SusieQT collects: Anodized aluminum

Hi all- I thought I'd share some of the things I collect on a semi-regular basis. I know most of you are as vintage-obsessed as I am, and you may collect the same things. However, most of the time, for me, it's not just a "collection" to sit on the shelf and admire. I buy things I can actually use, and most of the things I buy are intended to replace modern items around my home so I can live a more vintage lifestyle.



Although I do have my share of things that just gather dust on the shelf and look pretty, on the whole, I'm not out to preserve things as investments (most of the time- but remember that I am a museum professional and that is still part of my mindset, but that's another post entirely!) After all, I do have two little kids running around and have to expect breakage now and then!

So, what is the perfect vintage material that is also kid-friendly? Anodized aluminum!

Items from my collection, including a tea pot, cocktail shaker and various cups.

Anodized aluminum is a process in which aluminum is hardened and dyed (if you want to know all the technical details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing ) to make it suitable for a range of industrial and consumer appllications. Like many of the post-war "miracle materials", it was originally developed for military purposes, but found fame in the more humble realm of the suburban housewife in the late 1940s and 50s. It was light, colorful and unbreakable. Perfect for the outdoor patio and for the suburban parents and their 2.5 kids!  To that end much of the items available today are food and beverage containers.



These pitchers (both colored and silver) and their accompanying sets of cups, are probably what most people recognize as being anodized aluminum patio ware. Interestingly, my mother-in-law recalls that some local dairies used to sell these filled with cottage cheese as part of a sales promotion.

 This is a cream and sugar set in its original packaging.

No dribbling! ;)

Color-Craft was one of the best-known makers, along with Mirro and Anoware.



This covered cake-carrier is probably my favorite item in the collection. It is very useful and is virtually mint, except for the use I've given it.

Thrifted Thursday: Flamingos for Friday!

OK, so I'm a day late and a dollar short.. or something...

I've been trying to adjust to my daughter no longer taking naps- she gets very cranky in the afternoon, but will not sleep. That's a recipe for a cranky mom as well, and especially bad for my computer time.

But I had to share my latest find at my new favorite store, the Habitat ReStore. We went last weekend to buy some furniture for my brother's new place (hopefully more photos of that soon) and of course had to shop for housewares as well. He has literally nothing besides clothes and the bedroom set he's used since he was seven. (Time to upgrade that as well, I say!)

And as much as I profess to not be interested in buying anything anymore, I still seem to come home with something:

A round container with hand-painted flamingos marked "Miami Beach, Fl"- you think I would pass that up for $2?

No chance, especially when inside is a set of 8 plastic coasters that perfectly match a set of anodized aluminum cups I already have!

And as a special bonus, my daughter is playing a matching game with them right now, putting all the cups together with the like-colored coasters. Counting and color recognition, all in one! That means these are an educational purchase, right? Or at least something for her to do while I take a few moments to blog!