Guest Curation with Lindsay Pearsall: Vintage Pyrex & More

Meet Lindsay Pearsall, an HR Director of an environmental engineering firm, a Board Member for the non-profit organization - EarthGen, a wife, mom, and last but not least, a vintage Pyrex collector. 

She has found an artistic outlet through her collections and home renovations while continuing to explore her love for impeccable design details, sharing her love of Pyrex through her Instagram @pretty_little_bish.

 

 

What got you interested in secondhand, vintage, and antique items? 

In 2010 we were renovating a small condo in a little Washington beach town.  Turquoise has always been my favorite color, and I was searching online for inspiration for the project. Somehow, I stumbled upon a bold kitchen designed around a turquoise Vintage Pyrex collection. The Pyrex was striking. 

 

 

I grew up with Pyrex in designs like Butterfly Gold, Spring Blossom, and Autumn Harvest. But when I saw the turquoise, I was hooked, drawn to figuring out how to find my own. I vividly remember the Blowing Leaves, Starburst, and Butterprint Cinderella mixing bowls that were part of that collection. 

I picked up a few dishes here and there. A pink Gooseberry Cinderella bowl became my go-to for making pancake batter. And a very memorable find was a lime green round cake pan we picked up in that same sleepy little beach community. 

 

 

I brought it home and baked a cake in it, and it was better than any metal cake pan I had ever used. The cake cooked perfectly, the bottom didn’t burn, and it cooked evenly. At that point, I decided to hunt for turquoise Pyrex and began to swap out all the dishes I could with vintage Pyrex. 

 

What are the one or two things that you always find yourself bidding on/looking for when shopping secondhand? 

I’m always looking for Pyrex. It’s undoubtedly my first love, and there are certain designs and colors that I’ll buy over and over again any time I have the chance. There is something really beautiful about displaying multiples within collections.  

 

 

For most of my time collecting, I was determined only to collect Pyrex. It’s tough not to cross over to other items. I declared early on that I wouldn’t collect mugs, but a few pink and turquoise Hazel Atlas mugs became fast favorites. 

 

 

The world of mugs is vast, and there are so many fun ones to collect. Their small size and affordable prices add to the fun. I adore Fire King, Federal, Hazel Atlas, and of course, Pyrex mugs.  

 

 

The last things I’m always looking for are vintage Christmas beauties. I love ceramic trees, sparkly tree toppers, and shiny ornaments. I’m not picky about the condition and adore the worn ones just as much as those that look brand new.  

 

 

I love finding them on auction sites and estate sales all summer long. Tucking them in a closet for later and digging through the goodies while decorating brings so much excitement and memories from the past year.  

 

What's your absolute favorite item ever purchased at an estate sale or online auction?  

That is an impossible question.  Everything in my collection brings me immense joy. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I think about it through the estate sale lens, it’s a tie between a Starburst I grabbed at an estate sale and Spirograph 475 with its original underplate. 

 

My son and I got up super early one morning to get in line at an estate sale for the Spirograph.  My nerves get the best of me in these situations, but thanks to his calm but quick demeanor, and sharp eye, I went home with a treasure. 

 

 

Part of what makes it so unique and memorable was my son joining the fun that early morning. I didn’t expect him to say yes to getting up bright and early on a summer Friday, but I was thrilled to get some time with him.  

 

Any tips or advice for online auction or estate sale newbies?

Consider the dirty items. Often dishes like Pyrex can often be cleaned, and I’ve found that the more grease something is covered in, the more pristine the dish is underneath.  

 

 

It’s almost like grease forms a protective layer keeping the dish safe from scratches. However, chips and loss of shine can’t be fixed, so I typically avoid those.

 Another tip is to watch for items outside of their season. For example, keep searching for your favorite Christmas items all summer.  

I have found great deals that way, and it’s double the fun to pull everything out later to experience the thrill of the hunt all over again. 

 

Lindsay’s AuctionNinja Picks:

 

1. Mid-century Modern, MCM Basket Weaved Plastic Pitcher and 11 Cups (Clearing House Estate Sales)

2. Awesome Insulated Thermos with Custom Faux Leather Case (Estate Inventory Auctions)

3. Vintage Gucci Brown Leather Attache (Trading Post Estate Sales)

4. Vintage Coronet Platter (Bid to Win NH Auction)

5. Vintage SAINT Seascape Oil Painting - Signed (Associated Estate & Appraisal Co.)

6. Vintage Yellow Pyrex Ovenware (Estate Inventory Auctions)

7. Vintage White Milk Glass Beaded Edge Westmoreland Hand Painted Cup & Saucer (Clearing House Estate Sales)

8. Pyrex Turquoise Snowflake Oval Dishes with Covers (Trading Post Estate Sales)

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