Collecting Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – The Best Tips

Posted on November 3, 2021 by Fan

Today’s post is about the most famous reindeer of all – Rudolph. The reindeer with the shiny red nose that leads Santa Claus on his sleigh ride around the world in just one night. Rudolph has been sharing his charm with us all since 1939. It wasn’t too long after, that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer would become a part of Christmas for families all over the world. If you are interested in collecting Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer then keep reading for the best tips!!

Welcome to the 2021 vintage Christmas collecting series. This is our second post in our series for 2021. Our first post is all about Holt Howard Starry Eyed Santa and you can find it here. If you’d like to review our 2020 six-part guide you can find that here and learn about vintage Christmas collectibles from the 1950s-1960s.

Rudolph was created by Robert L. May, who worked as a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store chain and published the story in a brochure for promotional purposes in 1939. The store began preparing for Christmas almost one year earlier when they hired May to write a Christmas story that could be purchased by customers.

Christmas giftware, decorations, and ceramics were at their peak of cuteness (my opinion) in the 1950s-1960s. And it was George Zolton Lefton who founded the Lefton China Company in 1939 in Chicago, Illinois and produced many items from dinnerware sets to Christmas decorations and everything in between and, that includes the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer set.

Lefton’s Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer set includes:

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer bowl
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer mug
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer salt and pepper shakers
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer planter (Rudolph’s nose lights up)

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

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Fan

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

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

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Holt Howard Pixieware Haven: The Best Tips for Collectors

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Fan

Yasmina Greco with her Holt-Howard Jam ‘n Jelly Pixieware Jar and matching T-Shirt

Nothing sparks my interest in vintage kitchenware from the 1950s and 1960s quite like Holt Howard Pixieware. These delightful items, such as jam ‘n jelly jars with tiny tongues savoring the sweetness, instant coffee pixie jars, relish pixie jars, and the cheerful girl set, epitomize imaginative design. Manufacturers like Holt-Howard, Davar, Lefton, Lipper & Mann, Norcrest, Napco, and Menschik Goldman, to mention a few, showcased unparalleled creativity with their vibrant, quirky creations. Continue reading for my best tips becasue the fervor for collecting Pixieware as it remains strong and shows no signs of waning!

Holt-Howard Relish Jar with Spoofy Spoon 1958

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The Best 10 Tips for Christmas Head Vase Collecting Magic

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Fan

Vintage Christmas Head Vases and Planters

Welcome, festive friends to our “The Best 10 Tips for Christmas Head Vase Collecting Magic.” guide. This treasure trove of expert advice will guide you through the enchanting world of vintage Christmas head vases, manufactures to look for like Relpo, Napco, Lefton, Inarco, secrets when shopping to help you build a stunning collection that exudes holiday charm and nostalgic delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these tips will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to make your collection sparkle with festive cheer. So, put on your Santa hat, and let’s dive into the magical realm of Christmas head vase collecting!

Vintage Christmas Rubens Skater Girl Planter

As a long-time follower of my blog, you’re aware of my passion for vintage mid-century kitsch, particularly vintage Christmas items! My collection of vintage Christmas head vases and planters began with a charming 1950s Rubens skater girl (pictured above) wearing a vibrant red outfit, gold antlers, and a sleigh full of gifts on candy cane runners. Likely crafted in Japan, where most ceramics were produced, this captivating planter sparked my ever-growing collection.

Vintage Christmas Inarco Head Vase Glamour Girl

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My Ultimate 5 Tips for Collecting Spaghetti Poodle Dogs

Posted on 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 by Yasmina Greco

Spaghetti Poodles are vintage ceramic, porcelain and clay figurines whose signature hairdo was created through an intricate process. Craftspeople would use tea strainers to push material like clays or glazes through the holes to form delicate strands that could be affixed for a pom-pom look, swirled onto the figure for bouncy curls, or incorporated into other creative designs. These one-of-a kind decorations were often also spruced up with rhinestones as eyes or sparkly accessories on their hats and collars; pearls and floral motifs added further charm! Despite being incredibly fragile though years of handling can cause them breakage in some areas – making these collectibles even more special.

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

Posted on July 29, 2017 by Fan

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!!

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!!

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.

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!