Who would ever believe that I would find two baby boomer artisans, Eda and Roberta who make jewelry and home decor out of vintage Mah Jongg tiles exhibiting in a summer craft show in Cotuit, Massachusetts (Cape Cod). I mean we are not talking the Borscht Belt here, the only thing Cotuit has in common with the Catskills back in it's hey day is that both offer a quiet country setting and lots of fresh air and pretty summer flowers. If you are wondering where Cotuit is, it's near Osterville which is between Mashpee and Hyannis. Nearby charming Osterville village is a must visit, with lovely boutiques and art galleries.
Introducing
Mah Jongg Remade
So when I read that Eda and Roberta of "Mah Jongg Remade" were exhibitors at the Cotuit Craft Show, I just had to stop by. As I schmoozed with the gals, I learned that they had a common interest ...Mah Jongg and had became friends over the years. Eventually, Eda and Roberta started a business repurposing vintage Mah Jongg tiles into one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift items.
Finding Old Mah Jongg Tiles
They are lucky to have people save extra tiles for them or to find tiles online or at tag sales. Old Mah Jongg sets are hot now, and very difficult to pick up cheap anymore, but Eda and Roberta say they have plenty of beautiful tiles to work with.
Business is good now, because, so many young women (and even some men) have re-discovered this challenging game and enjoy Mah Jongg themed jewelry and gifts. I have seen many crafters use vintage Mah Jongg tiles in their work, but I must say, these two women (and one husband helper) have really done a nice job with their creations. You can find Mah Jongg Remade on Etsy.com, here is the link http://www.mahjonggremade.com/
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
I am a mah jongg player and a mah jongg set hoarder. I have four sets which is really more than I need! Each set is different (tiles and racks). I like the novelty of the mah jongg jewelry but feel bad when a vintage set has been broken up.
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