Tag Archives: kitsch

Vintage Christmas Starts Now: Tinsel, Santa Mugs, MCM & More

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Vintage HF Co Girl Snowman Planter
Vintage HF Co Girl Snowman Planter

 (A Crazy4Me Holiday Kickoff!)

Oh yes, friends — the vintage Christmas sparkle is officially beginning! I know it’s only October, but I couldn’t resist the glittering pull of vintage Christmas any longer. The air is getting crisp, the shops are starting to shimmer with tinsel, and my collection of mid-century merriment is ready to take center stage once again.

Vintage Christmas Collectibles
Vintage Christmas Collectibles

Every year, this moment feels like unwrapping a little piece of magic. The minute I open those boxes marked “XMAS” in my handwriting; I can practically hear the jingling bells and smell the cinnamon cocoa! Out comes the Holt Howard Santa mugs, each with their winking and starry eyes. Then the Napco shopper girl figurines with their cloaks, candy canes and fur hand-muffs, Lefton and Norcrest reindeer prance right in — gold antlers polished, ready for the spotlight. And don’t even get me started on the bottle brush trees, still fluffy and fabulous after all these decades.

Holt Howard Starry Eyed Santa Pitcher
Holt Howard Starry Eyed Santa Pitcher

There’s just something about vintage Christmas that captures the heart. Maybe it’s the charm of hand-painted faces or the way those shiny mid-century colors — cherry red, icy turquoise, and glittering gold — instantly transport us back to a simpler, sweeter time.

This season, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite vintage holiday treasures here on the blog — from whimsical candleholders and NOEL angels to kitschy mugs, sparkly aluminum trees, and those oh-so-hard-to-find Japan-made figurines that make collectors swoon. I’ll also share some decorating ideas for adding nostalgic cheer to your own home, along with stories from my adventures treasure hunting through antique malls and estate sales.

Vintage NOEL Girls
Vintage NOEL Girls

If you’re as Crazy4VintageChristmas as I am, you’re in for a treat!

So dust off that tinsel, grab your cocoa (extra marshmallows, please), and let’s officially kick off the holiday season — mid-century style!

Vintage Kitsch Christmas Collection
Vintage Kitsch Christmas Collection

Stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring:

  • Decorating with Vintage Santa Mugs ☕
  • The Glittery History of 1950s Bottle Brush Trees 🌲
  • Collecting Holt Howard Christmas — A Whimsical Wonderland 🎅
  • Easy Ways to Mix Vintage Cheer into Your Christmas Decor 🎀

And yes — many of the treasures you’ll see here are available in my Etsy shop, so if something catches your eye, it might just be your next piece of Christmas magic.

Vintage Lefton Christmas Santa Decanter Mug Set
Vintage Lefton Christmas Santa Decanter Mug Set

Want to start your own vintage Christmas collection?


Check out my post: Kitschmas 101: Best Tips for Collecting Mid-Century Christmas

Here’s to the sparkle, the nostalgia, and the pure joy of a Vintage Christmas season ahead. 💖

Holt-Howard Pixieware: The Best Guide with Prices and Tips

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Holt-Howard Pixieware Collection Mid-Century Modern
Holt-Howard Pixieware Collection

There are remarkable individuals with a golden touch, turning everything they touch into treasure, and Holt-Howard was one such person. He didn’t just dabble in pixieware; he made it famous. Pixieware is a unique ceramic pottery that has enchanted collectors and vintage enthusiasts worldwide.

Owning such Holt Howard pieces, you’ll appreciate their immense value. Holt-Howard’s creations remain sought-after today, with soaring prices. What makes pixieware so appealing, and how can you begin collecting Holt Howard’s masterpieces? Explore our price guide and collector tips to learn more!

Holt Howard Party Pixie
Holt Howard Party Pixie

Collecting vintage Mid-Century modern kitsch ceramics offers unmatched enjoyment. At Crazy4Me, we’re passionate about vintage and kitsch and have curated exceptional Holt-Howard and pixieware pieces from the past six decades. For both experienced collectors and beginners, these items add delight and whimsy to any collection. Dive in and experience the magic—we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Vintage Napco Onion and Ketchup Pixieware Condiment Jars
Vintage Napco Onion and Ketchup Pixieware Condiment Jars
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Under the Sea: A Collector’s Guide to 1950s Vintage Mermaids & Fish Figurines

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

Discover the charm of vintage 1950s mermaid and fish collectibles—history, makers, and tips for starting your own whimsical underwater collection. From sultry sirens lounging on seashells to playful ceramic fish with sparkling eyes, these mid-century treasures capture a world of fantasy and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the hobby, this guide will take you on a colorful journey through their history, the artists who brought them to life, and how you can build your own enchanting “under the sea” display.

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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The PY Miyao Craze: Japan’s Best Novelty Ceramics in America

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Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Miyao Japan Ceramics
Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Miyao Japan Ceramics

Hello, pottery enthusiasts and history buffs! Today, we’re diving into the company of PY Miyao Craze: Japan’s Best Novelty Ceramics in America, an iconic ceramics company that captured the hearts of Americans in the post-World War II era.

From whimsical figurines to elegant tableware, PY Miyao’s novelty ceramics have become highly sought-after collector’s items. Join us as we explore the company’s history, its introduction to American audiences, and the lasting impact of its unique designs.

PY Napco Green Apple Planter
PY Napco Green Apple Planter

The Birth of PY Miyao Japan Pottery

Established in the early 20th century, the PY Miyao Japan pottery company has its roots in the Aichi Prefecture, home to many renowned Japanese pottery centers. The company was named after its founder, Miyao Yoshida, whose initials PY stood for “Pottery Yoshida.” Miyao’s goal was to bring the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics to a broader audience, both in Japan and abroad.

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Inside the Cabinets of Kitsch Queens!

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Where bluebirds gossip, flowers blush, and vegetables smile back.

There’s something magical that happens when you open the glass doors of a true kitsch queen’s cabinet. It’s not just a display—it’s a stage where bluebirds flirt, flower-faced cuties pose, and wide-eyed corn cuties are ready for their close-up.

Lately, “shelfies” (yes, selfies for your shelves) have become the must-see snapshots across vintage Instagram, and for good reason. These curated displays of mid-century Japan ceramics—especially the anthropomorphic kind—are joyful, whimsical, and pure serotonin in ceramic form.

Vintage Japan Bluebirds
Vintage Japan Bluebirds

🩵 🐦Lefton Bluebirds lead the charge, their sweet sky-colored wings and bashful smiles turning spice racks into scenes from a 1950s kitchen fairytale. Norcrest and Topline Imports also manufactured bluebirds in Japan in the 1950s along with Lefton. Whether perched on planters or peeking from sugar bowls, they bring the chirpiest charm.

Vintage Topline Lefton Bluebird Collection
Vintage Topline Lefton Bluebird Collection
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Flower Wall Plaques Wall Pockets
PY Anthropomorphic Flower Wall Plaques Wall Pockets

🌸 Flower-faced cuties—like daffodil darlings, pansy pixies, and rosy-cheeked blooms—are in full bloom inside collectors’ cabinets. These pastel-hued petals with personality add the perfect pop of charm to spring and summer shelfies. Made by PY Miyao in 1950s Japan, these whimsical wall plaques and pockets are prime examples of anthropomorphic ceramics—where even flowers have faces (and fabulous attitudes).

Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
PY Corn Anthropomorphic
PY Corn Anthropomorphic

🌽 And let’s not forget the anthropomorphic produce: corn with eyelashes, cabbage with sass, and all have those big eyes and long eyelashes. These pieces, mostly by PY and Napco, are little works of adorably wonderful ceramics from the 1950s that turn kitchens into retro dreamlands.

Py Miyao Cabbage Cuties
Py Miyao Cabbage Cuties

Peek inside vintage kitsch cabinets featuring Lefton bluebirds, flower-face cuties, and PY anthropomorphic ceramics in the ultimate “shelfie” showcase. These aren’t just shelves—they’re retro wonderlands where bluebirds gossip, blushing blossoms pose, and vegetables grin like they’re starring in a mid-century sitcom. If you’re into whimsical nostalgia, cabinet displays are where the magic lives (and winks right back at you). You can see more pictures and read about these amazing collections right here on the blog—and if you’re now itching to get your hands on some of these kitsch cuties, you can visit my Etsy shop for fabulous finds!

Most of the photos featured are from my personal collection, with a few sourced from Pinterest to show the full charm of these collectible cuties.

Vintage Easter: Collectible Bunnies & The Best Decor Tips

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Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup
Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup

Vintage Easter kitsch ceramics are a charming way to celebrate the holiday with nostalgic flair. From ceramic bunny planters to whimsical 1950s figurines, these delightful collectibles capture the playful spirit of Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide will help you discover, identify, and cherish vintage Easter treasures.

Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter

The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles

There’s something irresistible about vintage Easter decor. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy bring back memories of a simpler time. If you’re looking to infuse your Easter display with nostalgic charm, here are some must-have collectibles.

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