Susan Waggoner's Nostalgic Holiday Books Delight Baby Boomers

Christmas In October With Susan Waggoner's Delightful Holiday Books

I recently discovered Susan Waggoner's  series of books on Nostalgic topics: My readers will LOVE LOVE LOVE these books. The pictures bring you back to your childhood days and you will adore vintage images of your favorite memories! While the titles appear to be Christmas focused, the books will dazzle you with photos and advertisements of  your  favorite holiday catalogues, toys, shopping, gatherings, decor and more. These books are for everyone !

 For more titles see: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Waggoner/e/B001H6WE8W/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

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

New Life Chairs: Artisan Company That Re-Purposes Children's Wooden Chairs and Tables

Giving A New Life To An Old Children's Set of Chairs and Table

Have you noticed that it is becoming harder to find a sturdy children's set of wooden table and chairs? You are apt to find plastic sets, but the really nice wooden sets are not as easy to  find.  Recently I came across a small Artisan company called "New Life Chairs". Robert, takes older children's chairs and tables and gives them a new life. Antique dealers and others should take note that if you find a wooden set in rough condition, these items are still very desirable to artisans who scout for these sets to re-do and sell as re-purposed children's furniture.

Visit: http://newlifechairsct-com.3dcartstores.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

Collecting Vintage Christmas Paint and Color Books

Are These 1960s Christmas Coloring Books For Saving Or Using?

If you are lucky enough to find a children's 1950s-1960s Christmas Paint and Color Book in unused fine condition I'm guessing that you will not really want to share this treasure with your kids or grandchildren. These vintage collectibles can fetch anywhere between $18.00-24.00. Sure once and awhile, I come across a coloring/paint book for much less money, but I'm still not apt to actually toy with the inside. What about my readers, have you shared your collectible coloring books with the kids?

Image from Pinterest.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

Should You Save Vintage Baby and Nursery Clothes, Playthings and Accessories

Downsizing Your Collection of Saved Vintage Baby Clothes and Toys

It was very difficult but I finally let go of many of the boxes of old nursery toys and clothes that I was saving for my grandchildren. It was a very nice fantasy, I would pass down newborn kimonos, Stretchy pajamas, bibs, toys etc. to my grandchildren when they were born.

Time to Let Go Of Crumbling Old Baby Gear and Acessories

Ha, ha, was I mistaken. First of all if you save some of these outfits and playthings things long enough you will find out that they dry up and become brittle. Yes, the elastic on outfits crumbles. Bibs lose their softness. Clothes yellow and take on a musty smell and stains you swear you never saw before suddenly appear. Even if these nursery items are packed away in a strong plastic tote, they generally will not pass inspection by todays new parents who are even fussier than you were.

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

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

Are You A Saver of Old Vintage Stuff? 

Do you save the winter time to organize your clutter? If the answer is is not exactly "yes",  then we are in the same club. I tell myself in the warmer months that I'll have plenty of indoor time during the winter months to straighten out

my piles of STUFF. I convince myself to save the big clean out projects for a nice snowy day.

Are You In The Mood To Visit Your Basement ?

Every now and then, I actually venture down to my basement and take a looky around and think.....I'm not in the mood today, maybe next week. And as you might imagine, weeks creep by and I'm back to Spring time and the last thing I want to do is stay indoors and clean out my basement when the weather is warm and the birds are chirping.

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

I have developed a list of the common excuses we use why we do not throw out clutter that accumulates in our basment. Please feel free to add to this list.

1. You never know when you might need birthday plates with fire engines on them.

2. Graduation paper cups.....2011 can become 2014 or 2021very easily.

3. You might need children's boots in case some stray children show up at your door and want to build a snowman in your front yard.

4. In case your GPS fails you can choose one of the 768 tattered and torn maps you are saving.

5. They may call a Retro day at the beach this summer and your boom box radio will be fabulous!

6. It might be fun to have a Halloween picnic this summer and set the table with black and orange plastic forks and knives from a 1982 Halloween fest.

7. You can re-gift all the coffee mugs that your kids gave you that say Happy 40th, 50th, 60th etc. birthday. You can give them back to your kids!

8. Harvesting old jigsaw puzzle down in the basement is not such a bad idea...  you may one day find the missing pieces in your kitchen drawer,

READERS, please add to this list!!!!!!!!!!

Airplane and puzzle  photos are courtesy of House of Young http://houseofyoung.bigcartel.com/products 

Elephant image courtesy of Chock-A-Block on Etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChockaBlock?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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

Holding Onto Vintage Baby Stuff When The Kids Are Out Of The House

Closets Filled With Collections of Baby Stuff And Old Collections 

Why on earth do we save so many things? And why do so many of us offer free storage facilities to grown up kids who have their own apartments or homes? I am holding onto a very delightful collection of vintage monkey collectibles which were destined to go back to my daughter's home  when she had a big enough place.  She has moved several times and each place gets bigger and bigger, yet the monkeys are still hanging out in one of my upstair bedroom closets.

Saving Chewed Up Baby Pacifers 

In that same closet are boxes of baby clothes, baby blankets and baby trinkets such as chewed up baby pacifers and rattles. I remember telling myself that the kids may want these boxes of cute baby tee shirts and onesies when they finish college, marry and begin to have their own children.  This is where the
symbol LOL really applies. Who am I kidding?  There is no way, my kids will want to allow their babies to mingle with baby stuff that hasn't seen fresh air in three decades or more.

Ready To Junk The Junk....Maybe

I thought about unpacking these boxes of baby memories and perhaps creating a Mixed Media baby art project assemblage or wall decor something or another. Yeah...right. Those boxes of baby things aren't going anywhere until I am ready to let go of them. O.K. I'M READY!

Readers, what's in your closets?

Monkey image courtesy of  http://www.etsy.com/listing/70528175/vintage-knickerbocker-curious-george

Rattle photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/socal72girl/7117585807/

Stacking toy from  http://daydreamlabs.com/user/22021583@N03/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

Playing House With Colorful Retro Children's Plastic Dishes

Vintage Toy Plastic Dishes From Worcester Ware: Baby Boomer's Delight

Plastic children's dishes from the colorful eras of the 1950s-60s still make the little girl in all of  us want to play house. I spotted this set online with dish rack and all. Isn't this sweet? I have the same set in my shop Kitsch n Stuff without the rack. I recently went to buy a burthday gift for my niece and new versions of these these of dishes are faar from the Dimestore prices they once were. Look how the seller, Retro Revival paired the dishes with a vintage tablecloth.
 
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Being An Amateur Picker Of Ohio Art Tea Sets

 "Picking" Ohio Art Tea Sets

Many, many decades ago, I was enjoying my role as a amateur picker of Ohio Art Company tea sets for a nice couple who had a HUGE private collection of these lithographed toy play sets.  I can't even remember how I met this chap and his wife, but they lived in Ohio and I agreed to be their eyes and ears in New England, keeping tabs on these colorful lithographed tea sets at auctions, flea markets, shops.


Buying Full Sets For The Price Of A Few Cups And Saucers Today

Mind you, at the time, I had no idea what I was buying. I was a clueless mother of little ones, just beginning my immersion into the world of antiques and collectibles. It was so many years ago that I could  find a mint boxed set of  Ohio dishes for $30.00-45.00 and send it to my "penpal" collectors in Ohio.

Needless to say they were overjoyed to have my help.  You know how long ago I am refering to when you realize I was finding boxed sets  for under $50.00.


Collecting Vintage Ohio Art Tea sets Before Google 

Sometimes, my collector friends would send me a photo of a particular set they were looking for and ask me to keep a look out for these wished for tea sets. This was the time way before iPhone cameras (to send photos back and forth)  and Google searches (to hunt for comparative sets ), so my value as an amateur picker was really aprreciated.

Ohio Art Tea Sets Go To Auction

A few months ago, I was poking through some old papers and I found some of the letters that went back and forth from this couple. I tracked down the fella and called him. To my surprise he told me that he no longer had his collection, it was given to auction years ago. He sounded quite detached from the earlier energy of the collecting years. I didn't ask for  details, but I was truly disappointed. I guess I wanted to hear that he was still in love with Ohio Art children's tea sets and that all was well. 

Vintage Ohio Art Tin Tea Sets And Toys Today

Today, you will find unboxed partial sets of these charming tea sets selling for BIG BUCKS. I am always surprised to see a few cups and saucers fetch $25.00-45.00 dollars and often in rusty or scratched condition. Boxed sets  (if you can find them ) sell for hundredths of dollars depending on age, condition and rarity.

Where To Find Vintage Ohio Art Tea Sets

You may find  teas sets in a number of places from shows to shops.  Check with antique and vintage toy dealers, Disney collectors, vintage Teddy Bear dealers and collectors,  antique doll sellers and collectors, kitchen collectibles dealers. Also visit online auctions and my site I Antique Online.com
Pinterest.com.  is a great place to see many different Ohio Art tea sets. Be aware of  vintage toy, doll and and Teddy Bear shows. Visit my Pinterest board "Ohio Art Tea Sets" . You can also do a general search on Pinterest.com (and other sites)  using terms like "vintage tin toys", "Ohio Art tea sets", "lithograph toys" etc.

Readers, please add more inforamtion about this toic? Do you collect Ohio Art dishes and tea sets? What has your experience been?

Articles, Books And  Websites To Explore:  

There is an Ohio Art Collectors Club: http://ohioartcollectors.com

Ohio Art: The World of Toys (paperback)  http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/the-ohio-art-company-history/

http://www.ohioart.com/our_story.jsp

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19741014&id=BMAwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-VEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3144,1131567

http://www.collectorsquest.com/blog/2008/04/13/ohio-art-metal-lithography-experts/

http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?AuctionItemID=49721

http://pinterest.com/arleneshannon/vintage-tin-toys/


Photo credits:
Boxed sets are from http://ohioartcollectors.com/
Partial dishes are from http://pinterest.com/kitschnstuff/ohio-art-tea-sets/



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 Dolls With Hand Crocheted Doll Clothes

Charming Vintage Dolls In Fashionable  "Lady Like Clothes" 

How adorable are these hand crocheted outfits for these vintage dolls?
I remember during the early Barbie doll craze, my grandmother would supplement the clothes that I bought for my Barbie dolls with handmade outfits.

Was My Barbie Doll Too Risque? 

I guess Grandma Sophie thought my Barbie dolls were getting to look to sexy for their age and she wanted them in more "lady like outifits".

Using Up Your Yarn For Doll Clothes

Dressing dolls in fashionable homemade clothes was an enjoyable pastime for homemakers in the 30s, 40s, 50s as women found a way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn.

Collecting Dolls With Croqueted Outfits

Today you will often  small bisque dolls with tiny hand croqueted outfits as a little bit larger but still   petit dolls with bonnets, dresses and coats. Often the charming clothing are covering a broken or loose arm ....but for a shelf  collection I'm not alarmed. Recently I came across a bounty of these dolls at Antiques on the Farminngton, Collinsville, CT

Tucked away on a book shelf I found these darlings which I though you might like to see. These dolls were priced for about $15.00 each as I recall. Now that is a fair price for all the detailed  work in their custom outfits.
 

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

Vintage Doll Kitchen Cupboard Featured At Silk City Antiques in Manchester, CT

Collecting Doll Cupboards Is Not Just Child's Play

I have walked by this amazing Depression era green and cream doll's cupboard several times and each time I want to bring it home with me. In fact as I am writing this post I am considering calling up the owners of Silk City Antiques in Manchester, CT and sealing up the deal.

Vintage Scottie Dog Shelf Liners

I'm melting over the vintage shelf liner that has been placed inside the play cupboard.

I'm guessing the cupboard is from the late 1930s or 1940s from the look of the colors and patterns of the cupboard and liners.

Handmade Potholders Look So Sweet Hanging On The Doll kitchen Cupboard Door

And look at the bottom doors with the vintage handmade potholders? This doll cabinet is a bit larger than some of the ones I have for sale in my shop. Perhaps that is why I like it so much. There is so much room to display other collectibles or to keep doll related kitchen items.

Up until now, I was in love with the red and white doll kitchen cupboard I bought recently which is currently on display at my shop Kitsch n Stuff ( The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT). But now this charming cream and green cupboard is by far my favorite.

Silk City Antiques
845 main St.
Manchester, CT. 06040

860-533-1263

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

Decorating Your Baby's Nursery With Pictures From A Vintage Nursery Rhyme Book

Charming Vintage Nursery Rhyme Images From Kelley Street Vintage on Etsy.com

I am having such a wonderful time enjoying these delightful and colorful pages which came out of a Children's Nursery Rhyme Book. Once again I thank http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage for these very special images.

Developing A Theme For Your Vintage Baby Nursery

Poking through old children's books is a great way to find affordable art for you baby's nursery or young child's room. Why not start with some favorite images and then build a room around your finds.

You can have your images professionally framed or you can buy ready made frames. If you are very creative, you can also find some older frames and re-paint them.

On-Line Shopping

You will find that there are many 0n-line sellers who specialize in vintage illustrations.
Grouping Vintage Pictures

While anyone of these book plates would sweet in your baby nursery, you might want to consider buying tow or three and grouping them together.

Because Nursery Rhymes are a common theme for baby accessories, it is easy to find vintage lamps, textiles, toys etc to match your theme.

Matching Painted Furniture

And how great would an older piece of furniture look painted red or yellow to go with the primary colors in these pictures. So much fun and a thrifty way to go.

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

Collecting Children's Birthday Party Napkins From the 1950's And 1960s

Vintage Party Goods Delight Baby Boomers

Once again look what I found on .... http://sip-of-sarsaparilla.blogspot.com/ Children's Retro Birthday Party Napkins. I really had no idea how many people like to collect children's vintage party goods from paper plates to nut cups to cute little napkins. Check out sites like Etsy.com and you will see what i am talking about.

Let's Re-Visit THE Birthday Party

My goodness, it is so much fun to re- visit some of these party accessories from my childhood back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Apartment Parties

Living in a small "Garden Apartment' in Fresh Meadows, Queens (N.Y.), birthday parties were held either in your living room or in the spooky community basement where the washer and dryers were kept. Believe me, the party room in this "recreation room" in the basement needed more help than a few balloons and streamers.

Vintage Party Themes

But it was a blast picking out your party theme each year. Usually napkins which went with plates, cups, tablecloths etc. were of popular images from cartoons, T.V. shows, Disney, the circus, sports and more. Other common subjects for images were cowboys and cowgirls, space themes, tea parties, marching bands, poodles etc.

Party Goodies

Oh yes, I can visualize some of these parties as if it were just yesterday. The "Bridge table" would be dragged out of the closet and added to another table and set with a paper tablecloth. Then I would help to set the table and fill the ruffled nut cups or plastic party baskets with Hershey Kisses or M&M's etc. The cake always coordinated with the theme of the party. Mickey, or Donald or Felix or later Fred Flintstone might be the star of honor.

"Little Girl Themes"

For a real change, we might do a frilly pink party and use party goods with a "feminine touch", like images of gals with bonnets at a tea party. The streamers, in coordinated colors would hang from one end of the party room to another. The room with look so pretty and than the kids would arrive with presents in hand (the best part).

Oops.....Here Comes The Soda

And year after year, mom would serve the birthday cake and pour glasses of soda ...yes I said soda...it was in the 1950s....and without skipping a beat...some excited kid would spill their soda all over the paper tablecloth and party goods and the party would move to "game time" !

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

Rock-A Bye Retro Baby With Vintage Nursery Quilts And Blankets

Decorating Your Vintage Nursery

One way to add charm to a baby nursery or young child's room is to decorate with vintage textiles. Baby quilts and coverlets can be an adorable addition to your retro baby's room. My friend at Cottage Rags has many of her baby collectibles featured in my book "Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes".

Choosing Soft Pastel Colors For Baby's Room

I have selected some lovely examples of nursery quilts in soft and sweet pastel colors. Baby blankets are often hand embroidered, knitted, quilted, made of Chenille or printed with nursery rhymes, alphabet pictures, or other child themes.

Check Over Your Vintage Baby Quilt Carefully

When buying old textiles, look for stains, tears, holes, missing stitches, worn areas discoloration,odors etc. Many gals will still buy a wonderful quilt with some minor issues if they believe they can rescue it easily.

Cleaning Old Quilts

I would be very careful about washing older quilts. Use gentle baby safe detergents and hand wash instead of machine wash. Read more: http://babyproducts.about.com/od/preparingforbaby/qt/detergents.htm

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

Collecting Plastic Housekeeping Toys: Favorites In The 1950s

Falling In Love With Vintage Toy Laundry Accessories

Isn't this sweet "dolli-pin" set so adorable! I found it on one of my favorite sites, Pinkgrapefruitstyle.etsy.com. I'm guessing that this play set is from the 1950s when plastics were very popular.

Picking Out Plastic Doll Toys At The Five And Dime

I can remember strolling to the local Five and Dime or neighborhood toy store to pick out a cute little doll related toy to take home.

Plastic Toys Featured in the 1950s

Tiny plastic dolls, tea sets, babies with bottles, plastic washer and dryers were so exciting to little gals playing "house". So what happened to us big gals...too much of a good thing I suppose...the novelty wore off after motherhood! Now we want to go back to just playing house, not the real thing.

Read More:

Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s Second Edition has a chapter you will love on Junior Housekeeping. Collectorbooks.com

and

Housekeeping Toys From Metal to Plastic 1870-1970 by Margaret Wright Collectorbooks.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 Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

The Complete Guide To Vintage Children's Records: Kitschy Collector Book Review

"The Complete Guide to Children's Vintage Records" A Terrific Source Book For Kiddie Record Collectors

Oh, the days of sitting in your high chair and listening to records of your favorite nursery rhymes or hanging out on the couch curled up with a cup of apple juice and listening to Captain Kangaroo....the good ole days before Ipods and smart phones. It was YOU and your record collection.

And now, Peter Muldavin, who describes himself as a sixty-something fella who is perpetually age six has compiled an encyclopedic reference guide called "The Complete Guide to Children's Vintage Records", published by Collectorbooks.com.

This 432 page full color price guide is by far the most complete guide you will find to date on the subject of kiddie records. Muldavin reviews the history of children's records describing such types as: Records That Are part of Package Designs ; Shape or Die-Cut Records; "Flexi" Records; :Magic" Records; Records Played in Synchonization with Filmstrips; Animation Labels; Personalized Recording And Home Recordings ; Phonograph Dolls.

Following historical information you will find a wonderful detailed synopsis of each and every record company who made children's records under the section titled "Label Notes And Identification".

After the reader is acquainted with the major record publishers, the remainder of the book covers the values of records, categorized by company. Images of records form headings on many of the pages.

Product Description

This long-awaited reference book represents a first of its kind: an almost complete listing and price guide to vintage children's records. Though coverage is mainly dedicated to 78rpm records, a few early 45rpms are included. Unlike previous price guides, this book attempts to cover all 78rpm kiddie records made in the United States. The dates of coverage range from the 1890s to the 1960s, with most of the listings being from the 1940s and 1950s, the 'golden age' of children's records. There are listings for nearly 14,000 records and 450 record labels, making this the most complete discography of its kind ever in print. Values are given for records in excellent/mint and good/very good condition. This book is sure to delight the young and the young at heart. Give it a spin!

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

The Art Of Collecting Antique And Vintage Children's Painting Books, Tin Watercolor Sets And Collectible Art Supplies

Colorful, Attractive Antique And Vintage Children's Painting Books And Art Supplies Are Very Collectible
Vintage children's painting books, paint sets, drawing materials and craft supplies are very collectible. I learned all about this hobby a few years ago when I was helping to plan some art workshops in a local art school for children called Phoebe"z Easle (Colllinsville, Connecticut).

The directors of the school, Elizabeth and Edward Cowell are avid collectors of antique and vintage children's art supplies, tools and materials.

Building A Collection Of Vintage Children's Paint Books And Supplies Piece By Piece

Like other similar collectors Elizabeth and Edward enjoy building their collection, piece by piece. You will see some of their collection on display in their beautiful main room art studio.

What Children's Vintage Art Material To Collect

Children's art collectibles might include: colorful tin watecolor sets, boxes of crayons, sets of colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, paint brushes, stamp sets, coloring books, brushes, pens, journal books, sketch pads, etc.

Often you will find older boxes of crayons, chalk, pencils etc. tucked away in grandma's drawer or mixed in with a box of junk you might find at a yard sale. Look for young artist sets with attractive packaging, interesting graphics and lettering or famous images or themes.

While 1940s and 1950's art products are popular, finding very early school and art related objects are quite collectible. The collectibles shown here are from the 1930's. It's difficult to find paint books that are not used inside, but even used ones can be quite important to collectors if the covers are special. Old tin watercolor sets, often from England can be quite beautiful and lovely to add to a collection of vintage art materials.

These lovely collectibles are from the collection of

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

and

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


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

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

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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

Decorating With Colorful Vintage Dog Prints Salvaged From Old Children's Books

Precious Vintage Doggy Prints Are Adorable Wall Decor:

Vintage doggy prints salvaged from old children's books make delightful wall decor for so many rooms in your home. Often you will find these colorful pictures already framed. If not, simply look for old frames at tag sales and flea markets and do your own framing.

Looking For Old Children's Books With Colorful Pictures

By gosh, if you are lucky enough to find an old children's book that has plenty of color plates, you will have an instant collection in one easy sweep. So one tip I can offer is not to pass up browsing through a book that has a tattered or gross cover. In fact those are the books you want to look inside of. Because if the book was in very fine condition, chances are the price would be too high for you to start ripping pages out of.

Books That Are Falling Apart

So you want to look for books that are fallng apart. Or keep your eye out for dealers who have done some of this work for you. I recently bought several framed prints similar to the ones shown here for about $15.00-18.00. Remember thaey were already framed.

Where To Hang Vintage Dog Prints

Sweet doggy prints look adorable in a child's room, baby nursery, powder room , kitchen and playroom. Next to owning the dogs that appear in these sweet prints, how much fun can you have? And you may just want to mix up the styles, sizes and types of dogs. Or if you are a fan of one particular breed, narrow your search to your favorite canine pal.

These prints c ame from the collection of http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage
You will love this etsy shop.....she has fabulous stuff.

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

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

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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

Decorating A Baby Nursery With Vintage Nursery Rhyme Wall Pin-Ups

Decorating A Baby Nursery With Vintage Nursery Rhyme Wall Pin-Ups

Popular in the 1940s and 1950s and even continuing through the 60s, new moms decorated their baby's room with adorable wall pin-ups of Nursery rhymes or Disney characters.

Vintage Fiberboard Wall Hangings

Many of these cardboard or fiberboards were made by The Dolly Toy Company. Started by H.B. Holtvoigt, The Dolly Toy Company was originally "The Dolly Folding Kite and Toy Company", but changed their name in 1934 after their kite business faltered.

Dolly was know for inexpensive and novelty toys. http://www.antiquetoycollections.info/products.asp?cat=37

Inexpensive Novelty
Toys Beginning in 1936

Holtvoigt and his family moved into the production of fiberboard toys (heavy cardboard). You might remember many off their "Fibro Toys" which were carts designed to be filled with candy or toys.

Vintage Nursery Pin-Ups Or Wall Hangings

Dolly also made wall hangings that were used to decorate a baby nursery. Moms liked to hang these colorful cardboard plaques over a crib, changing table or dresser. Popular themes were "Alice in Wonderland", "Mother Goose", "The Three Little Kittens", "Little Boy Blue", "Jack And Jill".

Be sure your sets are complete (usually have four or more pieces) . In very good condition they sell for $25.00-45.00.

Photos courtesy of
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ricracandbuttons

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

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

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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

Using Vintage Childrens Book Pages As Wall Decor In A Nursery Or Child's Room

Framing Vintage Childrens Book Pages

Vintage childrens books are a great place to look for attractive and colorful illustrations for wall decor for a baby or child's room. Often large size cloth or paper books have very darling pictures which can be isolated from the book and framed under glass.

Searching Books With Loose Pages or Blemishes

It's not unusual to find slightly damaged books that are selling for a lot less because they have pages missing, scribbles or torn pages. These are just the perfect books to look for when you are in search of cute illustrations. And dealers take note...this is also a good way for you to salvage a book that you have that has lost it's value. Pull it apart and trim rough edges with a paper cutter and insert into a plastic sleeve with a cardboard backing for sale.


Common Children's Themes
1.alphabet
2.trucks
3.dolls
4.jungle animals
5.dogs and cats
6.farm animals
7.Nursery Rhymes
8.Disney
9.trains
10.toys
11.Beatrix Potter, Raggedy Ann etc.
12.clowns

Inexpensive Themed Artwork For Your Retro Vintage Baby Or Child

The beauty of this idea is that you can find numerous themes to choose from which work well in a nursery or young child's room Alphabet books are wonderful to use as you can find the letter that goes with the child's name. Or select several pictures which go with "transportation", or "baby animals" or "playthings". You can even take this idea one step further and look for other vintage items such as quilt covers and furnishings.

Where to Find Childrens Books

You can find childrens books on online auctions such as Ebay or the vintage section on Etsy.com. Also hunt at flea markets, shows, auctions . etc.

Photo shown here are from
http://www.binspiredvintage.etsy.com
http://www.binspiredmama.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 Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

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

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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


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

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

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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