It’s the time of year when we get huffy about all the fake seasonal vintage sold at the big box craft and home decor stores. We know it’s tempting to get the look without having to scout flea markets, thrifts and online or brick and mortar vintage stores. The prices can also be tempting. But these fake vintage goods are priced high so they can be put on sale for what the actual price should be. We snort at this! This week’s fresh to market vintage is as it always is, true vintage at true prices, not fake ones.
We are not complete vintage purists. There are some reproductions of vintage goods that are actually better than the vintage ones. Christmas lights are safer if they’re new lights made to look old. But with things that are faux aged in particular, you cannot beat the patina of everyday life of the real thing. The battered baseballs in this week’s fresh to market vintage have a look you can’t fake. And a reproduction lady’s head vase would not come with the lovely story the vintage one below does…
Chunky Howlite Ring
If you’ve ever bought turquoise and found out later that it’s not real turquoise, you most likely have howlite. Howlite is a white stone with black veining that has been used for ages to mimic true turquoise. When dyed blue, it’s very difficult to discern the difference. On its own, without dye, it’s a beautiful white stone often used for spiritual purposes.
Large Howlite Cabochon Ring, $35.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Vintage Tatted Heart, Framed c 1990s
I’m positive that I was a fabric artist in a prior life because I have an enormous appreciation for anything sewn, quilted, crocheted, or, in this case, tatted. The “prior life” comment is because I have to admit my small motor skills this time around are better suited to keyboarding rather than anything arty. If you’re unfamiliar with this art form, let your fingers do the walking online, and you’ll discover all sorts of tutorials. This particular piece is attributed to THE MAD TATTER, J. Felzier of Lincoln, Nebraska
Framed Tatted Heart, $35
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Aged and Worn Baseballs in a Box
If you’re one for seasonal decor and like a good vase filler, have we got a box of balls for you. Honest and true backyard baseballs and softballs that have played many a game and have the scuffs and dings to prove it. In Major League Baseball, they change balls so often the balls never have a chance to get any character. There is not a question in my mind that these balls have more joy per ounce from being played to shabby splendor than a ball from the pros will ever have.
Box of Shabby Softballs and Baseballs, $36.
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Girl in a Bonnet Head Vase
I met a man selling his deceased wife’s extensive lady head vase collection, which she accumulated over many years as an antique dealer. He is happy that his sadness over losing her is being lifted by releasing collections to make other people happy. Such a good hearted soul.
Lady Head Vase, $74.99
-Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic
The howlite ring (so big, so striking) is quite a contrast to the tatted heart (so delicate, so petite), but you know we like bringing hot juicy variety to fresh to market vintage every week. We also like to feature other posts during the week that may strike your fancy. Subscribe to our email newsletter, and you’ll get one email a week with links to all our posts. It’s easy and it’s spam free!
