Tuesday, May 26, 2009

For Picks and Pins

Momma always said, "Every thing in it's place...and a place for everything." Perhaps it was her upbringing for her way of thinking or just her need to have things tidy and orderly in her home. As a kid I didn't understand it but now I do. Things were different in her days of growing up. There were objects that were made to be need specific and were sooo cute, too!
There is something so special about vintage utilitarian items. Sweet nostalgic pieces that must have been crafted by someone who wore a huge smile on their face as their paintbrush carefully glided over the object that they delicately held in their hand.

I am in love with the Union Jack pieces. Claire, at Vintage Home, sews the prettiest Union Jack pillows (and they are for sale on her website). I was doing the "happy dance" when I found the Union Jack pincushion above at at flea market.

Below is a sweet little piece that is a made in Japan toothpick holder. Oftentimes they will be listed on eBay as a vase, but they are really for putting your toothpicks in. I think it would be perfect as a vase or even to hold Q-Tips.

The little Scottie dog is another toothpick holder. Next to him is a little salt shaker that could also be used to hold old hat pins.
Above, and below, are more vintage toothpick holders. The one on the right was a gift from Miss Jean for babysitting her sweet little Maggie dear last summer.

Ok...he is just tooooo cute!
This precious little girl belonged to my friend, Shirley. It once belonged to her sweet mother, who loved to collect antiques. I just had to have her! Of course, I fell in love with her charming little pincushion basket.

They just don't make things like they used to...........would you agree with me?

~~~~~~~~

Our family is sending a sincere thank you for all of you who either emailed us or left a comment in behalf of Jordan's Memorial Day post. Sending love and gratitude to you as you really touch our hearts with your words and prayers. Thank you so very much! You all are very special and we appreciate the time that you take to share your thoughts, stories and love.





xxoo

36 comments:

Maison Douce said...

What a sweet collection...!!! My favorite is the little girl with the pincushion basket!
Isabel

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

Oh...I love, love, love all your sweet vintage finds! The ones with the stories behind them, are best of course! I love your union jack pillow, my mom's family was all from Great Britain! Your blog is always a bright and fun place to visit!
XOXO
Joni

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Yes, I definitely agree with you!Those tookpick holders are just the sweetest things! Oh No! I'm afraid you may have given me yet ANOTHER collecting bug. Love your new pin cushion. laurie

Omah's Helping Hands said...

What sweet gems you have found. I wish they made things like they used to. I can remember always admiring the cut nic nacs my grandmothers and aunts had collect. Thankfully mom and dad kept some of them. You just don't find them like that any more.
I have an award for you too at my blog. Please come by and pick it up. I love coming here, just wish I could visit more often.

Miss Jean said...

All the pin cushions and toothpick holders are so charming. They bring a smile to your face when you look at them. I often wonder where they were originally sold - what stores and who bought them. What their story is. I love the pin cushion of the little girl with the basket. You have a good eye.

Pat said...

I enjoyed seeing these vintage items. I wish I had more room as I'd collect more of these types of things.

Vivi said...

so beautiful and lovely! regards.Vivi

quiltingnana said...

your post was full of great little items...especially liked the little pillow

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Such sweet little items - especially the Scottie toothpick holder.

Lynn

Kathleen Grace said...

Becky, I have never seen toothpick holders like these! They are so cute and I love your ideas for making them useful:>) Now I will be on the lookout for some of these charming little pieces!

The Raggedy Girl said...

I love the little people and the puppy. They are so cute. The pin cushion is darling and the quality of your photos are excellent.


The Raggedy Girl

Jocelyn said...

Such precious treasures. I love finding vintage things.

You are in my thoughts and prayers every time I read your blog. Wishing you a day filled with God's love and peace.

Jocelyn
http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/

Vee said...

They definitely don't make things the way that they used to...

Such sweet faces you collect all wreathed in grins and pretty cheeks.

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Oooh, you have the sweetest little figurines! I just ooohed and aaaahed all the way through your post!
I was thinking of you and your Jordy on Memorial Day--God Bless.
Smiles, Karen

Amy said...

You are absolutely right Becky...they do not make things like they used to. I'm glad you have so many treasures.

Decor To Adore said...

Very cute treasures.

I thought of your son when my favorite cub scout got up at 5:30am on Saturday to place flags at the local cemetary.

I thank him for his gift of service.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

They are all so precious and exactly what I'm on the look out for right now! I am what not crazy! I wonder why! heehee!

Skoots1moM said...

i have an old japanese spoon rest that is a tulip that would go wonderfully with your little dutch boy toothpick holder...i can imagine their sitting together watching over the kitchen
:)

the wild raspberry said...

cutsie cute!
i too live by that motto....and i have all my nooks and crannies full
:)
have a wonderful day.
chas

Duke said...

What cute collectibles you have! Our mom ADORES antiques too!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Rhondi said...

You're right. They just don't make things like they used to. Your vintage treasures are precious!

Mimi Sue said...

I love the sweetness and colors of vintage things. They are cute and useful too. Yours are adorable. Love the colors that they used. Mimi

Ashlee said...

love the little union jack pincushion...

such a sweet little collection.

Susie Q said...

Your collection is so precious! They all must give you a smile each time you see them!
I adore that little Union Jack cuchion! I thnk a trip over to Vintage Home is in the offing! : )

Love to you Becky,
Sue

Robin Lambright said...

In my younger days I used to love to go to flea markets and yard sales (before children) i would get so excited when I would come across an interesting nic-nac and most times would always wonder what purpose it used to serve.

loved all the little interesting things!!!!

Blessings
Robin

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Just wanted to let you know, I'm glad you found the other award, but there are two more that I had tried posted earlier but did not work and finally got them posted today.
Oh, and I finally went to the bottom and listed to some of your music choices. What great picks. Some I had never heard of before.

Lallee said...

I love this collection. I love the colors and patina on these vintage pieces. I have one Scottie toothpick holder and it is a favorite treasure. The little boy sitting down is most adorable.

Elyse said...

hi becky,

what a cute collection. very sweet and cheerful.

xo

Dena said...

Hi Becky,

Just stopping in to see how you are doing. I'm so behind on my visiting these days. Sending you hugs.


Dena

bv said...

becky, i have been thinking of you and your family this last week end, but, also all spring. your photos were wonderful, i had a hard time-tears- with the one of your back. the flags always do me in. always sending you good and positive thoughts.....barbara v
this comment is for monday...been gone.

Sonia said...

Hello Becky,
Thank you so much for visiting me. I have been by your blog before and I love it. I just have to keep on following you. I love your collection of vintage finds and the pin cushion too.
Sonia

Unknown said...

I soooo agree. They don't make things the way they used to. I love these little figurines too. Sweet!

~Liz

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I mentioned you on my blog today! Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

I love all your sweet collection. Thanks for sharing.

I did think of you and your family on Memorial Day. Your post was wonderful. The pictures were awesome. Even though I don't personally know you I do keep you in my thoughts and prayers often. I have a friend who lost her son last July....so it is easy to think of you when I think of her. :-)

Have a wonderful week-end. Love, Debbi

Unknown said...

Such sweet little finds. Love the union jack pincushion. I've been wanting to get a union jack pillow made myself...

Busy Little Quilter said...

I love the toothpick holders. I remember my Aunt having some when I was a little girl.

I especially love the one with the pincushion!