Vintage Chalet Etsy Love

Industrial Furniture for Shabby, Farm or Mod Decor

2012-02-21T20:31:00.000-05:00

OOAK unique upcycled reclaimed farm metal table at The Steel Fork

I really don't think you can go wrong having a bit of industrial furniture in your home. I for one wouldn't mind having a new piece for the sake of housing favorite collectibles or antiques. I know some of us worry that something industrial won't "go" with the present decor, but perhaps you may need to break some rules. Out with the old "everything has to match " theory and in with the new "anything goes."

Library Card Catalog from Etsy, find this at VidaliasVintage

Sometimes the perfect decor happens when you throw something together that doesn't belong. The lest things you'd consider making a marriage of, try it out. Be daring, be unique, or if worse comes to worse, steal a few tips from Etsy! One thing you must remember is that you don't HAVE to keep the same eras interlined. Mid century modern can mix with the twenties if you let it! You CAN break all the rules! It's your style corner today!

French side tables painted red, look great against a shabby country decor wall. Get them at DrabtoFabVintage

Winner Finally For the Sweet Love of YouTube

2012-02-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

Lesson #1: Do not film a video on your smart phone and expect it to load to Youtube quickly. I mean I had to wait

F O R E V E R

First of all THANK YOU all so much for entering my contest for the Italian Music Box. I had so many entries that I was in shock. My handwriting worsened as I went along! I may have had some dyxlexia going on in there too I was so tired of writing names, although I received 360plussomething entries some people had multiple entries! So the count was near or over 400 that's a lot of names!

I used old paper and wrote all the names down. Holy Moses that's a lot of names!

I cut them all up into pieces and dumped them into a bowl.

I think I got sloppier with the names as the sheets went on!

Then I tried to film myself drawing it but that is really hard to do! I will be sending an email to the winner shortly, but you saw it here first! ATTN LOSERS: You still be a winner. Watch the video and learn something and do stay tuned as I will be doing a giveaway for a glove mold real soon.
I am contacting the winner right now to send you your music box!

Contest - Giveaway Update

2012-02-15T07:51:00.003-05:00

When hubby gets home tonight he will draw a winner for the Awesome Giveaway Music Box that was featured here. The video will be posted tomorrow so stay tuned. Thanks to everyone that entered!

Tea Party Tea Time Vintage Style Virtual Party Invitation Etsy Love

2012-02-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

Bone China tea cup from Bunny Rabbit Vintage.

Tonight it was snowing in Baltimore, and I wanted so badly to go make a cup of tea. You see, here in America I was raised on coffee (sigh), but tea is something I consider a real treat! Unfortunately for me, it is a quick drop-in-cup and micowave deal (or if I have the time, hot water brewed in a pot and dumped in a cup). Tonight I made Stash English Breakfast Tea and added some mint leaves microwave-style. I imagine the Queen would be very upset with me and send me away to my room to rot.

Oh how I dreamt of and wished as a child I was raised in England or Canada so I'd be more in tune with tea, tea parties, and tea time! The sound of a tea kettle...I feel as though I was robbed by not having that in my daily life. In fact, I'm going to say to heck with missing out as a child, and have a virtual tea party right now. I can and I will! So, you are invited and I hope you'll join me. This is probably what I'd wear to tea time, because I'd want to look the part.

Lovely tea time party dress from LipStickWhiskey

You see, I do believe there is something lovely and romantic about the whole tea-drinking experience. I can't wait to see my tea friends and catch up on old times. A vintage girls day out, only with good tea. I have arrived at your place, as you are hosting the party. It's warm there. No snow at all. I see you have set the table oh-so-lovely. Sigh, just what I had imagined:

Chippendale Rosenthal Tea Set at Antiqfinds.

But where is the tea? Oh, I see patience is a virtue I am lacking. You are breaking out the vintage secret stash of tea. What is this? Green Tea? English Breakfast? Only the best for this tea party! Suprise me!

I can only imagine how good the original contents were--shop Pea Pickins $12.

English it is! So after the tea bag is sitting in the cup out comes the hot water. Swish, I can hear it pouring. Steeping in the cup I am hoping it finishes quickly, as I am so ready to taste a cup. I'm a bit messy, so I'm going to need a tea bag holder, like a pro tea drinker would, but I am not sure if that's an American thing or how they really did it back then. I would imagine something is needed to put my tea bag on so that it won't mess up your beautiful tablecloth. Oh no....something in my virtual tea party is going incredibly wrong, I am imagining them as tiny cows (probably since my husband is some famous bbq guy, hint of reality is interfering with my ability to imagine a dainty tea holder. Oh no! Cows!)

Sally's Serendipity is selling tea bag holders that are cows.

As we start to cackle and laugh and discuss how your week was, how the tea bag holders are cows, how are the kids, the pets, the dog, and hubby....I notice that my tea's a bit strong so I would like a cube of sugar. "One lump please..."

Polly Go Lightly has just the tool for sugar lumps...for sale in her Etsy shop!

Much better. No cream today thank you. I am being filled with the aroma of scumptious smelling tea, and good company. So what were we discussing? Oh yes...tell me about that book you've been reading......We are now surrounded by the dainty cups, and people serving us crisps with our tea. Did I mention I loved what you are wearing? You look divine!

Party dresses and more vintage clothing at gogovintage!

I know, I know, the red dress is a bit over the top but I imagined you Marilynesque in our vintage tea party. Now that you've shown off your dress and danced around so gracefully, you seem to have dropped your purse.

Lucite Purse at mllevintage!

Mad Hatters Party get it at Vintage Leather Artist on Etsy

Truth be told I must be going, as reality calls. If more truth be told it may be that I envy you--for you may not have had to have a virtual tea party, but actually experienced morning tea, afternoon tea, and tea time.Have you? If so I would really love to hear all about it. It was nice meeting you. Goodbye.

HEY! Please visit my friend Phil who makes custom signs, he helps keep this site free!

Egg Cups : Easter Chicks

2012-02-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

From DiAntiues on Etsy!

I was all ready to do a post about Valentine's Day, but then blam...I went to Etsy and found these adorable little creatures. I think they are so cute. They have a Lefton style look to them but they are indeed made in Japan. How's this for this retro? How cute would they be in your vintage kitchen? Keep a set and give a set away, for 8 you are paying $75....a far cry from their original price, but who puts the price on coolness?

Two Weeks to Enter this Giveaway!

2012-01-31T10:26:00.000-05:00

WW2 Watch Makes It's Way Home Metal Detecting

2012-01-27T13:27:00.000-05:00

I was trying to use my metal detector the other day, with no luck. Even with the manual, I'm not very good at figuring it out. I went onto the (Friendly) Metal Detecting Forums for some advice. I then found this wonderful story from a military relic digger in the UK. Not only did he find an amazing watch but he went on a quest to do ample research and make sure it got back to the family where it belonged. Talk about a good deed. I'm in awe of him. I don't even know his name, but he is from the Midlands, England, and this is his youtube channel. He has the upmost appreciation for veterans and I thank him for that.

Related World War 2 Items Found on Etsy:

Lovely window decal, WW2, TheLovelyJumble, about 12 pounds = approx $19.34 USD

WW2 Homefront Ring, Sterling, $65 from Etsy Seller YourArsenal

Other War Buff Items Found on Etsy:

Vintage patriotic Rhinestone Pin at RetroChalet, only $12

1933 Book of Stills from World War One, only $28 first printing, here.

Yoko and John, 1967ish? War is Over, DamntheFrame $35

Antique Booth Shop Signs : Sign Up

2012-01-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

Order something custom under "Business Signs" at Benchmark Signs on Etsy!

Phil at Benchmark Custom Signs and Wonders on Etsy has these great custom logo signs. My favorite is the black, this one ranges about $72. Imagine for the cost of not getting your hair done for another week or not eating out with the family one night you could have this for your antique shop or store. Most measure about 14x23 and are large enough to be attention getting, and oh so lovely. They are carved in the wood which gives them a 3D effect. Here are some of my favorite sign ideas.

I used to sell in an antique mall and I wish I would have had one of these back then! These would be great to hang on the wall there to let people know the name of your company or shop. There's more than one reason I really love Phil's work, read about how this marine turned woodworking Guru here in this interview!

These signs are made for top quality hardwoods, or sometimes salvaged cabinetry. Gotta love that. Nothing like going greener!

So stop by and show Phil some love. Nothing like being made in the Good Old USA.

Vintage Victorian Trinkets on Etsy: Things I Love Today

2012-01-12T09:06:00.002-05:00


Victorian Glove Case $40, from The Paris Market on Etsy

There is something so special about Victorian items. Perhaps because all the children depicted on the articles look cherub-like. A time when beauty flourished, not only in dress and style, but in craftsmanship as many products were hand finished or hand crafted. Romance is in the air, can you feel it?

$10.50 The Magpie Society on Etsy offers these lovely Valentines!

Victorian Sewing Book, $15, Feels Free on Etsy

Advertising Print: $18 from Siliconvalet on Etsy!

Hmmm, no wonder the doors on my vintage home are so small..........

Vixen Vintage Viva La Fashionista Diva

2012-01-07T19:45:00.003-05:00

Move over Dita Von Teese, (yes I love you, you are the queen diva, but still)...

Source: vixenvintage.blogspot.com via Casey on Pinterest

..I just adore this Fashionista ..........Viva La Solanah.... the best thing out of Washington State (besides Pearl Jam and damn good coffee, but who's counting?) Just like we have the real Hollywood Housewives exposed, we now have the real Vixen-of-Vintage. Ahhh, yes, I truly adore her VixenVintage blog and her take on glamorous retro fashion.

Source: vixenvintage.blogspot.com via Tracel on Pinterest

She is just so darn cute and full of vintage spunk. Such a young soul with a deep and growing appreciation of all-things-vintage-fashion. For she makes that which is old now new again and oh so hip and desirable! Her followers watch her every step and want to dress like her, she makes vintage fashion so cool. I think she has a Marilynesque power about her that if she donned a potato sack others would follow. She even gives away her top secrets on showing people how to make her 1940's hairdo's . ( She takes it a step further with real rag curls here!)

Source: vixenvintage.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Perhaps the best thing about her is she is so au naturale. You can't duplicate that with any Hollywood fashion model or paid performer. No nipping and tucking and Hollywood botoxing here.... sure one may argue Solanah is young but she's also REAL. So happy doing what she does. Wearing clothes she loves! Therefore her photos come out so darn beautiful and radiate normality! Her natural beauty captured in every shot. Perhaps that's why we can't get enough of her!

Source: vixenvintage.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Her website is full of curiosities and untold stories of the past that one can explore via her photographs. I reminisce of how it would have been to live back in the day...oh so lovely. Is this what my now-passed grandmother once looked like in her hey-dey? Born in the 1920's she told me just how fun her life was from the 1940's to 1950's. A time when women radiated such natural beauty as the sun.... mixed with a certain class and sophistication when dressing. They had a reason for getting out of bed and doing their hair, and having their lipstick just right....looking their Sunday best every day of the week....what happened to us? I'm here in my favorite fuzzy pajamas with hair undone and makeup missing. Sign, I'm so glad she keeps the dream alive. ♥

All photos found on Pinterest courtesy of VixenVintage Blog. Vixen Vintage on Facebook
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Things I love Today: Orange Industrial and Retro

2012-01-05T10:38:00.002-05:00

Orange you glad we have Etsy?

'Get Your Tangerine On with the Vestiesteam' by NorScott

Search "Vestiesteam" for the best in Tangerine

Metal Parts Cabinet housewarming10... $375.00	Vintage Eyelgasses Frames. O... CollectableSpe... $65.00
Vintage 60s Bright Orange Go... VINTANTHROMODE... $98.00	MINI - Vintage Orange Round ... TheBIG8s $60.00
Vintage Mid Century Modern O... modernlogic $55.00	Vintage manual orange Olivet... AnnaLouVintage $214.99
1980s Solid Orange Vinyl Sho... z2aBc $9.99	1940s hat / pumpkin orange /... RustBeltThread... $48.00
mid century melamine dinnerw... foundvintageob... $28.00	ON SALE Retro Orange Daisy S... mooiebloem $7.00
Orange and White Polka Dot S... BlackbirdAntiq... $7.00	Huge De Luxe of Amsterdam Th... linea72 $146.00
Art Deco Salem Streamline / ... SusabellaBrown... $70.00	60s Mod Tangerine Orange Org... PetticoatsPlus $36.00
Florida Oranges Salt and Pep... RetroChalet $9.00	Vintage Motorcycle Helmet oppning $60.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Unlimited Entry Giveaway : Italian Sorrento Swiss Reuge Jewelry Box Music Box Value $100-$200 Ring Box

2012-01-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

The Prize: Blue Danube is a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, and it plays in this lovely little inlaid ring music box. This box is obviously made by Sorrento, (see examples here) which is extremely collectible. This old world styling comes from years of woodworking skills in Campania, Italy outside of Naples. The box itself bears the sticker, "Made in Italy." The parts are marked Swiss made, and the musical movement is Romance, (aka Swiss Reuge with 18 note (?) movement. It has a pink velvet lining and is made to hold your special rings, like wedding rings, possibly two to three at the most. It is small, about 4" long x 3.5" wide. Four little goldtone feet make it stand so lovely, and this has violin inlaid. It was imported by wholesaler Musical Specialities, Inc probably about 1995-1996 for sale in the States. The cheapest I have seen this particular model list for is $162, on sale for $99.00 here (plus $12 for the Reuge movement would total $111.)

So thanks to our partners we are able to give away this high priced awesome music box that would make a great gift!

Here's the Entry Details:
Contest is being offered by RetroChalet on Etsy, in conjunction with partners Big Fat Daddy's, Atlas Personal Trainers, and Ira Mency Designs and is open to anyone in the US or abroad. Entries are taken until February 14th, 2012 MIDNIGHT EST. (Eastern Time). The entries will then be entered into a large bowl or maybe something much larger, and hand drawn by February 16th, just like this ...winner will then be notified and item shipped to them no matter where in the world they are! Winners posted on this blog approximately February 16-18th. Item will be shipped as soon as communication with buyer is made. See how many ways to enter, and note that certain sharing functions below have UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF ENTRIES! Make sure to comment you've done so and have a way in which we can get in touch with you.

Here's How To Enter :
(Do as many as you like, but comment this post each time so I know you did it!)

Things that will Earn you *One Entry Each*:

Follow this blog and comment this post that you did so.
Follow the official RetroChalet - Melmac Central blog and comment on this post that you did so.
Follow Ira Mency Designs blog (free graphics) and comment on this post that you did so.
Follow Big Fat Daddy's blog (good recipes) and comment on this post that you did so.
Follow Atlas Personal Trainers' blog (fitness, diet, recipes) and comment on this post that you did so.
Like Vintage Chalet on Facebook. and comment below to tell us you've done so!
Like Retro Chalet on Facebook. and comment below that you've done so!
Like Melmac Central on Facebook. , make sure to comment below to tell us you've done so.
Like Big Fat Daddy's on Facebook. Make sure to comment below that you've done so.
Like Atlas Trainers Business Page on Facebook and tell us you've done so.
Friend Request Atlas Personal Trainers (Mike Turkin) on Facebook. and tell us you've done so.
Follow RetroChalet on Twitter. and tell us you've done so!
Follow VintageChalet on Twitter. Make sure to tell us you've done so!
Follow Ira Mency on Twitter. Tell us you've done so!
Follow Big Fat Daddy's on Twitter. Tell us you've done so!
Follow AtlasTrainers on Twitter. Tell us you've done so!
Visit RetroChalet on Etsy and tell us which item is your FAVE. You will earn one entry each time, and you can do this once per week. So, you can earn an entry each week from now until February! This can be as many as seven entries! Woot Woot!
Share items from RetroChalet's Etsy shop on your Facebook or Twitter (with links to the item) and get one entry each, this is unlimited! Do as many times as you want, Just tell us that you've done so!
Share posts from any of the blogs listed below on your Facebook or Twitter, and get one entry each, this is unlimited! Do as many times as you want, Just tell us that you've done so!

Qualifiying blogs: ***SHARE UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF TIMES!!!!!!!!!!***
                                     http://RetroChalet.blogspot.com
   http://VintageChalet.blogspot.com
                                     http://IraMencyDesigns.blogspot.com
                                     http://AtlasPersonalTrainers.blogspot.com
                                     http://BigFatDaddys.blogspot.com

Ways to Earn *TEN Entries Each*:
Write a small post about any of these websites below, (on your blog, website, squidoo, or article service) which has to be at least 200 words with a link to the website as specified below, and you will get five entries into the kettle per website!

Write about Big Fat Daddy's and link http://www.bigfatdaddys.com , and get five entries!

Write about Atlas Personal Trainers and link http://www.AtlasPersonalTrainers.com and get five entries!

Write about Vintage Chalet (this site ) and link http://VintageChalet.blogspot.com and get five entries!

Write about Ira Mency Designs and link http://IraMencyDesigns.com or
http://IraMencyDesigns.blogspot.com and get five entries!

Write about Retro Chalet's Melmac Central and link http://www.MelmacCentral.com or http;//RetroChalet.blogspot.com and get five entries!

GOOD LUCK AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Contest Closes 2-14-12 midnight EST.
Winners posted her on or about Feb 16-18th depending on how long it takes us to calculate the entries.

Add this photo below to your blog and share the contest link by copying this HTML: <a href="http://vintagechalet.blogspot.com/2012/01/unlimited-entry-giveaway-italian.html"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PdZ2kwi5rcc/TwC0y_hawpI/AAAAAAAAAFs/uoAf39zlIFc/s1600/GiveawayClickhere.jpg" /></a></div>

Have a Vintage New Year!

2011-12-31T13:18:00.004-05:00

Wishing you the best New Year Ever!

Click your tin-litho vintage clickers and ring in the New Year safely!

Tin litho clickers found here on Etsy for under $10.

Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds on Etsy

2011-12-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds are Back! Here are my latest finds...... watch them go from this :

Glove molds available at RetroChalet range $28-$45 on average

To this! Ah, yes, the industrial relics look lovely as urbanite home decor.

Glove molds available here.

So how does one get the funk, junk, and rubbish off of them? Hard darn work, comet, soap, scrubbies and elbow grease, that's how. Scroll below for my tips on cleaning....

Read my Squidoo article on Glove Mold History and Cleaning here.

Vintage Supplies on Etsy An Artists Dream

2011-12-24T22:32:00.003-05:00

An assemblage artist's dream...

$5 from Estate Sale Treasures, one of my all time favorite Etsy shops!

A collage artist's dream...

Train war bonds, $7.95, RetroChalet

A steampunk artist or scrap-booking guru's imagination can only say what these could be used for...

Lots of colorful vintage clock hands, $11.95 from Steampunkjunk

1960s Fashion 1960's Mod Clothing on Etsy sixties style

2011-12-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love the 1960's fashions. I really wish I had lived in the 1960's. Check out these cool Etsy finds!


Allyn Rose Vintage says Dream it and Do it with this mini dress, $52

The greatest things came out of the 1960's....from birth control pills to Muscle Cars. Just imagine, a world without either. Let's not forget the hype of the troll doll...

ChestersTreasures has a troll for $24 that reminds of us a bygone era.

Mod designs and simplicity were part of the 1960's. Pop Art dresses were left for the night...

Bad Girl Vintage has a hand painted COUTURE designer dress, $2500!

But the daytime was casual and simple, showing the natural beauty of everyone who wore the designs...

Vintage 1960s SHIRT and SHORTS Set, $34 from Spun Sugar Vintage

Sew your own with this 1960's Simplicity Pattern $5.95 from PatternsFromthePast.

You could be free, you could be cute, you could be you. Now you could do a simple swept do and still come out looking simple and sexy, how about this stylin'red dress, it's so sassy it says cute but sexy all at once!

Late 1960's bordering on the 70's Mod chic dress from Old Age, $58

Vintage Gift Guide For the Unique Family Members

2011-12-07T09:15:00.001-05:00

For the girl who rides horses:

Schleich bendy horse Germany

This vintage bendy horse I love , he's cute and unique, and on sale at Vintage Goodies. What a cute little trinket to sit on the desk, and to play with when times are slow.

For the Sporty Guy:

From Selected and Collected!

Nothing says I love you (ouch) like this vintage metal dart board, that comes with real magnet darts! For use to play with or as a decoration in Mr. Sporty guy's house, this will surely big a big retro hit!

For the Car Buff:

Old Automobile Speedometer, Estate Hound.

This old vintage speedometer is just cool. I guess just sitting it there like this would be cool. You know the kind of guy or gal who are always tinkering around on the old cars or in the garage? I am sure they could find something real cool to do with this piece of industrial history!

For the Retro Girl:


SwirlingOrange11 offers this great retro clock!

Clocks in retro colors and great working condition are getting harder and harder to find. I can just imagine seeing this in my Bestie's retro kitchen. How lovely!

For Anyone:

Vintage Glove Molds, find them here!

Surely worth their weight in vintage porcelain, these industrial relics from yesterday prove to be cute additions to the home. Use them for jewelry display, industrial statement statues, or to funkify up a new room. Yes, I said FUNKIFY. Find a bunch at RetroChalet.

Vintage Wrapping Paper Ephemera For Crafts and More

2011-12-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

Raggedy Ann wrapping paper $6.95 at Lady Libertine Vintage

Vintage wrapping paper, how did it all survive? Left in the bottom of someone's drawer, or in a box of holiday mayhem just waiting for the right occasion.....then...forgotten forever. Or was it? Not so, thanks to it showing up in thrift stores, estate sales, scrounged up by the younger generation, who loved that old wrapping paper just as much as if it was brand spankin' new. Something our grandparents grimaced at we just adore.

9 unused Rolls found totaling 450 feet, $52 at RetroChalet.

Welcome to the creative reuse. Vintage wrapping paper may be used for wrapping gifts, but over time the paper may become brittle or rip when bending around the corners of the package. So you may use it for:

Mixed Media Work
Cut out a small snippet and put it on a package tag
Cut out a 4"x4" square and glue to the front of a kraft paper card, give the cards for Christmas!
Use to faux-wrap a customer's purchase if you sell antiques before shipping.
Use in gift bags, crumbling it up tissue-paper style.

I just adore the way JenuinePaper used recycled snippets and made this card $4

'Vintage Wrapping Paper Ephemera' by RetroChalet

Holiday Christmas gift wrap ... MothtoaFlameSt... $10.00	Vintage Norcross Christmas S... berryetsy $12.00	Vintage 50s Wrapping Paper munnypenney $5.00	Vintage 1980's Christmas... SamuraiSmurfet... $2.00
Vintage 1970's Christmas... SamuraiSmurfet... $2.00	Christmas Wrapping Paper 40&... letsallsing $7.95	Vintage gift wrap MothtoaFlameSt... $4.50	Rare and Wonderful Jewelry S... kimberleeedgar... $7.50
Mid-century 50s vintage Chri... GingerLoganVin... $3.00	Vintage Christmas Gift Wrap ... timepassages $4.75	Vintage 1980's Christmas... SamuraiSmurfet... $4.00	Vintage Christmas Gift Wrapp... mverdi $8.50
Pink Poodle Merry Christmas ... LillieAnnesClo... $9.99	Vintage 1970's Christmas... SamuraiSmurfet... $2.00	Vintage 1980's Christmas... SamuraiSmurfet... $4.00	1970s CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP / ... ArchipelagoVin... $7.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

1 sheet, $4.81 from VintageVic

Fiesta Dinnerware Homer Laughlin China Company

2011-11-29T08:57:00.000-05:00

These available at VintageFiestaware.com with the original sticker!

I really love Fiesta Dinnerware. It was made from 1936 to 1973, then reintroduced in 1986. The vintage colors and items are all very collectible. The new post 1986 items can be as well. This is due to some colors and items have been "retired" aka discontinued.

It's just pretty, these Rose cups, a discontinued color now available at Bedouin.

I use Fiesta in my home on a daily basis. What I love most in baking and cooking in it. My items never stick and it's easy to clean. I can microwave in it or bake in it. I'm asking Santa for the large rectangular baker and loaf pan this Christmas.

Read my Squidoo Article on Fiesta HERE.

Colors like Lilac, Sapphire or new Chartreuse were only produced one to two year runs. On top of that certain items like Pyramid Candlesticks and Coffee Carafes were discontinued so these designs no matter what color may end up being worth their weight in cash. In fact, I just read that Homer Laughlin China Company announced the following items will be moved to inactive availability AKA Discontinued as of December 31st, 2011.

0448 Carafe w/handle
0490 Bud Vase 6”
0499 Relish/Utility Tray

These available at HisPalette

You May Enjoy:

My Article on Fiesta on Squidoo.

Shop Etsy for Fiestaware.

Homer Laughlin on Facebook.

Vintage Chalet Video Featuring Etsy Vintage Sellers Volume 1

2011-11-21T09:45:00.001-05:00

Watch this great video from some of my favorite Etsy Vintage Sellers who have been featured here on this very blog! Make sure to visit their shops to see what cool items they have! Watch the video for some of my favorite items that have been featured here. Like the video? Go to YouTube here to see it, and grab the link to share it!

Featured Etsy Sellers In This Video:
Esty Elle , Angeline's Attic, RetroBabs, Antiqueish, SushipotParts, RetroChalet, ThreeOldKeys, KelleyStreetSupply, EcoWeaver, TheVintageCabinet.

Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers

2011-11-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

Lovely art deco shakers by EstyElle Vintage Variety

Just what is the allure of collecting salt and pepper shakers? When I was a little girl, I remember just about everyone's grandmother had little wall sized curious or shelves filled with salt and pepper shakers. I used to look at them all in wonder.

Look at these Salt and Pepper Shakers fromThe Beetles Knees

Small enough to have a nice sized collection in a little area. A cute little souvenir from the places you visit, and won't take up a bunch of room in your suit case. I'm sure it was a pain to dust them all, but hey, that's where the glass cabinets come in.... Here's some finds from Etsy...

AmyWren vintage salt and peppers are adorable birds with eggs!

'Salt N Pepper' by Lesleyslight

i love salt n pepper shakers

Antique Salt and Pepper Shak... DoorCountyBlue... $30.00	Whales Salt and Pepper Shake... ifonlyshehadbo... $22.00
Vintage Salt Shakers, Gardne... VelBVintage $14.00	hat rack salt and pepper sha... craftsallday $15.00
Ship Vintage Salt and Pepper... SherwoodsTreas... $18.00	Great 1950s Toaster, Salt an... ScribbleFitz $12.00
Vintage Kitsch Umbrellas Bro... modpets $25.00	Vintage Set of Planters Mr. ... pennyfarthingv... $20.00
Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers ... GrannysThimble $9.00	Holt Howard Lefton Bagel Don... RetroChalet $25.00
Vintage Grape Vine Salt and ... MonDesirVintag... $32.00	Vintage Salt and Pepper Shak... gracielacook $20.00
Vintage Dachshund Salt Peppe... vintagemadeane... $18.00	Atomic Rocket Salt and Peppe... treehouseclub $14.00
Vintage Candleabra Salt And ... LucysRedRose $6.00	vintage S&P Split Log Tree T... stellabystar $7.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

It Survived : Old Buttons and Buckles Book Belongs in Museum Waterbury, Connecticut

2011-11-10T10:14:00.002-05:00

Check out this cool old buttons and buckles book from the Patent Button Company, of Waterbury Connecticut which Google Books has references dating back to 1886. It's available at SushipotParts, the sister shop of artist Suzanna Scott's Sushipot. It displays lovely old buckles and sew-on buttons used in the early 1900's, and is surely of the Victorian era. Some are aluminum! What I noticed most was this (see photo above) talking about "ebonide." Now this "ebonide" is not to be confused with "Ebonite" as in bowling balls or "Ebonyte" plastic dinnerware by Kaye Lamoyne. So just what is ebonide?

Photo Courtesy of Commercial America Volume 16

Ebonide was a type of button manufactured by the Morley Button Sewing Machine Company, Boston, and Google books goes back to 1887 in reference to this company. They made shoe and shirt buttons back then. They claimed it was a fiberous material and an alternative to vegetable ivory buttons--probably because over time vegetable ivory became brittle and cracked. Later I found mentions of Ebonide being a special paint or lacquer from another company, but think this came years later after the buttons were gone. So it's neat to chase an item's history. How on earth did this book make it to Kansas?

This obviously was a salesman's door to door book or sat on the counter for customers to order buttons and buckles from. It is amazing it's in such good condition for it's age.

So the book tells us that the Patent Button Company of Waterbury, Connecticut obtained buttons wholesale other companies such as the Ebonide and Milonite styles from Morely Button Manufacturing of Boston, Massachusetts and offered them to it's customers. One has to wonder, who was their buckle supplier? It would be safe to say that this button book is worth it's weight in gold for such a unique item and would look great in the Waterbury Connecticut Historical Society's collection maybe at the Mattatuck Museum!

All Button Book Photos Courtesy of Sushipot Parts.
Go there to View it Now.

BeeJayKay : Great Vintage Shop on Etsy

2011-11-07T07:16:00.001-05:00

Lovely Scandinavian Santa, $18 in Holidays Section of Bee Jay Kay!

I recently had time to talk to Beverly about her BeeJayKay shop on Etsy. She also runs another shop, BJSupplies. Here's what she had to say.

Vintage Chalet: Tell us more about you......

Beverly: I am primarily an artist and am represented by David Weinberg Gallery in Chicago. I have a modern mid-century home filled with eclectic finds from antique malls, flea markets and garage sales as well as fine art that I have swapped for with other artists.

Handmade doll chair, $34 here on Etsy.

Vintage Spice Rack, $35, so adorable in her shop!

Vintage Chalet: When did you decide it was time to start selling?

Beverly: I have been an obsessed collector for as long as I can remember. When my home was filled to the brim and every wall was covered, I started swapping items out with my latest collectible find. The basement started to fill up and I realized something needed to be done.

Very rare mermaid flower flog, $250.

Vintage Chalet: So why Etsy?

Beverly: A friend pointed me to Etsy and I fell in love with all of the gorgeous and well-photographed items there. I knew I had to open a shop and I did so in 2008. It has been such a fun experience and I have learned so many things from the wonderful sellers there. Now I can collect to my heart’s content and still keep my basement semi-free of clutter. ♥

Connect with Beverly:

BeeJayKay shop full of Vintage on Etsy.

Supply Shop is BJSupplies.

Her hubby's shop Total Reclaim is here.

Vintage Shoes On Etsy

2011-10-29T12:13:00.001-04:00

Vintage shoes seem to have a life of their own. These, $56 on Secret Lake.

One doesn't really take time to remember all the pairs of shoes they had in their lifetime growing up. Perhaps "those pair" that you only wore once, or didn't feel quite right. Maybe the special occasion shoes, that you quickly outgrew. So, what ever happened to them? You gave them to a friend, or your parents donated them to Goodwill. Perhaps you had a rummage sale. Never to be found again...until.... Etsy came along with their huge selection of hardly-worn vintage shoes.

EG Vintage offers these awesome Mary Jane Shoes!

Now I know some of you are saying "I would never wear someone else's shoes." There's plenty of us who would. Etsians list shoes that look barely worn! I'm sure you can fathom obtaining the prettiest pair of shoes off the rack, wearing them to work for half a day only to toss them into the "these hurt my feet so bad today I'll never wear them again" pile. Hence, the thousands of listings on Etsy. Let's face it, everyone's feet can't handle the same shoes. One person's trash is another person's treasure.

1362 listings on Etsy for men's cowboy boots. These are my faves from honeyblossomstudio!

Now some of you live, breathe, and sleep shoes. Shoes for today, shoes for tonight, those favorite shoes that make it all right.....some of you hock your whole paycheck for new shoes. I remember reading about Imelda Marcos of Philippines having over 2000 pairs of shoes. I suppose that made people gasp back then, but now it seems every VIP star has closets built just to organize their shoes. Shoes are like M&M's, you can't have just one....

Yee hawwww, sweet boots pour homme'....git r done at TXvintagebootsshoes on Etsy!

How many shoes do you have? I remember working as an Executive Assistant and having to dress up daily I had way more shoes than I do now. Now my shoes are casual, mostly sandals and sneakers, (do people still say sneakers?) In all honesty I think I have under 25 pair, and that's spread between two homes, some inherited from my mom who passed as we were the same size. Let's say a total of 5 dressy, 8 sneakers, and 10 sandals or flip flops and 2 special (water shoes). I have had some shoes for years. Ultimately in one house that's only 12 pairs total of shoes. I guess when it comes to shoes, I fall short in comparison to most. Speaking of shoes, did you know that shoes date back to over 15,000 years ago according to this wonderful History of Footwear that you really must read sometime.

'Vintage Shoes' by RetroChalet

Vintage shoes, gotta love them, they tell a story don't you think? Featured on Vintage Chalet blog and site!

Brown Oxfords / lace up / br... badbabyvintage $32.00	Vintage Blue and White Leath... inaiko $45.00	Platform Shoes 1970 Chandler... KarmaRox $92.00	White 6 Inch PLATFORM Heels ... louise49 $85.00
DEADSTOCK Two Toned Pink and... fifisfinds $50.00	vintage sneakers OLD SCHOOL ... capricorne $40.00	Vintage 80s Black Leather Fl... stellahsgroove $70.00	Dream Step nude leather wood... bowsandarrowsv... $26.00
Vintage Bowling Shoes PURPLE... EagleEyeVintag... $28.00	Red Leaf Men Shoes Size 10.... MetropolisNYCV... $55.00	1960s Spectator Pumps Brown ... bytheway $45.00	80s Red & White Slip On Snea... TheEpochYeti $14.00
white CUTOUT 1960s MOD gogo ... beforeafton $32.00	Vintage red patent leather a... miamimegz $100.00	90s BUFFALO platforms CRAZY ... D4NE2D33P $325.00	Vintage PACIOTTI Black Leath... magicmuti $50.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Canisters and Cookie Jars - Things I Love Today

2011-10-22T07:34:00.002-04:00

Cheerful Tin Apple to hold your cookies or coffee, $25 at RetroBabs.

Cookie jars and canisters can make a great vintage addition to your kitchen. There are no decorating rules when using such items. You can mix and match like colors but different styles for an-out-this-world retro look, or buy a whole set of matching if you are lucky enough to do so. Here are some of my favorite looks from Etsy.

RecycleBuyVintage offers this adorable Elf Head Cookie Jar $36!

Lovely set of pink and black tin canisters, $25.75 from oodles!

Lincoln Beautyware Canister Set, $29 from AttysVintage.

CsVintageShop offers these retro red plastic canisters for $38!

Merry Mushrooms Never Looked Better Cookie Jar $27 from MomoDeluxeVintage