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Pretty Ladies – Collecting Vintage Christmas Head Vases and Planters

December 10, 2020 By: Fan

Vintage Christmas Head Vases and Planters
Vintage Christmas Head Vases and Planters

Welcome to blog post three in our six-part series on collecting vintage Christmas. Today I am  sharing some of my favorite Christmas head vases and planters from the 1950s-1960s along with some tips towards the end of this post on collecting head vases and cleaning your precious items.

Vintage Christmas Rubens Skater Girl Planter
Vintage Christmas Rubens Skater Girl Planter

If you’ve been reading my blog and following me for some time then you know I am obsessed and you can say addicted to vintage kitschy mid-century goodies but, I am especially crazy4 vintage Christmas!! I started collecting vintage Christmas head vases and planters with this adorable little skater girl (above) wearing a bright red skater outfit, gold antlers on her head and a sleigh filled with presents and candy cane runners. This planter was made by Rubens in the 1950s and most likely in Japan as that is where the majority of ceramic production was taking place. I found this planter so adorable and charming and so a collection started.

Vintage Christmas Inarco Head Vase Glamour Girl
Vintage Christmas Inarco Head Vase Glamour Girl
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Collecting Kitschy Christmas: Noel Sets

November 27, 2020 By: Fan

Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection

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. 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.

Yasmina Greco’s Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection Kitschy Mid-Mod Decorations

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!!

WARNING!! Blog has a lot of photos.

One sure way to any collector’s heart is items that come with their original boxes. For me, the box can also be used as part of your vintage holiday decor as they usually have timeless graphics that add so much charm to your displays. Since these vintage items are usually 70 yrs old, if you do find an original box it will probably have some wear and tear or even water damage from being stored in basements and attics and that is completely okay and in my opinion, adds that much more to the story and history of the item. 

Here are five of my very favorite Noel sets from my personal collection and I think they are just dynamite. Each set is so unique and has loads and loads of vintage Christmas charm. I actually have them up year-round in my cabinet and they always make me smile when I stop and admire them. 

1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
  1. This 4 Piece Noel bells set of boys and girls made by World Creations by Grimco Japan 1950s. This set is hard to find and very delicate, made from very fine ceramic so there may be light hairline cracks if you do come across a set. The facial expressions on these kids are so darling. In today’s market expect to pay $275-$325.

2. Christmas Cowboy Santa Noel Candle Holders set by Menschik Goldman in the 1950s. Santa is wearing his western hat with green and red holiday flair, his red suit complete with holster and pistol and his body spells out NOEL. This set is very rare, I have only come across it one time and in today’s market expect to pay $299-$350.

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Under the Sea: Collecting Vintage 1950s Mermaids and Fish

May 18, 2019 By: Fan

Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me
Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me

I have always loved mermaids, and the 1950s were a time of great fascination with the mythical creatures. This blog post will discuss how to collect vintage mermaids from this era to decorate your home.  My favorite mermaids are from the early 50s made by Norcrest, Napco, and Lefton. I love how whimsical they look on my bathroom walls. I’ll also share more of my favorite finds with you all in this post.

Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me
Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Lefton Norcrest

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5 Tips for Collecting Vintage Spaghetti Poodle Figurines

February 2, 2018 By: Fan







 

Vintage spaghetti poodle dogs have so much charm and character. They come in a variety of colors and styles and can be found highly decorated with rhinestones, bows, glasses, hats, playing sports, chain leash with puppies, depicted as fireman, graduating students, band musicians, reading the daily newspaper, snooty, high fashion, smoking, brides and more!

5 Tips for Collecting Vintage Spaghetti Poodle Figurines

5 Tips for Collecting Vintage Spaghetti Poodle Figurines by Yasmina Greco

Spaghetti Poodles were made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic; their “hair” was applied in various ways to form various textures to mimic an actual poodle’s hairdo. To accomplish the spaghetti look, decorators and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers to push the material through it to form strands that were then affixed to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or swirled onto to the poodle for a curly look. Spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip during the years. Many poodles also have sparkly rhinestones for their eyes and embellishments on their hats and also applied to their collars. Pearls and ceramic flowers were also added to many poodles for decorations on their heads, hats and various parts of body to mimic pom-poms.

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Highlights from America’s Largest Antique & Collectible Show July 2017 in Portland Oregon

July 29, 2017 By: Fan

America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017

Here is a full report from my annual trip to America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show that is held each July in Portland, Oregon with over 1,000 booths.  The past few years have been more bust than bang but, this year was great. There is usually a lot of chaos getting attendees parked and the lines had been terrible in the past. This year they had it better managed and we got parked within 15mins of the show starting. We try to arrive early as doors open at 9:00 am and you usually need to wait in the ticket line for your tickets then join another line to get inside. The show is held in-doors and outdoors at the Portland Expo Center. Bathrooms are clean and plentiful. Lots of food courts too with seating so never worry about being thirsty or hungry!!

My twin sister and I have been attending America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show for the past few years so we have our strategy down pretty good. But, she was not able to join me this year due to illness so my niece was joining me. It wasn’t quite the same without my sister and we missed her terribly. The weather was gorgeous for Portland and super warm. July in Portland tends to be a scorcher!! Attendees were excited and in good spirits, folks were eager to get started with their treasure hunting. There were also lots and lots of outdoor booths!!
America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017 - Pyrex

America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017
Once inside, it was full steam ahead!! After going through a few booths it was apparent that Dealers this year were in very good spirits and super friendly. The past few shows Dealers were really grumpy but this year was different. It is so much more pleasant to shop in a booth with a cheerful Dealer who also engages and interacts with you. Learning about an item is so much fun and if the Dealer shares background information on a piece it makes it that much more special. Prices were super good too!! At past shows prices seemed really high and no one was interested in negotiating. This year prices were very reasonable and many Dealers even commented they would give up to 50% off!! Wow!!

America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017
This show really has something for everyone; young and old. You can find vintage clothing, lots of vintage jewelry and accessories, vintage neon signs, lots of kitchen collectibles and Pyrex, Fireking, Jadeite and so much more, even lots and lots of ephemera, lightening, Mid-Century Modern, items from the 1920s-1980s. Vintage Disney, tin toys, Hawaiiana, vintage Christmas, salvage, furniture, cameras, and so many more items!! Over 1,000 dealer booths. You can literally spend all day treasure hunting.
America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017 America’s Largest Antiques and Collectibles Show July 2017 Expo Center
I filled up two large tote bags with treasures!! I especially love kitschy cute items that are anthropomorphic, vintage kitchen goodies from the 50s-60s, vintage Mermaids by Norcrest, Napco, Joty, Lefton, and Holt Howard too. Vintage 50s Poodles, clothing and lucite purses, Bakelite jewelry and I also love fine porcelains from Herend, Majolica, and Meissen. Mid-Century Modern lamps, dinnerware, and furniture too. Also, vintage Gucci, Chanel, Hermes and Christian Dior…… sometimes you can find a treasure!

The next show is in October and it is the vintage Christmas show….. hmmmm, making plans for that one!!

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Collecting Mid-Century Modern Spaghetti Poodle Dogs

January 18, 2015 By: Fan

Vintage 1950s Blue Mid-Century Spaghetti Poodle Dog w/ Glasses and Rhinestones Figurine

I have always been drawn to the vintage 1950 – 1960 poodle dog figurines and collectibles. The spaghetti poodles ALWAYS catch my eye when I am at flea markets, antique malls, and junk shops. I am amazed at the wide variety of poodle collectibles on the market today and we of course have the fabulous 1950s to thank for all the poodles on the market today. I am a Bichon Frise dog lover and proud owner of Luna – our 3-year-old Bichon but those cute poodles, I can’t stay away from them!

Poodle dogs have been portrayed and modeled into figurines and paintings since the early 1920s and in the 1950s poodles were at their peek of popularity. Nearly all poodles figurines and collectibles were made in Japan (as was nearly everything else) and manufacturers such as Lefton, Napco, Napcoware, Replo, Kreiss, Thames Company, Reubens, Shafford, Holt Howard, Vcagco, Ucagco, Arnart, Bradley, Artmark, Ries, Lipper and Mann, Commodor, Relco, Inarco, and Tilso to name a few, were all producing some type of Poodle collectible and Poodle ware from vanity items, to chained figures featuring mamma dog and puppies to parasol ladies with their poodle pooches. Poodles were depicted to look like mans best friend, silly poses, goofy faces, wearing sunglasses, and in playful poses and even with bees and flies on their noses. CUTE!

Spaghetti Poodles:

Spaghetti Poodles were made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic and their “hair” was applied in various ways to form various textures to mimic an actual poodle’s hair do. To accomplish the spaghetti look decorators and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers and pushing the material through it to form strands that were then affixed to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or swirled onto to the poodle for a curly look. Spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip during the years and I am AMAZED at the many spaghetti poodles I come across that after 50 or 60 years old and still retain nearly all their spaghetti! These poodles were certainly loved and preserved to keep them in this type of fabulous condition. Many poodles also have applied on them sparkly rhinestones for the poodle’s eyes and rhinestones were also applied to the poodle’s dog collar. Pearls and ceramic/porcelain florals were also added to many poodles for decorations on their heads, hats and various parts of body to mimic pom-poms.

Vintage Napco Pink Spaghetti Poodles

Vintage Napco Pink Spaghetti Poodles

Today’s Poodle Market
Poodles are highly sought after and collectible today. Seems everywhere one looks we are returning to the nostalgia of yester year in some ways. Prices for  poodles will vary depending on the region you are located but average pricing for figurines and such are around $29.00 – $75.00 and go up from their depending on the rarity and maker of the item along with size and condition.

I think that currently eBay is the best place to buy your poodle collectibles right now as you will find a vast selection and prices are unbeatable when you can pick up rare poodles for $8.99 and at prices this low it makes starting or adding to a collection possible even in this tough economy. 

Vintage Lefton Tall Neck Pink Poodle Dogs Salt and Pepper Shakers

When you are out searching for your poodle collectibles be sure to give the item(s) a thorough once-over by making sure rhinestones are all intact, spaghetti is intact, paint is not too worn, chained groups are still chained together with their original chains and items that have parasols still retain their parasols.

Oodles of Poodles to Collect:
Poodle dog figurines, poodle dog salt and pepper shakers, poodle dog themed dinnerware and coffee mugs, poodle dog planters, poodle dog candle holders, poodle dog coin banks, poodle dog brooches and pins and jewelry, poodle dog ashtrays, poodle dog scarf, poodle dog embroidered linens like tablecloths and tea towels, poodle dog bells, poodle dog lamps, poodle skirts, poodle dog pincushions, poodle dog greeting cards, poodle dog vanity trash cans, poodle dog lipstick holders, poodle dog wrapping paper, poodle dog aprons, poodle dog plush toys and more as there are also a slew of Christmas Holiday themed Poodle Dog Figurines and Collectibles too!

Vintage Lefton Pink Poodle Chef Jam Jelly Jar 1950s
 

Vintage 1950s DeForest of California Poodle Dog Wall Plaques

 

Vintage 1950s Pink Spaghetti Poodle Dog w/ Glasses and Rhinestones Figurine

The perfect tees for the Poodle collector and lover byCrazy4MeStyle.com

Vintage Kitschy Spaghetti Poodle T-Shirt
Vintage Kitschy Spaghetti Poodle T-Shirt
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