Spotted on Craigslist

Isn't Craigslist the best? I have bought and sold on Craigslist with mostly positive results. There are an amazing variety of items. I love coming across ads where items have a lot of potential for the buck. Some are downright cheap. Of course there is the other side, but I'll go into that later. In the last week I spotted these items, unfortunately I didn't buy any of them, but it's still fun to look.

Love the legs on this dining table, I could see painting the legs to contrast with the table top.

Very stylish end tables for cheap, so many possibilities with these.

Remarkable price for these items that could add a lot of drama to a small space.

This mid century dresser and nightstand are well worth the price and look to be in very good condition.

How cute is this funky magazine holder? Painted a bright color would really show off it's unique design.

Super price on this table with a marble top. It would look great with a nice lamp and trailing plant on it.

This massage table looks to be in great condition. Nice chrome legs. It could be fun in a modern or funky space and a conversation piece as well.

Sweet patio set that is well photographed. Key to selling are good photos. It looks to be in fine condition and would cost much more new.

Unbelievable price on this tall dresser!

Great price on two outdoor tables. This seller did a good job of making the tables looks appealing to buyers.

Uses for Industrial Finds

I'm back after a long weekend away and a large family reunion. Since I don't have pictures together for thrift finds, thought I would show some nice uses for industrial pieces.

guardian

I seem to have gathered an assortment of wooden boxes. But I never thought to put them all together and I think they look great this way.

backgarage

I like this idea for clipboards, it's a great way to put a collection together. The combination of different sizes and clipboards made of different materials is interesting. They could also be hung on a wall as a group.

The Chic Ecologist

Brilliant idea with these truck spring stools!  I like them as they are, but they would also be great painted and it would make them look contemporary. One would make a gorgeous plant stand also. If your husband is a trucker, I think I envy you right now.

Urban Comfort

I think this collection of old sign holders works great in a grouping with photographs.

the city sage

I like this industrial cabinet, it's very functional. It could also be a tv stand, used in a entry way, or hold towels or   linens.

Collectible Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi dolls

I am drawn to different art forms made by the Japanese such as lacquerware, woodcuts and kokeshi dolls. Their design aesthetic carries through in everything they do and the kokeshi doll is no exception. The kokeshi doll is a Japanese folk art form. Kokeshi dolls originated in the Tohoku region of Northern Japan in the early 1800's. It is thought that the dolls were first made by woodworkers, called kiiya, who sold the designs as souvenirs in the winter season to tourists who came to visit the well known hot springs resorts.   

Vintage Creative Kokeshi

Woods typically used for kokeshi are cherry, dogwood, Japanese Maple and Mizuki. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. The woodworker turns and cuts the dolls on a lathe and then polishes them to a very smooth finish. The head and body are usually turned separately; then attached together by a plug. Then the kokeshi doll is painted. There are two types of kokeshi dolls, traditional and creative.

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional kokeshi, produced only in the six prefectures of Tohoku, are very simple in their design with round heads and cylinder like bodies sans limbs. The floral and linear patterns painted on the kimonos have been developed and passed down through generations of kokeshi makers and are distinctive to the area where they are made. The primary differences between styles are the shape of the body and head, as well as the painting and colors used. The type of wood and lathe used may also differ.

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

The creative form of kokeshi dolls, called Shingata, are not limited in terms of shape, color and design. The artist can paint and style the doll however they wish. The only requirement is the use of a lathe, the same tool used for traditional dolls. Creative kokeshi, which developed during World War II, are limbless also.

Craftsman making Kokeshi dolls

Kokeshi Craftsman

Every year in early September, wood craftsmen throughout Japan gather in Naruko Onsen, where the kokeshi is honored through competition. The artist who creates the best kokeshi doll receives a prestigious award from Japan's prime minister.

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Mother and son Kokeshi

Kokeshi are generally bought by Japanese people as mementos. In addition to being ornamental, they are also seen as charms to prevent fires or even ward off evil. The Mizuki wood often used to make the kokeshi doll's head, translates as "water tree". It is a very moist wood and some Japanese believe that having a kokeshi in their home helps prevent fire.

You can find Kokeshi dolls at estate sales, antique stores, thrift stores, websites and eBay.

Resources

L'asie Exotique

Japanya

eHow