Collection Challenge # FIFTY! - Vintage Curtain Tie Backs

GADZOOKS!  This is my fiftieth collection challenge...how in the heck did that happen and how could I have so much stuff????!!!

Anyhooo, today's challenge comes from Renee from My Vintage Mending who challenged me to show my collection of curtain tie backs.

I love curtain tie backs and primarily starting collecting them as a decorating accessory. A tie back was used to keep your curtains pulled back (often with a fabric band that matched the curtain) and is basically like a giant pushpin. They are usually made of either metal or plastic.

I like that they come in a variety of colors and floral styles. If you search them on Ebay, you will find that they come in assorted shapes like shoes and Dutch girls.  I pretty much stick to metal flowers.

This is where I display them.

This is my kitchen nook and I hung a bunch of old green tin plates with green trim.  The curtain tie backs are scattered around them (you just stick them in the wall so they are easy to decorate with).

This is one of my favorite tie backs that I have found.  I love the little singing bird and I have a pair of these displayed in my kitchen.

If you are wondering about those flower clips in the background - I use them as a decorative clip on my curtains, but they are actually vintage candle holders.

I also have a pair of opalescent glass curtain tie backs that are just over two inches in diameter. I have not found the perfect spot in my house for this pair.

I really like this collection..thanks Renee for the suggestion to share!

If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a note and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of ______."  I will see what I can dig up.

Also a reminder that TONIGHT (Tuesday) - Mother's Day and Spring gals with show up on Etsy at 5:30 (pacific time). I have only showed a snippet on my blog of what will show up tonight....

 

Comments

[Doreen]

Congratulations on your 50th Collection Challenge!Very pretty....never seen vintage curtain tie backs! Amazing collections you have Laurie.
Thanks for making my morning again!
Doreen :-)

[Emily Thompson]

You're amazing! :-)

I have a bunch of these too and love them!

[barbara]

This is a really fun collection! You've gotta love something that comes with its own tack. I have a pair that are a pot of tulips, and I'm very fond of them.

[Kathy]

Oh my gosh, I have never seen these before, or maybe I have and didn't realize what they were. I will be heading off to eBay to look because I actually have a couple spots where I could use them for their intended purpose! Is the pin in the back like a nail?

[Shelley Davis]

Well I have four cute little ones (all the same) that I just picked up the other day. I have been wondering what they were, and what to do with them. I think they are longing for their family. If you sending me address I would like to gift them to you.

Blessings,
Shelley

[Annette]

I think secretly that your home is on top of a warehouse where you keep all these collections!! 50 is an amazing number and I can use you as a reference for my husband to see that I don't really collect too many things :>)

[Janis]

Hi Laurie,
Happy 50th Collection Challenge!!
LOVE the sweet singing bird curtain
tie back and the way you have
displayed your collection. It is
always a treat to see your collections and here's to another
50 or more!! :)
Hugs,
Janis

[Lynn]

The curtain tie-back are fantastic, but I adore the creme and green plates they are accenting!!

[My Vintage Mending]

I am so excited to see all these. They scream kitsch to me. I recently found a pair of pink metal flowers for my half bath to join the blue flowers. What a lucky lady to find opalescent ones...smiles...Renee

[Mitzi Curi]

I love your collection, Laurie! Your display idea is fabulous too. I have several of those, and have been trying to figure out how to transform them into jewelry. They would make pretty pins, but with different backs, obviously (ouch!)

[Angela]

I have come to the conclusion that people in your part of the country kept more things, than in my part! I've never seen as many of those all total, as you have. No kidding, I really think in places that have basements, people saved lots more things. In my part of the south there are no basements. Things deteriate faster in sheds and barns.

[Jill]

Fiftieth collection~ you're amazing, girlie! I love your tieback collection. It's always been one of my most favorite things about your kitchen!
Hugs,
Jill

[elma]

wow 50?? Love these tie backs and they look sooo nice on the wall:)

[Marci]

Happy 50th!! Collections that is! I swear someday I am going to come to Oregon and see all those amazing collections in person! (my sis lives in Brookings, OR, maybe not so far???) Thanks for sharing!

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

Hi Laurie! Just catching up on your posts, and had to comment on the beautiful tieback collection. Happy 50th Collection, and I hope that there are at least 50 more!