Bullet Planters and New Finds.

I've obsessed about bullet planters long enough. I finally broke down and purchased a pair on Ebay.  All I really wanted was the short one but I got a great deal on 2 so I couldn't pass up the pair.

The short tan one has found it's home here in my living room. I'm not sure where the taller black bullet will go but I'm sure I can find a space.  

These are so hard to come by now that I don't think I can part with the black one.  I'd regret it later.  In my years of picking I've never seen one at a sale.  Where are they hiding? 

So, now my old planter is for sale in my shop.  I hate to see it go but go it must!

And check out some of my new finds:

Cork lamp with the coolest teak wood neck

Heywood Wakefield side table

Atomic ceramic lamp

Space age mod patio set

Burke tulip chair 

The Visible Woman educational model

Vintage Cork Lamps

Ever wonder why certain trends catch on?  I don't know why (if you do, please share) cork lamps became popular in the mid century.  They're cool looking indeed, but who had the idea to make a lamp out of cork first?

What is cork?!  According to Wise Geek, "Cork is a material that grows as the bark of the Cork Oak tree. More than half of the world's cork originates in southern Portugal.  The bark of the Cork Oak tree is harvested about every 9 or 10 years, and it is allowed to dry for 1 to 2 years. Next it is boiled to remove any toxins or other harmful agents, and then it is graded and cut. After a final cleaning and drying, the cork is sorted and ready for use."  


I've seen cork lamps on Etsy and occasionally on Craigslist, but it wasn't until I found my own last weekend at a thrift store that I actually started to like them.  Maybe they have to grow on you a little bit?  At first I thought, "weird", now "I like-y". They are the epitome of "vintage modern".   


Here's my find; destined for my Etsy shop because as much as I like it, I simply cannot adopt another lamp.  Literally, I have no space for it in my house.  Maybe you want to bring it home? 

 Too cool right?

And some other cool cork lamps: 

Mid Century Danish Tulip Cork Lamp $50 by Rare Supply (Etsy)

Vintage Modern Cork Lamp $95 by Sixty to Seventy (Etsy)

Mid Century Wood and Cork Lamp $150 by Duchess Fare (Etsy)

Vintage Green Ceramic and Cork Mid Century Modern Lamp $85 by Fuzzy Mama (Etsy)

Pair Mid Century Modern Laurel Cork Lamps $585 by Retro Symphony (Etsy)

Mid Century Cork Space Age Lamp $345 by Andrew Modern (Ebay)

Cork Swag Hanging Lamp $85 by Paper Moon Interiors (Ebay)

Retro 70's Cork and Cane Groovy Table Lamp $150 by Jucat Deluxe (Ebay)

Mid Century Modern Tall Cork Brass Laurel Table Lamp $210 by Mod Mod Mod Inc. (Ebay)

Brasilia Dresser and More Weekend Finds

After driving around with the Brasilia dresser and mirror in my Explorer for 4 days I finally unloaded it today.  I'm seeing it in the day light in all it's glory today and boy, it's a mess.  Three of the drawers have been painted black and the surface of the dresser is trashed. I will need to sand the entire dresser and stain it so it all matches. Okay, quite a job, but it's still worth it.  The two night stands are completely painted black so they'll need to be stripped, sanded and stained too.

Here is the dresser in my garage.   It's the "Triple Dresser" with a hidden center row of drawers.  One of the handles is missing but I do have it, thank goodness.

This is the photo I received from the seller.  As crappy as it looks I could tell it was Brasilia and knew I wanted it.  The mirror is pretty fantastic!!

The night stands are still up at my Mom's house.  I'll get them this weekend.  Here is the picture the seller sent to me.  Pretty bad huh?  

On a more positive note, this is what they will look like when I'm done with them: 

I'm not crazy about the style of the night stands. I wish it was this style: 

So, I think I'll refinish them and sell the set of 2.  I'm keeping the dresser, if I can fit it into my entry and use it as a credenza.  We'll see how it looks.

Here are other items I picked up that weekend from thrift stores.  My dining room has been taken over. No sunshine today so I can't photograph anything.  What a mess! 

I scored some cool stuff: a retro cork lamp, retro cut out lamp with light-up center, standing globe, wall clock, 1950's desk lamp, a 60's floor cushion, some starburst dinner ware, atomic magazine rack, small home decor, kitchen canisters and more.  Now, just need to clean them up, photograph and post.  Yeah, it's a lot of work.  

Saturday Pickin'

Saturday was spent up on the Central Coast with my Momma.  After securing the Brasilia dresser set I was able to relax and enjoy, and shop some more!  I left the Brasilia night stands at my Mom's until next weekend - so I could pack my truck with more stuff.  Plus, I couldn't see out my back window!  It was a great weekend of vintage hunting.

One of my favorite thrift stores was packed to the brim Saturday. Check out the sign.  30-50% off got me excited, but wait, it reads "All Used Merchandise".  Huh?

Just how I like it; packed with everything and the kitchen sink, literally. 

Cute mid century cabinet.  It would have been $6 with the sale but it was marked SOLD.  Dang it! 

My cart ...

Scored a couple of cool lamps including a gigantic retro cork lamp. 

Then off to a Goodwill. My Mom bought this mid century hutch for $29.99!

A quick walk through an Antique Mall. Why do I do this to myself?  I can't pay retail!

Ernest John Coffee Pot $125

My dream china set: Franciscan's starburst design

Update on Brasilia set: Dresser and mirror is still in my truck!  We need to organize the garage to make room.  I'll have the night stands next weekend and will post the set together.