Christmas! by Peter Spier

My item of the day is the children's picture book Peter Spier's Christmas!   It has the most beautiful, detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations throughout, and is a hard to find Christmas book.  I am a great fan of Peter Spier's work.  He is a Dutch author and illustrator (born 1927) and the lovely detailed, intricate illustrations seen in this book are typical of his work.   You can see more photos and details here:  Peter Spier's Christmas! at Birdhouse Books.

Dog Theme World War II 1940's Vintage Christmas Cards

Just wanted to share some fabulous World War II vintage Christmas cards.   They all have the patriotic red, white, and blue colors - marked "Made in USA."   Two of these cards feature Terrier dogs (one dressed up as Santa Claus and about to climb down a chimney), and another features a Borzoi dog (especially nice!).  They are all at Birdhouse Books - Vintage Christmas Card Department at Birdhouse Books.

Don't you want to keep the neat vintage cards?

Friends often ask me this question:  "Don't you want to keep the neat vintage cards?"   The longer I sell vintage items, the fewer items I keep.  At a certain point you just have less of a desire to collect.  That said -- there are a few special cards that I keep!  Usually it is because they have a special interest to me, like a favorite vacation spot or one of my favorite dog breeds.  These vintage Christmas cards are a perfect example -- they remind me of my own pups, and they are staying here!  The little red Dachshund puppy is so sweet (1960's vintage) and the little Terrier mix is 1940's vintage, and die-cut against a colorful background.

Bucilla Vintage Christmas Craft Kits

As a fan of vintage Christmas decorations and retro crafts, I absolutely love vintage Bucilla craft kits.  The Christmas kits (with felt ornaments and decorations) are especially valued by collectors.  I found a nice stack of them recently, from the old Rich's and Davison's department stores in Atlanta.  Anyone else remember when department stores sold craft kits, toys, books, records, etc.?  I do!   Just wanted to share a photo and a link:  Vintage Bucilla Craft Kits at Birdhouse Books

New Arrivals at Birdhouse Books Vintage Store

Just a preview of new arrivals at Birdhouse Books vintage store.   Lots of variety here!   There is a vintage dimestore toy The Big Red Barn by K-Kids.  It is a 1960's to early 1970's vintage toy farm playset - still in package and SUPER cute!

This carnival glass bowl is Indiana Glass Loganberry and it is 1950's vintage, Marigold color.

I have a big lot of these new beaded snowflake ornaments - they are REALLY pretty and beautifully crafted.

This Hallmark ornament is the New Home Hinged Box.

This Hallmark Keepsake ornament is called Snow Buddies.  It has a Snowman and a cute little bunny rabbit.  This is the first ornament in the Snow Buddies series, from 1998, and very collectible.

This Hallmark Keepsake Collection ornament is called Elegance On Ice.  It features a figure skater who resembles Dorothy Hamill.

Some time ago, I purchased a big box of vintage Christmas cards.  When I got them home, I discovered they were cut.  I've broken them down into several VERY LARGE LOTS (25 - 30 cards each) for someone who is interested in purchasing for gift tags, scrapbooking, altered art, or a small framed gift.  They are all 1950's to 1960's Mid-Century in vintage.  There are some beauties here!   Note the reindeer in this photo, and the child looking at a shadow of Santa Claus:

In this photo I especially love the Snowman family, the duet by Santa Claus and a snowman, and the adorable white kitten peeking out of a hat box:

And this lot has my very favorite card!   Check out the old fashioned station wagon with little boy in the back, riding alongside the family Christmas tree.  It has glitter and is an amazing card!

I have Shelia houses!   These houses, crafted by Shelia's, feature historic homes.  This wooden house features the Red Castle in Nevada City, California:

For Gone With the Wind fans, this house features Frank Kennedy Company general store from GWTW:

Again, these goodies and much, much more await at Birdhouse Books vintage store online.