Chiquita Banana Would Love The Carb Lovers Diet

Collecting (And Eating) Your Favorite Bananas

I'm going bananas! Here is the scoop...I just agreed to try Health Magazine's new diet book called The Carb Lovers Diet. As you poke through the book, you will see why I am going bananas. In the first week during the Kick Start Plan every breakfast is based on bananas.

Hello Chiquita!

Why bananas you ask? Bananas are high in Resistant Starch the mainstay of this latest diet approach.

So here is what I will be eating for breakfast week 1

Monday Banana Shake
Tuesday Banana-Nut Oatmeal
Wednesday Banana Shake Plus
Thursday Banana Berry Shake
Friday Banana & Almond Butter Toast
Saturday Banana Cocoa Shake
Sunday Banana & Almond Toast

Chiquita Banana Trivia

While I am on the subject of bananas, here is some Chiquita trivia. According to Joleen Ashman Robison and Kay Sellers, author of "Advertising Dolls" (Collectorbooks.com), there were three official
Chiquita Banana Dolls issued by Chiquita Brand, Inc.

The first doll came out in 1944 , the year the trademark symbol was designed. This doll was offered on packages of Kelloggs Corn Flakes. The next doll was a rubber squeak toy and was issued as a premium in the 1950s. The last doll was released in 1974 for $1.75 and two seals from Chiquita Banana. The doll shown is the last doll (1974).

1974 Photo (Top) is Courtesy of http://advertisingiconmuseum.org/inside/c4/3249015.html
1944 Cloth Doll Image (bottom) courtesy of http://www.alleewillis.com/awmok/people/chiquita-bananakitsch

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Decorating Your Baby's Nursery With Pictures From A Vintage Nursery Rhyme Book

Charming Vintage Nursery Rhyme Images From Kelley Street Vintage on Etsy.com

I am having such a wonderful time enjoying these delightful and colorful pages which came out of a Children's Nursery Rhyme Book. Once again I thank http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage for these very special images.

Developing A Theme For Your Vintage Baby Nursery

Poking through old children's books is a great way to find affordable art for you baby's nursery or young child's room. Why not start with some favorite images and then build a room around your finds.

You can have your images professionally framed or you can buy ready made frames. If you are very creative, you can also find some older frames and re-paint them.

On-Line Shopping

You will find that there are many 0n-line sellers who specialize in vintage illustrations.
Grouping Vintage Pictures

While anyone of these book plates would sweet in your baby nursery, you might want to consider buying tow or three and grouping them together.

Because Nursery Rhymes are a common theme for baby accessories, it is easy to find vintage lamps, textiles, toys etc to match your theme.

Matching Painted Furniture

And how great would an older piece of furniture look painted red or yellow to go with the primary colors in these pictures. So much fun and a thrifty way to go.

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Using Wire Cube Shelving Storage Systems In Your Antique Shop

Factory Salvage And Wire Shelving Storage Is Hot In Homes And Antique Shops

As you are probably discovering Industrial Chic is really quite popular now. Older wire baskets, vintage factory tables and chairs, metal accessories are all over the place as factory salvage finds its way into homes and store interiors.

Wire Storage Cubes

Many manufacturers are also copying these looks and selling new products which mimic the vintage salvage idea. Out for some time now are mesh cubes or wire cubes which you can assemble in different configurations and use for storage space. These cubes have been quite popular with college kids who like them in dorm rooms for books, clothing and "stuff'.

Organize Your Collectibles With Wire Storage Cubes

Well how about using them in your Antique Shop as display space? Because you can vary the way the cubes are stacked you can actually create a step like pattern as shown here. This idea allow you to add larger objects such as lamps or tall vases on the end of each row. Look how much stuff you can get into these cubes!

Where to buy Wire Cube Shelving Systems: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS376&q=where+to+buy+wire+storage+cubes&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=7788941083086187145&ei=ZTqhTKzVK4H-8Aa5l9nmDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=image&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ8gIwAw#

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Find Bonus Wall Space Using Shutters For Your Vintage Decorative And Souvenir Plates

Are You Running Out Of Wall Space?

You can find new "wall" space for your decorative and collectible plates by transforming several old shutters into a practical make shift "wall". All you need is some hooks and plate hangers and you are good to go.

I like the way these stained shutters ( from Tree House Art And Antiques) look with a variety of different plates including souvenir china and clear Depression Era plates. Mixing up the types of plates and colors makes for an interesting exhibit.

Another idea is to paint the shutter a soft pastel color and to hang your "Shabby Chic" plates with softer floral designs and dainty patterns.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Dangling Your Vintage Kitchen Tools From The Ceiling Using Fishing Wire

What You Do With Fishing Wire In Your Antique Shop Or Home
Fishing wire is your friend. If you own an antique shop that has become so crowded that you have run out of room to display your smalls, try hanging them from the ceiling with a line of fishing wire. You know, the almost invisible thin clear thread like wire that is very durable.

Peter Roth of Tree House Art And Antiques (now in a new location on Route 44 in New Hartford, Connecticut) decided to create some very attractive displays for his collection of vintage kitchen utensils and tools. Peter hung his tools from the ceiling creating a wonderful whimsical floating exhibit.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Having Fun With Old Party, Baking And Pantry Collectibles

Unpacking Collectible Party And Pantry Goodies

How much fun is it finding a collectibles shop unpacking a fresh pick of old party and pantry collectibles.

What's In Grandma's Pantry?

Do you remember what your mom or grandma kept in their pantry? My grandmother had cans of plums and jars of Gefilte Fish. Not exactly items that I'd run to go out and collect today.

Visiting Queen Anne Antiques

But while antiquing in Canton, Connecticut, I stopped into Queen Anne Antiques and discovered a load better than plums! April, the owner, had just cleaned out the pantry of a family friend's estate. It appears from the stash that April came back with, that this older women had a pantry filled with goodies for those of us who adore party and baking collectibles.

Vintage Plastic Spoons And Forks

I fell in love with the plastic spoons and forks. In fact, I do remember eating my Dixie cups filled with Vanilla ice cream with these spoons. Other favorites were, straws, cake or cookie sprinkles,
spice tins, icing tips and more.

Most of these wonderful party related collectibles were $5.00-8.00 each.

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Turn A CD Rack Into A Display For Vintage Fishing Lure

Something is Fishy With This Old CD Rack: Creating Quirky Display Space For Old Fishing Lures

Ya gotta laugh when you see how Peter Roth of Tree House Art & Antiques transformed an old CD Rack into a whimsical display for his collection of old Fishing Lure. Is this clever or what? Look what happens when you turn the rack vertical.
Knowing Peter as I do, I am sure he found the rack for free or for peanuts.

Now while Peter has used this rack for fishing Lure, I am sure us gals could use this idea for vintage jewelry or other "chick stuff". Feel free to come up with some suggestions and to add your ideas to this post.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Display Your Collectible Vintage Postcards In Hanging Plastic Photo Sleeves

Have Some Fun With Plastic Sleeves For Your Vintage Postcards

O.K. vintage postcard sellers and collectors, this post is for you. Once again my friend Peter of Tree House Art & Antiques has found a clever way to display old postcards.

Peter really does need to come up with nifty ways to display stuff because he packs in stuff into his shop lilke nobody I know.

What Peter has done is place vintage postcards into plastic photo sleeves which he allows to dangle freely from strategic spots in his shop.

This idea works great for several key reasons:
1. The plastic protectors sleeves keeps the postcards clean.
2. You get to present many postcards at one time.
3. It's easy to hang anywhere in your shop or even in your home.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Pretty In Pink: Painting Your Antique Mall Booth Space Walls PINK

Shabby Chic Lovers Will Adore Pink Walls In Your Antique Booth Or Shop

If you sell pretty antiques and collectibles, you may want to consider painting the some or all of the walls in your Antique shop or booth space PINK. I just had to share with you an absolutely lovely booth space showcased on http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.com/

Adding Pink Painted Pegboards

Pink painted walls and peg boards work very well with cottage style collectibles as well as "Shabby Chic". Combined with white painted shelving and furnishing, pink walls are delicious.
Often all it takes to transform an antique booth or shop is a unifying paint color.

Cottage Style Goes Well With Pink Painted Walls

Because cottage collectibles include rose themed accessories, the pink walls are a terrific way to
create a softer tone for your booth which works so well with delicate floral wall decor, tea sets, decorative plates, textiles etc.

Photos Courtesy of http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Who Moved Or Re-Moved My Cheesy Antiques And Collectibles?

The Hem and Haw Of Keeping Track Of Cheesy Collectibles

Don't you just fall apart when someone comes into your Antique booth or shop and decides to re_decorate for you ...i.e. pull apart your displays or pick up an object and take it to a booth clear across the mall or de-construct an item in some way?

Dust Collecting Junk

The sad part is that some of my junk has been sitting in my booth for so long that when I spot one of my "things" three rows down in another dealer's booth, I actually recognize my missing object.
Attached To My Collectibles

I suppose we get attached to our merchandise even though we also can get sick of collectibles that we have had for way too long. I don't know about you, but when I see that something I have owned has sold after sitting around in my booth for what seems like an eternity I scream out in absolute JOY.... the old thing is GONE.

"Who Moved My Cheese"

Remember the cheesy book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, M.D. a book which told the story of adapting to change. "Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life-whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind."

CHANGE Must Take Place

As the story goes in the book, one day the cheese is gone and CHANGE must take place. What about applying the "cheese' story to our business of selling antiques and collectibles? Do you get unraveled when someone comes into your shop or antique booth and moves around your items for sale? I do....I have even walked up to my Front Desk Manager (at my Antique Mall) and declared that it appears that something in my booth is missing.

Looking For Missing Collectibles

Calmly Robert (our front desk manager) tells me to check my booth again and lo and behold I usually find the missing object buried somewhere unexpected in my very own booth. I hate to say it but more than a few times, the object is found "maimed" or "dis-connected" . Imagine finding only the groom of a tacky imported bride and groom set or the lid missing from a stinky old jar.

PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

I have a hard time imagining that someone is our there kidnapping ceramic brides or unscrewing rusty lids from jars or shlepping my stuff clear across our 22,000 square feet store to another dealer's booth. This is what I have to say to all of you PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

Assemblage Photo Courtesy Of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockwasher/page1/

Oregon Cheese Photo Courtesy of Country Living. 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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Children's Birthday Party Napkins From the 1950's And 1960s

Vintage Party Goods Delight Baby Boomers

Once again look what I found on .... http://sip-of-sarsaparilla.blogspot.com/ Children's Retro Birthday Party Napkins. I really had no idea how many people like to collect children's vintage party goods from paper plates to nut cups to cute little napkins. Check out sites like Etsy.com and you will see what i am talking about.

Let's Re-Visit THE Birthday Party

My goodness, it is so much fun to re- visit some of these party accessories from my childhood back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Apartment Parties

Living in a small "Garden Apartment' in Fresh Meadows, Queens (N.Y.), birthday parties were held either in your living room or in the spooky community basement where the washer and dryers were kept. Believe me, the party room in this "recreation room" in the basement needed more help than a few balloons and streamers.

Vintage Party Themes

But it was a blast picking out your party theme each year. Usually napkins which went with plates, cups, tablecloths etc. were of popular images from cartoons, T.V. shows, Disney, the circus, sports and more. Other common subjects for images were cowboys and cowgirls, space themes, tea parties, marching bands, poodles etc.

Party Goodies

Oh yes, I can visualize some of these parties as if it were just yesterday. The "Bridge table" would be dragged out of the closet and added to another table and set with a paper tablecloth. Then I would help to set the table and fill the ruffled nut cups or plastic party baskets with Hershey Kisses or M&M's etc. The cake always coordinated with the theme of the party. Mickey, or Donald or Felix or later Fred Flintstone might be the star of honor.

"Little Girl Themes"

For a real change, we might do a frilly pink party and use party goods with a "feminine touch", like images of gals with bonnets at a tea party. The streamers, in coordinated colors would hang from one end of the party room to another. The room with look so pretty and than the kids would arrive with presents in hand (the best part).

Oops.....Here Comes The Soda

And year after year, mom would serve the birthday cake and pour glasses of soda ...yes I said soda...it was in the 1950s....and without skipping a beat...some excited kid would spill their soda all over the paper tablecloth and party goods and the party would move to "game time" !

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Sassy Retro-Vintage Products Designed by Anne Taintor

Retro Lovers Adore Anne Taintor Sayings And Products

Have you all found Anne Taintor designs yet? She is the gal who created all those fun edgy magnets, calendars, note cards, barware, bags etc. with vintage images and sassy sayings.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with graphic artist Suzy Massey (Phoenix Massey Studio) who designed the Anne Taintor website. Suzy told me how Anne Taintor, a 1977 Harvard graduate never imagined that her kitchen table hobby would become the successful business it is today. While Anne now resides in New Mexico and has passed on the day to day operations to others, The Anne Taintor Company is still a big hit among retro lovers.

How Anne Taintor Started

Anne began her business in 1985 as a single parent who wanted to work at home so she could spend more time with her daughter. She first started making collaged pins and magnets using vintage images and Anne's own clever captions.

A hit among her customers, Anne's business grew and grew and each year more and more products were added to her inventory.


"I feel a sin coming on"

"We have nothing to fear but our mothers."

"I can't be good ALL the time"

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Groovy Flower Power Pillows Made From Plonka Home Of Norway

Exciting 1960s And 1970s Colorful Mod Fabric Pillows

Have a little fun. jazz up your Living room or "Media room" with some BOLD COLORFUL PRINTS in some wonderful combinations of rust, orange, brown, yellow, gold, olive green.

Finally, I found some groovy pillows made from original 1960s and 1970s Mod fabric. Introducing Plonka Home Of Norway

These colorful Flower Power decorative accessories are made by Plonka Home . of Norway, a shop i found on Etsy.com. Created as 16 inch pillow cases, the front is original fabric and the back is a high quality linen according to their shop descriptions.

Mixing Mod With Today's Style

These bold designs of flowers, geometrics and abstracts would compliment today's "Transitional Style" where updated furniture styles are mixed with retro and vintage elements such as wall decor, pillows and textiles. Priced at $24.00 with an $8.00 shipping charge, these funky pillows are still way more reasonable than finding new pillows or having custom made pillows made from a decorating service.

Where Does Plonka Find Her Groovy Fabrics?

I'm not sure where this gal finds her fabrics, but she sure does have a beautiful collection of 1960s and 1970s patterns in a variety of authentic palettes.

Some people add pillows at the end of their decorating make-overs. But surely one could start with these pillows and build a fabulous room around them.

Visit Plonka home on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plonkahome

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Tutti Frutti Lampshade Made Out Of A Vintage Tablecloth

Retro Lamps Shades Made From Vintage Tablecloths
It seems that I keep finding more and more uses for vintage tablecloth cutters. One of my favorite sellers on Etsy.com is Sassy Shades. This gal creates lamp shades out of vintage barkcloth, doilies, runners, tea towels, remnants and old tablecloths.

Fruits And Flowers For Your Kitchen

Look at this wonderful lamp shade, Sassy is calling "Tutti Frutti". Here is how she describes her shade: " It was handmade from a vintage tablecloth. The back ground is white, with an array of fruit and flowers in vibrant colors of green, yellow, blue, pink, and a rosy red. It would be very darling with your cottage or shabby chic decor as well as fun accessory for the kitchen!"

Description
Square Frame (4 panel) measuring:
Top 3"
Bottom 5-1/2"
Height 6"

The inside frame has been hand wrapped in grosgrain ribbon with the outside trimmed in the same fabric. This lampshade has a clip for a regular size light bulb.

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Vintage Rooster Sewing Caddies

Sew Charming.......Rooster Caddies

How charming are these hand crafted Vintage Rooster Sewing Caddies? As you can see these handmade wooden rooster themed caddies usually have holders for thread spools, a scissor, pin cushions and sometimes even a drawer for sewing notions.

Red And White Roosters

Painted in red and white, I'm guessing these novelty items were from the 1940s or early 1950s when red, white and yellow kitchens and home accessories prevailed.

I wonder if they were kits found in magazines? I would love to discover some original instructions of some of this folk art style projects.

Rooster Sewing Caddies With Personality

If you look closer at these photos, you will see that these fellas have a lot of personality.Some of these wooden sewing holders have wings which are really pin cushions that are attached and made out of checked or gingham material.

The hand painted features in black paint are also personalized to give each sewing caddy a unique look.

To me, it would be so much fun to have a room filled with these roosters. you could name all your feathered friends!

Attention Rooster And Sewing Collectors

These type of collectibles have appeal to both collectors of all things "rooster" as well as collectors of old sewing accessories. And because so many collectors adore roosters, you will find that these collectibles can sell easily for $16.00-24.00. Try searching for these treasures on-line. I have found a grouping of them on Etsy.com. eBay and other sites are also good places to search. You may also want to check in with shops that feature sewing collectibles.
Visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/vintagesewingcollectibles to share more with other Vintage Sewing collectors.


Photos courtesy of:

http://bricolage-julier.blogspot.com/
http://planettreasures.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathysSewingRoom

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Using A Grocery Shopping Cart To Have A "Hodge-Podge" Or "Jumble Sale"

Learning From The Brits About How To Sell Junk

I love this idea of throwing all your junk or White Elephants into a grocery shopping cart and having one whopper "Hodge-podge" or "Jumble" Sale.

While in the United Kingdom, Jumble Sales are a bit more elaborate, why not have a mini-"Hodge-podge (Jumble) sale right in your own booth?

According to Wikipedia, "Hodge-podge" is a word used to describe a confused or disorderly mass or collection of thinks; a "mess" or a "jumble".

The Jumble Room

I have heard the term "Jumble Room" used by Brits to refer to the spare room in the house where all the unwanted things headed for the "Jumble Sale" reside. Perhaps we in the USA may use the term "rummage sale".

In the United Kingdom, a Jumble Sale is usually sponsored by a local Scout Group or church.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Anderson

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Adopt A Bathroom: Displaying Collectibles In Your Antique Mall Bathroom:

Bathrooms Are A Perfect Place For Displaying Collectibles, Vintage Wall Decor And Extra Storage

Are you running out of space for your collectibles in your shop, mall (or home) ? Well here is the perfect solution...adopt the bathroom. If you lease space in a large Group Shop or Antiques Mall, what does your bathroom look like? Can you adopt the space?

Is Your Bathroom Boring?

Is your bathroom boring? Do you have anything hanging on the walls? What about shelves, does your bathroom have any nooks and crannies? What can you do to change this space into display space?

Claim Your Bathroom

Don't waste any time....claim your bathroom. Here is what I did a few years back. I was renting space in a large Multi-Dealer shop with a stinky poopy bathroom. BUT it had lots of walls and plenty of room. In my mind, I could see the perfect make-over and now all I had to do was convince the owner of the Group Shop to offer me the additional space at no cost in exchange for making it look attractive or interesting and keeping it fresh and tidy. When the bathroom was done, shoppers loved to visit the bathroom!

Creating Shelves from Old Wooden Boxes

I mounted an assortment of different size wooden boxes (that had compartments or dividers) on the wall to create "shelves' and display boxes for small and cute collectibles. I used a vintage powder room- quirky theme and gathered up all the odds and ends that I didn't mind placing in the bathroom. I covered the walls with fun stuff!

If you have things that are "precious' you can also hang a locked glass cabinet on the wall if you have space. But I used the bathroom as an extra space to "store" and display the overflow from my booth and just displayed low value items.

What To Display In Your Vintage Bathroom

1. Old drugstore tins.
2. Vintage pharmacy bottle.
3. Old magazine advertising (beauty, fashion, hair, cosmetics).
4. Talc tins.
5. Baby and nursery accessories.
8. Quirky figurines.
9. Orphaned objects (one of a kind).
10. Old hats
11. Hair nets, hair pins, rollers.
12. Old hair blowers.
13. Shaving collectibles.
14. Nail accessories.
15. Vintage soap.
16. vanity collectibles.

Should You Worry About Missing Objects ?

When I converted the bathroom of the Group Shop I was leasing a booth in, I actually sold a lot of things out of the bathroom. I never put anything too good in the bathroom and I never worried about things that were missing. In fact, sometimes i really wanted some fo those good ole things to disappear.


Tips About Collectibles in Bathrooms

Be sure that you have plenty of toilet paper, paper towels and soap in a dispenser. You do not want people using your "collectibles' in place of the products they ought to be using.!

Photo are courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Top Ten Excuses Why Your Antique Mall Or Shop Business Is Slow

Diagnosing Your Antique Mall Doldrums

This post is for those of us who are IN THE ANTIQUE BIZ and who are accustomed to hearing excuses for why business is off in our Antique Malls or shops. No matter what the month or season is......I have friends who will tell me why business is slow. And as you have probably already guessed....there are plenty of possible explanations. Feel free to add you own ideas about Why business is slow!

Top Eleven Excuses:
Why Your Antique Business is Slow

1. "Everyone is on vacation"

2. " People are busy outdoors (raking leaves) (shoveling snow) (mulching property) .

3. "It's too hot to go out"

4. "It's too cold to go out"

5. "It's raining too hard"

6. "Gas prices are up"

7. "It's back to school and mom's are busy"

8. "It's tax time "

9. "The volcano erupted"

10. "It seems everyone is attending a Tea Party protest event this weekend .

11. Election Distractions

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.