Faded Figgjo Lotte Dishes

I really love the Norweigan Figgjo Flint ceramics, especially the beautiful handpainted Lotte pattern.
 

I snagged these three plates for a dollar at a garage sale but they are in faded crazed condition. I keep telling myself to stop purchasing imperfect stuff but I just can't seem to resist.

Would you have had the willpower to leave em behind? Or is there always a right price?

Figgjo Flint Wall Plate

At the great garage sale from the future that I mentioned previously, where I picked up the Country Festival Cannisters, I scored this Figgjo Flint plate for a dollar.

I've seen these called cheese plates before, I guess that is a good idea, because I haven't quite figured out what to do with it myself!

I have admired these plates from afar before, with their scenic images of Norway. These must have been wonderful collections of wall hangings. I hope I find more of these through my thrift travels - it would look great as a set, don't you think?

Linking up with ATG's Thrift Share!

Figgjo Flint Tor Viking Pattern Saucepan Made in Norway

Based on last weekend's success with positive thinking on the teak ice bucket from my thrift wish list, I headed off to my local VV store, literally saying in my head over and over again: "Cathrineholm, Cathrineholm..." all the way to the store.

What I found instead was a different treasure from Norway. A Figgjo Flint sauce pan in the Tor Viking pattern! I've admired this pattern from afar, but have never seen any of these pieces in person. Those big cheerful flowers are so striking, and I love all the green and blue hues.

The piece is marked as Figgjo Flameware on the underside, "in Vulcanus quality for gas and electricity". It looks to have been well used with some heat marks on the underside. It has a pour spout on one side, and could be a gravy or sauce warmer, but I've also read that they were used to warm milk.

Figgjo produced several well known patterns; the designer Turi Gramstad Oliver was responsible for this Tor Viking creation. She also designed the more familiar Lotte pattern with the charming girl and mustache-clad boy while at her time with Figgjo between 1960-1980.

Sadly, this pan is chipped on one side. When I was at the store checking over the condition, I noticed that the chip felt quite rough and fresh. It pains me to think that it was damaged while sitting on the shelf! I love this pattern and am just glad I can take better care of it from here on. =)

Linking up to ATG's Thrift Share Monday!

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to Six Balloons - a blog describing discoveries I've made rummaging at local thrift and yard sales stores in Vancouver, BC.

The Six Balloons name comes from the surprise and delight seen on my little nieces' faces when presented with colourful balloons - as any good explorer knows, this is the look one tries to contain when stumbling upon a perfect condition pyrex bowl, a vintage edition of your favourite book, or a stunning Cathrineholm ice bucket that you knew nothing about till you saw it.

Stay tuned for updates on my discoveries!