Vintage Christmas Tree Stands

I know it's a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but not if you're shopping for a vintage Christmas tree stand. I've been doing some searching and thought I would share a few beauties I've come across.

image via schmuzel2006

This whimsical tree stand is great - love the gnomes, toadstool and trees!

image via mamamakesuphermind

Here's a nice mid century tree stand that also revolves. It would be a nice contrast with a green tree and a bunch of shiny ornaments.

image via a*cottagerose*

It's art imitating nature with this German made cast iron stand that looks like part of a tree.

image via thearttist

I like the nostalgic graphics on this Coloramic tree stand.

image via betsonfrenzy

The kid in me wants this tree stand (yeah Santa!).

image via abright1969

I like the retro look of this tree stand - it's red and silver colors would pair nicely with a green tree. A silver tree would look good as well.

image via emgrcawh

Here's another very similar one, but with a ring of lights at the bottom, which could create a nice effect with light coming up from the bottom of the tree.

image via mo44toni

This German ceramic tree stand is something different and I like it. Not sure what color tree I'd put in it, what do you think?

image via christmasguy

This little red metal cutie of a stand is for a miniature tree, measuring 2-1/2" tall and 1-1/2" wide. It would be great for a feather or a Charlie Brown tree.

This is the tree stand that I bought. Not really your typical christmas tree stand style, but I like it's industrial look. I also like the price tag, total with shipping was $22.33. It was advertised as being from the 1940's, but to me it looks more mid century. It doesn't have much paint left on it and I might sand off the remaining paint. Think I'm going to use this for a tabletop tree and go really simple with the ornaments. Maybe just lights and a star. Any ideas?

It will be at least a week before I get it. Once I do and it's set to go, I'll snap a picture of it and post it.

Vintage Ball Vases

I have a weakness for ball vases - they're so appealing, so artful, so divine.

They can stand on their own or in groups and look lovely with or without flowers. Use as a group for mass appeal in a variety of sizes. Large ball vases are a force to be reckoned with and can soften the hard lines of a bookcase or take center stage on a table.

Let's take a look at a few of these beauties...

Green Glass Ball Vase, image via Color Gypsy

Borske Sklo Ball vase, image via Retro Art Glass

Amber Crackle Ball Vase, image via Etsy seller cammoo

Hammered Brass Ball Vase

Schonwald Op Art Ball Vase, image via weebly

MCM Teak Ball Vase, image via kaboodle

Emaux de Longwy Ball Vase, image via One Kings Lane

Stangl Pottery Ball Vase, image via Billy Blue Eye Pottery & Paintings

It's A Small World After All...

While surfing the internet I did a search on miniature art. There are some pretty cool and amazing things to behold. Here are just a few:

Can you believe the realistic detail on these tiny creations? Made by

Sharlet Bartholomew of BalooHallow, Sharlet sculpts these babies and baby elves that measure 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 inches long. You can custom order yours on Etsy, specifying baby or elf, gender and other details. Absolutely sweet!

Wondering what to get that Barbie lover on your list? How about a retro 

style handmade steel bed? Visit Etsy seller bonnieblue2 for more information.

How about this miniature scene in a jar - love the airstream! These charming vignettes in a jar can be seen at Etsy seller's CleverLittleton.

Artist Dalton Ghetti hand carved the alphabet onto the tips of the pencils above. Aside from the skill involved in doing that, I also like the graphic (no pun intended) look of the pencils. To see other interesting items Ghetti carved out of pencil lead, click here.

Nikolai Syadristy is a 64- year-old Ukrainian who crafts some of the tiniest art in the world. His work is incredibly tiny - the windmill above is placed inside half of a poppy seed! (Is that possible?) To read more about Nikolai, click here