Top Five Vintage Christmas Collectibles

Collecting Vintage Christmas, These Noma Lights at Vintage Val's Shop on Etsy

Collecting vintage Christmas is a joyful hobby that can happen any time of the year, not just for the winter months. Collectors enjoy everything from ugly Christmas sweaters to bottle brush trees.  Ornaments are ways popular and so are tree decorations.  Sometimes, during summer months, at flea markets or rummage sales you will find these sellers will have unmasked their holiday collectibles for sale. 

Vintage Pixie Elf quite collectible, this one for sale at Etsy shop Sweet Pickins STL

You can always ask, "Have any vintage Christmas items" and they may drag them out for you, especially when moving or at estate sales.   In this podcast, we will discuss our top five Christmas collectible items. 

Find out our top five items here: 

Decorating with Avant Garde Podcast and Top Picks from Etsy

In my most recent podcast I talk about Avant Garde, just what it is and how to decorate and do it.  Mixing some color into your life may not be a bad idea.  I've always liked to break the decorating norms and glad to see other people doing it too. I like to discuss Avant Garde in my most recent podcast.  I apologize for the podcasting recording. I hope you learn something new!

hello

 In the meantime, please try these exciting finds on Etsy to Avant Garde up your life. 

Vintage books can really make a table pop. This stack $25 from RetroChalet

 1. Vintage books, in great colors look exciting stacked around your table!  Make a room pop with color and have a great display item. Not to mention a little color goes a long way.  Books can be reused for scrapbooking when done with them!

This hot pink radio is from RetroRadioFarm on Etsy! 

2.  Electronics, vintage style ones like this radio can really stand out on a table.  Notice how it pops on the white background!  RetroRadioFarm on Etsy has tons of radios in stock and this is a great way to add some color to a drab or discolored home!

Rainbow crocheted blanket will be a great addition to any home, find it at HappyInTheNest

3. Vintage afghans, handmade or retro blankets are another way to avant-garde up the home.  Adding color to a room is key by draping them over your favorite sofa or love seat is a great way to add color! AvantGarde up your bedroom!

Chalkware Pig Yellow Vintage would avant garde up the home at TheModWitch

4. Statues and figures can add color to your home.  Using a bright vintage chalkware statue you can make a statement on a table or bookshelf.  Use of color in the home is key when decorating for avant garde look. 

Kchoos offers this great chair, the pink colors would make any room POP!

5.  Kchoos shop offers this great mod chair with pink bubbles, a real victorian style chair has been repurposed with great retro fabric to add some avant garde into your home!  Using this chair or any furniture would be great for avant garde-ing up your life. 

Have a great day and make sure to subscribe to our podcast 

Retro Chalet : Living A Vintage Life (buzzsprout.com)

Archival: Plant Stands Vases Home Decor

Editor Pick:  This plant stand looks great as is, or shabbied up with Annie Sloan paint. Find it, and other plant stands at Archival.etsy.com

Do you collect old planters or vases?  Etsy shop Archival has a huge offering of mid century plant stands and vases. The "Regency" style above was made out of cast metals. I used to see these all the time back in the 70's as a kind...but now finding them is getting much harder.

Round Geometric Plant Stand....Find it here.

Metal Mid Century Modern Plant Stand 

Look at this great mid century modern plant stand, above.  I assume many of the all metal ones were on people's sunporches or porches, and over time instead of being refurbished were thrown out. Now with their "rustic" look they look great in a foyer holding fresh or faux flowers. I would think also, you could repaint if you so choose, but I sort of like the vintage look.  Shipping will be fair, as it's a light item, and who would have thought it would look so great with wicker?

Wicker Plant Stand, Mid Century at Archival.

These wicker plant stands look fabulous in original condition. I have to admit, I used to turn down rattan thinking that it would collect dust. Not so, it's easy to dust and not to mention you can paint it.  If you like that whole "shabby vintage look" I've discovered a great trick  painting with milk paints. I've used Annie Sloan but others work well too. One quick swoop covers the item in most places and gives it a flat vintage look.  Now you can take a second look at wicker, and see that wood, wicker, or bamboo plant stands, planters, baskets or vases may be the way to go.

Visit Archival on Etsy.

Archival has been on Etsy since 2012 located in Nashville, Tennessee.  

Thriftwood Vintage Decor Clothing BoHo Finds

 Brass Box to Hold Rings and Things from Thirftwood Vintage on Etsy

Thiftwood Vintage Etsy shop offers home decor, collectibles, antiques and vintage clothing.  Unique, hippie and one of a kind items are found here.  Shop owner Emily has an eye for the vibrant and the different.  Above, an adorable brass trinket box makes for cute storage of jewelry, priced at $16.  Below, a very that 70's era pillow shows someone's handmade craftiness of years gone by.  For $19 this is sure to please.

This pillow is vibrant and sure must have been a lot of work!  Find it here.

The shop is owned and curated by Emily from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. This is a small beautiful village near the coast which has been dubbed the Seafood Capital of the state.   Emily describes herself as a treasure hunter, who loved to go antiquing with her mom as a young girl.  Below, a 90's style Galaxy dress is still wearable and glam today, priced at only $24 would make a great gift for yourself or someone else.

Glam Vintage Dress $24 at Thriftwood Vintage Size 6 Nab it up here.

Emily explains, "Carefully curated with all things vintage, thrifted and kitschy and deliciously boho, Thriftwood is the place to go when looking for a weirdly cool pair of earrings, a statement piece....., or flowing frock to wear on Friday's date night........."     We would have to agree you can find just about anything here, spoil yourself and look around!  Prices are great in our book and you can find and ship that great gift idea for under $30!

Vintage Colorblock Dress screams Saved By the Bell! Nab it here for $20

Source:  Thriftwood Vintage on Etsy 

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Vintage Metal Modern Decor MeshuMaSH on Etsy

MeshuMaSH   on Etsy has these horseshoes for $28, set of three. 

Metal Antiques and Objects d' Art

Using rustic antiques in your home or pieces of metal to "shine" up a space can change the whole look of it.  MeshuMaSH on Etsy features all kinds of vintage antiques and handmade decor.  You'll find everything from handmade jewelry and Boho clothing, to the rusty and forgotten relics you just don't see every day!

Modern Metal Pewter Floor Vase, $72 here

The floor vase (above) shows just the right amount of shabby to use in a modern home, or a country cottage.  Add some lilies or pussy willows for a dramatic effect, or daisies and wild flowers for a playful cottage look.   Below is one of the rare watering cans that would make neat decor in your garden area or dining room.  You can't find them often in this condition, and this object d' art is priced well, with reasonable EMS shipping, as the shop is from Carmiel, Israel.  Run by Irit Avraham, who lovest to find interesting things at the markets and offers them on Etsy worldwide, with good pricing. 

Antique Metal Watering Can $95 here.

Editors Pick: Watering Can 

The best thing about shopping from another country is the fact you can find unique antiques you won't find here in the states, for instance, (below) enamelware collectors may find that European pieces add a different size and style to their collection!

Soviet Enamelware Bowl $24.00

Connect: 

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Vintage Christmas Gifts Rainbow of Colors

From Etsy shop @VintageJane comes this vintage time teacher rainbow of colors $29

Top Vintage Picks for Christmas!

Have yourself a vintage Merry Christmas! Buying vintage items or antique looking items was never easier with this gift guide! We've decided to show you a rainbow of Vintage Gifts that are on the top of people's lists!

Above: Vintage Toys for Girls and Boys! Adults love having vintage toys around they may have had when they were younger or for a centerpiece in a vintage home.

Red Vintage Clock $30 at Grannysbox

Above - Red: 
Red vintage clock is working mechanical alarm clock from half way across the world, for $30 a good bargain, design by Jantar.

Below - Orange: 
This wonderful book collection by Julie's Store on Etsy makes for a great decor display or focal piece in your home.  Decorate with color and flair!

Orange Book Lot $24.99 from Julies Store on Etsy.

Yellow Bowls for the Kitchen at GrammysGoodys $90

Yellow - Above: 
Yellow can brighten up any kitchen, these yellow Pyrex mixing bowls are hard to find in a complete set for $90. Grammys Goodys has these and a bunch of other great retro kitchen items!

Remember the ugly Christmas sweaters? Now you can look retro tized in this one by Tabors Treasures!

Green - Above:  This crazy ugly green Christmas sweater is just what you need to show your silly side!  Price: $39 size: small medium at Tabors Treasures on Etsy. They have lots of retro ugly sweaters ugly and crazy for your needs! This vintage style bow makes this our favorite out of all the ugly Christmas sweaters we've seen.  Some are politically hilarious and good for the holiday season.


Turquoise- Below:

DeMiCasaCreations makes a lot of products using reclaimed wood, from benches to antique looking artifacts for your home, we love this blue bench!

Ford Reclaimed Bench $399 From DeMiCasaCreations

Purple -Below : 

Nothing says purple like rich deep rubies , this ring from KK Vintage is simply stunning set in Gold and purple stones, this ruby ring below was made in the 40's and is a royal combination of diamonds and rubies. Cost: British Pounds $399 which is about $593.95 USD.

Black - Below:
Nothing says man cave like these retro style decals! Peel and stick muscle cars, antique bikes , trains, planes or motorcycles on your wall and give a new look to a man cave room. Hundreds of designs in stock at Decal Trend on Etsy!

Muscle Car Decal $17.99 at Decal Trend

Have a happy holiday season from all of us at Vintage Chalet!

Old Silhouettes are New Again Elle Yi Artist

Some of the adorable work you'll find in Silhouettes By Elle

What Once Was Forgotten Shall Return

If you have a liking for vintage antiques or collectibles, then surely you've seen an old Silhouette. Originally dating back to the  1700's , this is where artists generally cut a shape out of paper and these were quite fashionable. Often framed against a solid background, it left imagination up to the beholder as to what was originally being depicted. 

Such art has made history such as Goethe 's famous Silhouette facing a grave monument cut out of paper circa 1780.  According to Wikipedia, this was a common practice of artists yet somehow, over time this became a lost trait, until Etsy shop SihouettesbyElle  emerged. Elle Yi, straight from the Croton on the Hudson (New York) is bringing history back using age old traditions and putting them to work. Her shop has gained notice from Etsy in this article here.  

Above, hand cut bridal would work for anyone getting married! Pic: Etsy

SilhouettesbyElle answered a few of our questions.  Her shop is full of custom portraits, pet, wedding and great gift ideas.

It is incredible that Elle is reviving a lost art.  These are custom cut portraits!

Q: Why are you drawn to portraiture? 

A:  Every time people look at my elegant and unique silhouette they will surely smile, as they are flooded with the beautiful memories of their life. This silhouette art is a great way to remember special one or day. Moreover, a stunning keepsake to treasure for years to come, my custom hand cut child’s silhouette is the perfect addition to any home décor for everyday life.

Elle doesn't just do people, she also can do pets. Order a custom pet portrait here.

Q:  What do you find inspiring about creating the likenesses of strangers?
   

Classic and sweet, each of unique hand cut silhouettes is made just “for its own families”. Mostly, I have created the silhouettes of kids ranged from newborn to teens and wedding couples. Whenever I receive the special notes from loving moms and husbands when they are impressed by my silhouette projects. I am confident that my works of art will surely make moms/families/wedding couples smile as they glance upon a beautiful silhouette of a loved one each day.

Before we go, Elle has received notes from customers about her art and how rare it is to find work so wonderful.  In her shop you will find sizes ranging from 4"x 6" custom portraits to oversize (larger than 11"x14") and with a quick convo she will speak to you about accommodating your needs.  

Catch up with Elle: 

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The Look for Less at Country Porch

Vintage Fan Lamp at Country Porch

If you love vintage but can't bring yourself to pay prices for antiques you love, Country Porch has a lot of vintage styled reproduction functional objects for the modern decorator. Get the look for less! Here's a few of our favorites.   Above, a vintage fan lamp that will blend in with any decor. The cost of this look? $97.95.  If you were to have a lamp, and a vintage fan, expect to pay over $300.

Country Quilt at Country Porch

The vintage style throw above looks just like those expensive patchwork quilts.  Note this measures a whopping 50"x60" for $89.95 and is machine washable, unlike those fragile quilts of yesterday that you can expect to pay upwards of $250 for this size.

Vintage Candy Buckets, here at Country Porch.

Adorable Vintage candy pails are a hit at Halloween, but also make an eye-catching display for the modern decorator for any time of the year.  These are a great conversation piece.  Feel great having all three pails for $59.95 (about $20 each) versus paying up to $99 per item for fragile paper mache' antiques online.

See more great vintage styled items here: Vintage on Country Porch

Vintage Carpets Retro Rugs on Etsy

Vintage Carpets like these are found on Etsy, at shop RetroRugs.

Here's a great new design-worthy idea. Making handmade rugs from vintage carpets and textiles. That's what RetroRugs shop on Etsy is doing.   This shop from Greece that finds the best vintage Turkish rugs and textiles, re-washing them for quality standards, and some (like the one above and below ) are hand sewn together for a unique look. 

Vintage Carpet shows the sewn together look making it one of a kind. Found on Etsy, at shop RetroRugs

The shop states that all rugs are handmade and as you can see, designs are stunning.  They separate them by color scheme so you can find something to match your decor. Nothing like having a one of a kind rug made of vintage components!  There are round runners as well, and some way cool designs.

Vintage Rug made from Vintage Carpets on Etsy at Retro Rugs looks like the UK flag!

They even have an inspiration page on their main website, so you can see how nice these rugs look in other people's homes, offices, hotels, or work places.  Imagine yours looking so great with a patchwork rug, just like Susanne's below:

Vintage Carpets, see more inspiration here.

Visit this Etsy Shop Retro Rugs 
Or see more rugs at  www.vintagecarpets.com

2GoodPoniesVintage Antiques and Collectibles

Old Cigar Box, $29 at 2GoodPoniesVintage on Etsy.

Today's featured interview is with Etsy vintage shop "2GoodPoniesVintage" .  They  sell vintage and antique items - home decor, pipes, hats, jewelry, dolls, sewing novelties, Japanese kimonos and more.

Vintage Macrame beads at 2 Good Ponies Vintage on Etsy, only $24.

When did you start collecting and why ? 

I started collecting My Little Ponies when I was 3. I learned from my mother and she is the collection queen! Even after moving all over the world, she still managed to collect loads of stuff. As she is the queen, I am the princess and love to hit the local flea markets on Sunday morning. It is the only time you will find me up early.

Vintage clothing can be found in this shop, too! This "Peacock" suit is simply stunning!

What your favorite vintage items are or what you collect?

I still collect My Little Ponies and have a room full of them. I also restore, transform and sculpt MLP. I collect other things too, like my 1960's dentist chair and medical exam light. I tend to like mid-century kitsch.


Anything currently in your shop with a great story?

Recently I did sell a brass chalice to the property manger for Kevin Bacon's "The Following". It has been exciting watching for it appear on the show!

2GoodPoniesVintage on Etsy minimalist vase $28.

Any particulate items you will hate to see go?

My dad's pipes and ties always make me smile and I hate to part with them. But he wanted to sell them.

Find them on Etsy at 2goodponiesvintage  
Connect on Twitter:twitter.com/2goodponies

Photo Frame Originals on Etsy Personalized Photo Frames

Found: PhotoFrameOriginals

Picture frames, I love using vintage or upcycled frames in my home, but sometimes I feel strange giving them as gifts. Not everyone may appreciate my style of decor.  So, I found a great shop on Etsy, PhotoFrameOriginals who has the best frames set up for the perfect gift idea.  The "I Love to to the Moon and Back" frame is $89. You pick the color of the frame. It's retro-style and would be great for a baby gift to your niece or nephew...something to hand in your child's room....or even to give to your loved one with a special picture of the two of you.

 Adorable Idea  : PhotoFrameOriginals on Etsy

The best thing is the idea of giving something nostalgic to the Father or Mother of the Groom or Father or Mother of the Bride!   They have a lot of double matted professional frames that specialize in this. I think this is a great touch as many people don't remember how emotional of a time this is for the parents of the bride or groom to see their baby all grown up and run off with the new love of their life.....What a great idea to capsulate the moment in time.  The one above is $89 and all are created in a new nostalgic way that even someone with a vintage home can blend them in. 

The owner makes everything herself, they are high quality double matting, and of course, you should support the small business!

See all the different models here at PhotoFrameOriginals!
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Madame Collage Vintage Furniture and Decor : Living Vintage

These outlet covers are collaged with vintage papers, and are only $9 each at MadameCollage.

We talk a lot about vintage items from Etsy here on VintageChalet, and recently I've added the Living Vintage page, which is essentially all the great vintage inspired products for our life! This is including new products, vintage inspired and recycled.  Today I'm featuring the latter, upcycled collage creations from a great seller from Austin, Texas.

Voyage Frame by Madame Collage, $15  on Etsy

We're having a virtual sit down with MadameCollage, a great Etsy artist who makes collaged items to look so wonderful in your home.

Q: Tell us exactly what you do and how you are inspired.  

A:  I revamp old things!  Essentially I make decor and furniture items for the home. One of the lines of my store is French artistry meets Austin originality.  (Wabi-Sabi Creations. 50% Texas, 50% France, 100% original! )  Each handmade functional art piece is completely unique , and a  reflection of "perfectly imperfect" design.

The Steady Woman Trunk in Madame Collage's shop has over 500 pieces of ephemera .

Q:  What brought you to Etsy and what does it mean to you?

A:  To me, Etsy is the best support to promote handmade and artist made products. MadameCollage is all about originality. I glue everything I find, give a new life to boring objects, boxes etc... Each creation is handmade and totally unique. All types of papers are used.

Details of Steady Woman Trunk, old ephemera adorns this creation by Madame Collage

Q: What else should people know about your products? 

A: These items are not mass-produced and show cute imperfections, They are unique and original.Our collages are realized using only the best quality media, always acid and lignin free (pictures, newspaper, book, scrapbook, washi tape...) Each piece is sealed and durable. Making new with old, making different...



Q:  Where can we find you ?

 I am selling through art and craft shows , my Madame Collage Etsy shop or you may visit my  Facebook Page .

Hey, can you guess what this is? 

Go here to Etsy find out.