MCM stencils

Feeling creative and want a little MCM whimsy in your home? I have just the thing for you.

A company called istencils has a collection of reasonably priced mid-century modern designs that will lend themselves to any number of fun projects. For $8.99, you can apply your favorite 20th century image to pillows, trays, vases, glasses...anything that will stand still long enough for you to paint it.

Here are just a few of the ideas they've come up with for using their products. The possibilities extend as far as your imagination.

Decanters stencil on a tray

Bullet Planters stencil on a cork board

Mobiles stencil on a vase

MCM  Rectangles stencil on a platter

Trio Fish stencil on a wooden box

Egg Chair stencil on a vase

Vitra Bird  stencil on a placemat

Boomerang stencil on a utensil holder

Witco World stencil on storage boxes

Brasilia 4 stencil on cork board

Bitossi big-heartedness

I had to come out of my "getting ready to list a house" hiatus to share an amazing story of generosity and graciousness that warmed my heart.

Last weekend I listed several free items on Craigslist, and a mid-century lover named Brad picked them up. During the course of our brief encounter, I learned that he and his wife are furnishing their "new"20th century ranch style home...and that they're expecting their third child next week.

It's been my experience that many people pick up free items with hardly a thank you, but Brad thanked me profusely and then emailed me a couple of days later to say that he wanted to drop off a gift to show how appreciative he and his wife were.

Today he was waiting for me when the boys and I got home from school. He had a beautiful gift bag, containing this gorgeous Bitossi lidded dish and matching ashtray.

Bitossi lidded dish and matching ashtray

I think I actually jumped up and down a little. Not only do I love Italian pottery, but those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know that I also collect vintage birds. Brad and his wife couldn't have chosen a more perfect gift for me.

I am so moved by their big-hearted gesture. There really are people in this world who repay a kindness with a kindness of their own, and I happen to think that this spirit is the rule rather than the exception in our community of mid-century collectors.