TOYS THAT SURVIVED OUR CHILDHOOD

I think it’s safe to say that many of us survived our childhood play time activities with scrapes and scratches.  Throw  the occasional bandage in the mix and we moved on with those injuries, no helmets, knee-pads, no added protection.

Now, let’s look at our toys.  We rode them, jumped on them, and crashed them.  Some of them were survivors as well.  I came across a pair of pogo sticks in one of our vendor’s booths.  They evoked memories.  You needed balance and skill.  Feet were placed on the “pedals” and the spring action let you jump up and down as long as you could remain upright.

 

Some of us had awesome bicycles, real collectors’ items today.  No hand brakes and one speed, quite a primitive piece of transport.  But they were stylish and rugged.  Many survived the home made ramps (those that didn’t made tremendous heaps of metal the trash collectors hauled away).  Every now and then, a workable bike comes into the shoppe.  How tempted we are to ride up and down the aisles, mostly to see if we can still do it.

  Then we look at our dolls and stuffed toys.  They were dragged from morning till night while we were young.  There was no thought of preserving them for future generations.  We chose names for them, dressed them, slept with them, rescued them from the dog, and fought our siblings to keep them in one piece.  Today, some of them are sitting quietly and peacefully out of harm’s way just to be admired and appreciated.

  We love seeing what has been brought back to life here at the Treasure Shoppe.  Many of these take front and center.  The attention is quite amazing.

When you walk through the store, look at the toys.  Even if you aren’t in the market for this type of treasure, let it take you back for a few seconds.  You’ll walk away with a smile.

 

UPSCALED DOWNSIZING

With so many of us looking at the economics of downsizing, it is obviously a question of what one can live without.  Organization is key.  Look at simple solutions such as putting drawers on casters for under the bed storage, limiting the number of coffee mugs in the kitchen cabinets (you know, the “touristy” ones from every trip and the gifts from the grandchildren), and cut the paper clutter (old maps, brochures, greeting cards, etc.).

  Smaller spaces don’t have to be meager, plain, and lifeless.  Color on the wall is key.  Talk to the specialists at the hardware store, check color schemes on Pinterest, and review DIY publications to find what you like and what makes your space spacious.  One decorator’s trick is to use mirrors.  They reflect the light in a room and amplify its volume.

Getting used to a smaller kitchen area doesn’t have to be difficult.  Choose an elegant folding table or one with a leaf or two.  It opens up when the gang comes over for card night, and stays romantic when it is just the two of you.  A smaller bathroom can be just as user friendly as a larger one when the right cabinets are installed.  There are sinks with built in drawers and storage space.  A coat of paint or a “found” basin from a flea market or a salvage store will bring personality to your space.

                                                                                          So if you upscale when you downsize, you can still live large.

THE MYSTERY OF GANESH

One morning, about two years ago, we opened our Shoppe doors and discovered this stunning statue at our door.  We did some research and discovered GANESH (the Hindu name for this icon).  He is associated with many attributes including “remover of obstacles” and is the patron of arts and sciences.  Draped around his neck was a beautiful strand of light jade beads.  No note, no letter, no explanation accompanied his arrival.

Collectively, we compiled a list of potential donor candidates, but to no avail.  None of them acknowledged bringing the gift.  Weeks and months, now years have passed and Ganesh has become permanent fixture in the Shoppe.  He presides over our daily activities and smiles upon all who enter our store.

When you visit the Treasure Shoppe, be sure to check out our treasured gift.  He is a true wonder.

ENHANCING YOUR PATIO LIVING ROOM

  I love being outdoors in the summer and I furnish my patio room as lavishly as my living room.  Seating is strategically placed where there is the best view of the flowering plants within the gardens.  To bring the bedding area to its fullest interest, there is a bit of camouflage involved.  Eye-catching statuary or beautiful terra cotta pots can hide some of the sparse sections. 

  The garden is also an oasis for humming birds, ring-necked doves, and all sorts of butterflies.  The sweet sounds of wind chimes make an enchanting sound track to a relaxing afternoon.   This is the perfect retreat.  So remember to accessorize.

  Now, when you want to turn up the heat and have some fun, where better to host an event than the patio?  Use a baker’s rack as a beverage station.  Store party utensils in the drawers.  It makes a convenient, compact area to serve your guests.

  It is always a great idea to have some type of entertainment for the young visitors to your home.  Little rocking horses or small toys will not do any harm to garden areas. 

  So as summer marches on, enjoy the living outdoors. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S IN YOUR OLD TOY BOX?

Remember as children we were told to take care of our toys and they would last forever?  Who would have thought this advice would be to a collector’s benefit?  There is a growing interest in vintage toys.  The workmanship, style, colors, material, and their time in history have made them desirable.  The manner in which they were constructed is a history lesson.  No batteries, no electrical cords, no enter buttons.in push carts, pedal cars, tops, music boxes, banks – and yet many had moving parts.  

And what do we tell our children and grandchildren today?  Don’t wear down your batteries, where is the power cord, how many texts this month, turn off the computer?

It might be fun to take a look at those old treasures and see what brings back memories.

TREASURE SHOPPE FUN FILLED SUMMER CALENDAR

Our summer calendar is filling quickly with some new activities.  Our Treasure Shoppe team is working on a series of projects that will be fun for all. 

The season kicks off with Memorial Day Weekend.  Yes, we are open Memorial Day, May 26th from 12 til 4.  Our vendors have some great sales and fantastic items for your summer rooms.  Decorate with bird cage flower baskets (make them yourself with found materials here at the shoppe).  Brighten up the dark, empty spots of your yard area with whimsical solar highlights.

May 31st and June 1st is the “Shabby Antique Market”, 455 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs.  The Shoppe Girls are hosting what is anticipated as the “GO TO” place for those one of a kind items for you and your home.   Home décor, primitives, jewelry, collectibles, wood working, garden items, too much to list.  The event is $2.00 which benefits Manitou High School Scholarship.

June 7th and 8th is scheduled for a one-of-a-kind Trench Art Exhibit here at the Treasure Shoppe from 1:00 PM til 3:00 PM each day.  Learn about this craft from the Inca Treasures vendor who is bringing in some really fabulous art works.  Learn about the craft and its history.  It is quite an interesting topic.

Reserve June 28th for our first Sidewalk Bazaar of the year.  Whether you are selling or buying, this is a fun time.  Should you want to be a seller, call us and we will reserve a spot.  The cost is $15.00 to participate.

 

So we will have fun, fun, fun this summer here at you friendly neighborhood Treasure Shoppe.

 

 

 

TRENCH ART ITEMS AT THE TREASURE SHOPPE

What is Trench Art?   This term encompasses a wide range of hand made items crafted by service personnel (including POWs) utilizing every bit of scrap available (wood, shrapnel, bullet and shell casings and the like) on the battlefield..

They managed to twist, pound, hammer and manipulate the materials into artwork.  It is difficult to say when this started, but it was a way to pass the time and stifle boredom.  Trench Art has roots in the Napoleonic Wars, historians have found caches dating back to this era.  The trend continued through WWII, but interest in the art began to wane.

By comparison, early whalers would ornate decorations on whales teeth and bones.  This art genre, known as “Scrimshaw”, met the same kind of criteria as the Trench Art.  The desire for artistic expression in a place where media was limited.  No pieces made during this era are treasures and bring a high price.

There are four classes of art, first made by the soldiers in the trenches and POWs.  Second, are those items crafted by civilians with materials gathered after a conflict.  Third, we look at those creations devised by engineers using machinery to construct the art.  And finally, things made within factories using things such as old brass casings which the melt down.

Visit the display of Trench Art from the collection of Inca Treasures at the Treasure Shoppe, on June 7th and 8th from one til three pm.

 

 

 

 

CHARMING ANIMAL ACCENTS FOR YOUR HOME

  So many of us are animal lovers and we love having reminders of their presence throughout our homes.  Whether you have a penchant for collecting owl figurines or enjoy Scottie Terrier Dogs, there is something to catch your fancy in the shoppe.  Browse through the aisles and see what you can find.  Need a gift idea?  What type of pet is in the home?  You may strike the right chord when you appeal to their pet companions. 

  We enjoy the whimsy of some collectibles with animal characters. This fan is so cute and perfect for summer.  Children would get a kick out of the little guy cooling them down on hot afternoons. 

 Come see what is new.  We know you will like to shop at our shoppe.

The Treasure Shoppe is located at 324 E. Pikes Peak Ave. in Beautiful Downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is Waldo? Come find him in our Store and get 15% off one item

Just a quick reminder we are closed Easter Sunday.