A Walk in the Woods

Vintage canteen from TheFancyLamb

By Susan from CalloohCallay

Like much of the United States, we here in the middle have had an eerily warm winter--no frozen ponds like when I was a kid, and my crocuses are up already, probably just in time to be zapped by another cold snap. But the upside to climate change, if you can call it that, is last weekend I got out for a hike along the river bluffs--just me, my canteen, and 300 other hikers, bikers, and dogs taking advantage of the weather.

Wildflower guide from TheVintageReader

I didn't see much wildlife--a few hawks circling the river, a few gray squirrels. But on a less crowded day I might have run into some deer, or even an otter or raccoon along the river bank. It was too early for the wildflowers, but in the coming months they'll be making their appearance in great numbers.

We're heading into just about the best time to enjoy the outdoors (though autumn has a lot going for it too). So, in anticipation of many hikes to come, here are a few of my favorite vintage items to take along.

Vintage Czech rucksack from PerfectlyPoshVintage

KampKing 1960s utility knife from KentonCollectibles

Vintage camp stool from moxiethrift

1912 Boy Scout book from queenofsienna

Pedometer from tippleandsnack

Vintage snakebite kit from kowgirlkitsch

Welcome New Members: QueenofSienna, Flyingace, KitschyVintage, VanityFare, TheWhiteRoom and EmeliasCupboard

Blown Mold Glass Spiral Swirl Cruet & Stopper

QueenofSienna offers a unique mix of vintage items spanning many decades and styles. Among the 250 items available are textiles, fabric, glass, pottery, and books. "The items in my shop are vintage and antique pieces that were acquired by generations of two families. I will continue to be listing more items daily. It is an eclectic mix, that's for sure." QueenofSienna opened in November 2010.

Vintage Canister Set with Floral Design

Flyingace was opened in June of 2009 by Ashley, a stay at home mom from Tulsa Oklahoma. "I offer unique, quality treasures for every member of the family. My shop name, flyingace, is an ode to my favorite comic strip character of all time, Snoopy as the World War 1 flying ace in search of the Red Baron." Major shop categories include: Home Accessories, Vintage Books and For Kids.

VIntage Federal Rumpus Shot Glasses

KitschyVintage offers a nice mix of vintage items ranging from the 1920's through the 1960's. "After having a career and then being a stay-at-home mom to my 3 sons (now grown), I've finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up: collect, use and sell great old stuff! The items in my shop are as unpredictable as the imaginings of days past." Top categories include: Jewelry and Accessories and Games and Toys. KitschyVintage opened shop in October 2010.

Antique Filigree Pin Fancy Design circa 1900

VanityFare is a wonderful jewelry shop, offering vintage and antique jewelry representing a wide range of styles and eras. "I've been selling antique jewelry for over 20 years. I've also developed a good sound working knowledge of textiles, linens, ladies accessories and vintage clothing. I've sold antiques from the Georgian Period right up to the late 20th c. up and down the east coast." VanityFare is based out of Barrington, New Hampshire and opened in January of 2008.

Vintage Bead Goodies in White 

TheWhiteRoom, based out of Ontario, Canada, has a lovely selection of vintage rhinestone jewelry, postcards, and ephemera. "I love and appreciate beautiful things that hold a story from the past. I love to collect and surround myself with these treasures, and find inspiration in them for my art and life." TheWhiteRoom has been in business since May 2009.

Vintage Ford Truck Guide F 150 (1979)

EmeliasCupboard currently has an interesting selection of books on offer including a few unique operating and instruction manuals. "I will be using this shop to clear out my vast collections of almost 50 years hunting. I have been involved in buying and selling antiques and collectibles for most of my life, and far too much of it went into our private collections, even long after we ran out of space for it. Now that retirement is approaching, it is time to get serious about clearing out." EmeliasCupboard is based out of Spring Branch Texas (Winter) and opened in May of 2011.

Fresh Picks: Glorious Glass

While our Certified Shops offer a stunning array of Vintage Art Glass, a collection of humble and quirky old bottles and vases--the simpler the better--creates a heavenly aura when arranged on a sunny windowsill. The effect is mesmerizing, and brings a cheery splash of color to any room. Here are some new finds to get you started!

Cobalt Blue Mixed collection... 10karri $25.00	Antique Bottles - Chili Powd... KentonCollecti... $18.00	1970s Emerald Green Glass Pe... SurrenderDorot... $8.89
Two Old Bottles Nice Color queenofsienna $8.00	Bitter Fish. Vintage cobalt ... Kultur $16.00	Treasury Featured - Set of t... yeoldevintages... $12.99

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