Denny’s Adventures in Allee Willis’ “Willis Wonderland” (Part 58 – August 2010)

Submitted by denny November 9th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

These “half cup” ceramic coffee mugs always killed me and I remember growing up with kitsch like this. Not that I ever saw my parents drinking out of them but they were around. This particular piece of kitsch sits in the office/studio at “Willis Wonderland”. In fact, every item in this post I found while snooping around the office.

I’m not exactly sure what this is but I love it. It obviously has something to do with the task of ironing but it was the look on Mary Margaret McBride’s face that made me laugh out loud.

I never heard of this radio columnist before. Satina?

I suppose there are times when I am easily amused as the smallest pieces of kitsch can make me quite happy like this little tray. What is it about floating cocktails that is so appealing? Love this little tray.

Again, Denny uses the kitty litter scratching post as a back drop for this gorgeous lucite pen holder. I believe the sea shells are abalone and I’m not too sure what the red star is supposed to be, maybe just an added decoration to the piece? It reminds me so much of the shriners symbols.

3 Responses to “Denny’s Adventures in Allee Willis’ “Willis Wonderland” (Part 58 – August 2010)”

  1. Allee Willis

    I have over a dozen Half A Cup of Coffee cups I’ve collected over the years. I keep most of them in the kitchen and actually serve half cups of coffee in them but this one sits in my art studio with toothpicks in it.

    I’ve never had any idea what the little ironing made easy display rack was for. I used to throw key rings on it but they would always get all tangled up so I abandoned that and it just sits here holding nothing. I also have no idea who Mary Margaret McBride was or what Satina means, though I’m assuming ‘price’ in some language.

    The little pink elephant tray matches my sets of pink elephant glasses. I also have a couple of the matching larger sized trays. This one is only about 6 inches long.

    I collect all kinds of Shriners and Masonic ( I never knew the difference between those) memorabilia. This pen holder is one of my favorites as it’s obviously so homemade. https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/2010/09/13/allee-willis-kitsch-o-the-day-1960s-resin-seashell-masonic-lodge-pen-holder/

  2. Lisa Rios

    Mary Margaret McBride is the 1st lady of radio. Started in radio in the early 30’s with a “womanly advice” type of show. She ended up doing interviews. At one time or another, worked for ABC, NBC, CBS. Refused advertisements from tobacco and alcohol companies. Which, I happen to think is cool. And, (this is a big and) in the 1940’s started having African American guests on her show. Gasp! He, he! So, I think this is a totally awesome piece for Allee to own and sooooo…. appropriate on all sort of levels. Cool!