When you think of vintage as an overall category, you probably think of things like wiggle dresses and depression glass and other mass produced goods. You might not think about handmade vintage like pottery, woodcrafting and metalwork, but if you love those things, you should. This week’s fresh to market vintage has pottery and metalwork handmade pieces that would be proud additions to any collection.

Artisan craft fairs started rising in the late 1960s and were at peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, meaning now, decades later, fine crafts are starting to work their way into the vintage marketplace in noticeable volume. Many pieces are by small makers, so even though there may be a signature like on the vase below, it’s nearly impossible to identify that maker now. Larger volume makers who identified their products with more than a squiggly signature can often be found and noted. The identified pieces are usually more expensive than the beautiful but unidentified pieces because that maker is more likely to have collectors.

Let’s see what this week has in store…

1980s Brass Desk Organizer

This brass organizer is quintessential 1970s and 1980s desk decor. It had a patina, which presented a moral quandary–to polish or not to polish. If it was an older or more ornate piece, it would be an absolute no to polish. But the 70s and 80s were about shine, so we got out the latex gloves, buffed this up and were rewarded with a soft warm brass glow.

1970s/1980s Brass Desk Organizer, $28.

Laurie, NextStage Vintage

Mid Century Vase With Lotus Flowers

I love this vase and will be sad to see it go. Its squat round shape and smooth surface are really quite satisfying in a very tactile way. The blue green lotus flowers painted on the surface add a bit of color and interest to the eye. The vase is signed on the bottom, but although I’ve searched, I have not been able to find a match for the maker. It would look wonderful with a small bamboo plant.

Signed Mid Century Vase, $45.95

Pam, Vintage Renude

1950s Santa Doll

Here is the jolly old elf himself! For this Christmas in July listing, I have included this most amazing over 9″ Santa doll that was made in Japan. How do I know? His lovely white boots that help him stand up are marked on the bottom with Japan. He also has a paper label on the back. I have never seen such a large Santa doll! And there’s also a secret…someone marked “Dads 1959” in pencil on the bottom of the boots. The family must have loved this doll and put it away carefully every year because it is in beautiful condition.

1950s Santa Doll, Made in Japan, $58.99

Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic

Decorative Sculptural Metal Arizona Bookends c 1960s

Offering a funky pair of Arizona bookends that were purchased in the 1960s. They are made of a lightweight pot metal and each features a saguaro, ocotillo and what appears to be the artist’s version of a cholla that are on display outside a row of books. They would be a fun addition to a collection of travel memorabilia.

Arizona Souvenir Bookends, $65

Linda, Selective Salvage

Those metal Arizona bookends are, and we’re going to use a technical term here, some damned sexy vintage. You don’t have to live in the Grand Canyon state to find a place for those on your bookshelf. They would make an excellent Christmas gift, as would the retro Japan-made Santa doll.

It’s not a gift exactly, but we send it to readers who subscribe to our email newsletter with our best wishes every week. Subscribers get one email with links to our posts from the previous week. Easy peasy, no strings. We like to think people sit back with their morning coffee and a donut, because donuts are awesome, and catch up on where we went in the vintage world this time.