meta name="p:domain_verify" content="83432fc69a1d6df071f49df584f9d839 Laurl Designs: October 2014

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Who is Dorothy Thorpe?


Lucite napkin rings. orange. pretzel. Dorothy Thorpe style. set of four


My love of lucite is no secret. It goes hand in hand with my affinity for designers who use it as a design element, ultimately they are designing in the "there and not there" of the material.

I found these groovy lucite knots at a recent estate sale. I first thought about making them into stations on a necklace, but decided to do some research first. I was pretty sure they were napkin rings and I had a vague memory of a 1930's designer who worked in home accessories in lucite. It turned out the name that kept popping up was Dorothy Thorpe- be it sites about her, her work, or her works faked. I have no idea if these are her actual work. I do know the are in her style.

Dorothy Thorpe was raised and educated in Utah  in the early part of the 20th century. She moved to California in her late 20's. It was there that she designed her tableware, barware and all around delicious things to serve delicious things from and on!

{please click on any of the grey links for more info!}

Hallmarks of her works include:

Botanical etched crystal

Fine Vintage Clear Sand Etched Art Glass Vase by Dorothy Thorpe
Etched Vase from Etsy
I am WILD about this combo of lady-like etching and Mid Century pretzel handle on this teapot from Ebay


Silver banded and smoke-fade glasses
Mad Men - 8 Silver Dorothy Thorpe Glasses with Silver Caddy
Silver fade tumblers from Etsy
Vintage Dorothy Thorpe Martini Pitcher and Stirer
Silver fade martini pitcher from Etsy
Silver band punch bowl with cups from Etsy


Lucite knot or pretzel candlesticks tableware

THE pretzel knot napkin rings! Can't you see them as necklace parts?

Lucite spiral style

Lucite spiral umbrella stand from Etsy
Lucite candle holder. Dorothy Thorpe style. pair. lucite and chrome
These candle holders recently sold in my Etsy shop... but I love them so I had to add!
Dorothy Thorpe's work us often marked with her initials or a label. However, since most people remove labels after they purchase an item, the labels are often gone on those pieces. When in doubt, do your research on the piece and purchase with that knowledge. If it seems legit, then pay appropriately. If it seems dodgy and you have "that feeling" that something's no quite right, buy low or walk away.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Etsy finds- Loving Lucite

I have long loved Lucute in any form! Ghost chairs, 1030's bedroom furniture, and Dorothy Thorpe knot home accessories.

Today, I sold a favorite recent acquisition.

These candlesticks were one of those items that I bought for resale and one of the few I considered keeping. I often have to remind myself that things are bought for resale.



My other recent fave was a set of napkin rings I purchased and considered them as a jewelry part.



But, I kept my self inline and did not design a gi-NOR-mous necklace.... but can't you see these as stations on chunky necklace. Yeah, maybe they will not sell and I'll have a new necklace.



Monday, October 13, 2014

New Markdowns in my Etsy vintage shop- Big Sale!

I've just marked some fab finds down in my shop! Please click on the light grey links below each item to take your new favorite Etsy Find!

Bar ware SALE.  Turquoise Gold Steamboat. Southern Comfort Promotional glassware. Double Old Fashion. Half Price Sale
Southern Comfort double old fashion glasses, set of 6
Bar ware SALE. 10 Turquoise Gold Steamboat. Southern Comfort Promotional glassware. Cooler size. Half Price Sale
Southern Comfort promotional glasses from the 70's in the cooler size, set of 10

Green hobnail vase. opalescent cameo glass. footed. pair available. SALE 25% off
Green hobnail vases with a milky top, very handsome!

Silver Plate trinket box with pineapple handle- Hollywood Regency meets Cottage chic SALE 50% off
Silver plate trinket box, who's lost almost all the silver, but gained in great good looks!
Vintage 7 marble stone eggs- pink, green, cream and orange - Italian jasper egg - SALE 50% off
Marble and jasper eggs, pretty colors

pineapple lidded box. pressed clear glass. large. sale 25% off
Large glass pineapple box, perfect for the holiday candy jar






Sunday, October 5, 2014

Etsy SALE- new mark downs of 25% off in my Etsy shop

I love a good sale! And, I love having shelf space! So, I am combining my loves and having a sale in my Etsy shop to move along some beauties and make room for new beauties.

What's on Sale? Here ya' go!

Chinoiserie red and gold bookends. composite. cameo. Borghese label. sale 25% off

Fused glass floral platter. 11.5 inches in diameter. red, yellow, purple, green, orange, blue. sale 25% off

French Onion soup bowls. Covered. Lidded. Set of four. sale 25% off


Large Onyx Trojan Horse bookends. Mid Century Modern. beautiful veining. sale 25% off

Vintage sale Large brass reindeer planter- perfect for Christmas decor- sitting deer with antlers- SALE
The perfect holiday candy dish large brass reindeer

Vintage sale Christmas elf shoe planter, candy dish, cachepot- SALE
Who would not love to get a little Christmas Cactus planted in this little guy! Christmas Elf planter

Saturday, October 4, 2014

New FLOR rug patterns for Fall

Rustic porch with FLOR rug tiles

I have loved FLOR rugs for many years... yes, I spelled that right F-L-O-R. For the uninitiated, they make carpet squares, but not just any ol' office carpet. Their rug tiles are made from recycled fibers, are recyclable, and come is so many styles and piles! I especially love the vintage styles, like Ambrosia in Magenta above!

Birmingham condo designed by Laurl Self


I love them so much, I used them on the condo that was featured on the cover of Birmingham Home and Garden magazine this January. This space features Reoriented in Teal.

turquoise, pink and orange condo by Laurl Self

So, when they emailed with new styles of their modern take of a vintage pattern... I was all in!

Check out the new collection called Intricacy!

rustic space with FLOR rug tiles
Love!


contemporary space with FLOR rug tiles
Love!



Modern space with FLOR rug tiles
Love!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Etsy finds- cut steal fire pits for the Fall

Forest Fire firepit from Etsy

I love a good fire outside, inside, where ever. Fire places, outside fire places, fire pits, a ring of stones on the beach, bonfires, you name it! And... it's time get those giant marshmallows- or make homemade marshmallows- and get your fire on!

Up North Custom Outdoor Fire Pit - Hand Cut Steel Sphere
Up North firepit from Etsy



Firepits are a great temporary alternative to a full on outdoor fireplace! But, don't get a boring one from the big box store. Try on one of these that can turn a roaring fire to practically a TV show in the back yard!

These cut steel fire pits from Etsy are fantastic!