Washing Up Day

20 this morning, sunny but no frost. Still very cold, not above freezing, as I write this, around noon. Yesterday it snowed off and on all day never getting much above freezing. And Saturday we had some heavy snow, but it only stayed on the ground briefly.

March is certainly going out like a lion, at least in our area. It's hard to believe that last week we were working in the gardens. 

Yesterday I unpacked auction stuff. And there was a LOT of it. Our last auction pickup was on Saturday, and this one was mostly glass, although there were several other great things too. Right now Larry is taking a large load to the thrift, because when you buy lots, you get a lot of things mixed in that you don't really want. One boxload went straight to the trash--chipped or cracked pottery and glass, mainly. It's kind of heartbreaking to see some old piece that survived so long be in such bad shape, but there's no sense in keeping it. I did, however, keep one badly chipped old pitcher--I can just see it planted with ivy--and some lidless teapots and sugar bowls for planters.

So. Much. Glass. Only about half of in the photos above. I'm washing it up and identifying today, and then comes the hard part: what to keep and what to sell. I have a lot of Early American Pattern Glass already, which is what most of this is. So if I keep anything, something has to go. This glass doesn't sell easily, unless it's colored glass, but there are collectors out there that love it as I do, so what I sell will be listed on eBay which is where I am most likely to find these collectors.

Last week was a wild one, for sure. We worked in the gardens at the beginning of the week, planting peas, cabbage, and onions, and getting the ground ready for more planting. And then of course, this cold snap. We covered the cabbage plants with plastic jugs with the bottoms cut off. Now I just hope the onion sets and pea seeds will be okay. I think they will, but who knows.

Wednesday we had an auction pickup in Philippi, WV, a three-hour drive from here. It was nice to get out and see part of the state we hadn't seen in a long time. We came home with some good finds, including a mounted deer head, mounted antelope antlers, and a few other things. Taxidermy items sell pretty well, although this is the first time we've had any ourselves.

Thursday we unloaded the van and then went off to pick up our wins from another auction, this one not far from home at all. It took several loads, as we bought a bedroom set, some outdoor chairs and some other chairs, a china cabinet, and a lot of smalls. We were heading home with the last load when the auction clerk called to see if we wanted the mantle I had bid on but lost, because the winner could not pick it up after all. I said sure, but we had to work out how to haul it, since it would not fit in our van. My next call was to the owner of one of the antique malls we have booths in, to see if we could borrow her truck. She said sure--but we'd have to help unload it as the truck was full of furniture. 

So early Friday morning found us at the mall, unloading. She was right--the box truck was packed full. We got it unloaded in about an hour, then picked up the mantle, and brought it back to the mall. It needed a lot of cleaning up, as apparently it had been stored in a barn. So there we were, out on the main street of Ravenswood, cleaning it up. It looks pretty good; we were able to get it set up inside, but we will do more cleaning when we go back in, and then wax it up. 

We also moved in the bedroom set-you can see the dressing table and the chest of drawers here; the bed is hidden behind them. Making space is like shoehorning a semi into a pickup sometimes. The mirror to the dressing table is also hidden behind it. 

Saturday morning we were off again, to the last auction pickup, this one in Fairmont, about 2 hours away, through some driving snow.

It took a long time to pack this auction, as I had bought an entire closet full of odds and ends, mainly to get the few things in there we wanted, like these lovely crewel embroidery pieces.

Then there was all that glass. And a few chairs. Our reward afterward though was lunch with two grandchildren and their mother. Our son was called out to work so wasn't there, which was disappointing, but we still had a great time visiting. We ate at the Poky Dot, an iconic local restaurant famous for their ice cream creations. 

Grandson James and his girlfriend McKenna, and behind them the ice cream artists.

Who would not want giant sparklers in their birthday ice cream treat?

I didn't get a picture of granddaughter Michaela, who is a freshman at WVU, majoring in biology. She's such a smart girl, and managing to survive in the wild world of campus life, a big change from her small high school.

Here is one of my favorite finds from Saturday: a toy electric stove that actually works.

Yesterday was unloading day again, and then sorting and sorting. Larry got some rest, as he was really worn out, while I unpacked and sorted. First, though, I did this:

Four cups of good strong tea later, I felt charged up enough to get to work, and got a lot done. Nothing like tea for an energizer.

So we've kind of caught up with ourselves for the moment, although on my end there is still the ID and listing work to do. I've at least got sorted and packed up what will go to the booths, so I'm getting there.

Actually, I think right now? I need a cup of tea.

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Junkin'

51 when we got up--late--this morning, cloudy but now the sun is peeping through from time to time.

I slept in til 9 this morning, even though I intended to get up early.  Ah me, good intentions. Yesterday's road trip to Columbus, Ohio with a friend was great fun but apparently I was more tired than I thought I'd be.

We had a good time and found some good stuff. Hers is still in my van, and mine is now inside to be sorted and priced. Some of it is new, reproduction items that look like old stuff. I mix some of this into my booths for those looking for decor, and it sells pretty well. I've also been adding more silk flowers and wreaths. I'm not one to have a lot of silk arrangements in my house, if I have any, but they do sell, so I try to keep some in the booth. They add some color and accent too. 

So not many antiques this trip but a lot of good merchandise that I hope will appeal to our customers. I haven't nearly unpacked everything but here's a little of what I found. My friend's stuff is still in my van, to be unloaded at the mall tomorrow.

Here's a look at some of my finds:

Not much in the way of vintage glass and pottery but a few things: a nice Anchor Hocking tall ruby vase, crystal biscuit jar, Franciscan ivy salad plates, a pretty Johnson Brothers plate with a wall hanger attached, pink Hazel Atlas bowl, a Virgin Mary statue, silverplate butter dishes and a small pitcher and bowl. New items were the wood trencher bowl, graniteware butter dish, coffee pot, canisters and pitcher, and galvanized colander. 

The little wheelbarrow is a decor item, which will look nice in someone's garden or decorations.

Wood organizer for a desk. 

Lots of silk flowers and wreaths, and a small 3-gun rack. Some people use these to display fishing poles.

A nice, if newer, table that I'll be painting white, with a glaze to accent the carving.

Best find was this Radio Town and Country wagon. Larry gave it was facelift with Feed'n'Wax.

This was a fun find--metal wall art made to look like old film reels.

Now on to pricing, and then I need to tackle those pineapples. The turkeys are roasting--one in the oven and one in a roaster--so I'll be canning them later today too. 

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Sourcing in Ohio

38 yesterday morning, a mite chilly. I think there was frost on top of the van, but nowhere else. 48 this morning, and a cloudy/sunny day. Nice enough to open the door a while.

Yesterday we took off to Ohio to pick up some things for our booths. It was a beautiful morning; I almost didn't want to leave. The ridge was just stunning.

Redbuds and dogwood are in the height of their bloom right now.

Seems like we can't keep ahead of the furniture sales, a good problem to have but it means we have to take time to find new stock. After several hours on the computer Thursday and Friday, I came up with 2 chests of drawers, a table with six chairs, 4 chrome and metal chairs to go with a mid-century modern cracked-ice table we have, and an old lawnmower. 

So that's 10 chairs--and it turned out to actually be 11 since there was an extra. The table and 7 chairs were free, and who can turn their back on that? They all need a little gluing, and all will need painting, but it will be a beautiful set again in the end.

The chests of drawers, which you can't see in the photos except for the top of one antique oak one painted green, had to be stacked one on top of the other to get all this in the van. The other chest is a 1930-1940 waterfall style. 

When we got to the place to pick up the last chest, I really didn't think we'd get it in without leaving some chairs behind, which I didn't want to do. We unloaded everything on the sidewalk of a pretty rundown area of row houses in a city, and began trying to fit it all back in. Two young men showed up and offered to help. Now, they were rough-looking, in wife-beater shirts, tattoos, cigarettes, and the kid of skin that made you wonder if they were on drugs--that dingy, rough look, if you've seen it you know what I mean.

But those two guys were amazing. While half the neighborhood and a few dogs turned out to watch, they stacked the chests on top of each other and worked everything else in like a jigsaw puzzle. In 15 minutes it was all back in the van with hardly an inch to spare. I offered them twenty dollars for their help, which at first they refused, but finally took. It was probably the best entertainment the neighborhood had had in a while---and certainly the best for us. 

Which got me to thinking about appearances. Were they druggies? Another young man had been there with them at first, dressed in a dark blue suit and white shirt. As he left, they hugged, and he said, "In two weeks I'll be getting out. I'll come back by then." I wondered if he was in drug rehab perhaps? And our helpers were actually living in a halfway house? Or was this something else altogether. Two girls there also had that druggie look, one we've sadly become familiar with in the past few years. So were they all users? Or recovering? Or did they just have the look?

And in the end, did it matter? They were all as nice as could be, funny and pleasant, no bad language flying around and so willing to take on this challenge. Even if they were users, they were good people. I was glad to have met them all, and we smiled and laughed for a long time after leaving there. 

One other experience of our trip happened when we were on the way to pick up the first chest of drawers. The gps was unclear about where we should turn and we ended up going the wrong way, and up a very steep, narrow little street one lane wide. Halfway up, a Model A car was blocking the road. The driver, an elderly guy, hurried to get out of the way, but of course Larry had to stop and talk to him anyway. 

The car was newly restored all original, and still had new-car tags on it. The driver was happy to tell Larry all about it. Another encounter that had us driving away with smiles on our faces. Had we made that wrong turn just to see and meet this man and his car? Apparently so. 

It was a long, full day. The van is still full so I need to get to work figuring out where to put all these finds until we can get to work on them. I'm still smiling though, remembering our good day junkin'.

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Covid Journal, Day 363 : Junkin'

40 and showers, which cleared off quickly. Rain yesterday evening after a very chilly day.

I planted out a few pansies and some bulbs ---Wal-Mart has started bulbs of all kinds for 1.00 each. So I sprang for a couple hyacinths.

We were on the road yesterday, picking up items around Columbus, Ohio for our booths. It was a full, busy day, and we came home with a vanload, including this cute little riding toy. 

And this pantry cupboard, which will need some paint:

There was also a beautiful oak dresser with glass knobs that I don't have a photo of yet, a stool with feedsack covered cushion, 

a white wicker lamp. I actually have a wicker shade for it. How amazing is that.

There was also a large mirror, a sofa table, 

and a lot of small items we picked up at thrift stores along the way. Plenty of work ahead but all good work.

So tomorrow will be sorting, pricing, and planning what to work on when. 

It was a good day. Today we will be going to a fully vaccinated friend's house to pick up some Lenten Rose seedlings, and I am excited about that. I have always wanted these plants, but never managed to get any. So today is my lucky day. 

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Covid Journal, Day 351: The Strangest Things

29 and clear again this morning, another full day of sunshine. Feels like a blessing on my skin.

I am always surprised by what people buy from me on eBay, even though I select and list the stuff. I shouldn't be surprised, right? But I am, on a pretty regular basis. Here's a few things that sold recently, as cases in point:

Okay, to me this is just weird, almost ugly but with a certain perkiness that caught my eye. I listed it for 39.99, and it sold in hours. Made of ceramic, possibly a ceramics class project, this little lamp looked pretty cool when lit up. 

Almost looks like a UFO, doesn't it?

Another ugly lamp, at least to my taste, but I bought it quickly because I felt pretty sure that someone would think this TV lamp was the bomb. I was right. Sold in a week for 39.99. I have been selling quite a few lamps and lamp parts, actually.

Gauges--I knew nothing about them, but sold them to a Steampunker who was thrilled with them. 

Another steampunk sale was this huge and heavy glass lens. it was scratched and chipped, which is how I described it. Another happy buyer.

I loved this phone--so cool. But I didn't have the power cord so couldn't test it. Apparently that didn't matter to the buyer, who wrote to tell me how much they loved it. Maybe they had the necessary cords.

More lighting parts--an antique brass ceiling fixture with no parts except what you see here. Sold in an hour or two for 9.99.

Yes, plastic mistletoe. Actually, the vintage plastic Christmas decor sells well. Tacky? Well yes. But with that midcentury charm that so many like.

That's just a few of the things that surprised me. Vintage nightgowns sold really fast--I listed a dozen and 2 weeks later have 2 left. It's why I enjoy doing what I do, and why I rely on my instinct and not my personal taste when I'm buying for resale. 

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.

Covid Journal, Day 325: Finds and Booths

Cold, snowy, blowy weather. Little bits of snow that soon melt away as the sun comes out, then more snow overnight, just enough to cover the ground and look pretty. Temps in the upper teens to low 30's.

We took the day yesterday to go looking for stock for our booths--and of course, ended up with things for eBay as well. The weather promised a sunny day after the morning flurries, so we bundled up, made our coffee and packed lunch, and took off for Ohio.

Specifically, Lancaster, Ohio, where I had lined up some things to buy through Facebook's Marketplace. We've talked about doing this but hadn't really planned it out, but last week I did some scouting online, contacted some sellers who were willing to wait until Saturday, and laid out the schedule for the day.

We had a great time. The first seller was not far from Logan, Ohio, on the road to Old Man's Cave, one of my favorite places we've ever visited. From him came a vintage Cosco kitchen stool in near perfect condition. 

Second stop, outside of Lancaster where we picked up an English copper teakettle. Then on to downtown Lancaster to meet up with a fascinating young couple who took down old buildings and had a design and construction business. They have a huge old warehouse, full of old lumber, trim, windows, doors, you name it. They are selling out their stock as they have sold the building, so we got remarkably good prices. We came away with some great windows, antique cabinet doors, shutters, and a couple nice old chairs that you can see in the above photo. We hope to go back again and pick up more, like old beadboard, porch spindles, etc. 

The last stop was on the other side of Lancaster. We passed by the fairgrounds in the middle of town, which brought back memories of when I was a security guard and worked the annual county fair there as a gate guard. The job meant long, boring days in the sun, making sure everyone entering had a ticket. We worked from 7am until about 8pm, on our feet all day with one break for lunch. The pay was minimum wage, but with overtime it meant a relatively good payday. The company put us up, fed us and provided transportation. It was grueling, but back then we were doing whatever it took to earn a living. This was before I went to college. How life changed in those next 5 years--I remarried, had another son, became a grandmother, got electricity in our home, graduated from college and began working full time as a librarian. Whew. 

But back to our trip. The last stop was to pick up this beautiful piece:

It was sold to us as an English baking stand. The lady who owned it said her mother had given it to her' her mother was an antiques dealer in high-end pieces and she bought this in England. My English friends tell me that it is actually a washstand, and that the little cupboard at the bottom was for the chamberpot. Oh dear--but, I believe it would work beautifully as a baking stand, don't you? It was made by the company Hart and Son, in Leicester, England, which I learned is in the Midlands of the country. I believe it to be mid-to-late 1800's. 

The former owner no longer had room for it and had only listed it 5 minutes before I saw it, so I feel very lucky to have been first in line. The only sad part of this story is that I have absolutely nowhere in this house to put it so I can't keep it. But someone, I know, will be thrilled to have it in their home.

We also made stops at several thrift stores along the way, and it was just dark when we finally returned home. Here's a look at what we found.

I have always liked Japanese dishes. My mother seemed to like them too but struggled, I think, because of her deep-seated anger at Japan after World War II. But she did own a few pieces, and I remember some plates like the Nippon ones I picked up yesterday. I believe the biscuit jar is from Japan too, although it is unmarked. The ruby glasses are Anchor Hocking, 1940's era, with what is called a "Boopie Bubble" base. You can't see the base in the photo, but it's basically clear with hobnails that graduate in size from the edge of the base to the center.

The green set is a handmade Saki set, made by a potter in Wheeling, WV. I liked that whimsical cobalt frog paperweight. Behinf the Saki set is a gorgrous Nippon vase, and to the left of the vase is a vintage teapot in the very popular "Singapore Bird" pattern. 

Some oddities here---a handmade wood candleholder, a Fire-King casserole and a black globe. Why black? I have no idea, but hopefully it will fit into someone's decor.

The English copper kettle, which I believe is a Simplex, although it is not marked as such. The pretty wineglasses were all in one box, about 14 of them for 5.00. They'll go on eBay. 

This is an unusual little platter. I believe it is restaurantware, and it's footed--I've never seen one like that. I always buy vintage potato mashers when I see them as they seem to sell quite well; and that little cast iron griddle, even though it's new, is just so darn cute.

That big white bird is one of those things that made me wonder what I was thinking. But he's just so cool. I can't figure out what he's made of. The base sounds like metal, but the top does not. The mid-century platter in chartreuse will go on eBay, as will the cobalt vase on top of it. 

I cannot resist pretty plates, even though they sell so slowly. 

A copper coffepot to go with the kettle? The marks on the front washed right off thank goodness.

These are one of those things bought on a hunch. Apparently they're antique or at least vintage English horse brasses, on leather straps. I don't know much about them, do you? Still researching. The bowl is a nice old vintage piece, and the aluminum coffeepot has all its innards and will make someone a nice camping percolator. You can just see a bit of the big porcelain egg behind the coffeepot. The egg rests on a wood base.

Pretty teacups, another weakness of mine. I am keeping the one in front, which was made in Silesia, so is quite vintage. Here you can see a bit of the base of those ruby glasses, and more of the big egg. The spring-looking thing is a lid lifter for a wood cookstove.

My keeper teacup. A pink and a white rose are painted on the cup. So pretty.

This one is Nippon, and will go to a booth. The peach cup was only 10 cents; I have quite a few Fiesta Ware cups that I am planning to list as one lot on eBay.

The lanterns aren't great--made in China--but will make nice yard decorations for someone, I hope. The oak table we picked up earlier in the week from the nicest young man; the two chairs with the table were Goodwill finds last week that Larry tightened up, as they needed some re-gluing.

Two vintage hand-crocheted potholders are on a small silverplate tray. I always wonder about such handcrafts--who made them, and even more intriguing, why did they end up at a thrift store? Seems like someone in the family would want to keep them.

A few more linens--and I think one of my all-time favorite finds. See the pretty cherry tablecloth? It's brand new, never used, although it's probably 1950's vintage. It still has its 2.99 price tag.  The quilt is odd. Someone made it, backed and bound it, but never actually quilted it. So I guess it's a patchwork blanket, not really a quilt. The two mugs are from the Spode Blue Room collection, and under the tablecloth is a set of new, 1984 vintage coffee mugs. 

That's about everything. The last week was a busy time of finishing up some painting projects, catching up with housework and getting things into our booths--and as always, listing eBay and packing eBay.

Speaking of the painting projects, here they are in the booth: a table and chairs, and a small buffet or server.

I think that catches up the past week. Now I hope I can get back on track with writing on a more regular basis here; I've been lax and I don't like that because there are things I wanted to write about but now will never do because they've gone out of my head. Perhaps that's just as well. If I can't remember for a few days, were they really important anyway?

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.