Hip Christmas Holiday Serving Ideas For Retro Moms

Bring Some Retro Holiday Pizazz Into Your Home This Christmas

This year bring some RETRO Holiday pizazz into your home by setting your holiday table with colorful hip vintage kitchen-wares from the 1940s,1950s and 1960s.. Re-set your holiday clock and take the express bus right back to your favorite kitschy eras.

Serving Holiday Snacks In A Vintage Lazy Susan

How much fun will your holiday snacks look displayed in a ceramic dish Lazy Susan ?
Or what about picking out some quirky polka dotted salt and peppers shaker roosters to add to your holiday table? Forget about the crystal, the silver, the red and green.......mix it up...get retro...have fun.

Think RETRO When Out Shopping

It's easier than you think to decorate for the holidays. Take a visit to your nearby Antique Mall or Antique Group shop and think RETRO. As you walk up and down the aisles, look for colorful bowls, vases, serving pieces, trays, accessories etc. that seem to work well together.

Organize your selections in some way. Objects with a pattern such as polka dots. Or perhaps you want a black, white and red theme. You may decide to keep the traditional holiday colors of red and green but this year kick up your "green" a notch with a retro green color such as chartreuse.

Create Your Own Holiday Color Palette

And don't be afraid to create your own holiday color scheme. Who said you can't use a wonderful 1960's orange vase with green snack dishes. You can...you can invent your own interpretation of a Retro Christmas or Chanukah. I'd love to see pictures of your Retro holiday. Send them to me at Dianne@cdiannezweig.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

Collecting Vintage Housewares In Their Original Package

Five And Dime Housewares Are Fun Collectibles

I love retro housewares and have a hard time resisting buying good old Five and Dime packaged home goods whenever I spot them.. At my shop Kitsch n Stuff located in The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT you will find kitschy housewares from the 1930s, 19040s, 1950s, 1960s.

New Old Stock

While I often lament that it is getting harder and harder to come across vintage housewares and laundry accessories still in their original packaging, every now and then, you come across some new old stock. What I mean by new old stock, is that the stuff is original but has never been used. By the way, did you know they made covers for rolling pins? (see picture). Apparently, the homeowner who had this "non stick " rolling pin cover in her drawer or kitchen cabinet, did't do too much baking after all.

Collecting Old Thumb Tacks

I always wonder about the people who hold onto real old kitchen supplies so long? Did't they get the urge to purge all this stuff after the first 30 years of holing onto it?

A Dozen Packages of Thumb Tacks

Recently I bought a box lot (a dozen packages) of old thumb tacks (now we call them push pins).
I have no idea what I am going to do with so many thumb tacks. But the price was right and I love bargains!

Vintage Clothespins Are Popular Among Collectors

While I adore my thumb tacks, I confess I did have much more fun acquiring the plastic clothespins shown here. Now clothespins do not come that cheap . It appears that clothespins are more desirable than thumb tacks. I am embarrassed to say that I have actually bought old wooden clothespins fin their original packaging for $12.00 -15.00. The plastic ones shown in this post were $6.00.

Old Curtain Tie Backs

Vintage curtain tie backs are another house-ware product that collectors like. I generally see these items sell for $8.00-12.00 a pair. The tea pot tie backs shown are courtesy of http://teawithfriends.blogspot.com/2009/06/teapot-curtain-tie-back-holders_9964.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

Finding Santa Snoring At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

Santa is Snug In His Bed At The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Harford, CT

I was walking up and down the aisles at The Collinsville Antiques Company in New Hartford, CT and I heard snoring. Well to be perfectly honest, at first I just heard a NOISE and I wasn't quite sure what the noise was. But I have heard that noise before (every night) and I knew it was a noise I was familiar with.

A Santa Doll That Snores

But as I walked through this 20,000 square feet Antique emporium, the NOISE got louder and clearer. It was the sound of SNORING. But where was it coming from? Then I walked into one of the dealer's booth and lo and behold, a mechanized Santa doll, was sound asleep in his toy bed snoring. His chest actually moved up and down as he took a deep breath. I suppose this dealer thought having a snoring Santa was a cute idea. Well after awhile, another dealer did a big service to everyone and pulled the plug on Santa! Peace and quiet at last....one needs a certain degree of peace when out antiquing.

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

Decorating Your Holiday Table With Vintage Milk Glass Compotes, Cake Stands and Dishes

Set Your Holiday Table With Vintage Milk Glass

Here is a lovely idea for your Retro, vintage holiday table. Consider entertaining guests using vintage Milk glass cake stands,goblets, candy dishes, compotes etc. You can choose a few special pieces of Milk glass or set the entire table with coordinated Milk glass dishes, glasses and desserts. Milk glass has a very elegant look when used with red accents, a perfect combination for Christmas holiday entertaining. If you have read my kitschy kitchen blogs, you know how much I adore red and white!

Red Tablecloth and Napkins For Your Holiday Table

Getting started....try setting your holiday table with a rich looking red tablecloth and matching red napkins . Then add a little pizazz with vintage red glassware. Red and white is fab...look how great the scalloped edged compote looks with fresh strawberries....DELICIOUS ! Of course you can serve all your holiday desserts in Milk glass dishes.

Milk Glass Used For Vintage Holiday Centerpieces

Another use for Milk glass is to use these retro charming serving pieces as holiday decor. Add some lovely pine cones and Christmas ornaments to create a festive centerpiece. Anther lovely idea is to wrap tiny white boxes with red ribbon and set a top a laced edged Milk glass compote. Milk glass vases can also be used to display holiday flowers.

Buying Milk Glass On Etsy.com

There are plenty of dishes, platters, serving pieces and vases to choose from for candy, fruit, nuts, puddings, flowers, centerpieces. etc. You will find pages of vintage Milk glass offerings on Etsy.com as well as on other online sites. If you are in a hurry, take a visit to your local Antique Mall , where you can usually find plenty of Milk glass at very reasonable prices.

Top photo courtesy of http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2009/11/house-beautiful-holiday.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

Decorating Your Home Or Antique Shop In Vintage Holiday Style

How To Decorate For The Holidays In Vintage Style Using What You Have

It's easier than you think to decorate your Antique shop or home in Vintage holiday style. On the second floor of Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville CT., one of the dealers did a great job accessorizing her booth for the holidays. She tends to carry a lot of vintage kitchen wares as well as cottage collectibles. For the holidays, she pulled out all her greed, red and white and red and cream collectibles and used them to showcase her holiday displays.

Building Towers of Vintage Holiday Fun

A master at creating "towers", this antique dealer stacked green glass serving pieces on top of an old candy tin. She than added pine cones and other holiday decor. This stacking tower was so charming and nostalgic.

Using Natural Trim Such As Pine Cones, Berries, Branches

I loved how this dealer uses what she has on hand and then adds natural trim such as pine cones, tree twigs, berries, leaves, branches etc to her collectibles.

Pull Out Your Vintage Crystal, Silver, Milk Glass For Holiday Decorating

And you don't need an antique store to this. You can create a vintage style holiday by looking in your closets and cabinets at home.

Pull out your crystal, your milk glass and your silver. You probably have plenty hidden away in your very own China closet that yo can adapt for the holidays.

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 Classy And Chic Small Side Tables At Antiques On The Farminton, Collinsville, CT

Small End Tables Come In Handy At The Holiday Time

On a recent visit to "Antiques On The Farmington", a popular Antique Mall in Collinsville, CT., I was pleased to find so many classy, chic small antique and vintage style side tables. If you have ever tried to find just the right little table to sit beside a living room chair you will appreciate how exciting it is to discover so many great tables in one place.

Shopping For Decorative Accessories In Antique Stores

Antique stores are a great place to look for decorative accessories for your home. And the holiday time is one of the best times to find interesting furnishings. Antique dealers seem to bring out all the great stuff in November and December when people are out shopping and decorating their homes.

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

Showing Off Collections Of Ordinary Objects In Your Antique Shop

Found Objects Make Great Collections

Collections...it seems every Antique or Vintage shop I visit these days is getting in the act of showing off collections of odds and ends such as billiard balls, keys, blocks, toys parts, etc.

Exhibiting Your Odds And Ends In Quirky Containers, Boxes, Bowls

Not only are store owners gathering up ordinary objects and exhibiting them together, but they are also displaying "smalls" in quirky bowls, containers, boxes and vases.

I like the concept.... mixing and matching "this and that" in all kinds of funky ways. And nothing is left out of this craze to display collections of "things". All you need is a little creativity and you can transform your piles of vintage junk into colorful or engaging objets d'art.

Grouping Together Old Factory Parts

Some of the best groupings I have come across are made up of discarded and rusting machinery parts, factory cast offs and metal "things". The more ambiguous the object is , the more exciting the collection becomes.

For more on collections visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/crazyaboutmycollection


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

Mixed Media Artist Carolyn Tertes Dazzles Us With Vibrant Colors, Innovative Textures And Whimsical Interpretations Of Serious Topics

Visiting The Art Studio Of Mixed Media Artist Carolyn Tertes At Open Studio Hartford


As a loyal fan of Open Studio Hartford, I made the rounds this past weekend, visiting all the studios and artists at Artspace Hartford. I started out on Saturday at Artspace, a residence across from the train station in Hartford which combines living space with artist studios and and then returning to to visit 56 Arbor Street ( Real Art Ways building) on Sunday.

Meet Mixed Media Artist Carolyn Tertes

The fourth floor of 56 Arbor Street is not only the home of my first art studio (I am now at The Farmington Valley Art Center) , but it is the creative sanctuary for my Mixed media colleague and friend Carolyn Tertes. Carolyn, like many other artists, works in powerful bursts of intense creativity sessions followed by periods of rest, family, distractions and travel.

Whenever Carolyn returns to studio 414 at 56 Arbor (a building known for artists, photographers, graphic designers, artsy types) you can be sure that she is exploding with ideas.

Burst of Color At Carolyn Tertes's Art Studio

On Sunday, I walked into her studio and was dazzled with color, energy and excitement. No one uses pinks, oranges and West Coast colors like Carolyn. Maybe that is because Carolyn is bi-coastal, dividing her life between three pleasures, her art, her husband and family ( on the warmer coast). Carolyn also spends a lot of time in Mexico and you can clearly see how she is influenced by the bright, colorful designs and palettes of her travels.

Old Game Parts Tell A Story

While her collages appear whimsical and playful, if you look closer you will learn that often Carolyn is expressing much deeper topics in her work. The mixed media piece on top is about "young boys play at war". The old game parts and toy soldiers are mean't to remind us of the dangers of war games.

Improvising With Her Studio Space

Short on time, Carolyn needed to get her studio ready for Open Studio Hartford. So as clever as she is, she put her efforts into painting a dynamite wall mural which she used to showcase her smaller Encaustic (wax) and mixed media collages. The look was sensational, adding vibrant wow power to her studio and giving her older collage and mixed media pieces a new presentation. I have to say, visiting Carolyn's studio was the perfect ending to a art lover's weekend. Now I need to get to my own stdio and channel some of Carolyn's creativity!

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

Painted Antique Cottage Furniture At Villa's Corner Gallery, Winsted, CT

Sweet Cottage Style Furniture Featured At "Villa's Corner Gallery" In Winsted, CT

For years I have driven right by "Villa's Corner Gallery" at 304 main Street in Winsted, CT, but never stopped in because I thought it was simply a showroom for their upcoming auctions and not a retail store. But a few weeks ago, I was shopping in the area and I noticed some terrific painted Cottage style furniture on the sidewalk. The colors were a delicious combination of Seafoam green and yellow.

Antique Dressers And Vintage Furnishings

Not only was there some lovely pieces on the sidewalk, but the window was filled with painted furniture and a wonderful vintage kitchen display. So of course, I had to go inside. The first floor is a jumble of antiques and collectibles, here there and everywhere. The fella who ran Villa's has passed away and his daughter is trying to straighten the place out.

Check Out The Second Floor At "Villa's Corner Gallery"

You will find a more organized second floor with some very nice collections of antique furniture. Among the Oak tables , cabinets and dressers, there are also some lovely painted Cottage style furnishings in combinations of Seafoam green and yellow and also Seafvoam Green and white.

Villa's Corner Gallery
304 Main Street
Winsted, CT

860-738-7923

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 "A Step Back In Time" , Antique Toys In Winsted, CT

Vintage Toys At "A Step Back In Time" In Winsted, CT

It is getting harder and harder to find vintage toys and games, so when you do discover a collector who keeps his inventory fresh and fun, it's a gift. Recently, I spent an afternoon in Winsted, CT a former factory town which has become a shopping area for smaller antiques and collectibles stores and I stumbled in ""A Step Back In Time".

A Tiny Retro Toy Store With Great Stuff

"A Step In Time", located at 458 Main Street in Winsted, Connecticut is a tiny shop neatly stuffed with old toys, games, dolls, books, ephemera and some kitchen-wares. On a recent visit to this well organized shop, I came home with several bags of goodies. My prized find was a 1940s children's craft set for making flower pots and bead flowers. It was in remarkably great shape for it's age.

Collectible Toys And Games

You will find stacks of board games, collections of View Masters, piggy banks, a puzzle section, tin toys, Five and Dime plastic toys and more. On the higher shelves, you might find tin doll houses and over-sized children's games. But remember, when really collectible toys and games come into the store, they leave as quickly as they come in.

Poking Through The Piles

While I always have a great time in this tiny toy store, I must tell you that the shop has great stuff mixed up with the odds and ends. You simply have to visit often and poke around the piles, to find the gems buried by some of the bric a brac. The owner is very educated about his collections and eager to be helpful.

A Step Back In Time
458 Main Street
Winsted, CT. 06098

860-379-3160

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

Retro, Vintage, Kitsch At The English Building Markets, Chapel Street, New Haven, CT

A Retro Haven On Chapel Street In New Haven, CT

Smack in the heart of the New Haven downtown area, where Yale students buzz around with their back packs is "The English Building Markets" a

HIP URBAN RETRO HAVEN for collectors of vintage treasures. The name of the store is so deceiving that I need to clear that up right now. Banish any image from your mind of a stuffy proper antique store with Flow Blue and elegant table settings.

Indoor Junkyard of Fabulous Vintage Finds And Up-Cycled Goodies

Whoa.... "The English Markets" is quite a different place from what their name conjures up in you mind. The place is classy, but in a much different way.
I would classify "The English Building Markets" as an indoor classy junkyard of fabulous finds!

Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage On Chapel Street in New Haven, CT

In fact, this terrici source for everything Mod, Retro and Vintage is not exactly a household name in the Downtown New Haven region. I have been hunting for this place for three years. Finally when strolling the shops on Chapel street, I asked a hot dog vendor if he knew of a Retro kind of place. He looked at me puzzled. What about a junk store? Or a flea market? Or a second hand store? He pointed to the store which was diagonally across from his stand.

Nostalgic Storehouse of Vintage Treasures

I crossed the busy intersection and lo and behold, Jacob (my Sheltie) and I had finally found "The English Building Market". It looks small form the outside of the building but is a GRAND vintage emporium once you start walking through this over stuffed nostalgic storehouse of goodies. You will feel like you just entered a Time Machine and you are back in Colorful era of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s.

Hip Department Store

The funky store is set up in HIP "departments" which resemble an old Five and Dime or General Store but designed to resemble the popular contemporary store "Anthropologie". Antiques and collectibles are showcased in creative and sometimes odd ways. The look is pure kitschy fun and vintage.

Strolling Through The Mod & Retro Past

You first walk through the Dry Goods area where you will find buttons, textiles, sewing notions etc. Other departments include kitchen-wares, entertaining, vintage clothing, jewelry, vanity, sports, books, art, glassware, pottery etc.

I especially enjoyed the room settings at "The English Building Markets" and the clever colorful Retro inspired displays. Now that I have finally found "The English Market", I am going to be a very frequent shopper!

The English Building Markets
839 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT
203-772-1728

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.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Autumn Light Gallery, Avon, CT., Opening, "Re-New, Re-Purpose: The Fine Art Of Re-Cycling", November 12th , 6:00-9:00

Up-Cycle Art At Autumn Gallery In Avon, Connecticut

Opening, November 12th,2011

Autumn Light Gallery on Route 44 in Avon, Connecticut (across from Marshall's) is gearing up for an art exhibit show entitled "Renew, Reuse, Re-purpose: The Fine Art of Recycling", which opens tonight, November 12th., 6:00-9:00.

Art Using Vintage Materials

The Kitsch Collector got a chance to preview the show and am very excited to share with you some photos of the wonderful Mixed Media artists that will be exhibiting their work tonight through the holiday season. You will find art made from vintage book parts, antique photos, old boxes, old tins, bottles, doll parts, vintage apothecary bottles, Styrofoam, rocks, twigs, sweaters etc.

Local Artists Featured At Autumn Light Gallery
Autumn Light is a new gallery which has established itself in the heart fo the Farmington Valley as an Fine Arts venue featuring local and regional artists who are well known in the area. Tonight's show highlights artists who like to merge vintage odds and ends with new materials creating modern interpretations of familiar, yet nostalgic works of art.

Artists Showing at Autumn Light Gallery

List of Local Artists

Christopher Hayes Farmington
Lori Barker Goshen
Johanna K Blair
Eileen Bland Farmington
Pieced Glass - Bill Braun and Linda Braun Burlington
Judith Brown Avon
Jennifer Bruno Southwick Ma
Carole Conner Tolland
Barbra Carpenter Avon
The Canvas Floor - Stacy Chapman Winsted
Donna Davis Winsted
Linda Davidson Columbia
Robert Dimock Avon
Jon Eastman Hartford
New England stoppers -James Dodd Enfield
Jeremy's Dirt - Jeremy Fioravanti Unionville
James Gagnon Designs - James Gagnon Winsted
Anita Garnett Winsted
Bill Healy Hartford Jennifer Hopkins Tolland
Pamela Huntington Canton
Karen Israel west Hartford
Liz Kavanagh Burlington
Jeanne "Morningstar" Kent Winsted
London Designs - Chris London Hartford
Lisa Ludwig Avon
Bonnie Maloney Suffield
Bill Manocchio Manchester
Glassical Artwork- Melinda Morrissette
Paul Morrissette Granby
Lauretta Nardi New Hartford
Eve Olitski West Hartford
Almost Home Studio Chris O'Herron Canton
David Ossorio Avon
Kits Creations Kathy Picard
Frank E. Sanchez Bloomfield
Mary Beth Sasso Farmington
Gay Schemp Winsted
Mario Serrano Bloomfield
Brad Smith Avon
Jeanne Sohn Canton
Patrick Stauffer Simsbury
Vesta Steinfield Weatogue
Naomi Tussin Avon
Jean Watson Berlin
ZEI - Joan Zei-Healy Hartford

Autumn Light Gallery
304 West Main Street
Avon CT, 06001

(860) 674 - 9869
Summer hours
Sunday and Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 - 6:00
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 5

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 Ray's Gallery: Stained Glass And Mixed Media Watercolors: Windsor Connecticut

Whimsical Art Studio in Windsor Connecticut Features Mixed Media And Stained Glass

Stained Glass Room Divider

What a treat visiting Rosalie and Ray Gustafson, both artists who have a whimsical gallery and Frame shop called "Ray's" at 53 Poqonock Avenue in Windsor, CT. Rosalie always shares lots of her art tips and makes you feel right at home in her showroom. The shop is small but carefully planned to make every nook and cranny count.

Windsor, CT Art Gallery

I am a frequent visitor to this wonderful art gallery. Recently, Ray had a room divider made with stained glass centered in the middle of the shop.

Rosalie was wrapping a watercolor of a winter scene of the Brooklyn bridge that she was sending to a relative. I loved that painting and was sad to see it leave the shop.

Cityscape Sytrofoam Printing

Rosalie enjoys variety in her work and often mixes her media to create interesting textures. One of her favorite techniques is to cut a landscape or cityscape design into a piece of Styrofoam (the kind found in the meat section of the grocery store) and to coat with paint and print with. She has done many paintings with a city scape theme that she starts out with the technique just mentioned. Than she collages painted or printed papers onto the original painting.

Take Home Ideas And Art

Rosalie sent me home with a piece of Styrofoam and even began to draw into it with a pointed object. She wants me to give this style a try. I have been carrying the Styrofoam in my pocketbook for almost two weeks. But I am ready to give this idea a try. In fact I asked the butcher clerk at my local supermarket for some clean Styrofoam trays. He was very generous.

"Potted" Paint Brushes

When I was about to leave Roaslie and Ray , I spotted a "potted plant" of foam paint brushes. Rosalie dipped her foam brushes into paint to simulate flowers and arranged them in a painted flower pot. I wanted to buy the potted paint brushes but she said it was a store prop. In her usual giving way, she explained to me how to make one. Thanks Rosalie for sharing your art ideas.

Visit:
Ray's Gallery and Frame Shop
53 Poquonock Ave.
Windsor, CT.

860-688-0144

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.com Dianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists