Lefton Bluebirds Best Tips and Price Guide for Collectors

Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds
Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds

Lefton bluebirds, there’s something undeniably captivating about their allure. With their delicate features and cheerful expressions, these charming little creatures have soared into the hearts of collectors worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore bluebirds by manufacturers Norcrest, Napco Lefton, and Topline Imports, the origins of these delightful figurines, discover how they became a beloved symbol of happiness and hope, and share the best tips and price guide for collectors.

NOTE: You can read about my collections here at Antique Trader Magazine

Norcrest bluebirds and Topline Imports bluebirds are often confused with Lefton bluebirds because they were also produced during the same era and have similar designs. Norcrest bluebirds were produced by the Norcrest China Company, which was founded in Japan in 1953. Norcrest bluebirds are typically marked with a “Norcrest” stamp and are known for their bright colors and playful designs.

Topline Imports bluebirds were produced by the Topline Imports Company, which was founded in Japan in the 1950s. Topline Imports bluebirds are known for their simple, elegant design and often feature a matte finish.

One reason why collectors confuse these three types of bluebirds is that they were all produced during the same era and share similar design features. Additionally, many of these bluebirds were not marked with identifying information, making it difficult to determine their origin.

However, there are some key differences between these three types of bluebirds that can help collectors identify them. For example, Lefton bluebirds are typically marked with a “Lefton” stamp, while Norcrest bluebirds are marked with a “Norcrest” stamp. Topline Imports bluebirds are often marked with a paper label or foil sticker that reads “Topline Imports.”

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Antique Harvest the Best Antique Shopping in Healdsburg, CA

Healdsburg, California is an idyllic paradise boasting a charming downtown shopping district and gorgeous vineyards. Nestled between two quaint hotels lies Antique Harvest – an incredible trove of treasures in the heart of Healdsburg Plaza and has the best antique shopping. Antique Harvest is sure to give you your nostalgia fix with its one-of-a kind antiques and collectibles. Let’s take a closer look at this one-of-a-kind store!

Antique Harvest Fabulous Booths
Pyrex and Mid-Century at Antique Harvest
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Thrift Like a Pro: The Best Tips to Score Big at Goodwill & Thrift Stores!

Goodwill Thirft Shopping

Shopping at Goodwill and thrift stores can be a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind items and save money. But if you don’t know the tricks of the trade, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and miss out on incredible deals. Follow along and learn to thrift like a pro with the best tips to score big at Goodwill & thrift stores!

Know What You’re Looking For

Before you even step foot in the store, try to have an idea of what kind of items you’d like to look for. Do you need some new clothes? Are you on the hunt for Pyrex and unique decorations? Knowing what type of things, you’re looking for will help you focus your search and quickly spot anything that catches your eye.

Bring Cash

Most Good Wills and thrift stores are cash only, so it’s important to bring enough with you to cover your purchases. Some places may accept credit cards, but cash is always the safest option. Furthermore, bringing cash will help ensure that you don’t overspend on impulse buys.

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The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage 1950s Spaghetti Poodles

Yasmina Greco Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sToday I am thrilled to share one of my passions with you all – collecting vintage Spaghetti Poodles! These little guys are positively precious, and they add a wonderful sense of cuteness while perfectly fitting into my mid-century modern aesthetic.

My favorite pieces from the collection have got to be the 1950’s Norcrest poodle trio in glasses & bows on the tray plus Lipper & Mann’s ‘NOEL’ set for Christmas time. Also included in this beloved assortment is an array of delightful lipstick holders, planters, vases – it just can’t get any better than that!

UPDATE: You can ready about my collections on a recently published piece in the Antique Trader

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sTake a step back in time and revel in the kitschy cuteness of 1950s poodles! Back then, these furry four-legged friends were everywhere – from classic Poodle skirts to intricate spaghetti art ware figurines. Ceramic artists crafted unique pieces using a special technique that mimicked the pup’s fur and sparked an excitement for all things “spaghetti” poodle!

Spaghetti art wear is made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic which is applied as “fur” to form various textures of a poodle’s hairdo. To accomplish the spaghetti look, ceramicists and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers to push the material through to form strands that were then attached to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or they would swirl it onto to the poodle for a curly look. The spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip over the years.

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950s Yasmina Greco

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Antique & Collectibles Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual enthusiast, it’s always fun to stay abreast of the latest trends in collecting. Here’s predictions on what could be hot in 2023 in the world of mid-century and collectibles.

Mid-Century Furniture & Home Décor

Mid-century furniture and home decor will continue to remain popular with its classic lines, modern style and craftsmanship. With the continued growth of television shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we can expect more people looking to recreate that 1950s vibe at home. Mid-century furniture is now easier than ever to find online, making it accessible for all budgets. The key is finding pieces that are still in good condition, as many vintage pieces require some restoration work before they can be used again.

Kitsch & Retro Toys

Get ready for a blast from the past! This year, kitsch trends inspired by pop culture icons such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are popping up everywhere–on walls and t-shirts alike. Not to mention those irresistibly cute Japanese figurines of cats, dogs, bunnies & bears that were all the rage in the 1950s/1960s with their big expressive eyes – no collector can pass these gems up! And don’t forget about tin toys: robots; windup models; cars…these vintage treasures have seen an incredible comeback thanks to nostalgic charm they possess. So go ahead collectors – start your search now (you might even discover some great inspiration too)!

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Christmas Traditions to Make the Season Merry and Bright

Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree
Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree and Holt Howard Cozy Kittens Sweater

It’s that special time of year again for Christmas traditions to make the season merry and bright! The time when families all over the world come together to celebrate the holidays. For many, that means decorating the tree, stringing up lights, and spending time with loved ones.

There are so many wonderful Christmas traditions that have been enjoyed for generations. While some traditions have fallen by the wayside, others have endured and remain popular today. What matters most is spending time with loved ones and creating new memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!

Why Traditions Matter

There’s something special about the holiday season. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and everyone is in a good mood. Part of what makes the holidays so magical is all of the traditions that come along with them. From decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for vintage Christmas decorations, baking cookies, to attending holiday parties, these traditions are what make the holidays so unique. But why are traditions so important? Keep reading to find out!

Traditions Bring Families Together

One of the best things about traditions is that they bring families together. I especially enjoy going with my husband, nieces, moms, sister, and brother-in-law out searching for the perfect vintage Christmas decorations at local antique malls. It fills me with nostalgia because I always think about who the person and family were that had these treasures before me, did they also look for these decorations as a family, what were they like and if they passed them down each generation like we do now.

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