Ladies, I am so giddy with how well things have been going on The Mustard Seed Pages!! If you don’t know what that is, check out THIS POST. Hundreds of items have been listed and I know a lot of things have been bought and sold. It seems like it’s a success so far. Many of you have had great suggestions for it and I’m making the immediately tweaks that I can and keeping the rest in mind as it grows. If it gets big enough, I’ll have it moved to its own site where we can customize it even further. For now, it can just be our little marketplace (that’s not very fancy.)
Today, I finally got out of the house. I realized I haven’t been out for weeks! I mean, I’ve been to the grocery store and church and to the hospital, but not any fun trips. Today, I had to go to Hershey for more diabetes training (my son was diagnosed with Type 1 a couple of weeks ago), so I decided to take advantage of my close proximity to a few of my favorite antique haunts. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out shopping. I went to my favorite places for ironstone and came home with five big boxes, mostly packed with ironstone!
And I still have two boxes to unpack, but I had to feed my boys dinner and tend to my e-mail, so they need to wait.
In the haul was a wonderful 3 piece ironstone tureen…
…a pretty casserole and a unique “daily bread” plate…
…a coffee pot, which I’m usually not into, but I loved this one…
…and a piece I am definitely keeping, so don’t even ask! My heart skipped when I spotted it and the price was half of what I thought it would be.
I’ve never seen a piece shaped like this and it’s a pretty large tureen.
I plopped it in its new home, displacing another tureen that I will probably put up for sale.
I mostly bought ironstone, but I did find some other goodies like an alarm clock and a couple of cameras…
…a bread board and some antlers…
…and a pair of stunning pillow cases. I sleep on a down pillow and the case is always slipping off. These are super long, so I think they will be perfect. And they are going to look amazing hanging off the bed. I love vintage linens!!
And the cases came with feather inserts and even a grain sack tie.
I found a European grain sack in the same booth…
…with some little initials sewn on. I’ve never seen that before and I thought they were so sweet.
And I also found some Bakelite knives. I have a soft spot for Bakelite flatware, but they are always so expensive and, when I do find them at a good price, I have trouble reselling them. I haven’t seen a set with the pretty detail at the top of the handle like this. Usually, they have a very utilitarian look. I use them for my photo shoots pretty often and these were a good price, so I snatched them up.
I bought more, but as I said, I had to get some other things done and I ran out of light, so I’ll share more and you’ll definitely see a bunch of this stuff in my online shop. (Everything is sold out at the moment.)
Speaking of the online shop, my amazing “tech guy” got some of the kinks worked out, so it works well on iPads and iPhones and Tablets and all of those handheld gadgets now. I am hoping to get some more things listed tomorrow if I have time, but definitely by Friday. I just got in a box of my books and I have dozens of new t-shirts! And all of this ironstone…goodness, I’ve gotta get busy!
Jeff is editing the video of we made last week showing how I waxed the rocking horse (still nameless), so that will be shared soon as well.
PS – Eulalie, the cow painting, always steals the show, so I’ll share that you can get the giclee print from the artist, Cindy Austin, in her Etsy shop HERE.
PPS – Sorry if you’re getting annoying sound from a video ad. I was working on my blog and heard it and thought, is that MY blog?!? I’m trying to figure out which network it’s coming from, so I can block it.
70 Responses
I want that casserole with the crown looking finial!!!
Drooling over everything , especially the pillowcases , soooooown! Glad you got to get out a bit 🙂 xo
Lovelies!! I am a sucker for vintage linens as well – love the pin tucks on those cases.
I have a question for you – is all ironstone marked “ironstone”? I’m totally asking you instead of just googling it. Because I’m a lazy fan. 🙂
Stay warm!!
Good question. No, not all ironstone is marked ironstone. Some of it is, some of it has the maker mark, but it doesn’t say ironstone. Some doesn’t have a mark at all or just says “warranted.” That can make it tricky when you’re first starting a collection, but once you learn what it is, you can spot it. With most pieces, I can tell immediately from across the aisle of an antique store if it’s ironstone or not.
I wrote a post about ironstone and how to spot it called “Ironstone 101” and it’s listed down below in the “popular posts” section.
Hi Marian! Can you post a link to the Ironstone 101 post? I don’t see it below. Thanks so much! <3 all your stuff and hope to snag some ironstone, too!
Love the ironstone and pillow cases!! How many cow paintings of Cindy Austin’s do you have and which ones? I’m so thinking about getting this one. And how do you get so lucky to find so much ironstone at once?
I have four of her paintings – two cows (Eulalie and Gwendolyn), one of a field with a path in it and one of a nest.
I live in a great area for ironstone, I must admit and I know vendors who carry it regularly. They also know I am always looking for it, so they sometimes let me know when they have a good stash.
I have stalked that tureen forever. I agree, it has to be pretty rare.
I just love all you do…buy, sell, show! Keep it coming!!!
Great finds. Not being a purist, I just like white dishes! Must take a shopping trip to my attic! Would love to know where you go…we got to Hershey for our daughter’s ENT and reconstructive surgeon. Plus it is pretty darn close. Wonderful staff there! Makes it so much easier.
hi marian – will the camera be listed in your online store? i have a niece that is a photographer. thanks – robin
Hello Marian,
What a nice selection of ironstone (I have that same coffee pot), love the pillowcases.
Blessings,
Linda
I haven’t been getting you email reminders for the last few days. Is there a problem? Love to link to your site from my email.
Hi Marian,
Love the haul!!! My 4 year old son was just diagnosed with Type 1 on New Year’s Eve. It’s a lot to digest. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh, I’m so glad you mentioned the uninvited station coming through on your blog. I heard it a couple of times the other day when I came to your blog and at first thought I was hearing things as it was a British voice. Then I got worried with all the viral hacking going on these days. So thank you and hope you can delete the nerdy, nerd, soon!!
And I love your hauls and the ironstone.
Would you mind sharing your favorite places to shop in the area? I am from the same area and would love to find new antique stores!
the knives are French Ivory, not bakelite
No wonder you are getting rid of all the crappy stuff–more room for better things, except for that chipped piece…they are really pretty.
Hi Marian! You andyour family are in my thoughts and prayers. God is good and will bring good out of rough times, so let Him do His work. Stay strong! Where in Hershey do you shop? I live close by and am always looking for new shops!
It’s great that you got a little fun time in. You scored some great ironstone. I love ironstone but don’t have much in my home. Love the vintage camera. I’ve been collecting those for awhile. I love the bakelite knives! I saw them at our local antique mall. Didn’t know they were expensive (didn’t check the price). Sending prayers for your family and your little boy.
Love, Love, Love it all! Even the chipped plate. To me it is charming in that piece. Oh, you make me want to go shopping! The pillow cases are gorgeous!
I do have my Grandmother’s Sheffield knives ( among other thigns) which are a treasure.
Glad you were able to fit in a shopping jaunt among the day’s scheduled appointments.
Blessings,
Jeanine
I may have missed something somewhere – maybe even at the top of this very page – but is there a link directly to the Miss Mustard Seed Pages on your blog or do I just need to bookmark it from the post the other day? My apologies if I “wasn’t paying attention in class” and am asking you to repeat yourself.
Here in the Midwest, I never see ironstone! must have been an east coast thing. Suggestion for the pages. Sort into regions of the US, maybe. Northeast, southeast, Midwest, mountains, northwest and southwest. And Texas, of course. They get their own region.
Hi Marian,
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for setting up your MMS Pages.
I actually went to Lucketts when you had your space there in 2012 and I must admit, I felt like I had made a creative pilgrimage just to be standing in your space! (kind of weird, I know)
I am so proud to be able to showcase a few of the items in my etsy shops on your blog, and have sold 6 things already from your site. I even got an email from etsy saying the boxwood wreaths were a hot, trending item it was getting so many clicks from your site.
Well, not such a quick note after all, but just wanted you to know the power of Miss Mustard Seed. It’s true about one tiny little mustard seed and yours has grown into a tree and it’s branches are reaching out and touching people’s lives in a positive way.
Warmest Regards,
Janet
Hi. I live in Hershey and am really curious where you shopped- was in in the Hershey area or just on your way, like in Dillsburg? and I thought those knife handles were bakelite also, as I have some in the ivory color and red.
Yeah, they are Bakelite. I did shop in Dillsburg, but I also went to the Antique Marketplace in Lemoyne.
I have never been there- will have to explore. Thank you.
I just wanted to send a big thanks to you, after only one day on your new shop I sold two scales. Wow, that was unexpected. Thanks for your lovely blog, I have been a fan forever and probably always will. Love all your ironstone. I too am starting to get rid of what I don’t really like and make room for the truly lovely.
I want all the ironstone pieces…..so jealous!
Just wondering if you might be willing to do a post at some point providing some guidelines around what you consider to be good deals for your collectibles, like ironstone. Kind of similar to how you did a couple of posts on the cost of your living room. Of course, I recognize that what constitutes a good deal is different for everyone and is relative. However, knowing how thrifty and budget-conscious you are, it would really be helpful for someone starting out in collecting to get some sort of a direction for spotting good deals or recognizing when something is way overpriced. I know that I, for one, would find that tremendously helpful and would really appreciate seeing a post like that! Also, you mention frequently that you get things through auctions. How do you find out about these auctions? Do you need to be a dealer to participate?
I agree – this would be helpful.
I would love to get a ballpark range too!
Me too! I’ve never been to an auction and don’t even know how to go about it! I live 1 hour away from Raleigh, NC by the way. Is there any ironstone around here?? I just started to buy a few pieces on Etsy after reading your blog!! Now I love it!
As usual, love it all!
Totally in Love with the Daily Bread plate, coffee pot and pillow cases!! My heart actually skipped a beat over the plate and cp!!
Just wondering – where does a person find really good down filled pillows and pillow forms. I am weary of paying good money for a down pillow and then it is not very nice. Do you have an outlet or a good suggestion??
Ohhhh I soooo love it all!!!! So glad you got to go shopping and have some fun!! Now I want to go to my antique mall and browse around!!! 🙂 xoxo
I just love it all! I have to ask if ironstone is more commonly found on the East coast or certain areas, because Missoula MT just doesn’t seem to have much, if any, that I’ve seen?!
Also, I’m sure someone has mentioned to you the whole30 plan/lifestyle change… If you haven’t heard of it, definitely check out their website whole30.com or their book It Starts With Food. I just finished the book and thought about how you lobe challenges and this plan definitely is one. It also talks about how it can immensely improve/manage type 1 diabetes and some people end up cutting their meds down,etc. Check it out if you haven’t already!
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! everything! What is not to like! The Ironstone is just awesome! But those pillowcases & grain sack are sweet! I have a weakness for linens!
Just wondering if you will put any of these recently bought items on sale. I don’t see anything for sale on your shop link so I’m curious if you do sell items. Thank you. love the ironstone.
jealous! great finds!
Miriam,
Love all the Ironstone… And the camera. I was a portrait photographer (retired now) for many years and had many clients with Type 1 diabetes as well as a good photographer friend. We did a few fundraisers for JDRF which were so much fun, we even did bunnies one spring in my garden. (They were total escape artists!) They have a wonderful support group for parents which I encourage you to look into if you haven’t already. Wish you and your son the best.
The first of those initials looks like an “F”, but is that a “B” or a “D” as the other letter? (Kind of a silly question, but sometimes it’s difficult to tell… If it’s a B… I SO want to buy it!!! Lemme know!
Marian, you are killing me with your ironstone haul!! I have been looking for a tureen just like that…I agree with others who’ve commented that it’s just not as easy to find ironstone the further west you live. So I’ll covet from afar and then pray for forgiveness, lol!! Love all your other finds too, especially the pillowcases and the grain sack… So glad you got a fun day out to shop and relax!!
What a fabulous haul! Love the ironstone and the detail on the bakelite knives is so pretty, I haven’t seen any like that before. I wish we had such great shops as you have in the States, I am very envious as I love to look around antique and second hand shops.
Lee
Hi Marian,
I have a bunch of these knives, but I’ve always thought the handles are “French Ivory” or celluloid. Mine have mostly come from those British knife and fork fish sets…some in the original boxes. I love them, too. Are you sure they’re Bakelite?
warmly,
Ann
P.S. Wanted to say how lovely it is seeing the evolution of your Mustard Seed businesses. I’m very happy for you. 🙂
I’m not sure about yours, but these knives do have a Bakelite handle. i have more that are very similar and I looked up the maker just to be sure. I do have some small knives that are French Ivory.
by chance will the antlers be in the shop or are you keeping them? Also love everything you got. Love that coffee pot!
I am becoming interested in ironstone also….never thought much about it until you displayed yours so nicely…I did not browning on some pieces–is that a deal breaker or just another thing you have to accept with old pieces? I also would like some guidelines on how much different pieces should cost….so I’ll know when I find a good deal…thanks.
Hi Marian,
I have that same tureen as in the first picture. I don’t have the ladle, but I have the plate that goes underneath. I think I paid $10 for it at our local Goodwill! Do you know what they’re worth? Congrats on the fantastic finds! Robin
Dear Miss Marian Mustard Seed…Surely you will be sharing some of your lovely ironstone with your devoted followers:))
So glad you got to get out and score such a ‘haul’ after the past couple of weeks you’ve had!
xo
Marian, everything you got looks so beautiful! Maybe this time around, I will manage to get my little hands on a tureen when you fill your online shop again. Paycheck is coming in tomorrow, so if anything is left after paying the bills, I’ll be there.
Hi Marion,
I thought that you were going to name your new cow painting. I have a name that I think is cute for your family. If you want, I would like to know your son’s name so that I can pray for him by his name.
That darling little 3 pc. ironstone tureen set is identical to the one that is marked sold in your shop…wow! I love it.
Hello Marian,
I have just started collecting alarm clocks and I love, love , love the one you just bought!
OHHHH AAHHHHHH, very nice haul 🙂
I live near Raleigh, NC and was wondering if ironstone could be found here at say maybe the flea market?? I’ve never noticed to before but I also did just start fancying it. Thanks to you LOL!! Love your blog!
Hi Marion,
My name is Cheryl. You might remember me and my sister Debbie gave you a ride from the Airport in Atlanta last year to Haven.
I just wanted to say. I love all that you are doing!
I also want you to know. I have a daughter with type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed at 4 years old. She is 29 now and very healthy and happy.
If you ever have a question, need advise or just an understanding listener. you can call me anytime. 978-987-6868
It is a very hard time to learn everything and it can be overwhelming but it will get easier. There are so many resources. I know how you feel. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who has been thru it.
I’m here for you if you ever need a friend.
Prayers,
Cheryl
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s
a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and
visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Exceptional work!
Hi Marian – Such lovely pieces. I just re-read your Ironstone 101 post but was curious to know if all Ironstone was made in England?
No, there’s American ironstone and I believe French as well!
I am also in love with ironstone and have been collecting for years. As in all collections, there is always room for more. Please advise on how to purchase and how to locate your online store ASAP. The antlers to me are a must-have so how about finding a treasure trove of those too..
Would you be willing to share some of your Hershey shopping spots? I will be visiting family in the area in April & would love to do some antiquing!
Are you going to sell the Big Ben clock? I am VERY interested. I LOVE all of your ironstone as well.
I’m with Jeanne, would love to know some great places in the area you visited. Occasionally I get up that way. Would you share? Great pieces you got today. Going to check to see if they are in your shop yet.
I’m pretty sure what you are calling a coffee pot is a tea pot. Unless Ironstone is very different, tea pots are squat and coffee pots are taller and slimmer. Perhaps it is just the angle of the shot that makes it looks squished? Either way it is a beauty and an awesome haul! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the treasurers you’ve found…:D
Michelle
Alabama
I have been looking at your blog every spare moment for a couple of days!! We are kindred spirits- (even though I couldn’t tell ironstone from any other white dish- :P) and where you love blue and white- I love pink and white and where you love French country, I love English Cottage. Still trust me – we are kindred spirits! My husband is also a youth pastor, I love turning trash into treasure (of course on a budget) and I have been considering and praying about turning the creativity God has given me into a business- maybe your blog is just the inspiration I needed- Thanks!!
Gwen
Louisiana
Oh, wow… what a pretty tureen ! I love it’s curvy lines. Love the pillow cases too, they’re wooonderful. What a great haul!
Cindy
Went to my local flea market today and found 6 pieces of ironstone including a cool soap dish! I feel like I hit the lottery today 🙂
How do I purchase the ironstone? And how do I find out the prices?
Ahhh I love your vintage camera! I’ve been rescueing cameras from auctions for the past few months and I’ve just fallen in love with their look.