Creative, Affordable Store Displays Using "Tree Branches" And "Logs" For Jewelry, Eye Glasses And Hats

The Kitschy Collector Visits ODDZ, A Clothing Boutique in Westport, Connecticut For Hip Young Shoppers

Of course the Kitschy Collector would love a store named "ODDZ". So I wandered into this cool sounding clothing store in Westport, CT. only to discover it was for young hip people, not Retro baby boomers like me.

Tree Branch Displays

But what I did find was some groovy displays made out of tree branches. O.K., I may not be able to wear most of the clothing in the store, but I sure can take pictures of nifty displays to show my kitschy readers who adore funky ideas.

Creative, Affordable Store Displays

It seems that the owners of this shop on Main Street in Westport, Connecticut wanted to come up with some affordable ways to show off their accessories. So a "tree' motif was developed throughout the store. Branches, tree bark, logs and more are all used as store fixtures.

"Hanging Tree"

My favorite idea was adding nails to a large tree branch creating a "hanging tree" for sunglasses. Then there was the "hat tree" and "the jewelry log". It all made sense in this tree inspired boutique. But upon leaving the shop I spotted the " driftwood staircase railing" and I wondered if this was just a bit too much on the tree theme.

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.

"Auction Hunters" A Show About Abandoned Storage Unit Auctions Premieres On Spike T.V.

"Auction Hunters" On Spike T.V. Hunting For Treasures (Guy Stuff)

Meet Clinton "Ton" Jones And Allen Haff

Here we go again, another new reality T.V. show called "Auction Hunters" with stars hunting for buried treasures. This new kid on the block is on the Spike network, Tuesdays at 10:00 P.M. EST. The show revolves around two guys, Clinton " Ton" Jones and Allen Haff who make a living attending auctions of abandoned storage units.

I guess I never realized it before that there are storage units all over the place loaded with STUFF that people or businesses never come back for. According to the Spike network promo, there are 10,000 abandoned storage units a day that are put up for auction.

What Can You Find At Abandoned Storage Unit Auctions?

The drama is built into the show because unlike a regular auction that you generally have a chance to preview, these auctions are held on the spot and you only have a chance to peek into a unit and get a quick idea of what might be buried inside. "Each unit has the potential to be a goldmine or a bust for those who make their living hunting unclaimed property."

More Rough And Tough Reality Stars

Last night was the premiere of this show which once again features a pair of rough and tough guys who get their kicks out of finding an historic gun, rumbling around in piles of metal junk factory equipment and discovering a vintage cash register with a big pay off.

The early scenes of the show were fast paced and exciting. I was getting hooked and decided to stay with the show, even though Pawn Stars was on another channel and competing for my attention. But as the show developed, I started to find myself getting a little sleepy.

It seems that all these new reality T.V. shows about hunting for antiques and collectibles are
all created with identical formulas, a cast with at least one or two nice looking fat guys, a better looking skinnier guy, a few staged treasures that are worth something and lots of dust, grime, cob webs, rust and good and bad crap. Hmm......sounds familiar.


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 1950's T.V. Lamps

Kitschy 1950s T.V. Lamps For Your Retro Style Home

Talk about kitsch...what do you think of these whimsical 1950's T.V. lamps? And what about the cheesy (but adorable) combo T.V. lamp and planter (shown below) ?

T.V. Lamps History
Indirect Light Used In 1950s Living Rooms

Back in the fifties when watching T.V. was becoming a household leisure activity folks generally gathered in the living room to watch T.V. on small sets with hard to see pictures.. It was believed that watching television in a darkened room would hurt the eyes, so many families used T.V. lamps that were "backlit' to add some soft light to the room.

Adjusting The T.V. Lamp Antenna

My friend Cindy who owns The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford convinced me that the T.V. lamps were needed because you were always playing with the antennas and you needed to see what the heck you were doing.

Whatever the reason for the popularity of T.V. lamps in the 50s, there were oodles of them made, Now there are plenty of passionate collectors who want to get their hands on these indirect kooky lamps which can sell for $25.00-85.00 and higher depending on rarity, theme, condition, region.

Many of these lamps had ceramic bases that were also planters or clocks (See Green lamp shown) from http://www.etsy.com/people/AriesgirlVintage .

While most lamps are made of ceramic, you wil also find other materials such as Chalkware, Plaster and China.

Styles of 1950's T.V. Lamps

You will find ceramic T.V. lamp planters in a variety of styles such as panthers, poodles, roosters, fish, stallions, birds, deer, nautical, dancers, swans, flowers, fruit, shells, plant life, fish, bulls, ducks,owl, dogs, musical themes, trains Oriental themes, Western themes , and more. Read http://www.tvlamps.net/category.html
Meet T.V. Lamp Collector Mark Stevens

Avid collector Mark Stevens was interviewed by Collector's Weekly and is convinced that the panther and exotic designs back in the 50s. He states: "I have a theory as to why those were the most popular. In the 1950s there was a good deal of interest in anything that had a touch of the exotic. Part of this had to do with an influence from soldiers coming back from World War II. So in the 1950s you have people all of a sudden interested in Oriental, Africa, Polynesian, and French motifs, basically anything that represented a foreign culture became very popular. A panther kind of fit in with all that, an exotic animal from a foreign land."

Indirect Light And T.V. Lamps

Typically the base is made out of high gloss ceramics and the bulb is hidden behind the base or in a attached cylinder .Unlike a regular light that had a shade, often these T.V.lamps/planters gave off a soft glow to protect the eyes from bright light.


T.V. Light Manufacturers

According to the website http://booksfyi.blogspot.com/2009/07/collectibles-corner-vintage-tv-lamps.html"it is estimated that there were 75- 100 manufacturers of these kitschy lamps including Haeger, Kron, Lane of van Nuys, California Originals, Gonder, Maddux, Hollywood Ceramics, McCoy, Treasure Craft, and others". For an extensive list of manufacturers click here: http://www.tvlamps.net/manufacturers.html
The T.V. lamp was generally placed on top of the T.V. set or on a nearby table.

Collector Mark Steven suggests reading:

Turned On: Decorative Lamps of the 50s by Leland and Crystal Payton, has been out of print for years but can be found on eBay. Other TV Lamp books are, 50s TV Lamps by Calvin Shepherd, and one called TV Lamps: Identification and Value Guide by Tom Santiso. Both those books were written in 1998 or 99 and there is one other book that is newer called TV Lamps to Light the World by John A. Shuman.

Resources

You can find Steven's interview at http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-1950s-tv-lamp-collector-mark-stevens/

Read More at: http://www.tvlamps.net/blog/category/lamp-history/

Collie lamp and Oriental Theme photos courtesy of http://booksfyi.blogspot.com/2009/07/collectibles-corner-vintage-tv-lamps.html

http://www.1950sretro.com/1950s__lamps/tv_lamps/tv_lamps.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Collecting-Mania-50s-TV-Lamps

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.

Autumn Light Studio And Gallery Opens in Avon, Connecticut

Christopher Hayes Opens A Contemporary Gallery Featuring Local And National Artists In Avon. Connecticut

Stained Glass artist Christopher Hayes has taken the big leap and opened "Autumn Light" a beautiful Contemporary multi-media art gallery and studio on Route 44 in Avon, Connecticut.
Formerly the home of a longtime paint and wallpaper store, "Autumn Light" has been completely remodeled and transformed into an upscale gallery featuring Blown glass, Fused Glass, pottery, Metal craft, Wood craft, Textiles, Jewelry, Collage, Photography, Mixed Media and more.

Featuring Local And National Artists

Christopher has filled the gallery with pieces from his own collection as well as consigned work from local and National artists. With a knack for styling and interior design, Christopher has created an exciting gallery showcasing a fresh array of artists, may who have not exhibited in this area previously.

Art Workshops Planned

While the main gallery is complete, plans for ongoing workshops and art classes are underway and will be held at the same location in specially designed classroom areas, Christopher hopes to involve the exhibiting artists in conducting programs on painting, pottery, crafting etc.

Christopher Attends Savannah College Of Art

Christopher attended Savannah College of Art and design. where he studied Architecture, Interior Design and Historic Preservation. With a a desire to study Building Preservation and restoration he transferred to Belmont Technical College in 1996. It was at that time that he developed a passion for Stained Glass arts. In 1997 Christopher was the recipient of the prestigious Dorothy l Maddy Scholarship from The Stained Glass Association of America.

The Gallery is still accepting applications from artists who may wish to exhibit

Autumn Light Studio & Gallery
304 west Main Street
Avon CT, 06001

(860) 674 - 9869
Monday Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 - 6
Thursday 10 - 7:30
Saturday 10 - 5 Sunday 11- 4

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.

Where To Buy Nostalgic Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper

Holiday Kitsch Klatch on Etsy Is Your Source For Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper

For a real nostalgic Christmas, how about wrapping your gifts in vintage wrapping paper from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Or you can up-cycle your favorite vintage papers making them into lovely holiday decorations and table accessories.

While there are many shops online that carry Retro wrapping paper from time to time, I fell in love with an Etsy shop called Holiday Kitsch Klatsch, a shop with a very large inventory of Christmas themed wrapping papers and a great source for vintage paper goods throughout the year.

This shop specializes in all the holidays (Halloween, Easter, Valentines Day, etc.) as well as special occasions (Bridal, Shower, Birthday etc.). At this time you will find a wonderful selection of vintage Christmas gift wrapping paper in very good condition as well as other holiday decor. The colors are vibrant and the papers appear to be unused.

Christmas Themes

While their inventory is always changing, common Christmas themes include Christmas bells, snow scenes, Pointsettas, candles, Santas, Candy Canes, Ornaments, Reindeer, holiday scenes and more.

Retro Ideas Using Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper From The Kitschy Collector

Laminate Vintage Christmas Paper and Make Placemats

Use Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper in Retro Mixed Media Collages


Laminate Vintage Wrapping paper and cut into 3 inch squares for beverage coasters.

Cover a piece of foam board with vintage Christmas wrapping paper and use as a bulletin board.

Cut vintage wrapping paper into strips and weave or make into a decorative chain.

Besides Wrapping Gifts With Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper Here Are Other Ideas

1. Make Cute Christmas Tree Ornaments

2. Recycle Cards And Wrapping Paper

3. Woven Heart Baskets

4. Decoupage Picture Frame

5. Star Paper Topiary

Read More About Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper at : http://1950satomicranchhouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/vintage-1950s-christmas-wrapping-paper.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 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.

This Doll House Needs a Home And An Interior Designer

Home For The Holidays: A Doll's Dream House

Lucky is the child who finds this doll house under their tree. And it better be a very large tree because this dollhouse stands several feet tall with its stand.

This hand crafted house was sitting on the porch of The Canton junk Shop in Canton, Connecticut a few days ago. i would be very surprised if it is still there. I almost came home with it, but I chickened out. I am having a pretty hard time decorating my real house, no less taking on any more interiors...even if it's a doll house.

But I have to say, I was temped to schlepp this house home...It appeared to be attached to a table base which was convenient. But I'll hold out for my Beach House... and not one that sits on a table.

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.

Vintage Green Painted Cottage Style Doll Furniture At Burlingnton Inn Antiques, Burlington, Connecticut

Cottage Style Doll Furniture

Doll house furniture has really become very popular in the last few years. And this time of the year, you will see dealers taking out all their vintage toys in hopes of selling them during the holiday season.

There is nothing more delightful than seeing miniature furnishings especially in Depression Era green. This adorable set was spotted at Burlington Inn Antiques, Burlington, Connecticut.

Read more about doll houses and furniture in my book, Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes.

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.

Red, Green, Yellow Kitchen-wares At Salmon Brook Antiques in Granby, Connecticut

Vintage Kitsch n Stuff

Thought you might like to see some wonderful kitchen collectibles I spotted a few days ago at Salmon Brook Antiques in Granby, Connecticut.

Red & Green Vintage Kitchen-wares

I just love the combination of red and green...it so reminds me of visiting both of my grandmothers when I was growing up. Yellow and red kitchen-wares are another favorite combination for me.

Dutch Themed Kitchen Collectibles

And isn't the Dutch planter sweet as can be? What a lovely addition this planter would make in a Retro cottage kitchen.

In my book Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, you will find a section devoted to the history of Dutch style kitchen
collectibles as well as photos of planters, figurines, plates, textiles etc.

Red Ransburg Bread Box

The top photo shows a Ransburg bread box and single canister. While the canisters are easy to find....this style bread box is not that easy to find. The exterior is in very good shape, while the interior was a bit rough. But the piece is just great. RED always a very popular color and sells well.

You will enjoy Salmon Brook Antiques in Granby. CT It is a group shop will lots of charming antiques and collectibles and a lovely manager named Sharon.

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.

1950s Formica And Chrome Tables Gaining In Populalrity And Value

Retro Lovers Adore 1950s Formica And Chrome Tables With Vinyl Covered Chairs

1950's Formica and Chrome tables with Vinyl covered chairs are gaining in popularity and also in value. Colorful kitchen sets or dinette sets in good condition are climbing in price. Once "White Elephant" items in any Antique shop, these treasures are now finding a captive audience of collectors who adore Retro style.

Colors And Styles Of Formica And Chrome Kitchen Tables

Formica topped tables came in a variety of colors and patterns. The patterned table tops usually sell for more money. Typical colors were red, yellow, gray, white, turquoise, pink, green etc. White tables are usually less attractive and harder to sell unless they have some striking black design on the table top or have interesting patterns. Often 1950s tables had Atomic Era designs on the Formica such as star bursts, boomerang shapes or speckles.

What To Look For When Buying 1950s Formica and Chrome Tables

When buying Formica tables, be sure to examine the Formica. Look for a lot of wear, scratches, burn spots, chips discoloration, burn spots (from a hot pot placed on the table), Examine the Chrome legs for rust and dents. Does the table come with leaves? How many leaves, one or two?
If there is a drawer, is it original?

Buying 1950s Vinyl Covered Chairs

Very often chairs are placed with tables that are not the original chairs that came with the table. It's perfectly fine to mix and match chairs and tables. If it appeals to you, than what are you waiting for! Examine the chair coverings. Is the Vinyl intact? Look for tears, extra wear, reproduced coverings. Sometimes a set is really attractive and only part of the chair has been replaced. If the price is right, you may be comfortable with this arrangement. Also a note about quality...some chairs are thick and comfortable with an interesting frame, while other chairs are very basic and frankly cheaply made. Be sure to factor in the quality and style of the chairs and the table when looking for your Retro kitchen furnishings. Better made sets are priced higher. The Turquoise set shown has the original chairs and a great color, but the set is not as well made as some of the sets shown in the photos above.

Where To Find a Bargain

While there has certainly been an increase in interest in these retro style favorites, some dealers are getting carried away with the prices. I would suggest also looking on Craigslist and other online sites. you may just pick up a table and or chairs for a real bargain.

Be sure to check out http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ for tables and chairs.


Top photo is from http://www.icollectantiques.com/

Other photos are from:
Plainville Flea Market, Plainville 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 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.

Kitschy Thrifty Retro Christmas Decorating

Christmas Decorating Ideas from A Nice Jewish Girl aka The Kitschy Collector
Here is a post about Kitschy Christmas decorating from a nice Jewish girl who was born in Brooklyn surrounded by Menorahs. As the Kitschy Collector I do get around to all the Antique Malls, Flea Markets and second hand stores....And as expected this time of the year, I'm finding plenty of thrifty nifty Christmas decor from generations past. The best part of buying older Christmas decorations is finding new ways to use these colorful attractive ornaments and tchotkes (a little Yiddish for Christmas).

Buying Christmas Decor At Flea Markets

Some of these treasures are really worth paying attention to. Last week at the indoor Flea Market in Plainville, Connecticut there was quite a stash of older boxed and bulk Christmas ornaments, lights and decor. In one booth I thought I was back in my favorite Five and Dime Store where much of these items would be sold in the first place.

You could decorate your entire house for pocket change.

Re-Cycling Christmas Ornaments & Bulbs

Now while it is pretty safe to buy older Tree ornaments, it gets a little tricky when buying older
lights, bulbs and plug in items. It might make sense to ask the vendor if you can try out anything requiring electricity! BUT here is something retro cool to consider......do you have to use light bulbs as bulbs? Consider filling a glass bowl or colorful ceramic bowl with colorful light bulbs or even old bulb ornaments. Or mix a variety of Christmas bulbs and ornaments of different sizes, shapes, colors and textures.

Kitschy Christmas Wreath

Another Christmas Cool Idea is to form a Christmas wreath from a collection of older Christmas ornaments and bulbs. And be daring...add some other Christmas kitsch to your design such as Elves and wooden cut outs. Go crazy.....have some fun.

Kitschy Floral Arrangement

Oh, did I fall in love with this idea I found on http://fleamarket.about.com/. You know how we all save the pretty package toppers and corsages from the holidays. Well how about making a "kitschy floral arrangement". Stuff those glitzy kitschy things into a retro vase and be totally hip this Christmas.

Other decor such as lighted candle sticks (which may or may not work now) ....could be re-cycled into a Christmas center piece. When I look at a great collection of older ornaments and decorative holiday accessories at a Flea Market, I wonder...how might I use these fabulous kitschy and cheap holiday decor in a new way.


Christmas Kitsch To Look For:

1. Stuffed toys (Reindeers, Santas, Elves, Snowmen).
2. Old ornaments
3. Plastic decorations.
4. Snow Domes
5. Tree huggers
6. Package and gift toppers.
7. Corsages
8. garland
9. Beads
10. Christmas light bulbs
11, Wood cut outs

Photos Courtesy of :

http://fleamarket.about.com/od/decoratelikeapro/ig/Christmas-Kitsch/Retro-Christmas-Glam.htm

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3125815557_0d5e6da9a3.jpg

inds.org.uk/flickr/photos/tagged/as/kitsch

http://thevintagelist.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.

1950's Retro Candy From Hometown Favorites, An Old Fashioned Candy Company

A Blast From The Past: 1950's Nostalgic Candy

Fed-Ex rang my doorbell this morning and delivered a gift box labeled "DO NOT OPEN UNLESS YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE 50's". O.K. this is NOT the Duvet cover I ordered from The Company Store nor is it one of my get skinny fast books I ordered from Amazon.

Old Fashioned Candy Favorites

It was a box loaded and I mean loaded with candy that was popular in the 1950s. New candy (old names)...but packaged for today. This clever gift comes from a company called Hometown Favorites and was sent to me by my son Josh and his Bride-To-Be (my FDIL) ..... Becky.

According to The Hometown website "Hometown Favorites began in 1996 as a source of hard-to-find favorites for transplanted northerners to warm, sunny Florida. It has since expanded to include over 2000 old-time favorite foods, shipping to all points in the US and beyond".

A very popular product of Hometown Favorites is their Candy Decade Boxes. they sell 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990,s Decade Boxes and additional Classic Collections of those decades.

Here are some items from my Retro Candy Collection :

Necco Chocolate Wafers
Necco Assorted Wafers
Candy Wax Lips
Clark Bar
Candy Cigarettes
Nik L Lip
Candy Buttons
Oh Henry
Chunky
Sen Sen
Chuckles
Mary Janes
Bubble Gum Cigar
Sno Caps
Moon Pie
Charms
Gold Mine Gum
Candy Sticks
Tootsie Roll
Licorice
Bonomo Turkish Taffy

and much more.

This was the perfect gift for the Kitschy Collector. When my diet book arrives next week, the candy will be all gone!

Hometown Favorites has a fun website with product information as well as recipes and a cool newsletter.

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.

Jewelry Made From Vintage Mah Jongg Tiles

Where Have All The Mah Jongg Tiles Gone?

Did you notice how all the Mah Jongg sets and tiles are disappearing? While there has been a renewed interest in this ancient game which was brought back to America in the 1920s, that is not why the "Dots", "Bams", "Cracks", "Soaps" are in demand.

The answer may be that artists and crafters have discovered that these wonderful tiles make great jewelry and mixed media objects. Photos courtesy of Burlington Inn Antiques, Burlington, Connecticut.

You will find Mah Jongg earrings, bracelets necklaces, eye glass holders and so much more made from original vintage Mah Jongg tiles. While there is plenty of Mah Jongg jewelry designed out of older tiles (made of Bakelite, Catalin, Pyralin, Bone, Ivory, Bamboo and Boxwood)...there is also plenty of newly made pieces. Be sure the price represents the true value. Rarer tiles are valued higher.

Of note.... many gals who still play the game of Mah Jongg also may look for tiles to complete their game 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 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.

Finding Kitschy Characters And Collectibles At The Canton Junk Shop Of Canton, Connecticut

What You Can Find At A Great Junk Shop

Oh what a cast of characters you can find in a really good Junk Shop. Now to be a truly outstanding haunt you need to have a mix of quirky and bizarre collectibles that seem to all belong together.

The Canton Junk Shop

One of my favorite spots for kitsch and trashy treasures is The Canton Junk Shop in Canton, Connecticut.

Looking The Part

The Canton Junk Shop looks like a real Junk shop with crazy items inside and outside of a real old and dilapidated building. This is the way it
should be....if you are going to sell junk, than you have to have the right venue. There is no use stuffing a lovely newer building with junk....junk needs to be in a crumbling old shop that looks the part.

Flea Markets And Junk
Shops Should Sell STUFF
Not Antiques

I have similar feelings about Flea Markets. When I go to a Flea Market I want to see STUFF all kinds of STUFF...not a mobile Antique shop. I want to stroll up and down the aisles and appreciate all the odds and ends gathered together in one place.

Monkey Pocketbooks, Scary Masks, Charlie McCarthy Decanters

I'm not after Lalique Perfumes or high priced jewelry...I want the kooky stuff that belongs in a Junk Shop...such as scary masks, Charlie Mc Carthy decanters, Monkey pocketbooks and all the other typical Junk Shop staples. I'm happy to keep company with all the kitschy characters that hang out in Junk Shops!

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.