Kooky Gambling Themed Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Drum-shaped bucket purse made with a combination of materials that include an exterior consisting of a primitive-style jute—or something similar that looks a hairy tree and feels like stiff plastic—beige woven fabric and brown trim stitching. It’s got a braided handle and loop closure and button-like accents. But the really terrific and extremely odd part is all the miniature stuff that’s glued to it: playing cards, faux coins, billiard balls, bowling pins, dice, a plastic clothespin, a plastic slot machine, gold-tone pistols in holsters, two packs of cigarettes and a gold-tone cigarette lighter.

I’ve seen a number of gambling-themed purses and I have a few (or more) in my collection, but this one is by far the weirdest. I’m considering taking it with me next time I play poker so I can use it as a distraction!

Plastic Covered Mama and Baby Owls Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Fabulous cloth bag with a whimsical three-dimensional owl design. The owls are made of curly fur fabric, glitter glue, gold paper (ears and beaks) and googly eyes. The mama owl is winking. There’s a gold-painted tree in the background and it looks as if the trio are sitting on a wooden fence. The entire bag is covered in plastic.

This is a recent acquisition from a vintage clothing show and I got a great deal on it. I love plastic covered bags with these sweet designs. What makes this one so special is that it is a larger, useable size. Plus, owls are very “in” right now—not that I care about “in,” but I got a lot of compliments on it when I took it on errands with me yesterday.