Make-Dos

I was thrilled to find my first piece of "make-do" porcelain the other day!  I was even more fortunate to find this amazing blog, Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair, by Andrew Baseman, who is one of the premier collector's of this art form.

"Make-do's" are antiques with inventive repairs.

 

They are unique examples of necessity and thrift made during a time before Krazy Glue was invented.

Unlike today where we discard anything chipped or cracked, broken household items were repaired at home or taken to a metalsmith to be brought back to life, often with whimsical results.

Once regarded merely as damaged goods by antiques dealers and collectors alike, antiques with inventive repairs are justly receiving the respect they deserve!"

The term "make-do" is associated with items featuring, most commonly, folksy or crude home made repairs.

A dictionary definition of "make-do" states:

"something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature: We had to get along with make-dos during the war."

The origin is from 1890-95.

 I find it beyond charming,

and couldn't wait to find the perfect spot to display it!

My mom rolled her eyes at me when I proudly showed off my new find, thinking I was crazy.

 

My hubby loved it though and thought it looked Frankensteinian.

 

 He also loved that the repairs resembled a Peace Sign.

 I think it might just be the start of a new obsession!

 

 Have you ever run across a "make-do?"

 

 *Text and history here 
and here