Collection Challenge #115 - Vintage Enamelware

Joy asked if I had a collection of enamelware.  I thought about it and knew I had a couple of pieces.  The more I thought about it the more I just kept pulling it from here and there. I had a bunch!  I usually pick it up at estates sales fairly cheap and am attracted to the practical side of it and the chippy nature it takes on.

Old refrigerator containers complete with glass lids in classic black and white. Used for studio storage.

White and green enamelware. The bottom piece is a lid.

I use that lid instead of a tray in my kitchen to corral my kitchen soaps and such.

This is a workhorse of a big green tub in a great vintage green. It usually holds lunchboxes on top of our refrigerator.

And smaller ones in white. Some I found with lids, some without. I really like how chippy they get.

The top one is studio storage for smaller more unique ornaments.

I love it when I find it in pink.

Complete with original label.  Made in Czechoslovakia.  Superior enamel.

Sometimes I plant in it, if the pot is big enough.

I have two pieces of enamelware that are baby themed. These were my dad and his twin brothers. The cup came from an estate sale.

Old metal trays in various sizes.Bowls in green.

Bowls in white with red trim.

A cream colored bowl with green trim.

A great enamelware pot trimmed in turquoise.

I had quite a few random lids.

I collected the lids to make a bird feeder like this one. It hangs in my backyard and Tom and I made from a chicken feeder and lids.

Vintage cups.  I never pass these by if the price is right.

The simple enamelware plates like this have been put to use in my house.

I used a bunch to fill a wall and added metal flower curtain tiebacks to add some interest in my kitchen.

And last but not least, an old pitcher used for studio storage.

This is one of those posts that really surprised me about how many items I had. I guess this is one of those collections that sneaks up on me as I buy a piece here and there.

Thanks for the suggestion Joy.  If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a note and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of ____." I even surprise myself sometimes.

Happy day!

 

Comments

[Melissa]

I like the line "interest in my kitchen". Your house has something interesting to look at every which way you turn. I love seeing how you use your finds throughout your house. It really inspires me in my own decorating. Keep on giving us great ideas.
Melissa
I imagine you are getting Kate ready to go off to school. Is she going with a vintage theme in her dorm? That would be an interesting post!

[Renee]

Enamelware. Beautiful, utilitarian, simple, I can just go on for days. Never one for the speckled kind I keep pieces of it all over the house. However, now I see I need to use it outside too. Loving your pieces...smiles...Renee

[Heather]

So beautiful is your collection! Love the pink!! I also like the idea of using the lid as a tray!! :) xo Heather

[VintageChristine]

Every time I see another one of your collections I feel like grabbing my husband and showing him that there IS really a person who has more of everything than I do! The bird feeder is fantastic!

[chris mckinley]

What a fun collection!! I love enamelware!

chris

[Kathy]

I have never seen turqoise before. Imagine being a young bride in the 40s (50s?) with a whole set of those to cook meals for your family while you daydreamed about having the matching stove!

[Annette]

Love your enamelware. the pink is sweet but I always go back to red and white.

[barbara]

I find enamelware hard to resist, too ... it's just so sturdy and hardworking. You've done some great things with yours! I love that birdfeeder.

[Shara]

I LOVE that birdfeeder. I made a huge windchime of sorts out of a lid, enamelware cups and cutlery. Do you have any enamelware spoons? I have the tiny pink potty and a blue one too. When The Bean was very little - probably about three, he spotted two orange enamelware cups at a sale for 5¢ each. He loves orange. I bought them and he has used them every single morning for breakfast for the past 13 years. I do think that was 10¢ well spent!

[Into Vintage]

I'm just glad you didn't stop at 100 -- I had a feeling there were another hundred collections yet! :-) The little dishes for the twins are my favorites -- makes me think of the memory book your grandmother made that you shared with us.

[Sheryl Remy]

Your birdfeeder is great. So creative. Your birds have the best diner in town.

Sheryl Remy

[Lynn]

This is a wonderful collection - I love enamel and use every piece I have. When we have picnic, everyone is surprised at how many plates I have and they all have a good time picking out their favorite one to eat on.