This Winter

I've abandoned this old blog, but glad now to have a little time to attend to and refresh with a little share.

  I hope you and yours have had a good fresh start in the new year.  This winter has been quite interesting, especially in that we've had more snow storms and wintery type weather than the norm here in Oregon.  It's been a winter with no major snow or ice problems.  Just a few good old fashion snowy weather days.

Not a ton, which was nice and always great to open

up the blinds and watch it fall.  A sense of soothing calm comes with it.

The best of the snowy day was the day we got nearly a foot, just perfect.  It's stuck around for a couple days, then melted away.

Most other days, liquid sunshine.  It's Oregon.

While I was away, a friend and I had decided to try and open a little junk store.  We decided before Christmas that we would start just after the new year.  It's been quite the month and half since we started and I can't believe that we're through the middle of February, Valentine's Day 2017 is in the history books, wow does time fly.  We've open, but haven't decided on a grand opening date.

Here are couple pics of what we've got going on...

So far, it's just us and we're planning on renting space, take on consignments, list items for peeps online, and who knows what else.  Part of the plan is to have an open-air market in the spring and summer as there's a perfect lot with plenty of parking.  Maybe some live music and barbeque!

I won't share the outside yet as I'll save those pics for the grand opening.

Pickin' this winter has been a bit slow as I've not had a lot of time with the new store, but I did managed to get out to a couple haunts.  Even got out with my fave pickin' pal Leslie and her daughter Tay (you've might have seen her in my side bar Operation Taylor link) and Tay's beau, Nathan. 

In my hunt for vintage finds, I was blessed with two of my favorite collectibles, both of which I'll share with you. 

While at an estate sale, my pal L comes up to me, say's "I found this in the closet" and was holding one of two of my faved collectibles, a Barbie!  Here she is poised in her new original American Airlines Stewardess ensemble..

Poor Barbie was left on top of a closet shelf and the only thing she had on her was that lovely vintage Barbie look on her face and a one dollar price sticker.  Ain't she purrrdy?!

Another, was this killer vintage Tyco Pro Electric Race Set...

Used gently and with a little cleaning, it'll look good as new!

Yup, been a slow winter for pickin', but a good start to the new year. 

That's all I got, but I'd love to hear what you've been up to this winter, so drop me a line.  In the meantime, I hope to get back here on a regular basis with new pics of the new brick n mortar store and to feature more of my favorite vintage goods from some of my fave vintage purveyors.

  I hope the new year has started off great for you all and that you are healthy, happy, and well.

JEN-uine

My featured guest is a wonderful young lady that hails from my home state of California.  I met her when I was a member of the Etsy team Vintage Vertigo and fell in love with her marvelous vintage finds shop.  Here I'd like to share with you a little about this Etsy entrepreneur, her love of family, pets, and of course, her passion for vintage.  I introduce you to...   

Jenny

Jenny is the owner of the Etsy shop

Jackpot Jen

Jenny or Jen, has so graciously allowed me to share with you a little about her in this interview.  I hope you enjoy.

Who is Jackpot Jen?  Can you tell us a little bit about her?

"Jackpot Jen, a vintage shop on Etsy with over 600 items, is also known as Jenny Fox Fritz, a passionate artist, dancer, collector, cook, gardener, explorer, discriminating picker and Mom of two teenage boys, our big friendly wonder dog and six chickens. I like to call myself a self driven Etsy entrepreneur who loves running my own business. I don't really consider Jackpot Jen, my vintage shop work, since it is my passion, my niche and what makes me truly happy!"

Will you walk us through a day at Jackpot Jens?

"A typical day at Jackpot Jen's always starts off with a strong cup of French pressed coffee with my hubby. Must not forget to water the garden and feed the animals. Once the chores are done, it's time to get busy renewing listing items, editing, promoting on social media, prepping for a photo shoot, photographing my latest finds, adding new items to my shop, packaging sold items and running to the post office in town, since we live out in the country. Now if it's a Friday, then without a doubt you will find me out pickin' the back roads of Amador County searching for rare, cool, weird and unique finds as soon as the sun is up. Come evening time, this girl needs a break and usually heads out for a live music show, dancing and a cold I.P.A. with her man!"

This lovely photograph was also shared on Instagram by Jenny and reminds me of a place one might have seen Laura and Mary Ingalls from "Little House" play.

What was the first item you sold on Etsy?

"The first thing I ever sold on Etsy was a 1960's green striped pullover sweater. Very Beach Boys meets My 3 Sons."

Meets Wally Cleaver!

What was your favorite item sold?

"My favorite item I've sold so far was an amazing ceramic cast mug signed by John Wayne "The Duke" from the 1955 movie "Blood Alley." It went to a collector, so it has a good home!"

What, if anything would your improve upon at Jackpot Jen's?

"I really would love to improve and upgrade my photography equipment and get a more professional photographer's set up with lighting in order to really up the quality of the items I sell. Pictures really do tell a thousand words. Something else that I think would improve my shop is to make a shop video and perhaps even start a blog. Who knows what kind of doors those two things may unlock?"

If given the opportunity, would you drive an NHRA Dragster or a circle track Nascar car?

"I wouldn't want to drive a dragster or a Winston Cup car, instead I would love an old 30's Rat Rod to cruise around in!"

Skydive, Bungee, or Base Jump, which one and why?

"Skydive. It's on my bucket list. I've always wanted to jump out of a perfectly good plane and free fall!!"

Favorite music genre or artist, why?

"At the moment, my favorite musical genre, because my taste in music evolves every 6 months, is Beats Antique, a quirky Gypsy, Tribal Fusion band which makes me want to dance and puts a huge smile on my face."

Who on Gilligan's Island do you feel you most relate to?

"I really feel I can relate to both Ginger and Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island. I love both the brains and down-home cuteness of Mary Ann and the beauty and glamour of Ginger. I'd like to think I have a little bit of both in me. Just call me Gin Ann!"

Just one of the gals!

With that, I bring us to....

I hope you've enjoyed the read and that you'll stop by Jenny's shop

Jackpot Jen

to browse all of her wonderful vintage finds that include antique, collectibles, apparel for women and men, accessories, home décor and much, much, more!

Pack It Up

I've always been a huge fan of backpacks.  Although I've sold most, I've retained a few of the vintage leather military field packs that I can't let go of yet.  With that, I came across this little shop named...

Limone Boutique

where I found this awesome vintage pack.  Here for you to "pack it up" is this beautiful...

Genuine Vintage Delfino Leather Backpack

As with all my featured items, I never "tell-all" and you'll just have to visit

Limone Boutique

to learn more on this fabulous Backpack and to see all of the other wonderful vintage finds Limone Boutique has to offer!

Simplistic Elegance

Browsing through Etsy the other night, I happened upon a shop who's photographs immediately captured my attention.  Professional, pristine, and ever so appealing, the images led me to thing "Simplistic Elegance".  So I had to look further into the...   

The Cherry Attic

As I browsed, I found a lovely assemblage of vintagicities that are presented in a wonderfully elegant, yet simplistic fashion that lent to me an allure that I had to view each and every one.

Kari

the purveyor of this lovely shop has graciously accepted my invite to feature some of her superbly photographed vintage treasures and some I hope you'll enjoy.

I've always been a huge fan of mirrors.  This gorgeously

Ornate Vanity Mirror

presented here in a simplistic fashion that draws all of the attention.  The mirror tilts, swivels 360 degrees, and framed in gold gilded metal and pronounced base. 

For the hat box or sewing basket collector, this beautiful

Mint Green Wicker Sewing Basket by Princess

invites you to take a peek inside.  Soft in color, a lovely bouquet of Rose's tampo and cord handles atop the lid.  A wonderful basket to add to your vintage collection.  Click the link above to learn more.

One of my personal favorites is this adorable vintage

Pewter Carousel Coin Bank by Sheridan

This cute little gem is 2" in diameter and 3" tall.  Teddy Bears on Galloping Horses adorn this lovely little carousel coin bank that I believe would make a great addition to any coin bank collection.

When you browse Kari's shop, you'll also find several pieces of vintage glassware.  Some colored pieces like this fiery

Amberina Cake Stand

by Fenton's Olde Virginia Glass line in a beautiful "Diamond Cut" design.  It stands 3" tall  by 7.75" in diameter.

It's gorgeous color "Amberina" is a term used to describe it's orange-red that lend to it's fiery finished color.  This piece has a slight tone of yellow at the base and crest.

  For the Owl lover and figurine collector, The Cherry Attic offers this wonderful example of Japanese works of a

Distressed Teal and White Owl Figurine

A lovely addition to any library, office, or den.

I'd love to share all of Kari's marvelous finds, but you'll just have to stop by her shop

The Cherry Attic

to see more of her wonderful vintage goods and perhaps to find that perfect something for yourself, to give as a gift, and one that we hope will make a great addition to your home décor or personal vintage collection.

Vintastic Finds!

With all the nice weather we've been having here in the Pacific Northwest, I'm temped to have a yard sale, need to have a yard sale, lol!  Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow for me to plan accordingly and I just know this gorgeous weather is about to end and will as usual, take pictures and start some listings.  Here are a few on my finds from hunts past that I hope will soon make it to my NeverTooOld shop on Etsy...

It's just amazing how much stuff I'd pack in a box, but more so, how much stuff I accumulate!

Here's a cute little battery operated lantern from the 50's that until now, I couldn't let go of.  The old man who was having a sale told me it was a prize from an old carnival.  I love to hear the stories of where these treasures came.  A decent chrome base, cap, and handle with a clear globe.  The lantern stands about 4 inches tall.

How bout' some spurs?  Here's a vintage pair with their original leather's.  They aren't that old, but I'd bet to say they are from the 60's or 70's.  I keep all my finds in a climate controlled storage.

Tea for two?  Here are a couple tea bag holders from the 50's.  One's from Japan, the other is not marked.  Both are about 2 inches with the other slightly larger.  Pretty little things!

Direct from Switzerland, this lovely little music box plays 4 different tunes, one of which is one of my favorites "Ave Maria"  The music box needs a little cleaning.  I have it on my desk, winding and rewinding so the tune is coming up to speed.

Clocks, there's no telling how many clocks I've purchased and sold over the years.  These two cames from an estate sale.   Most I'll keep for a month or two, some I've not yet been able to let go of.  This is a lovely wood encased "Teletron" from the 1940's.  It still works great and is just a simple beautiful piece.

Did I mention clocks? lol.  Here's another, this is a General Electric fitted into a lovely piece of alabaster.  It measures about 6 inches wide by 4" tall by 2 inches thick.  I date it to the 50's as the style of clock is indicative to that period.  It works great and soon to appear in NTO.

These cast iron Frog and Turtle bells come from Japan.  Pre pre-occupied.  1950's or so.  They are tiny.  Both measuring about 1.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall.  They both offer a truly lovely chime.

Picture frames.  I try to stay away from large ornate frames anymore due to the cost of packaging and shipping, which is a shame.  This little jewel measures about 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide, but, but, it has a bubbled glazing.  Great for that special vintage photograph.

Does anyone remember these?  These cute little "Mini" forks where available as souvenirs from Disneyland from the 50's to 70's.  I believe these are from the 70's.  A great set in original box.  The gal that had these at her sale said... "Take 'em for a dollar"  Who was I to argue? 

 I remember finding this Hershey's cookbook at a yard sale around the corner from my house.  I bought it not only for it being a Hershey's book, but because of it's condition.  Yeah, there are a couple "Chocolate" stains in it, but that lends character to the book and in that it was loved and used.

The Mrs. wants to keep these.  A set of six vintage Peeredge Steak Knifes in the original box and include the original card.  I just wonder if these were like a wedding gift that was just put away and never used.  They look new.  Nice serrated stainless blades and beautiful yellow and cream colored  Bakelite handles.

Below is a bottle I found rolling around in an empty box.  I suppose I should have it's contents checked out by a Geologist or Gemologist as I've no idea what type of stones they are.  Any guesses?

Coming soon!.....

Just wanted to share a few of some finds and it's gonna take me a year to photograph the rest, so I better get started as Christmas is just around the corner!!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit the shops featured in my "SideShow" featurette and tell 'em NTO sent ya!