My blog is moving to Tumblr

It's been real Blogspot, but I've just moved all 1284 posts to Tumblr. The switch is entirely because it's easier to update and share - which means I'll be in touch more frequently. Please switch your bookmarks to rankandfilevintage.tumblr.com

Happy Valentine's Day

Extended hiatus = over. It's good to be back in this space. Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

In Minneapolis this weekend:

E's Emporium is your one stop vintage spot for last minute valentines!
3911 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis

Feb 14 - 16
Fri & Sat 11-6p // Sun 11-4

What's new?

It's been a busy November for Rank & File, and I'll tell you why, in four parts. 

Pt 1 // Added new vintage finds to R&F online, which would make magical holiday gifts for your special people (#buyvintage). Wouldn't this vintage sweetheart Waechtersbach (say that five times fast) pitcher look great storing kitchen utensils on the counter?

Pt. 2 // Set up R&F in a cozy downstairs booth at Mall of St. Paul, my favorite Twin Cities antique mall. I've been shopping here since college so it's pretty cool to be on the other side of things and hopefully make some magic for shoppers myself. 

Mall of St. Paul

1817 Selby Ave, St. Paul MN

Open Tues - Sun, 11-7p

Pt. 3 // R&F handmade pennants and paper garlands are now at the amazing i like you! and doodlebird design + gifts. These are two of the best spots for gifts made by Minnesota artists and makers.

i like you!

501 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis MN 

Open Tues - Fri 11-7p // Sat 10-6p // Sun 12-5p

doodlebird design + gifts

2803 E 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis MN

Tues-Thurs 10-3p // Fri 10-5 // Sat 10-3

Pt. 4 // Getting E's Emporium ready for this weekend's sale. The shop looks extra fun, super cozy and so full of awesome vintage furniture and etc. it's hard not to want to move right in.

E's Emporium

Open select weekends in Nov & Dec

Nov 15-17 // Black Friday Weekend Nov 29-Dec 1 // Dec 6-8 // Dec 13-15 // Dec 20-22

Fri & Sat 11-7p // Sun 11-5

Monday Morning

A grey November morning here at Rank & File HQ, playing podcast catch up (Topics with Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter is one of my faves) and getting organized for the week. Here are a few scenes from my morning:

1 // The Best Made Co. catalog is dreamy to flip through over breakfast Birchwood Cafe granola and a mug of Evening in Missoula from Tea Source (I've already had my coffee). Local tomatoes from Blackbrook Farm.
2 // Margie is helping in the studio, as you can see.
3 // The end of a beeswax candle from Ames Farm.

Collecting

Half the leaves fell off my crotons when I brought them inside for the winter, so I decided to sell some vintage ashtrays. I'll take any excuse to repurpose cool vintage. Use these to drop change, jewelry, bits from your nature walk, or so says this brass cat number, your "ills." Vintage ashtrays: in the shop.

Mpls: Open shop this weekend

At E's Emporium this weekend, vintage furniture from Rank & File.

E's Emporium 
3911 Minnehaha Ave S, MPLS
Open occasionally: Nov 1-3, Nov 15-17, Nov 29-Dec 1
Fridays & Saturdays 11-7p Sundays 11-5p

Busy week

Lots happening at Rank & File HQ this week: I'm working on the new rankandfilevintage.com, propping a friend's massage studio space, setting up for E's Emporium this weekend and prepping to move into my new booth space at the Mall of St. Paul (one of the best antique malls in the Twin Cities). I'm up to my eyeballs in vintage!

Oh Wes...

So this is happening. Can't wait for the trailer (will post, of course).

What a Mug: In the Shop

I've just added a bunch of vintage stoneware mugs from my personal collection to the shop, including this orange and blue pair that sort of beg to be used while listening to the great Paul Simon record "Graceland," for some reason. Have a look at the Rank & File shop.

Fortune

I forgot about this fortune, found again tucked in a stowed away frame. (Textile coming soon to the shop).

Coming soon:

Coming soon online: vintage 1970s needlepoint pillows. Now there's an easy way to brighten up a room. See anything else you like? The sleeper love seat is available to Minneapolitans.

A Quick Bite: Quinoa & Eggs

While rummaging around the fridge one afternoon I whipped up this yummy way to use leftover quinoa from the night before: Toss with arugula, fry some sunny side up eggs (I love a runny yolk!), sprinkle with bacon and a generous spritz of sesame oil. Couldn't be easier. Lunch is served!

I found two of these great pottery bowls recently out in the wild. I love the painterly swashes. I've been collecting green cloth napkins as I find them, so now I've got a big stack on the kitchen table. We just toss them in a little basket to bring down to the laundry. So much better than using paper towels.

Close at Hand

photographs by Donna Griffith

This Toronto home hit me right in the decorating sweet spot. Covet Garden, (one of my favorite online magazines) featured what architect-owners Janna Levit and Dean Goodman called bricolage style. I had to look that word up: Something made or put together using whatever materials happen to be available. A mix of this and that. Yes. Much more to see in Covet Garden, Issue 37.

Retro Pottery Net

I'm a big fan of doing research on vintage finds before listing pieces in my shop. I like to know the history behind an object and learning about a process, company or an artist adds to my appreciation. While looking for more info on a Rörstrand china pattern (soon to be listed!) I stumbled upon Retro Pottery Net, an absolute gem of a vintage archive. Ray Gerrod has a passion for vintage ceramics his blog is an amazing resource when it comes to Scandinavian, British and Australian vintage pottery. The sweet piece above is a Laholm Sweden jar (available for purchase on Etsy). Here are a few more pieces that caught my eye:

Michael Andersen Denmark studio piece with lovely leaf pattern

Lovemose Graasten pitcher with cane wrapped handle

Kronjyden Nissen Relief coffee set

Portmeirion Magic City plate designed by Susan William-Ellis in 1966

John Garrett Australian studio pottery vase