I am an avid collector of kitchenware from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.
And as I look around at all of my vintage canisters, napkins holders, bread boxes and such, I notice that several of them are embellished with old transfer decorations called decals. Some have patterns that are lithographed or painted on. But my favorite pieces sport cheerful decals that were applied by housewives over 50 years ago. When I recently acquired a large lot of original Meyercord decals in perfect condition, I was so excited. Now I could try my hand at transforming a few household items. And you can, too, as I'll be listing these decals in my Etsy shop by week's end.
But first, I decided to give a sample sheet of decals a try. I rounded up an old wooden corner shelf and a miniature display stool. Both were devoid of decoration, perfect for a little decal experimentation.
I chose to use a sheet of rose decals. Since there are eight separate images on the sheet, I needed to cut the designs apart. All you need is water to apply these vintage decals, so I had a container of warm water on hand. I dipped the first decal in and let it soak for 20 seconds. Once it started to release from its backing paper, I took it out and set it aside for a minute. Then it was ready to apply.
I started with the corner shelf and placed each rose decal in position, gently smoothing them out with a soft cloth.
Next I moved on to the little stool where I decided to use two larger decals together. Once all of the decals were applied, I let them dry for a few minutes. Then my decal divas were done!
How easy was that? Plus, it was super quick, only taking a couple of minutes to complete each piece.
Just look at how much vintage charm these decals added. So sweet! (These pieces are for sale in my Etsy shop here.)
Back in the day, ladies had hundreds of decal designs to choose from, in loads of styles, colors and sizes. They used them on kitchen cabinets, glassware, canisters, bread boxes, bathroom walls, dinette sets, nursery furniture---you name it. In two short minutes, these decals added color, charm and beauty to their rooms.
What fun to be able to give these original 1940's decals a try.
Susan
These are great! I love the old decals!
Glad you had fun!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: lisa | December 01, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Susan, that is so COOL! I have long admired those decals, too . . . often fantasized about finding some great, vintage ladies to decal onto my painted kitchen cabinets. You might be giving me the nudge I need. Thanks!
Posted by: Lemony Renee' | December 01, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Old decals are so beautiful--I'm always hoping to find some when I'm out thrifting but they are getting harder to come by. Love what you did with them here. Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Vicki | December 02, 2009 at 12:18 AM
You're right Vicki. There old decals are getting harder to find. That's why I was thrilled to come across these! I have seen some newly-made decals that are produced with an ink jet printer on special transfer film. But they just aren't the same. The material is different and they don't have the staying power or the look of the old ones.
Posted by: Susan | December 02, 2009 at 06:41 AM
What a great find, Susan! These are so sweet and charming. I must keep my eye out for some of these beauties.
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | December 02, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Susan that is terrific! Your Finds
are great!
Posted by: Melody | December 02, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Oh the wonderful things I have done with Meyercord Decals. And the beauty of them is that they don't seem to have deteriorated over time and adhere just as beautifully as they did back when June Cleaver made little Beaver's potty chair all that much cuter!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn Gahan | December 02, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Nicely done! I've really only noticed decals on baby furniture. Who hasn't seen a vintage crib with a lamb on it? I saw in a kitchenware reference book that you could sometimes get ones that matched the print on your dishes. Wow!
Lucky you for finding a stash,and they're still usable!
Posted by: Mom Wald | December 03, 2009 at 07:11 AM
I have always loved those decals but didnt know what they were called.. Cant wait to see what you do with it all
Posted by: Kass | December 03, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Susan, I actually remember in the back of my mind, seeing items with decals like these in my mothers kitchen. I vaguely remember a waste basket in my bedroom when I was about 4 or 5 years old with floral decals like these. This was a wonderful find.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | December 03, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I'm looking for some certain Meyercord decals.
Girl roller skating
Boy on scooter
girl and boy leap tag
girl wiping little boys nose
crying baby in tub
Posted by: Patricia Chapman | May 30, 2010 at 04:03 PM
To be honest, I almost never think about using decals before.
The rose decals on the white stool are lovely, it looks like it was printed with that pattern from the factory. I think white background is the best for the transfer-type decoration.
This is a great tutorial. Thanks, Lisa.
Posted by: Jennifer Corner | October 22, 2011 at 02:07 PM