Not a Bad Monday or Tuesday…

Monday was a gorgeous fall day here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rain is slated for later this week which will be most welcome, but I love a sunny fall day. Perfect sweater weather!

First I went to pick up these antique plaster babies in fancy garb that I had passed up earlier at the big private pick. Okay, they creep me out a bit with their big heads and intense eyes, but still I knew I had to take a chance on these. When am I ever going to get anything like this again???! I’m guessing they represent Jesus or saints but I haven’t been able to find any maker’s marks on them and image searches on their heads have not revealed any matches. Likely Italian or French, but more research is needed!

On the biggest doll there was a teeny, tiny pin at the neck which I removed and decided I might be worth selling separately. And bingo it’s marked 10K! The small stone could be a diamond so it’s time to dig out that diamond testing tool I bought years ago and see if I can figure out how to use it!

I was also asked if I wanted to take a box of ephemera–old magazines and 1950s theater programs and such. I don’t sell a lot of ephemera (mostly photos and postcards) but if nothing else this box would be interesting to look through.

This is the last I’m buying from that big private pick, but I was told they may do more downsizing in the future and may reach out to me again. That’s fine with me!!

Afterwards I went to a rather run-down thrift store that I rarely go to. In fact it’s been years since I was here. It’s further away and usually a disappointment. But today I took a different route home and was passing by it anyway, so I ducked in for a few minutes. It was much as I remember it.

Still I picked up this vintage pottery vase with a faux wood grain. Just a bread-and-butter find, but rather fun. I’m guessing from the ’70s. There are faint words on the bottom that I haven’t been able to decipher. I’m wondering if the second word is “America.” Ideas??

On Tuesday I popped into my neighborhood thrift store for a few minutes. Found King Gaspar looking very regal.

He’s from the Hawthorne Village collection. Not my typical purchase but I always like a handsome wise man! Current listing prices range for $30 to $130 (replacements.com).

I have been enjoying seeing all the Christmas decor on the thrift store shelves, but sadly they tend to bag up fragile breakables together. And honestly, how long is it before every piece has some damage??

At Tuesday noon I participated in an Etsy research meeting via Zoom. (Supposedly I’ll get $125 in an Etsy gift card for my participation.) Had to sign NDAs so my lips are sealed as to the topic, but I was given a smidge of time at the end to share things that were a concern to me as a vintage seller. And I did. I won’t bore you with the details but it was good to be given a voice to a real person and at least six others were present in a hidden mode. So seven Etsy staff members heard what I wish they would improve and what some of the real concerns are for vintage sellers.

Lately I’ve had more folks ask how sales are going. And frankly they are just a smidge above normal. Just a smidge. The real holiday “rush” hasn’t hit yet. Still I can’t complain!

Well I’ll close for now wishing you happy hunting,

Karen