Wednesday Surprise 12

Bahoukas and Thomas Kinkade

Beautiful Thomas Kincade figurines

As you know we are always searching for a unique collection. Looking closely at a number of shelves, these beautiful Thomas Kinkade figurines, Victorian and Elegant Ladies, caught our eye. One, or several, may be a perfect gift for a lady you know (young or old) or a wonderful addition to your own collections.

Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall to see these exquisite figurines. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Collecting Pencil Sharpeners

… who knew?

Amazing Tiny Pencil Sharpeners just arrived at Bahoukas Antiques

Taking photos for this blog, I discovered a shelf stuffed with die-cast pencil sharpeners… little tiny pencil sharpeners. These are amazingly detailed. Who would have thought?!?

Here’s one example of a serious collector that also shows us how many kinds of miniature pencil sharpeners there are! Click on the link in the quote for more info.

For many years we (Johan and Anky) have collected Die-cast miniature pencil sharpeners. Our collection now consists of over 500 different pieces and we would like to add some more.

from Sharpenking
Check out the variety and detail of this recently acquired collection!

GIFTS IDEAS?

If someone has a special interest whether it be music, cars, motorcycles photography, art … well, you name it, we probably have a miniature pencil sharpener that would make an outstanding, fun, and thoughtful gift.

Here is another collector of tiny pencil sharpeners:

Paul Johnson collected 3,479 pencil sharpeners (no duplicates) and displayed them in a one-room shed in his yard in Carbon Hill. He died July 2010; the shed and collection are now displayed in the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center.

from Roadside America

We encourage you to check out this most amazing collection that we just acquired at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. Yes sir (m’am), we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Beautiful Decorated Eggs

Celebrate Easter ~ Celebrate Spring

Beautiful Pysanky Decorated Eggs

Beautiful decorated eggs have a long history.

 “In pre-Christian days, eggs were associated with many different springtime rites,” says Lubow Wolynetz, curator of folk art at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City and the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, CT. “In Ukraine, for example, people were an agricultural society. A late or cold spring had an impact on crops, so people attempted to harness the power of the sun to bring about the resurrection of nature.”

And what reminds you of the sun? An egg with its bright yellow center and the life that springs from it, says Wolynetz. Many cultures throughout Europe embraced the idea that eggs had life-giving associations. In Ukraine, people began the practice of “writing” the eggs, called pysanky (from the word pysaty, meaning “to write”). They adorned them with symbols such as the sun, a triangle, or lines that encircle the egg. 

from CountryLiving.com

And just how are these beautiful eggs created?

Pysanky eggs are hand-drawn creations — first in pencil using guidelines to section off an egg into a grid pattern, and then with detail within the grid. Afterwards, pencil lines are covered with beeswax and layered with colors of dye, similar to the batik work done on fabric.
 
But the intricacy of the design is not what makes a pysanka beautiful. Even simple patterns can be just as striking as detailed ones. The key to a beautiful traditional pysanka is symmetry and precision (although symmetry does not always play a role in contemporary patterns). By precision, I mean that the design is drawn within a grid that has been laid out meticulously, usually with a tape measure. If a pysanky is only divided in half, each half will measure exactly the same. Similarly, in quadrants, each will measure exactly the same. The entire design, whether simple or detailed, depends on these first measurements to be exact. This is especially important if the egg will be very intricate! 

from MarthaStewart.com

The early spring tradition became a beautiful Easter tradition.

For Christians, the Easter egg is symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Painting Easter eggs is an especially beloved tradition in the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches where the eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross. Easter eggs are blessed by the priest at the end of the Paschal vigil and distributed to the congregants. The hard shell of the egg represents the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking the shell represents Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Moreover, historically Christians would abstain from eating eggs and meat during Lent, and Easter was the first chance to eat eggs after a long period of abstinence. (Orthodox Christians continue to abstain from eggs during Lent.)

Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. An egg hunt involves hiding eggs outside for children to run around and find on Easter morning. Eggs are rolled as a symbolic re-enactment of the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb. In the United States, the Easter Egg Roll is an annual event that is held on the White House lawn each Monday after Easter.

from HuffPost.com

Visit our FB page and let us know what your Easter Egg Traditions might be. Do you hide eggs for the family to find on Easter morning? Is it a family event to color Easter eggs?

Be sure to stop by and see these beautiful pysanky eggs. We don’t have many, but they are beautiful. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Fountain Pens and Nibs

Do you love the feel of a fountain pen?

Beautiful collectible and vintage fountain pens…

After centuries of writing with quills dipped in ink, people in the 1800s began embracing fountain pens with internal ink reservoirs that were filled with eyedroppers. Almost until the end of the century, fountain pens were notoriously fickle devices. They routinely leaked and the flow of ink onto the writing surface was uneven.

from Collectors Weekly
Fountain pens and nibs – collectible

Is there a perfect pen?

Fountain pens have always served as the quintessential combination of beauty, tradition, and dexterity. But did you know they’re also tools of environmental consciousness? Join our tour of the fountain pen’s history, infinite varieties, and remarkable powers. With tips for shopping and maintenance.
By TIM REDMOND

from Craftsmanship.net

Thirty-two years ago, when I was a young writer struggling to pay the rent and eat, I walked into an art supply store in San Francisco and put down $120 for a pen.

My friends thought I was nuts: that was, literally, half a month’s rent, a month’s groceries. A pack of ten ballpoint pens went for a buck; what on Earth was I thinking?

from Craftsmanship.net

Collecting fountain pens has its own vocabulary, just like any other collectible. CLICK HERE for the basics of fountain pens.

Fountain Pen Nibs

A fountain pen nib is the metal writing point at the end of the writing instrument. Virtually all quality fountain pens use solid gold nibs, both for their durability and for the smoothness of the writing experience they provide. Cheaper steel and gold-plated nibs, on the other hand, have a tendency to deteriorate and are harder to customize or repair, whereas a solid gold nib can last a lifetime (and more).

from Nibs.com

Like all wonderful things, there is a great deal to learn. If we whet your appetite, then stop by and see what we have. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Tin is In!

Well, it’s useful and decorative!

a selction of  tin cans with advertising, Saltines by Keebler, Ritz Crackers, Pensupreme Cottage Cheese
Tin can containers with advertising have always been popular.

Tin containers are loved for decoration, especially when enjoying the many colors and designs from their advertising. Some are very collectible. But they’re nearly all quite utilitarian. They make perfect storage containers for a very wide variety of items from bags of flours to cookies, yarns to crayons, and just about anything you might think of.

Tin Trays decorated with advertising or painted beautifully  are a beautiful addition to everyday usage and/or entertaining. Available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace.
Tin Trays offer everything from advertising, to tourism messages, and symbols of the states.

Tin trays have been used for their primary use – carrying things. But tin trays have also been used for wall decorations or to hold things on shelves and tables. They come in pretty much every shape and size. Many collectors love them for their advertising as well.

Here at Bahoukas we also have a wonderful assortment of decorative, tin signs. Some have old advertisements on them, others are just great images, like the surfboards in the one pictured to the left.

Stop in and see the many tin collectibles we have at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. Then think about the creative ways you might use them in your home or office, or which ones you might add to your collection.

And yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Did you know that Bahoukas is the Collector of Collections?

What do you collect?

PEZ over 700 including all the presidents from Washington to Obama at Bahoukas Antiques!
PEZ are fun to collect for young and old!

Of course, you’ve seen our Christmas Tree decorated with PEZ! And we have a huge selection in our shop. Did you know that George has an entire room in his home dedicated to PEZ. Yup, he sure does!

decoupage old canning labels from Bahoukas in Havre de Grace
Canning labels are very collectible and can add to your kitchen decor as well.

Canning was a major industry in Havre de Grace for many decades. And collecting canning labels is a passion for many. Our label reprints make for some very colorful items to create decorative pieces especially for your kitchen.

We encourage you to visit Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum to discover our many ‘collections.’ George really is a “Collector of Collections”! We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Art at Bahoukas

Sculpture from Around the World

Do you think you know what’s hiding in the 9,000+ sq ft of antiques at Bahoukas? Well, you might just want to stop by and see how diverse we really are. 

Amazing sculptures at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Here’s a sampling of some beautiful wood sculptures. They’re just one of the many unique pieces of art you might find to delight the perfect person on your holiday gift list.

You really do want to drop in and spend some time browsing all our shelves and nook and crannies. It’s astounding just what you’ll find. 

Yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Angels and Glass

beautiful angel with harp sculpture just in time for the holidays at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Plus December Sales at Bahoukas

You never ever know what you might discover in all the treasures at Bahoukas. While gathering photos for more blog posts, this most beautiful sculpture was discovered on a high shelf. You have to stop in and see it for yourself. It’s beautiful. 

Of course, it’s been mentioned that George is having some big sales this month on glass and record albums. Well, I’m not sure what all is included… but check out this amazing blue glass that just arrived in the last couple weeks. 

beuatiful blue glass now at Bahoukas Antique Mall

If you don’t know by now, George is always willing to make a deal. Stop in and see for yourself. In the meantime, here’s a bit more beautiful glass for every taste:

Green Depression Glass and 3 pc Czechoslovakian Malachite Perfume Set by Ingrid

Now doesn’t this look festive for the Holidays! Or maybe you prefer one or two of these beautiful pieces. They would add wonderful beauty reflecting candles and lights at your holiday table. 

cut glass and crystal at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Hopefully, we’re on your to-do list to visit for that special decorating idea you have or the perfect gift for someone on your gift list. Yes, we are here and waiting to say, “Welcome!”

 

 

Wednesday Box Surprise #4

lace and rhinestone wreath - all the fixin's available at BahoukasBoxes of Surprises Abound at Bahoukas

Look at this wreath and tell me you wouldn’t love it! CLICK HERE for the directions on how to create! 

Rolling pins from days of yore available at Bahoukas

 

 

We have a variety of unique rolling pins as well as a number of large wooden spoons used for decoration.

Are you crafty? There are some fun ways to use these items to create a beautiful gift. You have time – we have the items to help you out!

Need ideas? CLICK HERE for a great article offering 16 decorative ideas using old rolling pins. If you create something, be sure to send us a photo! 

 

 

 

lace doilies and hankies at Bahoukas Antique Mall

Oh my, there are some beautiful ideas for gifts created from old hankies. Check out AllWomensTalk.com for some wonderful and fairly easy crafts. You can also try your crafty fingers with those old doilies that many of remember our grandmothers having on their furniture. Visit this site for some beautiful ideas that are even in time for Christmas gifting or decorating! NOTE: This site loads slowly due to ads, but the ideas are definitely worth it!

lace, corchet, doiiles and hankies at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Wednesday Box Surprise #2

Metal Numbers? Yep!

box of metal house numbers are great for crafts, too

Besides having the perfect numbers for your house, these metal numbers might be a perfect addition to a craft. Have you considered that? No? Well, at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum, we have ‘Surprise Boxes’ scattered throughout the store.

CLICK HERE for some ideas that will get your creative juices flowing. Our numbers are a few inches tall. But if you’re ‘crafty,’ these examples just may be the spark you need! One idea, paint them with different colors and use them for the kids’ bedroom or playroom!!! FUN!

Put your creativity hat on and consider how you might upcycle these treasures. Yep, We’ll be watchin’ for ya. 

Art, History, and Canning Labels

Unique Ways to Use Old Canning Labels

original and reproduction canning labels at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

While sorting some items in the shop, we realized that our reproduction canning labels are truly beautiful. Most are $5 each and we can order more and get them back in a day. (We also have some ‘original, collectible, canning labels if you desire those. Priced a bit higher.)

decoupage old canning labels from Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Anyway, check out the artwork. WOW! The photos don’t do justice to how great these actually look. (We took photos through a vinyl covering.)

 

Could you imagine decoupaging some of these beautiful canning labels for unique kitchen decor!

Beautiful. Oh, not sure what decoupage is:

Decoupage or Découpage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and other decorative elements. Commonly, an object like a small box or an item of furniture is covered by cutouts from magazines or from purpose-manufactured papers.  from Wikipedia

 

CLICK HERE for the link for some great ideas.

fun with decoupage using canning labels from Bahoukas Antique Mall

 

Here are even more wonderful ideas and directions for decoupage from The Spruce Crafts website. CLICK HERE

beautiful art can be found in old canning labels from Bahoukas

Check out this basic how-to-do-it decoupage video to inspire you to give it a try:

 

 

Still not sure?  CLICK HERE for more ideas.

decoupage using old canning labels from Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Look around. You can create beautiful coasters, cover a cutting board or that wood knife holder on your counter, a tray (metal or wood), cupboard doors, jars, and more. Beautiful, unique, and truly your own! Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall today and plan your holiday gift or creative decor items. We’ll be watchin’ for ya! 

Art Tucked Among The Antiques

Art IS in The Eye of the Beholder…

Lionel Barrymore is best known for his character “Mr. Potter” in the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life. Of course he is known for many other performances in movies, stage and radio. But did you know he was also …

Composer; graphic artist; novelist

Barrymore also composed music. His works ranged from solo piano pieces to large-scale orchestral works, such as “Tableau Russe,” which was performed twice in Dr. Kildare’s Wedding Day (1941), first by Nils Asther on piano and later by a full symphony orchestra. His piano compositions, “Scherzo Grotesque” and “Song Without Words”, were published by G. Schirmer in 1945. Upon the death of his brother John in 1942, he composed a memoriam, which was performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also composed the theme song of the radio program Mayor of the Town.

Barrymore was a skillful graphic artist, creating etchings and drawings. For years, he maintained an artist’s shop and studio attached to his home in Los Angeles. Some of his etchings were included in the Hundred Prints of the Year.

He wrote a historical novel, Mr. Cantonwine: A Moral Tale (1953).                          from Wikipedia

Placemat with art "San Pedro" by Lionel Barrymore

This place mat is titled “San Pedro” and is part of a set created by Lionel Barrymore.

We have a beautiful set of dinner mats (place mats) from this well known actor who would rather sketch than act. He loved the sea. This beautiful set of place mats would be wonderful on your table or even, perhaps, framed and hung on a wall. They were originally “presented with the compliments and good wishes of The Holland Mfg. Company of Baltimore, NY.”

Place mat from a collection by Lionel Barrymore, titled "Point Pleasant."

This place mat is titled “Point Pleasant” and is part of a set created by Lionel Barrymore.

A few other unique pieces tucked among our 2200 sq ft of wonderful antiques and collectibles include these smaller pieces. On the left is an adorable baby with teddy bear that has a curved cover with black decoration, painted by Charlotte Cox Becker. Born in 1901 and died in 1984, she lived and worked in both Germany and the U.S. and is best known for children’s book illustration, figure and genre, lithography. Her baby pictures were very popular and still are today. We do not have any information on the silhouettes.

Art pieces available at Bahoukas Antiques include this beautiful child with teddy bear by Charlotte Becker, and two small framed silhouettes: a lady at a spinning wheel and a lady losing her hat in the wind while walking her dog.

As you have seen here, art is very much a part of the wonderful discoveries you might make when browsing the many shelves and corners of Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. We look forward to giving you a warm ‘hello’ next time you drop by. See you soon!

Sea Castles – Spanish Galleons

This Spanish Galleon Model Just Arrived

Spanish Galleon model - beautiful - at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

This beautiful model from a local estate just arrived this past week at Bahoukas. It’s an 18 gun, 3 masts with 15 sails.

Construction

Galleons were constructed from oak (for the keel), pine (for the masts) and various hardwoods for hull and decking. Hulls were usually carvel-built. The expenses involved in galleon construction were enormous. Hundreds of expert tradesmen (including carpenters, pitch-melters, blacksmiths, coopers, shipwrights, etc.) worked day and night for months before a galleon was seaworthy. To cover the expense, galleons were often funded by groups of wealthy businessmen who pooled resources for a new ship. Therefore, most galleons were originally consigned for trade, although those captured by rival states were usually put into military service.

The most common gun used aboard a galleon was the demi-culverin, although gun sizes up to demi-cannon were possible.

Because of the long periods often spent at sea and poor conditions on board, many of the crew often perished during the voyage; therefore advanced rigging systems were developed so that the vessel could be sailed home by an active sailing crew a fraction of the size aboard at departure.   …From Wikipedia

Spanish Galleon model - the castles of the sea!

This model is 51 inches long, 41 inches tall, and 8 inches wide. All wood. An absolutely exquisite model. We do not know who built her, but she’s a beauty!

The most distinguishing features of the galleon include the long prominent beak or beakhead followed by a fore-mast and main-mast, both noticeably taller than the single or double lateen-rigged mizzenmasts with their sloped lateen-rig yards, and below those the square Quarter gallery at the stern. On average with three masts, in larger galleons, a fourth mast was added, usually another lateen-rigged mizzen, called the bonaventure mizzen.    …From Wikipedia

a closer view of the Spanish Galleon model at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace MD

Here’s a wee bit closer view. She presently sits in our front window. Stop by and check her out. When the called Spanish Galleons – “Sea Castles” – it’s easy to understand when you see this model. Click this link for a little more history from Pirates & Privateers blog.

Of course, always amazing ‘finds’ at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace!

Tucked Amid Collectibles – AFRICAN ART!

Art and Bahoukas – unique collectibles!

African Art pieces available at Bahoukas

Several of these pieces are from Ghana. They’re tucked here and there throughout the store. We gathered a few pieces of our beautiful art for you for this photo (apologies for the blur). There are many wonderful items from around the world. You’ll find the perfect art for your home or office.

The Secret?

… leaving yourself plenty of time to browse our more than 9,000 sq ft of amazing antiques and collectibles. There are many, many, more beautiful art pieces to be discovered. Will we see you soon!?

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