Here in the Northeast, we're having a blustery, rainy, wintry mix kind of week. Oh how I long for the beach and warm weather! But until those balmy days are upon us, my collection of vintage pottery in the colors of the sea is a nice reminder of warmer days to come.
When I gaze at these ceramics, I think of the ocean and sea glass.
You'll find this collection of green and blue glazed pottery on the built-in shelves in our family room.
Among the vintage goodness is a television and other obligatory techno-gadgets, along with books, storage baskets, and tins.
Above is my favorite Hall teapot, and four more beauties from Hall's Victorian teapot line are pictured below.
My pottery collection spans all shapes and sizes. Tiny vases grace this equally tiny child's cupboard. So cute!
Most of these pieces were made by McCoy, Shawnee, and Hall Pottery during the 1930s to the 50s. Found over time at flea markets, thrift shops, and neighborhood estate and tag sales, I've displayed this large collection together for more integrity and visual impact. Visitors who spy these shelves when they walk into our family room for the first time often have the same response. They usually utter "Wow!"
I sure hope that it's a good "wow" and not a this person is a crazy collector "wow." (It's probably a little of both!)
Susan
Wow, your collection is just beautiful,and is true to the calming ocean,seabreeze, and warm sun.As much as I love all three of those things, Im looking forward to autumn here, it has been too humid for me this summer!
Sue
Posted by: Sue | February 24, 2010 at 06:26 AM
Wow is right! There was a ton of inspiration in those photos for me. I love how you grouped the items and I am running right now to my sadd iron collection to figure out how I can use a few as bookends. Your collection is beautiful. Thanks for sharing! deb
Posted by: deb | February 24, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Ah! This was the perfect sight for my weary eyes on this wintry morning. You know I love your pottery and have some of the same pieces myself. Those particular colors are my favorites and always bring a smile to my face. I truly love the way you have displayed them - the wow factor is off the charts!
The little child size pieces are adorable!
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | February 24, 2010 at 07:37 AM
One more thing: I didn't know about Hall's Victorian Teapot line - they are just beautiful!
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | February 24, 2010 at 07:38 AM
I much prefer these Hall "Victorian" teapots over all of those other gold embellished varieties. Their shapes and colors are wonderful. (There are also a couple of styles that come in pink.) Plus, they're a less popular Hall line, so sometimes you can snap them up for a song!
Posted by: Susan | February 24, 2010 at 07:54 AM
If it isn't a good "wow", they have no taste! That is a fabulous collection. I love that turquoise McCoy blue!
My friend Donna had a similar collection except hers was all planters. She displayed it in her dining room and I always had that "wow" feeling whenever I saw it! When she moved a few years ago, the truck hauling the collection caught fire and she lost all but one piece. I think I was more upset than she was.
Posted by: Anna | February 24, 2010 at 08:46 AM
SUSAN~ IT HAS THAT WOW FACTOR FOR
SURE. YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION. VERY VERY NICE!!:o)
Posted by: Elsie | February 24, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Ooooooh this is such an amazing collection of gorgeous teals, turquoise, aqua and greens - my favorite colors!
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | February 24, 2010 at 10:57 AM
I agree. Wow! You have a stunning collection that is so calming and soothing. You must smile every time you walk into that room!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | February 24, 2010 at 11:23 AM
"WOW"!!! And I mean that in the best possible way. You have a beautiful collection. I also love the child sized pieces in that sweet little hutch. It all looks so tranquil and serene. Thanks for the lovely post!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Posted by: Susan Freeman | February 24, 2010 at 11:41 AM
This is one of the most beautiful pottery collections I have ever seen! And the way you display them is wonderful! Who says they have to be in a kitchen? My husband is not going to be happy that I saw this post! LOL Truly special!!!!!
Posted by: Sandy McClay | February 24, 2010 at 12:13 PM
I felt relaxed just gazing at those beachy blue colors.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | February 24, 2010 at 12:44 PM
This is so lovely and fresh looking. "Wow!"
Posted by: Lemony Renee' | February 24, 2010 at 02:19 PM
Hello Susan....!
I've always admired your pretty teapots....Such YUMMY colours....!! If you ever decide to part with them I'd be happy to take them off your hands & give them a new home...!!
Cheers & smiles from Australia,
Tamarah :o)
Posted by: Tamarah Charter | February 24, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Do you have any of the Sandwich glass? Saw these at the Met recently with my kids and thought they were fab.
Gazing at your pottery collection is almost as restorative as gazing upon the calm blue horizon.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | February 24, 2010 at 08:35 PM
NO I am a collector SO there is NO way you are crazy!! hehehe It takes a collector to understand one!
Love all your blues and greens! They are lovely!!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | February 24, 2010 at 09:04 PM
What a lovely collection.....Dianne
Posted by: C. Dianne Zweig | February 24, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Wow-Za! Just beautiful, I love how they look all displayed together. I think my fave is the dainty little embossed pitcher :)
Smiles, DianeM
Posted by: DianeM | February 25, 2010 at 07:11 AM
Susan, It took me a minute to get my jaw off the floor! Your collection is fantastic! I have a small collection of pottery in the same color scheme, and now I know why I like it so much...it is a wonderfully calming color to gaze upon.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | February 25, 2010 at 12:24 PM
'Wow" - True, you may never know which way people mean that exclamation. Funny, but one of the greatest compliments I have ever received is when a few different people have come into my home and said "It looks like an antique store."
I don't think they meant it as a compliment, but I took it that way nonetheless! Ha Ha to them.
Posted by: HeidiAnn | February 25, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Beautiful color! absolutely love each & every piece, especially the mini pieces! Great weather we're having here in CT * rain rain and more rain and then more snow * ugh! Susan, could you change my blog address on your blogroll. I've recently revamped and it's now at www.SentimentallyMe.blogspot.com Thanks so much, and have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Patrice | February 25, 2010 at 05:13 PM
It is a "that is stunningly beautiful" wow. Thanks for showing a vintage with modern life example. Being married to a computer geek makes creating a soothing environment challenging in some areas.
Posted by: Mom Wald | February 25, 2010 at 09:12 PM
It's been fun visiting your blog today. Love the vintage aprons with the your narrative while discovering all their charm as you ironed them. Your collection of blue and green pottery is divine, definitely a good "WOW!" and all my favorite colors.
Posted by: kimberly shaw | March 04, 2010 at 08:42 PM
Hey! Your collection is fabulous! I collect these same colours. I have a lot of fiesta thrown in there too.......
Posted by: martha brown | March 11, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Love your ideas, I have many wonderful old aprons, some handmade by my grandmother. I have never known how to display them in my tiny kitchen, but think hanging a few of them on the wall with clothespins could work. Thank you
Posted by: Colleen Crowley | August 08, 2011 at 05:01 PM