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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Kitschy-Cute Collectibles: A Treasure Trove of the Best Tips

Vintage Lefton Bluebirds Collection
Vintage Lefton Bluebirds Collection

There’s something magical about uncovering a hidden gem from the past, and for collectors of kitschy-cute vintage collectibles, the thrill of the hunt is just as exciting as the prize itself. From vintage pixiware to Lefton pink poodle chef pieces, these delightful treasure troves of the past have a nostalgic charm that’s simply irresistible. In this blog post, In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most sought-after kitschy-cute collectibles, their unique stories, and what you can expect to pay for these quirky, adorable items.

Vintage Pixieware Kitschy-Cute Menschik Goldman Dolly Girl Collection Set
Vintage Pixieware Kitschy-Cute Menschik Goldman Dolly Girl Collection Set

Kitsch is a term that’s been around for quite some time. It can be described as art or items that are considered to be in poor taste, corny, or overly sentimental. For many people, kitsch has become an insult with negative connotations, and they avoid it at all costs. But there are some who enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of kitschy things from their childhoods. These vintage collectors know what they’re looking for when browsing through flea markets and antique malls. Kitschy collectibles and prices for these items has even spurred a new term in the market referred to as “kitschy-cute”!!

Vintage Kitschy-Cute Enesco Lil Bear Collection Set
Vintage Kitschy-Cute Enesco Lil Bear Collection Set

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Sweetheart Style for Valentine’s Day

Crazy4MeStyle Valentine's Day T-Shirt Collection
Crazy4MeStyle Valentine’s Day T-Shirt Collection

We can all use some sweet love these days and I am really excited to share with you our new Valentine’s Day sweet heart designs. My favorite is the bluebird or lovebirds as they are reminiscent of a 1950s vintage valentine card and has the words “Be My Tweet Heart” that is perfect for the vintage collector or Pinup Girl. We also have our pretty lady with her “Love Letters” and she has her cute little puppy dog (my Luna) sitting next to her with a stamp so she can mail that letter to her love. Our Love Letters tee is available in pink or white and our Be My Tweet Heart tee comes in candy pink. We remain size inclusive and our designs are available in Small-4XL and ready to ship, just in time for Valentine’s Day!!

Crazy4MeStyle Valentine's Day T-Shirt Collection
Crazy4MeStyle Valentine’s Day T-Shirt Collection
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Collecting Kitschy Cute Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers

Do you love collecting kitschy-cute vintage salt and pepper shakers? I do too! Many people love to collect salt and pepper shakers and there are many different types that you can find at flea markets, antique shops, or online. This blog post is all about those irresistibly adorable salt and pepper shakers with tips on colleting different themes, buying and selling and how to find rare ones.

The fun thing about salt and pepper shakers is that they are usually small in size and can fit on your kitchen shelves, desk, windowsills, and right on your dining table so no matter how small of a space you live in, there is room for salt and pepper shakers and they not only fill the practical need of condiments but also provide decoration to your living space. 

Salt and pepper shaker collecting took off in the 1940s-1950s with the creation of ceramics and were being made in a variety of designs, shapes, and themes. Souvenir shakers were especially popular during this time frame as folks started taking to the roads in their Airstreams and Shasta trailers and could pick them up on their road trips at gas stations and rest stops. Shakers from this era were affordably manufactured and therefore affordable to purchase. Today, shakers come in a variety of materials from glass, wood, to metal, plastic and anything imaginable.

My salt and pepper shaker collection is primarily made up of anthropomorphic, animals and vintage Christmas shakers. My requirement is that they have to be cute and make me smile. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt so much and scour internet sites, antique shops, thrift stores and estate sales for rare and hard to find sets. I also enjoy the stories from the collectors themselves and learning what got them interested in collecting and how they found particular shakers. Collecting is also such a fun social activity as most collectors I have met love talking about their collections and sharing knowledge and information. 

Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Toothpaste Girls

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🍄Erstwilder Woodlands Collection🍄

Yasmina Greco in Erstwilder Cuddle Time Necklace

I am in awe of the talented Erstwilder artists and team. They release the most endearing collections that are so beautifully detailed and tell a story. The new Woodlands collection is exquisite and I am so excited to share it with you. My standout favorites are the Cuddle Time Necklace, Well Spotted brooch, and the Blue Jay Way brooch.

Yasmina Greco in Erstwilder Cuddle Time Necklace

Erstwilder has turned me into an adoring fan of statement necklaces and theirs are adjustable and comfortable to wear. Just look at all the details in my Cuddle Time Necklace featuring a momma bear and her cub walking across the beautiful forest with green pine trees and snow capped mountains. I will definitely be wearing this piece all winter long. The Erstwilder artists are incredibly creative and talented, crafting such exquisite jewelry keepsake pieces.

Yasmina Greco in Erstwilder Woodlands Collection Well Spotted Brooch

I really am smitten with my Well Spotted brooch and it evokes feelings of being in a fairytale. This brooch is brilliant with it’s red dotted cap and it makes me want to spend a lovely day in a fairytale forest with some gnome friends. This brooch easily pairs with blouses, and cardigans, and even dresses. It is one of my go-to accessories!!

Yasmina Greco in Erstwilder Woodlands Collection The Blue Jay Way Brooch

This adorable little fellow won me over with his brilliant blue colors and proud stance. Being a natural forest dweller the Blue Jay Way brooch is perfection and such a wonderful addition to the Erstwilder Woodlands collection. The brooch is so lovely and easy to wear with sweaters, coats, and jumpers. Being the bluebird lover that I am, this adorable brooch was a must for my personal collection and I could not wait to scoop him up!!

This adorable range has been designed by Carmen and also includes matching Essential Earrings and scarves. I also love the new packaging that was specifically designed for this collection and features a woodlands theme on the boxes. As with all Erstwilder collections, they are made in Melbourne, Australia in limited quantities and they sell out very quickly so hurry on over and snap up your favorites while they are in stock as this adorable collection is already selling out!!

A big thank you to my husband Gary for all the wonderful photos.

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Amazing Finds at the 2014 Petaluma Antique Fair

photo 5Today was the annual Spring antique fair in the wine country town of Petaluma. The event is all out doors and features around 180 dealer booths and over 8,000 shoppers!! The fair has something for everyone from estate jewelry, furniture, linens, art, kitchenware, vintage décor, tin toys, Mid-Century Modern, books and a variety of collectibles. The weather called for rain and it sprinkled a bit but all in all the weather was really great; partly sunny, breezy, mid 60s.

We arrived a little after 9:30am and the fair already had a steady flow of shoppers. This is one of my favorite fairs as the dealers usually are friendly, negotiable on their prices and they offer to package up your goodies too.

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photo 7Below are some pictures of the fair and pictures of the treasures we found. I couldn’t believe when I came upon the antique Majolica oyster plate or the PY Ucagco bluebird wall plaques, the pretty little vintage Christmas headvase, the adorable little boy vintage egg timer, the vintage Bradley pink sea horse wall plaques and even the little Art Deco Golliwog perfume bottle… wow! I still can’t believe my good fortune to find all these treasures!! My husband too scored some mint condition vintage cameras from a collector that has over 500 vintage cameras in his personal collection. I am so thankful to have a husband that enjoys antique fairs and antiquing in general with me as it is a great way to spend time together and really enjoy each other’s company!!

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