Collecting: Teacups
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 10:30PM 
The purpose of this post is not only to share a small part of my tea cup collection, but also to fulfill a New Year's resolution or to-do list item. A little bit about my tea cup collection: these cups come from everyone and everywhere. My Grandma Dewe gave me my first tea cup and that got me started. All of these tea cups have such a great history, from one that is four generations old from my Grandma to ones my friend Rachael gave me for being in her wedding. Each one is special to me because of its history and who gave it to me. And I admit, if I see a three footed tea cup I buy it for myself. Those are my favorite.
My new years to-do list includes taking better care of them. They sit stacked up on my dresser in a hazardous pile. I just don't have anywhere to put them. So I bought myself a cabinet for my teacups. I decided on this one. Some of the details were important, like it had to have doors to keep the dust off, and be versatile enough I can use it for a different purpose in the future should I ever acquire a hutch. I will give you an update of how it looks once filled with lots of tea cups and other treasures. I did look at vintage, I just wasn't in love with anything I saw.
What are some of your resolutions or to-do items for the new year?
Reader Comments (14)
Really Lovely Susan ... Looks like you have some special ones there! Glad to hear they will have a new home ... Yvonne & I started one when we opened the studio to serve our special tea from ... everyone loves them and it makes them feel special to have a pretty cup :)
All the best
Sharon
i have had the pleasure of being served at tea parties with lovely collections like yours. it always made me want to start a collection of my own. as a side note, i am new to your site and just have to say that i just adore your styling and photography. i can't wait to see the shots of your teacup cabinet once you have it fully populated!
All of these are so gorgeous! I especially love the red one. I sneaked a look at the one you posted on twitter yesterday and these are just as beautiful. I actually love tea and have all kinds, but I never thought to start a teacup collection.
Susan, these are all gorgeous! I ADORE the red teacup...what an amazing shape and color! My mother has a teacup collection and for many years they collected dust in the dining room on a tiny, insignificant shelf...I had the job of dusting them occasionally and I always thought it was a shame that they sat idle. Now that her three kids are out of the house and the family business has expired, my mom has much more time for hosting Saturday afternoon tea parties for the ladies at church...it is a special gathering of friends and exercise of social graces and the teacup is certainly the belle of the ball at these events.
By the way, LOVE the pharmacy cabinet!
Oh, and my mom has that tiny green cup in her collection, too!
What a beautiful collection of tea cups! My favourites would be the one in the first photo and the pink and gold spiderweb patterned one as well as the yellow one. I love tea cups but don't have a very big collection due to lack of storage. I'm envious of your beautiful collection. :)
My resolution for the new year is to not let myself get so stressed. As for my to do list, I plan to cook a recipe a week from my overflowing cookbook collection.
How very interesting- I love the yellow one! Can't wait to see them in the cabinet. I'm gonna go have a cup of tea........
your collection is beautiful! the image of the red cup on top of the old books is unforgettable!
Wow, what a beautiful collection! I've never seen tea cups like some of the ones you've shown here. Lovely!
that top red one is BANANAS!! Love it!! and kind of really want it!
best,
Hallie
Do you have any info the red one?? I just added a purple-bluish lustre teacup and saucer to my collection that has "points" on the exterior of the teacup. The inside of the cup is a mother of pearl lustre. Also the saucer has a lattice work cut out design. It is really unique...can't track any info about it down on the web...stamped Fan Crest on the bottom...also it is 3 legged with gold edging etc..
@michelle i don't have any more info about the red tea cup. I see them from time to time and know they were a popular import item. Some of the prices are pretty outrageous, and I have seen them for $5 as well. It seems like there is not a lot of information about specific makers. If you find out anything give me a shout - I would be curious to know too!
Hi, I love your tea cup and saucers! I have a tea cup and saucer I can't seem to find any information for. It's very unique and it's the first time I've come upon one this style. When I see it; I want to say Roycroft, Frank Lloyd Wright or William Morris. The tea cup is missing a handle but the cup is three footed with a pedestal in the middle. It's so beautiful. I'll send a picture when I find the attachment to my camera for downloading. Thanks. Norma.