EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: A Recently Acquired Great Make-Do Stoneware Birdhouse that was Found in a Barn in Rockford, Illinois

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

A Recently Acquired Great Make-Do Stoneware Birdhouse that was Found in a Barn in Rockford, Illinois

Last month, I wrote about this incredible make-do birdhouse utilizing a stoneware jug, which I am thrilled to say that my niece, nephew and myself purchased for mother's birthday. I have never seen anything like this before, and thought it would be a perfect gift since it basically combines three of my mother's favorite subjects: antiques, gardening and birds.

This is what I posted about this great object last month: "The definition of the term make-do is when something serves as a substitute, often an object that may be considered superior to the real thing. But there is also a great amount of ingenuity that goes into a make-do, especially when it comes to ceramics and pottery. In fact, however make-dos where once viewed, they are now highly prized today.

For instance, this wonderful make-do is like nothing that I have ever seen before - whoever made this used a nineteenth century stoneware jug and turned it into a birdhouse, using what may have been some scrap or leftover wood. I think this is so cool!

I recently learned about this object from Justin Enger, an antiques dealer and collector from South Dakota who now owns the birdhouse. But he also told me that it was found in a barn in Rockford, Illinois, which may very likely be the property that it was originally used.

I would also guess that the jug was likely made in the Midwest (maybe Illinois), but I don't think it really matters that much, seeing the creativity that went into this object. I have never seen anything like this before."

Make-Do Birdhouse Found in a Barn in Illinois