Alemany Flea: October 23, 2011

Let it be known that the third Sunday of the month has of late been the best weekend of the month at Alemany.  This can likely be attributed to the demise of the Candlestick market.  This past Sunday was a hot and sunny affair - wonderful for browsing, but not so great for photography.  Still, there were some nice finds to be had.  I left with four electric insulators (and now have one less - note:  do not freeze, microwave and simmer insulators in hot water in efforts to remove wax) - so my three are a nice start to the collection.  And what a deal, at $3 each, less than I've found anywhere else - including the booth across the way selling them for $20.  The insulators have become a hot little collecting commodity lately; another lovely, practical thing that we no longer use.  I for one am glad they are finding another life - objects appealing for their history and beauty after their years of service are behind them.

A nice DIY job would make these pieces sing.

The sun and shadows were working against me; but I adored both the photo and the frame, put together in Ohio in 1963 per the information on the back.  He looks like a fine young man.



I am drawn to any pretty collection.




These colorful strands of foil flowers would make for festive holiday decor.




There was a trio of these concrete/relief pieces.  The metallics appealed to me as you know, but alas they stayed behind.




Another good collection.  My mother-in-law scolded me for not picking up the lot.  She was right. 



More colorful glass.  These would be fabulous at parties.



A nice composition.




My adoration for oversized decorative items goes on. 



More colorful collections.

I liked the big bottle and the deco pendant rather crushed onto itself behind.  That would make for a dramatic entryway.



Another nice composition from a new vendor.  She had a shabby chic vibe going that I quite liked.



This insulator will need the most TLC, but I think it is a bit naturally matted.  From the still in business "Armstrong" company.




The much more sparkly "McLaughlin."




My favorite, "Whitall Tatum".



The start of my little insulator collection. 



English for Gorgeous

According to Sklo Studio, "sklo" is Czech for glass.  This Healdsburg, California company which works with Czech glass artisans offers the best of Czech glass tradition with an eye to contemporary, vibrant designs.  I spotted some of the following pieces at Gump's and would have loved to take any number of them with me. 



Beautiful bowl.




Awesome orbs.  They remind me of the glass Japanese fishing balls we used to find in the Pacific.


 

Stunning vases.




Artistic glass ribbons.




More orbs.




"Pull" vessels.




Glass tubing wound like cable.



Union Street Glass

Bay Area denziens are fortunate to have their pick of handmade crafts, art, furnishings, glass - and the list goes on - right in our own back yards.  Each year some of the artisans who normally only work as wholesalers will open their doors to the public and offer steep discounts to a very grateful public.  Below are some offerings from Union Street Glass in Richmond, near Berkeley.  The Aptos light fixtures in the second picture glow like jewels; I picked up four of them at a shocking discount two years ago.   The doors are open again on weekends this month; get there while you can!    



I adore the Manhattan collection of glasses and light fixtures shown in the bottom row.  If I could only find a place for that light in my house . . . .




The Aptos collection radiates light.



TheAptos orbs are other-worldly.



The Morph collection is aptly named; a unique addition to any space.  These and the Aptos come in multiple colors.



This Morph table lamp is so fun and elegant.



The Manhattan collection of stemware seems insprired by early 20th century design.  I can easily envision Nick & Nora - or Eva and Josef (see below) - having a drink with these.



Hot Property

I immediately accepted the invitation of the blog StealThisIdea when I stumbled onto the photos below.    I adore the sophisticated and playful uses of the various shades of pink.  While pink could be considered a frilly color, it actually can be incredibly elegant and glamorous when used judiciously.  I would steal those rooms in a minute.



The contrast of the pink and white, the rough and smooth, makes for a stunning combination.  And the Smeg refrigerator is adorable.



Another shot of the same space.  The curtains add such an elegant lightness to the room.






More views of the kitchen.  The steel + white + pink is so fresh.



Industrial and charming.



There is a wonderful airiness to the bedroom.   I adore the dress form and frame elements.




Another glorious blend of industrial and elegant.




Adding colored vinyl upholstery to classic chair frames is very lovely and smart - they can be cleaned effortlessly.  A huge consideration with frequent dinner parties and/or children. 




Such a welcoming room.



Fall: Pumpkins

Fall is wonderful time of year in these parts.  After shivering in the fog for an entire summer, we finally are alotted a bit of warmth.  The glow of the sun complements the squash, pumpkins and gourds that pop up everywhere you go in October, the loveliest month of our year.   I cook, carve, paint, decorate, pile and spread them out at every opportunity.  Some photos of yesterday's trip to the pumpkin patch - where I wore shorts - are below.  Tonight:  a butternut squash casserole featuring spinach and creme fraiche.  What a wonderful season! 



As important as the shape of the body is the stem. 




Princess pumpkins can be much more interesting visually than the standard orange - but the stems generally are not as good.








The haystack maze is an annual ritual cherished by the children. 



Georg Jensen

Clearly in line with my adoration for Nambe, I present the iconic George Jensen.   The famed Danish silversmith and designer (b. 1866, d. 1935) became renowned for his Art Nouveau creations after opening his own operation in 1901.  Having studied with the famed Mogens Balin, the master of silversmithery at the time, Mr. Jensen's adherence to the ideals of artistry and design made for a wildly popular business beginning in the early 20th centruy and through the present.  Georg Jensen antiques and the modern collection are both sought-after collectors' items today.  See further at http://www.georgjensen.com/


George Jensen.

 

Snake candlesticks.  These are very high on the must have list.



Teapot



Cheese knives.



Cake server.



Bowl.  The perfect salad bowl, really.