Helping Mom And Dad Sell Antiques, Collectibles, Art When There Are Beginning Signs of Dementia

Helping Older Adults Downsize When There Are Early Signs of Dementia 

A few years ago, my dad was beginning to liquidate the contents of his home. He began by trying to sell his paintings which he had acquired in his more prosperous years. With a turn in the economy he was hoping to sell off some of his paintings to help pay the bills.

Saying Good Bye To Art And Collections

It was indeed a very sad state of affairs when dad had to part with the paintings he had collected for many years. At that time dad still had his memory and cognitive abilities. He knew how to evaluate who he was getting advice from and he was still actively engaged in the world at large.

Helping Parents Sell Antiques And Collections: Estate Liquidation

But what happens when a parent begins to develop early dementia and slowly begins to slip away from the world at large.  Should they be selling anything on their own? This post is to open up the conversation about helping older adults participate in downsizing before they are having progressed symptoms of dementia. And by all means, keep mom and dad always in the loop, gently helping them with the process.

Keeping An Eye On What Parfents Are Sellng And When

If you are the adult child of a parent who is an Octogenarian or even older you will probaly find yourself involved sooner or later in the care of that parent and the liquidation of  heirlooms, collectibles and valuables. It is best to keep on eye on the situration as early as possible. If you suspect that a parent is starting  to have trouble with memory, activities of  daily living  or managing their household and finances etc. they will certainly need help in dealing with  Auction houses, galleries, Antique stores etc. Even if your parent(s) has modest collections, you still want to evaluate what you have before you accept any offers.

Intervening Early When A Parent Starts Showing Signs of Dementia

The time to step into the situtation is before the symptoms of dementia as described below are observed. However if you find yourself already in the middle of Mom or dad's dementia, you may want to take a more active role in deciding what goes where and when.

You will also need to get legal authority, so be sure to consult an attorney to establish a Power of Attorney so you can advocate for a parent who needs your help.

How I Antique Online.com Can Help With Resources And  Information

If you do not have a background in antiques, collectibles or art you may want to join my free site I Antique Online.com. This is the largest social network on antiques and  collectibles. With over two hundred group forums on every imaginable topic related  to  antiques, you will find lots of helpful information and resources. We welcome new members and you wil find a very congenial atmosphere . This is a great community to help you learn more about the collectibles you are evaluating and the options available to you for liquidation.

I especially urge you to visit a group on the site I Antique Online.com called "Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation" . I co-moderate this group along with Julie Hasll aka The Estate Lady.

Signs Of Early Dementia

Some of the signs that a parent might show when there are early signs of  dementia are :

1. Confusion about what bills to pay.
2. Paying the same bill several times.
3. Unopened mail.
4. Disorganized workspace.
5. Comfusion on how to use computer and send and receive emails.
6. Pulloing away form uusal activities i.e. reading the newspaper, going food shopping.
7. Not eating and drinking properly, getting dehyddrated.
8. Poor grooming, not shaving, not bathing.
9. Mixing up the names of children, forgetting important events and milestones.
10. Change in personality

Photos were taken at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT

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.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 Art Studio With Mid Century Collectibles And Furnishings

Organizing Your Art Studio With  A Mid Century Theme

My art studio at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT  reflects the Mid Century themes which inspire my Mixed Media abstract  collages and paintings. I like to surround myself with objects from the 1950s which carry through the design elements that I integrate into my work (hopefully).

Hunting For Collectibles For Your Art Studio

I hunt for collectibles in all the wrong (and right places).  I have my favorite Antique Malls and Junk shops that I periodically visit as well as snooping around Craigslist and other online sources.








Finding Bargains For Your Art Studio

The best place to find bargains is in a place that doesn't care to be sellling what you are looking for. For example, let's say a shop specializes in Victorian antiques but dabbles in a few other odds and ends. This might just be the place that you  actually find a quirky piece of pottery or decorative item  (which is out of place with the other itmes for sale)  but is just what you want and is not priced too high.

Look For Furnishings And Decor In Unexpected Places

Now it isn't always the case, but when a dealer comes across vintage items that they are not fond of or well versed on, they generally are happy to unload those items quicker. So you may actually do better finding what you are looking for in unexpected or even odd places. Some of my best finds arrived  this way.

The dealers who mostly carries collectibles with a Country kitchen theme may just have a funky vase  mixed in among the baskets. A collectibles dealer in Vermont who like Primitives is probably going to part with an Atomic era lamp for a better price  than the Mid Century dealer who has a shop in New York City.

There are no hard and fast rules here, but be open to finding what you are looking for all kinds of places and travel off the beaten path for real bargains.

Reader Input: Tell us what you have found in an unexpected place?  I  welcome your comments and feedback.

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

Why Should Antiques And Collectibles Blogs Exhange Links With Other Similar Blogs

Linking Your Blog With Other Antiques And Collectibles Blogs   

Today is a perfect day to do a bit more blogging (snowed in).  I racked up quite a lot of blogging hours this past year and will continue to share many more posts in the months to come. For awhile, I was totally frustrated with the way Blogger was operating. Posting a blog had become a tedious task.

But now, I believe the Blogger bugs have been fixed and blogging has become enjoyable again. My blog readers contine to grow and I am slowly  and carefully increasing my blog link exchanges.

Exchanging Blog Links Is Good Business

When I am poking around Pinterest.com I am amazed at how many wonderful blogs there are that I am just learning about. In the spirit of more is better than less,  I am interested in finding new blogs to exchange links with. For newbies that means that I want to add your to my blog roll  (link exchange) and hope that you would add me to yours (reciprocal link).  Many very popular blogs do not seem to have visible blog rolls, yet they still have thousands of followers.  I'm really very techy deliquent despite what many of you think, but I can tell you that it's a very important idea to have link exchanges with others.

Why Websites Want More Links 


Here is what Deb Perlman of the Food Blog Alliance says about links:

Why websites want more links :

Google* uses "link popularity", or the number of links going to a page, to help it rank the relevance of sites. The more links going on your site, the higher your page rank potential. The
more page rank you have, the more likely your site is to come up on the first page of Google search results when someone looks for something that yur site has. The closer your site is to the top of the Google search results  the more traffic. Google sends you, and if you have ads on your site, those additional clicks generate additinal income.




Choosing Who To Exchange Blog Links With

I do want to mention that you should take care about who you decide to exchange links with. Since my blog is about retro, vintage, collectibles, funky, antiques, Mixed Media....I exchange links with similar blogs. I also review carefully who I am linking with. I would also suggest that you put your effort into exchanging links with bloggers who are active and who are making a big effort to grow their blog followers. But, of course you may be obkligated to exchange links with friends in the business or others who maybe sleepy bloggers but have important content that you want to share. 

Share Your Blog Link Ideas

My readers arre welcome to share their experinces and ideas about exchanging links. I'd love to know what some of the biggest blogs do not have link exchanges? Anyone care to offer some insight?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXCHANGE BLOG LINKS WITH KITSCH N STUFF (THIS BLOG) SEND ME AN EMAIL 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Bagels, Lox And Egg Nog: But What Happened To Chinese Food On Christmas?

December Dilemma: What Chinese Restaurant Shall We Go To For Christmas ?

When I grew up in New York , I thought everyone was Jewish (o.k. almost everyone) because most of the schools would empty out on Jewish holidays. Back in the day, the December dilemma was which one of the many great Chinese restaurants that catered to Jewish customers on Christmas would families choose. The other December dilemma, how to blend mixed religions into holiday observance was not quite the topic of the day, just yet.

The Windows Glowed With The Light Of Menorahs: Yearning For Some Christmas Bling 

I secretly wished as a kid to be invited to someone's home for Christmas to help them decorate the family Christmas tree with pretty lights and ornaments.  Every once in awhile I would get the chance to get in on some Christmas traditions, sip a little Eggnog, hum a Christmas song, but for the most part, Chanukah was our turf! If you wanted to see colorful  Christmas lights  you had to drive to another neighborhood. The windows on many streets in the suburbs of NYC  glowed with the light of Menorahs.

Sitting On Santa's Lap In Bloomingdales Circa 1950s 

I do admit that my parents did take me and my sister to Bloomingdales ( that was the one in Fresh Meadows) to sit on Santa's lap for picutres. I have no idea how or why my parents snuck in this activity, but it makes for some interesting conversation when my adult kids are poking through tmy old photo albums.

Where Do You Get Decent Bagels?

Once I moved out of New York, I learned a few critical things about customs and neighbors in the 1950s-1960s. The first awakwening was that the T.V. channels are not the same everywhere. You are laughing, but for  a long time I had no idea that CBS wasn't  channel 2 everywhere. Another epiphany for me ws that Jewish people were far and  few between once you left the suburbs of New York.  This reallism also mean't that getting fab bagles, lox, pastrami  or even Chineses food on Christmas was not that easy once you hit the two hour away mark (and behyond) from NYC. I could also add terrific Pizza to the mix , but Pizza deserves it's own blog.


It's A Merry Merry Thai Christmas

Returning to the connection of Chinese food and Christmas for Jewish families. For years, many Jewish families with no place to go on Christmas would end up in one of the many local and very good Chinese restaurants that competed for holiday business. The tines they are changing, because  fewer and fewer restaurants of all kinds are surviving the times.

Chinese December Dilemma

And you are lucky if you can even find one good Chinese reataurant open at all anytime in some areas . This year we found a great Thai food restaurant for Christmas eve but ran into some Chinese food dilemmas on Christmas day. I ended up heating up the leftovers from the Thai restaurant for Christmas day dinner. What in the world is happening to our traditions?

Readers, feel free to share your holiday stories. I'll  be back to my desk a little later, but  as Barbra Streisand has said before...."talk abmongst yourselves".....till I get back.

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

Organize Decorative Plates For Display In Your Antique Booth Using An Old Enamelware Tub Or Basin

Decorative Plates Displayed In An Old Enamelware Basin 

Many antique dealers are so clever about how they use their limited booth  space in an Antique Mall. After you have been doing the dealer gig for ahile, you come to learn that displaying dishes is not such an easy task. You also catch on that big items take up a lot of room and may not always yield a big enough bang for your buck. At  Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT, this gal used heer noodle and displays her lovely decorative plates in a large enamel basin or tub. Now that is  great way to tidy up your booth and make use of space.

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

Tis The Season To Entertain With Beautful Collectible And Antique Glassware, Silver, China: Learn More About What You Have

Clueless About Antique Glassware,China, Silver: Ask The Experts On I Antique Online.com

I've been making the rounds through all my favorite antique stores and junk haunts. I love this time of the year, when all the Christmas bling is out and the antiques booths are decorated in vintage Christmas. If you really want to pick up great entertaining items, tis the season to find plenty of older glassware, china, silver and holiday serving pieces. I must confess that I am completely clueless about vintage glassware. I have no clue what is pressed glass, crystal or cut glass or whatever. I buy what looks pretty and I leave it at that.

We Were Not Fancy: Our China Was Paper

You may have read about my experience with "entertaining" in my books. I have already told the  world that growing up, dad served everything on plain white ruffled edge paper plates. When I was a child, dad owned a modest luncheonette and later a  kiosk which sold hot dogs. We did not grow up with  fancy plates or holiday glamour. The fanciest stuff we owned was a pair of milk glass candlesticks with a cordinated bowl which held the plastic fruit. Dad was so accustomed to using paper in his restaurant that he kept up the tradition  in our home (less dishes to wash).

 Learning About Fine China, Antique Glassware, Collectible Silver 

So you can not look to me for years of experience on handling fine glassware or china. I can tell you however where to find the knowledgeable people.  On my site I Antique Online.com we have over two hundred groups forums on every important topic concerning antiques and collectibles. Here are some special groups you  may wnat to  join "China Chat"    , "Glassware Hound Heaven"    and "Antique and Collelctible Silver" , Depression Glass Collectors

Going Through Collecting Phases

Over the years I have accumulated better paper plates and a nice collection  of blue and white Flow blue type pieces. These dishes and servicing pieces were aquired during my "blue and white" phase. I now am in my "Mid Century phase". I'm sure as I get older I will probably return to plain white ruffled edge paper plates!

Photos taken at Antique On The Farmington, Collinsville, Connecticut


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

Whining About Knick Knacks: Lovable Or Clutter In An Antique Shop?

Should Owners Of Antique Malls Read Their Dealers The Riot Act? No More Bric-a-Brac

Is it me or do you all agree that there is a lot more bric- a- brac (worthless knick knacks) out there mingled in with a few decent items when you go shopping for antiques and collectibles?

Is The Internet Gobbling Up All The Good Stuff For Online Selling Venues?

I have been hearing for years that the internet and all the online selling venues have gobbled up all the good stuff leaving the left overs in the brick and mortar Antique stores.

Antique Stores Cluttered  With Tschotskes

I'm now seeing more and more of some of my favorite antique haunts cluttered with a lot of tschotskes and "smalls'. And the truth is, many of these "smalls" are the kind of things that I often would find at Goodwill.

 Antique Dealers Come And Dealers Go Each January

As January approaches, there are a lot of dealers who will pack it in and decide to leave their booths at a group Antique shop or close their stores after the holidays. This happens every year and the changeover usually brings new booths, new stores and new dealers. They arrive with a fresh bounty of STUFF and do very well at the beginning. But the trick is being able to keep up quality of your inventory and to attract new customers  throughout the year.

What Comes Around Goes Around

My husband jokes that all of the dealers just buy from each other and sooner or later your junk ends up back to you. There is some truth to that, but I even hear dealers telling me that they are buying less from other dealers in the very same  group shops where their booths are and that they visit regularly. Friends tell me they used to come home with more goodies than they brought into sell, but now they leave  empty handed.

Are You Seeing More Bric-a-brac For Your Vintage Comfort Zone?  

So I would like to hear from my readers.....are you seeing more bric a brac in Antique stores that you like?
Should owners of these stores read their dealers the riot act? Or is the economy so poor that the owners of large (and small) group antique shops lucky to have filled thier booths?

Top photo courtesy of http://loveshackchic.blogspot.com/2012/05/found-antique-markets.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

Have A Merry Merry Vintage Christmas

The Best Christmas Kitsch For The Holidays
Ho, ho, ho I have been out and about today on a mision to find the best of the best in Christmas and holiday kitsch.  And there sure was a lot of Christmas  STUFF out there. My oh my, did I find plenty of holiday tschotskes.


RETRO CHRISTMAS IDEAS

1. Vintage Santa Punch Bowl Set
2. Santa Christmas Card Holder
3. Vintage Christmas Beverage Glasses
4. Christmas Kitchenwares
5. Santa Boot Ceramics 

6. Plastic Christmas Snowman 
7. Vintage Christmas Fire King Dishes 
8. Retro Christmas Candle Stick Holder
9. Christmas Doily Bowl
10 Christmas Bulb Glitter Magnets

11. Snowman Couple Plate
12. Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper
13. Vintage Christmas Aprons
14. Vintage Christmas Tablecloth Pillow
15. Retro Christmas Towels
16. Granny Square Christmas Stockings
17. Vintage Christmas Paper Coasters 
18. Vintage Tablecloth Tea Cozy
19. Japan Putz Mica Ornament 
20. Mini Tree Ornaments 
21. Shiny Brite Glass Ornaments
22. Red Satin Bell Ornaments

Ornament photos from http://www.rubylane.com/shop/firesidetreasures

 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

Adorable Vinyl Christmas Reindeer For Your Retro Baby

 Vintage Vinyl Christmas Crib Toys  

I adore vinyl stuffed toys from the 1950s. Today I  spotted the most charming retro Christmas reindeer which was in wonderful condition at Salmon Brook Shops Antiques in Granby Connecticut.

Vinyl plush toys were often used as crib toys. Some of the vinyl plush toys had elastic bands attached to them to hold baby's (glass) bottle in place. It is hard to believe that parents used to send junior off to bed with a bottle propped up on a vinyl stuffed toy.

I have several of these vintage plush toys in my shop Kitsch n Stuff. I love collecting them, but they are not big sellers in my shop. This reindeer is precious however, and I know someone will take this fella home for the holidays.

The 1950s were the years when using baby formula was popular and lots of baby nursery  accessories were manufactured.

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

Collecting To My Hearts Content On Pinterest.com: Antiquing With The Click Of Your Mouse

Feeding Your Antique Itch On Pinterest.com

I'm not sure why I have  been cranking out so many blogs lately, but here is my theory. As I go out  antiquing to find great stuff, I'm not finding too many kitschy kitchen things that easily.  That is driving me to go "collecting" in my virtual world which leads me to Pinterest.com. The more I blog, the more pins (photos to share) I have for my Pinterest.com boards. And the more pins I post, the more followers I get. The more followers I get, the more new pins there are to repin.

The Psychology Of Antiquing On Pinterst.com 

Before you know it I have "collected" (pins of antiques and kitchen collectibles)  to my hearts content and I am on my way to vintage heaven. It's a very crazy but interesting phenomena , the ability to feed one's antiquing itch without having to spend any money. And it truly is working. It's like I am lighting up the neurons when I find something new to add to one of my many Pinterest boards.

Going Antiquing With One Touch Of The Mouse

Or another analogy which collecting on Pinterest .com reminds me of. Think of the old pinball machines when your silver ball hit a target and the bell went off.  Remember the excitement you would feel when your  ball went helter skeleter but stayed "live" and didn't go down the alley to pinball heaven. You felt alive, excited and satisfied. Well this is indeed a sad commentary on the digital generation. We can go junking or antiquing or collecting with  a touch of the mouse!

Now that is progress....or is it?  What do you think?


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

Retro Christmas Children On Pinterest.com

Kitschy Vintage Christmas Kids

Do you love kitschy vintage Christmas kids? I just melt when I see images of red, green, yellow retro Christmas children. And here is the kicker....I celebrate Chanukah. But these images go with my childhood and I am instantly taken back to an era when my friends and I colored in our Christmas coloring books. These images remind me of the good ole days.
You will find more charming Christmas imagers on my Pinterest.com borad called "Retro Christmas". 

Vintage Christmas On Pinterest.com

Pinterest.com is a great place to find everything you need to celebrate a hip and retro Christmas.   Pinterest is a source for ideas about  vintage Christmas gifts, holiday recipes,  Christmas collectibles, retro decorating and more.

Charming And Adored Vintage Christmas Images

I have also discovered many new bloggers and increased my reach of gals and guys who adore the same things I do. I just had to share with you these charming retro Christmas pictures.

Addicted To Christmas Pinterest Pins

Anyone who has found Pinterest.com knows how addicting  it is to start pinning your favorites. Just as soon as I have re-pinned a group of kitschy retro images, a new batch gets posted. Stay tuned.....if you follow my boards you will see lots of new pins everyday. I'll give you a heads up on my blog.


Images Courtesy Of :
http://myvintagemending.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/marcie25/
http://pinterest.com/tinamermaid/

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

Buying Collectible Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper

Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper At Antique Center Of Northampton, Northampton, Mass

I have to be honest, even though I actually wrote back in 2010 a very popular post called "Where to Buy Nostalgic Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper" (which gets a zillion readers ), I rarely come across good looking wrapping paper myself when I'm out hunting for STUFF.

Yes, you can find  individual sheets of vintage Christmas wrapping paper here and there online, but it's not that easily to find in shops.

Retro 1950s Christmas Wrapping Paper

Well imagine my surprise when I bumped into a box of retro Christmas wrapping paper (1950s-1960s) while visiting the Antique Center of Northampton, Mass. Of course I rummaged through the boxed set and then like any hunter I looked at the price tag. Now that was not easily to figure out. In  one corner was the number 65 and in the other corner was the number10.  There were 13 sheets inside the box. The box cover said that it was a set of 20 sheets with tags (when complete). So I had a partial box of nice condition  Christmas wrapping paper with a torn box cover .There were no dollar signs on the tag by the way.

How Much Would You Pay For Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper? 

I nervously brought the box to the cashier, deciding that if the seller was asking $10.00 for this box, It was a slam dunk and  the vintage Christmas wrapping paper was going home with me. If on the other hand the price was $65.00 I had to ruminate a bit more.

So I ask my readers......what do you believe the price was and why? Let's see what other think. And would you have bought this box and for what price?


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

Kitschy Beaded And Sequin Toucan Spotted At Collector Galleries Antiques And Art, Northampton, Mass

Collecting Kitschy Beaded And Sequin Toucans: But Is It Fruit?

 

Kitschy sequin fruit and novelty items are actually popular once again as hipsters and others are bringing the vintage cool look back into their apartments and homes. I know many of us have seen the usual fruit in a bowl kitsch, but this was a first for me when I spotted a beaded and sequin Toucan. I'm calling it a Toucan cause  it sure looks like a Toucan. 

If you really want to see a fabulous collection on kitschy crafts of sequin and beaded fruit, check out Mitzi Miscellany .

These photos were taken at Collector Galleries on Bridge Street in Northampton, Mass.

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

Red, Black And White Retro Kitchen

Red And Black Vintage Kitchen 

Many collectors like to stick to a particular color palette when collecting vintage kitchenwares for their retro inspired kitchen. Red, black and white was a popular color combination in the 1940s-1950s. I do have to say that it is not that easy to find collectibles in these colors and when you do they are usually priced at higher prices. I like the way the kitchen shown is a newer version of an older look. These photos are shown on my Pinterest.com board called "Red And Black Retro  Kitchen"




Tipp City Shakers originally from http://vintagegoodness.blogspot.com/2008/01/featured-collectible-tipp-city-shakers.html

Eaton's Spice tins from http://www.flickr.com/photos/wickedstella/509479545/in/faves-49022296@N04/

Tip trays and canister from Etsy.com

Kitchen photo from http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/photo-gallery/retro-kitchen-ideas/

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

CHOCOL'ART HOLIDAY EXHIBIT FARMINGTON VALLEY ARTS CENTER , AVON, CT SATURDAY DECEMBER 8th, 2012, 10-4 p.m.

Artful Giving At The Chocol'Art Holiday Exhibit Farmington Valley Arts Center 

There is as lot of new activity at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT (just off Route 44).

This Saturday, December 8th, 2012, is the Chocol'Art event, when all of the artist studios are open and free chocolate treats are offered to visitors.  You can also make "Star Books" with Avis Turner.

The Farmington Valley Art Center is abuzz with special holiday workshops, holiday themed programs and plenty of artful shopping opportunities.

As a studio artist myself on the second floor of FVAC, I have an inside view of  the wonderful classes, workshops, exhibits, speakers and events that are ongoing .  I even have a birds eye view of the  "Yarn Graffiti" covering the trees in front of  the artist  studios.

Handmade Holiday Gifts  At The  
Farmington Valley Arts Center

The theme of this years holiday season is "Artful Giving" with an emphasis on sharing art with friends and loved ones as an alternative to manufactured gifts. In the larger Fisher Gallery, and smaller  Esther Drezner Gallery you will find dozens of handmade treasures such as wearable art, hand painted silk scarves, textiles, ceramics, notecards, jewelry, toys, paintings, collage, ornaments, holiday decor, Judaica and more.

Creating Holiday Garland With Foam Packing Materials 

On two floors of the Farmington Valley Arts Center you can visit and talk with artists who work in a variety of modalities. New to the FVAC this year are the addition of art studios leased by several local art teachers, designers and artisans who add a vibrant and novel approach to art making.  You will find plenty of surprises at  FVAC.

"Painting" With A Blow Torch

Be sure to visit the second floor where you will see how the current Artist In Residence , Stephanie Lauretano, "paints" with a mini blow torch.

In another nearby studio, Anita Balkin creates decorative garland  out of foam packing material. She also makes mobiles out of used drum sticks.  Bring your family as there is so much to learn at  FVAC for all age groups.

For more information, directions and schedules visit  http://www.artsfvac.org/visit-us/

To see artist profiles of all of  Farmington Valley Artists visit http://www.artistsfvac.org/

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