Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Holiday Preview...Christmas Characters From Vintage Tins!

Recent Tins.
Found at Flea-ology...a local Vintage Fleamarket.

I recently posted the picture of some tins I found at Flea-ology, which is held at my good friend Paula's home in Payson, Utah.  Paula blogs at Pollyanna Reinvents and is my favorite vendor at Treasures Antiques in Springville.  The moment I saw these, I knew they would become new additions to my collection of holiday characters made from vintage tins.  I have just finished a couple of these characters and can't wait to share them with you.

Jack Frost...
Jack Frost...a snowman from a vintage Postum tin.
Jack is about 8" tall on a 6" oval base.

Vintage Postum Tin.
I forgot to get a picture of the tin I found.

A Bit of Postum History...

I have fond memories of Postum.  My grandparents drank it all the time and I enjoyed sipping it from a tea cup and pretending it was coffee.  Members of the Mormon faith abstain from coffee, so it was very popular in the Mountain West.  It is made from roasted wheat bran, wheat, and molasses.  Although the Postum Cereal Company stated in its ads that it didn't taste like coffee, the drink was enormously popular during World War II, when coffee was rationed.

There is a similar product in Germany, called Caro...also known in the US as Pero.  My German friend, Monika...who is also a Mormon...used to invite me over for "Coffee" every Wednesday.  She brought out her nicest tea set and baked a traditional German dessert.  I must have downed gallons of Caro during my three years overseas.  I still miss it...especially the "instant crystals."

Kraft discontinued production of Postum in 2007.  Eliza's Quest Food, licensed the trademark in 2012 and sold it online.  Since 2013, it has been available in a limited number of stores...primarily in Utah and other Mountain States.


Side View.
Jack's head is paper clay...his arms are measuring spoons.

Back View.

I thought it would be fun to put Jack in a snowy scene.

Dri-Shu Santa...
Cute Santa made from a Dri-Shu tin.
Dri-Shu protects Santa's boots from Snow and Sleet.

Santa is about 6" tall.
His head is a vintage Santa ornament.
I used wooden half-eggs for his boots and trimmed them with chenille.

Tin for a tummy...no bowl full of jelly!
His hands are some kind of electrical doo-hickeys.
I bought a big bag of them for $1 at a vintage yard sale.

Side and Back View.

Santa's Winter Scene.

Give Thanks...

Thanksgiving scene with old spice tin.
I have a bunch of turkey and pilgrim candles.

I haven't made a lot of Thanksgiving crafts...my house is decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving so my Idaho Falls grand kids can see my Christmas decorations when they come for dinner. I do decorate the tables for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for so many things...I need to express those thanks more fully.
I am so thankful for this blog and those who read it.
Thank you!




12 comments:

Unknown said...

You are so absolutely talented!!
That Santa is unbelieveable!
I may have to make one of those Thanksgiving ones, too cute!
You have inspired me today, thanks~
xoxo,
Dorothy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

LOVE your new creations! The Thanksgiving and Santa are my favorites! Awesome!
warmly,
deb

E said...

So clever and so cute ! Love them E

Tammy's in Love said...

Gold star for you on jump starting holiday crafts! What a fun story of Postem and using it for the crafting is such fun!

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Shirley, these are the sweetest decorations! What a great way to re-use and make something old new again! I really enjoyed your history lesson as well! Thank you for sharing such cute vests for us to enjoy! You are so talented!
Blessings,
Susie

Patti said...

Your are just the most creative person! Love each and every detail. I was surprised with Santa's hands. CLEVER! I just love reading your posts and seeing your wonderful creations!

Margaret said...

Your creations are so unique. I love all the different things you think to add it in. Everything is so special. So are you! Maggie

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Shirley, these are all fantastic! I am not doing too much more fall crafting, so you have inspired me to move on to Christmas. Very clever & creative. :)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What cute ideas! I know I have a few old tins and this would be a fun way to use them. You always create neat things for the holidays! You are more of an artist than most of us! Hugs, Diane

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love old tins and these are simply fabulous Shirley!! You're so creative!!
Hugs,
Jann

Musings from Kim K. said...

Oh my goodness. I've been so behind on blog reading. So happy to catch up with your posts!!

jenclair said...

I've had so much fun browsing (and pinning Halloween ideas)! Love all your creations! Found my way from Jann's blog.