Designer Susan Driscoll: Patterns Inspired by Vintage Fabrics and Mid Century Modern Design

Kitschy Pattern Designs on Pinterest.com 

Visiting Pinterest.com is like having your very own reference library filled with books, illustrations and magazines. One of my favorite boards I have created on the site is called "Kitschy Pattern Design". I like to "collect" images of patterns inspired by vintage fabric and Mid Century design.

Here is a preview of my "Kitschy Pattern Design" board.

This image is from designer Susan Driscoll who named her studio "The Print Tree". Susan, based in Liverpool, UK is a freelance designer influenced by vintage textiles, nature, mid centrury design and contemporary illustration.

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

Antique Booth Ideas: Painting A Display Shelf In Bright Periwinkle Blue and Yellow.

Colorful Painted Shelf Gets The Attention of Shoppers In An Antique Mall 

I just had to share with you this photo of a colorfully painted cabinet which was recently posted on my site I Antique Online.com. For sure this photo caught my attention as it was uploaded in our phoot gallery on the site. You can also imagine that this shleving unit would catch the attention of buyers who were strolling an antique mall. The whimsical shelf displays collectibles for sale in a multi-group antique shop . Antique dealers...painting one of your cabinets or shelves a bright color is a sure way to bring  more customers to your antique booth!


Photo from Judy Jordan collection: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/very-vintage?context=latest
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

Tips When Determining If Grandma's Antiques and Collectibles Are Worth Anything?

How To Begin To Sort Through Grandma's Antiques and Collections


As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I am often sent photos of antiques, collectibles and trinkets and asked "Is this worth anything?". Or "What should I do with my mom's collection of salt and pepper shakers?". Usually when I get an email with these types of questions I ask the sender first if they have a photo or two for me to look at. To be honest, I'm curious myself. I want to see a preview of what they are talking about.

Finding The Special Collectibles

Can you imagine if the person who is contacting me had a HUGE collection of  McKee or Tipp range set shakers? Or if the shoe box of old jewelry they found in a dresser drawer was packed with beautiful highly collectible Bakelite pieces ?

Usually after I get a chance to see a few photos, I write the sender back and suggest to them that they visit my site "I Antique Online.com" and post their question in the group "Whadja Find" as well as in any of the many collectible groups on the site such as "Furniture" "cookie jars" , "Depression Glassware", "Bakelite" etc. Our Depression Glass group is moderated by famed author Barbra E. Mauzy  who has written many books on Depression Glass.

I Antique Online.com Is A FREE Social Network To Help You Figure Out What You Have 

I Antique Online.com is a social network made up off over 14, 000 members who bring to the community a lot of both personal and business expertise. There is no fee to be part of this community and there always is so much to learn from so many members of IAO who enjoy helping out new members. I like the idea of using I Antique Online.com for feedback because, you will get lot's of advice and the community will self monitor the responses.

Many people will advise you to seek out an appraiser or auction house, which is also a good idea, but how do you know who to go to? On I Antique Online. Com we can help with that process as well. Be sure to visit the group "Estate Liquidation" on I Antique Online.com.

Tips When Determining If Grandma's Antiques and Collectibles Are Worth Anything?

1. Look at the item. To your eye does the item look old or new?
2. Is the item attractive?
3. How is it made? Does it look well made? Is it plain, ornate, stylish? Is there a lot of detail and workmanship?
4. Are their any markings, labels, signatures, numbers?
5. Is anything chipped or broken or repaired?
6. If you had to guess what era the item was, could you? Do you remember what years grandma had the item?
7. What is the item used for?
8. Is the item common or  quite unique?
9. Does it look like a fake or does it show signs of age and use?
10. Where did grandma keep it in the house? Was it cared for? Was it on display? Was it used?

Photos are from I Antiqe Online.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

Shop Handmade Gifts For The Holidays at Farmington Valley Arts Center New Gift Shop and Gallery

 CHOOSE HANDMADE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS: VISIT THE DREZNER HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY AND SHOP at the FARMINGTON VALLEY ARTS CENTER, AVON, CT

Drezner Holiday Gift Shop Gallery open Wednesday through Friday 12:00-4:00pm and Saturday all day 

Visit  http://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

Mixed Media Colors: When You Just Can't "Own" The Palette

Painted Papers For Collage With Colors That Scream Help!

This post is for my Mixed Media followers who will know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to falling into just the right palette. Well let's say the last palette I fell into I just can't own. I  am trying to like it, but it doesn't work for me. Remember the Bravo T.V. show "Work of Art" ? One of the art critics, I think it was Jerry Saltz, would often say "it just doesn't work for me". Well that is how I feel about the colors on the papers I painted for my current series of collages. What do you think....are these colors working
for you?


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 Decorating With Fresh Greenery: Getting Ready For Shopping in a Winter Wonderland at The Farmington Valley Arts Center

The Only Holiday Greens I Knew About (Until Yesterday) Were Spinach and Kale 
I am very proud to announce that yesterday marked the first time I helped decorate for Christmas. I've had a lot of experience with blue and white banners, dreidels and this year Thanksgiving latkes, but not much floor time with greens and wreaths. In fact, the only greens I really know about are spinach and kale. 

Decorating The Farmington Valley Arts Center For Winter Wonderland 

So please understand  it was a big deal for me to show up at holiday workshop to help make holiday swags to adorn the outside posts and doors at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. where I have my art studio (Studio 9B). 



Getting To Know My Holiday Decorating Greens 

I arrived to our beloved classroom in 3A ( a place I have taken many classes before I became "a real artist" LOL). It was there that I was introduced to a whole new variety of holiday "greens" gathered from the landscape around the art center and brought in from our artist's gardens.  I learned that you can use, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Junipers (fragrant), True Cedars, Firs, Spruce, Ivy, Holly (green and variegated) and many Evergreens such as Hemlock. 

Making Holiday Swags Is A Hand's On Experience: Protect Your Hands

By the end of the afternoon, I had a whole new appreciation of the bounty that was available for FREE. But let's get back to the actual hands on experience. You need to be prepared for working with your hands and protecting your hands. Old gloves are helpful. Forget about using the thin surgical gloves that many of us Mixed Media artists use in our studios. You will never be able to wrap wire around your bunches of greens with rubber goves on. You'll get all jammed up, trust me!

Making Holiday Swags

So what actually is a holiday swag? It is an arrangement of greens bound with wire, a colorful holiday ribbon and dressed with embellishments such as coloroful ribbons and bows, berries or  acorns if you wish. After the first four swags I made...the rest were a piece of cake. Making the bows was another story. 

You can see our holiday swags this Friday night, December 6th, 2013 at The Farmington Valley Arts Center Open Studios and Shopping in A Winter Wonderland 6:00-9:00 pm. Sample chocolates in each of the studios and visit The Drezner Holiday Gift Gallery and the Fisher Gallery for a wonderful glimmering exhibit.

For more information visit: http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/

Visiting Crazy For Tea Time: Holiday Ideas With Vintage Teacups

Crazy For Tea Time Holiday Idea

Love this vintage tea cup  filled with  holiday cookies. So colorful and festive.
Spotted at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-for-Tea-Time/332125650130965

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

Angel Themed Handmade Gifts And Artwork Featured at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

Handmade Angel Gifts During Candlelight Season Celebration at The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Angels are a very popular holiday theme in art, gifts and collectibles.  The Drezner Holiday GIft Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center has a beautiful collection of handcrafted and fine artist made wearable art, wall decor, pottery, ceramics, functional gifts etc. with angel designs.

Christmas Tree Angels

Angels played a significant role in the first Christmas and have become a holiday decorating tradition.  "The History of Christmas Tree Angels" is explained on the website
by About.com called "Angels" and Miracles".

Whitney Hopier explains that Tree topper angels would be placed "at the very top of the Christmas tree to symbolize the significance of the angels who appeared above Bethlehem to joyfully announce Jesus's birth on the first Christmas".

Guardian Angels

Angels are popular collectibles throughout the year. The "Guardian Angel" is important to many people of different religious beliefs who think of an angel figurine or angel themed artwork as a symbol of the endearing  angel that will watch over them and loved ones.  Some people assign this role to an actual person and believe that someone special has been assigned to accompany them on their journey on earth.

Personal Angels

In Judaism, some believe in personal angels as well as the belief that different guardian angels may serve different people at various times. In an article called "Do I Have My Own Guardian Angel" by Whitney Hopier notes that the Jewish Midrash Bereshit Rabba says that people can become their own guardian angels by fulfilling the tasks of God.

Angel Designed Handcrafted Gifts For The Holidays  at The farmington Valley Arts Center Drezner Gallery

Angel designed gifts are always well received during the holidays. On a recent visit to The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT  I found beautiful silk "angel" scarves made by Roasalia "Lia" Lee. Lori Barker, has a collection of original angel art on display as well. You will also find wooden angel shelf sitters, figurines and more. Angel lovers should also visit the Pottery Spectrum Studio right next door to the gift shop at The Farmington Valley Arts Center to see more handcrafted angels made by studio artist Ginny August.

The Drezner Gift Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Open
Wednesday, Thurssday, Friday  12:00-4:00pm
Saturday 10:00-4:00pm

Special holiday hours

Friday, December 6 6 pm to 9 pm– Shopping in a Winter Wonderland

Chocol’Art – sample chocolaty treats in studios!

also visit:  http://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

Collecting Charming Tin Canisters For Your Vintage Kitchen

Finding Unique Vintage Kitchen Canisters

I adore vintage kitchen canisters and I'm not exactly sure why, but I have a growing "collection" pinned to my "Retro Kitchen Canisters" board on Pinterest.com.

 Photo show from the amazing collection at http://tparty.typepad.com/the_tcozy/

Whether I am antiquing in cyberspace or out shoppping in my favorite stores.
As you have probably already discovered, there are some sets that seem to come up everywhere (apple and fruit themes). The one show here with a decal is a pretty unique one.

This canister is a little rough looking on the top but really quite charming even if it is an orphan (not part of a set).

Visit
Kitsch-N Collectibles Kitchen Collectibles Group

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

Before You Liquidate: Where Elderly Parents Hide Money and Valuables

Where Do Elderly People Hide Money and Valuables In Their Home: Tips For Helping Parents Downsize and Move 

Recently it was reported that a New Haven, CT rabbi found $98,000 hidden in an old desk that he bought on Craigslist. This story reminded me of how often older adults hide money and valuables in secret places. Afraid of banks and hearing family stories about living through the stock market crash in the 1920s and Great Depression in the decades before World War II, many older adults grew up in times when hiding possessions was common.

Helping Parents Pack Up Their Home

If you are a baby boomer, you are probably dealing with helping older parents pack up homes to downsize or move into other residences. I can only tell you from both personal experience and stories I hear all the time that it is not unusual to find money and other valuables hidden in some really quirky places. It would be nice for older adults to share these "secrets" with their children, but that ususally does not happen for many reasons, death of a parent, dementia, mistrust etc.

So if you are involved in helping mom and or dad downsize their belongings it may be wise to review the list below:

Common Places Older Adults Hide Money And Valuables

1. Back of drawers
2. pockets of clothing (jcakets, pants)
3. socks, underwear or junk drawer
4. coffee cans, cookie jars, cereal boxes and canisters
5. cigar boxes
6. shoe boxes, old jewelry boxes, trinket boxes, old tins
7. freezer (ice cube trays, plastic containers)
8. refrigerator
9. medicine bottles
10. artificial plants, planters, flower pots


11. secret pillow pockets
12. file cabinet drawers

  
13. behind pictures/artwork (between backing and picture )
14. mattresses
15. toilet tank in a waterproof bag or bottle
16. buried in the backyard, garage, attic, under flooring
17. pages of books, newspapers
18. hem of curtains
19. lining of a suit

Readers please add your ideas to this list, I will update as I hear from you, thanks.

Visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation

See: http://articles.courant.com/2013-11-23/news/hc-simsbury-millionaires-nextdoor-20131122_1_war-bonds-law-firm-estate

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 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
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

Quirky, Colorful, Glimmering Exhibit in The Fisher Gallery During 37th Annual Candlelight Celebration at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon CT November 22, 2013 - December 21, 2013

Mixed Media, Sculptures and Urban Folk Art By Artist Bill Healy Showing in The Fisher Gallery at Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT 37th Annual Candlelight Celebration, Opening 5:00 -9:00 pm November 22, 2013 Through December 21, 2113. 

Quirky, colorful, whimsical and magical is how I would describe the holiday exhibit for the 37th Candlelight Celebration in the Fisher Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT.

This year, you will find a shimmering giant kinetic mobile sculpture of a Pegasus created by Robin Protz, centered in the gallery surrounded by original Urban Folk Art, Assemblage art, Mixed media, sculpture, Art glass and more.


Urban Folk Artist Bill Healy at Farmington Valley Arts Center

Local artist Bill Healy funks up the gallery with his offbeat menagerie of  Urban Folk Art which will remind you not to take life too seriously. His unique funky junk art assemblages
and offbeat wall decor with bold form and bright colors will both charm you and keep you entertained.

Bill, known for his metal can robots using vintage advertising tins has expand his reportoire of looney objets d' art to create both large and small colorful figurative assemblages.

You will find a good represention of sculpture, glass art, photography, mixed media, pottery by regional artists on exhibit during the 37th Annual Candlelight Celebration.

For more information please visit http://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.comDianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting "Sign of the Dove Gallery" in The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA

It's A Sign.....Sign of the Dove

On my way to Bloomingdales (not a usual place to find me) in The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill MA, I apparently parked on the wrong side of the mall and needed to trek past lots of stores to get to "Bloomies". But as you know, everything happens for a reason and I was rewarded for parking so far away. On route to shop "20 per cent off for family and friends" at Bloomies, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an artist cooperative called  "Sign of the Dove Gallery" on my stroll.

A Sixth Sense For Estate Sales And Artisan Shops

I couldn't believe that I had landed right where I would have wanted to be if  given advance notice. But just as I have a sixth sense for estate sales, I also have an uncanny ability to find artisan shops where all the objects are orginal and handmade. I could have skipped Bloomingdales, but I was on a mission. Back to that subject later.

New England Artist Cooperative For Decades 

The "Sign of the Dove Gallery" is an artist cooperative which is comprised of New England artists who make wearable art, pottery, sculpture,  dolls, paper crafts, holiday ornaments, glassware, jewelry, beadwork, stained glass and more.

Formerly called The Christmas Store, this cooperative was started in 1972 and is the oldest artist cooperative in New England founded by a small group of artists including Clara Wainright.

As you visit "Sign of The Dove Gallery" you can't help think how exciting it is to find fine craftspeople with an artisan home delightfully situated in the middle of an upscale surburban mall. This was a very well designed and showcased store with very unique handcrafted wall art, home decor , textiles and fine holiday crafts. I am happy to share this store with you and hope you will visit "Sign of the Dove" in your next visit to the region.

It Never Snows When I Buy Boots

Oh and wouldn't you know that the Ugg boots I picked out at Bloomies were not part of the 20 per cent sale......I wasn't happy about that. But the good news is that it won't snow this year in Connecticut, because, it never snows when I buy boots.          


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

Visit Open Artist Studios At Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT During Candlelight Opening, November 22, 2013, 5:00-9:00pm

Visit Esther Drezner Holiday Gift Gallery, Open Studios, Tea Room, 
Fisher Gallery at Farmington Valley Arts Center   Candlelight Opening, November 22, 2013, 5:00-9:00pm  

The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT which boasts 20 artist studios, two galleries and classroom space has also been known for carrying wonderful holiday gifts made by fine artists. Each year, FVAC celebrates Candlelight season which is a series of festive events beginning with an opening on November, 22, 2013 at 5:00-9:00pm. 

 Bill Manocchio

This year, the studio artists are hosting a delightful Tea Room on the second floor in studio 6B with an exhibit of small works displayed and available for purchase. 

Farmington Valley Arts Center Kicks off The Holiday Season With Open Artist Studios    

In a addition to previewing a sample of the studio artist's work in the Tea Room, you can also stroll two floors of professional  artist studios and visit directly with the artists. You will get a chance to see paintings, pastels, monotypes, sculpture, textiles, photography, jewelry and more. As a tradition each artist studio will also have complimentary holiday refreshments.  

Second Floor FVAC Artist Studios Open 

 Danielle Langsford

1B Candace Abbott        
1B Annette Baser           
2B Claire Fish                 
3B Danielle Langford    
4B Susan Brereton         
5B Brion Johnson           
6B Tea Room                   
7B Melissa Meredith        
8B Lisa Ludwig                
9B C. Dianne Zweig        
10B Pia Sjolin 
10B Deborah Velasquez 
11B Jan Bennett                   
             

Kathy Goff

First Floor Artist Studios Open

2A Ginny August   The Pottery Spectrum
2A Betsy Gardiner The Pottery Specturm
4A Melisssa Croghan
6A Bill Manocchio
7A Mary Steele
8A Kathy Goff
9A Fran Hoffnagle
11A James Brunelle

The Esther Drezner Artisan Holiday Gallery

In the Esther Drezner Gallery and Gift Shop, on the first floors you will find wearable art, fine crafted jewelry, photography, functional pottery and ceramics, hand painted silk scarves, Judaica by Gary Rosenthal, original artwork, home decor, glassware and more. Under the direction of Sandy Buerkler, a new gift shop manager this holiday season, the Drezner GIft Gallery has a new look and new artisans. 

Sculpture and  
Mixed Media Exhibit In The Fisher Gallery
  
Be Sure To See The Kinetic Mobile Sculpture By Robin Protz

Sandy, originally from Switzerland has added a very special touch to the Drezner gallery, one of two galleries at FVAC. In the larger Fisher Gallery you will find a sculpture show which surrounds a magnificient shimmery kinetic mobile sculpture by artist Robin Protz. This installation is a must see for both adults and children. Mixed media artwork by artists is also on display. 
This year visit a lovely Tea Room on the second floor with a gallery of small works by FVAC artists in additon to visiting all the other artist open studios (two floors) .

MAKE A HOLIDAY GIFT! —OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOPS — 10 AM-12 NOON 1 PM – 3 PM  visit   http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/ 

  
For more information visit  http://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 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
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:

Shop Handmade For The Holidays at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT

My Idea Of Holiday Shopping Is To Buy Handmade Fine Artisan Crafted Gifts and Art at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT  

Tis the seasosn for holiday shopping....and FVAC Candlelight Celebration - Opening November 22, 2013

Tis the season for holiday shopping......I went to get my mail yesterday out of my mailbox and I thought I had just picked up the delivery for the whole neighborhood. Nope...it was all for me... a pile of holiday catalogs and flyers from retailers.

 Shop Handmade: Be Artsy 

I made two piles for the catalogs... keep and toss (or collage). In the keep pile were mostly home decor catalogs which I like to browse through to see what colors and styles are being promoted this season. Do I actually go running to the mall to buy something I saw in a catalog.....nope! I'm more apt to get ideas from catalogs rather than prompted to go shopping to the mall.

Where To Shop For Artisan Crafted Holiday Gifts and Art In Connecticut

My idea of holiday gift giving is to shop handmade. I prefer artisan crafted ceramics, textiles, jewelry, home decor wearable art etc.  I'm lucky to have a beautiful art studio at The Farmington Valley Arts Center  (FVAC) in Avon, CT because shopping for the holidays is simple for me, I just have to  go down to the first floor and shop at our fabulous Esther Drezner Gallery and Holiday Gift shop.  (This year Chanukah is on Thanksgiving...yikes!).

Visit 20 Artist Studios And A Tea Room  

The FVAC  complex which boasts 20 artist studios, two galleries and classroom space has also been known for carrying wonderful gifts made by fine artists.  This year visit a lovely Tea Room on the second floor with a gallery of small works by FVAC artists in additon to visiting all the other artist open studios (two floors) with lots of art, sculpture, textiles etc.


The Farmington Valley Artisan Holiday Gift Shop Has A Brand New Look 

Out gift shop at The Farmington Valley Arts Center has had a brand new look this year with a very talented manager, Sandy who has acquired objets d' art from regional and national artisans. Keeping all budgets in mind, Sandy has been very successful at finding gorgeous jewelry, clothing, artwork, clocks, glassware. ceramics, pottery, giftware, Judaica by Gary Rosenthal and others and more which will appeal to holiday shoppers.

Before I forget......be sure to visit The Fisher Gallery (larger of the two galleries at FVAC) for a spectacular SURPRISE......

 For more information visit: http://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.comDianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists  

Remember Plaid Heathered Skirts? Heather Fabrics Return In Sweaters, Jackets, Skirts

Heather Plaid Cloth Skirts Are Back In Style: Would You Wear Them? 

If you saw a  plaid heathered skirt in a store today, would you know to call the fabric style "heathered"? I bet if you wore them in the 1950s and back again in solids in the 1980s you would know exactly what I'm referring to. Heathered cloth is similar to tweed, but a more subtle effect when different fibers are blended  to achieve interesting color effects. Often plaids were"heathered".

Old Is New Again At Talbots

Talbots once very traditional in style (black, red, grey. beige, brown)  has been fooling around over the years with updated brighter.color combinations.  This year, they seem to be back on a familiar holiday track (for them). But that doesn't mean they aren't trying some hip new "old" palettes.

When Is Retro Hip And When Is It Dated?

You will find lots of bright colored winter wear in  combos of pink and orange at Talbots. But you will also see both muted and saturated colors in teals/blues and lavendar.
A few days ago,  Talbots was featuring a display which included clothes in a heathered blue-aqua color.

Some of the updated Retro looks are fun but others remind me too much of a "grandma-ish" look (defined as woman who are still wearing the "originals").
 
Who remembers heathered sweaters and skirts?
Would you wear them now?

Top image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/108898065/1950s-skirt-reversible-heather-plaid
Lower  image courtesy of  http://www.etsy.com/shop/missfarfalla?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Teal jacket image courtesy of
http://www.pinterest.com/emeseti/fashion-talbots/

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 Handmade Silk Scarves As Window Decor For The Holidays

Beautiful Artist Designed Silk Scarves 
Featured At The Farmington Valley Arts Center 

Fabulous ARTISTIC "Holiday Window Treatments" In FVAC Gift Gallery

During the holiday season,  The Farmington Valley Arts Center is very busy as studios and galleries are transformed for the Candlelight season  A beautiful preview gallery was set up for artisan made holiday gifts. Look at how one-of-a kind artist designed silk scarves made by textile artist Rosalie "Lia" Lee  were used as window decor. What a clever way to brighten up any space and add a colorful engaging display to showcase these grogeous scarves.

Also see   http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-tie-and-wear-hand-painted-silk.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

Displaying An Artisan Crafted Pendant On An Elegant Artist Designed Silk Scarf : Holiday Show Preview At The Famington Valley

Elegant Artisan Designer Jewelry And Silk Scarves

  The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT

What a terrifc idea, using a silk scarf to display an artisan made pendant.  This is a great way to sell both the scarf and the pendant.  This lovely showcasing idea was spotted at  the holiday gift gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center.  

Also see http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2013/10/using-handmade-silk-scarves-as-window.html

Reminder the 37th Annual Candlelight Opening is Friday, November 22, 2013 , 5pm to 9pm. For the entire schdedule of events visit http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/

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

Displaying Colorful Jewelry On Tree Bark: Artsy Happenings At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

The Farmington Valley Arts Center Gallery Is Ready For Holiday Shopping

These colorful artisan made necklaces are on display for the holiday  season at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. I just adore the way the colors look when showcased on a piece of tree bark. Love the look of the shapes, colors and the quieter background of the tree bark. They are fairly priced . I have got my eye on the blue/green combo.

Reminder the 37th Annual Candlelight Opening is Friday, November 22, 2013 , 5pm to 9pm. For the entire schdedule of events visit http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/

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