Friday, November 30, 2012

Retro Beverage Glasses Filled With Holiday Candy Make Great Gifts

Filling A Vintage Beverage Glass With Candy 
For
 Holiday Gift Giving

Here's a fun Retro Christmas idea which is so easy and affordable.  Fill  vintage glass tumblers with holiday candy, add clear cellophane and a ribbon and bada bing...you have a great sentimental gift for  friends and family. (Substitute plastic for children). You can find these glasses on online auctions in Antique Malls and at Flea Markets.


For friends that enjoy vintage barware you can do the same thing with vintage cocktail shakers and bar glassware. 

Of course red, green and white vintage glasses are just perfect for holiday gift giving with or without candy inside.  

Souvenir state glasses are clever gifts which you can tailor to the person you are gifting.



 You can find many souvenir glasses at my shop Kitsch n Stuff in The Collinsville Antiques Center of New Hartford, 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Yo Yo Christmas: Decorating Your Christmas Presents With Handmade Holiday Yo Yo Embellishments

Learn How To Have A Yo Yo Christmas: Ideas From "Hello My Name Is Heather"

How To Make Yo-Yo's For Your Holiday Gifts

I always loved the Yo -Yo quilts my grandmother made when I was growing up. Thrifty housewives in the 1930s-1940s were up-cycling and re-cycling old linens, blouses and fabric remnants way before these terms became part of our popular lexicon. Old fabric were made into circles and sewn to form Yo-Yo's as they were called.

Attaching Yo Yo's To Gift Wrap

I found a wonderful blog called "Hello My Name Is Heather"  with a terrific easy tutorial on how to go about making Yo-Yo projects. I loved this idea Heather shows on her blog about having a Yo-Yo Christmas and using Yo-Yo 's as gift toppers.

Tutorial by Heather On How To Make Yo-Yo's

http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/hbyoyotutorial1.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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Hopping Aboard The Retro Express To Stay Away From The Holiday Shoppers

Addicted To Blogging But It Will Cost You

Here is a curious observation. While everyone is out shopping for the holidays I am home writing about everyone shopping for the holidays. Now don't get me wrong I have done a fair share of shopping, but not  ""Mall" shopping. I am overwhelmed at this time of the year, preferring to shut down and climb aboard  the Retro express into yesteryear where I can  hide from the crowds, high prices and tumult of the season.

Addicted To Blogging At A Price


Back at my desk, I have blogged so many hours this month that I  actually had to buy more storage space from Google. By the way, I had no idea there was such a concept of renting storage space. Apparently  I used up my FREE blogging space.  Now I am beginning to get it, Google gets you addicted to blogging and gives you a free pass for the first few years and then you have to pay to have them store all your photos.

Paying To Live In Cyberspace 

Where on earth they store these photos, I have no idea. But it is quiet back in Cyberspace and I'll pay $2.50 a month to stay away from the holiday shoppers.

Please share with us your blogging experiences, are you "renting storage"?


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

Textolite: Plastic Laminate By General Electric Popular In The 1950s


Plastic Counter Tops Called Textolite Came In Many Colors And  
Patterns

Textolite was the name of General Electric's Plastic counter tops (surfacing) popular in the 1950s. The company advertised these tops as good looking surfaces for tables, work surfaces, doors and wall paneling, show cases, window sills, wainscoting, furniture, elevator interiors and lavatroy vanities.

Plastics That Could Resist Boiling Water

GE promised that this plastic top would resist boiling water, hot grease, fruit acids and alcohol and that these surfaces would wipe clean with a damp cloth. Waxing was optional. Textolite was
touted as a product that wears like iron but cleans like glass.

Textolite Patterns

Housewives of the 1950s could choose plastic surfaces made by Textolite in many different colors and patterns. GE divided its plastics into "Soid colors', Natural wood", "Pearl", "Regent", "Cross Current" , "Hyaline", "Medley", Irish Linen" and "Velo".

Solid Colors of Textolite
Geranium Red
Gray
Powder Blue
Royal Blue
Crimson
Green mansions
Flame
Yellow

Medley Colors of Textolite
Yellow
Green
Coral
Blue

Hyaline Colors of Textolite
Slate
Blue
Rose Quartz
Green

Pearl Color of Textolite
Green
Blue
Gray
Gray Crystalite
Red
Yellow





C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Nostalgic 1950s Santa Claus Christmas Card Holder By Lipper And Mann Inc.

Retro 1950s Vintage Santa Claus Christmas Card Holder

 












 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarnabyVintageJewels


So cute, a ceramic Christmas card holder with Santa as the mailman.
This fella is in tip top condition and can be found on Etsy,com selling for$48.00 dollars plus shipping. Once a Dimestore item, this Santa has
come a long way and is now a collectible.  

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 StuffEmail 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

Deck The Halls With Vintage Christmas Aprons: Decorating With Holiday Aprons

Ho Ho Ho, It's Time To Decorate For The Holidays Using Vintage Aprons As Garland 


Charming And Colorful Vintage Aprons

A quick and easy way to add holiday spirit to  your antique booth or home is to hang vintage Christmas aprons for color and charm. Use red and white or  green and white ginghams as well as vintage Christmas  holiday themed half aprons. 

Easy To Hang: Vintage Aprons

What I like about this idea is that you can hand aprons in all sorts of places. At home you might hang vintage aprons from an existing curtain rods or across a shelf or fireplace mantle (not in use).  In an antique shop you might hang vintage aprons across a clothes line or around a column. The possibilites are many.

Thrifty Kitschy Christmas Holiday Ideas

And once again, this is a thrifty kitschy idea for families who want to add holiday spirit on a budget. You can find old aprons prices from $4.00-18.00.


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

Vintage Holiday Decorating With Red, White, Green Housewares,Textiles, Collectibles


Retro Christmas Decorating With Collectible     Kitchenwares, Linens, Tins 

Using red  and green vintage textiles, ceramics, housewares and linens from the 1940-1950s is a great way to add holiday spirit to your home at this time.  Red, green and white was a very common combination of colors in the 1940s and early 1950s so that you will have an easy time finding collectibles in these colors.

Thrifty Holiday Decorating For Christmas

The beauty of decorating your home for the  holidays using vintage linens, housewares and decorative accessories is that you  can accomplish so much with a small budget.

Nostalgic Decor For Your Holiday Home

And unlike manufactured store bought household goods, vintage treasures are durable and nostalgic.
Baby boomers who grew up in the 1940s-1950s can share older styles with their families and create new versions of holiday decorating.

The latest slogan is that old is the new new!  

Here are some ideas of vintage home and kitchen collectibles that will look nice for Christmas.

Vintage Holiday Ideas In RED  WHITE GREEN

1. crocheted potholders
2. vintage cookie or candy tins
3. old ceramic planters
4. glass pitchers
5. colorful vintage tablecloths
6. kitchen canisters
7. picnic tins
8. beverage glasses
9. trays
10. barware
11.napkins
12. tea towels
13. carts
14. stools
15. shelves

16. old holiday cards
17. vintage dishes
18. vintage ornaments
19. kitchen utensils
20. serving pieces


Photos courtesy of :

Main Street Antiques, Semour, CT

Farms Village Antiques , West Simsbury, CT  http://www.farmsvillageantiques.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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Decorating Your Christmas Tree With Handmade Bird Ornaments Made With Painted Papers

Handmade Christmas Bird Ornaments Made By Collage Artist Lynn Gall Using Painted Papers 

Collage artist Lynn Gall is used to decorating papers with inks, paints and textures to use in her attractive Mixed Media collages. But now she has cut the left over papers she has accumulated into birds which she embellishes for Christmas Tree ornaments. 

To make hand decorated papers, you can use crayons, inks, acrylic paints, markers etc in a variety of color palettes and designs.  Simply take drawing paper and cover the papers with your paint and other media. To create different unique designs, you can scrape into a wt painted paper, stamp, fold, layer, use resist (paint over wax) etc. Try laying down plastic wrap on your wet painted paper or drizzling inks on top of the dried painted paper. 

Metallic paints and glitter are fun to use.



My best advice is to play for your art materials and you will discover so many different ways to decorate papers for your bird ornaments.

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

Mixus Mixed Media Artists Opening, November 29th, 2012, 5:30-7:30 p.m, Charter Oak Cultural Center


Mixus Mixed Media Collage Art Show At Charter Oak Cultural Center November 29th - January 4, 2012


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

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Flashback:1950s Retro Bathrooms

Gallery Of 1950s Bathroom
 Baby Boomer Bathrooms


phx50sbathnational1950kohler.jpg



These wonderful photos of 1950s bathrooms show color combinations of pink, coral, yellow. blue, yellow, green, white. But pink and black bathrooms were also very popular, accessorized with poodle themed wallpaper, shower curtains, waste paper pails and more. Which is your favorite bathroom shown? If you like, tell us what you remember about your 1950s bathroom ?   


1950s bathroom Phoenix homes Design Through the Decades

phx50sbathnational1950crane.jpg

phx50sbathnational1954briggs.jpg

1950s bathroom Phoenix homes Design Through the Decades

1950s bathroom Phoenix homes Design Through the Decades
Photos From Homes in Phoenix, Arizona 1950s

Photos courtesy of http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/?p=4675


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

Making Christmas Ornaments From Old Dictionary Pages

Handmade Sparkling Christmas Ornaments Made From Vintage Dictionary Pages By Abbey Road Designs 


If you  take a close up look at this holiday tree ornament, you will  discover that it is made using the pages  of an old dictionary. Mixed Media artist Leslie Rottner who sells on Etsy.com  paints pages from a vintage dictionary. These pastel colored strips are then applied with adhesive to plastic balls. Ribbons, glitter and embellishments are added. For those of you in Connecticut, Leslie has just opened a small shop in the new SoNo Market Place in South Norwalk, 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Using A Full Length Vintage Standing Mirror When You Are Out Of Wall Space

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, I Can't See A Darn Thing After All

Running out of wall space but you really would like to have a full length mirror? Well consider using a free standing vintage full length mirror.

This painted mirror was  spotted at Korlates Fitness Pilates



C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Getting Help With Estate Liquidation For Elderly Parents

Introducing Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation A New Group On I Antique Online.com

As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I hear from a lot of people who want to know how to go about selling their parent's stuff. Everyone always asks "who should they call". Antique dealers who have been in the business for a long time and who may own their own store, are quite familiar with the customer who strolls into the shop with a box of "goodies " that they may have found while cleaning out mom's house.

Is Your Stuff Of Interest To An Antique Dealer?

Many shop owners enjoy digging through boxes of "stuff" brought to them by "walk-ins". It's always amusing to me to watch a seemingly sincere customer drag in a box of JUNK trying to convince the shop owner that valuable treasures are to be had!


Who Can You Trust When Trying To Sell Mom And Dads Antiques And Collectibles?

On the other hand, there are those times when a customer arrives to their neighborhood antique shop after dumping out the contents of mom's dresser drawer into a shoe box, and the shop owner realizes that there are indeed valuable pieces of jewelry amongst the junk. A trustworthy dealer will be straight up with their valued customers, but how do you know who you can trust? And let's face it, as the Reality T.V. Shows have demonstrated, you can't be an expert on everything. Some people know documents, others are more familiar with furniture, while others are specialists on jewelry.

Introducing Estate Mavens: A Group Forum

When you are trying to sell off mom and dad's stuff, you need to know more about who you are consulting. I have just added a new feature on my site I Antique Online.com called Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation a group forum to offer tips and resources with the liquidation of an estate. Here you will learn more about how to deal with mom and dad's stuff.

Co-moderating this new group with me is The Estate Lady, Julie Hall. Please come visit us at Estate Mavens for help when you are coping with downsizing, soriting and selling an estate.
Read More:

How To Divide Your Family's Estate And Heirlooms by Julie Hall

Boomer Burden: Dealing With Your Parents Lifetime Accumulations by Julie Hall

Photos taken at http://www.millerscrossingct.com/

Read :
CARING FOR AGING PARENTS VINTAGE MOM AND DAD http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/older%20adults


If you need help regarding Senior Care Services and Eldercare contact my friend Sheri Morris MSW, ACSW, LCSW a very experienced Geriatric Social Worker. Her website is My Senior Care Connection. 
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

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Helping Elderly Parents Decide What To Keep And What To Toss

Organizing Your Mom And Dad's Keepsakes Into Plastic Storage Boxes ...It's A Start

Plastics...plastics are on my mind again. This time I am thinking about plastic storage boxes and wondering how many older adults keep their keepsakes in plastic boxes?  If your mom or dad is in their eighties or nineties, chances are they are not storing their photos, documents, memorabilia etc. in plastic boxes. I picture shoe boxes, yellowed envelopes, wooden boxes, shopping bags, cardboard cartons etc.


Saving Fifty Years Of Bakery Receipts  

Recently, I relocated my dad from Florida to the Northeast. I am still airing out his damp and smelly file folders which seem to be casualties of poor climate control  (dad never used his air conditioner....in FLORIDA!

A friend of mine confided in me that her mom had saved  50-60 years of old bakery, drugstore and deli store receipts stored in old shoe boxes that were tied with saved bakery twine. These receipts which now could be considered ephemera are from shops long gone from neighborhoods which are now filled with young professionals who never heard of Rugelach or Mandelbrodt.

Rescuing Old Wedding Albums 

When dad's boxes were shipped up North, I unpacked loose wedding pictures that were missing their album cover and I wondered where the rest of the photos were ? It was fun to see my mother and dad so young at the same age in the photos as my children are now, but these photo album pages were fragile and I'm glad I rescued them in the nick of time.

Downsizing Mom And Dad

For those of you who are just beginning to help your parents downsize or relocate,  I have some tips to offer you to help you with this BIG job. My main advice is not to wait too long to start
organizing old stuff. If your parents are in their 80s, it time to think about the next chapter in their lives.

Start NOW: Buy Clear Plastic Storage Boxes In Different Sizes 


 Courtesy of  http://www.tpartyantiques.com/
Now is the time to buy some plastic storage boxes and to sort out family keepsakes deciding what needs to stay and what needs to go..... and where. Sooner or later,  your parents  photographs, souvenirs,  keepsakes etc. will find their way into your home or  to one of your siblings , children or relatives, so why not take control of the situation  on your terms? And it is great to be able to discuss this process with your parents while they can still communicate their wishes and concerns.

Besides buying clear storage boxes, I would suggest also buying an assortment of different sized     clear plastic storage bags with good slider seals.  They even make a giant freezer  bag which is great for storing very large photos. I would also buy a permanent marker (Sharpie)  that can write on plastic so you can label your boxes and bags with  categories, i.e. "Florida photos" as well as where  these organized containers or bags are going  "Steve's basement" or "Mom's new apartment".

Be Gentle With Mom And Dad's Memories: Use A Little Psychology

Antique Leather Photo Album Civil War Era with Lot of 48 Photographs / PortraitsYou may want to encourage your elderly parents  to let you hold onto most of the sentimental and  important papers and memorabilia and to ask them  to keep just a few items they are attached to. This part of the process works a lot easier when you reassure parents that you will indeed preserve the family keepsakes.

Most families hold onto photographs, but what about collections of  seemingly silly papers such as old bakery or grocery receipts? While it may seem  to you a simple matter to toss out old bakery receipts it is still difficult for parents to let go of memories. Try saving one receipt instead of boxes of clutter. The task of downsizing goes smoother when you use some psychology in the process.

And when you decide that indeed there are boxes of papers that need to be dumped.... it is best not to carry on about this task in front of your hoarding parents. Be gentle when "organizing" mementos...they may be junk to you, but they are keepsakes to your parents.

Getting Help From Grandchildren And Family Members
 
In theory it sounds like a good idea to  recruit grandchildren, siblings  and others when you are dividing mom and dad's collections of papers and momentos  into keepers and tossers. The thought of team work is a good one but it is also a fairy tale. Buy some rubber gloves, roll up your sleeves and start your Mitzvah (good deed) on your own. At least you know YOU will get the job done in an organized fashion.

Read more about Caring For Aging Parents  http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/Caring For Aging Parents

Photo Credits

http://www.rubylane.com/item/370999-5351/1940s-Wedding-Cake-Topper-Bride

 http://leslieland.com/2009/02/rugelach-to-the-rescue/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyDayVintage?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65275405/antique-leather-photo-album-civil-war



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

Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Pillow Ornaments Made From A Vintage Apron

"That's My Cat" Recycled A Vintage Christmas Apron To Create Charming Pillow Christmas Tree Ornaments


VINTAGE Fabric Christmas CATS Stuffed PILLOW Ornaments - Door Hangers - Set of 2

Oh, the gals on Etsy.com are busy creating great  handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations. These adorable vintage pillow ornaments were made from the fabric of an old apron. You can find these delightful holiday ornaments at  http://www.etsy.com/listing/114329332/vintage-fabric-christmas-cats-stuffed


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

Framing Vintage Christmas Cards In Altered Art Painted Wooden Frames

Retro Inspired Polka Dot Altered Art Christmas Frame Project

Christmas Frame

Christmas FrameThis attractive laser-cut wooden frame was found at Michaels   and then dressed up with paint and ribbon to display old Christmas cards. The circles were created by taking ordinary circle stickers and adhering them to the frame. Red paint was applied and the stickers were removed leaving the  exposed wood. You could also do this project with a coat of white paint first, then add the circles and paint over with red paint.

If you prefer stripes, you can mask off some diagonal stripes using craft masking tape.
And of course you can add glitter or other embellishments to your frame.

The full  tutorial for this adorable Christmas holiday project can be found at http://www.chicaandjo.com/2012/08/25/christmas-card-art/

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

Make Colorful Holiday Garland Using Recycled Plastic Lids And Bottles

Making Art From Recycled Plastic Lids And Bottles 

I loved this idea of slicing up plastic bottles and reusing plastic lids to make colorful holiday garland.  

Recycled art 3
Recycled art
I believe this recycled art was photographed at a flea market in Cape Town, South Africa. I'm inspired to try this project and will never look at old plastic bottles and lids the same way anymore.

If you are like me, you probably have closets filled with containers of orphaned lids and bottoms. Or maybe even a box or two in the basement of plastic storage containers that are somewhat deformed after they melted in the dishwasher  or on the stove top. Now is your chance to give them a new beginning.

I wish I had the details on  how to slice the old plastic bottles or punch holes in these plastics to be able to thread them onto the wire or string that creates the garland.  If any of my readers would like to offer some ideas, please post a comment.


Photos courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/vilseskogen/3022165610/in/photostream
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

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Using A 1950s Wire Plant Stand To Display Vintage Holiday Ornaments And Collectibles In Your Antique Booth

Antique Booth Idea For The Christmas Holidays: Hang Your Vintage Christmas Ornaments From A 1950s  Retro Wire Plant Stand

Vintage wire plant stands used to be items which you couldn't give away. Now the with a rise in interest in Mid Century decorative accessories,  wire plant stands are very popular. I thought you might like to see how clever one dealer at Antiques  On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT was in using a vintage 1950s plant stand to showcase her Christmas holiday decorations and ornaments.


The ornaments hang easily from the wire spokes and the shelves are used to display holiday collectibles. The wire plant stand is sitting on top of a round table with a vintage Christmas tablecloth.

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

Christmas Holiday Gifts Made From Old Game Boards And Book Covers


Making Your Own Journal/Scrap Book From Old Game Boards Or Book Covers


Over the Thanksgiving holidays, my sister opened up the trunk to her car to show me a load of flea market finds she wasn't sure what to do with.  In the pile of collectible junk she was giving me first dibs at, were some beat up board games from the 60s and 70s.

Making Handmade Journal Books From Old Game Boards

In the past I have given old game pieces to a friend of mine who makes assemblage art using found objects. But recently she has moved away from  toy and game parts onto tea bags and other mixed media. So I passed on my sister's games only to regret my decision to send her back home, game parts and all.

Abbey Road Designs Opens At Sono Market In Norwalk, CT 

Two days later, I visited a shop called "Abbey Road Designs" which has just opened in the brand new "Sono Market Place" in Norwalk, CT. Lo and behold, the owner, a mixed media artist had up- cycled old game boards and book covers into colorful and useful notebooks or diary/journal books. Now I was sorry I sent my sister home games still in the trunk. I would have to wait until the next stash of old books and game boards came my way.

Instructions For Making Journal/Scrapbooks From Old Game Boards Or Book Covers

Cut up old heavy cardboard game boards or book covers using a Jigsaw in two pieces of the same size. Next punch two holes in the newly made covers and adds binder rings and paper.  These charming books would be a wonderful way to tailor a special book for a young child or to use a theme cover such as an old scrabble board for a scrabble lover. If you arre not the craft type person,  you can buy these wonderful up cycled books at http://www.etsy.com/listing/103324013/scrabble-game-board-recycled-art-journal


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

Holiday Shopping At The Junk Shop Of Canton, Canton, CT


Offbeat Holiday Gifts AT Off The Beaten Path Places

This time of year, you can divide shoppers into   several categories according to their shopping styles and habits.

Type A Holiday Shoppers

There is of course the Type A shoppers who seek out holiday gifts with a list and a plan. These organized folks head to their nearby mall and stay focused on what they want to buy and for whom they want to gift.

Cyber Holiday Shoppers

Another large group of shoppers stays addicted to Amazon.com and other online selling sites and are people who avoid leaving their cyber world.  Don't get me wrong, I like the privacy of shopping at my desk or crunched up on the couch too, but that is not the same experience as being out in the trenches.

Junk Shoppers Unite

And then there are others who hunt for treasures anywhere and everywhere but the expected places. I feel akin with the third  group of mavericks that flock to junk stores and thrift shops trying to spot a bargain or an unusual item. And BTW,  I never bring a list with me, preferring to just fall into an unusual or kooky find for me or a loved one.

The Junk Shop Of Canton, CT

One of my chief hunting grounds at all times of the year is The Junk Shop of Canton, Canton, CT. Located right on the main road (Route 44) this very old building has been around for years, surviving hurricanes, snowstorms and maybe even plagues.

The Junk Shop of Canton wouldn't dare  come apart at the seams and leave regulars like myself lost without a place to rummage through especially through the holidays

During  a recent visit to The Junk Shop of Canton, the store was stuffed to the limits. I like it when Eric, the owner has unpacked some really good truckloads of  "junk". And truthfully often Eric's "junk" is more exciting than the mainstream antique stores in the area.

At The Junk Shop Of Canton, you will be able to find vintage musical instruments, art supplies, kitchenwares,  lighting, furniture, retro, tools, artwork, toys, pop culture, barware, books, holiday decor, 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

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