A Bit of Good Luck To You...

"If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities."
- Maya Angelou

Fairies, gnomes, hobbits, pixies ... All of these we've heard of in bed time stories and folklore. Yet there's one little guy who hasn't had much press in recent decades -- The Biliken. Created by Florence Pretz in 1908, the Biliken is a tiny pixie like creature with a mysterious grin and pointy ears.

I learned about these diminutive charms several years ago while reading through Warman's Jewelry Identification and Price Guide (such is the exciting adventurous life of an antiques' dealer). Good luck talismans have always fascinated me, along with stories of elves and fairies. With the Biliken having a Brownie like appearance, I was immediatedly intrigued.

Almost a year ago, I ran across my first Biliken charm sighting. The quirky aqua figure with outstreched feet and a chubby body greeted me in a dealer's case. I knew he was mine at first sight. It was the first and last time I had seen one of these elfin friends in person. Until two weeks ago that is ...

While rooting through Laura & Darby's newest finds and treasures, I spotted a silver Biliken! The charm was wonderful and a true collector's gem (Warman, 3rd edition pg. 98). So, with my pocket book a little lighter but my heart full of acquisition joy, I added the tiny piece of luck to my cabinet of curiosities.

I am sure that this latest find is not the last of fairy lore to grace my home. Perhaps some antique Brownies will soon keep my Biliken charms company!

Thanks for stopping by F & J - I hope you've enjoyed this little tale of a collector's quest.

Sources:
•The 2 pictured Bilikens are the very ones in my collection. I snapped their portraits for this post:) Believe me, they were quite shy and I had to coach them into smiling for the camera.
•http://slubillikens.cstv.com/trads/billiken.html
•http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billiken
•https://www.churchofgoodluck.com/Billiken_Lore.html
•Warman’s Jewelry Identification and Price Guide, 3rd edition Christine Romero 2002

American Gothic

American Gothic, 2008

A Hiatus ...

Over the last few weeks, I've been taking a respite from work and all that entails. My blog, therefore, has had a brief moment of silence. In the New Year (or perhaps a little sooner), I look forward to sharing more, including a little info on some recent antique buys and a jaunt to the ever impressive and fabulous Anthropologie. I also can't wait to post some images of a "most favoritest" Christmas gift.

On a business note, I'll soon be announcing some changes in the world of Flotsam & Jetsam (all good things!) ... But for now, I leave you with memories of childhood and dreams of nature's beautiful blessings (image courtesy of Shorpy). Have a glorious day!

Trinkets & Treasures From the Netherlands ...

I've admired LiLi's blog for several months now and felt her to be a kindred spirit. So, I thought I would ask if she'd like to do a Christmas swap. LiLi was so kind to agree, and we corresponded back and forth for several weeks in regards to what we would like to receive.

So, we each packed our parcels to the brim with vintage goodies ... And now it's time to reveal our treasures!

LiLi lives in the Netherlands, so I specifically asked her for some books and ephemera in different languages. She lovingly sent me fabulous papers, labels, and other wonderful trinkets with a European flair!

Of all the beautiful items, my favorite is a tiny half doll... I've never seen one so intricate and dainty! Also, the vintage labels she sent me are wonderful and very unusual.My dear friend also made a little portfolio in which to store ephemera and paper treasures. She styled it on my blog design - What a great idea!I am so thankful to have established friendships with friends throughout the world. LiLi is a dear blessing to me and I'm happy to have found her! I encourage you to reach out to those bloggers whom you admire and do a little exchanging of your own ...

Dear Old Uncle Barabas

Just in time for holiday crafting is a wonderful little picture of a Dickens character brought to life ... Perhaps he is a long lost relative of Mr. Scrooge? Either way, this delightful personage is perfect for some Christmas tags or cards. Happy Holidays!

Have Yourself A "Chirpy" Little Christmas

Hello Dear Friends - I thought I would share with you some lovely ephemera pieces I've collected. Birds are a favorite motif of mine, and I'm sure many of you out there love these splendid little creatures as well. Please use these images this holiday season to remind yourself of nature's blessed gifts.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12: 6-7

A Time to Rest

The little trip to Old Salem was just what I needed. The Old Toy Museum is wonderful and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts is truly a treasure! I'll be sure to write about this fabulous little spot in a future post. For now, I want to congratulate Jerusalem at My Little Life on winning the $50 gift certificate to my Rubylane shop. Jerusalem has a fantastic blog; I encourage you all to visit her little spot in Bloglandia - It will be a pleasant jaunt indeed ...

ps- Feel free to use the antique clip above. I scanned it from my personal collection.

Taking a Little Jaunt

Image © Miss Mary, LLC.

After a very busy couple of days, I'm taking a much needed break and headed off to Old Salem, N.C. But dear readers, don't think I've forgotten about my fabulous $50 Flotsam & Jetsam gift certificate give-away. I'll be drawing a reader at random when I return on Wednesday evening - So, keep leaving those comments over the next few days- I'll be counting them all!

Image purchased through Miss Mary's Gazette.