Freebies and Finds

It is finally starting to feel like fall in the San Francisco Bay Area though trees have not started to turn in earnest yet. We have a few on our street (maples I think) that are just gorgeous every year. And I realized, with shock, that I have lived on this street and admired them for 32 years! And that is not unusual. Many of my neighbors have lived here longer!! It’s the kind of street where you move in, raise your kids and stay. I love that!

Freebies

And my latest freebies all come from dear neighbors including this framed nude (ink and watercolor). I find her simplicity absolutely captivating. When I researched the signature “R. Burn” I learned that this was painted by Rodney Joseph Burn (1899-1984), an English artist known for landscapes, seascapes, portraits and nudes. Some of his work is in museums, including the Tate in London.

I think she fits in nicely on my gallery wall. (Thank you Sue and Jeff.)

And while out walking the other night I saw another neighbor puttering in his garden and walked over to say hello. He’s a master gardener and has graciously given me plant and soil advice over the years. He offered me some begonia cuttings which I was happy to take. Hopefully they’ll root! (Thank you David.)

Finds

On the find side of things I’m keeping to my low-buy strategy, but I still go looking. I found this framed antique Tuck’s Halloween postcard at my neighborhood thrift store the other day and I was yes, please…even with the oddly place postmark! I don’t know much about old postcards, but I do know that antique Halloween ones are some of the most valuable. (Listed for $58.)

This gem encrusted cross is a Nicky Butler piece I bought recently on eBay while I was in Tennessee. Butler’s Instagram page states: “London designer, open-work designs, intensive use of oversized and multiple gemstones, mirrors museum gallery collections.” Sadly he has ceased making jewelry but many of his pieces can be found online, like this gorgeous cross.

I love over-the-top big sterling silver crosses and plan on wearing it till it sells and, honestly, I don’t care if that takes a long time! (Listed for $140.)

Today I hit up our small local flea market with my eldest daughter who was looking for vintage clothes. She showed great buying restraint and didn’t get anything.

I bought just a couple of things, but for a while I feared that I wouldn’t find anything. So many of the vintage dealers have near-retail prices these days. For example I thought this huge Stangl pheasant ashtray was fabulous, but when I asked the price, the seller shook her head a bit and said in a sad voice, “Oh, I’m going to need $15 for that.” I knew that was way more than I could pay. (Turns out this is a fairly common piece and sells from $10 to $35.)

Eventually I did buy a couple of things. One of my favorite sellers had this vintage brass/metal and carnelian tribal choker ($10) and I know someone will enjoy this. (Listed for $48.) I didn’t negotiate because I’ve gotten great stuff from her over the years at fair prices. The cast iron lady piece from a different seller was a mystery. Obviously missing part of her arms and old, very old. The seller wanted $25, I offered $20 which was my top dollar and perhaps still too much! He accepted…I think delighted that someone would actually buy it!!

Turns out my lady was likely a Victorian-era towel rack! I never would have guessed that. And to be honest I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping she was something more exotic.

Still even with the damage, I think she is intriguing and has great patina. Not sure about price yet.

In Closing

Trying to keep motivated to list more items in time for the holidays, but it’s been a struggle. Frankly I’m feeling a little frustrated on the biz front for a variety of reasons. But perhaps I should adopt my Brit ancestors motto “Mustn’t grumble!” and just keep plugging away.

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen