The ABCs of Vintage: D is for Depression Glass

Everyone loves an underdog.  In the world of collectibles, I'd say Depression Glass is one of the greatest underdog stories.  Manufactured during the Great Depression, these inexpensive pieces of glass were given away by businesses to encourage patronage.  They were beautiful but humble and never intended to be anything more than an incentive.  Lucky for us, the generation that survived the Great Depression was the original "green" generation.  They recycled out of necessity and kept everything.  As a result, many pieces survived and they have become highly collectible today.
Depression glass has a very distinctive look.  There are patterns to suit the tastes of any collector from geometric and masculine to lacy and feminine.   In all, 20 manufacturers created over 100 patterns in 16 different colors .  For more information visit the National Depression Glass Association website at http://www.ndga.net/.

The gorgeous plate made in the Miss America pattern is available at my shop.  For more info click HERE.

This piece can be found at AtlantaAntiqueGallery.com.  It is in the Royal Lace pattern.

This piece is from http://www.suziemax.com/. 

My Weekend Project: Clean That Desk!

It was another hot weekend here in New England.  We also has some rain thrown in which made the already humid air, stifling.  So I decided to focus my energies inward and work on my desk.  Now that I am running a business in addition to running a household and volunteering for numerous groups, I've noticed that my "stuff" had begun to spread and take over the the entire surface of my desk and beyond.  So after filtering, filing, tossing, and organizing I finally have a desk that works for me instead of against me.

Here is the result.  Can you find the vintage touches??

Here are the vintage pieces:

1. First, the art above the desk is an original Amen print.
2. The chair is vintage Naugahyde that looks like a creamy, white leather. 
3. The desk I picked at an estate sale a few years ago.  It was in the garage with tools and Christmas decorations on top of it so it was over-looked.  I got it for $35--a steal!  Check out the hand-carving on the side.

4.  The tray pictured here is vintage Haeger pottery.

5.  The desk organizer is an old metal piece painted mustard-yellow with lots of wear.  I like that there are horizontal and vertical slots and that I can jam-pack it without worrying. 

6.   My pens, markers, ruler, scissors, and glue are in a vintage milk glass vase.

Voila!  I already feel more efficient.

The ABCs of Vintage: C is for Coca-Cola

Although I easily could've featured ceramics, china, cloisonne, chinoiserie, and the like.  As the anniversary of the birth of our United States is only days away, the choice was clear.  C had to be for Coca-Cola.  It's as American as apple pie, baseball, and...blogging.  Hey, even the logo is red and white. 
Today, one cannot go anywhere in the world without seeing the red and white signage for this classic drink.  Flip through the pages of a Pottery Barn Catalog or Country Living Magazine and I guarantee there's at least one vintage Coke prop used.

Here are some Fun Facts about Coke's long history that I gleaned from the company website:

• Coke was invented in 1886 by John Pemberton, a pharmacist.

• It was first served at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta the day it was invented.

• John Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank  Robinson created the name and the logo. (I bet he wished he had the copyright!)

• Asa Chandler bought Coca-Cola in 1889 and incorporated the name in 1892.

• Heavy marketing made Coca-Cola a household name.  A new bottle shape (one that could be recognized in the dark) was invented in order to separate the drink from its many imitators.

• In 1928, Robert Woodruff, son of the new owner Ernest, sends Coca-Cola to the Olympics with Team USA.  He also encourages the development of the 6-pack and open-top cooler so people can enjoy Coca-Cola on the go.

• In 1941, as America entered WWII, Woodruff proclaimed that "every man in uniform gets a Coca-Cola for 5 cents, wherever he is, and whatever it costs the company."

• Every generation can link this icon to an icon of their time.  In 1970, as the Coca-Cola company continued to expand globally, they came up with the slogan and unforgettable commercial, "I'd like to buy the world a Coke." View it HERE

With all this history and the strong bond to America and its past-times, it's no wonder that vintage Coke items are highly collectible and always hot.

Here are a few of my favorite Coke finds:

Coca-Cola crates like these are still kicking around flea markets and yard sales.  Expect to pay $10 and up. (This one already sold at http://www.modishvintage.etsy.com/)

The ever-popular Coca-cola cooler.  These are tougher to come by, but are great to pack drinks in at a backyard party.   Expect to pay around $100 for one in decent condition.  (This one can be found for $110 at http://www.rekindledrelics.etsy.com/)

Magazine ads are abundant.  These can be framed and hung in your home.  Check old Saturday Evening Post and Life magazines for large ads. (This one can be found at http://www.tomb8.etsy.com/)

Here are some additional collectibles...
I love this vintage truck.  This sells for over $200 at http://www.abovejewels.etsy.com/.)

A 1950s button sign from http://www.2collectcola.com/

For more info on collecting Coca-Cola, see http://www.cocacolaclub.org/.   And remember to "Have a Coke and a...Smile!"