Hi everyone. No theme for this week’s thrift round up – we actually have a large variety of thrifting photos that we’re only getting around to now. Most of these items are already up in the shop or in our Etsy outlet. OK, getting right to the goodies…

We’ve been trying to expand our knowledge to include ceramics from Mexico – it’s a little difficult because there isn’t as much information or demand in this area usually. However, being in Southern California means we see a lot of it. We went to a recent estate sale that advertised tons of Mexican ceramics, and it didn’t disappoint.

We ended up picking up mostly Ken Edwards pieces, seen on the right side of the photo, and the weird, alien looking flattened ceramics on the left. Those actually aren’t from Mexico, but are religious ceramics from St. Andrews Abbey in Valyermo. We usually don’t buy religious items like these, but they have a sort of modern look to them. And while they still make these (and some of the ones shown are new), the older ones like the big plaque in the back date back to the 1960s and are fairly collectible.

We’ve slowed down on picking up Pyrex, but still find some nice pieces every so often. Nice larger set of Autumn Bands Tableware in Revel Red complements a blue Embroidery cinderella bowl and a turquoise pie plate.

We’ve come across quite a few Vera Neumann scarves lately – interesting because we never had much luck with them. We usually wait until we have a bunch and then put them up in our fabric section on Etsy all at once.

We’ll always pick up any Scandinavian or Dutch looking tablecloths or placemats whenever we can. The placemats above are interesting because they match a blue tablecloth we found earlier – and they have original tags! A company called “Elling Design“. We still aren’t certain if that company is still around or not, but it’s definitely a Danish company.

The cool jester graphics on the key ring holder board reminds me of some of the graphics from when I was a kid in the 70s, though this one could be older since the copyright is 1964. It’s made by Berggren Trayner.

I’ve only recently become aware of all the Kensington aluminum art deco pieces we’ve been passing up. The ones designed by Lurelle Guild are especially interesting – though it’s been a little difficult to get definitive IDs at times. Hmm.. anyone know if there a listing of all the Guild Kensington out there?

The teapot is by Noritake, in the Reina line – not terribly valuable but I just really liked the wrapped handle. The smiley-face planter king – I’ve sold this one several times in the past, and the best part is that it usually isn’t marked except for a paper label which is often missing. So it’s easier to thrift than some other pieces. I know the company who made this… do you? =)

Lastly, we have two larger ceramic pieces. The first is a Metlox coffee carafe in the “decorated” version of the Red Rooster pattern. I was surprised to find this intact (except for the wire heater cradle, which was actually optional), as usually there is damage, or the parts are missing. Often harder to find buyers for the 40s and before California pottery though.

The second piece is a really cool white ceramic giraffe. I’ve been looking for the Lisa Larson giraffe, and while this one doesn’t really come close in style and design, it’s still pretty cool. One thing – this is NOT the Jonathan Adler modern design. In fact, I almost suspect that Adler’s may have been inspired by this one. Nothing against Adler, and his “inspired” pieces are really, really nice. It just seems like a lot of people don’t realize that his forms are often inspired directly from vintage pieces.

In this case… I’m not gonna say who designed our giraffe, because I’m not 100% sure yet. I’m about 90% sure, but still need to do some more research.

OK, that’s it for this week’s roundup – happy thrifting, everyone!

This post is linked up to ATG’s Thrift Share Monday and HLA’s Flea Market Finds.

Did you find something cool at a thrift or flea market lately?
Please leave a comment here if so…