Easter brings a playful spirit with its vibrant colors, adorable bunnies, and of course, hidden eggs! If you have a soft spot for nostalgic charm, you’ll adore the world of vintage Easter kitsch. Think ceramic bunny planters, whimsical 1950s figurines, and more. Let’s dive into this cheerful world and discover how to build your own collection of Easter treasures.
The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles
Vintage Easter kitsch has a way of stealing hearts across generations. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy take us back to simpler, more playful times. If you’re searching for ways to add a dose of vintage delight to your Easter decor, look no further than these classics:
Vintage Norcrest Snowman Family Salt and Pepper Shakers
There’s something undeniably magical about vintage snowman figurines, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s. For many collectors, these charming figures evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, transporting us back to the simplicity and joy of yesteryears. As a fellow enthusiast, I’m excited to share some tips and fun facts with our collector group!
Pictures in this post are part of my vintage Kitschy Christmas snowman collection and some of my very favorites and I hope you enjoy.
Vintage Chained Snowman Family Japan 1950s
1. The Allure of the Era: The 1950s and 1960s were a golden era for whimsical and festive decorations. Snowman figurines from this period often feature unique designs and hand-painted details that are rare in today’s mass-produced items.
2. Materials and Craftsmanship: These figurines were often made from ceramics, wood, and even early forms of plastic. Their handcrafted nature means each piece has its own character. Look for signature styles like glossy finishes, vibrant colors, and artisan touches.
Norcrest Snowman
3. Identifying Authentic Pieces: One key to collecting is knowing how to identify authentic vintage pieces. Check for maker’s marks, dates, and country of origin. Some renowned manufacturers from this era include Lefton, Napco, Norcrest, Ucagco, and Holt Howard.
4. Rarity and Value: The rarity of a figurine can significantly impact its value. Rare pieces, or those from renowned manufacturers, are particularly sought after. But remember, the sentimental value often outweighs the monetary worth!
Vintage Josef Originals Snowman Planters or Candy Containers
5. Preserving Your Collection: To maintain their charm, it’s essential to properly care for these vintage treasures. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and clean them gently to avoid damaging the paint or material as many were cold painted and it can flake off.
Fun Fact: Did you know that in the 1950s and 1960s, snowman figurines were popular gifts and holiday decorations, often symbolizing the joy and wonder of the winter season?
Norcrest Snowman Kids Salt and Pepper Shakers
6. Community and Sharing: Joining groups like my Vintage Kitschy Christmas group is a fantastic way to share insights, find rare pieces, and celebrate the joy of collecting. Don’t hesitate to share your latest finds or seek advice from fellow collectors.
7. Enjoy the Hunt: Lastly, remember that part of the fun in collecting is the hunt itself. Whether it’s scouring antique shops, online auctions, or flea markets, each find has its own story.
Josef Originals Snowman Salt and Pepper Shakers
Collecting vintage snowman figurines is not just about owning a piece of history; it’s about preserving the warmth and joy of a bygone era. Let’s continue to share our passion and keep the spirit of these charming snowmen alive for generations to come!
Books
Best Collector Antique Books
There is no better way to learn about antiques than by absorbing as much knowledge as possible from books written by experts on the subject. These books cover vintage Christmas and kitschy mid-century modern antiques and collectibles with numerous photographs, details about when an item was made and even values (values that were published at the time the book was printed) and even include manufacturer markings and signatures, the different labels and tags too that an item might have and where the item was made. Here are a few titles worth checking out:
With these great resources available on vintage kitschy mid-century modern antiques and collectibles, there’s no excuse not to become an expert! Learning what there is to know about this era is easier than ever before. Happy hunting!
Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection
Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard. You may have noticed that Christmas is in the air. That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan
For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas. If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.
Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines. When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!
As we approach the 4th of July, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore how you can bring the vintage 50’s era into your wardrobe and home for a 4th of July Celebration: Mid-Century Outfits & Collectibles with patriotic, nautical-themed Pinup and Rockabilly outfits and mid-century kitsch collectibles.
Nautical Outfits: Classic American Fashion with a 50’s Twist
Patriotic and nautical fashion has been a quintessential part of American style since its inception. These two themes beautifully blend during the 4th of July celebrations, offering an opportunity to showcase your creativity and love for vintage fashion. I am wearing vintage-inspired nautical themed dresses and skirts in the above photos.
The Vintage Nautical Look
Creating a vintage 50’s nautical outfit begins with understanding the basic elements: think sailor pants, wide collars, and navy-and-white or red-and-white stripes. The 1950s was also an era of full skirts and A-line dresses, so feel free to add a full, pleated, midi-length skirt in a navy blue or red to your outfit.
The 4th of July is the perfect occasion to experiment with patriotic colors. Channeling the colors of the American flag – red, white, and blue – into your nautical ensemble will exude vintage charm and national pride all at once.
Complement your outfit with accessories like red scarves, blue sailor caps, or white retro sunglasses to add more authenticity and individuality.
Mid-Century 50’s Kitsch 4th of July Collectibles
The 1950s weren’t just a golden age for fashion, but for home décor too. This era saw the rise of kitsch, a style marked by the use of everyday, mass-produced objects as decoration. This quirky, whimsical style is a great way to add a touch of the 50’s to your 4th of July celebrations.
Patriotic Collectibles
Incorporate the stars and stripes into your décor through items like vintage ceramics by makers such as Napco, Lefton, Norcrest, Josef Originals, and Holt Howard. You can also incorporate 50’s era flags, or even mid-century style tablecloths featuring patriotic motifs. These small touches will contribute significantly to your 4th of July atmosphere.
As we celebrate this 4th of July, let’s honor the past as well as the present. By donning vintage 50’s era patriotic nautical outfits and decorating with mid-century kitsch collectibles, you’ll not only look the part but also feel it. Here’s to a stylish, nostalgic Independence Day!
Join me to learn the best tips for collecting vintage mermaids and fish and even what to look out for from top manufacturers like Norcrest, Lefton, Bradley, and Freeman McFarlin and the history behind them! Let’s dive into the magical depths of yesteryear and discover the irresistible appeal of these delightful figurines.
A Brief History of Vintage Mermaids and their Makers:
The 1940s-1950s marked the golden age for the production of vintage mermaids and fish. During this time, countless families across the US adorned their bathrooms and vanities with these enchanting wall plaques, available at local five-and-dime stores and souvenir shops.
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.
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.”
