Monday, May 29, 2017

Americana for Memorial Day

It only seems fitting to post a little Americana for Memorial Day. So here's the question...which came first: the turtle or the flag? He he...pardon my silliness, there's just something about folk art and Americana that make me a little giddy.

So for today - three things - yes, a turtle, yes, flags and, just for fun, an fun painted circus wagon, because what could be more American than a circus?? A few finds from my Etsy shop, SophisticatedFlorida.

A folk art painted turtle listed here in my Etsy shop
Vintage folk art turtle child's pull toy in yellow & red old paint with a make do repair to his leg, a fabulously fun and folky piece with great surface and patina, the paint is as good as it gets. I do love a make do repair - it's a reminder that things were precious and worthy of fixing.

5 vintage 48 star flags in a stand, listed here
5 vintage 48 star flags in a metal display stand. A great little vintage piece of Americana and rarely found! Four of the flags still have the original string tying them closed, unused vintage memorabilia. This piece dates to between 1912 and 1959. Arizona became a state in 1912 making it the 48th state; Alaska and Hawaii became numbers 49 and 50 in 1959, so this piece was made in the period between those statehoods.What a fun display for patriotic holidays!


fun and folky handmade circus wagon, found here
What a fun piece this is! Brightly painted wagon that brings to mind a circus or carnival - just add lion! Old paint in green, red and yellow, whimsical and fun. Use it for toys, magazines, plants - so many possibilities!

And perhaps that's exactly the thing that sums up America - full of possibilities. Land of the free, home of the brave, with liberty and justice for all. Peace - marilyn

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Pennsylvania road trip Find of the Week

I got my start antiquing at Pennsylvania flea markets. Perhaps it's only natural that folk art is dear to my heart. I purchased my first folk art piece - an old painted bird house with directional arrow - at the Renningers Extravaganza in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and I'm always happy to go back.

My Etsy shop is filling up with finds from that trip and it's really hard to pick a favorite, but because one is so special, and has its origins in Pennsylvania, it's my choice for Find of the Week. I say "it" but there are three of them heading to the Etsy shop - the pig, the rooster and the combed bird (in the middle). I posted them to Instagram (you are following me there, right?) and folks immediately bought them up - a testament to how terrific they are!


Depression era Mennonite watercolors on ledger paper, circa 1930, found in Lancaster County. Naive, joyful and charming, they are quintessential folk art, a delightful self expression.

Until next week...I won't be going as far as Pennsylvania but there are road trips in my immediate future! - marilyn