I've been shopping estate sales this fall and had a great month of sales on Etsy during November for a part-timer. In fact, my main store, Manatee Dreams Inc is poised to hit 200 in sales any day now. It has been my experience that Etsy customers are the best to be had. What a wonderful group of caring individuals. I love you guys and gals.
I have added two new Etsy stores: Manatee Dreams Creates and MDI Christmas Past while I've been away. Both are waiting for their first sales and I have some listing to do to get their inventories filled. Watch for new items over the next several days.
Finally, my goal today is to add Etsy Mini to my blog. Lets see how this goes.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Halloween Goodies
As we near the end of September the days are noticeably shorter and even here in Florida just a tiny bit cooler. It has me looking forward to Fall and with it, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I can't wait to spend some time camping this season and walking in the woods with my lab, Max, camera in hand, on nice crisp mornings.
In keeping with a Halloween theme, I'll highlight a few listings that are either a little creepy or witchy or might make a great Halloween costume.
This one-of-a-kind mask (OOAK) mask by ER Blakeslee, Jr. is signed and dated (1942) by the artist. I suspect he made it while in college. It is a fine example of a paper mache' mask and is beautifully painted from its pale bald head to scruffy 5 o'clock shadow and nasty looking warts. It has two real snaggle teeth to complete the package. It is listed on etsy.com.
I picked up this not quite complete children's Japanese Lusterware tea set at a local thrift store a few months ago. I clearly didn't look at it closely when I bought it and didn't notice the Halloween decoration until I pulled it out to take pictures recently for listing it. It is missing a few pieces, most noticably the lids to the sugar bowl and tea pot but is still a cute Halloween decoration.
Saturday's estate sales produced a Japanese kimono set complete with Kimono, Obi sash, Tabi socks, Zori sandals, fan, and even the customs documents dated 1957. What a fun costume idea. It does not appear to have ever been worn and the kimono is still crisp and the Zori sandal bottoms are clean. Watch for a listing of this set on Etsy.com very soon.
In keeping with a Halloween theme, I'll highlight a few listings that are either a little creepy or witchy or might make a great Halloween costume.
This one-of-a-kind mask (OOAK) mask by ER Blakeslee, Jr. is signed and dated (1942) by the artist. I suspect he made it while in college. It is a fine example of a paper mache' mask and is beautifully painted from its pale bald head to scruffy 5 o'clock shadow and nasty looking warts. It has two real snaggle teeth to complete the package. It is listed on etsy.com.
I picked up this not quite complete children's Japanese Lusterware tea set at a local thrift store a few months ago. I clearly didn't look at it closely when I bought it and didn't notice the Halloween decoration until I pulled it out to take pictures recently for listing it. It is missing a few pieces, most noticably the lids to the sugar bowl and tea pot but is still a cute Halloween decoration.
Saturday's estate sales produced a Japanese kimono set complete with Kimono, Obi sash, Tabi socks, Zori sandals, fan, and even the customs documents dated 1957. What a fun costume idea. It does not appear to have ever been worn and the kimono is still crisp and the Zori sandal bottoms are clean. Watch for a listing of this set on Etsy.com very soon.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My Independence Day
I've been away from my vintage travels and listings for the last several weeks to take care of some medical needs. Most folks in the world either have diabetes or know someone who does. Between 5 & 10% of those diabetics are insulin dependent. I happen to be one of those people.
About 3 years ago, I suddenly developed diabetes and quickly transitioned to insulin injections. After initially being able to control my glucose numbers with injections, it soon became more of a challenge trying to maintain my hemoglobin A1C numbers close to the ADA recommended 7. My glucose readings tended to go very high after meals and keeping up with making sure my insulin was with me every time I walked out the door was difficult. I'm not whining, I'm just saying...Diabetes is a challenge.
At my last checkup, my most wonderful doctor told me I would be a good candidate for an insulin pump. He gave me some information to look at, websites to check out to help make a decision. As it turns out, it sounded perfect for me if my insurance would cover it. It took about a month to get the paperwork processed and approved before receiving the pump.
So, fast forward to the first week with the pump. My trainer went over the pump and its functions and we set up the settings with basic settings for insulin delivery. Instead of putting the patient on insulin immediately, they start you off with saline solution to allow the patient to go through the motions for a week without risking terrible mistakes. As we finished the setup, we filled the cartridge with the saline solution and got the infusion set triggered and ready to put in place. That was scary at first, but my multiple daily insulin injections were far worse in the long run.
So after changing the infusion set on my own on the third day successfully, I knew the insulin pump was a great fit for me. The following Monday, July 6th, I will forever consider my new Independence Day.
I can come and go as I please. I can turn down my basil rate if I'm active or delaying a meal. If I have an unexpected snack or my glucose reading runs high, I can give myself a quick adjustment of insulin.
If you know of anyone with insulin dependent diabetes, encourage them to explore insulin pumps with their medical caregivers... The difference in control of the disease for me was unbelievable. My numbers are much tighter immediately after switching to the pump without the constant spikes after meals and lows.
I'll be back to vintage next time.
About 3 years ago, I suddenly developed diabetes and quickly transitioned to insulin injections. After initially being able to control my glucose numbers with injections, it soon became more of a challenge trying to maintain my hemoglobin A1C numbers close to the ADA recommended 7. My glucose readings tended to go very high after meals and keeping up with making sure my insulin was with me every time I walked out the door was difficult. I'm not whining, I'm just saying...Diabetes is a challenge.
At my last checkup, my most wonderful doctor told me I would be a good candidate for an insulin pump. He gave me some information to look at, websites to check out to help make a decision. As it turns out, it sounded perfect for me if my insurance would cover it. It took about a month to get the paperwork processed and approved before receiving the pump.
So, fast forward to the first week with the pump. My trainer went over the pump and its functions and we set up the settings with basic settings for insulin delivery. Instead of putting the patient on insulin immediately, they start you off with saline solution to allow the patient to go through the motions for a week without risking terrible mistakes. As we finished the setup, we filled the cartridge with the saline solution and got the infusion set triggered and ready to put in place. That was scary at first, but my multiple daily insulin injections were far worse in the long run.
So after changing the infusion set on my own on the third day successfully, I knew the insulin pump was a great fit for me. The following Monday, July 6th, I will forever consider my new Independence Day.
I can come and go as I please. I can turn down my basil rate if I'm active or delaying a meal. If I have an unexpected snack or my glucose reading runs high, I can give myself a quick adjustment of insulin.
If you know of anyone with insulin dependent diabetes, encourage them to explore insulin pumps with their medical caregivers... The difference in control of the disease for me was unbelievable. My numbers are much tighter immediately after switching to the pump without the constant spikes after meals and lows.
I'll be back to vintage next time.
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Goodies From Weekend Sales
Welcome to my blog!
The estate sales from this weekend offered up some real goodies. One of them was particularly productive and I had to make a follow-up visit. I ended up taking my 86 year old mother along for the ride and I believe she picked up a couple of little items. It was so hot and humid, I think her prize was a vintage fan.
This adorable little red hat box caught my eye on my first visit, but the price was a little higher than I was willing to spend on it so I ended up passing on it. It was still there when I returned and priced to sell, so I snagged it. It really is a cutie and was one of the first items I listed on Etsy.
There was a table of vintage fabric which I picked over. One that is particularly interesting was originally purchased at a local store and still retained the tag. The info on the tag indicated it was from a store which was sold to another company and changed its name in 1959 so we know it is at least 50 years old. Even without that information, it is an interesting piece of fabric. It is a very sheer material with a retro design of rose colored blocks in several sizes covered in white and black squiggles. It feels kind of like a cross between organza and seersucker. I know someone will discover it and then make something wonderful.
This floral beauty was listed and sold 
almost immediately. This kitchen print also caught my eye and I suspect it dates from the early to mid 70s. It is in great condition.
Who could walk away from this pair of candlesticks?
This green planter is adorned with a little brownie/elf/pixie and was sitting on the hearth of a
fireplace in a very dark room just before the end of the sale when found. The sale actually ended early for a Saturday, but it was about to storm and the house had few lights working so it was hard to see much detail in the interior rooms. I'm glad it was tucked away and overlooked so I could find it.
A few more items I picked up follow, see www.manateedreamsinc.etsy.com.
Everybody should have a souvenir plate from Florida, don't ya think?
Check back again soon, I have plenty more to list and share with you. Until next time - Stay Happy!
The estate sales from this weekend offered up some real goodies. One of them was particularly productive and I had to make a follow-up visit. I ended up taking my 86 year old mother along for the ride and I believe she picked up a couple of little items. It was so hot and humid, I think her prize was a vintage fan.
This adorable little red hat box caught my eye on my first visit, but the price was a little higher than I was willing to spend on it so I ended up passing on it. It was still there when I returned and priced to sell, so I snagged it. It really is a cutie and was one of the first items I listed on Etsy.
There was a table of vintage fabric which I picked over. One that is particularly interesting was originally purchased at a local store and still retained the tag. The info on the tag indicated it was from a store which was sold to another company and changed its name in 1959 so we know it is at least 50 years old. Even without that information, it is an interesting piece of fabric. It is a very sheer material with a retro design of rose colored blocks in several sizes covered in white and black squiggles. It feels kind of like a cross between organza and seersucker. I know someone will discover it and then make something wonderful.
This floral beauty was listed and sold 
almost immediately. This kitchen print also caught my eye and I suspect it dates from the early to mid 70s. It is in great condition.
Who could walk away from this pair of candlesticks?This green planter is adorned with a little brownie/elf/pixie and was sitting on the hearth of a
fireplace in a very dark room just before the end of the sale when found. The sale actually ended early for a Saturday, but it was about to storm and the house had few lights working so it was hard to see much detail in the interior rooms. I'm glad it was tucked away and overlooked so I could find it.A few more items I picked up follow, see www.manateedreamsinc.etsy.com.
Everybody should have a souvenir plate from Florida, don't ya think?
Check back again soon, I have plenty more to list and share with you. Until next time - Stay Happy!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Pretty Pastels!
I really didn't think I'd have time for any sales this weekend since most were located way across town and my weekend schedule was pretty full. It turned out that one was being held in a very convenient location by a group that tends to price items very reasonably and I made a point to swing by on Friday. I'm glad I did.
I tend to gravitate toward the kitchen goodies and yesterday was no exception. I browsed through the usual glassware and cookware, and tucked away, up in a cupboard was a set of pastel dishes. They were so cute! I glanced over them and didn't notice a tag but quickly grabbed them because other vultures were making their way into the kitchen and were definitely interested in what I was checking out. They are marked Vernon Kilns Native California Authentic California Pottery Made in USA.
The cups are in pretty good shape but most of the saucers and other plates have at least one flea bite or chips under the rim. The yellows must have been their favorites because the cup and a plate were missing and the large plate clearly had the heaviest use of all and lots of crazing in the glaze not seen in the other pieces.
I picked up an 8 cup Corning glass coffee carafe with gold atomic star decorations from the 50s/60s. It is in excellent condition.
The garage held lots of goodies that I would have loved to really plunder through. There were a couple of nice homemade trunks that I had to walk away from. They had a really old fan and what I think was an old smudge pot to keep citrus plants from freezing during a hard freeze. I picked up this lemon/lime squeezer on a bargain table. I don't recall ever seeing one before but it is clearly a squeezer. What a darling design and in great shape too. I thought it would make a nice addition to a collection of items in primary colors.
And finally, who can pass up an elephant figurine that is as cute as this? I'm sure it is a piece of Japanese ceramics, but it was missing the label. Surely someone will love it.
Hopefully, next weekend will be more fruitful.
I tend to gravitate toward the kitchen goodies and yesterday was no exception. I browsed through the usual glassware and cookware, and tucked away, up in a cupboard was a set of pastel dishes. They were so cute! I glanced over them and didn't notice a tag but quickly grabbed them because other vultures were making their way into the kitchen and were definitely interested in what I was checking out. They are marked Vernon Kilns Native California Authentic California Pottery Made in USA.The cups are in pretty good shape but most of the saucers and other plates have at least one flea bite or chips under the rim. The yellows must have been their favorites because the cup and a plate were missing and the large plate clearly had the heaviest use of all and lots of crazing in the glaze not seen in the other pieces.
I picked up an 8 cup Corning glass coffee carafe with gold atomic star decorations from the 50s/60s. It is in excellent condition.
The garage held lots of goodies that I would have loved to really plunder through. There were a couple of nice homemade trunks that I had to walk away from. They had a really old fan and what I think was an old smudge pot to keep citrus plants from freezing during a hard freeze. I picked up this lemon/lime squeezer on a bargain table. I don't recall ever seeing one before but it is clearly a squeezer. What a darling design and in great shape too. I thought it would make a nice addition to a collection of items in primary colors.And finally, who can pass up an elephant figurine that is as cute as this? I'm sure it is a piece of Japanese ceramics, but it was missing the label. Surely someone will love it.
Hopefully, next weekend will be more fruitful.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Time For A Peek
So here goes -
First up is an old dough box complete with its lid listed in my main Etsy shop, ManateeDreamsInc. The use of dough boxes fell to the wayside about the same time store bought bread became the norm in most households. Apparently these dough boxes were a common fixture in kitchens up until then. They were used to rest dough to lit it rise until it was ready for baking. This one was found at a local estate sale where I picked up many pieces of non-vintage folk pottery. It is painted black with lovely folk painting decorating the outside and the inside is painted green. There is very minor paint loss along the top edges. One dealer I contacted suggested it was probably a Pennsylvania Dutch piece because of the style of the painted decoration and the dark background color.
This is an interesting one-of-a-kind paper mache face mask. I bought this along with a portfolio filled with quite a few pieces of artwork by E.R. Blakeslee, Jr., several years ago. The painting on this mask is stunning particularly around the hairline where it looks as though he's just had his head shaved. The teeth used for on the mask are real teetch. I suspect several of these items were college art projects but he continued to paint through the 60s according to dates ranging from the 40s through the early 70s. Look for this mask, other Blakeslee items, and possibly vintage art supplies at MDIVintageArt.
I recently found this classic at another estate sale in a house that had been unoccupied for some years. It is the first illustrated edition of The Red Pony and is full of wonderful illustrations by Wesley Dennis. This is listed along with my other vintage and antique books at MDIVintageBooks. There are a few books still listed in my original Etsy shop but will be moved to MDIVintageBooks as listings expire if they remain unsold.
This chromolithograph by Le Roy, Dated 1896 is a real beauty. The colors are vibrant, the wood frame is just enought to contrast the bright colors and the gold beading along the inside edge gives it just a little something extra.
There is a small hole in the paper where a piece of wood popped off the back board, and there is a little staining along the bottom from water damage. This print is listed on MDIVintageArt.
Kitchen items have always interested me and vintage Pyrex is always a favorite. A recent estate sale included several sets of Pyrex refrigerator dishes in Primary Colors. I have two refrigerator dishes left from that collection. This is is the largest dish from an incomplete set of Primary Colors. I also have the blue dish but the two small red dishes were missing from this set. I also bought a set of three green mixing bowls that date from the 70s which still need to be listed. Watch for those to show up on Etsy very soon. You'll also find a small Americana casserole dish with lid listed.
My dog, Max, is clamoring for a little attention so I must close for now but please check back again soon for my next post. I plan to highlight a few items of paper ephemera, regional cookbooks, stoneware, and more vintage art in future blogs. Watch for them.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Let me introduce myself
I'm new to blogging so it may take a while to get my blog legs steady.
I started the little company several years ago to market a dive accessory I developed and patented. The idea for HeadBanger (tm) came from a whack on the back of my head during one of my check out dives when I became certified. Someone called to me as I did a giant stride entry from the dive boat and I didn't tuck my chin. The top of the dive tank gave me quite the goose egg on the back of my head. I truly saw stars! Looking back, I can't believe the dive master let me finish the dive.
On a side note, after our dives were finished, we snorkeled with manatees which was pretty amazing. I just floated in the murkey green water for a few minutes and pretty soon, a manatee floated up to check me out. They are HUGE!!! What an experience! It rolled over on its side for a rub and when it grew bored it sank and swam away and was soon replaced by another one wanting attention.
Needless to say, when I got home, I started looking for something that would prevent that goose egg experience from ever happening again. Not that I planned to ever use a giant stride entry in the future, but dive tanks have a way of riding up and giving you reminder taps any time you look up or tilt your head. This may not be the case in larger bodied men, but for smaller chested women it just goes with the territory.
My search was fruitless so my family and I ended up designing and patenting a pad that quickly and easily fits over the hammer-like first stage of the regulator on the top of every dive tank. The company was formed and marketing began just about the time life took over and the project got pushed to the back burner until last year. A Gander Mountain store opened here in Jacksonville and they have a scuba department filled with products marketed by Innovative Scuba Concepts, a dive accessory distributor. I figured, what the heck, and gave them a call and our HeadBanger (tm) was added to their following catalog.
You might wonder just how all of that relates to vintage. It doesn't really, but it does explain my company name. Over the years, I have accumulated items that ultimately found their way into boxes in the attic. More recently I started stopping in at local estate sales where I found some pretty interesting vintage items that I didn't really need but couldn't pass up.
Initially, I listed some of those items on E-bay and was pleased with my sales but became increasingly frustrated with changes to their rate structure and then to the feedback system. It seemed they had abandoned the smaller sellers for the huge mega sellers, so I searched for alternatives. I found www.Etsy.com. I LOVE ETSY! Etsians are wonderful, both as buyers and sellers.
Etsy has been around a few years now. They cater to artists, crafters, and suppliers, as well as sellers of vintage items. I set up a store, www.ManateeDreamsInc.Etsy.com, in August and have been pleased from the get go. In addition to www.ManateeDreamsInc.Etsy.com, I've added a couple of other stores. They are:
www.MDIVintageArt.Etsy.com
www.MDIVintageBooks.Etsy.com
www.MDIVintageMusic.Etsy.com
www.ManateeDreamsCreates.com (items coming soon)
Future blogs will highlight items in my stores and the fun in finding them.
Hey, it looks like I made it through my first blog. Have a lovely day.
I started the little company several years ago to market a dive accessory I developed and patented. The idea for HeadBanger (tm) came from a whack on the back of my head during one of my check out dives when I became certified. Someone called to me as I did a giant stride entry from the dive boat and I didn't tuck my chin. The top of the dive tank gave me quite the goose egg on the back of my head. I truly saw stars! Looking back, I can't believe the dive master let me finish the dive.
On a side note, after our dives were finished, we snorkeled with manatees which was pretty amazing. I just floated in the murkey green water for a few minutes and pretty soon, a manatee floated up to check me out. They are HUGE!!! What an experience! It rolled over on its side for a rub and when it grew bored it sank and swam away and was soon replaced by another one wanting attention.
Needless to say, when I got home, I started looking for something that would prevent that goose egg experience from ever happening again. Not that I planned to ever use a giant stride entry in the future, but dive tanks have a way of riding up and giving you reminder taps any time you look up or tilt your head. This may not be the case in larger bodied men, but for smaller chested women it just goes with the territory.
My search was fruitless so my family and I ended up designing and patenting a pad that quickly and easily fits over the hammer-like first stage of the regulator on the top of every dive tank. The company was formed and marketing began just about the time life took over and the project got pushed to the back burner until last year. A Gander Mountain store opened here in Jacksonville and they have a scuba department filled with products marketed by Innovative Scuba Concepts, a dive accessory distributor. I figured, what the heck, and gave them a call and our HeadBanger (tm) was added to their following catalog.
You might wonder just how all of that relates to vintage. It doesn't really, but it does explain my company name. Over the years, I have accumulated items that ultimately found their way into boxes in the attic. More recently I started stopping in at local estate sales where I found some pretty interesting vintage items that I didn't really need but couldn't pass up.
Initially, I listed some of those items on E-bay and was pleased with my sales but became increasingly frustrated with changes to their rate structure and then to the feedback system. It seemed they had abandoned the smaller sellers for the huge mega sellers, so I searched for alternatives. I found www.Etsy.com. I LOVE ETSY! Etsians are wonderful, both as buyers and sellers.
Etsy has been around a few years now. They cater to artists, crafters, and suppliers, as well as sellers of vintage items. I set up a store, www.ManateeDreamsInc.Etsy.com, in August and have been pleased from the get go. In addition to www.ManateeDreamsInc.Etsy.com, I've added a couple of other stores. They are:
www.MDIVintageArt.Etsy.com
www.MDIVintageBooks.Etsy.com
www.MDIVintageMusic.Etsy.com
www.ManateeDreamsCreates.com (items coming soon)
Future blogs will highlight items in my stores and the fun in finding them.
Hey, it looks like I made it through my first blog. Have a lovely day.
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