Beautiful Bakelite...What is Bakelite?!

This Photo courtesy of dougdrago.com

What is Bakelite?  This is a question I have been getting a lot recently.  Polyoxybenzlmethylenglycolanhydride, or as it is more commonly known, Bakelite, was patented in 1907. Bakelite is a heavier form of a plastic compound that was originally created for industrial purposes and became quite popular in the 1930's and 40's for everything from bangles to poker chips. Beautiful Bakelite caught on and became a normal alternative used in jewelry and buttons as well as many other common household bobbles and items such as small radios, lamps and fans, the list goes on and on. Here are some gorgeous examples of Bakelite bracelets, such works of art, I love these and I would wear them now!

                                          This photo courtesy of bakeliteboutique.com

 Bakelite's popularity (as opposed to that of other plastics and materials), soared because it is extremely durable and built to last, not to mention so versatile and attractive.  There are so many eclectic and exceptionally fabulous things made out of Bakelite.  I bet you vintage enthusiasts out there have some antique Bakelite pieces that belonged to Grandma and didn't even know it.
If you are interested on more information about the vintage wonder Bakelite, check out this website:  http://www.whatisbakelite.com/

Here's a little oldie but goody for the shoppe, 1940's RCA Victor radio model 1X in brown Bakelite. 


 

Radio stats: 1940's RCA Victor radio model 1X in brown Bakelite, police band included on station dial.
"His masters voice" Silver metallic Nipper dog decal on face in pristine condition.
Outer backing missing.  Beautiful condition, needs new cord.  7"H x 10"W 

 Contact TheJunkyardDoll@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this item.

My first entry, "Get In The Den!"

            My oldest memories of antiques or anything vintage came from my Grandparents' house, where I or any other child was forbidden to enter the front living room.  Sure, we could pass through on our way to the front yard or on our way to the back den, but if we ever even thought of lingering in the front room with all of the interesting "breakables" as my mother called them, our minds were quickly changed. Upon the first step that any of our little feet crossed over the threshold of the doorway, we'd hear massively bass footprints almost as if a giant was approaching, and Grandma would shout "GET IN THE DEN!" as she held this little wooden paddle with a festively painted picture of a geisha girl on it as a threat to show she meant business. My siblings, cousins and I all remember this phenomenon fondly.  As adults, we'd laugh with each other and tease Grandma about it.  As a child I was always told, "Don't touch that, that is a valuable antique."
    It finally sunk in when I was 4 years old, while being babysat by Doe Doe (my Granddad).  I had just seen an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in which someone carved their initials into a tree.  At this time I was learning how to read and write my name and I'd write the first two letters, Ch, all over the house in pencil. Well, after being inspired to carve my name, I decided to take it one further and carve a picture into the my grandparents' gorgeous early century mahogany dining table.  Doe Doe caught me in the act and boy did I ever get it good.  I hid under the table and cried until my parents came to pick me up.  I was sure my Granddad would never forgive me (of course he did that day). My Granddad was so kind and gentle, this was the only time he ever yelled at me.  Needless to say, after that painful learning experience, I had gained a tremendous respect and admiration for all things vintage and antique.
    When I began fixing furniture and flipping it in my adult life, my Grandma beamed with pride.  She'd say "Doe Doe, is smiling down from Heaven and he's getting a kick out of this."  Grammie went home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago and I miss her tremendously, but I am so glad that she got the opportunity to see the first fruits of my antiquing, and I know she too is smiling down and beaming with pride that the junkard inside of me has taken shape.
    Death affects us all in such different ways.  For years I watched my grandparents buy and sell antiques and use certain items that started out with one purpose for another purpose entirely, giving it a new life, another chance at relevance.
    I'm not sure the exact shape this blog will take.  I intend to use it to showcase and sell my pieces, but I'll also share DIY ideas, write about event planning, inspire, just plain have a good time, be creative and have a sense of humor about life.  I dedicate this blog to Grammie and Doe Doe's memory, for inspiring me and encouraging me and teaching me how to laugh all along the way.