Wonky And Whimsical At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

Whimsical And Wonky: Strolling The Booths At The Collinsville Antiques Company

It's the parade of the wonky at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT. One thing you can always say about this 22,000  square feet Antique Emporium is that they always have an eclectic collection of antiques, collectibles and wonky. Come visit one of the biggest Antique Malls in New England, you will have plenty of booths to browse and enjoy....and plenty of unususal and unique collections.

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

"Freedom Comes Home" And "Freedom", Two New Shows Opening Tonight, September, 27th, 2013 at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT, 6:00-8:00 pm.

Photography Exhibit By Josh Quint: "Freedom Comes Home", Esther Drezner Gallery, Farmington Valley Arts Center Opens Tonight, September 27th, 2013

Last night I attended a preview opening of a new show at The Farmington Valley Arts Center's Esther Drezner Gallery called "Freedom Comes Home", an exhibit of photographs taken by Josh Quint who was deployed in Afghanistan. Accompanying the collection of images were displays of Josh's militiary gear.

Walking Into The Photos: Far Away From Home

As I walked around the gallery, I was trying to not only look at the photographs with my artist mind, but to also genuinely walk into the photos and imagine what it must be like to be miles away from the comforts of home in danger's way. I looked up from the photographs at one point trying to find the person in the room who was Josh Quint.

Jennifer DeGraff Brings Show To LIfe 

Jennifer DeGraaf, a board member and active member of the Center who brought this show to life, pointed to a young handsome clean cut fella dressed in a sweater who looked like the boy next door. I looked at him and then stared at one of the photos of Josh on the wall. Josh looked very different to me close up, in person. In the gallery he looked calm and relaxed and unburdened by the heavy load of gear and responsibility he carried in Afghanistan.

A Mother's Perspective

As a mother of four, with two sons, I was happy to see Josh home. Yes proud of him for protecting freedom, but relieved to see that the sress and fear of being miles and miles away from home was now lifted and captured in photographic memories of one of many chapters of his life.

Show Curator, Anna Rogulina, New Britain Museum of Art 

The 40 photographs exhibited came from a collection of 5000, that juror, Anna Rogulina, Assistant Curator of the New Britain Museum of American Art selected for the show. Tonight, Friday, September 27th, 2013 there will be the public opening of the show 6:00pm-8:00 pm.

Second Show Debuts In Fisher Gallery: "Freedeom" ,  Multi-Media Show, September 27thm 2013

In the Fisher Gallery at FVAC,  there is an opening of another show called "Freedom" which is a multi-media show of collages, paintings, illustrations  sculptors, photographers interpreting the theme of what freedom mean't to each of the artists. The opening is from 6:00-8:00 pm.


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

Networking To Find Professional Geriatric Social Workers And Senior Care Managers And Consultants

Time To Make A Change For A Parent Who Is Declining In Health

Mom and dad might as well have owned two separate condos because keeping them together under one roof was a real Vaudeville act for me and my sibs.  Sometimes my sister's really believed that my mother's early deafness was to tune out her Archie Bunker-esque husband, our dad. When mom passsed away, the condo got very quiet. Dad's health declined and his spirit plummeted.
The early signs of dementia began to kick in as dad could no longer understand how to pay his bills or how to cook for himself, or what day it was in the week.

Dehydration Common In Elderly Who Are Living Alone With Dementia

It became clear after a few trips to the emergency room and an overnight stay in the hospital for dehydration that dad no longer  could live alone at home. The challenge however, was how to care for dad long distance with limited income to help pay for home health aides. The money was running out and the clock was ticking and the decision had to be made whether dad was to remain far away from his family or to be relocated closer to one of his daughters.

Who Do You Call For Help For An Aging Parent?

Who do you turn to when you are trying to figure out how to plan for care, housing and finances for an elderly parent?  Often family members turn to the internet and begin by calling government or regional agencies on aging.
This step for many generally provides lots of information but also a lot of confusion and roadblocks.   Looking back at the process, I will tell you that I wasted a lot of precious time spinning my wheels trying to get help with eldercare issues.

When You Have To Move An Aging Parent Long Distance

If I was turning the clock back, I would have initially looked for a well qualified private professional Geriatric Care Manager or Senior Care Consultant or Social Worker/Nurse skilled in Gerontology or Geriatrics. who really knew the community resources and services in the area that my dad lived in.  And if the decision was made to move dad from his hometown, I would have engaged the services of someone in the region I wanted to move him to. But here is the big question......how do you find a very experienced and knowledgeable person?

Learning More About Who You Hire As A Senior Consultant 

Now, I should point out that professionals who work in this area of Senior consultation can come from different clinical and professional backgrounds. Please read my article "Who Do You Call When You Need Help With Aging Parents" to learn more about this topic.


Here are some tips about:

Networking To Find Senior Care Consultants to help with housing options, community resources, downsizing and other Older Adult - Senior issues.

These tips go beyond searching on the internet, this is what I call walk the beat networking.

1. Ask neighbors and property managers in the condo / apartment complex your loved one lives in to  learn about local Senior Care managers or consultants they have worked with.

2. Network with the home health aides of neighbors to learn more about who to consult (they often work for agencies nearby who may have knowledge of professional Senior care managers or Geriatric Social workers and nurses). Take a stroll outside and you will often see aides shopping and taking walks.

3. Talk to staff and members of a local Church or Synagogue.

4. Contact a popular local Assisted Living facililty nearby  and ask them if they work with any private Senior Care Managers. Ask for the Nursing or Social Work department.

5. Contact large Home Health agencies and ask for professisonal Senior Care Manager referrals. Many facillites have on staff consultants who can be helpful. (Aor large agencies ask to speak to their Nursing or Social Work department).

6. Ask local elderlaw attorneys and physicians for community referrals of professional Geriatric Care managers and consultants.

7. A good resource is the  National Association of Professional Care Managers but keep in mind that not everyone who does this type of work belongs to this organization.  And you might find limited options of referrrals from this group in your particualr area. You still may want to network to see whose name comes up over and over again.

 Readers please add your suggestions in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.

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

Go Slow Downsizing An Elderly Parent's House

Laughter Helps Us Keep Sane When Moving An Elderly Parent: But Remember To Be Gentle

I have previously written humorously about the topic of helping an elderly parent downsize a home. Let's be honest.... laughter does the trick to keep us sane when we are throwing out expired can goods from two decades ago. But while we adult children are busy cleaning out and dumping STUFF.....our adult parents are really not finding anything funny about the process. In fact, you really need to be gentle....and go slowly. Packing up an older person's things, especially if they have been widowed is for many a very emotional time.

Socks and Coffee Can Be Emotional Triggers

Even throwing out an expired jar of coffee can be difficult for someone who attaches fond memories to that jar of coffee and the days when they went shopping to the grocery store together as a couple to buy the week's (or decade's) coffee.

If you think food can bring back memories...old socks can do the same thing. Frankly, everything a person owns can become a sentimental experience.  Go slow.....it's not easy packing up a lifetime!

Tips To Ease The Emotional Experience Of Downsizing An Older Parent

1. Offer to store family pictures and albums.
2. Consider placing extra boxes in storage unit.
3. Bring along a small curio cabinet or small China cabinet to new apartment to display keepsakes.
4. Build wall shelving or add open book shelf type cabinet to display keepsakes in new place.
5. Gift items to meaningful charities.
6. Pack important items in plastic boxes of different sizes that can stack under bed or in closet in new place.
7. Think out of the box...do you need to bring big couch or can comfortable chairs work better?
8. Donate extra linens, towels, sundries etc to Shelters

Readers please add your suggestions in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.

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

A Kitchen Collectibles Collection You Could Plotz Over

What Would Your Dream Antique Booth Be Filled With? 

What if you could wave a magic wand and instantly be transported to the antique show, booth or shop of your dreams?  What would your fantasy booth have in its collection? I found the creme de la creme booth in late August when I was strolling around The Madison Antique Show in Madison, CT and I spotted a booth with kitchen collectibles.

This was not simple just another booth of kitchenwares....this was the was by far the most exciting booth of vintage kitchenwares from the 30s, 40s, 50s that I have come across in a very long time. I'd do a fourth book just on this collection alone. The kitchenwares were owned by Elaine and Jerry Berman of  "Twentieth Century Limitied". I'm not sure where these folks have been hiding but I have to tell you that they had a collection you would plotz over.

Their  kitchen collectibles were all in tip top shape and arranged beautifully. I sure hope I bump into these treasures again.

Would you like to see me do a fourth kitchen collectibles book? Tell me why so I can make my pitch to a new publisher? (My old publisher Collector Books has retired).

Readers, also tell us about what your dream collection would look like?

Plotz meaning see: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=plotz



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

The Art Of Displaying Party Peppers

It's All In The Presentation: How To Make Peppers Look Fabulous At A Party 

At The Farmington Valley Arts Center  (where I have my art studio on the second level), the pressure is always on to look artsy for guests who visit the Center during show openings and special events. Recently, I spotted this wonderful presentation of sliced green peppers on the refreshment table in The Esther Drezner Gallery. Is this pepper plate not a work of art in of itself?

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen and 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

Teacup Art Assemblage Using Vintage Black And White Buttons

Anna Murfin: Artist And Potter Creates Teacup Made Out of Vintage Buttons

This post will be a quickie one. I wanted to share with you a friend's latest creation, a teacup made out of vintage black and white buttons. I can not imagine how Anna Murfin a very creative and magical Connecticut potter and artist was able to assemble these tiny buttons and have them form a tea cup but  if anyone can do it ....Anna can!
Anna recently participated in The Artist In Residence program at The Farmington Valley Art's Center in Avon, 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

Queen Anne Antiques Fabulous Things, A Boho Chic Vintage Shop In Canton, CT

Antiquing In Charming Canton, CT On Route 44: You'll Like Queen Anne Antiques Faboulous Things

One of my favorite smaller antique shops in Canton, CT , Queen Anne Antiques, just moved her shop from the back of her plaza to a front spot right on Route 44. Besides having a new home, April also has a new name, "Queen Anne Fabulous Things". Now, I have followed this shop as it has morphed from it's original pre-Canton days of "country" to it's current incarnation. All I can say is April is really developing her own unique style and I don't know how to describe it.

Boho Chic Style 

In a previous article I wrote about her as being somwhat "Bohemian Global" now. But I could also say Queen Anne Antiques is "Boho Chic".  While we generally apply Boho Chic to fashion styles which incorporate 1960's Hippie styles, I think April has successfully fused Hippie-Vintage-Chic-Industrial styles very well.

A Small Shop Packed With Vintage, Cottage, Retro, Industrial Antiques and Collectibles

As I said earlier, it is really hard to tell you what you will find at April's shop. One  thing for sure is that  you never know what you will find and you can count on her stock slways changing. You might find a collection of vintage dress forms, studio pottery,  vintage sock dolls, cottage style dressers, decorating books, old luggage and more. The goods are always a li

ttle edgy and displayed with an extra oomph.

Queen Anne Fabulous Things is a few steps from The Blue House (Vintage) on Route 44 in Canton, CT


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

Collecting Vintage Crayon Boxes Isn't Just Child's Play: Meet Ed Welter

Time For A New Box Of Vintage Crayons

I guess it is back to school and Im thinking about the days when I would convince my mother that I needed a NEW box of Crayola crayons. There was nothing like starting off a school year with  "fresh"  crayons. In school I had a small box of crayons, but at home, I of course had my box of 64 Crayola crayons. Even today it is hard for me to pass by a box of new 64 crayons and not want to put those babes in my shopping cart.

 Lots of Crayon Boxes To Collect

 

Introducing Crayon Collecting.com

Collecting crayons is not just child's play.  There are many serious collectors out there who have dedicated many hours to researching the crayon industry and archiving valuable  photographs, articles and advertising materials. A fabulous website for you to visit is Crayon Collecting.com  run by Master crayon collector, Ed Welter. Divided into sections called "Crayola", "Companies", "Articles" you will find everything imaginable about crayons on this website.

History of Waxed Crayons in American Began in 1880s

According to Ed the wax crayon started in Europe and was first manufactured in the United States in the 1880s. The wax crayon became important in the US at the same time as the Kindergarten movement and the expansion of creative programs in school.

Ed Has Thousands Of Collectible Crayon Boxes 

Ed Welter has 3,000 different crayon boxes in his collection. There are many brands besides Crayola (Binney and Smith)  to collect. As you begin your search,  you will find such manufacturers as E. Steiger & Co., Offenheim & Ziffer, Franklin, Standard, Prang, Dixon, Milton Bradley, American Crayon, Eagle Pencil, Munsell
etc.

Crayons come in paper boxes, wooden boxes, tins and canisters. Look for interesting graphics and unusal packaging.


Prices For Vintage Crayon Boxes

Prices for vintage crayon boxes vary according to rarity, conditon and age. You will be able to collect lots of crayon boxes (with crayons) from $8.00-18.00. But be prepared to see unusal varieties sell for
$25.00-45.00 and upwards. Crayons are also crossover collectibles. For example Disney related crayon box themes may also be of importance to Disney collectors and  fetch considerable more money. Or a crayon box associated with an importnt event or character can be of interest to many.

Visit  Crayon Collecting.com


You might enjoy joining the Crayon Collector's Club http://www.crayoncollecting.com/ccc.htm 

Be sure to visit Kelley Street Vintage, she often sells vintage crayon boxes.

Photo images courtesy of Crayon Collecting.com 

Readers, tell us about your Crayon days!
   
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

What Is Popular In Vintage Back To School Collectibles?

Collecting School Antiques And Collectibles

There is a sweet spot for many of us in surrounding ourselves with memorabilia and keepsakes from our school days.

Here is a list of popular vintage school related collectibles which have become very poular among collectors. Note: order is random.

1. metal lunch boxes
2. metal watercolor paint tin sets
3. old coloring books
4. slate boards
5. vintage crayon, chalk, pencil boxes
6. old workbooks
7. school room fiurnishings
8. school bells
9. old flashcards
10. readers
11. maps/globes
12. rulers


Image courtesy of Kelley Street Vintage on Etsy.com

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen and 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 Vintage Novelty Plastic Salt And Pepper Sets

Adorable Collectible Plastic Teapot Salt And Pepper Set

I just had to share this photo with you. I love everything about this sweet vignette that I spottted recently at an antique show that I attended in Madison, CT which is on the shoreline. I adore the colors yellow and red ... I love teapots and I really like how the plastic salt and pepper set is displayed on a blue and white check tablecloth. Do you like this too? Why on earth didn't I buy it?

These type of plastic collectibles in prime condition have climbed in price since I began collecting kitchenwares. Once an under $10.00 item, I now see them for $18.00 to  $25.00.
What do my readers say, what is your experience?

If you love plastics visit my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/kitschnstuff/1950s-plastic-kitchen/

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

Moving Mom And Dad: Getting Help With Knowing What Is An Antique Or Collectible And What To Pack, Dump Or Donate

What You Can Do To Learn About Mom And Dad's Keepsakes And Furniture Before You Move Your Parents 

Everyday now it seems that I am bumping into friends who are preoccupied with moving aging parents here, there and everywhere. While some of these older adults are downsizing from a house into an apartment or moving back from Florida to the Northeast, or transitioning into an Assisted Living residence,  one theme keeps coming up, "how do I know if anything my mother and or father has is valuable?".


Do You Need Help Downsizing Your Mom And Or Dad?

I've covered this topic many times before,  but today I wanted to remind adult children to post pictures of their collections on I Antique Online.com. This is a free social network for the antique and collectibles world. If  you are trying to figure out if you should pack, dump or donate many of the items you need to deal with before moving an elderly parent, I Antique Online.com is a perfect solution for getting some help.

Introducing Whadja Find Group Forum For Helping You Identify, Evaluate And Discuss Market Value of Antiques, Collectibles, Art  

While there are over 200 group forums on I Antique Online.com, one popular group  called "Whadja Find"  is as good palce to start when you are clueless about what you have. This very active and friendly group can help you identify, evaluate and discuss the market value of antiques, collectibles, art. Many of the members of "Whadja Find" will even do research for you and get answers. The neat thing is that all of this is free, it is a social network and not an appraisal company.  

How Can I Antique Online.com Help You Figure Out If Mom's Furniture And Collectibles Are Valuable? 

So how does this work? You go onto I Antique Online.com    and join (free). Then you click on "Whadja Find"  (free) and next you post a comment with a picture(s) of what you want help with. So let's say you are unsure whether the tchotchkes that are covered in dust in your mom's China closet are
collectible or not, you could snap a few photos with your iPhone or camera and post them on I Antique Online.com in Whadja Find or actually in any of the other groups as well, i.e. "Depression Glass", "Everyday Pottery" and more. The point is that Whadja Find is a good place to start, because you may not even know what you have to begin with and Whadja Find is a good starting place.

There are many more articles in this series:

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.

  

You Never Want A "Loose Kugel."...Especially On Rosh Hashana

The Art Of Baking A Sweet Rosh Hashana Noodle Pudding  

I was telling a friend of a different faith, what foods are traditional for the Jewish New Year, when she remembered actually once before eating a "Kugel" at of all places, her son's school Soccer game. Curious about what kind of "Kugel" she ate, I asked her to tell me more about  her Soccer Kugel experience and together we concluded that she sampled  a dairy Noodle Kugel.

A Kugel Is Like Lasagna ....Sort Of

She remembered thinking that a Kugel was like a Lasagna, sort of... no tomato sauce of course, but noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar etc.  She also remembered that the Kugel she enjoyed very much had pineapples as well.

Sweet Lokshen Kugel

"Yes", I told her pineapples, raisens and even apples are often added to Kugels. I pointed out that there are Noodle Kugels and Potato Kugels.  In families that observe Kosher practices (do not mix dairy with meat) , Kugels can be made dairy or Pareve (no dairy). Another gal who was listening in on our Kugel talk, wanted to clarify whether the Kugel was a pudding or a cake. Kugels, are an Ashkenazic-style noodle and cheese dish I told the girls.

After baking this sweet side dish, (or dessert)  you always hope for a firm Kugel which you can cut into nice squares to serve, I emphasized.  Baking a Kugel is an art that can not be rushed.  One of the gals listened intently and  then cracked us up with her response.....

so in other words you do not want a
"loose Kugel".

No, Lisa.......you never want a loose Kugel!

Top photos courtesy of  http://theshiksa.com/2012/05/18/sweet-lokshen-kugel/

 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

Melissa Meredith's "Birds And Beasts" Monotype Show Opening Reception, Drezner Visitor's Gallery, Farmington Valley Arts Center, September 6, 2013, 6-8 pm.

Melissa Meredith Playful Monotype Prints: Something To Crow About At The Farmington Valley Arts Center 

There is a charming Monotype show called "Birds and Beasts" now on display September 6-21) in the Drezner Visitor's Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. I'm not sure why the show was named "Birds and Beasts",  a title which surprised me when I entered the gallery and found walls filled with a delightful collection of whimsical barnyard themed monotypes (pigs, roosters, hens, ducks) by Master printer, Melissa Meredith. I was looking for a few "beasts", but instead I found playful monotypes depicting Country life scenes which are a must see!

Chickens Are Birds

The FVAC show does however boast many monoprints of "birds",  chickens  are the most populated bird in the world. Although most of us don't think of chickens as birds, the chicken, a domesticated fowl (Gallus gallus domestcius) is clearly well represented in this show. As far as the beasts,  I suppose I need to revisit the show and see if any beasts have snuck in.

Do You Know Your Roosters From Your Hens?

Returning to the subject of birds and chickens, I have previously written about this topic clarifying for the collectors world, what is the difference between roosters and hens. Many collectors get confused
when buying figurines and artwork whether they are aquiring roosters, hens or chickens.  Both roosters and hens are chickens. The rooster is the male chicken and the hen is the female.

As I have discussed before in my article "Collecting Rooster and Hen Collectibles...Cock-a-doodle-doo", according to my online sources, male chickens (rooster) have bigger egos and females (hens) tend to be short and fat. But the key difference is that roosters crow and hens don't. This defining trait is hard to determine when buying a print!

Learning Printmaking From Melissa Meredith At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Male or female, visitors to the Esther Drezner Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center have plenty to crow about when attending this show. Melissa has assembled an extensive representation of her work. As a studio artist at FVAC, a few doors down from Melissa's studio 7B, I have recently had an opportunity to attend a few workshops with Melissa and learn more about how she approaches her process of pulling prints. Melissa, an artist at FVAC for decades, is very gracious with her time and often shares her knowledge with others.

The Art Of Pulling Prints

Printmaking can be a bit more quirky that simply painting a picture of a subject such as an image of a duck or pig  on paper or canvas. In printmaking, you truly never know exactly how the colors and textures will translate when you gently pull back the watercolor paper from the plate  after it was passed through the press. Melissa Meredith has successfully accomplished very consistent prints which yield strong color, realistic textures and engaging compositions.

Melissa Meredith's Monotypes Are All Originals 

Melissa has developed her own technique of applying watercolor paint and crayons to a disposable plate. She gets one print out of each plate, the orginal. Often artists will take their original  to a commercial printer and have additonal prints made by machine. You always need to know if you are buying the artist's orginal monotype or a copy.  Melissa Meredith only sells orginals of her work. Melissa will tell you that when you buy one of her monotypes there is no other like it, it is truly one of -a -kind.

"Birds and Beasts" will have an opening reception on Friday, September 6, 6-8 pm. Theshow continues from September 6-21, 2013 in the Esther Drezner Visitor's Gallery which is on the first floor of the Farmington Valley Arts Center. The gallery also has a gisft shop small works for sale by other artisans from thre region.

For more information about  The Farmington Valley Arts Center visit their website  http://www.artsfvac.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