Fostoria Shirley Etch - Coming Up Poppies!

Isn't this a beautiful candle holder? It is Fostoria's Baroque blank with the Shirley etch. You can imagine how this looks holding two candles on your dining room table!

Fostoria used Shirley on other blanks, including Flame and Sceptre. The wavy curves on the arms and asymmetric center show this is Baroque, even though it doesn't have the usual fleur de lis.

Shirley etch has a single large poppy surrounded by vines of leaves and buds that swag around the open flower. It's a beautiful design that looks wonderful on the Baroque candle holder!

Chintz - Beautiful Rose Etch from Fostoria

Chintz is one of those patterns that I buy whenever possible. It is very pretty with spiky tendrils of roses and leaves etched on the classic Baroque blank. You can tell Baroque by the molded in fleur de lis; it was one of Fostoria's more popular blanks and they etched it with many beautiful designs.

Other glass companies made rose etchings and Heisey even has an etch with all over small bouquets that is called Chintz. You can tell Fostoria's etch by the spiky, angular looking etch design and, of course, the Baroque blank is a give away.

Right now we have the creamer and sugar, relish tray and candle in stock.

Pillar Optic Pink Depression Glass

Does this look familiar? This is Pillar Optic pink depression glass by Hocking. This is one of those patterns that is so simple and so attractive that it has been borrowed for years. You can find throwaway plastic tumblers that have a similar design.

This one is real depression glass and it's quite as nice to hold as it is to look at. The pattern is on the outside, so it does not qualify as an optic. (Optics have a molded design on the interior.) The panels are straight and slightly rounded to the touch. The top inch or so is smooth, making it good to drink out of.

This is one of those basic depression glass patterns that comes in pink and green and is affordable. You won't go broke buying a set of this, for example, the tumbler is about $15. Often tumblers are fairly expensive, especially since one needs multiples to make the set useful. Basic drink ware and plates are quite affordable although some serving pieces, like the oval platter, sugar bowl, creamer and serving bowl are pricey.

Pillar Optic is a good pattern to consider if you are looking to start a set or if you want glass that you can enjoy using without worrying too much.