sunday friend: porchlightvintage

Recently I dropped all sense of dignity and wrote to a complete stranger about a vintage mug that’s been in my Etsy favorites for like 15 years.  It was my first official trade request, and it felt really weird, but through some talk of Hello Kitty and Jane Fonda, I found a kindred brain.  And yes, a badass mug.  The rest of her vintage shop is equally badass, full of beautifully photographed, cleverly described quirky finds.  She has another shop where her handmade things live, but that shop isn’t so much badass as it is super pretty.  The signature quirk is still very much present, though.

merry

1) Please state your name, aliases, and regional dialect

Hello there! I’m Merry and very I’m well versed in upper Midwestern speak, specifically the greater Minnesota and Wisconsin regionalisms. Like in the movie Fargo, but a little bit softer, I guess. Also, I answer to “Fish Stick”, “Sherry” and, frequently, “Miss Merry”.

2) When and how did you get into the vintage thing?

I usually wore vintage clothing in high school, just to be different and to assert my blossoming “artsy fartsyness”. But, we didn’t call it “vintage” then, it was just called “used”. It was about then that I began collecting vintage fabric, the fuel for my first collecting passion. As my search for, ever more, groovy threads lead me to thrift stores; it wasn’t long before I began to discover the fantastic stacks of old fabric tucked away in such musty shops. The days of finding a pristine yardage of 1950s bark cloth in a junk store are, sadly, over. But that just makes me appreciate the awesome pieces I have all the more. During this time, one of my better fashion moments was sparked when I copied my dear friend Rachel’s choice of footwear. As she sometimes did, I took to wearing used, old men’s, leather, wing tip shoes that were a bit too big for me. These were usually Stacy Adams, which I especially wore with skirts and dresses. Awesome. Alas, I can’t wear shoes like that anymore because they kill my feet! These days I mostly wear men’s Red Wing boots.

3) Tell us about your favorite find of all time:

My favorite find is so sweet, and not worth much, but I’ll never part with it. I’ve had it for a very long time and can’t for the life of me remember where I found it. It is a vintage toy 120 camera that says “Time Traveler” on the front faceplate. It’s all boxy like and made of black metal. I’ve never used it, but I have some pretty spectacular plans percolating in my brain of what to shoot, when I do.

camera

4) Which is better? Flea markets, thrift shops, or garage sales?

I think all are great for their specific charms and, honestly, I have the least experience with flea markets. I think it’s because they are usually so far away from the metro area, and I never seem to have the time or hauling power it would take to go to them. Thrift shops abound in my area, as do garage sales in the warm months. I have a few thrift shops that I love and regularly visit because they are so clean and well organized by nice little blue haired ladies.

5) Are you into any crafts?

I’ve been sewing and into fabric related craftiness since being bitten by the aforementioned vintage fabric collecting bug, 20+ years ago. Back around that time, I served as an apprentice costume stitcher for the Santa Fe Opera for two seasons, which was a complete blast. It was little Midwest me, in the desert, surrounded by opera divas and New Yorkers. It was super freaky, in a great way, and a huge learning experience. I also still alter and make some of my own clothes, when I have the time. Recently, I finished making a ginormous king sized quilt, as a gift for one of my uncles. I could see tackling another project like that sometime in the future. Coincidently, that very uncle has just opened an Etsy shop of his own! Rock it, Uncle Mike! : leatherbymike.etsy.com

img_0255

I’m also a potter, but that’s a cost prohibitive endeavor, currently. Minnesota has a pretty outstanding and nationally recognized clay community, and I was lucky enough to study with a variety of fantastic potters and clay freaks at our local clay center. I really miss it. You can see a few things I’ve made either fabric or clay on my flickry goodness:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twilightporchlight/collections/72157606427019872/

I received my BFA at the University of MN, with a focus in photography. Prior to buying a digital camera with my partner in crime, and husband Joe, I hadn’t shot any film in a good looooong while. In the last few years I’ve begun working in photography again, and it feels really fantastic and inspiring! I have a personal challenge / project going in which I try to take at least one photo per day that I am happy with. Even though they are just simple or odd “snapshots”, for me, the process is like sketching daily. It allows me to work on ideas and techniques for other, more thoughtful, work later on. Again, the evidence for my dailies resides on my Flickr photostream. I do love the Flickr.

And, oh gee, as if that all weren’t enough, I garden our little urban oasis yard. Gardeners are, by nature, a crafty lot, I’d say. Our goal here is to eventually have no grass to mow, and to nurture mostly native plants all around our home.

Two Corelle, Livingware, Old Town Blue, open handle, stackable cups. Whew, thats a mouthful.
Two Corelle, Livingware, Old Town Blue, open handle, stackable cups. Whew, that’s a mouthful.

6) How did you hear about Etsy?

I’m pretty sure I first heard about it on one of the art / craft blogs that I read. I really can’t remember the specifics, but I wish I could

I opened my first Etsy shop, TwilightPorchlight, in July of 2007. After about 6 months of listing both ceramic pieces, that I made, and vintage wares, I decided to separate my stock by opening another shop dedicated to just vintage items. I perceived it to be too cluttered to have both things mixed in such a way. I opened PorchlightVintage to focus only on the vintage stuff. It’s much harder than I expected to operate two separate shops. It’s just me here, organizing everything, and I have a full time day job to boot, so sometimes my poop just aint in a group - ya know? Knowing what I now know, I’m not so sure that I’d do it the same way, again.

7) Name three Etsy allies:

As I am an overworked and typically “shy rabbit” type, I can’t say that I have any Etsy allies, so to speak. However, there are two shops, in particular, that even though their owners don’t know it, were instrumental in kicking my a** into gear to open my first shop. These two luminaries are spidercamp and UglyBaby. I obsessively stalked both of these shops for a long time, utterly inspired by their ‘effing bold sass. It hit me that this level of surly back talk appealed to me, as a buyer and an eventual seller. As anyone who has seen “This Is Spinal Tap” knows, there is a fine line between clever and stupid and I try to walk this line, without falling into the crevasse of pretension when I write my shop’s copy.

Currently, I am stalking silocurb, kjoo and elsita. Clearly, each of these shops has been created with such care and love. They are my lights of inspiration.

the woodturners daughters first shop project.
the woodturner’s daughter’s first shop project.

8 ) Do you ever get choked up at the post office?

Nah, I get choked up at sappy love songs, or most anything that Neko Case sings. I do get a little choked up when there is an extraordinarily long line.

9) What percentage of finds never makes it to the shop?

Any thing that fits into my current collecting obsessions stays here, in our home. Those current items are: vintage cameras, hand made thread crochet potholders, porcelain busts of ladies, paint by number paintings, casseroles from the 20s - 50s, unique restaurant ware dishes, old colorful afghan throws, and groovy booze decanters.

thirsty much. a booze hounds drinking glass.
thirsty much. a booze hound’s drinking glass.

10) What’s the big goal?

To keep honing my craft as an artist. To never tire of exploring and being inspired by new artistic mediums. To learn to be a beekeeper, and to nurture a menagerie of small animals someplace more remote than here along with my best friend and confidant, Joe.

11) What’s your take on water skiing?

I’ve never been, but I have been pulled behind a speedboat, while sitting on a large inner tube.

12) What’s your favorite 80s cartoon?

Ya know I was more of a 70s cartoon kid. I watched Speed Racer, The Super Friends, but I especially loved the original Wonder Twins, not the redone 90s version either. Fat Albert was a regular viewable as well. While not a cartoon, I completely and truly loved H.R. Pufnstuf, and I try to incorporate the line “The witch has got Freddie”, into my daily parlance.

Because your gramma put whisky in her coffee. A vintage Arcadia hand painted china cup and saucer set.
Because your gramma put whisky in her coffee. A vintage Arcadia hand painted china cup and saucer set.

13) Do you have pets?

We live with two wonderful, and odd cats. They are Haroun and Mighty Mouse.

They both believe they are small, furry, humans who walk on four legs.

14) Name three tiny ridiculous things you really really hate:

1. The sound of our alarm clock

2. Cat litter in the bed

3. When someone speaks a declarative statement, and their tone of voice raises, as if to ask a question. “I’m really hungry???” Urggggg!

15) What’s your favorite comfort food?

I think the very first cup of coffee in the morning is the most comforting foodstuff I can ask for.

Bubbles is a name that doesnt only apply to a monkey. A vintage amber bubble glass compote.
Bubbles is a name that doesn’t only apply to a monkey. A vintage amber bubble glass compote.

16) What was your childhood personality?

Shy, introverted, and pretty ‘effin nerdy. I was a square.

17) Most embarrassing public experience of the past year?

You know, I think I really step in it with some regularity. And, what’s more, I think I actively try to. Progressively, over the last 10 years, or so, I really feel less and less embarrassed about these things. I like being irreverent and a silly person in general.  I enjoy telling stupid jokes, that probably make me appear quite dorky, to my 20 something coworkers. I have a friend who is hell bent on seeing me do stand up comedy, and while I don’t think I am at all that funny, I’d be willing to someday try my hand at acting. What the hell?

If anything is embarrassing, it’s probably that I swear too much. I think when, recently, I’d realized that I had dropped an F bomb and some change in front of my 84 year old grandma, I was embarrassed. Sorry Grandma, I love you!

Alma Sweet was born in 1936. Fabric cuff, No. 4
Alma Sweet was born in 1936. Fabric cuff, No. 4

18) How do you feel about Wisconsin?

I grew up there, and I love cheese! It is the dairy state, you know!

19) Do you own a video camera?

I don’t, but we’re in the market. Suggestions, anyone?

20) What’s your favorite scent?

lavender


Feeling lucky? Oh good, because Merry’s giving away some awesome!  In the form of the two vintage Noritake tea cups pictured above.
How to enter: Comment below with your favorite listing from Merry’s shop, and I’ll choose a winner at random at noon EST on Saturday,  March 14th.   Want some extra credit?  Post again with a story about your favorite personal vintage find, and you’ll be doubly entered.  Good luck folks.
Thanks for being a victim, Merry!

Filed under: sunday friends on March 8th, 2009

83 Responses to “sunday friend: porchlightvintage”

  1. mary e. robbins, on March 8th, 2009 at 11:19 am Said:

    gotta be this one: Two vintage snack sets by Indiana / Colony Glass company. Harvest pattern. yup. great interview!

  2. JD, on March 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm Said:

    The depression era glass bowl would be so cute on my table filled with fruit! Thanks for the giveaway!

  3. Bob, on March 8th, 2009 at 2:27 pm Said:

    Has to be the lonesome and forlorn sweet tooth. Small lusterware dog bud vase. Something about lusterware makes me feel randy.

  4. kaholly, on March 8th, 2009 at 2:55 pm Said:

    Enlightening interview. Nice shop, too!

  5. Margaret Jeronimus, on March 8th, 2009 at 3:30 pm Said:

    Loved the interview! You’ve been a clever, quirky, creative being since the day you were born. As a woman you have retained all of that and sprinkled it with compassion, wit, beauty and grace. I would like people to know that because of you the world is a better place!

  6. ARTHUR MALONE, on March 8th, 2009 at 8:51 pm Said:

    WHEN I WAS IN JAPAN I SENT BACK HOME TWO BOXES OF NORITAKE CHINA…

  7. MRS.MOMMYY, on March 8th, 2009 at 8:53 pm Said:

    xoxox, with such love from your next home cooked dinner. A vintage ceramic casserole pair.

  8. Steve, on March 8th, 2009 at 9:05 pm Said:

    Great interview! Elegant pictures! Fabric cuffs beautiful and original…especially #3.

  9. JOAN KAAIHUE, on March 8th, 2009 at 10:38 pm Said:

    I like the depression glass cream and sugar.

  10. christopher h, on March 9th, 2009 at 12:51 am Said:

    really love the depression era glass bowl, not to mention that booze hound’s drinking glass you pictured above

  11. debi welbon, on March 9th, 2009 at 5:06 am Said:

    I love depression glass! I have a 12 place setting of the ruby red and would love to be able to add extra serving pieces to it!

  12. Jean F, on March 9th, 2009 at 5:33 am Said:

    I really like the Pretty. Like you. Depression Era glass bowl, etched with Clematis vines.

  13. Margaret Smith, on March 9th, 2009 at 6:10 am Said:

    Thank you so much for this giveaway. I love the Vintage amber glass chip and dip serving piece, so pretty.
    Thanks.

  14. leatherbymike, on March 9th, 2009 at 8:17 am Said:

    Merry are you a star now? Oh by the way thanks for stealing artsyfartsy from me. This was good to see.
    mike

  15. Sara Reimler, on March 9th, 2009 at 9:43 am Said:

    Merry what a great interview. All of the things that you have on your site are unique and beautiful. I am inspired by your artsyfartsyness, and strive to be more artsy myself its great therapy. I am lucky to have such and insperational person as apart of my family. Keep doing what you do best.

  16. Uncle Realtor, on March 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am Said:

    Once again I will turn this into something about me. I feel extremely satisfied that you have become the person you are because of the many years of torment I have dished out to you since you learned to talk. You have great gifts and I hope your site goes big.

  17. Sylvia Belle, on March 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am Said:

    My daughter collects tea cups.

  18. Charlie/Dad/Poppo/Charles, on March 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm Said:

    Dearest Little Merry (& DamnGoodJoe),
    It was a wonder and a joy to read your answers.
    I learned some new things about “My Kid.”
    You make my day every day!
    Nice of you to give your Uncle Mike a plug, but then that’s you.
    It was even more joyful to read our relations’ comments.
    I very much connect with your Declarative Statments Sentiments. You go, Grammar Girl!
    Time for me to do some TM with what’s left of my luch break.
    Peace&Blessings,
    Love, Dad

  19. veronica sandberg, on March 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm Said:

    The depression era glass bowl

  20. Angela J, on March 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm Said:

    The dogwood pattern pitcher is great.

  21. Melanie D, on March 9th, 2009 at 2:13 pm Said:

    Kathy loved Hawaii. A vintage personalized Hawaiian mug.

    I love it, I love pieces like that.
    That seem to have a story behind them.
    :]

  22. Gina Stratos, on March 9th, 2009 at 2:30 pm Said:

    Love the Lancaster Glass Light Shade
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  23. Gina Stratos, on March 9th, 2009 at 2:32 pm Said:

    My favorite vintage find …. a box of glass doorknobs. Got’em for $5.
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  24. Monique Rizzo, on March 9th, 2009 at 3:34 pm Said:

    I found some old charms and a bracelet i got for $10! Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

  25. Lindsay, on March 9th, 2009 at 3:40 pm Said:

    hello there!

    my favorite listing from Merry’s shop: bubbles :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21950548

    my favorite vintage find: a tattered cardboard box full of old medicine bottles which were full of buttons! beautiful, multi-colored, buttons from many different decades :)

  26. Tom Showers, on March 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm Said:

    Hope I win!

  27. Vicky Boackle, on March 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm Said:

    my sister collects tea cups.

  28. Kathy Scott, on March 9th, 2009 at 6:07 pm Said:

    Goodmorning sunshine. Vintage sunflower yellow Frankoma pottery mug. 1958-1960

  29. Djp, on March 9th, 2009 at 7:00 pm Said:

    love antiques, collect everything

  30. david basile, on March 9th, 2009 at 8:02 pm Said:

    Maxine’s secret admirer was a bird. a vintage handblown clear glass bird to use as a paperweight.

  31. HilLesha, on March 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm Said:

    I ~love~ the A pretty Vintage Dogwood patterned ceramic pitcher. :)

  32. JoAn Kaiser, on March 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am Said:

    Hi Merry from your mother-in-law! It was fun reading your comments and learning stuff about you that I never knew before. I’ve loved watching my son thrive with you!

  33. nicole schellhas, on March 10th, 2009 at 10:58 am Said:

    great stuff! the tea cups are wonderful. my sister actally collects vintage dishes. she would love them!

  34. nancy waychoff, on March 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am Said:

    i like old items looks great

  35. nancy waychoff, on March 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am Said:

    beautiful

  36. Karen Gonyea, on March 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm Said:

    Count me in :)

  37. joni chadwell, on March 11th, 2009 at 4:43 pm Said:

    I could use the vintage ceramic casserole pair.

  38. nancy waychoff, on March 11th, 2009 at 6:23 pm Said:

    thanks for the chance too win these my mother had some that looks just like them!

  39. nancy waychoff, on March 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm Said:

    thanks for the chance too win

  40. Sarah, on March 12th, 2009 at 10:11 am Said:

    i like the dogwood pattern pitcher!

  41. Jennifer Hedden, on March 12th, 2009 at 1:35 pm Said:

    The depression era glass bowl

  42. Mary DeBorde, on March 13th, 2009 at 4:26 am Said:

    Vintage Pyrex Holiday Casserole is my favorite! Love the vintage beauties!

  43. Mary DeBorde, on March 13th, 2009 at 4:27 am Said:

    My personal vintage find (one of many but my all time best find) was a gorgeous champagne-colored Satin and Chenille wedding bedspread in ALMOST MINT condition!! I

  44. Paula Harmon, on March 13th, 2009 at 9:24 am Said:

    I loved that shop. I like the small dog bud vase, on page 3. He’s adorable.

  45. Dierdra Byrd, on March 13th, 2009 at 12:20 pm Said:

    Maxine’s secret admirer was a bird. a vintage handblown clear glass bird to use as a paperweight.

  46. wendy wallach, on March 13th, 2009 at 12:45 pm Said:

    Kathy loved Hawaii. A vintage personalized Hawaiian mug. For my friend Kathy, whose grandson calls her ” Kake”.

    Madamerkf at aol dot com

  47. Sarah Stern, on March 13th, 2009 at 2:10 pm Said:

    I love the Honeymoon. Vintage hand painted plate of Niagara Falls, Canada.

  48. Sharon A, on March 13th, 2009 at 5:26 pm Said:

    The Depression Era glass bowl, etched with Clematis vines would look lovely on my deco side bar

  49. Lisa Taylor, on March 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pm Said:

    I love the ceramic folk owl

  50. Bob, on March 13th, 2009 at 6:21 pm Said:

    Paula also fell for the randy nature of the dog bud vase. The secret powers of lusterware!

  51. PorchlightVintage: Merry, on March 13th, 2009 at 7:01 pm Said:

    Thanks for all the nice comments, people! I am humbled. Thanks, also to my gentle, yet so truly nutty, friends and family members who felt it in their hearts to leave some clever love here. I can’t wait to see who will get this tea cup set!

  52. Mimi the kitten, on March 13th, 2009 at 9:43 pm Said:

    I positively ADORE “Maxine’s secret admirer was a bird. A vintage, hand made, clear, glass bird.”

  53. Mimi the kitten, on March 13th, 2009 at 9:44 pm Said:

    My best-ever vintage find was a funky, weird-and-wonderful pale mauve blazer. I wore it all the time in high school!

  54. Michelle D, on March 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pm Said:

    I love the Vintage sunflower yellow Frankoma pottery mug!

  55. Kate, on March 13th, 2009 at 10:56 pm Said:

    I really like the dogwood pattern pitcher! Thanks so much for the contest!

  56. Shelly, on March 14th, 2009 at 12:22 am Said:

    My favorite is the Depression Era glass bowl, etched with Clematis vines.

  57. Betty C, on March 14th, 2009 at 12:45 am Said:

    I love the Lancaster Glass light shade. It reminds me of one in my aunt’s house.

  58. Betty C, on March 14th, 2009 at 12:46 am Said:

    I have several pieces of depression glass but my best find was a pink piece that wasn’t listed in most catalogs. I got it at an auction for $10.

  59. Helen, on March 14th, 2009 at 1:37 am Said:

    I like the glass bird titled: Maxine’s secret admirer was a bird. A vintage, hand made, clear, glass bird..

  60. Helen, on March 14th, 2009 at 1:44 am Said:

    My sister is a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and I once found a mint condition record of My Fair Lady for $1 at a thrift store.

  61. sheila k., on March 14th, 2009 at 2:10 am Said:

    One of my favorite finds is an Oriental line drawing I found in a consignment shop marked down to $16. Love it. Looks like something from a museum.

  62. Melanie Miller, on March 14th, 2009 at 2:27 am Said:

    My favorite is the Two vintage snack sets by Indiana. I love this shop as I love Vintage. I love going to tag sales and finding neat stuff!

  63. NICHOLAS NIEVES, on March 14th, 2009 at 3:30 am Said:

    WHEN I WAS IN THAILAND DURING THE VIETNAM WAR IN 1968, I SEND MY WIFE A NORITAKE DINNERWARE SET AND AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ONLY ONE COFFEE CUP IS MISSING MAYBE THESE ARE A MATCH

  64. Charlene Kuser, on March 14th, 2009 at 4:13 am Said:

    My favorite is the 1978 Sears Merry Mushroom Canister set of two.The funny thing about this one
    is its like a flashback,I known I have seen these
    canisters in someone’s home when I was a teenager.
    Just can’t remember where.Awesome interview.

  65. Charlene Kuser, on March 14th, 2009 at 4:27 am Said:

    I found an old Avon bottle at a yard sale.It is so
    cool,it is a replica of a sailor boy holding a balloon.
    On the botton it says Fly A Balloon Moonwind
    Cologne.I don’t see a date on it and it still has
    cologne in the bottle.

  66. Connie A Rowe, on March 14th, 2009 at 7:54 am Said:

    I love the 2 Indiana snack sets. Vintage is so much fun, I love collecting.

  67. i, um… » debi loved depression glass., on March 14th, 2009 at 7:58 am Said:

    [...] cups, too!  Random.org gave me the number 11, which means that Debi Welbon is the winner of the Porchlight Vintage giveaway.  Congratulations, Debi!  And sorry about your bad luck, everybody [...]

  68. R Hicks, on March 14th, 2009 at 8:03 am Said:

    She has lots of nice things there. The big, vintage, ceramic, rooster shaped cookie jar caught my eye!

  69. Veronica Garrett, on March 14th, 2009 at 8:23 am Said:

    Somewhere, a small tree lives in a small plastic ball is my favorite.

  70. Nanette Olson, on March 14th, 2009 at 9:14 am Said:

    I really like the dogwood pattern pitcher.

  71. jayne, on March 14th, 2009 at 9:18 am Said:

    Bubbles is a name that doesn’t only apply to a monkey. A vintage amber bubble glass compote.

  72. jayne, on March 14th, 2009 at 9:19 am Said:

    I found a whole set of McCoy dishes while cleaning out my granny’s attic!

  73. Roseann, on March 14th, 2009 at 9:43 am Said:

    I love Wedgewood! Thanks for the contest! I go up in my mom’s attic for special finds! She enjoys seeing me use wonderful items!

  74. Jane Hoh, on March 14th, 2009 at 9:57 am Said:

    Recently retired, I’m now perusing the local antique shops for just such items. Thank you for your hard work.

  75. Lily Kwan, on March 14th, 2009 at 10:54 am Said:

    I love the Depression era glass bowl!

  76. Vicki Andrew, on March 14th, 2009 at 11:03 am Said:

    I love depression glass! I have a set of 8 wine/ water and 8 champagne , opel textured glasses. also love vintage purses

  77. Lily Kwan, on March 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am Said:

    My favorite personal vintage find was spotting an adorable unicorn quilt.

  78. KellyB, on March 14th, 2009 at 1:18 pm Said:

    I like the depression era glass bowl. Beautiful pottery and photography!

  79. Carol, on March 14th, 2009 at 2:07 pm Said:

    The depression era glass bowl looks so much like something my mother in law had.

  80. A Casson, on March 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm Said:

    I love that vintage, ceramic rooster shaped cookie jar. It’s so handsome. Thank you!
    skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

  81. Laura DeLuca, on March 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm Said:

    I like the depression era glass bowl

  82. Timothy Sternberg, on March 14th, 2009 at 8:05 pm Said:

    Two vintage snack sets by Indiana / Colony Glass company.

  83. Elisha Toussaint, on March 27th, 2010 at 12:47 am Said:

    Just wanted to stop by and say thanks. Enjoy reading your stuff.

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