"Refind Green Designs": A New Vintage And Collectibles Shop In Downtown, Manchester, CT

Thrifty Kitschy Shoppers Will Love "Refind Green Designs" In Downtown, Manchester, CT

I was off to Manchester CT to one of my favorite haunts when I stumbled across a brand new vintage shop called "Refind Green Designs". Cheryl the owner was as friendly as can be and was still unpacking oodles of vintage clothing, retro items and goodies galore.

You'll Have A Ball Meeting The Owner of Refind Green Designs

Cheryl is the type of person that you feel like you have known for years. She makes you feel real comfortable and wants to push the stuff right out of the store so she is very fair.

After spending a bit of time with Cheryl, you feel like you are with your BF ...having a hoot , shopping and chatting away.

Filling Up Shopping Bags With Goodies

I filled several big shopping bags before I left "Refind Green Designs". Cheryl climbed up on a ladder and pulled down all these very dusty but great advertising tins and bottles.

Funky Retro Finds in Downtown Manchester, CT

She had a lot of very funky collectibles in the store , all mixed together in a rather random matter that seemed to work quite well. I especially like the way she used an old metal locker to display vintage clothing. And boy did she have a lot of clothing everywhere. While I was visiting the shop, Cheryl was putting out dozens of vintage lady's hats.

Vintage Versus Thrift?

Now you know I like to be straight up with my readers. This tiny vintage shop is located in what is known as The Manchester Mall on Main Street in Downtown, Manchester, CT. This very old building leases out tiny stores to a variety sellers of mostly thrift like merchandise.

Refind Green Designs Is A Shop With Vintage Attitude!

It's a real hit or miss type of place and I only stop by when I am in town visiting Silk City Antiques a Mullti-dealer shop which is a few doors down from "Manchester Mall" (not to be confused with Buckland Mall). "Refind Green Designs" in the very front of this Mall building is a cute little shop that seems to have a lot more interesting stuff than the neighboring shops . I have a feeling Cheryl will keep up her shop with fresh inventory and lots of energy!

Historic Downtown Manchester, CT

The Manchester Mall is part of the Downtown historic area which grew in the 1900's in response to the Cheney Manufacturing Company, producers of silk textiles. Cheney was once the largest manufacturer of it's kind in the United States. At one time, the downtown area had Woolworth's, Montgomery Ward, W.T. Grant and many other
department stores.

Visiting Downtown Manchester, CT Restaurants

Today, the Downtown district is trying hard to revitalize the area. Tucked away in some of these old building is some very good restaurants. My favorites are Corey's Catsup and Mustard (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives) , Mulberry Street Pizza and The Landmark Cafe.

Refind Green Designs
811 Main Street
in The Manchester Mall
860-550-1954

Postscript: this store is closed at that adress 11/6/12

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting Farms Village Antiques In West Simsbury, CT

Across From Tulmeadow Farm, Farm Village Antiques Is Located In A Delightful Setting

On a beautiful day, it is so peaceful to take a ride to visit Farms Village Antiques and Collectibles in West Simsbury, Ct. Across the street from this charming antique shop is Tulmeadow Farm, a working dairy farm. While this area of Connecticut still has a few remaining farms, the surrounding area is called The Farmington Valley and is know for beautiful upscale homes , excellent public schools and world famous private schools such as The Ethel Walker School nearby.

Cows are There To Greet You

The cows are there to greet you as customers stop by the farm shop or ice cream stand where they serve homemade ice cream.

It's so nice to take a ride to Farm Village and breath in the country air while shopping for antiques and collectibles.

History Of Farm Village Antiques

Farm Village Antiques and Collectibles was originally called Sugar Loaf Mountain Antiques or Gibby's (establiished by Gilbert Picairn). Gibby passed away in 1990 and this quaint group shop was renamed. It is now run by the dealers who share the cost of keeping the shop going and taking turns at the front desk.

This Old Post Office Is Packed With Antiques And Collectibles

Even though it is a small shop, it is packed with furniture, glassware, pottery paintings, garden items, decorative accessories and more. Farms Village Antiques is located in the picturesque village of West Simsbury at the foothills of Sugar Loaf Mountain in the historic post office building.

Farm Village Antiques, Art, Collectibles
250 Farms Village Road
West Simsbury, CT

860-651-9599

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Red And White Wooden Spice Cabinet With Art Deco Design

Charming Red And White Shelf For Your Vintage Kitchen

I love small red and white kitchen shelves and have a hard time resisting them when I find them. This adorable shelf has an art deco feel . Often I buy little shelves like these shown because they are great for making adorable displays.

Showing Buyers How to Display Their Collections

I find that it is important to show buyers how they too can display their own collections. Believe me, it is not that easy to find smaller vintage kitchen shelves or cabinets as they were originally referred to.

No One Wants to Part With These Cute Shelves

And I am afraid that you will discover some high prices for these shelves because the sellers usually do not want to part with them so quickly and therefore mark them higher to keep them around longer.

This Vintage Spice Cabinet Or Also Comes In Black And White Vintage Spice

The same day I bought this cutie, I found a black and white version as well. Guess what, both shelves are now on display at my shop Kitsch n Stuff, which is part of The Collinsville Antiques Company.

I particularly wanted to photograph the back of the shelf because it has the original manufacturer's paper label and instructions.

The Original Paper Label Still On The Vintage Shelf

While it is labeled a Universal Spice Cabinet, there is a note at the bottom of the paper label stating that it can also be used in bathrooms. It is designed to mount on the wall or to be used inside a cabinet door.

It is quite sweet. I originally thought I would use it to display my collection of little bisque dolls, but that decided it looked better in my shop to hold my collection of spice tins.

You will generally find these type of shelves selling for $24.00-32.00.

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Customizing Display Space For Small Antique Booths

The Trick Is To Maximize Vertical Space In A Small Antique Booth Or Shop

Are you short on display space in a very small antique booth? Well here is a unique shelf made out of Styrofoam shelves creating compartment spaces for "smalls" that was spotted c at Farm Village Antiques And Collectibles.

If you have ever visited this tiny shop which is across the street from Tulmeadow Farms (the best homemade ice cream), you will note that there isn't a lot of floor space, so that dealers need to go up and maximize their vertical space. This clever shelving unit was made to fit the space and it sure does hold a lot of smaller antiques and collectibles.

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Paper Candy Boxes Are Sweet Collectibles

Collecting Vintage Candy Boxes And Tins
Vintage candy boxes and tins are very popular today, especially colorful ones with exciting graphics and interesting type styles.

It is not unusual to pay $25.00-75.00 or more for special paper candy boxes or early tins. The Harriet Clark's yellow and red candy box, along with the Betty Dixon candy box were both found at The Stratford Antique Cemter,


Vintage Candy Boxes Attract A Variety Of Collectors

Candy boxes are collected by a variety of collectors including buyers who specialize in vintage advertising, candy related collectibles, a specific company or brand, drugstore collectibles, soda fountain collectibles and period related decor such as Victorian Era.

Collecting Paper Candy Boxes by Theme

Sometimes a collector is after a theme such as "cherries", "flowers", "polka dots" etc. and may desire a particular candy box because it fits into their collecting category.

What Shape Is Your Vintage Candy Box In?

As you can imagine, the more attractive the box or unusual the box (or tin) is the more the price goes up. Paper collectibles are hard to find in good condition. Often you will find paper boxes that have water damage, stains or tears. Be sure to look over a box very carefully.

Victorian Era Vintage Candy Boxes

The boxes shown with the ribbons in place are Victorian era and quite hard to find with the scalloped edges. i spotted these beauties on the upper level of Fairgrounds Antiques Center in Sturbridge, Mass.

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Cleaning Out Your Parent's House: Letting Go Gently

Selling An Estate Or Helping Your Parents Downsize

That dreaded day has finally come...you are asked to go clean out mom and or dad's house. But where do you begin? Your elderly parents tell you often that they have a lot of "valuables" in the house. But what do they mean by "valuables" ?

First I would like to clarify the term "valuables". An object (collectible) has psychological "value" as well as market value.
Most of us get attached to parts of our home whether it be a favorite chair or treasured coffee cup.

It's hard to say good bye to our dear furnishings and or housewares, decor etc. Older adults often need help letting go of belongings which have lots of meaning for them Adult children need to help their parents let go of their treasures in a gentle manner.

Sentimental Value: Letting Go Of Family Treasures

Lets us start with the concept of sentimental value? Getting to the place when you are beginning to let go of family treasures and furnishings is a very big deal. This is a process which needs to happen over time in stages.

Unfortunately, many older adults who downsize into a smaller apartment, nursing home, assisted living facility etc. simply can't take everything with them. So often time, adult children are faced with having to help mom and dad part with rooms filled with memories. It is my hope that many of you may take some time to make wise decisions.

Have Family Gathering Sessions To Share Memories

Sometimes, the transition is made easier, when furniture and belongings are dispersed among family members such as adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Many older adults feel so much better knowing that what they have will be passed onto to others in the family. I remember my Aunt Dotty inviting me over to her apartment before she moved to Florida to pick out some of my favorite kitchen dishes and serving pieces. But what if the younger members of the family are not interested in older furniture or decorative accessories? What is the next step?

Having An Interim Plan Before You Let Go Of The Contents Of A Home

For some families, the need to sell off the contents of a house or even the house itself, comes way before the psychological work of letting go of memories has been completed. Older adults may need help in the letting go process. Here are some ways to begin helping older adults transition into smaller space.

1. Have immediate family members (adult children) gather in the home to have time to share memories and to go through belongings together.

2. A second or third gathering might include adult grandchildren or nephews and nieces to the home to also share in the letting go process.

3. Designate important belongings to come along into the new residence.

4. Consider putting furnishings and family collectibles in storage as an interim step.

5. Consult an estate liquidation expert. Consult: Estate Mavens on my site I Antique Online.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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting Linda Mays Antiques And Collectibles, Winsted, CT

Winsted, Connecticut Is Home To A Main Street With Many Antiques Shops

Often when a factory town slows down and stores close up, antique shops seem to move in. That is what has happened to Main Street in Winsted, Connecticut. There is now a nice grouping of shops on Route 44 in the center of town.

Whimsical Finds At Linda Mays Antiques

One of the most interesting and colorful antiques shops is owned by Linda May. She is a very creative woman who seems to have built a collection of quirky and whimsical finds.

Linda Is A Charming Junk Artist

Linda, is known to dabble in what some may call junk art. I have seen some of Linda's mirrors, vases, frames which are covered with charms beads, buttons, jewelry parts. These pieces are very attractive and adored by retro art enthusiasts.

Customers Come From Litchfield, Ct. New York And Surrounding Towns
During my recent visit, I noted a good deal of ceramics and pottery in this small group shop (I believe there are two other dealers with Linda) which attracts customers from New York, Litchfield, Ct and the surrounding Farmington Valley region.

Upscale Thrift

To be perfectly clear about what you will find at Linda Mays, think about the shop as a upper end thrift shop which crosses over to an antiques and collectibles shop. The items for sale are a bit more interesting than what you will generally find. Linda's store has a very artsy feel to it, whichis why I enjoy my visits.

I asked Linda for a business card so I could post more specific info for my readers. But laid back Linda said, to just say her shop was Linda Mays. You can find her open open on weekends.

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Have Your Vintage Wedding In A Shabby Chic Metal Gazebo

Vintage Shabby Chic Metal Gazebo For Sale At The Collinsville Antiques Company

Are you having a lawn wedding and in need of a vintage attractive metal Gazebo? Or do you own a restaurant and need some pizazz for your outdoor seating? Well hold onto your retro creative hats....I have spotted quite the patio prize.

Shabby Chic Gazebo

I have to say, this wonderful metal shabby chic gazebo may be the biggest find I found today at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT. Doug and Cindy love bringing in larger than life props and unusual interior and exterior decorative furnishings.

Vintage Wedding Bells

Cindy, knew exactly what she wanted to do with this gazebo. She has created a delightful gazebo enclosed patio, surrounded by indoor trees and decorated with garden furniture.

All That Is Needed Is a Bride And Groom

But something is missing inside the gazebo......Cindy wants to see a bride and groom enter this Shabby Chic paradise. The vintage wedding dress awaits the bride to be. You can just picture Prince Charming on his way to The Collinsville Antiques Company to meet his waiting lady or is it Lady in Waiting? I think it is a waiting lady who will be attended by her Lady in Waiting.


Who Will Adopt This Wonderful Gazebo ?

At any rate...Doug and Cindy...patiently wait for someone to adopt this beautiful gazebo and give it the proper lawn it deserves.

Read More:

http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-decorate-gazebo-vintage-wedding.html

http://weddingelegante.com/wedding-gazebo-decorations/


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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Liquidating Your Parent's Home Fast and Efficiently: Hiring A Professional Estate Sale Service

Getting Rid Of Your Parent's Stuff Quickly And Efficiently

One of the fastest and most efficient ways to get rid of a house full of stuff after a family member has passed on or mom/dad decides to move to an assisted living facility or smaller place is to have an estate sale in the home. You can recruit family members to help you hold the sale (BIG JOB) or engage an estate sale professional to conduct the sale for you (SENSIBLE IDEA) .

When To Call In An Auction House

When there is a lot of very good furniture, paintings, jewelry you can also consider hiring an auction service that may actually run the auction right on the premises or select out some of the contents to sell in their auction house.


When An Estate Or Tag Sale Makes Sense

While calling in an auction house may make sense for some estates, for many families, the treasures left behind fall more into the tag, garage or yard sale category than the gavel category. Boxes of unopened can openers, kitchen canisters, glassware, store premiums etc. do well when sold at an organized estate or garage sale. The same is true for older linens in fair condition, common book collections, knick knacks, housewares, Made In Japan figurines, holiday decorations, luggage, old boxes, old tins, clothing, lawn furniture, records, common paper collectibles, tools, puzzles, etc. Of course you may have a few gems hidden in the piles of accumulated stuff. This is a perfectly sound reason why getting professional help makes sense.

Professionals Have Know How Which Is Key To Having A Successful Estate Sale

The task of pricing lots of "smalls" can be quite a project and it is great to have experienced professionals come into you home and do all the tedious work. Estate sale companies bring tables, staff and know how to your sale making the process so much smoother. Professionals also know how to promote and advertise a sale which is key to the process.

Networking To Others in The Estate Liquidation Business

People who run the sale for you can be a tremendous help because they are usually already networked to others in the business such as auctioneers, antique dealers, delivery and trash services. It can be an overwhelming task for adult children to come into their parent's home and know how to disperse years worth of furniture, collectibles and JUNK.

Stages of Liquidating The Contents Of An Estate

1. Family members visit the home and review and discuss the contents of the home and any written directives about who is getting what. If nothing was in writing, the immediate family needs to talk about how they are going to divide the contents.

2. The next step is to disperse sentimental and requested items among adult children, grandchildren, relatives etc.

3.The family should then make decisions about how to disperse the rest of the home, garage, attic.

4. Families should discuss possible options available to them when deciding to liquidate ta parent's home. Family members can liquidate a home themselves or engage a professional estate sale liquidator .

5. Next, a designated family member calls in a few estate sale professionals to interview them about their services.

How To Find Estate Sale Professional

1. Visit Estate Mavens a wonderful forum for resources on my site I Antique Onlile.com
2. Network with friends who have used services.
3. Contact a a trusted real estate company who will know of services.
4. Call a reputable auction house for referrals of estate sale professionals.
5. Ask a local and trusted antique shop or antique mall for referrals.
6. Look at advertisements in you local newspaper to see who is actively doing this work.
7. Check out http://www.estatesales.net/
8. Watch for sales in your area and visit a sale run by professionals.

These wonderful photos are from the collection at 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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Housewares Featured In 1954 G. FOX & CO. Spring Catalog Found On Etsy.com

G. Fox & Co. Operated In Downtown Hartford From 1847 Until 1993

You know how much I adore old catalogs of housewares. Well look at what I just found at
Faith n Hope10 on Etsy.com .... a vintage 1954 G. Fox Spring Catalog. ooh la la.....pictures of retro housewares....I am in heaven. I love finding old kitchenware catalogs.. First of all as you can imagine, it is a blast actually seeing the collectibles we love to buy, featured in these salvaged advertising booklets.

Shopping At Fox's

Second, I'm excited to have found a G. Fox catalog, because I shopped at Fox's (as we called it for years). We all miss G. Fox but are glad that a fine store like Macy's has kept the remaining G. Fox department store continuing in business.

G. Fox America's Largest Privately Owned Department Store

G. Fox & Co. was once the largest privately owned department store in the United States which operated in downtown Hartford, CT from 1847 until 1993. Gerson Fox established his "fancy goods" store on Main Street in 1847.

According to the Fox philosophy outlined on the site "Remembering G Fox & Co"
four principles were held for generations:

Four Principles At G. Fox & Co.

1. The customer is always right.
2. If you can get it anywhere, you can get it at G. Fox Co.
3. If G. Fox says it's so, it must be so.
4. G. Fox Co. is never knowingly undersold.

Upon his passing, Gerson Fox's philosophy was kept alive by his son, Moses Fox, and later by his granddaughter, Beatrice Fox Auerbach; each of them led the store to periods of greater growth and prosperity. http://www.chs.org/finding_aides/fox/welcome.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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Charming Vintage Straw Hats At The Blue House Vintage Shop In Canton, CT

Are You Ready To Wear A Vintage Straw Gardening Hat?

I just loved these gardening hats I spotted today at The Blue House Vintage Shop in Canton CT. These hats are huge...so your head will most certainly be covered when you are out planting and weeding. Doesn't that scenario sound better than shoveling snow and salting ice?

Or Wear These Vintage Hats To The Beach

And if gardening is not your thing....by all means, wear these beauties to the beach and you will be retro ray protected. In fact the brims on these hats look like they could cover two people at a time!

How About Wearing A Vintage Straw A Vintage Straw Hat For Easter?

These sweet hats would also make lovely Easter attire. For six dollars a piece, I think you could get a lot of bang out of you buck. You could even change the trim if you like and add different embellishments and colors. Etsy.com is as great place to find vintage millinery supplies to add to your vintage hats.

I you love vintage hats, be sure to visit a wonderful group forum on Ladies Vintage Hats on my site I Antique Online .

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Finding 1950s Housewares At Queen Anne Antiques In Canton, CT.

Retro Kitchen Lovers Will Have A Fun Time At Queen Anne Antiques In Canton, CT

I have been out and about today checking out some of my favorite haunts for kitchen collectibles. Today I stopped into Queen Anne Antiques on Route 44 in Canton, CT.

Old New Age Versus New Old Age?

While this wonderful smaller shop carries a wide range of vintage kitchen stuff, I must say April seems to be shifting a little bit to a new age theme. She tells me that the shop's inventory varies according to what finds it's way into the store. Well when I visited Queen Anne Antiques today, it seemed like a lot of Guru goodies are landing on her lap!

Retro Housewares Are Kitschy Kool

But no need to fret...... April still has a very healthy section of vintage and retro housewares and kitchen-wares. I prefer 1950's housewares and textiles to OLD New Age such as candles, incense holders and elephants. So I was delighted to find plenty of Pyrex, enamelware and kitchen kitsch in stock. In fact if you are looking for Pyrex nesting bowls, you will find three sets of primary color bowls on hand.

Vintage Green Metal Utility Cart

My favorite funky 50's find was this neat retro green utility cart which is is shown above. You can see one of those Pyrex bowl sets sitting on the top shelf of the cart. Just seeing these housewares, brings me back to my mom's kitchen in Fresh Meadows, N.Y. I'm getting the urge for a Twinkie !

Visit
QUEEN ANN ANTIQUES Rear of 163 Albany Turnpike, Route 44, Canton, CT (860) 847-2094

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

1930's Nu Enamel Paint Advertising Booklets: A Great Find!

Vintage Household Advertising Booklets Are Loaded With Useful Information

If you are lucky enough to find original household product catalogs or booklets you may have just tapped into some very collectible items.

One of my favorite sites for finding household ephemera is Kelley Street Vintage on Etsy.com
She often has early advertising pieces such as these 1930's Nu Enamel Paint Pictorial advertising booklets which covers kitchen, baths and more. These illustrations and color schemes offer important information to designers, collectors and historians.

The description Kelley offers about these colorful booklets is:

"These are very neat - a pair of 1930's vintage Nu Enamel interior Paints pictorial advertising fold out booklets, 3" x 6 1/4" double sided with 4 panels to a side, flower color themed enamel paints with kitchens one folder and baths the other, great for framing all together or can be framed as little scenes also, both excellent condition"

Recently a friend gave me a pile of older home interior and exterior booklets. He was saving these gems in his barn and thought of me when he rediscovered them. He knew that since I write books on kitchen and home collectibles that I would find these catalogs and advertising materials valuable for research purposes.

Don't Throw Out Old Paper Items

If you have ever attended a paper show, you will see some big prices on some of these catalogs. So, if you spot vintage household advertising booklets at a flea market or online at low prices...scoop them up. And do I have to tell you....when cleaning out your parent's home....don't ditch the paper stuff......there is value in those junk drawers!

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Childrens Activity Booklets Attract Many Different Types Of Collectors

What You Need To Know About Selling Vintage Children's Activity Booklets

Should you sell vintage children's booklets as a set or separate and sell individually? The answer is.....it depends on what the set is and whether the puzzle or coloring booklets came in a box that is in very good shape. For common puzzle booklets that are unused and un-boxed, I like to sell them individually.

In this post you are looking at colorful soft cover 1953 unused child's activity booklets that ave adorable cover images which are suitable for framing, collecting or even using.

Different Types Of Collectors Adore Children's Booklets

Buyers for these type of collectibles can vary from folks who are collecting all things in the category of vintage childrens "toys" or "art related materials" to collectors of a particular theme such as "elephants", "beach", "circus animals" . When you separate out the booklets, you may be able to reach more collectors.

Protecting Paper Collectibles

I generally protect paper collectibles with cellophane or plastic bag wrapping. I prefer to put the price tag onto the outer plastic bag and I avoid writing directly on any paper collectible. Some sellers do write the price in pencil on the item, because paper price labels are known to dry out and fall off your items for sale.

Box Covers Are Also Collectible

Sometimes you will find boxed sets of coloring or painting booklets that contain partial contents. You can consider selling the box separate from the booklets if the graphics on the box are very attractive and the inside contents is so beat up that it detracts from the "whole".

When The Booklets Have Been Used

When the inside of a coloring book or activity has been used, the value decreases, but if the graphics on the cover are wonderful or done by a notable artist, or the cover is of a collectible character you still may have something worth selling . The booklets shown in this post or common collectibles which sell for $4.00-6.00 a piece.

As mentioned before, I would not break up more valuable sets of children books or booklets that is found in complete form. Do some homework before coming to your conclusion. Visit my site http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ for some more guidance.

These delightful photos are from the collection at: 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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists

Northwestern Connecticut Antiques & Collectibles Show Sunday March 20, 2011, Winsted, CT

You Will Enjoy The Northwestern Antique Show: This Weekend, March, 20th, 2011

One of my favorite Antique Shows is on deck this Sunday (March 20, 2011), The New Hartford Lions Club Northwestern Connecticut Antiques & Collectibles Show. You know Spring is close, when the Northwest Show returns each year. Held at Northwest Regional School #7 which is off Route 44 in Winsted, CT, this show is always worth the trip for me.

Plenty of Collectibles To Come Home With At The Northwestern Connecticut Antiques & Collectibles Show

Many of the dealers at this show carry my favorite types of collectibles including, kitchenwares, advertising, Country collectibles, primitives, textiles, glassware, pottery, books, toys and more. I always come home with plenty of goodies. The prices are generally fair, the assortment is is fun, the dealers are eager to sell.

Food is available, including breakfast, lunch and homemade pies.
Early buying is at 8:30-9:30.
Show hours 9:30-4:00pm

About The Lions Club

By the way, The Lion's Club also sponsors two great Flea Markets: Saturday, June 4, 2011
and Saturday, September 24, 2011

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 I Antique Online 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 Society of Professional Journalists