HOOKED ON AND TRYING TO ORGANIZE VINTAGE COLLECTIONS

Melissa at the Inspired Room is talking about stylish ideas for getting organized. This is a concept that I have only recently begun to consider. Mostly, I am finding that I need to organize my collections. With the Spring season upon us, and therefore, the yard sale season too, it is time to do a bit of purging and a bit of organizing.  As a rule, I will have a big yard sale at our house once a year to let go of some of the items that have not seen the light of day in years. We have boxes of vintage linens and dishware, cookbooks, and household items in the basement. In addition to that, I still have boxes of unsold inventory from when I closed my store. So, next month, when I am sure that it will be warm enough, I will devote one weekend to a yard sale. My best idea for getting organized, is to keep like things, such as a collection of something, together. The rose china was kept in a hutch, but I have since started obsessing over other things, so the china will wind up at the yard sale this year. 
   Julia at Hooked on Houses , has asked what we have been obsessing over (what are you hooked on?). My latest  obsession is still my greatest collection, which is the vintage hammered aluminum. Mostly hand made, from the 1940's, the craftsmen have now passed on, and  for the most part, this is an American craft that I find to be both decorative and useful. It is an art form that has, in my opinion, not been given its due. Showing the pieces together in an  oak hutch, keeps them organized and pleases the eye. It also keeps them handy for when I want to use them. The set with the glass dish is used at Thanksgiving every year for our cranberry relish, and the bamboo cups make great and unique vases.
          Another item that I am "hooked on" is white dishware. Milkglass is a favorite to use in all ways. This compote has a million and one uses as everything looks good in it. Fruit, Shiny Brites at Christmas time, and right now, it is filled with marble Easter eggs. It is a pretty centerpiece for the dining room table. I will be on the hunt for more milk glass this year when the yard sales begin.
          So, I guess I am trying to organize all of my vintage collections which I am still hooked on.
♥, Susan       

Comments

[susan]

Hi.
Well, I thought I'd check out a fellow susan's blog. Love your hammered aluminum collection! i think I want some pieces now (smile). cheers, -susan

[Pat]

I'd love to come to your yard sale! What beautiful things you have!

The hammered aluminum is very unique an since it is handmade it must be valuable.

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

That vintage hammered aluminum is amazing! I can see why you'd be hooked on that. Now I am, too! Thanks for sharing. :-)

[Brenda Kula]

I rarely allow myself to go to a garage sale. I know I will take home stuff I have absolutely no room for. I love collections, but unless it's behind glass, I have to dust it... I love the simplicity of your newest obsession.
Brenda

[teresa]

You have a lovely group of collections, I don't think I've ever seen hammered aluminum before- learned something new today-
Thanks.

[laura @ the shore house]

I am in dire need of ideas for getting organized...stylish or not. :-)

I love your collections...the hammered aluminum collection is pretty impressive! And those fabulous bamboo tumblers...I'd love to stick some white tulips in them!

And...please do not let that yard sale happen without me knowing. :-)

Have a wonderful weekend, Susan!
Laura
xo

[georgiapeachez]

Ahh, that aluminum collection. So awesome, and how cool that it was featured in MEHC! The good ole days!
Man oh man, I would love to come to one of your yardsales!
xo, suzy

[DesignTies]

I really like your aluminium collection, especially the bamboo pieces :-) Interesting that these pieces were made in the 1940s and feature something that's popular 60 years later!!

Kelly @ DesignTies

[Melody]

Oh Susan, We are kindred spirits.
You have some unique Aluminum peices. It's hard to beleive a lot of peices were lost during the war in the 40's. Aluminum was dumped for the war effort. My Grandmother had 2 peices I grew up with. One a lazy susan with glass dish and lid and the other a chafing dish. She said the rest of her peices went to the war drive. I really need to let you see my collection of over 75 peices. I, like you, use them often. I collect only what is usable not just a dust colletor.
Your ceramic collection reminds me of Royal Daulton English Rose pattern..my fav, but can't afford it, so those 1930-40 peices do nicely. Sure wish we lived closer, I'd love to come to your yard sale. Maybe send out a preview post? Just a thought.

[Mrs. Petrie]

Love the aluminum collection!

[KateinNJ]

Milk glass is a huge fave of mine, and my DH is hooked on the hammered aluminum..I'm sorry to say it is mostly stored in a cabinet unseen. :-(

A preview post before your sale
would be awesome! I'd love to see your vintage linens too.