What’s the story behind your collection?
I love the journey this particular medley of objects traces — a mix of random thrift store finds and meaningful pieces thoughtfully curated by the collector. The magic is often in how the collection comes together, creating its own history in the gathering process.
Who are you?
I’m Kristi McMurry, a web designer and photographer from Jackson, TN.
What are you collecting?
All things milk glass.
When did you start?
Last summer. I stopped in a thrift store on my way to my boyfriend’s house (I pass it all the time, but just randomly decided to stop in) and saw two milk glass vases for 50 cents each. I thought they were so cute and really wanted to use them in my house! I started seeking out milk glass pieces from then on.
How many do you have?
I have about 50 pieces.
Where do you find them?
Antique stores, thrift stores, family members, and even my grandmamma’s boxes in my own attic!
Where do you keep them?
All over the house. I plan to use the tall skinny vases in my wedding reception someday.
What’s a crazy/interesting story behind one?
The lamp that I’m posing with in the photo is one that a family member gave me for Christmas. It was originally owned by my step-grandmother, who has always treated me like I was her own grandchild. She wanted me to have something of hers, and since I was collecting milk glass, she gave me this beautiful lamp she’s had for about 50 years. I was speechless.
What piece would you like to add?
I would love a set of milk glass drawer pulls or knobs.
Why do you love them?
I love that they come in so many shapes and often have gorgeous detail. I also love that I can have tons of them without my home decor getting too cluttered and busy!
Which one is your favourite? Why?
My favorite is the lamp that I got for Christmas, but I also really love the tall pitcher that I got from another grandmother.
What else do you collect?
I also collect cameras, which was started when I inherited my grandfather’s cameras (can you tell I am really into collecting things from my grandparents?). My decor is a mixture of milk glass and cameras.
Wonderful! Be sure to visit Kristi’s fabulous photography boutique, where each photo tells its own whimsical tale. Be sure to check out her photo & fashion blog, too!
What do you collect? Please tell us in the comments below. We’d love to hear!
The Collectors Series | Milk Glass on Etsy
Hi nicies! I’m Kristal Davis (a.k.a. rikrak) and I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us a little bit about what inspires them. The Collectors series, first published on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, is a series of quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting (apart from their art supplies!)
80 comments
Sign in to add your ownRossLab says:
I love this collection! All these milk glass pieces together do make a statement... WHITE RULES:)
227 days ago
TheMerchantMariner says:
I love milk glass. Great article!
227 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Love Milk Glass!! I will not part with any of mine, all mine, haha! ..now I'm thinking I need that necklace pendant..
227 days ago
ArgentTonic says:
I love the vase!!! nice picture!
227 days ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Great collection. I love looking at the collections of goodies that people covet. It is fun to read about why they are so loved and how they started their obsession.
227 days ago
designsfrommyheart says:
Very nice. TFS
227 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
Love it. Tanks for sharing!
227 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderful article, thanks
227 days ago
jacarandadesigns says:
I love milk glass, especially the cake stands
227 days ago
UrbanApple says:
I have milk glass in my shop! woot! <3 the stuff!
227 days ago
amusebeads says:
My mother collects a Westmoreland pattern that comes in all colors. The milk glass was special, made for the executives in the company. They are so rare, it would be such a score to find more. So I am always on the lookout, hoping one day to find the chimera...
227 days ago
everythingok says:
Milk glass is so cool. It has all that kitschy vintage charm, while at the same time retaining a sort of timelessness that never gets tired. I'm proper jealous of that collection!
227 days ago
lchapmansifers says:
I love Milk Glass... I have been collecting it for 20 years now! I love the pieces that can be used everyday! It can be so durable and clean looking! Thank you for this article!
227 days ago
elleestpetite says:
So pretty and classic!
227 days ago
MadeMerriShop says:
I LOVE milk glass and have a growing collection as well! Drawer pulls/knobs would be awesome....
227 days ago
allthingswhite says:
love this !!!
227 days ago
strangequiet says:
My grandmother has been collecting Milk glass for over 20 years and understandably has a huge collection. One of her favorite pieces is a painted milk glass oil lamp. The variety of milk glass is amazing!
227 days ago
paramountvintage says:
so easy to decorate with!
227 days ago
oldtimethreads says:
Lovely!
227 days ago
NanaBellAntiques says:
Can never go wrong with the Milk Glass, great article.
227 days ago
LillysCottage says:
Beautiful....so fresh and it goes with everything.
227 days ago
AlannaRK says:
We're like twins! I collect milk glass and cameras too. I like the cake stand you have.
227 days ago
beliz82 says:
Great article !!!
227 days ago
StampGallery says:
I too collect milk glass, or I should say I did. I decided to use it as accessories for my bathroom. I have to say that I have as much as I can use. It is hard to walk by pieces that I like but in the case of my bathroom I am maxed out. Repurposing the serving bowls and platters has worked wonderfuly. I love the look of it and I've gotten plenty of praise from others who like it too.
227 days ago
ShabbyNChic says:
Milk glass is so simple and elegant. I too have a collection, although not as extensive as this one. Mine started with a piece from my grandmother. Sometimes I have a hard time selling milk glass because I love it so much. How can you not love milk glass?! Great story. I love your lamp!
227 days ago
LivingVintage says:
Not sure I see the attraction of milk glass. But, a nice collection.
227 days ago
sarrahr says:
i once cut my finger on a beloved glass that broke while doing dishes, it was the deepest cut i've ever had. milk glass has edge!
227 days ago
rachellucie says:
Love milk glass, and was myself thinking of starting to collect some vases, but there's not so much of it in the UK. Great article, interesting hobby!
227 days ago
myothermind says:
White is my favorite color! Love milk glass, white cotton t shirts, socks, etc...you know. Plus when in doubt wear white. Milk glass is like that! Goes with anything, is durable all purpose beautiful. I love color on walls with bright white trim. Milk glass just sets it off. My hand has a mind of its own when it comes to milk glass, it just reaches out. We'll be posting more this weekend.
227 days ago
roxyrox says:
There are milk glass drawer pulls for sale on ebay, but they are not vintage. There mass-produced. :( I would love some cool white knobs for my vintage MCM bedroom furniture, but I really want vintage ones!
227 days ago
funkomavintage says:
I love Milk Glass because it's cheap and pretty...Just like me !
227 days ago
roxyrox says:
Oops, forgot to say that I started collecting about a year ago after seeing some blue Fire King on etsy, but now I focus on just white vases, anything hobnail, and vintage bakeware. :)
227 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
I always enjoy your articles, Kristal! Kristi's collection is wonderful! Makes me wish I'd kept the milk glass collection I sold a couple years ago. :(
227 days ago
ArtsyG says:
Milk glass holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother had a huge set of dishes, vases and decorative items. She has now past the set on to many relatives. Thanks for helping me remember!
227 days ago
BohemianAngel says:
I love milk glass, too! Fun read. Thank you!
227 days ago
rozzie says:
Thanks for showing your collection!! We have a couple vases for flowers :)
227 days ago
twigandleafbotanical says:
i'm definitely an addicted collector. tons of vases, mugs, cups, bowls, and rare items. love love love milk glass. thanks for the post!
227 days ago
kennedybentley says:
Saw the lamp and had to read the article! the lamp is similar to the one i got from my great grandmother!
227 days ago
stepbackink says:
Milk glass never went out of style. So pure and clean. Great for weddings.
227 days ago
Vintiquesandmore says:
I too am collecting Milk glass vases and the sort... for my Daughter's wedding reception tables. I'm gathering groupings of various vases on top of vintage mirrored vanity trays, and I even have a collection of milk glass jars (cold cream, baby cream etc...) that I plan on making candles in and setting them on the other side of the mirror...just add flowers!
227 days ago
HouseOfMoss says:
White monochrome is gorgeous! Great collection!
227 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Nice I like milk glass the shapes and textures are fascinating, always reminds me a little of porcelain!
227 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
These are great! It reminds me of my childhood - my mom used to collect milk glass vases and she had them all over the house. Thanks for sharing!
227 days ago
MishaGirl says:
How pretty!
227 days ago
VintageEye says:
Kristi! Dollface! I don't know who is prettier...you or the milk glass! Well, that's not really true...it's you, of course! :)
227 days ago
rivahside says:
I don't really have any unusual collections, but my sister, who is a nurse, does. She collects forceps!
227 days ago
thelittlereddoor says:
yay kristi!!! :D
227 days ago
bailybellecreations says:
Kristi you are too cute!!! Awesome to see you here. XOXO
227 days ago
frogtoprince says:
I share your passion for milkglass and also hobnail milkglass, I think it looks very elegant. Nice collection here.
227 days ago
Iammie says:
Beautiful collection!
227 days ago
emleehandmade says:
i love milk glass. thanks for writing this.
226 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Very Nice. I would put almond milk in mine....
226 days ago
MadisonStreetBeauty says:
Who knew there was that much milk glass. Thanks!
226 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Great blog! Very nice collection!
226 days ago
akvjewelry says:
Love it!
226 days ago
AMradio says:
+ simply a perfect collection + many, many thanks +
226 days ago
thisthatotherthings says:
One can never go wrong when choosing milk glass. I love IT.
226 days ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Love it - thanks for sharing... Made me think of my grandmother and the collection of buttons she passed on to me!
226 days ago
harbes2 says:
milk glass reminds me of beach houses... what a fun thing to collect... aside from a childhood nutcracker collection {I was obsessed with the ballet} I've never really collected anything although I get a kick out of people who hoard shot glasses and/or mini-spoons.
226 days ago
PattiTrostle says:
I have some milk glass items. Love them!
226 days ago
MorningGloryEmporium says:
I've got my mothers collection of milk glass and I love it. I just wish I had more room to show it off. Thanks for sharing!
225 days ago
AThymetoSew says:
I have some milk glass in my collection- I love it! Great post!
224 days ago
NewModernArt says:
White monochrome is gorgeous! Great collection!
224 days ago
edithweezie says:
I collect milk glass too! How great that a family member had such a beautiful piece to hand down to you :)
224 days ago
elegantjewelz says:
love it ..its beautiful and goes well with shabby chic collections
224 days ago
WarmCountryMeadows says:
Milk glass has always been beautiful and goes great with any other color.
224 days ago
sarahdagger says:
I too have a milk glass collection, mainly compotes and vases. I used every piece I have at my wedding a few years ago as center pieces with white dahlias and it looked so nice. I have them all displayed in my built in cabinets around my fireplace, the white really pops on the dark wood. I started collecting it after seeing it in a Martha Stewart book with candles in them. They look really pretty with tea-lights in them.
224 days ago
BurkeHareCo says:
loveLoveLOVE monochrome collections! this is wonderful.
224 days ago
catiques says:
Love it and it's beautiful. For anytime or place, holidays just mix the colors and display. I love Fenton MILK GLASS and have collected for years.
223 days ago
FizbanFunDesigns says:
I collect dragons because, as a symbol of wisdom and strength, two things I've always wanted, they make me happy. I have a five-headed oriental dragon that we call Tiamat. It was the first thing that my now-husband noticed when he walked into my place and I've always felt that that made it special. He said it was "so cool" and that's how he later described me to his friends. We now have 25 dragons of all sizes and kinds. Frosted glass, wood, ceramic (I made those myself), stone, resin, silver, copper...every once in a while we find another one that begs us to take it home. I've always collected key-chains from different places, blue glass serving pieces, candles and candle holders, even milk glass too, but my dragons are my real love for collecting.
223 days ago
OutTheBackDoor says:
I love the lamp! I have cameras and milkglass from my grandparents too. I inherited their passion for collecting, for sure - that is how I ended up having both in my shop. Too many at home, and as the number of my children increased, so did my fear for safety of my vases and cameras so I thought I should find them new homes! :) {The collections- not kids, LOL} TK
223 days ago
TalesofTime says:
I am a lover of Milk Glass as well. You can also change the look with the seasons to make it stand out. I have a Curio Cabinet full of Milk Glass. I am always buying more and more but I do have to let some go as well. I think of it as "Sharing my love of Milk Glass with a new collector". Come look to see what I have and I will share with you too. P.S. Funny, I love cameras too.
223 days ago
FrannieBee says:
I have collected milk glass for years and I am very particular about the quality of glass I buy and sell. Please check out my shop for some real oldies but goodies!!!
223 days ago
isitsecretisitsafe says:
I remember these from my great grandma's house. I didn't realize it had a specific name. I always loved how it looked, though!
223 days ago
YBINUCAROL says:
I love milk glass. Try putting those battery operated votive candles in pieces at Halloween. Your gorgeous milk glass will have a fun ghostly glow. I will borrowing some pieces from my shop to do this for my Halloween bash.
223 days ago
spierce09 says:
Hi, I love milk glass too, I have a few pieces for sale if you know anyone interested. A pair of boudoir lamps that are adorable among other pierces. Let me know if you know of anyone interested. Thanks, Susan
222 days ago
katrinaalana says:
Love milk glass. My mom collects them. I don't collect anything now but I used to collect stuff before I moved overseas.
222 days ago
doolshandmade says:
Milk glass works great for a wedding reception! I used it for my own wedding this past March—everyone loved the look.
213 days ago
mydogsclothes says:
I too am addicted to milk glass. I have the same lamp that Kristi got from her step mom. I love everything white, its so much fun to add other colored items to go with them. My favorite piece is my Antique White Bed.
196 days ago
artworksbycarol says:
I'm looking for the milk glass BASKET, It was my mother in laws favorite, but she gave hers away to her sis because she admired it .I'd like to replace it for her, she had it for about 50 years. anyone know where to find it?
165 days ago