Hard to find tea sets

I’ve been collecting tea sets since I was a little girl.  I remember my very first tea party sitting in the backyard with a picnic blanket set up.  My dad bought me my first set while he was stationed in Germany on a military assignment. 

My collection has grown quite a bit since then.  I don’t have many of the Hall teapots that some collectors seek.  I find myself looking for handmade, or hand painted teapots more often.  I enjoy browsing auction sites looking for original finds and estate sales usually have one or two pieces to offer.