Why Are So Many Viewers Hooked On American Pickers?: Lessons From Mike And Frank About Picking Antiques And Collectibles

March 29th Episode Of American Pickers: "Alabama Bigfoot" and "Know When to Fold"

Simon Cowell of American Idol And The American Pickers

Judging American Pickers

Here is what I imagine Simon Cowell might say about The American Pickers Mike and Frank: "If I'm being totally honest ...the show is too PREDICTABLE....karaoke for Pickers...ordinary.... a couple of garden variety junk addicts who need to know when to fold".

Aside from one bright moment this week when the pickers discover a bizarre collection at the Alabama Museum of Wonder where everything--including a gigantic head from a Piggly Wiggly mascot--is for sale, the show's theme of old bikes, car parts and vintage signs continues business as usual.

Why Are So Many People Watching American Pickers on Monday Nights?

So why are so many people watching this show? Why am I watching The American Pickers show? I like the guys and so do lots of people (over 4 million). In fact the reality T.V. stars Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are currently filming a second season. So what's up with this show ? Why are we hooked. Perhaps we are all learning a few things. Here are some things I jotted down about what I have learned so far about the American Pickers.

What You Can Learn From The American Pickers on The History Channel

1. Go picking with a television crew so sellers will answer their door with enthusiasm.

2. When you find something that looks valuable.....sneak out of the barn, attic, basement and call several expects who just happen to be standing by for your call.

3. Always have major buyers (who are as crazy as you) ready to purchase the junk you just found.

4. Have a back up truck nearby to cart off the stuff that can't possibly fit into your van.

5. Keep several changes of clothes on hand so you can always look crisp and clean despite crawling around in cobwebs, dirt and rodent feces.

6. Bring along paramedics so that when you get bitten by a poisonous snake or stung by a killer bee you have adrenaline on hand.

7. Make sure you arrange for an open credit line so that you can stay in nice hotels, eat out and maintain your Mercedes truck.

8. Hold the Wall Street journal while you are away on your picking trip, so thieves don't break into your storage shed and steel your rusty bikes and old signs.

For More on American Pickers read:

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/move-over-oprah-and-rosie-mike-and.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/five-acres-of-junk-what-do-picky.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-clinging-to-their.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-antiquing-underground.html
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.html



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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

What's Your Game Plan When You Stroll Through An Antique Mall: Look Up, Look Down...

What's Your Game Plan When You Stroll Through An Antique Mall ?

Are you a one sider or a two sider? Do you have an M.O.? Give it up....are you a clueless wanderer or a neurotic browser? Many visitors to larger stores have their set plan of how they navigate their run through. Especially if its a place that you have visited before, you usually have a path that you follow.

Are You A One Sider Or Two Sider?

Do you go up and down a row and just stick to one side or do you go in and out of each booth on both sides of the aisle? I am very deliberate about my journey. I carefully do one side of the aisle first and then the other.

REVERSE Your Modus Operandi

But here is the important tip...after you have wandered through a store. REVERSE your path and do the entire stroll again but from the opposite side of the store that you started and the last row you are in. In other words. Start again down the same row you are in (your last booth).



Checking Out Every Vantage Point

Now you will find that even though you have been down that aisle before, you will see things quite differently, Your vantage point has now changed. And you will even spot things across the aisle that you didn't notice before. This method allows you to see beyond eye level. You will now spot items on the very bottom shelves of the booth you are in as well as notice new things across the row from you.

Look Up, Look Down

And remember always look up and down. Many dealers hang things from the ceilings or in odd places. You never know where you will find the collectible you are after. Dealers also put so many collectibles on higher shelves or on top of furniture.

Don't Yet Chipped Off

Often chipped or flawed items are put in hard to reach spots such as on a high shelf or a bottom shelf. This should be a clue to check these out of reach items more carefully.


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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Why Do People Collect Antiques And Collectibles: Collectors On The Couch Series

Collectors On The Couch Series
Kitsch n Shrink Discusses:

Why do people collect stuff? Everyone is always asking the Kitsch n Shrink that question. I love talking about the topic so I guess I'll start blabbering about what I think.

The answer falls into several different general categories and most people fall into more than one category at the same time.

Why Do People Collect Stuff?

1. Nostalgic Longings: Many people like to bring back objects that reminded them of someone important to them, mom or dad, grandma, a favorite aunt etc. I adore red and white/yellow kitchen collectibles which bring back fond memories of my Grandma Sophie's kitchen. Or yo can add also a time or place or age that is also significant.

2. Anxiety Buster: Going out antiquing is a great way to relax and distract yourself from life's demands. When you are out looking for stuff you are in the "junk zone" and everything else on your mind seems to disappear. (I junk a lot!).

3. The Thrill of The Hunt: Shopping is therapy for many. You boost the good feel chemicals when you get excited about a treasure you have found. Antiquing is all about the journey, the hunt, the thrill of finding the objects of your desire.

4. Filling The Void: When you fill your home with "stuff" you are not lonely. You have company. Many collectors treat their collections like "people". They care for them, talk about them and spend time fussing over them.

5. Collectibles Don't Talk Back: Like pets, collectors get a lot of satisfaction from their collectibles without the aggravation that family members cause. What brings more pleasure (besides chocolate) than adding another object to your collection.

6. Wheeling and Dealing: Many collectors sell their stuff and enjoy making money from their finds. It's a blast to be able to buy something for three bucks and sell it for thirty, It's like a game. Many collectors sell off their average stuff and keep building a better collection once they know what they are doing.

7. Just For The Fun Of It: collecting is more than the object...it is also about the journey. you get to travel, visit with others, share conversations about topics you enjoy in common, and eat out....my favorite part.

8. Enjoying Research: Believe it or not, a lot of people like reading about antiques and collectibles and then going out and finding treasures. It's a great hobby and there is more to it than just the hunt. Coming home and reading about collectibles and their history, cultural and social stories etc.

9. Decorating With Antiques And Collectibles: Some folks just like to be surrounded by treasures from other decades or objects associated with a hobby. They are after a look ... such as "Deco" or "Modern" or a theme such as "Nautical".

10. Collecting Makes Them Happy: No deep hidden reasons......it is just FUN!

Now it's your turn...what do you think...why do you collect stuff?


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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Photographing Vintage Costume Jewelry Using Retro Backgrounds

A Hip Idea For Photographing Costume Jewelry:
Instant Retro Backgrounds
Attention kitschy costume jewelry sellers ...are you looking for yet another retro cool way to display your hip vintage jewelry for your on-line store?

Styling Your Photographs

While poking around on Etsy, I found ricracand buttoms.etsy.com a gal who does a super job
featuring her amazing goodies. You will adore her shop...I promise. She sells lots of very small items and is always fussing over her photo backgrounds and styling strategies.

Sweet Nostalgic Images

One way she likes to showcase her costume earrings, bracelets and necklaces is to use pages from old childrens books that have sweet, nostalgic images. You can also use old prints or other vintage ephemera.

Sell Your Vintage Jewelry With Retro Backgrounds

To take this photo idea one step further...why not paste these vintage images on cardboard and use the background you created to fasten the jewelry on for resale?

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Move Over Oprah And Rosie, Mike And Frank The American Pickers May Be Ready For A Daytime Show On Junk

"The eyes of the American Picker are trained like a hawk.We see what know(sic) one else can and find value in it" http://www.antiquearcheology.com/indexxx.php

Lights, Cameras, Action:"American Pickers Show" Is All About Entertainment

Another Monday, another night of American Pickers. Tonight (March 22, 2010) I am watching the show and thinking about what I can talk about in my blog that I haven't already covered in earlier posts. Let's see we have talked about rust, guy stuff, bikes, dirt, cobwebs, mouse droppings, cans, signs, junk, filth, bike parts, grime, oil cans, tins, tunnels, tools, cars, motorcycles, etc.

Lighting Up The Junk: Super Scooter

Have we talked about LIGHTING? I mean have we really delved into the subject? I'm not talking about the rusty vintage stage light that Mike went bonkers over in tonight's episode called "Super Scooter" (about a one-of-a-kind Vespa passenger scooter). I am talking about "lighting" in general.

Mike And Frank Meet "Goat Man"

Think about this.... we watched tonight as Mike and Frank met "Goat Man" and they went poking through his hidden property filled with fields of junk and rows of rusty old buses which stored even more forgotten "collectibles" (garbage) . We also watched as the pickers climbed over piles of junk hoarded (I mean collected) by the late husband of a clueless but gracious 84 year old woman.

American Pickers Have Hawk Vision

While the guys are meandering in and out of all these poorly lit junk havens we are surprisingly able to see all the action quite clearly. Now catch this...at one point Mike is holding a flashlight to light up his treasure trove. Come on....didn't you call out to the T.V. screen "that flashlight isn't lighting up squat!" Let's be honest....you and I both know that real light for Mike's Hawk vision is coming from other sources.

Where is The Lighting Coming From?

Want to know how the pickers are able to find treasures in old buses, attics, barns, crawl spaces, basements, caves, tunnels, out bulidngs? They have picking skills and lots of LIGHT. And its not the light from Mike's vintage flashlight . Nor the sun's rays shining through a crack a cement wall. Nope the light is coming from elsewhere. But just where you ask....where is the light coming from that allows us to see everything going on in such clarity?

American Pickers Is Entertainment

The answer my friends is that this show is shot on location and each scene is actually a "set" . By now you all realize that American Pickers is entertainment. It's a show.....with a script, producers, directors, writers, film crews and lots of LIGHTING! There are no surprises or unexpected outcomes...... except the fact that a lot of people are watching this show and talking about it.

Move Over Oprah: Here Comes Mike and Frank

Oprah....move over.....if Rosie doesn't take your spot.....I thnk Mike and Frank might just be ready for the daytime version of American Pickers.......any ideas on what we shall call the show?
Photos Courtesy of http://www.antiquearcheology.com/


For More on American Pickers read:

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/five-acres-of-junk-what-do-picky.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-clinging-to-their.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-antiquing-underground.html
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.html



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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Spring Into A Retro And Vintage Cottage Look Using Pink And Green Kitchen Collectibles, Textiles And Cupboards

Think Spring...think about a room make-over using a combination of the colors green and pink.

Popular green colors that cottage kitchen and home collectors love are "Jadeite" or "Depression Green". Updated colors are called "Seafoam Green" and "Mint green".

Happy Colors

And believe me , used in today's kitchens with the right accessories and kitchenwares there is nothing depressing about any of these greens. They become happy "greens". Just pair any of these greens with shades of light pink and you create a soft and gentle feeling. Or use a stronger pink (bubble gum) and watch the mood become lively and whimsical. It just depends on how "shocking' your pink is! But greens and pink are delicious.

Create a Soft Vintage Look Using Pretty Vintage Collectibles And Textiles

To evoke a truly vintage feeling in your kitchen and home , look for vintage wallpaper, tablecloths, pottery, dishes, adorable pot holders, doilies, wooden or metal step stools, cottage chairs , China etc that combines soft greens with shades of pink (and cream)..

Paint The Town Green

If you are lucky you may even find cabinets, shelves, cupboards etc, with original paint, decals etc., but if not , create a vintage feeling painting your own pieces in "jadeite green".

Painted Cupboards,Shelves And Cabinets

Add a green painted cupboard or shelf unit to your kitchen and you create a wonderful comfy cottage feeling. You can fill your cupboard or cabinet with pink, green or cream pottery, dishes, plates, glassware batter bowls etc. There are plenty of pink or cream planters and pottery vases around at affordable prices. Remember to mix up the sizes, heights and shapes of your objects on display. You need tall pieces (vases) , round shapes, plates, rectangles etc.

For a more retro look, try pink or coral Pyrex from the fifties or other retro housewares from that period. You will be able to find lots of pink kitchenwares from the 50's as pastel colors were promoted at this time. And it's o'k. to mix and match textures and styles. When you get into the 60's the greens and pinks you have a totally different "mod" feeling . The greens and pinks are harsher and the style is Psychedelic.


Vintage Wallpaper

Its often hard to find enough rolls of vintage wallpaper to cover all your wall space, but you can use wallpaper for an accent wall, to line drawers, as shelf paper, as part of a room screen etc.

Photo Courtesy of:

http://www.hannahstreasures.com/servlet/StoreFront

Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour, Connecticut

http://www.silkcityantiques.com/

The Nosey Goose, Madison, Connecticut

Linda May Originals, Winsted, Connecticut

http://modern-home-design-ideas.blogspot.com/


Read More About Cottage Style Collectibles

My Book: Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes, By C. Dianne Zweig


Resources

http://www.antiquehome.org/Inside-your-house/1930s/

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

"Five Acres Of Junk": What Do Picky Viewers Think Of The American Pickers: Is It Time To Expand Beyond The Rusty Guy Stuff?

Picky Viewers

The jury is out...American Pickers needs a revamp and soon! I picked the brains of members of Iantiqueonline.com and asked them: "What was your take on last night's show called "5 Acres of Junk" (March 15th, 2010).

You know what I got back for answers? Five acres of COMMENTS on the March 15th, 2010 show! And there indeed was a theme to all their jabber. The bottom line is that our viewers are picky and they have a lot of suggestions to throw out at the producers and writers of American Pickers.

For the sake of keeping this post neat and clean (something the Pickers are not ever going to live up to), I will breakdown the feedback I received into sections: Feel free to jump into the chatter and post your own two cents.

What Picky Iantiqueonline.com Members Had to Say About The American Pickers
Expand Beyond Rusty Guy Stuff

"The audience will tire of hubcaps, oil cans and motorcycles after a point." John
RareVictorian.com

"too much motor head stuff" Mike

"Over all the show gets old quickly" S. B.

"Yes, I watch the American Pickers. Most of the time I enjoy the show, but I grew up with antique cars, motorcycles, and bikes. I am probably one of the few women that understands the "motor" subject, but even for me it sometimes gets a tad boring. I think they really need to start focusing on some subjects that will pull in more women watchers. Even when a seller shows them something that we women are collecting they tend to blow it off and move toward a motorized item. They either need to add a woman to the cast on the road or learn something about collectibles used in home decorating. Good grief they are based out of Iowa and I have yet to see anything about pearl buttons. Come on...look around the neighborhood and check on Ebay to see what is selling out there and where the interests of the rest of the people lie. How about some vintage purses, clothing, antique buttons, or dolls? "Kim

"My husband and I love the show. Both of us are sick though of their fixation with the bikes. I would like to see them go to really well know states for antique collecting. Their betting against each other and their chemistry is a big part of the show." Lynn

"It was interesting to watch once, possibly twice, then, well...it's that same old stuff, the same old strange old men whose things they want to buy, and they always find the same old stuff. " K__

"It would be nice if it was a little less heavy on vehicles and advertising, but that's what guys in rural areas stuffed their barns with." M. S.


Show Is Too Contrived And Staged

"way too contrived and it follows a narrow theme of a grizzly old guy, a farm in never never land and some old rusty American mechanical stuff....also doorknockers get shot at once and a while in that part of the country....would be a nice touch eh? "Mike

"Entertaining, yet very staged; I work in the television industry and for the most part it is too staged", Steve

"American Pickers is way too scripted for me and becoming very redundant and I question 99% of the items they pick also their profit margin, after paying for their gas and travel expenses (if they weren't on TV) is in the negative numbers.", M.S.

Are The Pickers Ripping People Off ?

NO

This is Daryle Lambert of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club www.darylelambert.com. I have already written to the Antique Week about the Pickers show but here I go again.

I believe that the biggest winners from the show are those that would let items waste away in their barns, garages or storage units until they saw this show. Then they would think maybe I have something of value and start searching their items that were destined for the trash heap.

I get tired of the Johnnie do goods that think everybody is taking advantage of someone else. The items that the Pickers are discovering had no value until they found them and the sellers should be appreciative of that fact. The people that are crying are probably the very ones that are taking advantage of others.

It is a great show and I believe it has many years to go. Keep up the great work, go Pickers.

Daryle lambert

"Anyway I'm liking it that they are not giving the top dollar on the boob tube so the rest of us pickers can still buy it like they do. And that Phillip Morris sign they said they sold for what 1500 That should have been 3500 and up." H.M.

"We like the show. It's quite clear that they are not taking advantage of anyone - not with the haggling that is going on with most folks. People need to realize that the folks they visit don't have the customer contacts/sources to get full retail price. They are at the beginning of the food chain - not the end." M.M.R.S

YES (Are The Pickers Ripping People Off?
" enjoy watching but sometimes feel Mike and Frank are a little dis-respectful to the sellers and their prices of what they say they sell the items for are way off the market prices,just my opinion" Scott


"The Pickers trouble me. I think they exploit seniors who may not know the value of their collectibles. I think they are abusive to the woman who runs the shop they supply. Over all I don't like the show. It gives a message to people that it is O.K. to take things that seem abandoned or not of use when it may be valuable to someone. It's ripping off. Well, you asked. And that's what I think. People drive by my parents ancient farm and pilfer antique farm equipment and collectibles, just because they are not in use. These items are an historical part of the life here and should not be taken just because no one has spoken for them. ", L.F.

I Wanna Hear More About The other Side Of The Business: Selling Stuff

"I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the side of their business where they sell what they pick" Margot

"The main characters do not show how they sell the items', S.B.

Love The Show

"love the show though!!!,....but collecting is suppose to be fun and not only about money I am a little offended they did not reply to my emails,but no big deal,....I still think highly off them" Scott

"Most of the time I enjoy the show", K.T.,

"My husband and I love the show"

"They are a hoot to watch".


The Pickers Need to Come To Canada

"I want to watch American Pickers and I’d love them to come to Canada to do a little picking.
I may be jumping the gun a little, maybe we could start by having the History Channel air this show in Canada..
Lord knows we (Canada and the States) expose each other to plenty of mindless dribble, why not treat each other to some quality programming such as American Pickers?
Just my opinion but I’m sure one that’s shared by many."
Regards,
Arthur

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Photos Courtesy of http://www.antiquearcheology.com/


For More on American Pickers read:

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-clinging-to-their.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-antiquing-underground.html
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.html



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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Hooray For LuRay Pastel Dinnerware: Try A Fresh Vintage Look This Spring

"Set Your Table With Jewels"
LuRay Pastel Dishes: Advertised For Modern Charming Tables

Try Soft Pastel Colors This Spring In Your Vintage And Retro Kitchen

Wondering why you are seeing so much LuRay Dinnerware these days? Well the answer is simple...it's Springtime and LuRay always surfaces at this time of the year. LuRay, introduced in the 1930's by Taylor, Smith and Taylor is a popular kitchen collectible for pastel lovers.

LuRay Is a Favorite Among Cottage Style Collectors

Not only will you find lots of LuRay being used in summer cottages but you will also see more of this semi- porcelain ware featured around Easter time. Pretty pastel colors of "Windsor Blue", Persian Cream", " Surf Green , "Sharon Pink", "Chatham Gray" delight collectors who enjoy a fresh vintage look.

Starter Set Of LuRay Pastel Dinnerware 1942

In 1942, an wholesale advertisement for LuRay Dinnerware promoted The LuRay Starter Set. For a promotional price of $2.64, instead of the usual $4.49 you would receive one place setting of each color. Four each of 9 inch luncheon plates, 6 inch bread and butter plates, teacups, saucers, and fruit dishes. Of course now the prices are quite a bit higher!

































LuRay Dinnerware Resources

LuRay Pastels (OhioRiverpottery.com)

http://www.glassshow.com/Aarticle/LuRay/luray.html

LuRay Pastel Dinnerware

Books About LuRay Dinnerware

Collector's Guide To Luray Pastels U.S.A by Bill and Kathy Meehan, Collectorbooks.com

Taylor, Smith and Taylor China Company: Guide to Shapes and Values by Mark Gonzales, Schiffer Publishing, 2004

Photos Courtesy of :

Carol Cooper Morgan , Winsted Ct. 860-379-4265

Seymour Antiques, Seymour, CT

.LuRay Pastels (OhioRiverpottery.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

The Kitschy Collector's Idea Of Retro Cooking And Housekeeping

Are You A Retro Kitchen Collector Who Loves Vintage Housewares But Hates to Cook?

I am one of those baby boomers who loves to buy cookbooks, kitchen collectibles, kitchen decorating books but who is not a big fan of cooking (or housekeeping).

How Many Cookbooks Can One Non Cook Buy?

Why on earth do I own every single cookbook out there? And I keep buying more. I love the pictures and envy the gals and guys who can whip up a great dish.

What's a Great "Dish" ?

But my idea of a " great dish" is something totally different. I frankly get more excited about finding a box of Fiestaware than the goodies that some folks serve on the plates!

Loving Those Adorable Crocheted Potholders

And why do I adore vintage crocheted potholders when I hate using the oven. I am much happier hanging these adorable handmade collectibles on my kitchen wall than fooling around with burning hot pots.

Everything And The kitchen Sink

The sink however is a different story. I like the sink...because the sink is where I wash all the dusty and dirty vintage kitchenwares I acquire. The sink is my friend. And I confess, I will spend more time fussing over kitchen collectibles than washing supper dishes.

Too Busy Shopping For Kitchen Collectibles

And I also admit that I will spend more time polishing up an old collectible toaster than sprucing up my set of everyday pots. In fact, as many of you already know, those of us who are hooked
on collecting housewares really have no time for cooking and housework!

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Florence's Glass Kitchen Shaker 1930-1950 by Gene and Cathy Florence : Kitschy Collector Book Review

Do You Own Florence's Glass Kitchen Shaker 1930-1950 Identification and Value Guide? Kitchen Collectors this is a book you have to have in your library!

I am excited to tell you about Florence's Glass Kitchen Shaker 1930-1950 Identification and Value Guide. Although this book came our sometime ago, it still is an extremely helpful reference book about the ever popular kitchen glass shakers.

Learning About Glass Kitchen Shakers

If you are like me, when you come across these popular collectibles you aren't always sure about who the manufacturer is or what is the market value. The Florence's have put together a really comprehensive guide book that covers all the manufacturers of glass spice sets, sat and pepper shakers and range sets.

More Than McKee : Introducing Many Manufacturers Of Glass Kitchen Shakers

Many of us in the kitchen collectibles business, usually associate The McKee Glass Company as the manufacturer of glass kitchen shakers. But there were many companies that produced similar styles, such as Hazel-Atlas, Anchor Hocking, Tipp Novelty, Owens-Illinois Glass Company, Jeanette Glass Company, Sneath Glass Company and others.

The Florence book is a great overall resource for glass kitchen shakers. And although it was released in 2004, I found the information and prices to still be relevant.

Description:
Gene Florence, the foremost authority on glassware, has produced a brand new guide for collectors. Florence's Kitchen Glass Shakers, 1930 - 1950s, is sure to spice up your bookshelf. Over 1,000 glass kitchen shakers, including sugar shakers, are pictured in this volume of full-color group photographs. Catalog identification of previously unknown shaker names is provided, as well as name, company, and value given for each item shown. Companies featured include Hazel Atlas, Anchor Hocking, Jeannette, McKee, Owens-Illinois, and Tipp City Decorations. This book features sharp images and offers insight into values of these savory shakers. It's another bound-to-be best-seller from glassware expert Gene Florence. 2004 values.

This book is published by Collectorbooks.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.