I once met a woman who told me that she never met a dish that she didn't like. What a way to turn a phrase, but I knew exactly what she was talking about. Some people are born with a collectible mind-set. There isn't necessarily a reason behind the collections that they amass, except usually when it comes to souvenirs. Many households in the 1950's had a rack of spoons hanging in their kitchens. Spoons from each state in the union, from European countries, and even from such exotic places as Australia and New Zealand. Fast forward to the year 2013, and you will find many of the 1950's collectibles packed away in basements to be sold at estate, tag, or yard sales.
Clearly, there are still some people who want to preserve the past. For what reason? I have to imagine it is nostalgia or perhaps a more important need to catalogue our antiquities. So important is this need that we have The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. that is the keeper of just about one of everything there is to be kept.
Collections and creativity seem to go hand in hand as well. Some collections are either very artistic or are displayed in an artistic fashion. I have without question a collectors mind...I have never met a piece of sea glass that I didn't like. I have collected over the years, vintage cookbooks, vintage textiles, early vintage hammered aluminum, heart shaped rocks, and teapots. I have also managed to hone down some of the collections as my tastes matured.
To this end, I have decided to send some of my vintage tablecloths on to other collectors. In my very humble opinion, one of the best routes for this is Etsy. A place to find collectible inspiration in a most artistic and useful way. There is no waiting to see what price will need to be paid for an item you might want, the price is set from the start. I love to surf through the hand made art, especially from sellers who use vintage textiles as their muse.
Most of the tablecloths featured in this post can be found in my Etsy shop right now...and I will be adding more throughout the week. Sometimes you have to make room for something else in your life, and sometimes you just want to hold onto a little piece of the past. Especially if it brings you happiness.
Stop by Etsy when you have a chance. You might not have another chance to see a Mary Quant textile from the 1960's Carnaby Street era!
I've always loved the New England and New Jersey cloths. :D
So perfect.
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | August 21, 2013 at 06:21 PM
How beautiful! I especially love the New England one! It's stunning!
Posted by: Mary W | August 21, 2013 at 10:14 PM