find of the week - folk art love

Here in my Etsy shop I've had some great finds this week, from a Kaj Franck for Arabia mid century cruet from their most popular Kilta line, a fun mod porcelain decanter decorated with owls, to this week's Find of the Week, a folk art carved deer head decorated with actual antlers, with a real touch of whimsy thrown in!

this terrific folk art piece can be found here

Here's what I really love. Most often when you see antlers they are simply mounted on a plaque. It's a look, but it doesn't have anywhere near the appeal as when you throw in a little folk art. First, a carved head. Second, the painted nose with nostrils carefully carved in as well. Third, black faceted eyes - were they buttons? earrings? They're just a fabulous added touch that makes this a one of a kind piece of folk art. Hands down, the find of the week!

Signing off from stormy Florida. Hope your week is a great one! - marilyn

a nautical find of the week

I've found several things recently with which I'm pretty pleased, but when the votes are cast, this antique New England pond boat, or pond yacht as some say, has to be the winner.

antique pond boat available here in my etsy shop

The size alone makes it quite special - 35" tall and 30" wide, and when you add to that the original painted surface, crackled with age, and that it has its original stand, it becomes a true one of a kind piece.

Living in Florida I don't come across good antique rustic pieces that often, but about once a year (twice if I'm lucky) I come across a sale from a former New England resident or antiques dealer. There were a lot of good things at this sale and I grabbed up all I could.

Hope your week is full of pleasant surprises and great adventure - marilyn

find of the week - a weakness for primitive antiques

Some people are glass people or pottery people. If I had to categorize myself, I'd probably have to say I'm a wood person. Give me a good dough bowl any day. Perhaps it comes from my first exposure to antiques being in eastern Pennsylvania where wood and antiques are virtually synonymous.

The picture tells the whole story for me. And even though these pieces were found separately, they speak to one another quite nicely. And they appeal to my sense of simplicity. Iron and wood.

The shovel has its origins in Maine. Carved from one piece of wood, it has two make do iron repairs that give it even more character than it already has.

The bucket on the left is also early New England. You can see that the lip has a curve on it which indicates that it would have been used as a scoop. On the back of the handle are carved the initials T.G. Wow.

The tall bucket is most likely European in origin. Maybe French but also perhaps Eastern European. My instinct tells me it was used for carrying water. With a handle on the top, it has a great look.

Find these in my Etsy shop. Find me on the road! - marilyn

my heart belongs to Paris

I admit to getting a little weak in the knees over all things French. It probably comes from fond memories of traveling to France with my husband, and who doesn't love a country where there's such a variety of public markets every day - antiques markets, flower markets, produce markets, even a bird market. My idea of heaven.

There's lots to see and do, but some of the best "seeing" is people watching while sipping a coffee at one of Paris' cafes or bistros. Maybe that's why I'm particularly fond of French pyrogen (or pyrogene as some say) match strikes. I've found many styles of them but recently found one that may well be my favorite, probably because it's a bit of a mystery and, I think, quite rare.

It reads "Plassard aine Distilleurs Cassis Surfin La Clayette (Saone & Loire)", in green and black lettering

Like many pyrogen, it advertises a liqueur

Pay dirt! an old postcard with our maker (Plassard) advertising Cassis

So from our post card we can determine that the distillery was founded in 1855; the clothing and automobiles date it to the first quarter of the 20th century. La Clayette is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne in eastern France. What a stroke of luck to stumble upon this post card!

A pyrogen match strike striker is exactly what it sound like it is; matches were kept in the top well to be struck against the ridged part of the strike. There are many varieties, all popular with collectors; I snap them up whenever I find them. This one is listed here in my Etsy shop.

I'll also be adding this group of French oak and brass small pitchers which were used for cider, wine or ale. As charming as can be - mais oui! - they are French!!

Coming this week to my Etsy shop

So as we say in French - Au Revoir! Abientot! - marilyn