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| part of my Homer Laughlin Harlequinware collection |
After a week of sharing tacky, tasteless tchotchkes on Instagram, Facebook and here on my blog, I was asked what types of collectibles I found more tasteful. Here are a few of the things you'll find around my house.
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| more Homer Laughlin Harlquinware, a lighter weight version of Fiesta |
My collection of Harlequinware started some time in the mid-1980s, when I received a picnic set from my paternal grandparents' summer home in East Hampton.
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| I was the only one Aunt Elsie liked, apparently...she left me this silver piece |
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| miniature willow ware tea set and white ironstone |
I have a little thing for white ironstone, and willow ware, just the right amount of it, not too much.
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| majolica gurgling fish jugs |
I also have a thing for majolica, although it is something we do not see everyday in the young city of Portland. The luminous colors are a natural in my kitchen.
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| majolica relish dish |
At one time I had a large collection of fish objects, over 100 items all over the house. After a while, the collection had gone way overboard. A little of this, a little of that seemed to work better.
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| collection of Mexican pottery from my grandmother |
Although I did not really collect my grandmother "Oma's" little collection of Mexican pottery, it reminds me of her. Also something to crow about is Ken Pincus pottery here, there and everywhere.
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| handmade pottery bowl by Portland artist Ken Pincus |
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| pottery, wood, copper, a winning combination in my opinion |
Earthy objects, copper, wood, organic handmade pottery, and small paintings are things I like.
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| Maine ocean scene, oil on canvas by Gustave Cimiotti (1875-1969) |
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| oil on board by unknown artist, found in Maine |
In my home, cultural objects are part of the mix. Northwest Coast Native American art is a personal favorite. Living in the region, it's nice to recognize the native culture.
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| carved cedar panel by Ken Humpherville, Tsimshian, Metis, Cree Nation |
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| "Sea Bear Spirit" bentwood cedar chest by Andy Wilbur, Skokomish Nation |
Of course, a house wouldn't be a home without Mom's needlepoint work. She has made many beautiful pillows for me, and I have a few of her needlepoint covered brick doorstops, too.
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| needlepoint pillow with quilt design, from Mom |
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| a second needlepoint pillow with quilt design, from Mom |
Those are some of my favorite things, not to mention quilts, of course. What kinds of tchotchkes do you enjoy? Tasteful? or Tacky?
Those PLATES.... OMG. I love them!
ReplyDeleteWho are you on Insta? Sharing of tacky tchotckes sounds right up my alley!
willywonky
DeleteI have a thing for old wooden bobbins and spindles. Glass candle holders. Quilts, baskets full of yarn, books books books. Vintage kitchenware, A&C style furniture. All accessorized with grey and brown fur provided by the resident felines.
ReplyDeleteThose pillows are beautiful. What a colorful, and amazing collection of treasures you have!
ReplyDeleteWhat a collection! I've been in a long stage of "cheap and functional" with only a few things gifted by my mother in law, but I'm starting to long for some really unique pieces that can tell a story too. Unfortunately my grandparents and parents don't have much cool pieces to hand down to me as I inherited their mindset
ReplyDeleteI collect quilt fabric, tasteful. Also have hundreds of pieces of Fiestaware. Come to think of it, I also have 50 picnic plates. Those are plates from all sorts of places, one of kind, but great chat them up at a large gathering. All items are tasteful.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos of your belongings so need to find your Instagram account immediately:) I collect textiles from around the world so for the most part am tasteful but do love the tacky so a few 50's Dachshund flower vases, lamps made of strange objects and oddities that make us laugh have definitely found their way into the house. My husband drew the line at a taxidermy scene of squirrels playing tennis that I found on Ebay. It was equal parts horrifying and compelling...
ReplyDelete