Appreciation for the needle arts

February 1, 2016, 2:14 pm

It's always amazing to see the vast variety of hand sewn, embroidered and knit creations that are out there. Naturally, I'm sentimental about rescuing pieces that represent distant eras. For instance, it's hard for me to pass up even the smallest scraps of crazy quilt such as the one shown below. Surely there are crafters and artisans who are eager to use the patchwork to repair a blanket or create something new. It's deeply satisfying when my compulsion to rescue results in a connection down the road. Look for completed and uncompleted needlework in our Crafts & Hobbies, Needlepoint & Embroidery, and Lovely Linens categories on eBay.

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Angels on high

February 3, 2016, 8:30 am

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≪ Previous: Appreciation for the needle arts

There's something about angels! I'm always inclined to rescue winged things when I see them because there are so many collectors interested in these fascinating celestial beings. We've recently encountered gorgeous hand painted bisque porcelain cherub ornaments from Italy and meticulously hand-worked wool needlepoint angel pillows.

Check out our Pinterest board appropriately called Angels, Cherubs & Seraphim, which includes a collection of related items from our store and other vendors. By the way, we'd love to have you follow us on Pinterest, where we pin under the name Cool Vintage Finds.

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Inspired by feedback

February 9, 2016, 9:03 am

≫ Next: A lovely load of DeGrazia Goebel figures

≪ Previous: Angels on high

To outsiders, selling online may seem like an impersonal experience. On the contrary! We exchange email with window shoppers and buyers all the time. We also communicate with customers who may have a question or comment about a recent purchase or want to combine shipping on multiple purchases. We've had a few requests from people asking us to watch for a special vintage item. Occasionally something has been damaged in the mail, and even more rare, someone is disappointed or simply would like to take advantage of our 30-day return policy. In all of these scenarios, we exchange one to several emails that make many of our Cool Vintage Finds eBay transactions as "personal" as—or even more than—the checkout line at a busy retail store.

The eBay feedback forum is a great way to hear from our customers and for visitors to our store to gain confidence in us as eBay sellers. Not everyone takes the time to leave feedback, but we really appreciate hearing from buyers to gauge how we're doing and find ways to do even better. Reading positive comments is inspiring and reinforces the value of what we do and the things we make available. Comments are refreshed as they come in, and eBay keeps track of positive, neutral and negative comments.. See what people have said about their recent experiences as Cool Vintage Finds Store customers.

Your feedback is encouraging in a world that is easily distracted by the newest and shiniest objects. Keep it coming!

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A lovely load of DeGrazia Goebel figures

February 22, 2016, 9:23 am

≫ Next: Who wears vintage clothes?

≪ Previous: Inspired by feedback

A few months ago, your scouts at Cool Vintage Finds came upon an estate sale of an avid DeGrazia collector. We were able to acquire a number of wonderful DeGrazia Goebel pieces that we are gradually adding to our store inventory. If you're not a collector already yourself, you probably have encountered the artist's work somewhere before. So who is responsible for these colorful and highly collectible ceramic figurines and ornaments? Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia (June 14, 1909 – September 17, 1982) was a multi-talented American-born artist whose Native American-themed paintings and ceramics are beloved around the world. Born in Arizona (when it was still just a territory), DeGrazia was influenced by the landscape and the native people in the Southwest. He traveled to Mexico and trained for a time under Diego Rivera, another important artist of that time. In the 1960s, DeGrazia moved to a property outside of Tuscon where he could focus on his ceramic art. "The Gallery in the Sun" is still in operation today and showcases the artist's prolific and diverse body of work.

The figurines and ornaments we have for sale are from the DeGrazia Goebel collection, resulting from the artist's estate partnership with the famous German maker of Hummel figurines. See which treasures we have available in the DeGrazia Goebel section of our store. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Who wears vintage clothes?

March 8, 2016, 10:22 am

≫ Next: Six Reasons to Buy Vintage, Used or Second-Hand Goods

≪ Previous: A lovely load of DeGrazia Goebel figures

There’s a vintage crowd in every decade. I was a lone wolf among my peers when I started wearing old beaded sweaters in junior high school in the mid-seventies. I had a decent collection of vintage hats at the time too. Though my wardrobe choices have changed over the years, I’ve never lost my appreciation for vintage swag.

Vintage style from the pages of Vogue magazine, circa 1940s. .

It’s interesting to consider what’s behind the decision to wear vintage clothing. What motivates you to search for an a-line skirt when pencils are all the rage? Or to rock a vintage bowling shirt with someone else’s name embroidered on the pocket?

Here are my thoughts about who embraces vintage style. Can you relate?

You’re an individualist. You don’t need to look like everyone else. In fact, you like assembling one-of-a-kind looks. You enjoy the fashion of another era, regardless of the current fashion trends.

You’re nostalgic. You long for the days when clothes were made with natural fabrics and had a classic formality—pleated, cuffed pants, collars with stays, lined dresses, longer hemlines and blouses with darts. And even though you’re not a stickler for rules, you’re tickled by the notion that, once upon a time, no one would dream of leaving the house without a hat on their head.

Holy hats, batman, there's one for every head!

You like quality. Vintage fashion can stand the test of time because so many early clothing items were made using the highest quality materials. The Made in USA label is coveted for the quality it represents.

You believe in reincarnation. In your world, clothes are not just inanimate objects. They have a soul and represent a piece of our collective history. In your wardrobe, they get a new life until they are passed on to the next closet.

You have a sensible side. After all, why pay full price when gently pre-owned and aged to perfection will do? In today's world, unless you’re buying couture (and that's hardly sensible if you need to stick to a budget), it can be hard to find well-crafted clothing.

What inspires your vintage style? Please share, then check out the fashion sections in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay. The gender labels provide a general guide to what's inside. Visit Clothes for Her, Belts, Shoes & More for Her, Clothes for Him, Belts, Shoes & More for Him, Primo Handbags & Purses and our Denim Corner. You'll find more recent items mixed in with our vintage selection, just to keep things fresh and unexpected.

Yes, that's me, back in the day. Photo credit: Carolyn Reser.

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Six Reasons to Buy Vintage, Used or Second-Hand Goods

March 25, 2016, 7:55 pm

≫ Next: 10 terrific Mother's Day gifts (that will remind Mom why you're her favorite)

≪ Previous: Who wears vintage clothes?

Fabulous vintage style maven, thanks to the Hannah Morgan Kelly Tumbler page.

1. Be unique.

You can set yourself apart from the crowd by looking back in time to reclaim and celebrate fashion, home decor and collectibles of all kinds. If you decide to wear vintage, you're not likely to have a cookie-cutter look. You will demonstrate your independence and flair. When you fill your home with vintage treasures, visitors will ooh and aah as they walk down memory lane. You can mix and match centuries while creating a look that's uniquely yours.

2. Get hand-crafted quality.

Label from a pair of deadstock vintage union-made Crown overalls.

The term "vintage" covers a lot of ground, but it can often mean higher quality.

For instance, back in the day, American manufacturers produced high quality merchandise that was sought around the world. Industrialization meant automated production for many items that were once lovingly made by hand of only the finest materials.

Mass production has diluted quality, as has off-shore manufacturing that takes advantage of cheap labor and materials.

There's something reassuring about a tag that tells you a human being took care to see that your merchandise was well made.

3. Decrease landfills.

Seriously, folks, we have all that we need in this world already. All you have to do is find it! Whether you're looking for something chic to wear or amazing to dress up your home, it already exists. When you purchase goods that have been around the block but have life left in them, you are preventing that item from potentially going into a landfill. Buying used items is the ultimate form of recycling.

4. Claim a piece of history.

When you purchase something that has lived for a while, you know it has a story to tell. It's rewarding to breathe new life into an object that another person no longer has a use for. You are connected in some way to another place and time. There's a certain honor and dignity in redeeming an item that might otherwise be cast off.

Ladies doing their holiday shopping, circa 1910-15.

5. Support a small business.

Most of us who ply the trade of reselling are small business owners, so your dollars go to support mom and pop shops rather than corporate execs in their corner offices. If you like to contribute to our thriving entrepreneurial society versus the Walmartification of America, then by all means buy vintage. You can find curated treasures from sellers like us online, via our own websites or selling platforms such as eBay and Etsy as well as in brick-and-mortar stores, flea markets, pop-up shops and more.

6. Enjoy the journey.

via GIPHY

Buying vintage is more of an adventure than buying vanilla, brand-spanking new, everybody-has-one stuff from Walmart, Target or whichever retailer people buy from in today's over-merchandized world.

You may need to do more searching or digging to find exactly what you need, but that's part of the fun.

If you make up your mind to buy vintage, you will find the benefits are so plentiful, that your cup will runneth over. And over. And over again.

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10 terrific Mother's Day gifts (that will remind Mom why you're her favorite)

April 11, 2016, 12:39 pm

≫ Next: Brushes with fame, far and wide

≪ Previous: Six Reasons to Buy Vintage, Used or Second-Hand Goods

Mother’s Day is almost here! There’s no excuse not to remember dear old Mom on her special day. First of all, you're being reminded now. Secondly, it's the second Sunday of May every year. But don't sweat it, we've done the shopping for you.—and you don't have to venture inside a mall to tick this task off your to-do list. Here are 10 gifts any mom would love, along with reasons why they made it on our list. (We recommend giving one to your mom, of course.)

1. Carnival glass deviled egg plate

Why? Because your mom deserves to showcase her world's best deviled eggs in style.

2. Madeira linens

Whether for bridge night or a lady's luncheon, help her be the hostess with the mostest.

3. Needlepoint project

She's crafty and always ready for a new project.

4. Tea infusion mug

Who doesn't love a good cup of tea? Throw in a collectible tea towel for extra brownie points.

5. Jeweled owl trinket box

A nod to all the wisdom she's imparted to her progeny.

6. Gorham Christmas ornaments

After all, she spoiled you year after year on her favorite holiday.

7. Dog figurine

Duh. She loves dogs.

8. Belleek vase

She'll need something to hold the fresh flowers you plan to bring her.

9. Gardening clogs

Speaking of flowers, she loves to garden (and Winnie-the-Pooh too). Help her out.

10. Shelf cherub

Because she loves angels almost as much as she loves you.

Have something else in mind for Mom? We might have it. Head over to Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay to shop away.

Friendly Reminder: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8 in 2016.

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Brushes with fame, far and wide

May 14, 2016, 5:20 pm

≫ Next: 10 best Father's Day gift ideas

≪ Previous: 10 terrific Mother's Day gifts (that will remind Mom why you're her favorite)

With our Cool Vintages Finds Store on eBay, we help people discover treasures that might otherwise be lost. It's a blast to help shoppers from around the globe find what they're looking for. Here are three unusual "connections" we've made in the past few months:

1. Providing the soon-to-open Brainxcape—THE Escape Room Game in NYC—with two vintage teddy bears that will be used as props. Check out what's planned and book your stay!

2. Selling a sweet pair of vintage heels to a famous design house in NYC for design inspiration.

3. Shipping a large lot of vintage eyeglasses to a prop stylist in Hollywood.

It's a special kick to learn that our merchandise will play a part in an exciting new entertainment experience in the Big Apple, may influence tomorrow's shoe styles and might even appear in a major motion picture.

How cool is that?

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10 best Father's Day gift ideas

May 23, 2016, 8:25 am

≫ Next: Here, there, flowers everywhere

≪ Previous: Brushes with fame, far and wide

Dad deserves some recognition for being a swell guy. This year, Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 19. Shop now so you're prepared to give dad his due as the number one dude in your family.

1. Comfortable kicks

Consider treating dad's feet to footwear he'll thank you for.

2. Favorite toy

Find the missing piece for his collection, whatever that may be.

3. Wood carving set

Perfect for the dad who likes to keep his hands busy.

4. Stylin' shirt

Give his wardrobe a little help (so you're not embarrassed to be seen out with him).

5. Vintage beer stein

So Dad can tip one back in style.

6. Dog decor

He'll love the reminder of his best friend.

7. Old Mr. Boston

He'll appreciate a copy of the classic mixed drink guide.

8. Vintage bowling attire

A fun throwback to a popular American pastime.

9. Manly mug

A great gift when Dad likes his coffee black, with a side of tractor lore.

10. Man cave art

Get something for dad's walls—sports-themed or otherwise.

Friendly reminder: Father's Day is Sunday, June 19 in 2016.

Looking for more ideas? Find the perfect gift (and something for yourself as well) at the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

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Here, there, flowers everywhere

June 12, 2016, 8:03 am

≫ Next: Christmas in July—And All Year Long!

≪ Previous: 10 best Father's Day gift ideas

French country and shabby cottage aesthetics are all about flowers. Fortunately you can get your floral fix and achieve the look you're going for in a fantastic multitude of ways.

Lie down on a bed of flowers.

Ralph Lauren linens lead the pack with fabulous floral patterns in bedding.

Carry a bouquet with you.

Choose a canvas purse with a flowery pattern.

Give in to your flower hang-ups.

Get a dose of flower power when you open your closet with flowery padded clothes hangers.

Pick a bunch of flower pillows.

Add a splash of flowers to the room with a decorative floral throw pillow.

Drape yourself in flowers.

Once again, Ralph Lauren offers exquisite floral designs in skirts, blouses and dresses.

Stop and smell the flowers.

Like what you see? Go on a floral treasure hunt at our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay for vintage and more recent desirable items of clothing and home decor.

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Christmas in July—And All Year Long!

July 17, 2016, 8:16 am

≫ Next: Vintage finds for the dog-days of summer

≪ Previous: Here, there, flowers everywhere

It may be 85 degrees and sunny where you are right now, but if you're a true fan of Christmas decor, you're already thinking about how you'll deck your halls for the upcoming holiday season. Vintage Xmas decorations are always charming and nostalgic, connecting us to ghosts of Christmas past and creating memories for generations to come. Here are some favorite vintage finds to enhance your collection of holiday home finery.

Ceramic Christmas trees

Ceramic Xmas tree - Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

Rare white ceramic Christmas tree with bird candle holders

There's been a recent resurgence in the popularity of ceramic Christmas trees. By Atlantic Mold Co. and other makers, these trees are typically fitted with small colorful lights. Less common, you may find a tree that's lit with candles like the one shown above.

Vintage Christmas stockings

Vintage stocking - Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

Hand knit and personalized vintage Christmas stocking

Whether hand knit or made of felt and sequins, vintage Christmas stockings are fun and festive holiday decorations. Some of the oldies but goodies are personalized, which adds a little kitsch (unless you're fortunate to find one with your own name). No worries—often you can remove or cover stitches or print to make it your own.

Vintage Christmas candles

Sculpted "Partridge in a Pear Tree" candle

Carved and figural candles with Christmas themes are highly collectible. Mark each year with the annual Christmas candle issued by popular makers. Santa, snowmen and tree candles from the 70s are fun finds. Christmas candles of all kinds make great gifts.

Vintage Christmas tree skirt

Latch hook tree skirt - Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

Latch hook Christmas tree skirt from the 70s - 80s.

Christmas tree skirts come in all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for something vintage, keep your eyes peeled for hand knit, felt and sequins, needlepoint and other hand crafted masterpieces.

Christmas tablewares

Whimsical Santa Christmas glasses for your table

Spread good cheer with a table set with your favorite holiday-themed glasses, dishes and table linens.

Vintage Christmas ornaments

Needlepoint ornament - Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

Needlepoint house ornament - Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

Vintage Christmas ornaments are easy and addicting to collect. Look for mercury glass, needlepoint, wood (real and faux carved) and even resin renditions to add nostalgia and charm to your holidays at home. Vintage ornaments are also an attractive (and useful) way to spruce up your gifts; simply wrap your ribbons around gently used ornaments to add flair to your packages.

This short list offers just the tip of the iceberg—there are oodles of Christmas collectibles for connoisseurs of all things vintage. What's your favorite vintage holiday decor? Show and tell in the comments below!

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Vintage finds for the dog-days of summer

August 14, 2016, 8:44 am

≫ Next: Follow Cool Vintage Finds (aka 'coolvtgfinds') on Pinterest!

≪ Previous: Christmas in July—And All Year Long!

Calling all dog owners: Stay cool in the heat and humidity of August with some indoor and online shopping for canine-themed collectibles.

1. Winsome vintage framed white poodle needlepoint

Someone put their time and talent into creating this kitschy cute needlepoint rendering of a fine white poodle. This handmade treasure could be yours.

2. Little Paws key ring Bulldog breed

Carry your favorite breed with you in the form of a key chain (or bag charm).

3. Sweet golden retriever resin figure

Decorate your home or office with a lifelike likeness of your best friend.

4. Dachsund stuffed animal

This stuffed puppy is sweet and huggable, just like the real thing but with no shedding.

5. Two-sided dog dish

You can never have enough doggie dishes.

6. Hunting dog setter book ends

Keep your books standing up straight on a shelf with these remarkably handsome vintage canine bookends.

More to love, for the love of animals.

There's something for every animal lover in the For the Love of Animals category in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

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Follow Cool Vintage Finds (aka 'coolvtgfinds') on Pinterest!

October 5, 2016, 3:09 pm

≫ Next: Spotlight on Vintage Valentines

≪ Previous: Vintage finds for the dog-days of summer

If you enjoy pinning or simply browsing the amazing menagerie of images on Pinterest, you're in for a special treat. Cool Vintage Finds has more than 62 boards filled with more than 1,300 images for your viewing and sharing pleasure! Topics are diverse and feature items from our store as well as many other purveyors of vintage and other fascinating things. Follow us on Pinterest, where our name is abbreviated to "coolvtgfinds."

Scroll on for a small sample of our boards, which are ever changing and growing.

Feast on images of Irish china

Look at all the different dolls

Enjoy Asian artistry in all shapes and forms

Poke around to your heart's content

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Spotlight on Vintage Valentines

January 22, 2017, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Hats off to feedback

≪ Previous: Follow Cool Vintage Finds (aka 'coolvtgfinds') on Pinterest!

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This German Valentine is wonderfully illustrated with dancing die-cut children on top of a large honeycomb.

Valentine's Day is a special day set aside to shower a beloved with gifts and proclamations of love. Greeting cards are the most common way for a secret or open admirer to express affection on February 14, the date assigned to Valentine's Day. Mass production of intricate greeting cards started in earnest in the 1840s when an artistic woman named Esther A. Howland crafted cards from scraps of ribbon, lace and images (History.com). Valentine’s Day cards from earlier times are popular collectibles. Like other ephemera, Valentines reflect the social sensibilities and design aesthetic of their respective age. Take a closer look at what makes Valentines from yesteryear especially desirable.

Die cuts and paper lace

Simple and complex die cuts add interest to Valentine cards. Common figural cards showcase die-cut cupids, hearts and cherubic faced children. To imitate the earliest handmade Valentines that used real lace, inventive printers created intricate die-cuts. Printed images of lace offered a less expensive alternative.

Raised embossed flowers, paper lace and a die-cut window add to the beauty of this circa 1920s Valentine.

The intricacy of the die cut lace and embossing is even more noticeable inside the cover.

Embossed

Raised lettering and design elements add dimension and desirability to Valentine's cards. Embossed elements may also be enhanced with touches of gold.

Mechanical and honeycomb

Mechanical cards feature pull-out and/or pull-down mechanisms that allow the card to expand. They also may include levers that enable motion to enhance the message. Stiff re-positionable strips of cardboard help the card stand independently for display. Tissue-paper honeycombs add dimension in a very desirable albeit delicate way.

This Valentine card is embossed and die cut.

Vintage mechanical cards typically have card stock levers (push or pull mechanisms) for motion or that allow the card to stand on its own.

Valentine verse

Old Valentine’s Day cards include all manner of expressions of love, admiration and desire—from sweet to fierce, exuberant to melancholic, innocent to perverse. If you have a slightly twisted sense of humor, you might enjoy BuzzFeed’s collection of Weird And Creepy Vintage Valentine’s Day Cards.

Vintage Valentines deliver timeless messages of love.

Flowery language, illustrations and lettering can be found in many vintage Valentine cards.

Why not give your loved one a vintage Valentine this year? In 2017, the holiday falls on Tuesday, February 14.

Find vintage Valentine’s Day cards in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

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Hats off to feedback

February 23, 2017, 1:30 am

≫ Next: Every picture tells a story

≪ Previous: Spotlight on Vintage Valentines

Like many online businesses, eBay encourages buyers and sellers to provide feedback. A glowing review is not only insightful for potential customers, it's also meaningful to us as sellers.

Many discoveries are just the ticket.

Our primary mission is to connect buyers to longed-for and often hard-to-find merchandise. We love it when buyers are so thrilled with their find that they share what their purchase means to them.

It's our hope that all of our stores' visitors find something they want, need, crave or desire.

Collectors love a successful find.

One less gem relegated to the landfill. One more treasure finds a loving home.

Some stories are heartwarming.

One customer revealed how happy she was to encounter a particularly care-worn stuffed teddy bear that we rescued from the tail end of an estate sale. She explained in a message that her beloved teddy of the same make and style had been tossed by a zealous family member while she was confined to a hospital bed. Now that she was home, she longed for the childhood treasure that continued to provide comfort to her in her old age. Her words of thanks and many blessing made our day!

Happy to rise to a challenge.

This buyer needed something from our store on a tight turn, for an upcoming fashion photography shoot. We were honored to learn our cool vintage find exceeded their expectations.

It's fun to get (and give) an out-of-the-ordinary thumbs up.

Gotta love the thought and effort that goes into a glowing review like the one below.

.Then there's the cool factor.

Naturally we get an extra kick out of living up to our name.

It's all about sharing the love.

It never gets dull to hear from a "stoked" buyer.

Kind and honest words are a powerful motivator for us. Keep 'em coming!

View our complete feedback history at our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay

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Every picture tells a story

March 7, 2017, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: SOLD on eBay ... treasures that have come and gone

≪ Previous: Hats off to feedback

I have a soft spot for old photographs. On our treasure hunting forays, I always stop to inspect the faded photo album or the cardboard box stuffed with negatives. I don't claim to be an expert on photography over the ages, but I do consider myself a fan of the medium. Whether tintypes, cabinet cards or kodachrome prints—formal portraits, casual snapshots or carefully crafted compositions—photographs offer a window into history that narratives simply can't.

Here are some reasons why I rescue and resell photographs in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

A glimpse of people in the past

Perpetually curious about people and places over time, I'm drawn to images that show a slice of life from an earlier era. Armchair anthropologists like myself actually enjoy looking at vintage photographs. Hair and clothing styles are telltale signs of the decade. It's the subject matter that counts. How people are posed—where and with whom—can also speak volumes. Collectors are especially avid about old photographs of famous people, military personnel, people in trades (and quirky fields such as the circus or burlesque), ethnic groups and amusing family gatherings.

For the love of planes, trains and automobiles

Photographs that capture earlier modes of transportation are always a hit with collectors in that category. We recently purchased and have been selling a raft of locomotive ephemera that includes old railroad timetables, internal memos as well as photographs from the Minnesota Rail Fan's Association. While they may appeal to a small group, these items are increasingly hard to find in good condition.

Discover art in the composition

Anyone can snap a photograph, but not everyone can create a work of art in doing so. I'm inclined to save photographs that use creative composition to capture the beauty, diversity, joy and sorrow of life around the world.

Let me know in the comments section if you too are passionate about old photographs and what you look for as a buyer and/or collector.

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SOLD on eBay ... treasures that have come and gone

April 7, 2017, 8:18 am

≫ Next: Best gifts for Father's Day 2017

≪ Previous: Every picture tells a story

If there's one thing you can say about our eBay business, it's that no two days are ever the same. Our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay offers an eclectic variety of merchandise. The store attracts serious collectors, window shoppers, costumers, staging professionals, crafters and even resellers looking for that special something. We're getting better at rescuing gold when we're out and about. Here's a short list of items that customers have been eager to buy.

This vintage Italian straw hat was bought, listed and sold the same day.

Someone wanted this hat.

My partner in crime recognized the value of the well-constructed straw hat shown above, and sure enough, it sold to a buyer in Korea within hours of being listed on our eBay site. What makes this hat special? Quality (the straw was super sturdy); origin (made in Italy); age (over 50 years old); condition (flawless) and style (self-evident).

This vase sold quickly at auction.

Chinese pottery is very popular.

I'm drawn to stunning works of art with Asian origins. Fortunately, many of our customers also appreciate our finds in this area. The buyer of this Chinese Satsuma vase asked us to be on the lookout for other pieces featuring this beautiful "1000 flowers" or millefleurs pattern.

Mid Century has a big fan base.

Retro towels, table cloths, bed linens and interior decor are hot right now. Mod floral and atomic patterns are often scooped up as fast as we can list them. Judging by sales, buyers also appreciate no-iron percale sheets (popular in the 60s and 70s) more than ever. Made in the USA and union made—two labels that are harder to come by in newer merchandise—tend to increase desirability.

Toile patterns depict bucolic pastoral scenes.

Classic patterns continue to please.

Toile patterns are consistently good performers, so we like to score it for our store. Pillows, throw blankets, comforters and table linens often feature this pattern in blue on white or off white. More rarely we've found it in yellow on white and also red on white. Variations on this theme complement French Country (sometimes dubbed "romantic" or "shabby cottage") as well as American Colonial decor.

What are you looking for?

Send us your suggestions for our future shopping excursions. We may just find exactly what you've been looking for.

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Best gifts for Father's Day 2017

May 30, 2017, 12:50 pm

≫ Next: My Favorite Things, Part I

≪ Previous: SOLD on eBay ... treasures that have come and gone

Maybe dad would like a memento from his alma mater or favorite team.

Act now to line up a gift for your favorite dad this Father's Day. The special day set aside for the top pop in your life always falls on the third Sunday in June, which means in 2017 we celebrate on SUNDAY, JUNE 18. There's still time to get a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift for your dad. Here are some ideas to help you nail it this year.

Find his favorite fragrance.

Do you have fond memories of dad's cologne wafting in your nose when he crushed you in a bear hug as a young cub? Recreate the moment with a gift of the stuff from back in the day.

Track down that manly scent.

Present him with a boss shirt.

Everybody's wardrobe needs a fresh infusion now and then. Find something for dad to wear that captures his personality. (Your thoughtfulness will be extra appreciated if he's the kind of guy who hates to shop.)

This shirt is a showstopper.

Outdoor dudes will dig this classic look.

Add to his collection.

Is your dad a collector of some kind? Zone in on what he's passionate about and find a piece that will complement his collection. If you don't have time or are worried you won't make the right choice, consider purchasing an eBay gift card. The gift is doubly good for collectors who believe the hunt is half the fun!

Does a choo-choo get him going?

Is your dad a cast-iron kind of guy?

Score a conversation piece.

You dad will love having something you picked out especially for him in the spaces where he spends his time.

Consider a fierce foo dog to help dad decorate his office or man cave.

Give a nod to your dad's appreciation for art.

Do Dad's Day in a big way this year and let him know he's special.

Ask not what your dad can do for you . Ask what you can do for your dear old dad! Finding something meaningful and useful that's also gently used is a great way to honor dad and the planet.

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My Favorite Things, Part I

June 14, 2017, 4:47 pm

≫ Next: Halloween Collectible Brands

≪ Previous: Best gifts for Father's Day 2017

While out at estate sales, I come across all sorts of fascinating and desirable objects. Like Oprah, I have a few "favorite things." Here's a short list of discoveries I rarely pass up.

via GIPHY

Styles that take me back ...

... to the sixties. I was just a squirt back then, but the current obsession with the Mid Century aesthetic has reawakened my fondness for preserving the fashion, decor, toys and trinkets that dominated the decade.

J J Jonette made sweet pin sets like this.

Flower power really was a thing.

Asian artifacts

From foo dogs to ginger jars, silk kimonos to gofun dolls—I'm partial to the rich symbolism and artistry exported from Asia.

Foo dogs are fierce and fantastic.

I love the detail in this Asian Empress doll.

This beautiful embroidered jacket is smokin' hot.

Quirky and random stuff

Some of the things that turn my head defy description. I know it when I see it, and then it's up for grabs to the next quirky collector who happens on our store.

Now that is one cool cat.

Somebody will have fun owning vintage Northwest Airlines dishes.

I like small things like these intricate Mexican hatching egg sculptures.

What do you like?

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Halloween Collectible Brands

September 1, 2017, 9:34 am

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Halloween is a popular holiday that generates all kinds of items that appeal to collectors. Here are some reliable brands for sought-after spooky, quirky and fun Halloween decorations.

Beistle

Martin Luther Beistle started his paper goods company in 1900. His alliance with the Paper Novelty Company in the 1920s produced the wonderful honeycomb and cardboard cut-out Halloween decorations that are desirable to this day. Authentic vintage Beistle paper goods (those originating decades ago) are in high demand with Halloween collectors year round. Reproductions abound, bringing the company’s classic designs to a wider audience (and making it more difficult to discern the old from the new).

Vintage Beistle and other brand die-cut Halloween decorations are always in demand.

Dept. 56

The same company that excels at producing Christmas collectibles has offered a generous array of collectible ceramic and resin Halloween decor. Snow Village Halloween is the company’s haunted equivalent to their Christmas village line. Still actively producing products, Dept. 56 is known for quality and quantity. Popular retired designs can command a high price.

Dept. 56 has a long history of making desirable seasonal collectibles.

Empire

The Empire Company is well known for its plastic blow mold holiday decorations. For Halloween, Empire makes everything from hand-held plastic buckets to hold children’s candies to outdoor lighted decorations to guide costumed characters to your door.

Empire blow mold pumpkins are fun to collect and display on October 31.

Fitz and Floyd (aka FF or Omnibus)

Since 1960, Fitz and Floyd Fine China has been creating elegant hand painted ceramics for everyday and special occasions. Though their Halloween line is less extensive than their Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter offerings, you can find heirloom quality Halloween pieces for your home.

Fitz and Floyd Halloween-themed tableware and figures are classic collectibles.

Gemmy

Gemmy Industries was founded in 1984 and specializes in all kinds of novelties and animation. The company makes a huge variety of Halloween decorations, from outdoor lights and inflatables to costumes and tabletop décor. Animated Halloween decorations by Gemmy Industries are popular on eBay. Look for shuddering skeletons, talking jack-o-lanterns, howling ghosts, cackling witches and more.

Gemmy makes a wide variety of animated objects for Halloween.

Gurley Novelty Co.

Halloween-themed Gurley candles are popular collectibles today. The company was started by Franklin Gurley, a candlemaker based in Buffalo, New York, in 1923. Very early candles by Gurley were sold under the Tavern brand and are rare finds. In addition to candles shaped like Halloween ghosts, witches and other ghouls, Gurley sold Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter themed candles that are also popular with collectors.

Gurley candles add eerie fun to Halloween displays.

Midwest Importers (aka Midwest, or also Midwest of Cannon Falls)

Based out of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, this prolific producer of decorative collectibles has created many desirable Halloween-themed pieces. The company often features works of artists such as Eddie Walker (now retired) whose holiday-themed figures are still popular with collectors. Walker’s chunky figures are easily recognizable by design. Look for whimsical figures in faux wood carved resin. His work is typically marked with his full name or initials on the back or bottom of the figure.