Why is Jadeite Milk Glass so Cool?

 

Lovely Martha Stewart Jadeite Milk Glass Cake Stand

So, have you ever stumbled upon this absolutely dreamy, green glassware that just screams vintage charm? That, my friends, is Jadeite, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of collection that can make any kitchen or shelf look fabulous.

Vintage jadeite is like the cool grandparent of kitchenware. It's got history, it’s seen some stuff, and it’s still standing strong. Originating in the early 1930s, it hit its stride around the mid-20th century. People loved it not just for its aesthetic but because it was tough and reliable. Fast forward to today, and those vintage pieces are fetching high prices. You can also find new pieces of Jadeite on Amazon and at other retailers.

While vintage jadeite holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, the production of new jadeite offers an opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of this glassware without the hunt (or the price tag) associated with vintage pieces. Modern manufacturers have taken inspiration from the original jadeite, producing items that echo the charm and appeal of their vintage counterparts. These new pieces make it possible for anyone to incorporate the timeless elegance of jadeite into their home decor, regardless of their budget or access to vintage markets.

Kaboom

It's been 100 years, I know!

 I need to update you on my newest obsessions...

• Brooches, especially bug brooches. I fancy wearing three bugs at a time. 

• Intaglios (pronounced with a silent "g"). These plaster cameos were educational souvenirs that were all the rage in the early 19th century during the grand tours of Europe. I think of these as the early predecessor of the smooshed penny souvenir.

Portrait Miniatures- The smaller they are the more expensive they cost!  Toward the end of the eighteenth century, America was swarming with the finest miniaturists from Great Britain, France, and Italy. 

• Vintage menu cards, I am fascinated by what dishes were served for holidays and special occasions. 

• Cookbooks having to do with the Presidents and First Ladies. I vote for President Kennedy's chef as my favorite. 

• Pressed glass souvenir plates from royal coronations. WARNING, these plates are very affordable!!! 

What are you collecting?

2am vs. 2pm

 Broken porcelain reused for this temple decoration.

 The weekend market in Bangkok, Thailand

We just returned from a trip to Bangkok, Thailand.  After seeing the mosaics at the spectacular temples in Bangkok, I now want to cover everything in colorful mosaics. I also did a fair amount of damage at the markets, they have the most excellent junk.
Sadly, our trip ended on a rather sour note, namely my sobbing like a baby in a bathroom at the Hong Kong airport. I won't bore you with the details, I'll just give you the low points. We thought we were two hours early for our 2pm flight from Bangkok to Shanghai. We were actually 12 hours late for our 2am flight. Who flies at 2am? Everything was sold out to Shanghai, so we flew to Hong Kong. We missed our connecting flights, I cried like a baby, we bought 12 one way tickets for four people. The worst part of this ordeal was the flight attendants storing my new pink carry-on case in the bathroom of the plane. Anyone want a pink carry-on case covered in funk?

Nie Hao and Xie Xie

It has been a very long time since my last visit. Facebook, YouTube, and Blogger are all blocked here, so it is rather difficult to post. It is hard to believe that we have lived in China for a year and a half. Sometimes it feels like we just arrived, and at other times it feels like it has been 100 years. It was quickly discovered that I no longer possess the ability to learn a new language, especially Mandarin. I finally scrapped my lessons and Mandarin teachers everywhere celebrated.

I have many new pals here and I drag them to the shadiest places I can find. Here are some photos from my latest outing.

 I am always a bit terrified that something is going to crawl up my pant leg here.

Places like this make me forget about all of the things I miss back home. I especially miss programs about hoarders, best TV ever. Is there something wrong with me? Drinkable tap water and buying shoes are distant memories. People will laugh and point if you require anything bigger than a size seven.

I have developed relationships with many of the vendors at my favorite antiquing street. Negotiations are done by passing a calculator back and forth. My favorite lady says "you killed me" when we finally  reach a price for an item. I have killed her on countless occasions.

Art Supplies In Shanghai

Aren't these pretty?

I am trying to figure out a project for these, any suggestions?

I picked up a lifetime supply of crepe paper! I loved the chaos in this booth.

I recently visited the indoor art supplies market in Shanghai. It is a crazy, cramped, and claustrophobic place. Some commonplace items are still hard to find here, but random weird items are plentiful. Packages of tiny people and paper mache fruit can be found in just about every booth. I single handedly cornered the world supply of crepe paper sheets!!! I will keep you posted on what I am going to do with all of it.

Antiques + Warehouse = Love

My first trip to an antique warehouse in China involved stepping over small piles of burning garbage and one dead animal. That said, I was still thrilled with what I found under all of the filth. Today I ventured to a snazzier warehouse, no dead animals and no fires. I bought an old basket (below) and the large pink papier-mache pot (pictured above). I can't wait to return with a few more coins in my pocket!

New House

Our new house in Shanghai looks like it could be just about anywhere. It is not exactly our style, but it suits our needs for the time being. I always imagined that we would live in an old lane house in the French Concession, but the kids weren't keen on the two hour commute for school.

We found everything at the flea market, antique stores and one very cool furniture shop.

Shanghai Junk Shopping

 

The Notions Market

                                           

                                           

 Opera Prop Store

                                           

                                         

The Cricket Market

The Notions Market

It has been a very long time since I updated my pals. We moved from an apartment to a house last month. It is nice not having to hush Deke every second or tell Lulu to turn down her music.  I am hoping to meet more people in our new neighborhood, but I will have to wait a few more weeks for our neighbors to return to their homes. We are apparently the only people on our street toughing it out for the summer. I don't plan on leaving the house until the temperatures get under 100 degrees, so I can finally update my blog. I have pictures of our house, and photos of some of the things I have found to make it seem like our home. I can't wait to show you!!!

Recreating The Cute

I have found a source for simple and super inexpensive glass containers. I will fill my jars with the cute candy I find during my travels. The candy aisle of the grocery store is one of my favorite spots, the packaging and graphics are adorable. There is quite a bit of candy imported from Japan and that wins my cutest candy prize. 

I bought this decrepit old blue chair from the flea market. The vendor was using the chair to hold a box of prints, and he seemed quite surprised that we were interested in the chair and not the prints. Most vendors start  price negotiations very high, sometimes 90% over what they end up accepting. The haggling over the chair started at his opening offer of $3.00!!!!

 I found the Mao doll at the coolest store in the French Concession called Madame Mao's Dowry. They carry the most spectacular old Chinese propaganda posters and wonderful antiques.

It occurs to me that with the glass jars and the beginning of a blue chair collection in China, we are replicating some of our favorite things from back home.