The Early Workbasket ~ String Holders

Welcome dear friends to the last Friday in January!

Lots of January 31st deadlines...property taxes & Wisconsin

Sales Tax!

Yes, I'm always happy to say goodbye to January!

But, on the bright side lets see what's in today's

Early Workbasket...

"String Holders"

Today we'll only be looking at "String holders",

I'm saving "Thread holders" for a different week...similar 

yet very different!

Years ago, shop keepers and house keepers

used string like we use scotch tape for wrapping up packages!

Heavy cast iron thread holders were very popular,

especially in the shape of a bee skep!

Bee skeps came in many different styles...

This sweet little skep is made of wood.

And is crowned on top with its own little built in cutter...

Still very sharp for its age!

It unscrews at the base...

Allowing for easy changing of string.

Homes were just not complete without some  

form of string holder!

This style of string holder was very common and

allowed for a good visual of how much thread

you had on hand!

The opening is usually a simple latch...

Easy to lift the lid, add a ball of string and then hang from 

the chain in your work area.

Some did not come with a chain, 

but were made to just sit on a workbench...

Simple...yet so elegant!

Some will have a pedestal base...

There are lots of reproduction string holders on today's market,

look for one that has smooth, worn metal with

nice aged patina.

Ebay and Etsy are excellent resources for finding unique holders...

Just type into the search bar

 antique string holder 

Always make sure to thoroughly read the item description! 

If in doubt always ask the seller if you have any questions!

If you don't like cast iron, no problem...

String holders also come in many forms of glass!

If I had to guess,

 I would say this was probably an 

early dental floss jar...

 I love how a spool of Gutermann thread fits 

perfectly into this sweet little holder! 

 I love this very heavy thick glass one...

Still has the original string inside! 

The bottom lid unscrews...

Just like a jar!

Maybe, you like Milk Glass?

Always check for any cracks or chips...as this will 

affect the value of the holder.

When you're out antiquing...just keep your eye 

open for containers with a hole in the top... 

You'll be amazed at what you might find while out

 treasure hunting in your neighborhood! 

Here's one that even attaches to a wall...

Or, it could be mounted onto a tabletop...holes to 

accommodate either or!

 I saved my favorite for last...

It's my favorite because it was my Grandmother's! 

I have not polished it, I've left it...just as she left it!

I love the ball of her string nestled inside! 

When collecting there is always the "rare"

hard to find pieces...

 

Cast iron painted "Red Goose Shoes" string holder!

Hope you enjoyed seeing a variety of String Holders!

Who knows maybe you have one laying around in 

your basement, attic, or garage!

~**~

Weekend Soul Food...

"Take ye heed, watch and pray:

for ye know not when the time is."

Mark 13:33...KJV

~**~

Seize the day!

Make every day a special day...guard your thoughts & words!

Kindly, Tammy

West Salem farm field...on my way home from

the post office!