PearlShops4U Ebay Treasures & Research

Brayton Luguna Pottery Blackamoors

2011-03-31T02:28:00.000-05:00

California Brayton Laguna Pottery (1927-1968)

Featured Texas Glass and Pottery Artists

2010-12-05T02:33:00.003-06:00

Tim deJong, Wimberley Glass Works

Tim deJong was born in Canada and Studied in New York. A visit to the beautiful Texas Hill Country inspired the formation of Wimberley Glass Works which opened in 1992. Today this Glassworks produces fabulous decorative Art Glass and Innovative custom lighting - the kind found in Design Magazines. This Working Studio has also become a tourist destination with live glass blowing demonstrations with seating for 90 people.

Check out the WGW web site and then visit PearlShops4U for a Signed WGW 1997 T deJong, Tornado Hankerchief Bowl in pristine condition.
Place a Bid before Dec 09, 2010 19:22:30 PST

Robert McCandless Design

Robert McCandless is an award winning art glass designer. For more than 18 years McCandless Design has been transforming fine crystal into works of contemporary art for the Modern home. His Clocks are simply Fabulous and there is a martini set to die for!

This Fabulous Contemporary McCandless Bowl sells for $100 on the artist's website. It's on Auction at PearlShops4U and will probably sell for the opening bid of just $34.99. A fabulous Gift for a Modern Home. Place a Bid before

Gerson Artworks of Texas

And now it's time for something completely different! Outsider Art by Alan Gerson, a self taught Mixed Media artist. His website is both Strange and wonderful. I think the Artist says it best: "One of a Kind Creations from the absurd to the Profound"

Unique Outsider Folk Art Skull Lamp By Gerson Artworks of Texas

Outsider Art Skull Lamp

2010-10-24T12:27:00.002-05:00

Just in time for Day of the Dead or Halloween, a Super Cool Signed Outsider Art Skull Lamp By Gerson Artworks of Texas. This lamp was sculpted from clay, cast in hydrastone and painted with acrylic in shades of Orange and Yellow. His bulging eyeballs are blue and there is even a "bug" in his nose! This Creepy Skull is mounted on a round wooden base. The white linen Shade is handpainted with Orange and Yellow Flames.

Creepy Skull Accent Table Lamp Light w Shade Halloween - eBay (item 360313270789 end time Nov-23-10 08:30:24 PST)

Pearl's Latest Finds

2010-10-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

Stop in to the store this weekend to check out Pearl's latest finds. The Holidays are right around the corner and Recycling is "IN" this year. Any collector will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a new vintage treasure. Pearl will be listing some interesting and Unique gift ideas and Vintage Treasures you can use to accent your Holiday Table. We wrap and securely pack each treasure like it is a gift and provide additional gift wrapping services upon request.

Retro Find of the Week

2010-10-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

The Entertaining Season - Flatware First!

2010-10-06T20:00:00.004-05:00

Just in time for the Entertaining Season! Invite the inlaws and set your table with matching vintage Flatware. See the Set! It's a Deal!

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

2010-09-21T02:44:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to this listing.

I recently found this really cute Blue Elephant Vase by SylvaC Pottery (1894-1982) England. An Adorable pale Blue Baby Elephant sits under a Golden Brown Palm Tree Vase. A Cheeky little Monkey Pokes his Head out of the Tree. This is Mold number 2430 with an Impressed 1950s Mark.

Happy Cannibals!

2010-09-18T17:06:00.002-05:00

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Gilner Pottery of California (1948-1958) created my most recent find of black pixies! Gilner is well known for a series of pixies which happen to be white. They also produced the "Happy Cannibals" which are Black Pixies with dimples, pointy ears and super mischievous expressions. Available on Ebay Now!

PearlShops4U Grand ReOpening!

2010-09-08T23:12:00.008-05:00

Well Guys & Gals, Pearl is happy to be back! After an extended Summer vacation, a few Good Sales (:0) Of Course!) downsizing and relocating, we have finally started unpacking Pearl's eBay Treasures. Stop by the Store to see the Retro and Vintage treasures we have listed. The holidays are right around the corner, and Pearl always packs her finds and treasures like gifts. Lets go back in time and Recycle History with Style this year.

1999 Texas Longhorns vs OSU Game Team Signed Football

2010-03-13T12:17:00.005-06:00

After winning a national championship, expectations were high for Mack Brown's second season. The Horns put together a 5 game winning streak and finished 1st place in the Southern Division of the Pac12 with a 9-5 record in 1999. It has been said the defensive line was possibly the best in school history. That year Casey Hampton led the team in tackles with 101, including 21 tackles for a loss. Shaun Rogers had an unbelievable 27 tackles for a loss, while Aaron Humphrey led the team with 30 quarterback pressures. Major Applewhite, who is currently a member of the coaching staff, was the quarterback. This fabulous football commemorates the Longhorns victory over Oklahoma State University. A Burnt Orange style blood bath! OSU's quarterbacks were sacked 9 times! Hook'em Horns!

This full sized white Wilson Ball is imprinted with 2 Longhorn Logos, Texas 34 Oklahoma St. 21 Lewis Stadium - Stillwater, Oklahoma November 6, 1999 You Are Special! and covered with autographs from the entire 1999 Texas Longhorns team and coaching staff including Mack Brown and Greg Davis. This ball has been stored in the included display case. The display case does show it's age.

To review the stats for the 1999 team Click Here and visit the Offical Longhorns site.

British Colonial Style

2010-01-19T11:47:00.003-06:00

Unlike the flowers and stuffiness of traditional British design, British Colonial fits my personal Ethnic Eclectic design sensibility. During the period of Colonialism the travelers of the day embraced elements of the native cultures and designs of the Colonies which included India, Africa, Asia and the West Indies.

I recently found a fabulous set of 6 Coffee Cups designed to serve Hot Toddies and Coffee Confections. Each cup is a figural representation of a man, complete with bushy eyebrows and mustache. Perhaps he is a a soldier in the British West India Regiment. A fabulous unexpected accent for the bar in your British Colonial Den!

To read more about British Colonial Design Style visit:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/99353/british_colonial_desig

n_style_furniture.html

The African Queen

2009-05-29T17:18:00.004-05:00

This fabulous African Queen with female warrior guards has been tucked away in a private collection for many years. My best guess at her age or circa is the 1930s to 1950s. I have seen other versions of this lamp made of pottery, some with spun fiberglass shades. The signed metal lamps are much harder to find. I've never seen another set that included her warrior women guards.

This unique pot metal set would be great in many interiors including Exotic Hollywood Regency, Retro Modern and Ethnic Eclectic. Every room needs a touch of drama and an Up Light!

I have searched for information about this artist to no avail. There is a clear copyright symbol on each piece. The first name is Geo. The Last name could be Trivino, Trevino or Travina. It is a stylized signature which I think is Italian, which is just a guess.

This set is made of pot metal with brass and brushed metal parts. She was in the same condition when the original owner found her many years ago. I think her imperfections represent the natural evolution of a woman's life. She wears her age with pride.

Of course, if you want to make her all shiny and new, a bit of black paint and gold leaf would be an easy fix. There is another example of what can be done with a few vintage lamp parts, crystals and some paint currently listed on eBay. If you search eBay for: "Crystal African Queen" you will find two that have had very sparkling makeovers.

Decorating tips from PearlShops4U

2009-03-10T20:13:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I love all things hand made. One of my personal favorites is a carved wood African comb which is said to drive the evil spirits out of your head. This treasure is 6"W x 15"L with a string to hang it. For many years, it just hung on a nail by the front door. When we moved, I planted a nail in the wall and hung it up, but it just looked so small and insignificant. I needed something that looked more impressive so I decided to frame it.

I scoured the local home stores for a suitable shadow box frame. While searching the clearance section, I found a large black frame on a very ugly print for 70% off! The print was so ugly, the checkout girl wrinkled her nose and asked "Where are you going to put THAT? I just smiled, of course she didn't know I wasn't buying the print, I just wanted the frame. A large shadow box would nave been 4 or 5 times more. A custom frame would have been hundreds of dollars. For less than $15, I had a substantial 36" x 30" Frame and I already owned the art, my beautiful African Comb.

I won't bore you with pictures of that ugly print! I threw it out and took the glass out of the frame. I pulled out my handy dandy glue gun and trimmed the frame with 1/2" molding. I had some left over from another project, but, it is available at the home stores for just a few dollars for a 8' piece. I used the glass as a template to cut out a sturdy piece of cardboard which I covered with a scrap of grasscloth wall paper. I glued the covered cardboard to a piece of 1/4 thick plywood, turned it over and put a small nail on the front to hang my fabulous Comb. Here is the end result. Now my treasured African Comb is a commanding piece of art that fills an empty wall with style.

My goal is to help all my shoppers live their decorating dreams so, on a recent shopping trip I found a Unique set of carved Tiki or Tribal type masks just for you. The center mask is 17.5"H x 2.75"W the other two are about 10.5"L x 2.75"W. These treasures would be equally fabulous in a Mid Century, Tiki Bar, or Ethnic Eclectic interior. They really are FABULOUS! I'm very tempted to keep them!

I look at them and see an opportunity to make art from art. I could make it easy by simply hanging them directly on the wall. To add that retro flair, they could be hung in 3 matching frames or 1 fabulous large frame. Get creative, use grass cloth, cork, even a piece of decorative metal grill as the backing. Check out the Framed Prints Clearance Section in your neighborhood. If you have carpenter skills, unfinished molding can be a real bargain. A frame can be trimmed with molding, bamboo, small glass tiles, or not trimmed at all. Feeling ambitious? Lightly sand them and apply a bit of finish or wax to bring out the natural colors of the wood or enjoy the rustic charm as they are. With the right hardware, they could be attached to mask stands and not framed at all. A decorating project with endless possibilities.

Want to start with a smaller project? Here's a small clay treasure with the same potential.

Even if you think you have zero artistic skills this type of decorating project will build your confidence. Anyone can make art with art. The key is to find the right treasure to enhance and make it your own! Of course it helps when PearlShops4U.

Summer Souvenir Memories

2008-06-17T22:21:00.002-05:00

Pearl just returned from her Summer Vacation and she brought home a few souvenirs. One of our fondest memories of Summer is piling into the family wagon for the annual road trip and the treasures we would collect along the way.

In the 1950's, Hazel Atlas Glass Company produced a series of souvenir state tumblers. The detailed graphics of scenes depicting popular tourist spots and illustrated State Maps made these frosted treasures an instant hit with the collecting public.

When President Eisenhower pushed the button to signal the countdown to the first World's Fair in the U.S. since World War II, the spotlight hit Seattle. In 1962, many families drove to the great northwest to see the vision of the 21st century, a sleek new tomorrowland inspired by science and human ingenuity. Elvis even made a movie that showcased it! The monorail was futuristic but the Space Needle would capture the hearts and minds of a nation.

Enjoy Pearl's Vacation Pictures

Make a Smilebox photobook

Visit PearlShops4U to see all the new Treasures Pearl found on her vacation. You know Pearl, she just Loves to Shop!

It's Black History Month At PearlShops4U

2008-02-07T19:37:00.000-06:00

Our first featured artist is Thomas Blackshear, a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago. While finishing his college education, he was recruited by Hallmark Cards and later became the apprentice of illustrator Mark English.

During the late 80s, Thomas illustrated U.S. postage stamps for the Black Heritage Series. In 1990 the Post Office released his 50th Anniversary movie poster stamps, The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, Stagecoach and Beau Geste. He also painted twenty-eight illustrations for the U.S. Postal Service book, I have a dream. Seventeen of these paintings were exhibited at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and, later, were part of a traveling exhibit.

In 1995 he introduced the Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions™ collection. A blend of Art Nouveau with elements of African Culture, as well as elements of cultures from throughout the world. Blackshear received the coveted 1996 "Rising Star Award" and the 1999 "Artist of the Year" award from the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers.

Thomas calls his unique style "Afro-Nouveau" and says, "the collection reflects not only my visions as a black man and the unique visions of black people, it represents visions we all share, regardless of the color of our skin. Emotions like hope, love, tenderness, faith, and serenity know no boundaries."

To honor and celebrate the artistic wealth of African American Culture, Pearl will be offering Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions™ treasures from her personal collection. Buy it now Listings will start on Sunday Feb 10th.

Black Americana Preserving the Uncomfortable Past

2008-02-07T19:30:00.001-06:00

It has been many years since I visited the Museum in Black run by Brian Breye. Many years ago it was located in historic Lamert Park in Los Angeles. I will never forget my first visit.

It was a quiet summer morning as I poked my head into the open door. The owner was no where to be seen. I wandered the dark isles of African artifacts in solitude. Spotting an open door in the back, bathed in light, I slipped in and was confronted by a multitude of Black Americana artifacts and memorabilia. There were images on every wall, even the ceiling. I remember a large wooden hutch full of salt and pepper shakers. Post cards, Valentines, Aunt Jemima in every conceivable utilitarian form. Note Pads, Cookie Jars, Syrup containers, Toaster Covers and more. Artifacts and memorabilia from slavery, segregation and Jim Crow. My first thought ~ Well this puts "my collection" of odds and ends to shame. Just then, the owner tapped me on the shoulder and said rather firmly; “This room isn't ready for the public, it's my private collection.”

For the first time, I stood in front of someone who shared my passion to rescue these items. I wasn't going anywhere! I needed to know more about this collection. For me, the images of an uncomfortable past are a great source of knowledge, understanding, even pride. The fact that my grandparents and their grandparents had lived, struggled and rose above a society so intrenched in hatred, myths and stereotypes has been a great source of inspiration in my life. So we talked about the haunting images first, the scarcity of many of these treasures, who the collectors where and why imports and copies were being made today. I left with a new found understanding of my need to save these treasures and the importance of the past.

I've often wondered if the Museum in Black is still there and how it has changed. Since that chance meeting with Brian Breye, I realized that rescuing and preserving this slice of history is an honorable obsession. To reach the heights, to climb the difficult mountains of everyday life, we must understand and draw upon the strength of our ancestors. Our manifest destiny has been written and carved out of the uncomfortable past.

Here is a very small part of Pearl’s Private Collection:

Researching Vintage Jewelry

2007-09-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

So much has been happening at PearlShops4U that I haven't had much time to update the blog. I met a fabulous group of Sparklie Power seller Women. Please visit My World and Check out my favorite Seller's list. This fabulous group of sellers have been giving me a fresh look at the world of eBay. With the support and knowledge of this small powerful group, I am learning many new things. The store is undergoing a major renovation one piece at a time. Months ago I introduced you to the new Pearl. Now I have a new listing template to feature the treasures I find. If you are looking for a Fabulous Web Designer be sure to contact JennarationX.

I have acquired a small estate lot of costume jewelry that I will be selling for a friend. This fabulous collection of sparkling rhinestones and Retro looks has inspired me to take a closer look at the world of collecting costume jewelry.

These Jewels, collected from the 50s to the 80s, have been worn and loved over a lifetime. I really love the necklace sets. They remind me of Jackie O. and a time when a well dressed lady wore a necklace set everyday. While the bead sets may not be as collectible as other items in this estate, they are the perfect accent to a vintage or modern outfit. Since my name is Pearl , this is one of my favorite sets:

In 1955 a federal judge ruled that costume jewelery designs were "Works of Art" and should be protected by copyright laws. So when you find a fabulous piece, check it closely for marks. If the Copyright symbol is present then the treasure was most likely produced after 1955. Some manufacturers like Coro may have used the mark as early as 1947. The name Coro was adopted in 1943 by the New York firm of Cohn & Rosenberger which was founded in 1901. There are thee marked Coro pieces in this collection:

This set is marked with the Copyright symbol, but the following sets of earrings have no copyright mark.

One of the most sought after names in costume jewelry is Juliana, made by the DeLizza & Elster Company. Juliana was the name of Frank DeLizza's mother. In 1967 and 1968 this company produced the popular "5 Link" line of fabulous necklaces and bracelets. None of these items were marked but the construction is easy to identify, if you know what you are looking for. This fabulous sparkler is breathtaking.

When I searched for Confirmed Juliana Necklaces I found this
spectacular necklace at Rubylane. There are 2 pairs of earrings in the estate that are a close match to this sparkler.

I'm still researching the earrings because I have not seen another Juliana listing with jewels that are set in the same manner as this set. All of the Juliana pieces I have seen online have prong set rhinestones. So I'm off to the eBay jewelry discussion board to see if there are any experts available to confirm the maker.

I hope you will check back to see when the listings will start. I have been spending all of my time on Jewelry sites discovering a wealth of information. Check out the following sites for the skinny on collecting costume jewelry.

Costume Jewelry History
And Jewelry Marks

Juliana at Lillys Vintage Jewelry, Absolutely Vintage, Milkyway Jewels, Vintage Sarah Coventry .

Visit PearlShops4U on MySpace to see more pictures of the collection. Let's be MySpace Friends.

Kosta Boda Glass Designer Bertil Vallien

2007-08-22T01:41:00.001-05:00

Bertil Vallien is an amazing artist and there are many sites available that display the vast array of his work. He has been employed by Kosta Boda since the late 1963 and is probably their most well know designer. http://www.bertilvallien.com/ has a nice selection of pictures of his work. I also found http://www.midnightsundesigns.se/default.asp?page=designer16.asp where they list the beginning dates of his collections. The Feline Viewpoints Collection is from 1995.

Here's a few new Ebay to Go Search Boxes of available items by Kosta Boda and Bertil Vallien,

Alaska Carved Whale Fossil Ivory Doll Signed Vukson

2007-07-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

Once again I have found an unusual Cultural Treasure ~ A work of art that has opened up a world of information. I am attracted to the unusual and this time I feel I have rescued a treasure. I am happy to pass on what little info I have been able to uncover.

When you first touch this treasure you are not quite sure what it is made of. Yet it is easy to see this artist has used his raw material well. The holes in the bone provide a sense of movement, the wind at his back... His head moves from side to side.

Simple and complex at the same time. I had so many questions. What was he made of? How did the artist make his head turn? What type of fur is he trimmed in? What should be in his hands.

I started out with just the name Vukson and Alaska. My first search turned up the a May 13, 2006, Salt Lake City news article on findarticles.com Click here to read it. I was amazed to learn that mammoth remains even existed outside of museums. But I learned the artist's full name: George Vukson.

I could only find one online gallery with examples of this artist's work: inua.net. There are examples of dolls on this site. Our treasure is missing his implements. He is most likely an Eskimo Hunter without a spear, but each of his hands have small holes on the top. Perhaps it is just the bone, yet I'm not sure.

To learn more about the types of materials commonly used in Inuit carvings Click here

Visit PearlShops4U today.

The New Improved Pearl

2007-06-30T00:57:00.000-05:00

So What do you think of the New & Improved Pearl?

Pearls Elements of Design

2007-06-30T00:03:00.000-05:00

Dare to be different! Combine elements of your past with the modern comforts of today to create your one-of-a-kind Eclectic, Retro and Modern style. Be assured, everything does not have to match. In fact, diversity of elements can be so much more dramatic!

I grew up with many European and British influences. We ate meals on English earthenware and admired the china cabinet full of Royal Albert Old Country Rose. I’ll never forget one rare and wonderful day we had a tea party and actually used the Royal Albert. I’ve loved English china ever since.

I’m wild about American-made pottery and tableware. Names like Homer Laughlin, Russell Wright, Metlox, Franciscan, Taylor Smith & Taylor, McCoy, Hall, Marcrest and Vernon Kilns are among my favorites. Today many people purchase dinnerware in “big barn stores” and think nothing of it. The dinnerware of the past are collectable today because the importation of dinnerware from foreign countries drove many American makers out of business. Even English makers were influenced by the American designs of this era. The Japanese companies, like Noritaki and others are known as the “pretenders” by Mid-Century purists. I’m not a purist.

The first element of my design style is Eclecticism, a fancy word that just means selecting what you like from various design styles.

I refuse to edit my life to fit one defined style.
I love sleek and modern, but I love grandmas’ china too! My own interiors are filled with items made in the USA, England, Canada, Egypt, Morocco, Japan, India, Germany, Poland, France, Africa, Denmark and more. I have chosen elements that are modern and abstract, Native American, Colonial, African and Traditional. I have combined geometric prints with bamboo, copper, cork, hand carved wood and one-of-a-kind treasures made of clay. Some things are old, some new and everything in-between! Somehow it all works.

My second design element is Retro: a fashion reminiscent of the past.

The easiest way to turn your house into a home is to include memories of the past. I’m a Mid Century Modern girl myself, so I love all the kitsch of the 50's and the pop art, flower power flair of the 60s and 70s. I’ve filled my kitchen with Pyrex, Fire King, Anchor Hocking, Imperial Glass, Corning Ware and others. It’s not necessary to go “all the way” with retro. But it is the coolest way to entertain. Have a hip rat pack martini party and enjoy all of the cool bar ware of the 50s and 60s. Use grandmas’ china every day, just because you can. Don’t forget a great set of vintage flatware.

Looking for cool retro art? Consider ethnic or retro tapestries, old print ads, advertising items, even sheet music, framed and hung as a group in matching Picture Frames. Pick any subject like - space travel, world fairs, old cars, places of interest and your on your way. My obsession with the past started with a collection or postcards and life magazines. I framed them and now a once empty hallway is an interesting art gallery. Retro inspired decorating options are endless.

The third element of my design style is Modern: belonging to the modern era; since the middle ages; relating to a recently developed fashion or style.

The modern styles of the 50s to 70s are being recreated by today’s manufactures. Everything old is new again. Remember lava lamps? Check out the big barn stores and you’re sure to find a “new” one. My favorite modern design style is Danish modern. Dansk tableware is perfect in the modern home. My concept of modern is based on elegant simplicity, form meeting function, and natural materials. Clean lines, biomorphic. shapes and organic materials fit seamlessly into the modern home of today

I'm Here to Help, Remember - PearlShops4U

eBay's New Feedback 2.0 - Are You a Star?

2007-05-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

I’m a small time 100% positive seller on the Bay. I’ve been around for awhile. It’s been said that the new feedback system is unfair, confusing and an invasion of privacy. All of these facts are true. The new format does expose information about all users, buyers and sellers. Anonymity has always played a role on the internet especially in buying habits. What you buy, tells the world about who you are and may imply information you would not voluntarily tell strangers. Do you purchase Designer Clothing, jewelry, expensive cars, what books you read, your taste in music, the things you collect and cherish. So as a Buyer the new system bothers me. I enjoyed the illusion of privacy the old system provided.

As a Seller I decided to take a second look at my own feedback, What does it say about me? . My feedback shows that in addition to purchasing packing supplies and educational/business materials, I sell household items at reasonable prices. Overall, Buyers are satisfied and positive about the buyer experience in my store and sellers are positive that I am a reputable buyer who pays on time, etc. At first, I was unhappy that prices were shown on the page as it an invasion, but then I realized it tells buyers there are some deals to be had in my store. I do not have stars yet, but I am not expecting perfect scores. Perfection is a goal that is rarely obtainable.

Before spreading doom and gloom perhaps we should let the dust settle. Remember the old days? Here is a link to the 1996 Founder's Note on feedback. I guess the new system is the result of the never ending wheels of progress. Ebay fixing the parts that are not broken and breaking the parts that need fixing.

The Last Door & Who is Ronnie Phillips?

2007-04-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

Here I am again with another mystery find. A Matted Photograph that is Hand Signed in pencil:

Goree Island,Senegal "Last Door" Ronnie Phillips

It is dark, mysterious and moody. Covered in plastic, so at first I thought it was a print. I find myself drawn to that small patch of blue in the center of the stone stairway, under the arch at the end of a dark hallway. When I removed the plastic I found a typed page:

Goree Island was used as a warehouse to detain human cargo before they left their voyage of no return through the Atlantic middle passage slave trading route. The Island (88 acres) is located four miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa. Goree changed hands from the Portuguese, Dutch, British and the French from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

History accounts for the immediate sense of horror that grips visitors when they arrive to where this castle was built in 1786 by the french. The tranquillity of the island today provide a stark contrast that can drown out the distant echoes of death and suffering that occurred here over 450 years ago. Babies women and men were kept in windowless rooms. The men who didn’t meet the required weight of 160 pounds went through weeks of fatting before they were shipped. The door is known as the "Door of No Return”.

Because of the islands excellent position, 2 miles off the coast, it provided an excellent departure point for millions of slaves and shelter against surprise attacks from mankind. Some see Goree Island as an emotional shrine, rather than a slave castle.

Ronnie Phillips

I should be listing treasures, instead I’m on a treasure hunt for information. A quick Google Search finds Goree Island less than a Kilometer from Dakar, Senegal Here’s what Wikipedia has. I guess it is a popular place for political candidates, Both Clinton and Bush visited the island - here’s a news article from the BBC and the official White House transcript of George W’s 2003 Speech.

That's a ton of information to think about and yet this photograph captures the essence of this dark and lonely place. I'm always amazed at the information hidden in the treasures we obtain. So the question remains: Who is Ronnie Phillips?

He was a member of NAIA National Association of Independent Artists in 2005. Here's the NAIA winter 2004-2005 newsletter. Ronnie Phillips a photographer, mixed media artist and painter from Georgia was on the panel for The Ideal Show: The Aritists' Perspective. Here's the only picture of his work I could find online: Mixed Media

Kira Fournier

2007-02-19T00:34:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my fortune cookie said: "You discover treasures where others see nothing unusual." So True ~ I taped it to my monitor! I'm always finding treasures that I know nothing about. I enjoy the research and I am often surprised by the information a new treasure can reveal. Here's an example.

Off White Pot with Lid
Marked: Kira Designs TM © 1984 Kira Fournier G2.

You may see nothing unusual, but here's what I found out:

Kira Fournier (1950-2002), attended Wellesley College, Goddard College, School of the Museum-Fine Arts Boston, Corning School of Glass and received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. In June of 1980 her article Making a Yunnan Steamer Appeared in Studio Potter Magazine. By the way, You may want to bookmark the Studio Potter. (be sure to check out the galleries of pottery.)

My Next Question . . . What is a Yunnan Steamer? The explanation was found at eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters: A Yunnan Steamer Pot is a covered ceramic dish that has a funnel in its base. When the pot is placed in a steamer, steam travels up the funnel and condenses on the lid's underside and is trapped in the pot.

Kira Fournier was a courageous artist and her personal Battle with Ovarian Cancer Eventually Became the Inspiration for Her Work. I think she stopped making pottery and began working with glass. At the University of Arizona, She Designed Sculptures in Glass of Her Own body to explore the Changes and Medical Procedures Associated with Her Illness. I found an article online about her 2001 exhibit titled Getting Out Alive Her work was featured at Sculpture Fest 2002, 2004. You can see a picture of one of her Sculptures here

In November of 2006, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's Great Issues in Medicine and Global Health Symposium Presented "Core Strength: an Artist's Journey Through Cancer" an Art Exhibit and Reception to Honor the Late Kira Fournier.

While I sit here holding this rather simple pot, I see a Treasure! I imagine the artist creating this utilitarian treasure long before her illness changed her life and art. Most of us will never be able to own a sculpture designed by this well respected artist. I feel honored to be able to pass this treasure on to someone who will use it for it's intended purpose. By doing so, Kira Fournier, the artist continues to live.

Peace Through Understanding

2007-02-10T06:44:00.000-06:00

My Latest Find ~ 1964 World Fair - Red Lacquer Tray

Research is the thing I love the most about selling treasures on Ebay. It is a fabulous opportunity to learn about the world. In Search of some juicy tidbits of Info about the worlds Fair I discovered YouTube. Okay, I know the rest of the world knows about the Tube but I'm a little slow.

Anyway, in 1964 Plans to build the New York World Trade Center were announced. "Beatlemania" was rocking the World . The "British Invasion" had begun while students protested the Vietnam War. Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa and Civil Rights Workers were found Dead in Mississippi. The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line. Peace Through Understanding seems appropriate to me.

Now Back to the Blissful Innocence of the 1964 World’s Fair:

To Get a Very Retro Vibe be Sure to Check out Videos by retrodashmatic Some of the coolest retro clips I found!

Filmstrip of new license plates

2006-06-14T05:24:00.000-05:00

I really just want to see if this works

Let's have a Soul to Soul Talk

2006-03-31T12:10:00.000-06:00

Soul to Soul

Well here I am, feeling guilty that I haven't added anything to the blog. The thing is ~ You never know if anyone is listening. So here's some more info to see if I can draw some attention to ME. Cause after all ~ My blog is about self promotion! It's hard work to develop a presence on the Net. There are tons of folks that say it can't be done by a Soul who is not an expert at any one thing. After all, I'm not Martha Stewart But........

Here's one of my most basic beliefs:
If you have the Power to Change a Negative into a Positive
You also have the Power to do what others say can't be done!

So the name of the game is to be open to education from unexpected sources. I opened my eBay Store - To make some extra income - but I'm getting an education too. A year ago I didn't know anything about HTML. I'm a Bargain Hunter ~ That is My one and only area of Expertise. Ask me to find "IT" and whatever "IT" is ~ I will eventually track it down. ~ I'm like a Boxer ~ Put me in any Shopping Arena and I can"Knock out" the most valuable widget! More often than not ~ at a great price too!

My latest find is a signed Tornado Bowl
made by Wimberly Glass Works, Located right here in Texas

Visit Wimberly Glass Works to learn more about these highly Skilled Artisians.
I almost forgot the Self Promotion part of this equation:
Take a Look at my Listing for this Fabulous Find

Anyway, I've been up almost all night working on a new look for my store. I was going to enter the Best of Stores Contest......I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to just figure out how to accomplish the task. Oh well, there's always next year for the Best of Stores Contest PearlShops4U is still a work in progress. Here's the Store and here's Another with some of the latest revisions. On the upside, I got the beginnings of an HTML education and found a great free site with all the HTMLInfo I will ever need. I have to give a Shout Out to fellow eBayer merrygocats for her informative introduction to HTML.

I've got to go........I should be doing so many other things (like Taxes, Housework, Gardening, Laundry, Cleaning....House ....Closets .....Garage ....etc., etc., etc.,) But for now ~ I must sleep! Is anybody listening?

New items in my Store

2006-03-24T11:53:00.000-06:00

I'm busy working on the listings for these items, but I wanted to give you a Sneek Preview of just a few of the treasures I will be listing this weekend

HAPPY TREASURE HUNTING!

1947 Greek Medallions

2006-03-05T19:17:00.000-06:00

I love the challenge of being a novice researcher and shopper for the unusual, unique and useful. It seems I’m always unearthing an unusual find. I love to share the information I locate and eBay rules regarding links can sometimes make it hard to provide background information for an unusual find.

Here is one such case. My 9yr old daughter found 3 medallions on a recent bargain hunt. I can only guess that they are souvenirs from various Greek cities or archeological sites. The spring-loaded wire on the back is the mystery. There are remnants of glue on the back of the "Bull" and the "Owl" - I wonder if they were sold on ribbons - Like Medals? or attached to something else to make clips. I just don’t know.

I wonder if these Medallions have anything to do with the Final incorporation of the Dodecanese Islands to Greece which I've read happened as late as 1947? in 1947 the President introduced the Truman Doctrine, which was to aid Greece and Turkey in resisting communist expansion So It would appear that Greece was in the middle of political turmoil in 1947. I wonder how many tourists there would have been.

This find lead me on a research mission that has still left many questions unanswered. Most of the information I found came from the following links:

Minoan Civilization
Athena
Egyptian Ships
Merchant Ships
Trireme

Here is what I have figured out so far:

The medal with the Bull is a depiction of the " bull jumping" made famous by the remarkable murals in the Minoan palace of Knossos (the word written at the top) of the island of Crete. This medallion bears a 1947 Backstamp with an animal that could be a Oryx Antelope, an African animal popular in ancient Greek paintings and drawings

Both the owl and the olive-sprig beside it were symbols of Athena and her win over Neptune in competition for the city. It has been said that Athena was once an owl herself. Athena was the patron goddess of wisdom, war, weaving, and Athens was named in her honor. The letters alpha, theta, and eta spell out "ATHE". The same layout was used on an ancient Athenian silver coin called an "obol" (or "obolos" or "obolus")

The Unusual Ship looks like the Athenian Trireme (the “Spear ship” according to Aeschylus). The Trireme has been used on coins and stamps and is considered the fastest ship in antiquity. The Fan Like Attachment on the end may be a "Speaking Horn" (a good place for the captain to sit while yelling at the oarsmen or at other ships) similar to that of ancient Egyptian vessels.

My Decorating Dilemma is a Work in Progress

2006-03-04T11:13:00.000-06:00

One Day a 60" Wide-Screen monstrosity magically appeared in the middle of my once elegant living room. The Husband fell in love at the electronics store! Since he had Blown the Bank on the TV, there were no funds left for built-in cabinets. The layout of the room demanded that the TV be raised off the floor and placed in a corner for maximum viewing pleasure.

I started with a modern black lacquer cabinet that had doors with brass handles. Sadly, the doors were removed to house the components. Hopefully, the next time the Husband "falls in love" at the electronics store smaller components will catch his eye! I want to put the doors back on the cabinet.

To make the top bigger, I painted a piece of wood black. Once the TV and speakers were in place, I had a void to fill along the top of the TV. I had damaged pieces of garden edging in the garage. The stakes that you push into the ground had broken off these pieces. (My yard is full of rocks, but that is another story....) I wired the fence pieces to a large pole of bamboo and hung it from the ceiling. I cut bamboo pole "sides" to create the illusion of a structure. I plan to use my Dremel tool to cut bamboo to hide the edge of the new wood top, but until then, I painted the edge gold to match the gold detail on the cabinet.

The old ceiling fan obstructed the view, so it had to go. I found the current ceiling fixture at a garage sale. It is very heavy and made of stained glass. I think it is either old or from a pizza parlor! Somehow the whole thing works for me.

This end of the living room was also rather dark, even after I hid an up-light behind the TV. So I decided to solve my lighting problem by filling the void on each side of the TV with a big light fixture on the "Cheap". I went to World Market in search of paper shades that I could put together to create 2 large light fixtures. As I walked though the store, I noticed the pair of sheepskin shades that now flank the TV. They were made to sit on the floor with the points up. They were covered with dust and on clearance! I added chain to the feet of the fixtures and inverted them to create huge hanging pendents on ceiling hooks. My guests always assume they are stained glass.

I know this look may not be for everyone, but it works for me. If you have a Husband, chances are you have a Big Screen TV to work into your decor. As you know, it can be a challenge. First, you must come to terms with the fact that you are never going to be able to hide it completely! Even behind cabinets, it will take up valuable floor space! So embrace it and dare to be different. I am still working to turn the "Monstrosity" into a nice vignette in my eclectic home.

Vernon Kilns Dinnerware Designer - Don Blanding - Poem

2006-02-24T15:47:00.000-06:00

http://www.don-blanding.com/index.htm
DON BLANDING
Vernon Kilns Dinnerware

The Double Life

How very simple life would be
If only there were two of me
A Restless Me to drift and roam
A Quiet Me to stay at home.
A Searching One to find his fill
Of varied skies and newfound thrill
While sane and homely things are done
By the domestic Other One.

And that's just where the trouble lies;
There is a Restless Me that cries
For chancy risks and changing scene,
For arctic blue and tropic green,
For deserts with their mystic spell,
For lusty fun and raising Hell,

But shackled to that Restless Me
My Other Self rebelliously
Resists the frantic urge to move.
It seeks the old familiar groove
That habits make. It finds content
With hearth and home -- dear prisonment,
With candlelight and well-loved books
And treasured loot in dusty nooks,

With puttering and garden things
And dreaming while a cricket sings
And all the while the Restless One
Insists on more exciting fun,
It wants to go with every tide,
No matter where...just for the ride.
Like yowling cats the two selves brawl
Until I have no peace at all.

One eye turns to the forward track,
The other eye looks sadly back.
I'm getting wall-eyed from the strain,
(It's tough to have an idle brain)
But One says "Stay" and One says "Go"
And One says "Yes," and One says "No,"
And One Self wants a home and wife
And One Self craves the drifter's life.

I wish my folks had made me twins.