Out of Town

Hi -

Just want to let everyone know I have been out of town all week, as my father is seriously ill. Not sure when I will be returning, but I will be back when time permits.

Collections

What is it that makes us collect things? Does it go back to a hunting and gathering instinct? Some sort of self preservation or defining of oneself? There are many reasons behind collecting. A preservation of history, aesthetics, sentimentality, status and monetary gain are common reasons.

People collect everything and anything. Collections can be small, gigantic or anywhere in between. They are as diverse as people are. Collections can be beautiful, valuable, quirky, sentimental or even weird.

Let's take a look at some of the things that people collect and how they display their collections.

Mochimochi Land

Some collections are tiny like this,

les fabulations

or these tiny tops.

Treewhimsy

A collection of buckles can fit in a drawer.

Catherine Jamieson

Collecting stamps has long been popular.

virginhoney

Collectors of doll house furniture pay close attention to scale and style.

x376

This collector has special shelves to display his collection of miniature cars.

offbeat777

This is a serious collector with a huge vinyl collection

cobalt123

People also collect things in colors they like

Dee Adams

Kimberly Baird-Stephenson Photography

ddowdell

I like the way this camera collector has displayed their cameras.

Inspiredphotos

With a large collection like these cameras, bookcases with glass doors work nicely and greatly reduce the need for dusting.

tammyjeangolden

A collection of wedding cake toppers.

Trip Print Press

I like the way this collection of rulers is arranged like, it gives it an artful presence.

penelope waits

This shelving suits this tea cup collection perfectly, while the neutral color lets the individual designs shine.

The Wee Harlequin

These tins are so pretty and make a nice grouping.

keaggy.com

This person has a collection of stones that are shaped like shoes,

very unique!

twin72

I think this black shelving really sets off this collection of enamelware and pyrex.

My Little Chickadee

A collection does not need to be large to have presence, as is the case with these watering cans.

spudart

Collections of art work in museums are treasures for everyone to see and enjoy.

Scenic Youth

This display of a brooch collection is striking.

Chez Larsson

Displaying bottle caps like this gives them a fresh and graphic appeal. The white frames are very neutral.

seriykotik1970

Japanese Netsuke buttons are carved out of bone or ivory. They are miniature works of art.

sunshinesyrie

Aren't these shell boxes lovely?

origami potato

Newspaper provides a perfect neutral background to this arrangement of ocarinas, a small musical instrument.

So many things, so many places to look. And what better places to look than thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, Craigslist, eBay... It's the thrill of the hunt!

This post is linked to:

Very Merry Vintage Style

Thrift Finds - 7/11

I had two firsts this past weekend, went to Summerfest and a Brewer's game in Milwaukee with my hubby, daughter and her boyfriend. It was very warm, but we still had a great time. I did manage to hit a couple thrift stores, both Goodwill's and found a few nice things.

I bought several nice books for my other blog. I have posted about one of them, Tree in the Trail, by Holling Clancy Holling if you would like to view it, click here.

I have several different types of these Chinese Silk jewelry holders, can't seem to pass them up. I like this wood holder, need to clean the stickers off. I'm not sure what it's intended for, but I think it will go on my desk.

This is another first, a Russell Wright bowl in a soft gray. I bought it to plant some succulents in, but not sure if I should, don't want to devalue it.

I really like this green Pottery Barn lacquer paper holder. It will also go on my desk.

This was also a nice find - a mid century metal tray in very good condition for only $1.49.

What did you find?

This post is linked to:


Apron Thrift Girl
Her Library Adventures

Norman Bel Geddes, Industrial Designer

Norman Bel Geddes

Norman Bel Geddes (1893-1958) was an Industrial Designer among many other things. Well known for his streamlined approach, Geddes designed many distinctive pieces of furniture, housewares, automobiles etc. These items can be found today, but generally for a pretty price. Below are some of Geddes designs. To read about Norman Bel Geddes, go to Design History Lab.

This stunning dresser with a faux burlwood finish was designed for Simmons. To see more images go to Pat McGann.

This vanity looks Art Deco and Space Age at the same time. It sold for $2700.00 on Wright. It can also be seen at the Brooklyn Museum

site.

This cocktail set is quite unique. Two goblets alone were listed at a starting bid of $2400.00 on eBay!

Futures Antiques

This desk looks like it was refinished, isn't it gorgeous?

This chrome and bronze magazine holder was designed by Geddes in the 1930's for Revere. It's design is timeless. To see more images etcetera go to 1stdibs.

This Art Deco Cobra lamp would be highly coveted by a collector. It was listed on eBay for a buy it now price of $1500.00.

This small desk with matching chair is a good example of how simple design can be striking.

Love this bedroom set! Not shown are matching beds, stools and tables. The entire set goes for $22,000.00! Go to Apsara Interior for more images.

These chairs are attributed to Geddes and Mac Cobb. Image is from Elements of Design, which has more information about Geddes and Art Deco design.

This desk/chest combo could multitask as office furniture or in a bedroom as a vanity and chest. I have a chest in this color and bought it at Goodwill for $40.00 several years ago. I had no idea what it was, just that I liked it and didn't know anything about Norman Bel Geddes. I do remember though after taking the tag off, walking around the store to look at other things and going back to look at it on my way to the cashier. There was a 30ish couple sitting by it, looking sick and probably hoping that the person who had the tag would change their mind.

This pair of dressers is nothing less than striking - note the slightly curved drawers,unique placement of handles and feet.

I'm sure I sat in a desk like this as a child, had no idea they were designed by Norman Bel Geddes!

Designed during the depression, this patriotic radio with stars and stripes was made to instill pride and uplift people during a difficult time.

These chests were stripped to the bare metal and sealed. Great look!

This desk was also stripped, photo angle is a bit awkward, but you can still see how it changes the feel of it.

I can't help but wonder what people's reactions to Norman Bel Geddes designs were at the time. I'm sure some people embraced it, but others may have found it strange. Any thoughts about that?

An interesting side note - Geddes' daughter, Barbara Bel Geddes, was the matriarch, Miss Ellie, on the TV show Dallas.

Thrift Share, July 5th

Previously I posted about these redwood benches that I was going to refinish and use for extra seating on my deck. I hadn't done the job and in this case, my procrastinating paid off. Because an item that I thought I had missed out on turned out to be available. I'm so excited about this piece and am thinking about how I will fix it up.

I thought this had been sold, but I noticed the ad was still up on Craigslist. I contacted the buyer, he hadn't sold it and forgot to email me. It was too big to fit in my minivan, so my husband got a truck from work and now it's mine!

Option 1 - cover with new fabric

Option 2 - remove cover/foam cushioning and expose plywood underneath and use a colored stain on it,something like a kiwi green, if there is such a thing. This is dependent on the shape of the plywood and how well it is fitted in the frame. 

Option 3 - Have wood inserts made to fit.

Funny how one thing leads to another - my umbrella looks worn now too, would love to get a new one in a bright orange. Those redwood benches? - sold them on Craigslist.


This post is linked to:
Her Library Adventures
Coastal Charm
Southern Hospitality
Type A
Very Merry Vintage Style
My Romantic Home