride and groom table. It is do-able, if you start your treasure hunt early enough.

Inexpensive enough to try on via mail order, and return if you must at Brautkleider Online Shop

Suffice to say, there's good news for the bride to be and her bridesmaids, as, she doesn't have to pay a fortune for her gown, thanks to our sponsor of this post, Brautkleider Online Shop . You may not be able to afford your melmac, but you will be able to afford your bridesmaid gowns! Their site is in German, (and since I have readers all over the world), I'm going to tell you that they offer charming bridesmaid gowns at affordable prices - some less than $100 which is shocking. They have promotions at 57% off regular prices! (As I'm posting this, their site indicates 80% off select styles.)

Bridesmaid Designer Gowns Via Mail: This Is the New Trend

Purchasing designer dresses via mail is the new trend. The incredible savings allows you enough time to order one online and try it on before the wedding, so you can decide either you wear it or return it--even saving if you have to reship back overseas. Crazy huh?

Gorgeous TexasWare Platter at definitelynotcrafty on Etsy is pretty enough for the bride and groom's dinner!

Not so much maybe, I personally would think an easy solution is ordering one size larger, getting it tailored and using that savings money to buy your BRIDE & GROOM some wedding melamine dinnerware would be the right thing to do!

Miramar California Melmac Kids Set

2013-01-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

This melmac set is available on Etsy, at katehartxoxo

How unique and odd at the same time is this mint in boxed melmac set made by Miramar of California (available for sale KateHartXOXO ). Odd that this child's set survived untouched all these years. A rarity indeed. Strange though, I would have thought the cup itself would have been made of melamine or melmac -- but it clearly states on the box that the mug is made of Polyethylene. (bottom front.)

The box indicates the maker was Miramar of California, Inc.

This just proves that the Miramar Factory whatever factory was molding melmac or melamine for Miramar, was also molding other plastics as well. The handle of the mug is very much like Deka, an East Coast plastic manufacturer who did a lot of children's items.

Cool Suggested Links about California and Miramar:

Decorate Your Space with California Art & Photography Wall Prints! Visit Photo.Artful Today.

See all posts on Miramar melmac here.

See the Miramar factory and cool Melmac Sign that as of a few years back, still stood on top.

See some of the Miramar Pottery TV lamps that they made

Flintwood Pasadena Ability Products Design History Thanks to Sizzix Die Cutting Machines

2013-01-04T09:32:00.002-08:00

Close up of molding mark. Find these great bowls at Nachokitty on Etsy.

Debunking Flintwood

If you happen across a piece of Flintwood, you will see it's well made, often modern looking and sometimes having fun speckles or designs in the molding itself. You often will find large salad bowls and serving forks, sleek mid century modern tableware including lovely elongated bowls. Pieces are marked Flintwood in cursive, and sometimes with their molder Ability Products Co, and location of Pasadena, California. Most are circa 1953-1960.

Thanks to Google Maps, we can see the present location of 2020 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena.

General Company Information

The company who made Flintwood was listed (in 1960) at 2020 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, California. The shot of that address is above, thanks to Google Maps. There seems to be old lettering staining on the front but I can't make out what it may have said. Now this of course doesn't look large enough to actually mold dishes from does it?

Perhaps the Arial view courtesy of Google maps may give us a better understanding.

Either Ability Products was using a small satellite office to work from and having a larger company mold their products --- or perhaps these buildings back then were one giant factory style building. It is not uncommon over time for properties to be subdivided. The ariel view (above) almost makes this possible. A company may only need a few small presses and woodworking skills to make such items. It is quite possible this was the actual production location.

San Francisco Style Flintwood Tray, available at Jawaddel on Etsy.

My research thus far indicates there may have been three owners, Carl Reininger is often listed as Co-Owner. He is named in all interviews, mentions and design accolades I've found over the years. The second mention of owner in 1952 being his then wife Marie. I am unsure who the third was but I have reason to believe it was a parent or sibling (family member) due to some legal snippets I found.


These salad servers are artsy in design. They are for sale at MyKnickKnackStore.etsy.com

Ability Products : The Birth and Clarification of Flintwood

A 1953 Engineering book I was recently reading stated that the Ability Products Company was using a "new technique" to convert wood flour into molding materials and gave them credit as if they developed an entirely new discovery with it's Flintwood products. I knew however, that wasn't true, companies like Kysite of Maine were using wood pulp and wood components in their molding of plastic plates prior to that--so had plenty other companies. (Wood pulp was a quick and cheapie alternative for using in molding versus plastics, whose prices would rise and fall in the economy.) I was now on a frenzy to investigate further.

Another mention, circa 1953 in a "Wood and Wood Products" book they said that wives would certainly get a letdown if they dropped a piece of Flintwood, obviously eluding to the facts that a mixed pulp flour plastic may not be as strong as straight plastics. Ironically, the pieces I've found all these years later, have certainly not shown any evidence of such weakness in design.

You can see the 80% wood filler if you look closely. Courtesy of : MyKnickKnackShop on Etsy

Clarification of Flintwood and What Ability Products Brought to the Table

Ability Products was able to perfect such a molding process on tableware, and overcome difficulties associated with using a high wood-flour mix whereas other companies had not. There is proof that they were molding of a mix containing 80% wood flour by developing a process whereby a wood and resin mix could live in perfect harmony.

Flintwood Salad Bowl, $9.00 for two at PattyMora on Etsy.

That begs the question, what exactly is Flintwood, if it's 80% wood flour? It is melmac? Melamine? Plastic? Technically speaking, Flintwood is a mix of wood fibre and plastic resin mix. We know melamine is a resin, so it's quite possible Flintwood is a mix of melamine molding compounds and wood flour. Much like an artist with colorful oil paintings, we may never know the exact top secret formula for obtaining the glorious designs on canvas--the secrets of this designer's wares will certainly remain unknown.

Flintwood bowl shows adorable feet! Find this at LongFellowCo on Etsy.

Technically speaking, a successful mix of 80% wood flour tableware would certainly be a first. It would be a greener way of making tableware and certainly much cheaper than using all melmac or melamine or even resins and plastics. Carl indeed found a way to mix in the resin to protect the items from water damage from washing over time. We know now, because of the products surfacing circa 2013 (lasting 60 years after production) that made him a genius. In the past, items molded with wood or wood flour cellulose would fall apart or "lose layers" in the kitchen.

Art Worthy. Find these great vintage Flintwood products at NachoKitty.etsy.com

Recognized for Art

It wasn't just the USA talking about Ability Products many accomplishments. In 1954, a Timber Magazine published in Canada may have cleared this whole wood flour molding debacle up, stating that wood flour used in molding was not a new process, and had been used for years. However, as they took away the credit for the process, they then commended Ability Products for their "beauty into tableware." They gave credit to Carl as designer for his "sharp draws" and thin walled sleek designs.

Flintwood Titdbit tray is gorgeous in design. Available at JoeBlake on Etsy.

In 1960, his products were noted in a California Design book as late as 1960, put out by the Pasadena Art Museum.

Fun Facts

Ability Products perfected the use of a high ratio of wood into a resin plastic mix.
In 1960, Pasadena Art Museum featured their black, white, yellow, and terra-cotta creations in an art publication.
In 1960, an individual salad bowl could be purchased for 75 cents, whereas an oblong tray would run you $1.50.
Many products found today are at least 60 years old showing their accomplishment in design.

After 1960, I lost track of Flintwood. If you have any stories please let me know!

Hey, check this out:

Sizzix keeps me writing, and I own this Vagabond die cutting machine.

Readers of my blog, did you know that Sizzix rocks? This post was Sponsored by Sizzix the makers of die cutting machines, who are kind enough to keep me writing this wonderful stuff for you. You can thank them for this information by visiting their Sizzix website. Not only am I an artist in real life but I own their die cutting machine (Vagabond by Tim Holtz-above) of which I purchased and paid for prior to them being my sponsor.

I'm here to tell you how great their machines are. They are well built and a great gift for the crafter. Many people think they are only big in the scrapbooking world (for paper projects) but this is not true. They are perfect but for all kinds of artists (mixed media, collage, altered art) like me! There are many design options for creative projects.

The Sizzix Big Shot can handle just about anything (and it's plastic)! Find the Big Shot here.

The larger Sizzix die cutting machines can cut or emboss many materials, including paper, self-adhesive rubber, sheet magnet, foil, static cling vinyl, fabric, felt, thin metal, shrink plastic and Poly Foam. Can you imagine how great this is for altered artists everywhere?

Sizzix Fun Facts:
Tim Holtz has designed a whole line for them.
They stay on top of the cutting edge needs of artists.
They have the best die cutting machines out there, and they are affordable!
Design ideas are on their website.

Thank you Sizzix

A Moment To Those Who Have Passed

2012-12-18T11:28:00.002-08:00

Melmac: Immortal though we are not.

Praying for Newtown
The tragedy in Newtown, CT has had me speechless all week. I remember when schools were safe, and relatively speaking, so was our country. I can't imagine something this heinous happening, lest of all in a small town. I am praying for those who have passed, and those who are left. I can't imagine the kids trying to deal with losing their friends. The parents who have sent this child to school to get the call they've lost their loved ones. Friends of the heroic teacher who used herself as a shield. It doesn't affect just family members. It has impacted the nation. I worry these children who have witnessed such horror will never be the same again. One day they are innocent not having to bear the burden of the world just yet, alas the next day witness to horror. I don't understand this world sometimes. All you can do is pray. Pray hard.

Two Years Without My Mom
The 15th was two years without my mom. I started this blog when she was ill with colorectal cancer. She made it through the (rectal tumor) operation and was declared cancer free and lymph node clear. She died in the hospital after I left her that night. Many questions, but I pray.

Robin Louis Thorne Ptacek, aka Mr. Melmac
I also just found out fellow plastics researcher and email friend of mine for years, Mr. Melmac from Palm Springs, California has passed after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Though he passed after Thanksgiving, I hadn't found out until just last night.

Derek Schultz
I can't forget my other plastics pal, Derek Schultz, who has been gone almost four years. Hard to believe, but he passed right before Christmas.

In honor of those above, we will be taking a short hiatus from posting about plastics until after the Holiday Season.

Dishwasher Worthy Westinghouse Ovation Melmac for Fifty Nine Cents

2012-12-09T18:51:00.001-08:00

I just had to share this great item, for sale at VintageGoodies on Etsy, for only $10 a box!

Leave it to Lisa Price of VintageGoodies Etsy shop to find these way cool melmac sets by Westinghouse in their original boxes. Ultra rare indeed is to have such original boxes still existing. This was a three piece place setting which was set to sell for $3.20 manufacturer price, but as you can see was marked down in the (five and dime, or A&P where Hemcoware and Westinghouse was often sold?) store to only .59. Fifty nine cents, sort of hard to believe when you think of what things cost these days now isn't it? I would have thought that the production of the melmac alone would have cost more than that. Not to mention the printing of the boxes.....

Lisa says they are dated 1957 and she's selling them for $10 a box, a really cheap price in the world of vintage melmac. What is even better than the price are the clues given to us, of how "Ovation dinnerware may be washed in boiling water or an automatic dishwasher". Wow. Crazy.

The ad goes onto caution about using abrasive scrubbing compounds. I guess they weren't counting on us trying to clean melmac dinnerware 55 years later.....

Westinghouse Electric Corp
Bryant Division
Bridgeport 2, Connecticut.

If you love melmac, get over to Lisa's store VintageGoodies and grab some of these before they are gone. The advertising along is worth $10.

You May Also Like:

Westinghouse Melmac History: A Million Bucks in Ten Weeks

I Wanted to Mention A Big Thank You to:

Thank you to Cabling Plus for the BNC Connector

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I did have a little issue putting the BNC connectors on the ends of my coaxial cable. I was like "what goes into what?" I called Cabling Plus which is where I bought my system and they walked me through the process of terminating a BNC connector.

After a couple tries I got it perfectly! Can’t say enough about how helpful the people at Cabling Plus were. Now my CCTV system is up and running and doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing. Protecting my home, family, and property. Great experience!

Check out Cabling Plus by clicking on the links above for help with Networking, Home Security, Surveillance, Home Theater, Cables, Adapters, Connectors and more....

New Melmac Just in Time for Christmas

2012-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ack! Make it stop, because these are just way too cute. SwankyPress on Etsy has these *new* (but personalized to your taste) melamine plates. You can now give "melmac" (or at least the new version) to the little guys and gals for the holidays.

As you know I'm into the vintage melmac hence the whole RetroChalet Melmac Central site right? I'm sort of getting all squishy over these plates. If you think about it, what's better than giving a gift that people can use at the holidays that was personalized by a made-in-USA small business Swanky Press? Geeze, I guess I'll have to love it.

Visit Swanky Press Direct to see what they offer here at SwankyPress.com

For the Love of Legos

2012-12-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Adrian!!!! It's Rocky Ornament on alowisheskitsch at Etsy! Sweet Little Lego Man!

The Lego Plastic Block Enigma

I was a 70's kid. I lived in Lego land. I could spend hours playing with those little plastic blocks. I would rather build in Lego land than play with Barbies. What was wrong with me? I wonder if somehow, they have inadvertently formed me into a plastic junkie. Truth is, most of us had toys that were plastic, whether it was plastic dolls, plastic cowboys and indians, or plastic trucks and cars. Maybe even bath plastic boats, or rubber ducks? I just think when you entered Lego land it was more of an addicting little play world. Build, destroy, build, destroy, build, fall apart, built, bust up, build, rebuild, build bigger....must...build.....ack!

This great and rare vintage Lego set available on Etsy at tarlotoys !

According to Wikipedia, Legos were started by the Danish as wood toys. What? I can't imagine them not being plastic, can you? Of course when they figured out how much cheaper it was to produce them in plastic, they switched. Some early examples are museum worthy, and not to mention a pretty penny!

Sport this Lego purse, many styles available at Agabag on Etsy!

Adults Love Legos, If They Say No, They Are Lying

I worked with an ADULT guy at Diamond Comics. I remember him telling me about his Lego creations and how he was going to work at Lego land Parks some day. Well, he won a contest and low and behold packed up his family to live his dream. Soon I'd get emails of his creations and he was making their displays (of which are huge.)
Imagine my surprise when I realized this guy is getting paid to play with toys ALL DAY LONG.

Do you see what I see? Are there millions of Lego men on the walls? Photo from Legoland.com

Lego land California, Lego land Florida

Now, for those of you who visited such places as Lego land, just admit it. You claim the trip was for your kids, but you really wanted to go and ride that Lego roller coaster yourself. You just won't convince me otherwise.

For the Lego lover, a vintage lego brick ring. how lovely! At Gr0glmann.Etsy.com

Lego is Freakin' Huge

Just how big is Lego? It's huge. In fact I think it's a cult. There are forums just for Legos, Lego Wikias, Websites dedicated to making Legos, adults who collect Legos, kids who want to grow up and be the next big Lego Display artist in Lego Land......sigh. Oh, get this, do you think it's odd that in my spell check program, Lego is listed and auto corrects, but Etsy is not. Goodness! Speaking of which, on Etsy, as I've displayed above tons of crafters are using Legos in their art. Used and new, Lego is a serious business. Who would have thought those cute little plastic blocks would turn out to be loved by so many?

Legos are being used for crafts, like these keen Lego Ornaments, buy them at agabag.etsy.com

Tell me, what are you best Lego memories?

#Arts, #Design, #Vintage #Etsy peeps Advertise Here Cheap

2012-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

Plastic cup beetleware or melamine is available here.

Today is November 30th and I just wanted to tell you my little blog has grown by leaps and bounds. I of course pay for the MelmacCentral.com domain name, and photo upgrades! Now I'm getting about 6300 to 18000 page views per month (more in summer months.) I am excited to announce I am now using Passionfruit to handle all my sponsor ads available at SUPER CHEAP unheard of introductory prices for 30 day slots! Yep that's right, I've got no time to handle them anymore!

Just look for the following photos on the sidebars and you can check out how much it would cost to advertise there (and see real stats) by clicking on the ad on the sidebar or below! Great for vintage, art, design, or crafty people! Keep in mind this blog gets more traffic at RetroChalet.blogspot.com than it does direct at MelmacCentral.com but is listed in both internet worlds!

I've got Several spaces for 125x125 sizes available! Click on the ad to find out more!

I have 200x200 ad sizes available , click on the ad to find out more:

I have 150x200 sizes available which I absolutely love, click on the picture below to find out more.

Plastic Rubber Bendy Bendie Toys Gumby Pokey

2012-11-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

Cowboy bendy toys are scary looking, $12 each at RetroChalet.

Little Bendy Rubber Toys for Girls and Boys

According to the Rubber Journal (Vol 139, circa 1960) Bendy toys, were, practically unbreakable. This must be true as so many have survived. My husband, almost 50 at the time of this post, remembers playing with the cowboy ones in the sand as a child. Most that I've found are marked "Hong Kong" on the back.

Rabbit Bendy Toys, $12 each, about 6" tall on Etsy.

Courtesy of etsy

Rubber Journal announced them as "soft and pliable" and said they would "excite the imagination with the many poses into which they can be bent." The Rubber Journal went onto boast that "Bendability is achieved by a wire moulded into foam rubber, in bright colours readily washable." Now where they referring to Gumby and Pokey on these novelty bendies that originally sold for less than a buck?

Retrochalet on Etsy has bendies $12 each in a wide variety of poses. Most are marked "hong kong"

So how many of you actually washed these things? I'm not sure what's more exciting. Finding out there was an "official rubber journal" or seeing so many bendy toys involved.

Santa Claus Bendy courtesy of RetroChalet on Etsy

This Post Was Sponsored By:

The Sizzix die cutting machines. Crafters, artists and design folks unite with easy to use machines of all shapes and sizes, and a wide variety of die cuts from Sizzix. I am not just the owner of this blog, but a fellow artist and Sizzix user, I have the Tim Holtz Vagabond model and have to say it's easy and painless in my arts and crafts. It's one of the best investments I made as an artist. Please visit Sizzix and see what great items they offer!

Plastic Thanksgiving Wishes

2012-11-21T17:41:00.001-08:00

Popcorn Plastic Turkey from Diverse Collectibles on Etsy, $22.95

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Adorable vintage turkey pin from Etsy shop, Roseluv $6

May you wear fun and funky plastic turkey stuff!

Wheat Melmac Dishes, on Etsy, $15

May you eat off super cool vintage melmac!

Northern Melmac turkey Platter on Etsy at RSWVintage, $24

May your turkey lay upon such itself!

and, may you end the night catching up on great Melmac Central articles!

Site Update:
We will be updating the site over the holidays, if it looks funny, we are doing maintenance. Check out our new sister blog "AssembageArt"

Joan Luntz Designer Brookpark Arrowhead

2012-11-17T09:16:00.001-08:00

OvilleVintage on Etsy has these great Fantasy Brookpark Cups and Saucers for sale!

Kudos to Joan Luntz, Design Diva

Today I'm giving more thanks and kudos to designer Joan Luntz. I hate to play the female card, but I have always been partial to her as a designer. If you think about it, early in her career (when she started designing the melmac, late 40's and debuting it in 1950) , she was up against many men industrial designers. Predominately a man's world if you will. Enter the boys: Russel Wright (Residential) , Kaye LaMoyne (Branchell), and Raymond Loewy (Lucent) , just to name a few. Now one could argue there were the Eva Ziesel's and Belle Kogan (Boontonware Belle), and even Russel's own wife Mary Wright did some design work herself so there were some women emerging. No doubt back then it was a bit harder for women to be taken seriously.

Brookpark Fantasy, one of Joan's best designs IMO, available at MaAndPasAttic on Etsy, a steal at $11.99

Joan may not have had that problem getting her work noticed as not only was she very talented from the start but also very well educated. Joan was from Ohio, and she was a well minded businesswomen. Suffice to say, Joan was ironically dating, then eventually married George Goulder. He would soon be the owner of Industrial Molding where her dishes would eventually be manufactured. Of course at the time she met him, who would have known they would eventually be designing and molding plastics together? Life takes you down strange paths indeed. For Joan, the plastic in my opinion, is one of her best life's accomplishments. Her line is set apart from many other melamine lines of the 50's. Joan managed to break the mold, if you will, by offering these "square" dishes and being design spunky --in my opinion, a bit ballsy since everything was "round" or oval back then.

This set retails for $85 and rightfully so at CrackerDogTrading on Etsy.com--there's completer pieces and hard to find soups.

Over the course of time she has designed everything from curtains and placements to melmac dishes and lily china dishes. Men's ties and custom work while raising a half dozen children. One of her children, daughter, Susanna Goulder used to design sets for Sex in the City, I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (She is now in the ministry, and is an ordained minister in Cleveland who helps many others, read about her here.)


Hello, what's this? These are a mix of Brookpark + Prolon and called Bropon. I have never seen these before. Lovely, and the look of glass in plastic. These are available at 20thCenturyFoxy on Etsy, and I would consider them in the original box a steal for the price.

Her granddaughter had contacted me some time ago for a salt and pepper set, to have one of her grandma's designs. Joan is still alive and well, and so are her dishes. Although there is no formal chronology of all her patterns, we keep finding new mysteries that surface and it brings the "ohhhh and ahhhh" like the ironic name of "Bropon" glastic cocktail glasses (above). How chic! How colorful! And so perfect for the modern diva's entertaining needs.

I will be posting a value guide shortly on Brookpark Modern Design and Arrowhead Everware, but in the meantime I wanted to leave you with some food for thought.

$38 set of Brookpark Modern Design at JoyofVintageWithSam.etsy.com

Uses for Brookpark Melmac

There are plenty of reasons you should buy used melmac. First to keep these items out of the landfill and use them. Most of these suggestions are in reference to the square shapes of Modern Design by Brookpark...

1. Holidays- Entertaining I've heard of people using them at the holidays --the maroon and green Brookpark looks lovely, and who will see the scratches on the surface if they are covered with a paper doily and cookies? A lovely display.

2. Giftgiving- Fill a cup full of cookies, cover in saran and top with a bow. The perfect gift giving stocking stuffer is here! The light grey cups look fabulous with chocolate chip cookies and a red and green bow!

3. Fundraising Ideas - I've seen Brookpark Square dinner plates and platters be used for fundraisers. The goodies in the "prize pack" are on the dish, and it's wrapped in cellophane. Great for church or school events. Not to mention that it's a useful alternative to a basket.

4. Camping, Kiddies, or Use in Your Everyday Life - Great for campers, retro style picnics on vintage plates. Why not have pizza, snacks, or your favorite lunch on them? Kids won't break them if they toss them. You can use them, wash them, just don't microwave them or gouge them to death with steak knives.

5. Collect and Display- Nothing says modern design like a display of Brookpark.

More Reading and Ideas

Go off-site to read this Wonderful Article on Joan Luntz, sent to me by her daughter. It has great photos of Joan's work as a designer.
Read all my Brookpark entries HERE.
Buy vintage Melmac here.
Hey, check out this modern light I love, would look great in that fifties kitchen hanging over a set of Brookpark Melmac! You can find more just like it below by clicking on the website!

Source: lightingshowroom.com via LightingShowroom on Pinterest

Thanks for reading Melmac Central. Keep the melmac love flowing.

Melmac Dinnerware Memories and Plastic Candy Molds

2012-11-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hey, that's me and the old Texasware Bowl my mom and I used when cooking and baking. I still use it today.

Since the inception of this blog, I have received all kinds of wonderful letters and emails about fond memories of melmac dishes, melamine dinnerware, or plastic items used that produce memories. Lots of kind emails thanking me for my blog. Unfortunately for me, December 15th will mark two years without my mother. I'm okay now, I still have the memories, and I still have the melmac bowls. You see, I come from an Italian family and most of our quality time was spent in our kitchen, cooking.

I had several kind letters from Joan Luntz's daugther. In case you don't know, she was the designer of Brookpark and married to the President of International Molding. After that I heard from her granddaughter. They were actually looking to buy some of the dinnerware that Joan designed. I'm glad I could help preserve some of the wonderful memories of Joan's creations under the Brookpark sections. Famous parents or not, we all have moms and grandmoms and we all have our memories.

Here's a few ways Melmac has made memories:

These rainboware dishes are the Canadian version of Meladur. They are for sale at Artmyth.etsy.com

"Rainbow Ware Melmac was made in Buckingham Quebec, Canada - Ironically this is where I was born, my father told me stories about the factory, and knew people who worked there. " - Kerry, Owner of ArtMyth on Etsy.


This Brookpark turkey melamine platter is HUGE. Buy it at PeacenLuv72.etsy.com

"I still use my Grandma's and it gets used for EVERY Thanksgiving!!!" Talking about her Brookpark Turkey Platter- Joanie Hinds-Wagner of Vintage Variables on Etsy

Set of 10 of these olive green cups available at AuburnArtisan.etsy.com

"Dear Cindy,
My grandmother had the ugliest olive dishes by TexasWare or Allied Chemical, I wasn't sure, but I remember eating off them as a kid. I always hated those dishes. I read your blog all the time. Can you believe I went out and assembled a set of those ugly dishes. My kids and I eat lunch on them, and I smile because they remind me of her. - Theresa Powers , California "


Maplex Melmac available at LarchTradingCompany.etsy.com

"To be honest I hated working in the factory when I was younger. I took it over to help my Father later in life. It stank and the workers had to take salt pills because it was so hot in there. The smell, (of the chemicals in) the melmac dishes you could never quite duplicate. " - Paul Rothstein, Last Owner of Maple Leaf Plastics, Inc

Mom's Bowl: In case you want a bowl like the one Mom and I used, check out this great item from Zenhetty at Etsy (above) for $30. Melmac bowls are functional, useful, and great for cooking. This post is dedicated to my Mom. She loved to cook, make Italian Meatballs (her meatball recipe here) and believe it or not, was a plastic junkie in her own right.

I never really thought about it, but she had tons and tons of plastic n the form of chocolate and candy molds! Mom would make her own candy. Sinful Chocolates (a pardody of her name Cynthia) was found in the local stores in Danforth, Maine. Do you find it ironic that the love for plastic continues on with me?

So many molds at sweetmolds.com

Speaking of Chocolate and Candy molds: The best site ever for plastic chocolate and candy molds is SweetMolds.com , who provides quality chocolate candy molds at affordable prices. SweetMolds.com molds are not just limited to chocolate though - they can be used for just about anything - from soap to concrete, to gel-based candies, wax and more . . . the possibilities are endless really - the only limit is your imagination.

SweetMolds prides itself on timely customer service and keeping their customers happy. When you place an order with them, you can rest assured that they will work to make sure you are 100% happy with your purchase.
When you're thinking of something sweet, think of SweetMolds.com!

***Mom would approve!

Memory Sign, to use at weddings by LimitedLane.etsy.com

What is your favorite melmac dinnerware or plastic memory? Do you remember your grandfather tinkering with his old Plaskon radio? Did your grandmom wear the gaudiest bakelite jewelry? Please share your memories with me and I may post them! Submit your Melmac Memories to me via Etsy or Email. Oh, and go hug your mom, NOW.

No Need for Plastic Knobs Concrete is Here

2012-11-09T07:29:00.000-08:00


Are Fantastic Plastic Cabinet Knobs Soon to Be a Thing of the Past? Find these at Peleda.etsy.com

I often sit writing this blog on plastics, melmac dinnerware and everything vintage and sweet plastic fantastic I am often plaqued and find myself in a Catch -22. My primary goal is to create a likeness for all-things-vintage-plastic and to find a use for them, to keep them out of the landfill and in reuse as a method of living greener. The flip side of course is that I'm actually a huge environmentalist who thinks one plastics blog is not enough! Although I do my part to try to reuse the vintage plastic in my home, in my life, and in my art, there's just too much new flooding the market out there. There's just so much of it that even if somewhere were to write a blog 100 years from now and put the love back into old television remotes, our landfills would still be a mess.

I still can't believe this is made of concrete, find them at KastConcrete.com

Now imagine my surprise when I found Greg Hensey out of Alabama out of his Kast Concrete Decor Etsy Shop has decided to go up against plastic one small knob at a time. He's taken something that we normally don't think of as being able to be "dainty". When I think concrete I think of my uncle, a stone mason, who pours basements and steps, and walls, I never see the tiny details that Greg has managed to encompass in a single, teeny, tiny knob. How could he make it so gorgeous in design when in fact it's made of concrete? It is true now after seeing this I fear for the lives of plastic knobs. Will they soon be defunct because of Greg's gorgeous designs?

On Etsy you can find these knobs at KastConcreteDesign.etsy.com

I suppose I should back up first. Originally pre and during World War One plastics plants were molding everything from telephone handsets to plastic knobs. Mainly in the beginning everything was brown or butterscotch.

Brown vintage radio and tv knobs available at carriesattic.etsy.com

This old butterscotch bakelite knob has held up quite well. It goes on your car, find it at RelicsAntiques.etsy.com

These knobs went to everything and anything you could think of from car radios, to televisions to airplane controls. Some kitchen cabinet or furniture drawer knobs originally dating back to 1930's to 1940's were made of bakelite. Often becoming brittle and disintegrating over time, they were hard to repair or find replacements and the colors were limited until the late 1940's when Bakelite began introducing more colors--moving into stronger plastics production and the cool 1950's colorful era of knobs. Most radios still had clear knobs for instance if you bought a pink radio, sometimes the plastic knobs were clear and not pink, but in the rare case of this 1950's model (below), you would have the best red knobs yet:

BigRiverMercantile on Etsy has this great 1951 radio just waiting for you.

Over time the strength of the plastic improved but still, most kitchens upgraded to polished metal by the 1950's (although stove knobs were a mix of plastic and metal) Keep in mind those metal knobs would dull or show rust over time, so moving into the 1960s-1990's harder resin plastics and wood became more and more acceptable in the kitchen. Now, if you are wondering, just where did all those gazillions of old plastic knobs go?

Stores like CaityAshBadashery on Etsy sell old plastic knobs to artists to make things.

They are floating around in vintage shops on Etsy it seems. We hope that the artists come and save the day. Old dirty plastic knobs pulled from radios, televisions, air conditioners or stoves end up in use for artist sculptures thanks to assemblage and mixed media art. Wouldn't it be better however in the future if all knobs were made of concrete? Then perhaps one day, if you happened to walk in a landfill, you'd find a pile of stone rubble next to a pile of cracked up plastic and know just what was what.

Enter the Roxanne Knob. Oh yeah. Only $8 each at KastConcreteDecor on Etsy.com

Wow. R.I.P. little plastic knobs. It was nice knowing you.

************Please visit my sponsors!************************
This post was sponsored by Antiques and Collectibles HQ. This is a great site featuring valuable information on antiques and collectibles. If you love antiques and retro items as much as I do, make sure to visit them. They keep me writing about things I love, which are of course, all things retro.

In the meantime, listen to the retro redhead!

Oneida Melmac Kids Melamine History Value

2012-10-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Oneida Peter Rabbit Bowl available at MollyFinds

The town of Oneida, is located between Utica and Syracuse in New York, Oneida is one of the companies who has stood the test of time. Sadly in 2005, it's products would no longer produced in the USA as they had been dating back to 1881. I had the pleasure of visiting their factory outlet store in Oneida prior to the transition to overseas operations.


This is a super rare Oneida Deluxe covered sugar bowl boasting kiddie logo available at Posh Rock Vintage.

It was interesting to see the factory rejects, seconds, and overruns that had been produced in the good old USA. From ceramics to glassware to it's flatware, the outlet store had it all. Oneida Limited originates from the 1800's religious Oneida Community, it's claim to fame no doubt it's silverware and utensils. Oneida produced everything from wartime parts and weapons to medical forceps. No easily accessible records exist as to when Oneida decided to move into the melamine market-although proof exists of them mass producing full size dinnerware from the 1960's to the 1980's. Much you read about the company's history is unclear and although I've written to them several times over the years I pretty much gave up.

My Opinion: Oneida Transitioned into Melmac Because of Kiddie Sets

Truth be told, the research I have done indicates that Oneida did much advertising of their kid's boxed melmac sets prior to their full sets--which of course included a boxed set with their children's flatware. Perhaps this is an indicator that their transition into melamine dinnerware could have started here. The kid's sets were very popular and marketed with fairy tales and popular characters coupled with kid's flatware. One of the earlier designs is this Bozo-lookalike clown.

Ad from August 1960 shows the kid's sets--here a clown set which looks like a Bozo clown. Cost: $4.95

Oneida saturated the market with children's sets. They used popular characters Holly Hobbie (American Greetings), Raggedy Ann and Andy (Bobbs Merrill), Wizard of Oz, The Three Bears, and lots of fairy tale designs. You'll find everything from the unknown to Puss in Boots which (suggesting they started production in at least 1960), continued for over three decades in the US alone.

In 1962, a manual on Home Economics for teachers and students talks about Oneida's "new melamine". Could this be a reference to regular size dinnerware hitting the shelves? I'm not sure. It could have existed before, but when you look at full size designs you'll see many patterns indicative of the 60's and 70's. It is my opinion if you ask me which came first the children or the egg, it's the children.

Here is a nice example of a full Oneida kid's set dating back to 1969 - available at heckamom

1978 General Mills Wizard of Oz? Plate (General Mills) by outofthepinksky

What is the collectible value and worth of Oneida melamine children's ware?

Market: You have children's dinnerware collectors and melmac collectors both wanting them. Silversmith collectors may be looking for boxed examples of early children's silverware making boxed sets hard to find. Not to mention the children of the 1960's and 1970's may want to have a set like they had when they were little.

QueenChlorine offers this Puss in Boots bargain $5, it does have scratches but is adorable nonetheless.

Value: Truth be told the kiddie sets were mass produced, but finding them in mint shape are challenging. It appears more plates and bowls have survived than mugs, probably thanks to Junior throwing them across the room and their handles breaking off. Obviously a mint in box kiddie set would fetch more than anything, and early and original paperwork will be sought after by the markets above, making their value under-timed. Currently on Etsy, you can acquire bowls and plates which show little wear for average of $18 each. More scratching, fading, or more popular designs sometimes fetch between $6-$12 per item. Rare is the covered sugar bowl above. Mugs generally fetch $8-$20 based on design. Assembling a set like you had when you were a kid (near mint) may run you $30-$60 or up if you have to piece it out . Perhaps the memories of eating on the dishes back when you were little, mom cooked, and life was easy is simply priceless.

This post is sponsored by Kitchen Wall Decals. Make sure to visit them for cool and retro designs to spunk up your kitchen. It it advertisers like them who keep me writing and motivated to bring you this free information so make sure to visit them and find all kinds of peel and stick wall decals to make your room transform into something cool. They have everything from coffee cups for the kitchen to cool vintage planes for your kid's room. Check them out!

If you liked this Oneida melmac post, you may also enjoy reading:

The Oneida Story
All My Posts on Oneida

Wine Club Fantastic Not Plastic

2012-10-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

These plastic vintage wine toppers were found on Ebay at CircleCityTradingCompany

It's time for me to stop talking about plastic fantastic and sincerely thank one of my sponsors, Celebrations Wine Club. They offer California wines, Italian wines, white wines, or red wines delivered monthly. Not only is this a wonderful gift idea for someone else, but it's a must have for my household. The white wine club is a favorite of many friends. For myself and my family, I'm Italian and I love to try different Italian wines.

Resin wine charms on Etsy at shop telstad0014

As for the Italian Wine Club. They have several levels of membership, but here is what they have to say, "Our Italian wine clubs-of-the-month will take you to the sunny hill towns of Italy, whose delicious wines from family-owned wineries embody the history and culture of the fertile Italian pininsula. From Piemonte, you will taste noble Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, and Dolcetto. From Veneto, you will drink famed Amarone and Valpolicella. From Toscana, you will taste Brunello, Chianti, and Vino Nobile, and from Umbria the highly prized Sagrantino. You will also taste the ancient wines of Southern Italy that today inspire the same admiration that they did in ancient times, wines like Aglianico and Nero d'Avola."

Sounds great don't you think? What are you waiting for? Check their wine club out. Pour a nice glass of wine and read up on Fantastic Vintage Plastic here at Melmac Central! Make sure to visit them, they keep me writing about plastic fantastic!

Vintage Plastic Pens Antique Pens Value

2012-10-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

PastPens features the rare, extremely collectible vintage pens and knows all about them.

All day long I can talk about the value of a plastic melmac dish, but I rarely stop to think how valuable other plastic items are. Of course there are the obvious, like bakelite clocks or jewelry, but far be it for me to think of a mottled plastic key chain or key fob's net worth. So, enter in the fountain pen or antique pen of yesterday, Imagine my surprise when I found out how collectible and stunningly gorgeous some pens were. Back in the day, a good pen was a symbol of prestige. Now, some pens are worth to collectors excess of $1000 dollars no questions asked! PastPens is a collectible site dedicated to the sale of vintage pens - but offers all kind of historic information about the manufacturers who made them.


This image is being used courtesy of PastPens

You will find names like Burnham, Conklin, Conway Stewart, Wahl Eversharp, Swan Mabie Todd, Parker, Sheaffer, and Waterman, many dating back to the late 1800's. Some ultra rare and definately worth a looksee. This wonderful resource was founded by Dr. Cathay Yeung in the UK. This wonderful love for pens is shown here and it's a wonderful resource for collectors of fountain pens or old pens!

Russel Wright Unveiled Michele Yeeles

2012-09-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Michele for this gorgeous photograph. Looks like the 1950's all over again.

Russel Wright Melamine for 2012 Unveiled

Okay, enough hype time. Thanks to designer Michele Yeeles for sending over this exclusive image of the NEW Russel Wright melamine line (which will be available in some outlets and at Bob's Your Uncle.) Imagine my shock when I realize this looks exactly identical to the good old stuff. How beautiful to see it brand new. It's taken me 28 years to assemble a few pieces with this kind of untouched gloss. I will be so excited to add a brand new set to my collection.

The Molds

It has been my theory for such a long time that the molds were hidden in storage somewhere, but Michele indicates these are brand new molds! She also agrees with others I've spoken to that those original molds must have been melted down for scrap by now. (I would be saying boo hoo, but from the looks of the above you don't need them anyways.) Michele indicated that molds like the ones to use these need to be cleaned and used or they will rust as they are made of metal. Can you imagine if they are still alive and sitting since the 1960's how much rust they would have on them? If someone had found them they may be unidentifiable and in the scrapyard indeed.

Exclusive RetroChalet Interview with Michele Yeeles

Designer Michele Yeeles (formerly of Reebok, now owner of Bob'sYour Uncle) has decided it's time to bring Russel Wright Melamine back to the table. Working closely with Annie Wright and the Russel Wright Estate, samples were debuted at the Gift Show a few weeks back. Here is what I wanted to know and here is what she had to say!

1. What made you decide to bring Russel Wright's designs back to the table?

I've been an admirer of Russel Wright's for a long time, friends of ours introduced us to the American Modern and Iroquois collections when I was at Reebok (we gave them a vintage Russel Wright teapot as a wedding gift). After we had been producing our other melamine lines, we were looking to add another collection so we looked into the history of melamine dinnerware and Residential seemed like a natural choice. The pieces are beautiful not just to look at, but also to hold. Russel's attention to how something feels in your hand and the balance of weight in each piece is wonderful.

2. Was it a painstaking production process, or did things go smoothly?

I'd have to say both! Working with Annie and the Russel Wright Studio has been great and delving into the Russel Wright archives was fantastic, but trying to collect enough vintage pieces to reference all the shapes and colors took a long time. Luckily I found you for the black and copper penny colors! We are still working on color formulas to try to achieve the cloudy effects of some of the original colors, so I'm still not sure how long it will be before we can re-create them.

3. Do you think now, this will bring a whole new collect-ability among collectors of Russel Wright's work?

I think it will, it's 60 years since the first production of Residential and it seems to be quite difficult to build up complete sets of the collection in the vintage market. The new release will make it available to a new generation of collectors as well as those who already collect vintage. Russel's estate is also open to introducing new colors of Residential and other designs in melamine too, so there will be previously unreleased Russel Wright designs to look forward to.

4. Where can this be found, and for how long do you plan on offering it? Note: At the time of this interview there were only show samples available.

There are two places I know it will be available; our own shop and the Russel Wright Design Center, but I think it will be a hit with other retailers at the show too. I hope we will offer it for many years to come, it's such a classic collection, the designs have already stood the test of time. We expect the first color (black) to be in stock in November and new spring colors early next year.

A big thank you to Michele for giving her time and information to me. I really hope this line is a success.

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German Plastic Involvement Plastipedia

2012-09-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Vintage Brooch: Made in East Germany, found at Etsy Shop RetourDesCourtisanes in Berlin, Germany.

Germany's Contributions to Plastics

Although we mainly talk about American made melamine dinnerware and plastics, and have touched on some Canadian, British, and Danish, or Italian plastics we don't talk much about the German Plastics. It's important to know that worldwide, contributions to plastics were being made by German companies and this is crucial in plastics history. For instance, according to Plastipedia, as early as 1899 a company of Krische and Spittler in Germany were awarded the patent for Casein Plastic from milk. The Plastipedia goes on to indicate inventions in 1935 by Troester in Germany produced the first extruder designed for thermoplastics. Later in 1937 came the first commercial production of polystyrene by IG Farben, Germany. You can read more on their website, but clearly one can summarize that the world had many great chemists, scientists, and members of the plastics society working together (albeit independently) to move the world forward in plastics inventions.

On Etsy, Fabulous Etsy EMSA Coffee Pot by Kchoos

EMSA

One of the best modern plastics made in Germany is by EMSA. They have made the cutest, space age, atomic designs I've ever seen. Collectors should know these items are collectible, and can be pricey.

Fun German Fact

There is something called Old German Handwriting! A well known graphic designer, Ludwig Sütterlin, came up with this form of handwriting. Truth is, this old language is so old and archaic, (sometimes just referred to as Sutterlin), that a special website does nothing but specialize in the Translation of German Handwriting . That just goes to show that Germany has much to offer in the way of art, history, and design secrets.

Russel Wright Melmac is Back 2012

2012-08-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, Russel Wright Melamine dinnerware is on it's way back, debuting a new line for 2012. Imagine my shock when designer Michele Yeeles (who has been tight-lipped about the project until now, quietly buying vintage samples from me last year hee hee) told me all about it!

Given to me with permission by Michele.

The irony of it all? She is owner of the store Bob's Your Uncle, which is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Irony being that is not far from where the original Russel Wright Residential line was produced at the Northern Industrial Chemical Company. I suppose it was meant to be.

Thanks to Google Maps I see that Bob's Your Uncle headquarters is only 1.69 miles from the old Russel Wright Melamine factory. Is this a Boston Curse or just a major coincidence? Call it what you will, it's coming back from the grave.

So a new Russel Wright melmac? Oh my! Imagine my shock when I had to create a new page just for this New Russel Wright Melmac. Since I mainly talk about vintage melmac, I guess you are wondering how do I personally feel about this? Well, I'm so happy I could hug her! First off, that it's being re-created. I truly believe such a wonderful item in design should not be forgotten. I think this will create a new hub-bub among Russel Wright collectors who wish to assemble a whole brand spanking new set, and reinvigorate those who wish to have the authentic vintage as well. The first line? She hints that it's going to be black like the original Black Velvet. What kind of confusion will this create? Not much if you read the backstamp. Which makes reading my site all the more valuable! Know your Russel Wright Melmac!

I had an opportunity to interview Michele which I will post in a later post, because this is all so exciting. In the meantime she told me that this past weekend, the samples debuted at her booth at the New York National Gift Fair. Ironic because not much has changed. Back in the day, circa 1950's when new melmac or new lines came out they would debut them at the New York City trade shows or Chicago housewares shows.

Stay tuned, the line should be available by fall 2012.


Thanks to Michele for providing the two page press release.

In case you are wondering how Russel Wright Melmac can be reintroduced, the Russel Wright Studios offers licensing information here. Stay tuned, so much more to come!