The T-Cozy

Europe Through My Daughter's Eyes

It's hard to believe that Hannah's semester abroad is coming to a close this week. Over the past four months, I have so enjoyed reading her blog, hearing about her travels, and seeing her photos of Spain, and more. 

Hannah has turned into quite the photographer. What has struck me most about her pictures is how dramatic and artsy they are. Hannah's images are shot on the fly while traveling and are full-frame without the benefit of cropping or Photoshop enhancements. I'm impressed!

Below are my favorite photos from Hannah's side trips to Paris, London, Córdoba, Lisbon and Granada.

Such incredible sights! If you'd like to see more and read about Hannah's travels, check out her blog, Yummy Street.

I'm sure Hannah will be sad to leave Madrid. She has lived with a lovely family with two younger "sisters" that she has grown quite close to. Although John, Jacob and I never made it over there to visit, we hope to return with her next summer. Then Hannah can be our tour guide and show us around all of the wonderful places she has discovered this semester.

We've missed our daughter dearly over the past months. Gosh, I can't wait to see her and give her a great big hug!

Susan

Vintage Finds for the Holiday Season

Black Friday = shopping! Do you prefer vintage over new when purchasing holiday gifts? (I do.) If so, here are some vintage goodies I listed in my Etsy shop this month.

Fun stuff! And a few items have already sold.

In early December, I'll be moving on to listing vintage valentines. I know it seems early, but listing them may take me a while as I have acquired a huge lot from the 1930s and 40s. Most of them have moving parts and they are, by far, the cutest valentines I have ever listed. I promise to share them with you once I get my scanner fired up next week.

Happy shopping!

Susan

Memories of the Macys Parade

Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday wouldn't be the same without the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

As a child growing up in Cleveland, I watched the parade on TV every year and dreamed of the day I could see it in person. Years later, I moved to New York City and got my wish. For me, being there was a one-time experience. Although it was fun, that year the weather was bitterly cold. Luckily I had a friend who worked on Broadway, so we headed inside to watch the giant balloons float by at eye level from a nice warm office building. These days, I much prefer to watch the parade at home from the comfort of a cozy couch while sipping a cup of tea.

I discovered that Macys has an entire website devoted to their Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you'd like to view an interesting video of the history of the parade, click here. 

This Thanksgiving feels a little different for us because Hannah is still in Madrid. We sure will miss her today. But she'll be home in a couple weeks' time and we all can't wait to see her. However, John, Jacob and I won't be too lonely today. Dear friends have invitied us over for what I'm sure will be quite a Thanksgiving feast.

What are you up to today? I hope you are surrounded by family, friends, and good food. Wishing you and yours a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving,

Susan

Tattoo Flash? What's That?

Remember my sweet little painting of a ship called Hope I wrote about a while back?

After I published that post, I was contacted by a few people who told me that the painting was actually something called "tattoo flash."

What is that? 

Not having any knowledge of the tattooing world, I turned to Wikipedia and learned that tattoo flash is a design printed or drawn on paper or cardboard that is typically displayed on the walls of tattoo parlors to give customers ideas for tattoos.

A few tattoo enthusiasts emailed me that they thought my "flash" was painted by the renown tattoo artist George Burchett. (Who?) I did some research and found out that he was regarded as the "King of Tattooists" in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I also came across this video of Burchett tattooing a lady's eyebrows, lips and more!

But how to find out if my tiny painting was authentic Burchett flash? Once again, I turned to the internet where I discovered all sorts of tattoo experts. I emailed several of them and included a photo of my ship. Every one of them was gracious enough to respond. And the overwhelming consensus was that my painting, though lovely, was too loose to have been done by George Burchett.

I also found out that, although my vintage tattoo flash was not a Burchett, it was still worth at least $100! Wow!

So my question is no longer "What is tattoo flash." Now it's "Keep or sell?" What would you do?

Susan

The Art of Recycling: Handmade from the Etsy Vintage Team

I am now a proud member of the Etsy Vintage Team! We are a group of passionate and trustworthy Etsy sellers sharing our love of true vintage goods. And yesterday, I had the honor of being included in an inspiring Treasury that was curated by Sandra of the ReBop Shop. 

I love this Treasury! Have a look . . .

Sandra's Treasury description goes like this: "Vintage is always green, of course. And handmade-with-vintage is the greenest of green! Celebrating my sister artisans on the Etsy Vintage Team who rescue vintage bits and bobs to give them new life."

Click HERE for a closer look at this wonderful Etsy Treasury.

The Etsy Vintage Team is always up to something interesting. You can find out more about us here: the Etsy Vintage Team Page, the Etsy Vintage Team Blog, the Etsy Vintage Team Website, and the Etsy Vintage Team on Facebook.

Go team!

Susan

Vintage Woodfield Dinnerware by Steubenville Pottery

Have you ever heard of Steubenville's Woodfield line of dishes? Here's a peek inside my Hoosier cabinet where you'll find my small collection of it. 

These lovely dishes were introduced by the Steubenville Pottery Company in 1941. Perfect for this time of year, they remind me of the masses of oak leaves blanketing our back yard right now. Time to get out the rake!

With a simple leaf shape, this line was produced in five solid colors; Salmon Pink, Tropic Green, Golden Fawn, Dove Gray and Rust Brown. Mine are all in the Salmon Pink. My favorite is the Golden Fawn color. It's a pretty chartreuse and tends to be harder to find.

Steubenville Pottery was founded in Steubenville, Ohio in 1879. They closed down in 1959. Their major claim to fame was the American Modern line of dinnerware created by the well known industrial designer Russel Wright. Steubenville's Woodfield line utilized some of the same glaze colors as Wright's china.

The Woodfield line lacks the simplicity characteristic of mid-century modern dinnerware, but I still like it. 

Woodfield was quite popular in the 1940s household and about 30 different items were produced in the line. Along with plates and bowls, there were several interesting serving pieces and tea items. We used many Woodfield tea and toast sets at my tea room and they held up very well. 

I love the little leaf finials on the sugar bowl and teapot lids.

The funky serving piece below is a bread plate.

The glaze has a speckle added to it giving it more depth.

My Woodfield set is just right for an autumn tea party. 

Since these dishes are sturdy and were produced in large quantities, you can still find Steubenville's Woodfield dinnerware at flea markets and thrift shops. They are also plentiful on eBay and are surprisingly affordable.

Susan

Handbags and More on Kitsch Encounter

I just added some fun new items for sale on Kitsch Encounter!

The Lucy Sac, below, is made by a company called Rebe. They are a mother/daughter team that designs artsy and interesting clothing and accessories, many of which are eco-friendly. This bag is made from lovely vintage floral fabric and has a nifty framed spring closure that pops wide open to allow easy access inside.

Also on Kitsch Encounter is this backpack made from a neoprene and nylon blend. Extra lightweight and comfortable, it is a vibrant chartreuse and has a whimsical daisy on the front. (This backpack has sold.)

You know how much I love barkcloth! The beautiful shoulder bag below was made by Sylvie Farrington on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Beautifully hand constructed, this bag is made from vintage floral barkcloth with a contrasting brocade fabric. Trimmed in dark red velvet piping, the front has piping that is hand beaded. (This bag has sold.)

The last of my new items is a sweet little felt wallet, perfect to hold a few dollar bills or business cards.

To purchase an item from Kitsch Encounter, simply leave me a comment at the end of the item's post that interests you. Please be sure to include your zip code so I can calculate your exact shipping. Then I'll email you a PayPal invoice for the total and before you know it, the item will be on your doorstep.

Susan

Home Sweet Home for 20 Years

Today is an anniversary of sorts. On this day 20 years ago, John and I officially purchased our house. How did two decades go by so quickly? For the longest time, it seemed that we were the new family on the block. And then before we knew it, we became the family that has been in the neighborhood forever. 

Back in 1990, after over two years of searching, we finally found a house that had all of the features we were looking for. High on our wish list was a home spacious enough to accommodate our growing family and my home-based design business. Located in a private association with quiet speed-bumped roads, our house was a short walk to town and steps to the prettiest private beach in Rowayton.

More features that sealed the deal were lots of windows and natural light, an airy family room adjoining a renovated kitchen, and a 20-by-21-foot master bedroom with a set of back stairs down to the family room. Over the years, our home improvements were minor and mostly cosmetic; our biggest project being the addition of my home studio with a private entrance. We also rebuilt the screened porch that was in disrepair off the kitchen. 

Our house has good bones, and lucky for me, plenty of nooks and crannies for my collections. Step inside and have a look around.

Over the years, we've seen neighbors come and go. And now that our youngest child is a senior in high school, we have started thinking about downsizing. But I have a sentimental attachement to our humble abode and feel a bit sad about leaving a house that has been so good to us over the past 20 years. Our unassuming mid-century colonial has graciously accommodated our family and enabled me to work at home near our children. It's everything we wanted and more. However, I also look forward to starting fresh in a snug and smaller home with a lovely little garden. Perhaps in a year or so, we'll begin a search for a cozy cottage where someday, our grandchildren will spend many happy hours.

Susan

Barbara's Mosaic Mailbox Masterpiece

Over the years, I've shared various sights from my morning walk with you --- the cozy cottages, lovely gardens, glowing sunrises, beautiful water views, and now . . . this new mailbox masterpiece.

Do you recall that incredible mermaid mailbox? After seven years, Barbara (its owner and creator) decided it was time for a new version.

I've been in touch with Barbara ever since she commented on my post about her mermaid box. She told me all about a new mailbox that she had been working on with mosaic artist Kathy Love. It took four months to complete and Barbara installed it in front of her house just last week. 

Her new box has a bird theme to reflect the location of her home which overlooks Farm Creek Preserve in Rowayton. Barbara collected bits and bobs from antique fairs, fleas markets and such and put together quite a collection of flora and fauna. 

On the front, tiny tiles spell out "Par Avion," a whimsical touch that gives a nod to both air mail and birds in flight.

Pretty spectacular, isn't it?

I love Barbara's attention to detail. She even painted the top of the post and added a sweet bird figurine on one side. 

Below the mailbox, Barbara has installed a sign reminding passersby to "Look with your eyes." I do hope people will respect that request.

To read more about Barbara's mosaic masterpiece, please visit her blog called Artist in Residents. And in case you are wondering what became of the mermaid mailbox, Barbara said that "it is safely ensconced on her back porch enjoying a view of the creek and the sunshine overhead."

Susan

Small Space Creativity in the Latest Studios Magazine

The winter issue of Studios magazine hits the newsstands this week. In this issue, many of the featured artists have fashioned creative studios in small spaces, some in 100 square feet or less.

Studio's editor, Cate Prato, asked me to contribute an article on small spaces/big style and making the most of what you have. (Thanks again for the opportunity, Cate!) I've always wanted to see if my beloved Hoosier cabinet could be transformed into a self-contained studio, so here was my chance to give it a try.

My Hoosier-turned-studio proved to me that a step-saving and stylish studio can be achieved in only 12 square feet. I have toyed with the idea of using my cabinet as a mini studio. And who knows? Down the road when we downsize, I may use it for just that. 

You can find my article, called "A Tiny, Tidy Home Studio," on page 27 of the magazine. Plus, I was pleased to be able to suggest two of my fellow Artsy Girls to the editor and they are both in this issue. Be sure to check out Laurie Davis's GlitterWorksStudio space on page 46. Laurie is known as the "Glitter Fairy." She'll apply glitter to just about anything! And on page 110, you'll find the snug and cozy home studio of illustrator Maggie Swanson. A supremely talented artist, Maggie had illustrated over 100 children's books.

I hope you are able to get a copy of this inspiring winter issue of Studios. If you have trouble finding it, you can order it online here.

Susan

Post #700: Still Browsing at Fishs Eddy

This is the last in my series of posts about my favorite NYC shop, Fishs Eddy. And it's also a milestone post --- my 700th!!! After hundreds of posts and three-and-a-half years, to me, blogging still feels right. So I'll keep on posting and I do hope you'll keep on reading.

Here's my last bit of Fishs Eddy eye candy. Wow, just look at their selection of pressed glass! And "Made in America" is something you don't often see these days.

These cake stands would have come in handy at my tea room.

Pretty glasses!

This flatware IS a great deal. At my house, we always seem to lose spoons. Where do they go?

Polka dots and vintage marbles --- fun!

Fishs Eddy has a great selection of glass storageware. In my kitchen, we no longer use plastic containers to store leftovers. Glass is microwave safe and doesn't retain food odors like plastic can. Plus, it's better for dear old planet Earth.

Barware, anyone?

This "Cheer Up" glassware makes me smile.

Isn't Fishs Eddy a fabulous store? I love everything about it. There aren't many shops that blend vintage and new items so seamlessly. As a former graphic designer, I even love their signage. And the displays are super inspiring. Makes me want to have a shop again!

Looking ahead, I have some very special posts I'm working on for next week. So I hope you'll stop back again.

Have a nice weekend,

Susan

Dishes Galore at New York's Fishs Eddy

As promised, here are more views from Fishs Eddy, the New York City store filled with an ever changing array of restaurant quality dishes and glasses. Some of their wares are vintage, some are new; all are wonderful. Have a look . . .

I've always liked sturdy restaurant china. Maybe it's because I grew up in the restaurant business?

Some of the newly made dishes you'll find at Fishs Eddy are unique, edgy and whimsical. Often they have a theme, like the floorplan and crossword puzzle patterns below.

A mainstay are their lines of simple, unadorned dishes, either all-white called "Diner Whites" or yummy colors called "Colorware." 

Every time I'm at Fishs Eddy, I have the urge to get rid of my everyday dishes and start fresh. But I used restraint and didn't buy a single thing. I simply enjoyed the browsing and the inspiration.

Susan

Come Shopping at Fishs Eddy with Me

We spent Saturday in New York City visiting my niece and nephew. It was a perfect fall day and we enjoyed strolling around Chelsea and stopping in the neighborhood shops. We happened upon my all-time favorite Manhattan store, Fishs Eddy. Yay!

I've posted about this shop on my blog before, but there is always something new and inspiring at Fishs Eddy --- so much so that I'm going to spend the entire week blogging about them.

Back when they opened their first store over two decades ago, the owners of Fishs Eddy happened upon a barn in the country that had been in a fire. Amazingly, the barn was filled with endless stacks of restaurant ware --- plates, bowls, platters, cups, saucers, creamers and gravy boats. Sounds like a dream, right? Luckily, the barn's owner offered them the entire dish lot. Although it was soot covered, all of the pieces were intact. After hours of scrubbing, they revealed dish patterns and shapes that were both beautiful and classic. And today, Fishs Eddy sells items that possess those same qualities.

The smiling staff person above is Tanya, the friendly greeter I chatted with. She gave me permission to snap some photos. Truthfully, I could have spent all day taking pictures at Fishs Eddy. Everywhere I looked I found exuberant displays of the yummiest commercial quality dish and glassware, with plenty of other things to make me smile.

Fishs Eddy has been around for 25 years . . . and after all this time, they are still happiest doing dishes!

Susan