Vintage Books

Apparently I've been bitten by the vintage book bug.  I was originally inspired by my neighbor's glassfront cupboard that anchors her living room.  She has a classic style, her home is very comfortable to be in. Lots of antiques and beautiful textures.  Everything is very calm and appealing to the eye, neutral colors, nothing competing for attention.
Think about a shelf full of modern bookcovers with bright colors and various competing fonts.  A rainbow of dust jacket colors sometimes tamed by grouping.  What feeling does that create in comparison to a shelf full of vintage books?  Brown, navy, muted red or soft green.  The titles, sometimes barely visible with a slightly gold shimmer.  Even the dust jackets' colors are muted by time and don't scream for attention.
I've picked up quite a few books in the last two weeks (about twice what is pictured below).  I also have gathered a great collection of vintage craft books and nature guides.

If you are a crafter, vintage books are a wonderful resource and great as supply as well.  A few items from Etsy crafters for inspiration:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62508208/love-toasty-brown-edition-vintage?ref=cat2_list_13


From Memory Dust on Etsy

By ShannonKayeDesigns on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69289463/folded-book-art-cascade?ref=sr_list_4&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=folded+paper&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fart

Second hand books are affordable as decor, as reading material, or art supply.  Check the shelves at the antique, consignment, or thrift stores and find some treasures.  P.S. - There are plenty of current titles as well!

I'll be listing vintage books occasionally in my Etsy shop.  I've gotten lucky and even found quite a few first edition copies.

Thrift Share Monday - Feb 28

My camera is giving me trouble so I only have a couple of photos to share with you.  Two weeks ago it was my computer, now the camera. Bye, bye tax refund.
I've had some nice thrifting trips over the last few days, all small things but they bring a little joy nonetheless!

I have loved calligraphy since I was a child and my grandparents bought me a calligraphy set for my birthday.  This has been a fun book to flip through.  About a month ago I bought a book by Mortimer Leach ,Lettering for Advertising.  When I opened the paperback shown above the same owner's name was written on the inside cover!

I am falling in love with vintage books.  I can't understand how anyone reads on a Nook (Knook?) or other device full time.  The feel of a book in your hands is so comforting (sorry, cheesy, I know).  I put this set together from my recent finds from antique markets and thrifting.  I listed it in my Etsy shop on Thursday and it sold on Friday! They've only encouraged me, now I'm prepared to list endless books this week.

This poor platter was in horrible shape when I discovered it.  A little baking soda cleaning has it looking lovely.  It's from Buffalo pottery and has the raised buffalo mark on the back.  I'm researching when the various marks were used in order to date this platter.

This pewter cup was found at an "upscale resale" shop.  I got it for a great price, I suppose because it is already engraved.  Personally, I love silver and pewter that's been engraved.  If you have or are trying to create a collection I think the engraving makes for interesting conversation and makes your collection unique.

Cheers! Happy thrifting...

Cold, Black Heart

Wish I could arrange this just like it looks on the Etsy treasury, here's the link.

One Dark Heart

locallibrary

$34.00 USD

1980's Black Sweet Hea...

FASHIONRERUN

$64.00 USD

Black Lace Heart Buttons

jolucksted

$14.83 USD

 

ON SALE Vintage English Pa...

ArtPhotoGirl

$9.35 USD

ALICE Handspun Yarn /Sheep...

SheepingBeau...

$34.00 USD

Edgar Allen Poe Tell Tale ...

oliviamoon

$12.00 USD

pure Hawaiian black lava s...

twigandleafb...

$5.00 USD

Damascus Shawl Pin

ironsteinfor...

$20.00 USD

Elegant black sweater with...

lyralyra

$70.00 USD

Smoke - ACEO Original

BeaumontStud...

$10.00 USD

Vintage Black Mourning Pin

ejanebaldwin

$60.00 USD

Au Coeur du Livre Wooden B...

papercutwork...

$31.00 USD

Raven Heart Bird Plate

joyelizabeth...

$18.00 USD

TRISTESSE - photograph of ...

RemoteLuxury

$20.00 USD

Heart Tray - Hand Built St...

justmare

$24.00 USD

Shelter Magazine Sunday (Martha)

I had a double dose of Martha Stewart Living this week (I'm feeling rather inadequate as a result). I received the Feb issue on Jan 31 and the January issue on Feb 4. Gee, thanks!  It was pretty disappointing since I thrive on following Martha's calendar to THE LETTER.  hee hee.

My favorite spread was on collecting and it highlighted several designers/artists and their collections.  Artist Lisa Cogdon is pictured with her Mid-century kitchenware collection.

Lisa has an excellent blog which ran in 2010 highlighting her various collections, photographed and drawn. Before you go to A Collection a Day 2010 you should grab a cup of coffee because you'll be there awhile!

Also from February's Martha, a little blurb in the Great Finds section:

The editor is sharing a few neutral paint color choices. Look closely at the photo above. Yep, Dead Salmon. Really? It's by Farrow and Ball so not only does the name of the color make you want to gag but you also have to pay $85 for it! Yuck.