Not A Reason To Go To San Leandro

Ventured to the San Leandro Thrift Town today. It was picked over more than a teenager's bad acne. If it wasn't for my New Year's resolution, I would not have bothered.

Only have one location left and it is all the way out in Fremont. It better be good.

Wall of Clocks

Several months ago David & I stumbled upon a dealer in Healdsburg, CA that specialized in vintage advertising clocks. During our latest trip up north we picked up one more to add to our current collection. My best guess is that this particular model was manufactured in the early 60s and seems to be in perfect working condition. Pretty amazing since it is plastic.

Decorating Mid Century Style

If you happen to feel stuck in your mid century interior design decisions the Better Homes & Garden's Decorating Book (this version was published in 1961) is there to help. From tips on how to incorporate your favorite color of melon into your color scheme to addressing the dilemma of decorating six walls at one time this handy guide book has the answers. And with vibrant pictures and illustrations for the directionally challenged. Thank you Better Homes & Gardens.

Been There Done That

Thanks to the Julie McCoy of Sacramento (aka. our buddy Toni from Mimomito), I was able to check off another Thrift Town from my New Year's resolution list. No one said your goal had to be a hard one.

So with Toni's help, I visited the Carmichael, CA location on Saturday right before closing. The moment I entered the doors I spotted not one but three Pyrex bowls that were calling my name so I knew it was worth the trip. Despite our time being limited, I spotted so many mid century items that I would definitely go back.

Now only two more to go.

Glass Key Photo

Shameless plug for a cool guy who is working hard to keep film alive. Yes, you remember. That necessary ingredient to capture an image through the lens of your non-digital camera - once so easily found at any grocery store. Whether it is 35 mm, Polaroid or 620 film used in many mid century cameras, Matt of Glass Key Photo can hook you up. He also has the chemicals and paper if you are inspired to develop your photo by hand. Oh, and of course root beer.

So drop what you are doing, dust off that Land Camera or Brownie you have been dying to use and go see Matt.

Ready and Waiting

Our new space at "Stuff" Antique-Modern Collective is finally ready for the grand opening celebration tomorrow, 2/11/11. The owners and fellow dealers have been so helpful throughout this entire process. We're very excited.

Come check us out.

150 Valencia Street
San Francisco
Space 21

Atomic Fantasy Vs. Mimomito On Monster Island

(Left to right: Serene and Toni from Mimomito, David and Rebecca from Atomic Fantasy. Not pictured: Joe Mountain. Joe - it was great meeting you, and you rock.)

So I'm hopelessly anti-social. Basically me and people don't mix. This super quality is someday soon going to make me a great shop-owner. Bring on the Yelpers. ("This shop is filled with vintage treasures, but the owner was grouchy and made my children cry just because they broke 1 lamp. Also he wouldn't let my dog use their restroom. One star! If I could give zero stars I would!")

Yet amazingly, here I am in a social setting. This is because Rebecca and I had the privilege of meeting the cast of Mimomito (Sacramento's mid-century goddesses) and not only is it impossible to not love these folks, it's impossible to not want to hang out with them! So here we are!

They not only made us feel welcome in their town, they introduced us to their circle of friends, and now we know other fantastic people like Erin and Stefan from Scout Living. We've had so much camaraderie and encouragement in the space of one evening, our heads and hearts are going to burst. Also, there were cupcakes. Would it be possible to ask for anything else? I don't think so.

If you're looking for that currently available mid-century gem to add spark and intrigue to your home decor, check out what's currently catching Mimomito's keen eye. Or if you're anywhere near Sacramento and have a tip on mid-century stuff that you or someone you know might be selling, these are the folks to talk to.

Vintage Plant Stand

Turns out that my new bullet planter is not the only hip stand around. Often found in white, I was elated to discover this black circular stand at the Candlestick Park Antique & Collectible Faire this past weekend. Believing it is from the 50s based on design alone, there is not much available on the web about its origin. Doesn't really matter though since it seems to fit so well in our apartment.

Adorable Pink Canisters

There are times I wonder why I bother going to the Alemany Flea Market. For those who have never been it is more like a rummage sale than an actual flea market. With that said, I was reminded on Sunday as to why I go.

While browsing a table filled with garage sale hand me downs, I spotted in the corner of my eye a powdered pink canister with brass lid that appeared to be mid century. After rushing over before anyone else spotted it, I opened it to my delight that it was not only one canister in perfect condition but four nesting inside one another. Nervous that the seller knew that these types of canisters, especially in mint condition, easily go for $40-50 in antique stores in San Francisco I prepared myself to haggle. No need since the seller only wanted $5 for the entire set.

Oh, how I love Alemany Flea Market!

The Bullet

No mid-century inspired home would be complete without a bullet planter. I was thrilled two weeks ago when I found this beige with black specks bullet planter at the Sacramento Antique Faire for $15. Wanting to redesign our back patio, I knew instantly that this Eames style planter would help me create the look I so desperately wanted. After visiting family friend, Krista Jon-Levandofsky, latest business The Humble Adobe in San Clemente over the holidays, I knew a succulent garden would be the perfect compliment to my new hip planter.

But I knew nothing of its history until now.

Originating in the 1950s, the bullet planter was manufactured by several different companies (i.e. Kimball Mfg. Corp of San Francisco) throughout the years. According to Mid Century Modern blog, the design was not trademarked leaving it up to anyone who was interested to copy the style. Made from fiberglass in an array of colors, these egg shaped planters came in various sizes from short to tall (like mine). Although I have the real McCoy, reproductions are easily found in the $100-150 range from places like Design Within Reach or Hip Haven. Good reminder that these planters are still easy to obtain at a fraction of the cost if you like vintage shopping.

My next step is to find smaller sized bullet planters to expand my collection.