Small World

Small World, mixed media assemblage in wooden box

I've been puzzling out this piece in the studio over the past week. These assemblages are diy puzzles for sure....trying to find the 'right' shape to fill each gap and dabbing paint here 'n there....an attempt to lend the illusion of balance to this small world.

Home Sweet Home no 3

Another puzzle-like piece with a Home Sweet Home theme. Looking back here are a couple of previous assemblages: Home Sweet Home no 1 and no 2. Some precious little treasures were included in this one.

Fun & Games

Thrift score last week--a box full of old croquet paraphernalia. Perfect for clown assemblages I'm thinkin'!

Miss Lizzie has been helping lots 'round the shop. This week she's been putting together vintage puzzles for me to photograph. Notice we're patiently waiting for some front teeth!

Just a baggie full of game piece goodness--thought you'd like 'em too :)

Another bit of retro packaging from The Embossing Company.

See I told you Lizzie was keeping busy with puzzles! These will all be in the shop over the weekend. Most likely as an "instant collection". We shall see.

Dontcha hate it when you put together a puzzle and the last piece is MIA?

Wishing you a weekend full of fun and games (no missing pieces allowed!!).

Build-A-Picture Puzzle

Not sure how to describe this fun, build-your-own-picture with miniature pixel-like blocks vintage puzzle toy, but I guess this longish description will work since there are no markings whatsoever on the packaging. It's such a neat set and is in pristine condition which is always a plus with vintage finds like these. So...if you're in need of a gift for a creative type person on your list this year you can be sure they would love this build-your-own-picture with miniature pixel-like blocks vintage puzzle toy!

Vintage Puzzle Ornaments

Lizzie and I picked out this teal tinsel Christmas tree for the studio (cuz we're feelin' super festive 'round here!) and its turned out to be a useful photo prop too. These delightfully retro puzzle piece ornaments will be sprinkled into the vintage shop throughout the next few days. And...if you're wanting your own tinsel tree to decorate I bought it here but please don't tell Lizzie they have it in hot pink too!

Darling Objects

We were out 'n about on Saturday and stopped into a small town antique store. I'm thrilled with the darling objects I discovered and am currently hemming and hawing over which to keep and which to share in the shop. There is one other treasure that I'm keeping for certain--stop back by tomorrow and I'll show it to you.

Color Block Designs

You can build some amazing color block designs and patterns with these old color cubes by The Embossing Company. Believe me--these are going to be hard to part with. The set is available right here. Enjoy!

Bozo The Clown Puzzle

Another vintage changeable block puzzle, Bozo The Capital Clown, is available in the shop. He's a mighty fine clown of many different moods--according to the box there are 1,048,576 possible ways to arrange the blocks. You'll have to take The Gaston Manufacturing Company's word for it 'cuz believe me I didn't try!

Puzzle Piece Ornaments

My jar full of wooden puzzle pieces has been raided to create some sweet little ornaments. I'll be posting them in the shop today. Now that it's November the shop is going into full-fledged holiday mode!

Objects Of Play

A glimpse of several nostalgic "objects of play" posted in the shop recently. The above collection of red-rimmed tin saucers would be delightful displayed on a nursery wall.

1948 Changeable Charlie Puzzle


1950's Victory Alphabet Play Tray

Color Cubes

"Color cubes teach design, initiative, colors, concentration, symmetry, observation and patience", according to The Embossing Company of Albany, New York. This is the first time I've come across a complete set of these antique color cubes from the early 20th century. My favorite part of the packaging is the interior of the box lid featuring various pattern designs. You can take a closer look at this set here.

Fun Finds

I've posted a selection of fun vintage finds over at Sushipotparts. This Changeable Charlie puzzle is a hoot and would make a great Father's Day gift!

A darling set of old-school animal alphabet letters. 

And...a pair of Little Red Riding Hood objects. You have no excuse not to start a collection!

Birds & Animal Puzzles

A selection of antique bird and animal puzzles are available here. I've never seen any like these before. The heads are removable so you can match them with the correct creature or mix the species up a bit if you like.

Puzzle Time

So today was Patrick's birthday and among his other "Dad" gifts (ie, books and more books) Lizzie and I picked him out this puzzle. Our family recently discovered that puzzles are something that all three of us really enjoy doing together. This will be our 4th puzzle in the last couple months and so far our most challenging. We thought we'd step it up a notch for Lizzie and see if she's up for 1,000 pieces of puzzle fun.