'Collecting Favorites'

There is something alluring about owning vintage 

Martha Stewart talks about collecting, the history of certain items, and shares her own amazing collection of Jadeite on her website. Paula Deen also has a collection of Jadeite pieces. What is Jadeite and why is it such a popular collector's item? Jadeite was the name given to this green milk glass in the 1930s. It started as a giveaway item in popular grocery purchases such as oatmeal. This glassware was mass produced from the 1930s until the 1970s. It was inexpensive to make and heat and stain-resistant. Restaurants found it to be the best form of dinnerware. Like anything else collectible these pieces are no longer in production. They are charming vintage pieces that are very durable. I hope to start a collection soon!

Photos courtesy of: http://www.marthastewart.com/851601/marthas-jadeite-collection#/397040

Minnesota Summer On My Mind

Blue Mason Jars

I have always had a fascination with antique ball mason jars. The pretty blue glass is an immediate eye catcher… I think it has been a combination of the color and the wondering where each jar has traveled to and from for the past 100 years. I have about 20 jars in my collection to date.

The production of these jars started in the 1880s. The factory that made them was in Muncie, Indiana. Between 1888 and 1961, the company made more than 41 million canning jars.

Fall Revamp

My sister had a pair of vintage dressers she wanted refinished. Unfortunately, I did not take a before picture of the dressers because I painted them a color that is almost identical to what they were to begin with. They just needed a thorough paint job with a nicer quality paint. My mom and I sanded them down and primed them together, then I did all the painting and cleaning of the handles/knobs.

This is a before (bottom) and after (top)picture of the brass handles. I highly recommend always at least attempting to clean old hardware… the store bought cleaners can make a world of difference.

One of the dressers all finished!

Welcome!

I am a designer who is very interested in history and finds inspiration from vintage ideas and items. I hope to raise awareness to reuse in the field of design. Whether that be printing onto recycled paper or repurposing an antique chair for your home; my goal is to provide resourceful designs for everyday life.

I enjoy working with a variety of materials—paint, wood, fabric, paper, etc… I am a creative problem solver who invents new ways to use old things.


Night Owl Design works for those who would rather have someone else ‘do it themselves.’

I have never been an early bird. I am an evening person or as some call it, one of the “B-people.” The later into the evening I am working, the more my creativity begins to flow.

I am starting this blog to share my personal designs and things I like while I build up my portfolio and create my website.

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Night Owl Design is available for a wide array of freelance projects.