My friends all know that I love old vintage things. During the holiday season a girlfriend mentioned she had an old wreath that was her mothers. Her mother had recently passed away and she and her sister were trying to get rid of things. She thought the wreath could be taken apart and parts of it recycled. She just wanted it to go to a good home rather than Goodwill.
I was rather skeptical about what she had to offer as she was not very enthusiastic about it. When I finally got the wreath, I knew there was no way I would be taking it apart, but rather repairing it and enjoying it. It is amazing!
This wreath is huge. Over two feet in diameter. It is covered in old tiny Christmas ornaments, bits of vintage jewelery and old millinery.
The base of the wreath is almost like a steel wool scrunchy material. There is fishing line wrapped around the whole wreath holding it in place and it is mounted on a wooden ring.
I need to clean the dust and grime off of it and repair some of it. It makes my heart happy to find this handwritten message on the back of it. I love it when I find a snippet of information about the history of an item.
To add to my joy over the wreath it also came with a smaller wreath and a tree. I am going to fix up the smaller wreath for my friend and give it to her as a memento of her mother.
The tree is about 8 inches tall. Can you see the little pink deer hidden amongst the decorations?
I am glad that this wreath came my way. It has gone to a good home where it will be well loved for many years to come!
Happy Day!
Fabulous items! I'm glad that your friend thought of you when disposing of them, but I have to wonder why no one in your friend's family wanted these vintage Christmas decorations. Oh well, their loss is your gain!
Posted by: Aimee | January 20, 2011 at 04:26 AM
I'm so happy for you! What fabulous treasures and I'm sure it means so much to your friend, knowing the wreath will be loved!
Posted by: Jill at buckscountyfolkart.blogspot.com | January 20, 2011 at 05:44 AM
That was so sweet for her to think of you! Great stuff- it almost makes you want it to be Christmas again!
Posted by: Rae | January 20, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Yes, sometimes it's a good thing to have a reputation! I've had many things come my way because people know I like old stuff. Those wreaths and the tree are so pretty, I'd be tempted to have them out year-round, and I bet they're going to be even prettier when you're done with them!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | January 20, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Oh my...you can look at those for hours and see something new. What a great home they went to. I cannot wait to see where they end up displayed next Christmas. These are the true crafting masterpieces of the past. My heart pitter patters for you. Enjoy!
Posted by: Renee | January 20, 2011 at 07:04 AM
Ooh, that is NEAT! I'm so glad she thought of you and that fabulousness wasn't lost in the landfill forever!
Posted by: Heidi | January 20, 2011 at 07:22 AM
I love the wreaths and tree! What a great post!
Posted by: Vintage Tinsel | January 20, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Those are amazing! What wonderful decorations and you will fix them up and treasure them. Sweet to return the small one to your friend!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | January 20, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Wow! Those are just gorgeous. (And definitely deserve to remain intact!) I think I know what you mean by that scrunchy stuff but I don't know what it is - it almost seems like something that comes from a hardware store rather than the craft department, if it's what I've seen.
Posted by: barbara | January 20, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Sweet! I have a pink deer like that- it's a pin. He went on the silver tree in my bedroom this year along with some other pinkish vintage goodness.
Posted by: Lynne | January 20, 2011 at 08:38 AM
I'll say it has gone to a good home and the right home. That wreath is you through and through. Christmas 1953 - love that. I'm almost as old as the wreath!
Posted by: Carol Tootalian | January 20, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Isn't it great that someone sat there all those years ago and created these? Maybe she had a studio like yours where she saved all kinds of interesting things for vintage crafting. And I'm guessing 1953 was pre-glue gun so whatever was used to hold this together really stood the test of time. Love it!
Posted by: Into Vintage | January 20, 2011 at 09:25 AM
It couldn't have found a more perfect new owner. I can just see all the wonderful treasure you will add to these beautiful pieces - right up your alley. It reminds me of one of those "I spy" books where you have to find the hidden objects - you could spend hours enjoying all those tiny little trinkets. Enjoy!
Posted by: Karina | January 20, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Laurie, What a fascinating find! Who knew they were creating Magpie Originals way back when! My heart nearly dropped at the thought of the daughter not keeping this heirloom, but your fixing and giving her the smaller wreath back will let her know in time how special an item this truly is. Wonderful post! Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 20, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Those are so dear. She knew the right perosn to give them to and I'm sure she will treasure the one you give back. I remember things like those at church bazaars in the 50's.
Annette
Posted by: Annette | January 20, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I am so happy she thought of you and let you rescue these treasures. They are just wonderful!
Posted by: Kathy | January 20, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I'm just going to faint right now. Those items are AMAZING!!! I would probably have a heart attack if I ever came across something like that at Goodwill. How amazing! The vintage gods truly love you! And you deserve it! :)
Posted by: Crystal | January 20, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Fabulous treasures - and from such a great year too!! LOL!
Posted by: Lynn | January 20, 2011 at 02:14 PM
So completely gorgeous...glad it's in good hands!
xo
Dot
Posted by: Beth Kloss | January 20, 2011 at 02:37 PM
These are so cool! What great giftys from your friend!
Posted by: Angie | January 20, 2011 at 02:47 PM
How lucky you have each other. I think it was kismet that it came your way. It is completely adorable and the provinance the great bonus.
PS-I spotted that deer before you gave us the close-up shot. You know in Iowa we have a lot of corn-fed dear to watch for while we drive...it's essential.
Posted by: Shelley Germann | January 20, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Oh my goodness that wreath is awesome. Your friend found a good home for her mom's treasures.
Posted by: sandy | January 20, 2011 at 05:00 PM
oh wow Oh Wow OH WOW!
Did I say "WOW"??????
Fabulous!
:)
~Becca~
Posted by: Becca | January 20, 2011 at 05:59 PM
I love finding things like this! zootsuitmama
Posted by: zootsuitmama | January 20, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Dear Laurie, ohhh I'm so glad
that your friend gave you these
vintage treasures and how sweet
that you will give back to her,
a momento for her to keep. Thank
goodness the wreaths found their
way to you to repair and treasure.
Love the little deer.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | January 26, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Laurie! OMG this wreath is amazing! It truely was meant to make it's way to you! I'm so curious if you have repaired it this year. Will it make an appearence this Christmas?
Erica :)
Posted by: Erica / Golden Egg Vintage | September 14, 2012 at 02:07 AM
Wow! What treasures! When you mentioned the steel wool scrunchy thing- I knew just what you meant! ♥
Posted by: Holly-cutie pie cottage | October 12, 2013 at 07:17 AM