Introducing Verna and Arlene

OH NO...

What could it be?

What did I do?

What did I drag home with me?

What could I have possibly found at the flea market for $8?

You know I love Toys...

One of my favorites is the cowboy prize game in the upper left corner. There are tiny silver balls inside the plastic case and one is supposed to get each tiny ball into a certain indented area. Now who could do that? Another of my favorites is in the middle row on the left. That is a vintage, plastic and brittle doll house with a car port. I found it at mom's recently and it is pretty old. It is not in Mint Condition and that doesn't matter to me. Another of my favorites is the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls in the center photo. I had to purchase the whole miniature display case at a garage sale just to get those. They are made of fabric and I think very special. Now just what could I have bought at that last flea market for $8. that I just couldn't live without.


It's a

Vintage

Marx Tin

Doll House

"Velkommen To All Things Toys"

The gang sits outside waiting for the store to open. Nickie is telling his mom to look at what Evil Baby is doing. Antony is staring in the window just waiting to get in. Anne Marie ignores Nickie because she is busy trying to impress Marta. Gustav (Gus) is looking inside with great anticipation.

The store finally opens. The first floor contains the check out counter where two very lovely ladies are greeting and assisting the customers. The blond gal is Arlene and the brunette gal is her older sister Verna. They are Flagg dolls and have very snazzy outfits on. Yes, they are dating Cal and Bob Flagg who as also known as the Flagg Brothers. Also on the first floor is the Life Size Store Logo being the Swedish Horse. Near that is a rest area for exhausted adults and a play area to park the little ones. Nickie is spending his time mesmerized by Arlene and Verna and their pure beauty. They are actually flirting with him. Nickie feels funny but he likes it.

Anne Marie and Marta are chatting. Anne Marie is still trying to impress Marta. (Don't know why.) Anne Marie keeps looking at Marta's new necklace. Marta tells her it is from the Lundby Line of Finer Jewelry and was hand made in Sweden by master craftsman. Anne Marie sure wishes she had one.

The second floor contains all the toys. Oh the toys... For the girls and boys... Antony has found an astronaut he likes. Gus has found a blue tractor he's attracted to.

The red wagons are for customers to load their purchases into. The upstairs balcony contains all the bicycles and another rest area for everybody. Anne Marie purchased the astronaut for Antony. Nickie just wanted a phone number so he left empty handed but had a flutter in his heart. Marta purchased the tractor and car for her son Gus. Marta also purchased every doll house for her daughter Signe. Yes, she bought that lucky little girl all of them and she also bought her the miniature Swedish Horse. Wait till you see Signe's new room! Marta is going to surprise her. Signe just got straight A's in school.

The nice man at the flea market had $12. on this old beat up Marx house. I looked at it and started looking elsewhere. He then lowered the price to $10. I asked if he had the missing walls. He said nope and then I mentioned the rust and looked disinterested. He then offered to part with it for $8. Not sure if I got a deal or not but I did have great fun setting up the Toy Shop. I didn't realize how many little toys I have accumulated along my way. This house will only be in my possession for a short while. It's fun to have it and check it out but it ain't a Lundby House. I know of some girls down the street that would love to have this.

Credits - Lundby Items: The counter the pretty girls are behind is a Lundby sink unit laying on it's side. The covered porch swing, the kids table and chairs, the retro yellow lamp and both rugs on the first floor are Lundby. The balance of the items are assorted doll house items.

Credits - Dolls: Verna and Arlene are Flagg Dolls. The rest of the dolls are Lundby.

Another Swedish Horse / Dala Hest

Flea Market Find

Another Dala Hest - Swedish Horse

I am so lucky...

Paid $3.00 USD

Because of my Lundby Doll Houses and my passion for the finer Swedish things I do my best to acquire them for reasonable prices. I saw Nicola's blog (Püppilottchen´s Toy Blog) quite a while ago that showed a tiny little Swedish Horse (Dala Hest) in a Lundby House. I thought it was cute as could be. Then we ventured into a Swedish/Norwegian store recently and saw how expensive and well made they were (hand carved and hand painted). I ended up with one tiny little Dala Hest. Much to my surprise I spotted the larger horse sitting on a table at the flea market last Sunday. I picked it up and someone who had no idea of the history or the value of this item had written $3. in permanent marker on one side. My heart was a flutter because I know this cost about $35. in the Swedish store. We didn't even barter with the guy. We just paid the $3. The precious horse even still had the label on it. The permanent markings have been carefully removed using hubby's vast knowledge. He told me to spray hairspray on a clean rag and to wipe gently. I did not do any damage to the original finish. This larger Dala Hest will look so nice somewhere on Lundby Lane.

Credits: The first photo shows two of the Swedish horses in different scales. The second photo shows the label on the larger horse. The little stool is Lundby.

Here is the link to Nicola's blog with the miniature Swedish Horse. http://pueppilottchens-spielzeug-blog.blogspot.com/2009/09/das-lundby-goteborg-puppenhaus-teil-5.html

I want to express a Special Thank You to all you wonderful bloggers for helping me along the blog road. I cherish your feedback and appreciate the sharing of ideas so very much. I wake up thinking about what you might have blogged about and rush to check em all. And just because I didn't leave a comment doesn't mean that I haven't been there. THANKS!!!

Gotland Visitors - The Flagg Brothers

Introducing Cal & Bob Flagg

AKA the Flagg Brothers

The Flagg Brothers arrive at the Gotland Summer Cottage. They are part owners and are excited about their first visit. They want a feel for the place and the surroundings so they can tell friends and family the specifics to get some renters because they like all dolls want more doll things and that requires doll money. Plus their girls have sent them to be sure it is safe for them to stay also. Martin has told them the grounds are fertile hunting grounds with many, many deer that can be harvested.
The brothers are getting settled in. Cal peers out into the forest and dreams of landing a big buck. They have unloaded their Buggy and brought in all their hunting gear and some refreshments for later. Martin has left a pot of corn meal simmering on the stove and a fresh duck roasting on the fireplace fire pit. Cal says to Bob "Boy that's a Big stuffed Duck above the fireplace." Bob replies "Sure is Cal. Hope we get a big one today. Let's get ready to go." Bob feeds the dog as dogs hunts better on a full stomach. They have given him some Pro-K-Killa-Dog Food that enhances the dogs senses and betters the odds for the hunters to be successful. They have even brought their cave man tools just in case.

Bob checks the roasting duck as it is starting to smell so good. Martin said it would be ready in about three hours. The brothers head out with their wagon full of assorted guns sure to bring home a big prize.

Well the brothers arrive home three hours later empty handed. Cal tells Bob to turn the lights on. Both Cal and Bob notice how good it smells inside and outside the cottage and are delighted to have a hot meal to share.


The brothers are thoroughly disappointed and try to figure out what went wrong. Cal thinks that maybe because they didn't have camouflage gear on the deer spotted them. Bob suggests that maybe because they didn't have the right guns. So they decided next time to bring more weapons. The brothers sit down to dine in silence. Cal is filling his pipe to smoke after dinner. Cal also has a Jug of Moonshine and a hefty sized mug to pour it into. Bob is drinking some type of Rum with coke.

The sun is now setting in the western sky. Both brothers have had their fill of funny water and are feeling tipsy. Hark, there is a noise outside. Both brothers get up to look out the front door. Cal asks Bob if he heard that. Bob replies Yes I heard something. Then Cal asks Bob if he sees anything. Bob isn't sure if he's imagining things or that he sees a slew of easy prey deer right outside the door. Bob thinks he just heard a noise and tells Cal he doesn't see anything. Call replies "me neither. I don't see a darn thing."

The brothers retire for the night with dreams of slaying dragons and dinosaurs.

NOTE: No animals were hurt in the creation of this scene.

Ikea Idea - Room Boxes / Mary goes shopping

INSPIRATION

Sometimes things are simply black or white.

Thanks much to "Call of the Small" for the Ikea Vegetable Bin tip.

Please click the link below to see where this great idea came from.

http://call-small.blogspot.com/2010/03/kitchenette.html

She smartly used the Bin as a miniature room box and it was simply fantastic.

Hubby and I took a trip to Ikea the other day. This was only my second time there and I started feeling so Swedish with the Smaland kids area and the Stockholm sofas. What a blast I had but I could not find this vegetable bin. Hubby said he knew where it would be and I'll be darned he knew exactaly where it would be. When he asked if I wanted two of them I did not hesitate to agree that two would be better than one. Once the bins were assembled I immediately moved my vintage Lundby Gothenberg house to see if these bins fit underneath and they do perfectly. Yes I drive a new WV bug and have some miniature ones in different scales. My last car was 14 years old and it was time to retire the old Ford Probe. I wanted a hot little car that had room and an audubon gear. Oh boy does that 5 cyliner move in the sport gear. The VW is in the Bentley family and I call my bug my baby Bentley. I put the black mini bug on top of one room box and the white one on the other. Hence my inspiration for this post. I proceeded to spend hours searching every doll house nook and cranny for miniature items that were either solid white or solid black. The set up below reminds me of the Ikea store and the room selections. I like how the natural sunlight beams through. It was nice to take photos without having to set up lights.

Below is the White Room.

I tried to use as many fabrics and textures to bring the whole room to life.
Click on the photo for better view.
And then we have the Black Room.

It appears that Mary seems to like both of the rooms.

Well she couldn't decide so she bought most items in both rooms. She is very spoiled. I got two so she got two. She had the delivery people set up all items on her Stockholm Mansion Roof top. Wonder what Martin will say when he gets home.

And look what Marta and her family got. Somehow a construction crew came and lifted the house, installed these and not even a cookie had rolled to the floor. Marta is so happy with her lower level extension. They have a place to park the car now and some room for the kids to play.


Credits: Ikea Vegetable Bin at $12.99 USD each.


White Room - Lundby items: Piano stool covered in white linen fabric, the chandelier, the vintage pitcher, two white drinking glasses, the white end table, the candelabra and the two orange pillows. The adirondack chairs were purchased at the miniature show last year. The two mice and the spilt milk are very old and I've had them for years.

Black Room - Lundby items: The outdoor grill, the coffee maker, the two yellow coffee cups and the sugar/creamer dish. The two chairs were acquired at a flea market long ago. The vintage telephone sits on the cap from my Oil of Olay bottle. I got the old tire off some old toys that I recently sorted through.



So many little items that I can't list them all. If you are curious about anything in particular please leave a comment and I will gladly respond. Thanks again to "Call of the Small". What a creative mind you have. I just love these two vegetable bins but doubt a vegetable will ever come near them.

First Flea Market of the Year

S C O R E

Vintage Doll House Place Settings

The flea market season opened yesterday. We always go opening day no matter the weather. How things work out the first day determines how our season will be. At the end of the day Hubby said we are going to have a very good year. We have collected a certain type of hand-blown glass vase for years. We have never found one on opening day and hubby spotted one at the fourth vendor we visited. We have gone for months before without finding one. Glory be. What a good omen.

We ventured into the building to get out of the rain and visited some folks we have made acquaintance with previously. I browsed the area and found something that peaked my interest. It was beautiful, old, well made, affordable and the right size for Lundby. Oh my gosh... I asked the nice lady where she got these little items from and she told me she found them in the bottom of a box from an estate sale. There were three little bags and the prices had already been reduced. First bag was $3. and the other two were $2. each. I asked very nicely that if I bought the $3. bag and a $2. bag could I have the third bag for free. The answer was YES. Hubby then paid the nice folks $5. I was so excited to get home to see what they looked like.

I made four place mats by cutting from some old lace trim I had. I just can't get over how nice it looks. It adds class to any Lundby table setting. I am just in love with these little vintage pieces.

These items are all brass and just gorgeous. There is also a double boiler and hubby says good for chocolate. My dolls love chocolate! We also got a whisky jug, a plant stand and a very petite coffee grinder. My dolls love coffee too!
The items in the photo above not included in the lots were the Lundby stool, Lundby table and chairs, placemats and the little plant. I would say a very good day and a great opening to the season. Hubby and I high fived each other and we both said "SCORE". I hope your treasure hunts all go as well as mine did.

Note: Photos were taken in my little photo studio with camera on a tripod to be sure the details could be seen.

Evil Baby's Birthday Party

Welcome to Evil Baby's Birthday Party. The gang just arrived at the Gotland Cottage after Vinne bought them all lunch at a nice deli. The DeSalvo's have rented out the Gotland for a full week and are starting the week with a party for their youngest child named Evil. The ladies have gathered the children indoors so the men could test out the Dancing Bear Ride that just arrived in the yard.The men are guarding the door so no children can get outside and see the great fun that lies ahead for them. Evil starts to open his presents while the gang sings and makes merry.

Evil just loves all his new toys. It appears he has already mastered the hammer.


Now for the last present from Mom, Anne Marie. Mom knows Evil is afraid of clowns yet hopes this vintage blue clown will cure him of his fear.

AAAaaawww...

Evil embraces the clown and hugs it so tightly.

He is calling him Ray.

Everybody is watchful in case Evil ran away afraid but he is still hugging that new toy clown of his so closely. He just loves IT. AAAaaahhh... Relief. Anne Marie believes Evil has conquered his fear of clowns.

What will he be afraid of next?

Signe asks to be excused so she can go play with her new friends who have been waiting for her.

The boys go outside and Jump with Joy for the Dancing Bear Ride. Evil and his older brother Nickie take the first turn. And around it goes...

All in all it turned out to be a great party. Evil baby got many nice new toys to play with. There isn't a big mess to clean up and the DeSalvo's can relax and enjoy some family time.

Credits: All four of Evil Baby's birthday gifts were acquired from an antique store in the country for 50 cents each. The Dancing Bear was acquired at an auction along with other carousel animals. The Bear is the only one I have left and he is perfect size. Signe's three new friends were an eBay buy. The girl in the middle is vintage Lundby. The other two are marked on the back "Marx 1975".

Vintage Doll House Items

More antique store shopping. Just look at what Hubby found. This treasure was never played with. After discounts the cost was $8.40 USD. The box reads "Hand crafted in Rural England". This is a very interesting set because the chairs are too small for the table and only work with the Lundby children yet the table is a very good size. No matter because I like it, it's mine and I especially like the two tone wood. The buffet is awesome too although a tad big.




Look at what I found in a case. It was folded up and didn't look right to me so I asked to see it closer. The bottom reads "Made in USA / Pat Pend". It is 1:16 scale and perfect for my little peeps. I can never have too many chairs. I was amazed that the price was $2. USD. Mine, mine, mine... It's all mine now.

When I find interesting vintage doll house items I will gladly take photos and post them. I love to find a great deal in any store but it's always better when it's Vintage and quality. If you know the maker or have further information on this folding chair I would appreciate you sharing your knowledge but don't go to any great length because it doesn't matter that much to me.

Credits: Antique stores in South Eastern Wisconsin provided both items. We had traveled there last month. These were stores we had never shopped at before.

Marta is Busy Typing a Letter

Marta is busy at the office desk in her dining room. She is typing up the family request for the Gotland Summer Cottage Time Share. She's hope to get the Memorial Day weekend and following week. She wants to get her request in soon. Anne Marie is filling her form out also but wouldn't tell Marta what dates she wants. Marta is concerned that they both want the same week.

Credits: Little pink typewriter was found in the bottom of an auction box. It has no markings but is perfect size for Lundby. The little owl is solid metal and rather old. The paper stacker tray in the middle of the desk was found in a box of old boys toys and works perfectly. The tiny folders and papers were acquired at a Miniature show last year. The "I Love Dolls" mug I can't remember where I got that. The black book on the desk top is titled Sleeping Beauty, very old and the pages are paper. The calendar is metal with a paper month of dates glued into it found long ago. The plant stand is plastic and the potted plant was made by me using a wood painted flower pot and some plastic plants.