I haven't been out too often since arriving in Florida but when I do I always manage to find some things. Junking can be quite good in Bradenton-Sarasota (I've always known that actually). Here are my finds from earlier today.

I'm still getting use to my new surroundings and this includes the location of new junking haunts. As I've done regularly in the past, I try and manage to lump in a stop or two whenever I'm out taking care of business or running errands. You never know what you might find, and the hunt is part of the fun. Today was a stop at a charitable thrift shop and a nice little consignment shop. The Roseville jardiniere came from the thrift store and the Blenko swirl paperweight came from the consignment shop.

Roseville Dogwood Jardiniere. Dates to around the late 1920's. Not without a minor "issue" or two but well worth the $5.00 purchase price.

Blenko swirl paperweight. Paid $12.99. We have many different Blenko paperweights in the collection but I'm not sure if we have this one or not since most all the Blenko is still boxed up.

Recent Blenko Finds in Florida

These great pieces were found while on vacation in Florida recently. Didn't do a whole lot of junking but managed to find these at the few stops we did make.

This very unusual plate was from a specialty line called Contempo. The color is Opaline Yellow, and it dates to 1986. The line was also produced in a second color called Midnight Blue. I have only found the yellow so far. I'm on the hunt for something in blue. We have a  tall vase and  a square bowl from the same line. Notice how the square bowl would sit right down in the center of this plate. A modern chip-n-dip, although I doubt we'd ever use it for that. 

This vase measures 14" and dates to 1968-70.

This very old decanter dates to the 1930's-40's. So old and often difficult to find in good clean condition after all these years. This one is nice inside and out.

A Couple Recent Pottery Finds

I spotted these yesterday while visiting a local antique mall. Had to make a trip back to get them today after doing some research.

A favorite California Pottery. Not so much into the figurines and such that this company did (even though many can be quite collectible and valuable). I do however like to find a rare goody such as this tile/trivet. The value on such a piece as this can range anywhere from several hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on what website you're on. This one is in good shape with the exception of a few minor flakes to the surface at the top corners, and a little loss to the "ridges" in the design that separate the colors as commonly happens with age and wear. Overall, I am pleased to find a tile like this in this good of condition. It dates to the Arts and Crafts Period c1920-30's.

Brayton Laguna Pottery
6" x 6" Tile/Trivet

This pottery buffalo was created by Tucson Artist, Jack Black. It is signed and dated '85 on the bottom. I don't know all that much yet about Jack Black Pottery except what little I could find on the Internet after a few quick searches yesterday. What I discovered is that he lived here in Tucson. He was either originally from Sedona or frequented it often. I believe he passed in the last decade. He produced numerous designs including many of Native American figures, various animals, and angels. A few different glazes were also used. Seems that this particular monochromatic glaze is prized by collectors. Once I discovered that, it was back to the antique mall to pick up this well priced treasure.

Jack Black Pottery

The Loot from My Recent California Trip

All the items in this post were found at thrift stores this past week while on vacation in California.
Thanks Dawn H. for having a 50th birthday celebration (the main reason for our trip).
I found ME some wonder gifts for YOUR birthday :^)
(Actually she made out just fine. A couple items went to her collection)

Click pics for larger and better quality photos.

Thousand Faces Lidded Sugar Bowl and Lidded Creamer (Japan)
I love this pattern. Look closer and you'll see why they call it 1,000 Faces. We have many different type pieces in our collection. Including several other sugar and creamer sets...some with coffee or teapots even.
Paid $10.00 for the pair

(2) Shelley Salad/Dessert Plates (England)
Very collectible.
Paid 2.19 each

(2) Homer Laughlin China - Harlequin Saucers
I have a good many sets of cups & saucers in this pattern. Now I have a couple extra saucers. They are roughly 50-60+ years old.
HLC is also the maker of Fiesta dinnerware.
Paid $1.50 each

Possibly Pacific Pottery or Garden City Pottery Dinner Plate.
Very old. Dates to the Arts and Crafts period. Sometime around 1930-40.
Paid: $2.19

Tiffin Glass Flower "Floater" and Candleholder
This item was designed to include any one of a number of different tall stretched glass animal figurines in the center along with the tapered candlesticks and floating flowers if desired.
Paid $10.00

Tiffin Glass Vase
We have a showcase full of Tiffin vases similar to this one. The color is called "Copen Blue". The "ball" is in crystal.
Paid $10.00

(2) Christofle "Atalante" Highball Glasses
What amazing quality these have.
Found them for a bargain compared to what they originally sold for.

Beautiful Cut Detail.
They are etched with the "Christofle" name on the bottom.

Orrefors Crystal "Artichoke" Votive (Sweden)
Still has it's original "Orrefors" label on the bottom. I've put together a nice little collection of various votive candleholders over the years. Several from various other Scandinavian Manufacturers.
Paid $5.39

(3) Brand New Photo Albums.
Still had the wrap on them when I found them.
I'm always in need of more photo albums.
Found for $3.49 each. A great price compared to buying new at retail.

Empoli Decanter (Italy)
It'll look nice once I get it all cleaned up.
Paid $6.00

Tiffin Glass "Sweet Pea" Vase
Another of the many Tiffin Glass items found this trip. We especially love the "foot" design on this series. We have so many that are similar but not exactly the same as this one.
Paid $2.49

Thomas O'Brian Etched "Eucalyptus" Art Glass Plate.
This piece although not old, was made to look like well known makers from the 1930-40's. Still a fun  and quality etched glass piece. Already given away as a little thank you gift. Would look especially nice in someone's tropical home someday.
Found for a bargain.

Stretched Carnival Glass Handled Tidbit Tray.
Possibly Imperial Glass, or one of a couple other U.S. makers who all made this same basic piece.
(Not the actual piece we found. My find actually had more contrasting "carnival" color. It has already gone to a good home as a little thank you gift).
Found for a Bargain.

Blenko Glass "Taurus" Zodiac Suncatcher
(Also not the actual piece found. My find was in a green glass. It to went to someone in California who also collects Blenko Glass and who's zodiac sign is "Taurus").
Found for a Bargain.

Blenko Ruffled Bowl
(Also not the actual piece found. My find was just like this one though. It was given as a little extra birthday gift to the person for which the trip to California was planned).
Found for a Bargain.

Stockpile of Artist Canvas

You never know what you'll find while out Junking with Jim. I was so excited to find brand new artist canvas at my local Humane Society thrift store. Paid less than 25% of retail value. I better get busy painting.

Most (but not all) were part of the thrift store find.

Budding Artist Finds A Truck Load of Quality Framed and Stretched Canvases

Went to town today to purchase canvas from my local art supply store but first a few hours of junking were in order. I hit the jackpot when a truck load of ready to paint canvases were spotted against the wall in one of my regular haunts. I plan to return tomorrow for more. Saving hundreds of dollars is a great thing. You just never know what you'll find while out junking.

Other finds from the days haul will be added soon.

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More to come always. You know me...always on the hunt for fun stuff.