Farmington Valley Art Center, Avon, CT. Hosted Mixed Media Weekend Workshop By Artist Lynn Gall

The Mixus Gals Were Back in Classroom 3A At The Farmington Valley Art Center, Avon, Ct.

It was great to be back in classroom 3A at the Farmington Valley Art Center with some of the gals of Mixus, a group of Connecticut Mixed media artists who originally met at FVAC a number of years ago while taking lots of classes together. Art (top) by C. Dianne Zweig

Lynn Gall
Returns to
FVAC

The Mixus mates, joined by another student and FVAC veteran, re-united with their friend and mixed media art instructor Lynn Gall for a busy Mixed media weekend workshop at The Farmington Valley Arts Center. Lynn returned to FVAC following a few years abroad and now residing in NYC.

Artwork (with letters) is by Jill Henderson Pasanen.

Weekend Challenge: Mixed Media Grid Design

Lynn showed workshop members examples of artwork with a grid design. With a little bit of inspiration.....we all got very industrious and down to work. As is usually the case, we only came up for air two times, lunch on Saturday and lunch on Sunday.

Artist Lynn Gall

Otherwise we were all knee deep in paint, papers and STUFF. Carolyn Tertes and Jill Henderson Pasanen (below) were tied for bringing with them the most boxes and bags filled with painted papers. Bunny Millan probably brought in as many mixed media materials as Carolyn and Jill but her very neat stash is deceptive. She conceals more.

Jill Pasanen
at the easle

Collage Medium
Verus
Glue Stick

I'm the outlaw, not digging messy stuff as much as the other Mixus gals , I brought a few glue sticks, my paint and pastels and begged Carolyn and Jill for a few pieces of their fabulous papers. Beverly Spence, a FVAC frequent flyer who loves collage and is an amazing artist, was new to working with all the mixed media STUFF. We are breaking her in.

Carolyn Tertes triptych

Critique Time

Beverly Spence & Carolyn Tertes

On Sunday after we cleaned up our work stations we reviewed our work in the critique session.This is a very exciting dimension of the weekend workshop when the group has a chance to take a look at how each of the members resolved their artistic challenges.

Deep in thought is Bunny Milan listening to the critique.

While the workshop is going on, we are all glued (no pun intended) to our own projects in progress and not really thoroughly involved with what's happening to the to the artist's work. Lynn is busy consulting with each and everyone of us, but it isn't until the end of the weekend session that all of the workshop participants sit back and get a chance to see what each artist has accomplished. I can tell you that it was a very productive weekend for all of us who attended this workshop...we produced a lot of successful pieces.

When Is Lynn Returning To FVAC ?

Rumor has it that Lynn will be back to The Farmington Valley Arts Center in January and in March.
For more information about Mixed Media workshops at FVAC or other wonderful classes and workshops, visit: http://artsfvac.org/ Visit C. Dianne Zweig's studio at FVAC

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

Displaying Your Vintage Postcards On Colorful Streamers

Hanging Your Vintage Cards On Colorful Streamers

Retro-Hang-Up Series

While this idea is not exactly a vintage Retro Hang Up, this cool way of hanging postcards and announcements could easily be adapted for antique dealers who need a great display idea for their collectible cards. . Spotted at The Farmington Valley Art Center, Avon, CT., colorful bands or streamers of very durable material were attached to a dowel (wood rod) which hangs from a side wall. Clips were added to the bands to hold the cards.

A Functional Vintage Colorful Display For Cards

I think that the colorful bands are the key to this fabulous functional display idea. Wouldn't this Retro Hang-Up look great for the holidays with vintage Christmas postcards or greeting cards?

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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Painting An Old Kitchen Table White With Cherries

Charming Red And White Vintage Kitchen Table With Cherries

I recently spotted this wonderful old wooden kitchen table that was given a new life when the owner painted the table top white and added retro style red cherries.

Cherries Were Popular In the 1940s

Cherries were a favorite design in the 1940s , being used on kitchen products, aprons, textiles, clothing and more. Over the years many designers have brought back cherries to create the vintage look.

Painting An Old Kitchen Table White

Often you will come across an old kitchen table at a yard sale or in a shop and parts of it might be in very rough condition. Well here is the perfect solution, WHITE paint. With a little bit of attention to sanding the surface of the table and the right paint and finish, you can transform a junky table into a work of art!

Use A Stencil Or Free Hand To Paint Cherries

As you can see in these photos, the table top was painted white and red cherries and polka dots were added. You can make your own stencil of cherries or buy a stencil already made in a craft store. You can also paint the cherries free hand.

Adding Black Polka Dots

Look how nicely, red and white accessories look on top of the table. You will also notice black polka dots on the table top design. There is nothing as striking as red, white and some black accents. Vintage chairs were also painted white and the cherry motif was added to the chair seats. This is a very sweet set.

Painting A Wooden Table

There are many different strategies for painting a wooden table. You can read about this topic online or ask your neighborhood paint store clerk.
These photographs were taken at Salmon Brook Shops in Granby. CT
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

When to Open An Antique Booth Or Shop?

Choosing The Best Time To Move Into A Group Antique Shop Or Antique Mall

Many more people are interested in selling the antiques and collectibles that they have acquired over the years. Some folks are just natural collectors, while others have dabbled in the buying and selling of antiques and collectibles for years, but never took the leap into owning a small shop or a booth in an Antique mall.

Is There A Good Time To Open An Antique Shop or Antique Booth?

Let's say you have decided to take space in an ANTIQUE MALL or rent some space in a group shop? When is the best time to make the plunge? Is there a good time and a bad time?
Here is what I have learned about the biz over the years and also from being the Editor of the largest Antique social network I Antique Online.com

Fall Into Your New Antique Business

Business picks up in the late Fall through the Christmas holiday season. People go out shopping and business is very lively. So you might consider moving into an antique booth in the early Fall.

Winter Blues or Winter Bonanza When Opening An Antique Shop

In the Northeast, when the weather starts to get COLD and there is snow on the ground....business slows down. But it may also be a time to find a good deal on rental space. Owners of Antique Malls want to fill all their spaces and showcases so you may have a better time negotiating a good lease deal.

Do You Need A Quiet Time To Start?
The heart of the winter is also a quieter time for most people and you may just find this a good time to devote to setting up your business. But remember, it's harder to move cabinets, shelves, display cases etc. in icy weather. Never the less, it can be done. G-d only know, I have been there and done it. The good nes about moving in the winter months is that you will be good to go in the Spring.

Spring Into Action For Opening An Antique Store Or Booth

Now while the Spring is a nice time for people to be out and about shopping, it sometimes is alos a time when people are fussing with their lawns. So business can go up and down. In some areas, close to vacation spots, traffic increases according to the crowds. Ski resorts may bring in winter traffic, whereas beach areas see a swell of people in the warm summer months.

But be careful about moving into a antique booth or antique shop in the middle of the summer.....it's HOT and the work load may be a bit much!

Photo s courtesy of http://www.sturbridgeantiqueshops.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

Opening An Antique Store

Tips About Opening An Antique and Collectibles Business

I have been receiving more inquiries from folks who want to start their own antique business. In the biz there are a few categories of shops. I will first briefly describe the kinds of antique businesses there are. Than I will offer some important ideas to think about when reviewing your antique store options. Remember, these decisions have to fit your lifestyle, budget, geographic location etc. There is no one right answer.

Types of Antique Businesses

Solo Antique Shop Antique Mall Online Antique Store

You can open a regular Antique store called a Brick and Mortar shop (retail store that people visit in person). This type of store can be a solo ownership or a group shop where you manage the sales of other dealers as well as your own.

Another popular way to sell antiques and collectibles is to lease space in an Antique Mall or Group Antique store. In this arrangement you rent a booth. In most places you have the option to rent a full booth or a half a booth. Some stores even allow you to rent a double booth if space is available.

And the last type of business you might consider is opening up an online Antique store on some of the many sites that are devoted to the buying and selling of antiques and collectibles. This way of doing business requires that you must be
responsible for shipping out all your merchandise to customers who buy from your online store.

So how do you make the decision which way to go? Here are some thoughts to keep in mind while you are sorting through the decision process.

What Type of Antique Business Should I Open ?

Solo Antique Shop

Will the shop get a lot of foot traffic or cars that pass by? Is it on a main roadway or in an area of similar shops? How many days will I plan to be open? Do I have a budget for help? Can I be available to be in the store on Saturdays and Sundays, the two busiest days for sales? Do I have enough inventory to fill a solo shop? Where and when will I get more mercahndise to fill my solo shop? Can I afford to have someone cover for me when I am unable to be at the store? Do I have an advertising budget? How will I plan to bring in new customers?


Antique Mall / Group Antique Store

Number one question is whether a booth (or showcase) will be enough space for me to sell what I have? If this is a full time adventure, is there enough space to make money? What price range is the stuff I have to sell? There is a big difference between selling high end estate jewelry and selling tag sale quality flea market finds.. How many dealers are in the Multi-Dealer Antique shop I am considering? What size are the booth spaces? How long has the group shop (or Antique Mall) be in business? Is this store conveniently located for me? If the store is a distance from my home, how often will I plan to come to the store to bring in new merchandise or organize my booth? What is the lease on this booth? Does the owner take an administrative fee? Do I have to do floor time?

Online Antique Store

Can I learn how to photograph objects so they will sell well? What is my plan for shipping out goods? Do I like packing antiques and collectibles? Do I intend to be home at the computer a good deal of the time? What kinds of antiques and collectibles do I want to sell? This business is usually better suited for smalls? Do I want to sell on an already existing site geared to antiques and collectibles? or start my own free standing website? How will I promote my online business? Do I have social media skills? (On I Antique Online.com) there are many group forums geared to this topic.

Photos courtesy of Salmon Brook Shops, Granby Connecticut

Learn more about this topic on http://iantiqueonline.ning.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

How To Sell Antiques On The Super Blog I Antique Online.com

Free Ways To Sell Antiques On The Largest Social Network For Antiques And Collectibles

As the editor of I Antique Online.com, the largest social network on antiques and collectibles, I receive a lot of inquiries about whether you can sell antiques on this popular social network. The answer is YES YES YES.

Sell In One of 188 Antique Group Forums

In fact I Antique Online.com is as fabulous place to sell your antiques and collectibles because the site is divided into 188 special groups which allows you to reach people who are most interested in what you have to sell. For example, if you inherited a box of vintage postcards, you will be able to post and sell your old postcards right in the Vintage Postcard Group on I Antique Online.com.

Target Your Antique Buyer

There is nothing better than directly targeting people who are most interested in a specific type of antique.
To see all 188 groups that are on I Antique Online.com visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/groups In each of the group forums on I Antique Online.com you are able to tell others about items that you would like to sell.

More Ways To Sell Your Antiques Online For FREE

But selling in one of the 188 groups is not the only place to promote and sell your antiques and collectibles on I Antique Online.com You are also able to add an RSS feed to your "My Page" (Profile page) and link your on line stores or shops to your 'My Page". Or you can add your webiste URL to your "My Page" or other links you might have.

Another easy way to tell others about items that you might want to sell is to take great photographs of what you have to offer and to post these photos on your " My Page" . If they are drally good photos, the editor (me) can feature them on the Main page and you get super exposure!

SELL MY ANTIQUES GROUP

Last but not least, on I Antique Online.com there is a group called SELL MY ANTIQUES
which is a place for members of this social network to post items for sale in the same way as you would use a classified ad. The best part it is FREE!

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

How Being A Group Forum Moderator On An Antique Social Network Can Boost Your Antique Business

Free Ways To Promote Your Antique Business

Becoming a group moderator on an Antique social network such as I Antique Online.com is a great way to promote your antique business. Group forums are social media groups geared to bringing like minded people together to share discussions, photos and stories about a particular collectible or antique topic.On I Antique Online.com there are currently 188 antique group forums.

Do You Have To Be An Expert To Moderate An Antique Group Forum?

Many people have the false impression that they need to be an expert on a particular antique subject to qualify to be a group forum moderator. Actually, while that may be important in some groups, for the most part it is not critical to be an expert. What is far more important is for a group moderator to be a people person who likes helping others engage in the group active and exciting.

If you own a Antique shop or sell antiques online, you may just want to bring more attention to your business. By serving as a group forum moderator you set yourself up as a active business person. The business exposure for your antique store is very helpful and the promotion is free. It's a win win situation.

Visit I Antique Online.com

If you would like to moderate a group forum on I Antique Online.com, contact me at Dianne@cdiannezweig.com.

Visit: I Antique Online.com

Photo courtesy of Burlington Inn Antiques on Route 4, Burlington, CT

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

Bringing Customer To Your Antique Shop: What's Outside?

J.P. Finishing Touches Keeps Lot's Of Stuff On Their Porch

I can spot an antique shop miles away. My nose knows where the collectibles are on any given road. But I have a sixth sense for these things. Some people need a lot more help figuring out that there is Antique store approaching. They need HINTS.


What Do You Keep Outside Your Antique Shop?

One of the best ways to lure the visitors to your shop is to LOOK like an antique shop. How do you do that? Keep STUFF outside. There is nothing like drawing in people with great items for sale right outside your door. One fella I know brings half his shop outside each and every day he is open.


Pay Attention To The Exterior of Your Antique Shop

Another shop owner has decorated the exterior walls of his shop with hanging vintage farm tools.
Some shops will use vintage garden antiques or a cottage style look to attract customers. Objects with bright colors such as RED will stand out to customers. The idea is to let people know what you sell so they don not just drive by. You need to keep your front porch, lawn, stoop etc. fresh and exciting!

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

I Antique On Blogs

How To Find Antique Blogs

Sometimes I will go out antiquing on a weekend and come home empty handed. These are the days when I return to my home office bummed out. My engines are still running with a desire to keep on hunting for more STUFF, but now the shops are all closed. But there is a great solution. I Antique on blogs.

Satisfying Your Antique Cravings

I can fill my antiquing crave by poking around on line. A really good blog about antiques and collectibles will keep me satisfied. In fact, many dealers have created blogs to supplement their online shops.

Visiting Antique Blogs You Will Enjoy

So you might ask, how do I find the blogs that are worth visiting? Here is what I do. I go to Google images and type in a certain type of collectible. Let's say "Zippy The Monkey". Than I look for really good photographs of "Zippy The Monkey" on Google images. Or perhaps, I am after "vintage Pyrex bowls". I click on a few different images that interest me and sooner or later I land on a great blog.

Blog and Shop On Antiques

And when you discover a photo that you enjoy on Google images, usually that photo leads you back to a blogger who has other things you will like as well as as a shop that goes with the blog.

You see, when you blog regularly and post wonderful images, Google finds you and your images will be showcased on Google Images. I have found a lot of great blogs this way.

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

Building A Successful Social Network On Antiques And Collectibles

Antique Social Networks: Keeping Them Fresh & Engaging

I get asked all the time, "Why is your site I Antique Online.com working out so well?. My standard answer is, "build it right and they shall come" (paraphrased) ....remember the movie Field of Dreams ?
But what exactly is meant by "build it right " ?

Social Media For Antique Dealers & Collectors

If truth be known, when I I joined Scott Liscomb (co-founder of I Antique Online.com), SOCIAL MEDIA was a new VOCAB word for me. I was a clueless newbie not unlike many of "mature" folks who find their way onto I Antique Online.com. This is not to say that I am mature....but I am clueless about tech things.

I Antique Online.com Has 188 Group Forums For Collectors, Buyers, Sellers

But one thing I knew was that if you offer something worthwhile, people will come. In the case of a site about antiques and collectibles, what I offered members was lots and lots of group forums. I nurtured each one so that from humble beginnings each of the over 188 group forums developed as exciting, active places for like minded people to have conversations about a particular collecting topic. In addition to talking about kitchen collectibles or vintage jewelry or antique lighting etc., members have an opportunity to post photos of their favorite collectibles.

How To Build Strong Group Forums On Social Networks

The trick to keeping social networks on antiques and collectibles healthy is to "feed them". In other words, you have to provide plenty of nourishment in the way of fresh ideas, new blog articles, engaging forum posts, plenty of colorful photographs, relevant news features, guest authors etc. And you must, clean house often.

Drastic Measures

If a particular group is starving for attention...drastic measures may need to be taken, but first there are some remedies you can try to boost engagement.
You might have to change the moderator of a sleepy group, jump in (as editor) and guest moderate, recruit a heavy hitter to take over the group, post some exciting content in the group, send out a broadcast message to all members of the site etc. And if all else fails, you might have to take down a boring group and re-build it with a twist form scratch. Some groups seem to need a better karma.

Don't Abandon a Lazy Group On A Social Network

The worst thing you can do is to abandon a lazy group. I Antique Online.com is a fun, fresh and friendly place for buyers, sellers and collectors of antiques and collectibles. Be sure to visit us at: http://iantiqueonline.ning.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

Using A Metal Wine Bottle Rack To Display A Collection of Vintage Rolling Pins And Kitchen Tools

Roll Out A Useful Idea For Displaying Vintage Rolling Pins

Here is a cute display idea for kitchen tools spotted at The Blue House Vintage Shop in Canton, Ct.
Try showcasing your vintage rolling pins and other kitchen collectibles and tools in a metal wine rack. I love the way the rolling pins are displayed on an angle. The opening for wine bottles works just right for a collection of rolling pins.

While I write a lot of articles for antique shop owners, there is no reason why home owners couldn't adapt these ideas in their own kitchens. For dealers, this just may be a way to highlight your vintage rolling pins. Many dealers tend to hide their kitchen tools in a bucket or box. This clever idea may just help you sell some of your kitchen tools.

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

Around The World : Decorating With Global Collectibles And Style

Zen Meets Global: Bringing Home Global Style At Queen Anne Antiques

April who owns Queen Anne Antiques in Canton, CT. has really changed direction in her wonderful small but packed shop off Route 44 in Canton, Ct. Once a secret hiding place for all things Cottage Style, Retro and Vintage, April must be going through a totally new phase which I will call "Zen meets Global ".

Global Decorating Style

A Global Decorating Style appreciates the vast array of collectibles from all over the world. Many home owners like to mix objects, textiles and decorative accessories from far away places such as Indonesia, Africa, Japan, the Mediterranean coast. Travelers may enjoy bringing home colorful wall hangings or artwork or finding unique fabrics and textiles from other countries. Interesting patterned fabrics with vibrant colors can be used as a foundation for a wonderful global inspired room.

Global Collectibles

April seems to like keeping a nice inventory of ethnic, New Age and culturally diverse collectibles and furnishings. Slowly but surely over the last two years, April's eclectic shop has been becoming very design conscious with plenty of unique and unusual objects. Don't get me wrong, she stills has a really nice variety of kitchen collectibles, furniture, textiles, books etc., but now the shop also takes on a very artsy feel.

Looks Like Anthropologie

On a recent visit, April had lots of very interesting objects that you might see in a setting such as Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores). You will find, masks, figurines, baskets, tapestry, textiles, sculpture etc. April has loaded her store with Global collectibles. Some of these items are older, some more recent, but together the collection is worth taking a look at.

Shopping For Antiques In Canton, CT

By the way,around the corner from "Queen Anne Antiques", is "The Blue House Vintage Shop". And just a few stores down is "The Junk Shop of Canton". My Multi-dealer store, Collinsville Antiques Company is down the road on Route 44 in New Hartford. This is a great area to go hunting.


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

Displaying Your Mums In An Antique Baby Buggy

Up-Cycle Your Broken Vintage Doll Carriage To Hold Flowers

Lately I have been seeing a lot of wicker vintage baby carriages. Sometimes yu will find them in wondrful condition and you can just imagine sitting your antique doll collection inside of them.

But what about the times when you find or have a old baby buggy and it is not in very good condition? Well here is a wonderful idea when you have a good top but a broken bottom to your carriage. Up-cycle it as a outdoor (or even indoor) planter to display a large plant such as the Mums shown here.

This idea spotted at The Blue House Vintage Shop, Canton, Ct.

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

Altered Doll Assemblages: Using Up Your Vintage Junk

Creating Dolls Out of Vintage Junk

I would love to be able to try my hand at making Altered Doll Assemblages out of vintage odds and ends. Like many of you who are reading my blog, we are a group that enjoys collecting and saving everything!. Right now in my garage are at least four large plastic boxes filled with "stuff" that I am saving for a future craft project (I think).

What's In My Boxes Of Saved Junk

Broken china plates.
Orphaned shakers.
Missing puzzle pieces.
Lids without bottoms.
Vases without handles.
Books without covers.
Bent kitchen tools.
Dolls without legs or arms.
Cracked bowls.
Toy parts.
Naked trolls.
Twisted toy kitchen utensils.
Rusty tins.
Old keys.
Toy money.
Cups without saucers.
Maimed dolls.
Chipped figurines.
Unknown parts.
Vintage plastic lids.
Old jewelry parts.
Broken necklaces.
Torn rubber toys.
Ripped old paper fans.
Yo-Yos without string.
Thermos top.
Plastic vintage spoon.
Jar covers.
Wooden game pieces.

Surely, I could make a vintage inspired assemblage doll? So what is stopping me? I'll confess...my avoidance is related to Epoxy! After once making an assemblage for a charity auction ( I made "Mah Jongg Lady" out of a brick), I was traumatized by using Epoxy.It was an adhesive nightmare. If readers could share some tips about making doll assemblages that are user friendly...I'm willing to try. Feel free to spill the beans.

By the way, what's in your junk boxes?

These lovely dolls were found at Woodstock Antiques in Woodstock, CT.

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

Displaying Swanky Swigs And Vintage Glassware In A Mounted Old Coca Cola Box

Swanky Idea For Swanky Swigs

Another Retro Hang-Up Idea

You know how much the Kitschy collector likes to share funky display ideas. Well here is one of those clever display solutions that you say to yourself, "why didn't I think of that?"

This gal stuffed her vintage juice glasses and Swanky swigs inside the compartments of an old Coca Cola box. That is a really fun way to store and showcase vintage kitchen glassware.


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