Etsy For Global Finds, Vintage Treasures, Great Textiles
Where do I go for unique pieces from makers and collectors around the world? Etsy! Today I’m sharing how I find vintage china from England, antique French coat hooks, woven napkin rings from Colombia, organic cotton textiles from India, and designer pillows made in the U.S. And all at fair prices.
I’m also sharing a soup recipe for fall and the washable front door mat several of us own (and why it’s already proven itself). It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Brown Transferware Is Having a Moment
I bought six Gainsborough small plates by Enoch Wedgwood (Tunstall) Ltd from a dealer in Sweden. Despite the name, this isn’t the famous Wedgwood. It was a Staffordshire pottery that used this backstamp between 1960 and 1980, so my plates date to that window. They cost $129 ($61 plus $68 for shipping).
Type brown transferware into the Etsy search bar and you’ll find a wonderful assortment.
This raised Dutch compote plate or this French pedestal bowl would make a pretty centerpiece or fruit bowl on your counter.
Watch the shipping costs. The one on the left costs more but ships free in the U.S. The one on the right is less expensive, but shipping from France adds up.
My Favorite Coat Hooks Are French
Our vintage coat rack earns its keep in the guest room. You can find good ones here.
Straw Napkin Rings from Colombia
These napkin rings have a lovely artisan quality, and the shop has other cute options, too.
Indian Kantha Quilts and Tablecloths
I just ordered this kantha quilt from India.
I’ll use it at the foot of the guest room bed, as a tablecloth outside this fall, or maybe for a small party on the beach at sunset.
Etsy has plenty of reasonably priced Indian quilts that add to a global look.
Designer Pillows, One Etsy Shop Away
Since Liana, my longtime pillow maker, retired, I’ve bought most of my pillows on Etsy. Many of the shops use designer fabrics (Schumacher, Scalamandré, Kravet and Kelly Wearstler, etc).
Have you read The Ultimate Throw Pillow Guide for Your Home Refresh? I list my favorite sources there, too.
Pretty Shower Curtains
Etsy is also a great place for pretty shower curtains like this one.
And those are some of my favorite things from Etsy. What have you found there?
A Good Washable Door Mat
I mentioned that I bought this Monogrammed Ruggable Door Mat in my weekly newsletter and so far 60 readers bought it (if you did, email me back your photo of it so I can feature it).
Anyway, the tile guys working on our bathroom wiped their feet and got some sort of grout mixture on it. The inside floors are covered but not the door mat. I took the cover off and washed it in the washing machine (not bunched up but sort of loosely wrapped around the agitator) and this is how it turned out!
Nice and clean! (I should have taken a before photo).
Sausage Kale White Bean Soup
I made this Sausage Kale White Bean Soup by Pinch of Yum this week. It’s rich and delicious.
Here are some tips:
- This is like a cheat code: use an air fryer to cook the onions, garlic and sausage. I kept checking every couple of minutes to make sure I wasn’t overcooking. It browns beautifully (and FAST) and the grease drains into the bottom. Then, transfer to a Dutch oven or crockpot.
- Use two cans of the beans instead of one and cut the potato quantity in half.
- Serve with crusty French bread. I wish I had bought some!
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
You look amazing!
And thank you for the DV boots rec! I’m wearing mine to church shortly. So happy when I can find a tall shaft that’s narrow enough not to look ridiculous on me. But the real bonus is the low heel while still looking dressy. Anyway, two thumbs up!
That soup looks amazing! Love the airfryer suggestions!!
Mary Ann, I loved your Etsy recommendations. It’s so smart to get more unique finds. I love the brown plates and bought a set up in Truckee at a charity shop last year. Your chargers are beautiful too. The soup look delicious. I an off to shop for hooks from your link! xo
Happy Birthday, Mary Ann! I will turn 70 this week also, on the 7th. I enjoy your blog so much and appreciate the links. My washable Ruggable mat (in a different pattern) arrived today, and I can’t wait to put it on our porch. Have a fun week!
I’d love to see a photo of your door mat!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARB!
The pedestal bowls are beautiful! Can you recommend somewhere to purchase fabric to recover a small bathroom seat?
I still use my trade accounts at the big fabric houses. But you could search their websites (like Schumacher, Kravet, etc.) and then buy from a retailer online. I don’t have a recommendation for which one. Sorry.
Once again, a great column! My doctor recommended the free app Luminosity for memory retention. Also i’m just beginning mahjong and play once a week. Would like to play more as I improve. I’ve been looking for a mahjong app and wondered which app do you use For practicing mahjong?
Thanks, Holly!
https://mahjong4friends.com/ It’s free and fun.
Thank you!
Wow! I would have guessed you were in your 50″s. Happy Birthday! Good ideas on keeping brain active. Thank you
Ps I bought one of those mattresses you suggested. Hope you get the credit.
Thanks for using my link for the Leesa mattress. My son and daughter-in-law really love theirs.
Love Etsy—and can’t wait to try the soup! We’re not fans of kale so I substitute spinach in most recipes. And your switches of more beans and fewer potatoes is a great idea!
Good idea to use spinach.
Hi Mary Ann,
Beautiful finds from Etsy, those plates are so gorgeous. I had a set of six brown transferware plates once but gave them away to my mother who really loved them, so I know they went to a good home! Your table looks so pretty! The soup looks delicious thank you!!
That was generous of you, Francesca. I like to give away to people who like my things too (ask my kids).
Such a beautiful table. I have similar plates but in blue and white but I only have 3, they were my grandmothers! I was wondering about the wonderful white plates with the pie crust edge? However, just what I need is more dishes, like you, I’m obsessed with dishes!
Happy Fall!
Ha! I know. Who needs more dishes. I love them too. The white charger/plates were from a shop in San Miguel de Allende several years ago.
Hi
FYI the link for shower curtains goes to napkin rings. Thought you’d want to know!
Oh thanks, Kandy. I will fix it.
MA! That soup looks so good and a perfect Sunday fall comfort meal. The retirement of pillow whisperer Liana was felt far and wide.😊 And I’ve taken your advice about Etsy as a good source. Speaking of Etsy, those French coat hooks have so much character and you’ve sent me down an Etsy rabbit hole. It just so happens I’m in need of a front doormat so thanks for this monogrammed, washable link! Oh and I adore your brown stoneware plates. Brown china is having a resurgence and I’m fully on board. Happy Sunday! xo
Hi Mary Ann, Great finds from Etsy! I especially like the shower curtain, it would look great in my bathroom, but the link doesn’t work for me. Instead it goes to the fun napkin rings.
Thanks…fixed it!
Love Etsy too! May I ask where your Adirondack porch chairs are from? Thank you.
They are Polywood from Wayfair. Really good quality.
These brown transferware plates are lovely. Hard to believe at one time they were considered everyday dishes for someone. I collect any kind of English dish ware. Strange, as my home is more transitional in style but leans a bit trad. Don’t you just love Fall? So cosy. Enjoy California and happy birthday!
Thanks, Marguerite!
Mary Ann! I love all of your beautiful Etsy finds! Your table with the c determine is gorgeous! I love all the browns!
Xx
Mary Ann, try Hearts 24/ 7 online.
You choose your level of play.
Thanks, Nan!
Thanks for the heads up on the brown transferware !, I own a few great pieces from my grandmother and I like to add to my collection.🤎
And I hope you are using it, Gay. How special that it’s from your grandmother.