Vintage Jardinaire great for carefree container gardens

Many gardeners want colorful container gardens throughout the summer, but don't want them to be time-consuming, Here's a tip: labor now,- lounge later.  An initial investment of time and labor while putting together your container will save you many hours of work throughout the summer. You can take steps at each stage of container construction to reduce or eliminate maintenance tasks.

 The most time consuming task is watering, so use every technique possible to minimize this chore. First, select the right containers.  Choose large containers that will hold moisture. Glazed pottery Jardinieres are a perfect choice.  Avoid small pots, moss baskets, and clay pots that fry out quickly. Another trick to keep the soil cool and to limit evaporation is to provide additional insulation by lining the interior sides of the jardinieres with plastic bubble-wrap.  For good water retention, use high quality potting soil.

Plant selection is also very important to having a carefree container garden.  Be sure that only plants having the same light and water requirements are combined in a container.  You can reduce watering chores by choosing plants that are drought tolerant. Also, be sure to include plants with interesting foliage. Foliage comes in many shades of green, yellow, silver burgundy and other colors.  These plants will look beautiful in the decorative jardiniere. For the final touch, cover the soil surface with tiny bark chips, moss or gravel to reduce surface evaporation and to keep roots cool.

 With care, you can enjoy your container garden all year round. Bring them in the house during the winter months, and enjoy!

Available for sale at Brick House Antique Center
Palmyra, NY

Brick House Antique Center has a variety of garden jardiniere's that are beautiful and decorative, stop by or shop online at www.brickhouseantiques.com. Many are Majolica, they are priced from $20-$125.00.

Fiesta ware, or not!

Fiesta or Not?

We recently purchased a box lot of beautiful, colorful dinnerware; the previous owners mentioned that they thought it was Fiesta ware.  After purchasing and taking a good look at the items, I began to think that it was not. My first clue, no markings, none at all! So I began to do some research, this is what I found out.

Fiesta Potter is described as the most popular American dinnerware ever.  Fiesta ware was designed by the Englishman, Frederick Hurten Rhead.  The product line was introduced to the American public in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin Pottery Company of Newell, West Virginia.  The original design was produced for almost 25 years until it was restyled in 1959 and replaced with Fiesta ironstone which was discontinued in 1973.  Fiesta dinnerware was reintroduced in 1986 to celebrate its 50^th anniversary.

Now how do I date and identify pottery that I think might be Fiesta ware?  First, identify the color and check the bottom for any markings. The earliest pieces do not have any trademarks on the bottom. They will always be in the original colors. Turquoise was introduced in 1937. Red was discontinued during WWII and was not produced from 1943-1959.  Look for a “fiesta HCL USA” logo stamped or molded into the bottom of the piece. The small “f” indicated that it is an early piece. The stamped “fiesta Made in USA”is also a vintage mark. Large “F” marking designates later production.  Colors:  Fiesta ware was originally introduced in just 5 colors, red, (it may look orange), Blue, Green, yellow and old Ivory Turquoise not hitting the shelves until 1937.  New colors were introduced in 1951, they are: forest green, rose, chartreuse and gray.

After a little research and careful inspection, I have some beautiful dishes for sale that are not in my opinion Fiesta ware.  Brick House Antique Center prices on these items range from $4.00-$12.00.  I hope you will take time to stop in to see us if you are in the area, or you can shop online at www.brickhouseantiques.com.

Until next time…..Brick House Blogger

Majolica and Wedgwood

A Little History lesson about Majolica and Wedgwood

Leon Arnoux introduced majolica at Minton in 1850. It was a stone type earthenware body with good shape and form, vibrant colors, and a thick tin glaze.  He used natural themes such as flowers and animals.  A typical Victorian Majolica piece would include large garden ornaments plus all sorts of plates and dishes that were utilitarian and decorative.  Wedgwood began to manufacture Majolica about 10 years after Mintons.  Wedgwood’s glazes and modeling were denser and more formal than Minton’s.  Wedgwood’s majolica included cachepots, pitchers, candlesticks, cheese bells, umbrella stands, sardine boxes, plates in naturalistic patterns, bread trays.  In Wedgwood’s familiar “green ware” the green glaze emphasizes the low relief patterning, typical of basketwork and foliage. 

Majolica platter with Butterfly, Majolica pitcher accented by rope handle, and Wedgwood plate

Majolica was influenced by the design of the old “Cauliflower” and “Pineapple” teapots made by Thomas Whieldon, Wedgwood and other 18^th century Staffordshire potters.  Both English and American majolica potters reproduced the “Cauliflower” pattern and other raised fruit, vegetable, leaf and berry patterns, with green, yellow, pink, and brown, light blue and purple-blue glazed.  There is also a teapot of yellow corn and green leaves, similar to the old Whieldon “Pineapple” teapots, and a teapot, pitcher and sugar bowl of pink coral and green seaweed with accents of brown and blue, marked “Etruscan Majolica.”  Many late 19^th century majolica designs had rustic themes with backgrounds of basketry and wooden-bound buckets decorated with molded flowers, birds and fish animals.  Handles were made like rustic tree branches, rose stems and twined flowers and leaves.

At The Brick House Antique Center, we have many pieces of Majolica and Wedgwood for sale. Please stop by our store at 247 East Main St. Palmyra, or check us out on-line at: www.brickhouseantiques.com.  I have enjoyed researching this early pottery, I hope you find this blog informational.

Until next time—the Brick House Blogger! 

Beware of Auction Fever!

The excitement and emotions that overcome us at auctions can also end up costing us more that we planned, (my check book is never happy about that!) I guess that is why so many refer to it as “Auction Fever”.

How exciting to search out the best auction of the week, preview all the photos on line, and plan your budget and strategy once you arrive. 

On the day of the auction, we pack our boxes and newspaper to wrap our treasures.  We also have ample moving blankets, and straps to strap down any furniture we purchase.  Our own chairs are a must; you never know it the auctioneer will furnish anything to sit on.  We many times plan the day; some of the best deals are at the end of the auction.  Once we arrive, we must first, place our chairs in a place where we can see the items for sale, and not be seen by all others attending the auction, sometimes we don’t want others to know we are bidding. We get our bidding numbers, and then start the search for the items we think we would like to purchase.  I always make notes on my bidding card as to item number and condition so when it comes up for auction, I have notes that will Remind me on how much I think I can spend.  That is my strategy to stopping auction fever.  Frequently, I never get to bid! It always surprises me when bidders pay more for an item than it would sell for at the Brick House Antique Center.  As a buyer you must familiar with the buying terms at the auction. Beware of the buyer fees!  Most auctioneers charge a 10% buyer’s premium and if you pay by credit card, you might also be charged a credit card fee of 3-4%!!!  Yes, make sure you are aware of the policies of the auctioneer prior to bidding because once you purchase it, it is yours. 

My recommendation to anyone who is looking for a special item, check out your local Antique Shops prior to bidding at auction.  You will most likely be able to negotiate with the shop to get a lower price.  At the Brick House Antique Center, you will not be charge any additional fees (except NYS sales tax, if you are not tax exempt).  A shopping trip to your favorite antique store can help you become educated on the price of items in your local market.  With that information, you will be a better buyer.

That is all for now, Have a great week!

Rug Construction 101

We are often attracted to an area rug based on the color or pattern. Brick House Antique Center offers a vast selection of stunning of area rugs. They can be purchased at our store, or ordered through our website: www.brickhouserugcenter.com.   Knowing the construction of a rug will help you understand how the rug will best perform in particular areas of the home. It is important to note, that all construction methods yield quality products.

Braided Rugs

Braided rugs are constructed of yarn or fabric that is braided to form a continuous rope or braid. The braids are then sewn in a spiral to form a reversible rug. Braided rugs, including the popular Bear Creek collection, are easy to care for and offer maximum durability and comfort.

Hand Knotted Rugs

Highly skilled weavers in India and China who are experienced at hand knotting traditional, contemporary and transitional patterns meticulously handcraft each hand knotted area rug. This is a labor-intensive process but produces a durable work of art that can be passed down through generations.  We are proud to offer such a variety of hand knotted rugs at www.brickhouserugcenter.com

Flat Woven Rugs

Flat woven rugs do not contain knots. Loomed by hand, these rugs are crafted with a low pile for maximum comfort and durability.  I like the Stoneridge collection, my favorite, Dark Red!

Stoneridge Dark Red

Hand Tufted Rugs

Characterized by their plush feel and durability, hand tufted rugs are created by punching yarn through a printed cloth that is stretched over a support frame. Once removed from the loom, a layer of latex is added to the backside to hold the yarn in place, and then covered with a cloth backing to protect the underlying floor. These rugs are sure to stand the test of time, making them instant family heirlooms.

We are proud to offer a quality rug line at Brick House Antique Center. Area rugs are a wonderful focal point in every room. Please feel free to shop through the pages of rugs we offer at: www.brickhouserugcenter.com. 

Until next time, Brick House Blogger.

Welcome 2012!

A new year, a new attitude!! Yes a new attitude is just what the Dr. ordered for this wonderful New Year.

 2011 was a tough year, all the negative press about unemployment and the economy.  I believe that we are all tired of all this nonsense.  It is time to get up and get going!  That is what we are doing here at the Brick House Antique Center. 

We did not set any records in the sales category in 2011, but we were able to keep our store full of beautiful antiques.  Our customers continue to compliment us on our variety, and quality of the merchandise we offer.  Our consigner customers continue to be pleased with the amount of sales we have for them every month. 

Brick House Antique Center, Palmyra NY

What is our new attitude?  We are not going to get bogged down by any more negative press.  We will continue to offer a great variety of antiques, and expand our line of new area rugs.  Our Goal is to be successful and support other local businesses in the process. The antiques we purchase, are for the most part purchased from local people, or local auction houses, we are supporting local business and keeping our money local. We will continue to offer a veriety of New Area Rugs.  Capel Rugs is our rug supplier; they are located in Troy, NC. They have been in business for over 90 years. The entire braid rug line we offer is made in NC.  Yes, they are made in the USA!! 

When looking for new décor for your home, please give us a chance. Stop by the Brick House Antique Center 247 East Main St. Palmyra, NY or shop on-line at www.brickhouseantiques.com or www.brickhouserugcenter.com.

That is all for today from the Brick House Blogger.