Fine European or Chinese Needlework
KT doesn’t know it, but she owns a 1930s ladies evening bag in the tradition of 17th century Viennese petit point. This style of needlework originated with the early French …
David Hockney Poster for 1984 Olympic
I cannot underrate the importance of art to the Olympics. TM’s poster of a coveted, historic, iconic image from the 1984 Olympics proves my point. David Hockney (born 1937) created …
Where to Find the Great Fleas
I’m thrifting the fleas in Malaga Spain as you read this. My brother owns a house there, and all siblings are invited. I plan to buy at Cartijo de Torres, …
Did These Candlesticks Impact Relatives?
Leichter, or candlesticks used for Shabbos, serve as a precious reminder of someone’s great-grandparents from the Old Country. Often they brought the set, or single candlestick, as one of their …
A Beast of a Sofa
Let me tell you a story about how the most out of place objects are found in the least likely environments. How did a beast of a sofa find its …
W Stanley Davis Won Flower Shows
HT sent me a photo of a sterling silver tulip-shaped engraved vase, won by her great grandfather for ‘Best Dahlias’ in the 1904 Santa Barbara Flower Show. HT’s great-grandfather, a …
1890s Glass Beer Bottles
GJ found two “blob top” straight-sided shorter-necked low shouldered amber-brown glass twenty-three ounce beer bottles wedged between the ceiling joists in his 1890s house below APS. Each appeared slightly different …
Olympic Art
The ancient Olympic Games took place every four years between 776 BCE and 393 CE, and ceased in the third century because of “pagan” claims by a Christian Roman Emperor. …
Navajo Rugs In Rare Condition
HT inherited two Navajo rugs from her great-grandfather’s ranch. These unique, authentic, and gorgeous rugs appear in remarkable condition for almost 100 years old. Her great-grandfather farmed citrus and avocados …
Bride Doll Walks Down the Aisle of History
I opened an antique dresser drawer, a stiff, corpse-like doll stared up at 12-year-old me. I reeled back in horror, and never liked dolls from that day. As a twist …