Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Sea shell souvenirs, I would never sell!

Al & jack 002 Over time, certain pieces make their way into your heart and before you know it....another collection!

I've bought and sold antiques and collectibles for many years, still do.  Over the years, getting up at 6 A.M to be the first in line at an estate sale, can pay off in some special finds.  On this White Wednesday at Faded Charm I'd like to share some "special finds", in my small shell collection.

You all know about the shell pieces made by sailors for their wives and sweethearts in the 1800s, none of mine are that old or high-dollar, but each one makes my heart sing!

saturday 007  This is my FAVORITE piece, I just love this little baby. All of 4 inches tall, most likely from the 1950s, the flowers are made entirely of tiny, delicate shells glued to a larger shell with a wire handle added to hang it, definitely a souvenir piece.  She makes me smile every time I look at her!

saturday 009This box, another souvenir pieces, is about the size of a cigar box and I'd guess from the 50s or 60s, pretty common but I love it.  The little purse on the left, found at an estate sale, is special........

saturday 011    This sweet little purse was hand crafted from cardboard, covered with paper and then, shells. The handle is silk cord.  I'm thinking it was made by a young woman in the 1930s or 40s.  Photo below shows off the inside.

saturday 010

I bought the little book below from the daughter-in-law of the woman who made it, in her teens at summer camp, probably 1930s or 40s.

saturday 012Look at what is inside!

saturday 013  Pages, cut to fit, with seaweed specimens pressed, dried and glued to the paper.  She cut pieces of tissue paper and used them to separate each page.....how precious is that?  Holes were drilled and the book is held together with  a thin leather lace.

saturday 014 

Last, but not least, this lovely comes with a special story........

saturday 008Last September, I went to Camas to a street sale....in the pouring rain!  There they were, the dedicated, rain soaked dealers standing under their awnings, shivering but making the best of it!  In one booth, I spied the little beauty above, very reasonably priced... she was going home with me!

When the dealer and I started talking, I discovered she was from Bellingham, WA.  I asked her if she knew my friend, who was a dealer and shop owner in Bellingham for years....turns out, she not only knew her but she had worked for her.  I love "small world" stories, don't you?

That lovely lady was Debi from Ormolulu.

The rewards from antiquing are so much more than financial, it's the wonderful friends you make, the experiences you have and, once in a while, you score another precious piece for your collection!

These are definitely not white...but yet another small collection, I love, and they look so good with the shells!

 

saturday 016A little out of focus....but who can resist old, worn velvet!

Enjoy your White Wednesday....I hope the sun is shining on you today!

15 comments:

Journal Swag said...

How gorgeous these are, Jan! You're a lucky girl! (And you have a sharp eye and great taste)!

hUGS,
Sheila

Journal Swag said...

Oh yes, and your new banner and background are so fresh and cute! Love them!

Gwendolen Elaine said...

They are all interesting, but I'm with you!The first example with the pink "flowers" is my favorite!...followed closely by the shell covered book.Very cool.

Dee@FrenchBleuVintage said...

What a fantastic collection. Your right, they look perfect with the faded velvet. Happy WW!

{oc cottage} said...

Oh my gosh!!!! I am in love! What a collection!!!

m ^..^

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Love Your Shell Art Collection, I think the delicate Pink Basket is My Favorite....

Tanya said...

What a fun and beautiful collection! I have an old pair of screw-on earrings from my grandmother that are parrots made entirely from teeny little shells, in pink, black and white. I will be pulling them out tomorrow, thanks to this post!
Tanya

Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something said...

What a set of pretties! I love the little shell book. I'm working on one myself, but it's more of a scrapbook of a beach trip. See ya next week...

Anonymous said...

Your collection is FABULOUS!! Seashells in all their glory. If you like to link, think about joining us at Woo Hoo! Wednesday and sharing this collection. I'd love to have you and I serve refreshments. Join me for a glass of wine?

Tobi Britton*pinkpixieforest.blogspot.com said...

Oh, everything is just lovely! Those shell creations are spectacular!
Sparkly Hugs,
Tobi and the Pixies!

Ormolulu said...

Hello Jan! You *know* how much I love seashells anything . . . thanks so much for mentioning our timely meeting in Camas. Been thinking a lot about Gloria lately--so glad we're all friends!

xo

Debi

Blondie's Journal said...

Beautiful treasures from the sea!!

Happy White Wednesday!

xoxo
Jane

Miss Gracie's House said...

Oh, so pretty!
Rene

René said...

I love your seashell goodies! They are the perfect way to add summer to a home.

Scribbler said...

What special treasures! I too love all things seashell, don't have anything the quality of yours.

Thanks for stopping by -- you are new to me, and I will be back.

Scribbler
http://scribbler-unfocused.typepad.com/