Hard At Work - Depression Glass ID

Just a quick post to let you all know that I have been hard at work, researching and improving content provided on my up and coming website that will assist in glassware identification. In the beginning focus will be on Depression Glass identification, because that is where it seemed reasonable to start. Hindsight, I wished I had started with 40s, 50s, 60s Glassware, since I'm personally more versed in that era of glass. But you know...the whole 'start at the beginning' and the popularity of depression glass of late, got in the way. I've found out the fun way, that there isn't nearly as much data available on the latter glass, and that the internet is kind of saturated with info on depression era glass. Oh well, that just gives me a fantastic excuse to change focus mid-way...much better than I'm 41 and have the attention span of a 3 year old. ;)

Please follow this blog and visit my website @ www.quirksbyannie.com. Again, it is a work in progress so it doesn't have nearly the content that it will, but I am working diligently on that part.

You can also find me on Twitter and on Facebook, where you can also find useful content about antique and vintage collectibles.

A Moment In Time ♥ Eight

Scarlett and Brogan ♥ August 2007

SHARING ♥ Coffee Cup Mom: Summer Heat Wave - Be Smart

Wanted to share some fabulous tips from the Blog Coffee Cup Mom!!!! Since most of us are experiencing some crazy heat wave gig, AND have kiddos to be mindful of, here are her tips:

Coffee Cup Mom: Summer Heat wave- be smart

Thank you for the contribution from Coffee Cup Mom

Thank You ♥ Wilma

This is an endearing blog post from a new friend and a fellow Etsy Seller. You can visit her shop by following this link: ozarksfinds!!! I hope that you all will take the time to read her post, follow her blog, and browse her fantastic Vintage Shop. She's a doll, you will love her too! Thank you, Wilma!!! ♥

If You Haven't Found Fab Quirks By Annie, You Can Find Her Here!

A Moment In Time ♥ Seven

September 14, 2005 ♥ Scarlett Ann was born
Sharing this in honor of my wonderful husband's Birthday!
An amazing husband and father turned 40 TODAY! xoxo

A Moment In Time ♥ Six

Katie and Cortland ♥ January 2004

Moment In Time ♥ Five

First Tea Party in the South ♥ 2007

A Moment In Time ♥ Four

Thank You To My Followers ♥ New and Old

Hi, all! Wanted to put in this quick post to be sure that all of you that are currently following Fab Quirks By Annie are aware that I am running the Who Loves Ya ♥ Giveaway. It is really simple to enter, and there will be 5 WINNERS and 5 DIFFERENT PRIZES. Please click ENTER TO WIN and you will be taken to my post that explains the easy entry method, PLUS there are 2 BONUS methods, SO 3 CHANCE TO WIN!!! Please send me a message at quirksbyannie@gmail.com if you have any questions or need clarification. GOOD LUCK!!! ♥

A Moment In Time ♥ Three

CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows

CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows by Quirks By Annie

Quirks By Annie has launched into yet another new endeavor! Perhaps, you read my post about Antique Restoration and Contemporary Antiques. So you've already seen that we are expanding from the normal hunt + acquire = sell, aspect of Antique & Vintage Collectibles, but have found another outlet for some really great pieces ♥ antique and vintage window frames. We have come across these windows ever since we moved to North Carolina in 2006. (I'll save that story for another post.) Since discovering these awesome artifacts of the past my husband has created a few different pieces for my/our personal use. He had made a Mirror, a Matted Photo Frame, and a Menu/To-Do List Board. They are all wonderful, and well used!!!

It wasn't until we realized how many of these windows were out there; just sitting, waiting for a new purpose in life, that the bells and whistles started going off...HEY I CAN DO THAT AND SELL THEM, even take custom orders!!! So, here I am, with windows galore and anxious to make you that perfect piece. All you have to do is click this link: CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows, and you will be taken to the listing in my Etsy Shop, where you can see what is available and order the PERFECT PIECE FOR YOU!!!

A Moment In Time ♥ Two

A Moment In Time ♥ One

Quirks' Questions - The Q&A Forum

Quirks' Questions was created as a forum for my customers and/or readers to ask questions about antique and vintage collectibles. I don't claim to have all of the answers, in fact I guarantee that I DON'T, but my hopes are that enough of my friends, followers, and fellow antique & vintage lovers will help me fill in the blanks.

Just launched and I have already received my 1st Question and provide my 1st Answer. Just wanted to let you all know that it exists, and your participation is MORE THAN WELCOME...IT IS NEEDED!!! So come on all you experts, pitch-in and give me and the folks a hand. Thanks! ♥

You can either post a question in the Quirks' Questions widget on the right-hand side of this blog or click this link, Quirks' Questions, and go to the main site.

Antique Restoration or Contemporary Antiques

Quirks By Annie's Antique Restoration or Contemporary Antiques

My Current Favorite "Contemporary Antique"
from Quirks By Annie

This is a new venture that Quirks By Annie is undertaking. There are always some fantastic deals on some really awesome antique and vintage furniture at the Auctions and Estate Sales that Ethan attends, however, more often than not, they just are PERFECT. So, he has been passing up on them until recently. Now, even though a piece has some imperfections it still has a place in this world. Sometimes he has been able to restore to original condition, which is always exciting. But my personal favorites are those pieces that are just beyond reasonable restoration. These have become fun, funky, absolutely wonderful "Contemporary Antiques". The link above and this link show a very small glimpse into this new endeavor, but there will be more to come. Most are for sale, so if you see something that makes your heart go pitter-patter then hurry and send me a message. This is the very first day that we have shared these with the outside world, and they are already being stalked. We have lots of other pieces in the works, and some more that are nearing the finish line. So don't get caught later saying "Dang, that was PERFECT for my vanity! Why did I hesitate?", rather be a "WINNER", like Charlie Sheen...Winning!!! hahaha jk on that last part. Love to you all. Post again soon. ♥

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE (Tip No. 2)

I know that you have all been on the edge of your seats just waiting for me to post "Top Secret: A Smidgen of Advice (Tip No. 2)". Well here it is. So grab a yummy drink, curl up in your favorite chair, take a cleansing breath, and read on...

October 1947 ♥ Better Homes & Gardens
Ad for Linens 'Cannon Percale Sheets'

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE ON CARING FOR ANTIQUE & VINTAGE LINENS...

Stain Removal:

Example of Linens with
Yellowing Stains on Folds

Quite often you will come across antique or vintage linens that have yellowed along the fold lines. This often happens after years of storage, and those folds being exposed to daily dirt and grime such as dust, nicotine, and other airborne pollutants.

1. It is always best to rehydrate the fabric prior to working on any stain. The preferred way to accomplish this would be to soak the piece in room temperature water for at least 30 minutes.
2. If the fabric is heavily soiled or stained, and does not have colored embroidery, then you can mix lukewarm water with a product, such as OxiClean®, and soak it for several hours up to several days. If extended soaking is required, then every-so-often you will need to check the stain, rinse with cool water, mix a fresh solution, and soak again. You can continue to do this until the stain is removed or diminished enough not to detract from the piece. Occasionally you just have to live with a stain, and accept it as a part of the linen's history, a little character.
3. If you are dealing with a stain such as rust, blood, or any other stain that has a high iron content, you can use a product such as Whink Rust Stain Remover®. Products such as these just take a small amount, and if they are going to work, will work in a very short amount of time.
4.  NEVER use chlorine bleach, products with bluing agents, or whiteners on any fine linens.
5.  Sun bleaching fabric was very common during the Victorian era, but modern textile experts feel that process may be too harsh for the oldest and most delicate antique textiles. Remember, the linens were NEW in the Victorian era. You can, however, place the linens in filtered sun for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but not longer than that.
6. NEVER wring out old fabrics because it can cause considerable stress to old and delicate fibers.

Vintage Embroidered Table Runner 

General Cleaning and Care:

1. Always wash delicate linens in cold water, hot water running through older pipes releases the impurities in the pipes which increases the risk of staining or discoloring during the washing cycle.
2. NEVER use a harsh detergent, such as Tide.
3. Use a gentle detergent, such as Woolite or Linen Wash by Le Blanc®. Linen Wash® is made especially for vintage, antique, and delicate textiles. Wash on the delicate or hand-wash setting, depending on your washer.
4. You can dry most linens on the lowest dryer setting, removing while still slightly damp. You don't want to dry linens, antique or otherwise, until they are bone dry because it can cause the fabric to pill or fade. Once you have removed the linen, smooth it out with your hands and fold. Or, if you are planning to use it right away, then follow the tip for ironing below.
5. NEVER use dryer sheets in the dryer or fabric softener in the washer. Fabric softener prevents the material from absorbing moisture, which will shorten the life of your textile.
6. If you intend on using the linen right away, then iron while still damp on the lowest setting possible. If a piece is embroidered, then iron it on the reverse side, on top of a towel.
7. DO NOT iron your antique linens until you are ready to use them.
8. AVOID extended exposure to sunlight and moonlight to avoid color fading.

Vintage Embroidered Table Runner

Storage:

1. Always use acid free archival tissue paper for storing your delicate linens when not in use. It is not safe to store these items in direct contact with wood or painted surfaces, since they are highly acidic.
2. If you are storing a table cloth, or other large piece, then simply place a piece of acid free tissue paper over a pant clothes hanger, carefully drape the piece over it, add an additional layer of acid free tissue paper over the linen in order to keep dust off, and then store in a closet.
3. Fold smaller pieces with acid free tissue layered between and amount the folds. If the piece is not used for a year or more, then unfold and change out the tissue.
4. Pieces that are used/displayed year-round or frequently should be laundered or hand-washed one or more times a year to remove dust and freshen up.
5. DO NOT store a piece without washing first, since there could be unseen grime such as grease that can lead to staining.

As always, please visit Quirks By Annie on Etsy. I have lots of antique and vintage linens available in my store right now. Enjoy!!!

Who Loves Ya ♥ Giveaway

Giveaway Host: Quirks By Annie

Giveaway Sponsors: A Beachside Dream, Handmade Beary Tear Bear Critters, Jana Carter Photography, Tiffany's Loving Candles, and Quirks By Annie.

A Beachside Dream
Beach in a Bottle

What you can win: 

A Beachside Dream has donated 'Beach in a Bottle', including Free Shipping within the United States. Barbara resides in Honolulu, Hawaii and everything is 'MADE WITH ALOHA!!!" All the shells and glass are from her adventures on the Island of Oahu.

Handmade Beary Tear Bear Citters
Pansie Pig Magnet

Handmade Beary Tear Bear Critters has donated a 'Pansie Pig Magnet'. She makes custom Tear Bear Critters for all scrapbooking needs. All items are 100% customizable and handmade by Susanne. Free shipping on this item within the US and Canada. In the event the winner is outside of these areas, Susanne will need to quote shipping costs.

Photo shown is a representation of Jana's work,
not the actual prize.

Jana Carter Photography is donating one of her 8" x 10" original pieces of work. Photography on the go is her specialty. She loves finding the beauty in the  uncommon. Her photos record the emotions of the moment. She loves telling your story one picture at a time. She is located in Bullhead City, Arizona and is a photographer for hire, so if you are in her neck of the woods, please contact her (information is on her facebook page) to schedule a shoot.

Tiffany's Loving Candles has donated 8 Oz. Soy Candle - Lavender Vanilla, winner pays $4.00 Shipping via PayPal, within the United States only.

Soy Wax benefits: Burns cooler than paraffin wax; 100% biodegradable vegetable based; Soy Wax is a naturally grown product; No breathing problems for Asthmatics & Allergy sufferers, unlike paraffin based products; Sets solid after use - no more messy spills. HIGHLY FRAGRANT! This single wick scented candle will burn for approximately 60 hours of solid warming! These candles are handmade and come in many different sizes, colors and fragrances! Candles are handmade and hand poured at the time you order to ensure freshness.

Quirks By Annie
Vintage Oil Lamp

Quirks By Annie is donating a Vintage Oil Lamp with Clear Glass Chimney and Eagle Burner. The base features a smooth font and ribbed foot giving this lamp a beautiful look when filled with the red of the oil. The Eagle thumb wheel turns freely and there are no chips, cracks or breaks in the lamp or chimney. The lamp stands approximately 20" in height (from base to chimney), the base measures approximately 9" in height and 6" in diameter, and the font measures approximately 6" in diameter.

Depression Glass: Hocking Glass - Colonial aka 'Knife & Fork'

Let's get back to some glassware identification. I've had a lot of different irons in the fire as of late, so I thought it was time for a good 'ole fashion Depression Glass post. I'm not really the research kinda gal, but obviously one isn't born with knowledge of all things antique and vintage, so I've had to do quite a bit of poking and nosing around. The most interesting part is that I am actually enjoying it. The bad part is that there are many different resources and most of them contain contrasting and inconsistant information, so of course that leads to reviewing 4, 5, 6 resources and then double and triple checking each 'fact'.

I could just go the easy route and continue to perpetuate inaccurate information, but I'm all about 'breaking the cycle'. If you're a seller or collector, certainly you've been on 'those' auction/online selling sites to search for comparabales or that coveted pattern or piece of glassware only to find that 'hey that's EXACTLY the piece I have' and the person selling has no idea either what in the heck they have OR it is identified totally wrong, yet 10 other people have it listed (almost verbatim) the same dang wrong way. Really frustrating for Seller and Collector alike. So, again, I'm doing my best to break the cycle of misinformation and dial in who out there truly knows what they're talking about and collecting information from those wonderful gems and sharing that knowledge here, with you!

Colonial aka "Knife & Fork"

Manufactured by: Hocking Glass Company

Years Manufactured: 1934 - 1936

Colors: Crystal, Green, Opaque White, Pink

Classification: Depression Glass

Pitcher in Pink

Number of Pieces Produced: Approximately 41

This particular pattern is one of the more difficult patterns to collect. One reason is the limited years of production, therefore limited pieces were produced. This leads to reason number two...expensive! The aka comes from the rigid design between the scallops of the rib/panel pattern.

Mug in Green

Green is typically the most sought after color, simply because it is one of the easiest to find. Pink demands close to the same price as the green and that is due to the limited amount of pink pieces available, otherwise it might command a higher price because more available pieces would mean more opportunity to put together complete sets.

Cordial Glass in Crystal

Stems were not produced in pink, so often collectors will seek out the crystal stems to compliment their collection. There were 3 different sizes of footed tumblers produced, along with 7 bowls, and 5 sizes of stems. In total, there were approximately 41 pieces made in this pattern.

Oval Bowl in Pink

The Interview Series: Getting To Know Chef Mum aka Sami Brown (Part 2)

Judging by the numbers, you all really enjoyed meeting and reading about my first muse, Sami Brown aka Chef Mum. So without further ado, Part 2...

Sami ~ Chef Mum

Annie Lema: Is Gavin a picky eater? And if he is, what is the easiest way you have found to combat that issue?

Sami Brown: I don’t think that I would classify Gavin as a picky eater. He will try just about anything at least once. If he isn't interested it will come out faster than it went in. We try not to cater to him too much. I mean after all, we aren't a royal family…per se. If he gets hungry enough he will eat just about anything.

Annie: What is your fave drink to have while cooking? Or does it depend on the meal?

Sami: My fave drink to have while cooking is probably a nice BIG glass of red wine. Ever since I took a 6-month wine tasting course in college I have been a big fan of wine. The best money my parents ever spent and possibly the only class I received an A+++ in. What can I say? I was willing to do extra credit.

The Interview Series: Getting To Know Chef Mum aka Sami Brown (Part 1)

♥ Sami and Gavin ♥

I have had such a blast getting to know Chef Mum, aka Sami Brown aka Gavin's Mum. She has an amazing sense of humor along with a perfect sense of self; she knows exactly who she is and readily admits the good, the bad, and the ugly (not that there's much bad or any ugly, but you get the idea). She has had me cracking up since first meeting her on facebook. In fact I was just over at 4th Trimester Cooking's facebook page, verifying one last bit of information, and read two of her wall posts that had me laughing so hard, I cried! (A lollipop in the back of her hair at the post office...! You'll have to read it for yourself.)

Sami blogs for 4th Trimester Cooking, a chronicle of her experiences, being a first-time mom with a humorous and honest kick to it. And the bonus is there are some kick-a** recipes on there! So here we go...

Annie Lema: How long have you and your husband, Garrett been married?

Sami Brown: My husband Garrett and I have been married for roughly 4 years, 9 months, 1 week, 1 day, 12 hours, and 40 minutes...not that anyone is counting. We joke and say that it feels like we have been married for 80 years which may sound bad to some but to us it’s just because we can’t seem to picture our lives without the other. We are a normal married couple. We still fight about the same things that other normal married couples fight about. My husband’s best advice on marriage: “Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other person is you.”

Annie: Now that Gavin Rhys is almost 2, and some of the drama of pregnancy and birth are a bit of a blur, have you considered having more children? Or are you one and done?

Sami: Immediately following Gavin’s birth I would repeat to just about anyone that would listen, “NEVER…EVER…AGAIN!” But like most mom’s who lay eyes on their new perfect genetic creation by the time the drama of the pregnancy and actual birth had become a blur I wanted a herd of children. My son is by far the most perfect thing that I have ever accomplished in my entire life so I definitely wanted more.. Not only have we considered having more but before my doctor could officially give us the thumbs up to conceive again we became pregnant. Gavin was only 10 months old and our first official go at “it” landed us another baby on the way. Of course, this was against all of my husband’s desires who had hoped for a prolonged shag-a-thon.

The Interview Series: WHY?

In a few minutes I will be kicking off a new series on Fab Quirks By Annie, and before pushing it in your face I thought I would explain WHY...

This series is a major deviation from my original Master Plan, but then again, pretty much everything has been since I initiated my Blogger account. I am not a writer, I had never blogged before, I hadn't really even read very many blogs prior to launching my own. I started Fab Quirks By Annie as a forum to share the knowledge I was acquiring while trying to learn the ropes of the Antiques & Vintage Collectibles business. Ultimately (or hopefully) driving traffic to my shop and boosting sales. Pretty Basic. But the blog has taken a few different twists and turns along the way, I guess primarily due to the fact that once you are 'in' the moment, posting away, you see your reasons and your info from a different perspective. Also, I have read many, many, many blogs since starting mine and have begun to understand what fuels a 'good read'. I'm not quite there yet, but I can feel that it isn't that far behind me now (geez I hope)!

So, the Interview Series is my tribute to those blogs that I have read and the bloggers I have gotten to know. They are a serious driving force, flooding me with ideas and inspiration to get in here and really give the audience something interesting to read. My main focus still remains on the informational aspect of it all, sharing what I'm learning, but along the way it doesn't hurt to stop and acknowledge other aspects of my world. It's all fun. Hope you enjoy meeting my muses.