Jadeite Dishware

Do you love Jadeite?  We have many different pieces to add to your collection!

 

Jadeite, green colored opaque dishware, was first created in the 19th century, but did not become popular until the 20th century.  Fenton Art glass started making Jadeite in 1921 followed by McKee Glass in 1930. Jadeite glassware was produced by the Anchor Hocking Glass Company in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.  It is also known as the Fire King Jadeite.

 

Jadeite was very useful for women during the depression to save leftovers instead of just throwing them away.

 

It was not considered fine china. It was usually considered “Restaurant Ware”.  The thicker and thus heavier jadeite pieces were made specifically for restaurants. It was produced very cheaply and in mass quantities.  It was used in military bases, school cafeterias, and diners in the past because it was durable.  It was more durable than the clay or porcelain dishware.  In the 50s or 60s it was used as promotions for drug stores and department stores. 

 

In current times, darker jadeite pieces are harder to find than its lighter colored counterparts. Today, the color of the Jadeite glassware is quite popular to add to collections and use for parties.  It is so colorful and comes in different shapes and sizes.

 

Fun Facts:

 

An interesting fact about Jadeite glassware is that the pieces were made much smaller than they make the dishware of today.   

 

Martha Stewart holds a large collection of jadeite, which was started due to her daughter, Alexis. Alexis had started collecting Jadeite pieces while on a cross country road trip.

 

The Pioneer Woman also loves Jadeite dishware and has a large collection.

Decorating Tips

You’ve decided to finally decorate your bedroom, living room, or guest room.  Do you know where to start?

One of the best tips any decorator could possibly give you is to begin with a particular color scheme.  Think about what color you would most like to include in your room and then you can look to see what complimentary colors you could additionally use.

However, do not use more than three different colors in any particular room.

One idea is to use pink, green, and beige for a girl’s room.  These are great colors to use and you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect comforter to match.

You could also look at ways to incorporate your personality by adding a beautiful glass figurine.

I’d suggest choosing your favorite animal such as a dolphin or a frog.

Fenton has since retired from making many different figurines, but you can still find them in stores, such as ours, or on ebay.

Fenton has many different animal figurines such as birthstone teddy bears, deer, dolphins, and many other animals to choose from.

It is very easy to find one that will match your color scheme as well in your newly decorated room.

Come in and see what ones we have to choose from that will help add a bit of personality while you finish decorating your house.

Blenko Glass

Wilmot Heritage Antiques and Gifts has a wonderful collection of Blenko Glass. Blenko Glass originally was made in West Virginia. It developed a reputation as one of North America's leading glass collections.

 Blenko glass was even created into glass trophies for the American Country Music Awards. While some Blenko pieces bear signatures that have been engraved, the vast majority of Blenko glass can be identified with a foil label that says BLENKO HANDCRAFT. The labels have been used since the '30s to '80s. So the Blenko glass label can help with determining the date of a Blenko piece.

Blenko's blown glass designs range from elaborate designs and elegant shapes such as amphorae and bent-neck cruets to tableware and stemware markets.

Jewelry

The winter is fast approaching after this last burst of fall!  Which means getting out our sweaters, coats, and all other things to cover up and keep warm.  However, covering up doesn’t mean you can’t add a dash of color to your wardrobe!

Winter is the perfect time to look into wearing gorgeous shiny earrings, a pin for a coat, sweater, hat or other jewelry such as necklaces.  Jewelry is something to perk up your spirits a bit till spring comes to warm us up.

At Wilmot Heritage and Antiques, we have many different jewelry pieces.  There are many necklaces to look for in our cases in all different sizes.  You may find a wonderful bracelet as well.  You can also check out our Fenton glass beads which can add a gorgeous bit of color or some personality to your jewelry.  They fit Pandora bracelets as well.  If you do not have a Pandora bracelet, we have Fenton ones you will love. There are many different items in different price ranges that will be perfect to help dress up those sweaters that you are probably wearing at this time of year.

Plus, necklaces and bracelets are a fabulous idea to tell your husband or significant other to get you for Valentine’s Day which will be fast approaching.

Hallow's Eve, Cats!

 

Have a love of cats? Want to display your affection for these felines in the elegant way? Many people love to decorate their homes with animal figurines and the most popular of them are cats.

Fenton cats are beautiful and tasteful. Our favorite of course is the Alley Cat. Fenton Art Glass founded in 1905 is well known for its beautiful Alley Cat. The Alley Cat has an elongated neck, tilted head, and loveable animated grin. The Alley Cat comes in many colors, sometimes it is hand-painted, often has glitter and are loved by many cat lovers.

Playful kittens, curious cats and Happy Cats have also been included in Fenton’s cat figurines. Sometimes the cats are black or orange for Halloween. Many of the cats are painted with Halloween designs. Others are hand-painted to show the playful side of cats. Some cats are made from Slag glass. Slag glass can resemble marble cake. Usually there are streaks of different colors in the figurine.

Unfortunately, the beloved Alley Cat will no longer be made. So, the Alley Cats will be treasured by many. If you have one you are lucky!

Scarecrows

 Scarecrows have been around for a long time helping farmers scare away birds and pests.  In the United States, scarecrows are usually dressed in old clothes and can be seen with corn husk hair. Farmers across the world have used these scarecrows, though the materials used to create them may be different.

 In time, scarecrows have even been used in books and movies. The most common reference of scarecrows in the literary sense is the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. He wanted a brain, but was still willing to help Dorothy find her way home. A scarecrow, or "Turnip-Head", has even appeared in Howl's Moving Castle, which is based on the book of the same name by Dianne Wynn Jones. This scarecrow is actually a prince, but he is turned into a scarecrow and acts as an ally to the main character.

Woof & Poof have created a set of plush scarecrows that can be allies to children or even an ally of decoration around the house. These may be perfect around Autumn-time. Woof & Poof have created by both male and female scarecrows.

The Beauty of Flowers

 

There is magic in what we see as written by Robert Frost.  Luckily, we are still enjoying the beauty of the flowers and warm weather.  Soon we will be able to enjoy the array of colors seen in the leaves changing.  

Leaves Compared With Flowers - Poem by Robert Frost

A tree's leaves may be ever so good,
So may its bar, so may its wood;
But unless you put the right thing to its root
It never will show much flower or fruit.

But I may be one who does not care
Ever to have tree bloom or bear.
Leaves for smooth and bark for rough,
Leaves and bark may be tree enough.

Some giant trees have bloom so small
They might as well have none at all.
Late in life I have come on fern.
Now lichens are due to have their turn.

I bade men tell me which in brief,
Which is fairer, flower or leaf.
They did not have the wit to say,
Leaves by night and flowers by day.

Leaves and bar, leaves and bark,
To lean against and hear in the dark.
Petals I may have once pursued.
Leaves are all my darker mood. 

 

 

Vases and candle holders can be small and beautiful!!!  Add a small vase with flowers or a lighted candle holder to your table!  These pieces of Fenton are hand-painted with beautiful flowers in soft colors.  They add a little color to any room and are small enough to fit on any table top.  I love changing up my rooms with little touches that make big differences.  These are just a sampling of what you can find at Wilmot Heritage Antiques & Gifts in Antioch, Il.

 

 

Under the vase and candle holders are handmade doilies.  In the store you will find many different colored doilies to choose from to add a little beauty to the glass pieces and some protection for your furniture. They add a feminine touch to any décor.