Transitional Style Is CLEAN, SIMPLE, RETRO: What Antique Dealers Should Know About This Decorating Trend

CLEAN, SIMPLE, RETRO

Baby Boomers Enjoy Downsizing To Transitional Style Decor And Furnishings

I have been here, there and everywhere this past week on a mission to find cool decorating stuff for my home. Now I know a lot of you think that if you stepped into my home that you would be back in the 1940s or 1950s...but that is not at all what you would discover. All the funky 1940s and 1950s collectibles and accessories are in my shop, "Kitsch n Stuff" at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford.

A Home In Transition

My home is in TRANSITION.......so I have what is now called "Transition Style". I love the word "Transition " (Passage from one form, state, style, or place to another)...this is totally me...always creating something new.

But forget about me...what about "Transition Style" ? What exactly does "Crate and Barrel" or "Pottery Barn" mean by "Transition Style" ? This trend blends the traditional furnishings with more contemporary designs. For many of us who have been avid collectors for years and adored "stuffed", packed in looks....think of "Transitional" as a Baby Boomer's answer to clearing out a lot of the old and going for a cleaner, slicker look.

"Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated, featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric is as diverse as graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas and textured chenilles on sleek wood frames." http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/transitional-style-101/index.html

Characteristics of Transitional Style Decorating

As you visit major furniture stores today, you will see the following characteristics featured in room settings;

1. Colors of dark brown, taupe, tan, vanilla and lots of tone on tone or simply white! Also palettes borrowed from Mid-century.
2. Minimalist approach (less is better)..
3. Clean, straight lines. (less fuss)
4. Simple designs...less ornamentation and decoration.
5. Matte finishes on pottery.
6. Lots of crystal, Mercury glass, silver.
7. Textiles which re-interpret 50s, 60s and 70s palettes and designs.

What Antique Dealers Should Know About Transitional Style

Now is the time to feature your 1950s furnishings (wire stands, art glass, matte pottery, Mid-Century furniture, abstract barkcloth). Pull out your 60s and 70s textiles with large bold prints and lots of graphics. Flaunt your silver, chromes, crystals.

Guess what, the photos are NOT my home...they are from the current collection at Crate and Barrel


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.

Hand Painted Hoosier Style Cabinet Is A Real "Sweetheart"

Charming Hoosier Style Cabinet Found In Plymouth, Connecticut

Way before the owner of "Antiques At The Green" in Plymouth, CT told me that the Hoosier style cabinet I had just fallen in love with was was marked "Sweetheart" on the back, I knew I had just discovered a real "Sweetheart" of a kitchen treasure.

This Cabinet Is MINT

When have you ever seen anything like this before? This vintage "babe" was in MINT condition. As the story was told to me, the cabinet was found still in it's original wrappings unused in the sellers home.

Vintage Vavoom

The shop owner was confident that this Hoosier style cabinet is indeed vintage. I kept examining the cabinet over and over because it just looked to good to be true.

Reminds Me of Folk Artist Peter Hunt

To me this cabinet has the design characteristics you will find on hand painted furnishings of Cape Cod folk artist Peter Hunt. But the designs on the cabinets shown here are "too perfect". The work I have seen by Peter hunt shows more of his "hand" in the strokes.

I'm still working on this puzzle...who made this cabinet and when? The color palettes on this Hoosier style cabinet are very similar to Peter Hunt who painted furniture from the 1930s-1960s.

Another possibility is that this cabinet has Pennsylvania Dutch inspiration. I welcome any leads reader may have on this topic
You can find this cabinet (if it is still there) at:

Antiques At The Green
703 main Street
Plymouth, Connecticut
860-283-0689
860-585-1914
Helen Nejfelt

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.

Tips About Buying A Glass Showcase For Your Antique Booth

Displaying Your Collectibles In A Glass Showcase

Many Multi-Dealer Antique Shops offers both booth space and Glass showcase space for lease monthly. The question for many dealers is whether to take a booth or to take a showcase or both? Another option to consider is to add your own Glass showcase to your booth space. In this way you get the best of both worlds, display space for smalls and jewelry as well as flexible booth space for other items that you are selling. I paid $225.00 for the showcase shown.

Tips About Buying Your Own Showcase

!. Door should open from front.
2.You want the showcase lighted and mirrored.
3. Try to find as many glass shelves as you can.
4. Is it attractive? Jewelry will look better in a good case.
5. Does it lock? (You can always add your own lock. In the case above, I added a small chain with a lock to the knobs.

Be sure to check all the dimensions: height, depth, width

Where To Find Glass Showcases

I found my showcase on Craigslist.com Here are some useful terms to search within Craigslist or other online classifieds: "Store fixtures", "Glass showcase". "Curio Cabinet". You can also network among dealers in your Antique co-op and get the word out that you are looking for a showcase.

Another great way to find a showcase is when another Antique store or even Jewelry Shop is going out of business.

Price Tags On Showcase Items

Try to mark your price tags clearly so that shoppers can see the price without opening the case or fussing with items too much.

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.

Sweet Collectibles At Memory Lane Antiques In Coventry Connecticut

SWEET COLLECTIBLES

I thought I would share with you some adorable photos from one of my favorite shops, Memory Lane Antiques in Coventry, Connecticut. Who would not be in love with all of these wonderful collectibles?

Wonderful Yellow Stacked Shelves

You can do so much with these mellow yellow shelves...I begged the gal in the shop to part with them, but she wasn't ready to let them go. I especially like the scalloped edges and the square shape. They just call out CUTE !

Kitsch n Collectibles

I could just see my kitchen collectibles sitting on these shelves...I'd put all my red collectibles on the shelves. When I got tired of the red look, I would switch to aqua...that would be pretty too. And when I had enough aqua, I would try pink. How much fun is pink and yellow? So many ideas...ooh yellow and black!
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.

Decorating With Vintage Tin Boxes

Stacking Vintage Tins

You can create quite a lovely decorative focal point by stacking a variety of similar shaped vintage tin boxes in a pyramid formation.. These tin boxes were once used as gift packaging for cookies, candy and cakes.

Today, many people collect older tins for storage, holiday gifts and home decor.

While very old tins with special calligraphy or graphics can get pricey, there are plenty of tins to be found at flea markets, shops and on-line for a few dollars.

Common themes for tins boxes are flowers, fruits, landscape scenes, children, holidays . famous paintings etc.

Photo Courtesy of A Rose Without A Thorn

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.

Using Decorative Plates As Wall Decor Over An Antique Brass Bed

Creating A Romantic Cottage Look In Your Bedroom

Decorative plates can be used as wall decor in many rooms of your home. Most of us are accustomed to using plates in our kitchens and dining rooms. But here is a lovely arrangement of vintage plates used over an Antique Brass bed surrounding a large portrait painting.

The round plates soften the look of the rectangle painting adding interest an a Romantic Cottage look.

You will find more ideas about Cottage Style decorating in my book Hot Cottage Style Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes (Collectorbooks.com).

Photo courtesy of A Rose Without A Thorn


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.

Creating Attractive Displays By Pairing Cookbooks With Kitchen Antiques And Collectibles

Styling Your Vintage Table Top Displays With Cookbooks

This post is about how to add colorful cookbooks to create attractive displays when showcasing your kitchen collectibles.

My friend Carol Morgan has the sweetest shop in Winsted, Connecticut, right on Route 44. Over the years, I have learned a lot from Carol, a former model who told me she spent a lot of time in front of cameras learning all about "styling photographs".

Styling Your Antique Displays

Carol has brought many successful techniques back to her antique business where she is a pro at making collectibles look just one step better with warm and inviting displays. As they say in the restaurant biz...it's all about presentation!

Coordinated Cookbooks And Collectibles

One of Carol's trademark tips is to take a cookbook which coordinates with the colors of the collectibles you are displaying and pairing the items together. Look how well the cookbook on dips looks with the teapot. She also matches themes... i.e. a vintage pie plate matched with a book about pie recipes etc.

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 Assemblages Made Out Of Vintage Housewares

Quirky Kitchen-ware Art

Some people like to collect kitchen collectibles to use or to decorate with for their vintage style kitchens and others like to make art out of old housewares and kitchen tools.

Vintage Kitchen Assemblages

I thought you might like to see some photos from an exhibit which was held in New Britain , CT. The artist really had lots of fun creating these whimsical stacking assemblages .

Pyrex Bowl Lampshade

I love the lamp with the Pyrex bowl shade. If you look closely at these constructions you will see that they take on a figurative look. Without going into too much anatomy.....these abstract mixed media pieces have a lot of male and female "parts". Enough said!

Kitchen Collectibles To Use For Assemblages

1. Sugar bowls without the lids
2. Forks, spoons, knives
3. Teapots
4. Reamers
5. Plates
6. Tea cups
7. Coffee cups
8. Utensils
9. Salt & Pepper shakers
10. clocks

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.

Visiting Big Daddy's: A Retro Diner In Gramercy Park, New York City

Big Daddy's: Burgers, Shakes, Tots

The whole family knows that I adore Retro inspired eateries, so it was off to Big Daddy's in Gramercy Park, New York City on a recent pilgrimage into The Big Apple .

Funky, Colorful Diner

Nine of us were seated comfortably in this funky, colorful diner which is decorated in lots of , 60s, 70s, 80s memorabilia and related tchotakes.

The cutesy menu is a reminder of an old Five and Dime Luncheon Counter with comfort food and daily specials.

Banana Split Sundaes Minus The Bananas

Our perky waitress greeted us with the news that they were out of bananas in case we were there for Banana Split Sundaes. Nope...we were there for LUNCH...and having a fun afternoon. The place is very lively and the servers cater to the young hip visitors who live in the Gramercy area and are apt to relate to the 70s and 80s tunes playing overhead.

While we all had an enjoyable afternoon..... service was slow moving and many of my guests said that the food needs some serious improvement! I'm wondering if this burger joint is better suited for shakes and ice cream desserts.

GRAMERCY PARK

239 Park Avenue South
(Between 19th & 20th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-477-1500
Fax: 212-598-5834

Hours
Monday - Thursday 8am-12am
Friday and Saturday 24 hours
Sunday close at 11pm

Delivery
Monday - Thursday 9am-11:30pm
Friday begins at 9am Saturday and
Sunday 24 hours closing at 10:30
Sunday night

Delivery zones
1st Ave to 6th Ave,
9th Street to 29th Street
Stuyvesant Town
Peter Cooper Village

http://www.bigdaddysnyc.com/locations-gramercy-park.php

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.

Chiquita Banana Would Love The Carb Lovers Diet

Collecting (And Eating) Your Favorite Bananas

I'm going bananas! Here is the scoop...I just agreed to try Health Magazine's new diet book called The Carb Lovers Diet. As you poke through the book, you will see why I am going bananas. In the first week during the Kick Start Plan every breakfast is based on bananas.

Hello Chiquita!

Why bananas you ask? Bananas are high in Resistant Starch the mainstay of this latest diet approach.

So here is what I will be eating for breakfast week 1

Monday Banana Shake
Tuesday Banana-Nut Oatmeal
Wednesday Banana Shake Plus
Thursday Banana Berry Shake
Friday Banana & Almond Butter Toast
Saturday Banana Cocoa Shake
Sunday Banana & Almond Toast

Chiquita Banana Trivia

While I am on the subject of bananas, here is some Chiquita trivia. According to Joleen Ashman Robison and Kay Sellers, author of "Advertising Dolls" (Collectorbooks.com), there were three official
Chiquita Banana Dolls issued by Chiquita Brand, Inc.

The first doll came out in 1944 , the year the trademark symbol was designed. This doll was offered on packages of Kelloggs Corn Flakes. The next doll was a rubber squeak toy and was issued as a premium in the 1950s. The last doll was released in 1974 for $1.75 and two seals from Chiquita Banana. The doll shown is the last doll (1974).

1974 Photo (Top) is Courtesy of http://advertisingiconmuseum.org/inside/c4/3249015.html
1944 Cloth Doll Image (bottom) courtesy of http://www.alleewillis.com/awmok/people/chiquita-bananakitsch

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.

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.

Using Wire Cube Shelving Storage Systems In Your Antique Shop

Factory Salvage And Wire Shelving Storage Is Hot In Homes And Antique Shops

As you are probably discovering Industrial Chic is really quite popular now. Older wire baskets, vintage factory tables and chairs, metal accessories are all over the place as factory salvage finds its way into homes and store interiors.

Wire Storage Cubes

Many manufacturers are also copying these looks and selling new products which mimic the vintage salvage idea. Out for some time now are mesh cubes or wire cubes which you can assemble in different configurations and use for storage space. These cubes have been quite popular with college kids who like them in dorm rooms for books, clothing and "stuff'.

Organize Your Collectibles With Wire Storage Cubes

Well how about using them in your Antique Shop as display space? Because you can vary the way the cubes are stacked you can actually create a step like pattern as shown here. This idea allow you to add larger objects such as lamps or tall vases on the end of each row. Look how much stuff you can get into these cubes!

Where to buy Wire Cube Shelving Systems: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS376&q=where+to+buy+wire+storage+cubes&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=7788941083086187145&ei=ZTqhTKzVK4H-8Aa5l9nmDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=image&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ8gIwAw#

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.

Find Bonus Wall Space Using Shutters For Your Vintage Decorative And Souvenir Plates

Are You Running Out Of Wall Space?

You can find new "wall" space for your decorative and collectible plates by transforming several old shutters into a practical make shift "wall". All you need is some hooks and plate hangers and you are good to go.

I like the way these stained shutters ( from Tree House Art And Antiques) look with a variety of different plates including souvenir china and clear Depression Era plates. Mixing up the types of plates and colors makes for an interesting exhibit.

Another idea is to paint the shutter a soft pastel color and to hang your "Shabby Chic" plates with softer floral designs and dainty patterns.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.

Dangling Your Vintage Kitchen Tools From The Ceiling Using Fishing Wire

What You Do With Fishing Wire In Your Antique Shop Or Home
Fishing wire is your friend. If you own an antique shop that has become so crowded that you have run out of room to display your smalls, try hanging them from the ceiling with a line of fishing wire. You know, the almost invisible thin clear thread like wire that is very durable.

Peter Roth of Tree House Art And Antiques (now in a new location on Route 44 in New Hartford, Connecticut) decided to create some very attractive displays for his collection of vintage kitchen utensils and tools. Peter hung his tools from the ceiling creating a wonderful whimsical floating exhibit.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.

Having Fun With Old Party, Baking And Pantry Collectibles

Unpacking Collectible Party And Pantry Goodies

How much fun is it finding a collectibles shop unpacking a fresh pick of old party and pantry collectibles.

What's In Grandma's Pantry?

Do you remember what your mom or grandma kept in their pantry? My grandmother had cans of plums and jars of Gefilte Fish. Not exactly items that I'd run to go out and collect today.

Visiting Queen Anne Antiques

But while antiquing in Canton, Connecticut, I stopped into Queen Anne Antiques and discovered a load better than plums! April, the owner, had just cleaned out the pantry of a family friend's estate. It appears from the stash that April came back with, that this older women had a pantry filled with goodies for those of us who adore party and baking collectibles.

Vintage Plastic Spoons And Forks

I fell in love with the plastic spoons and forks. In fact, I do remember eating my Dixie cups filled with Vanilla ice cream with these spoons. Other favorites were, straws, cake or cookie sprinkles,
spice tins, icing tips and more.

Most of these wonderful party related collectibles were $5.00-8.00 each.

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.

Turn A CD Rack Into A Display For Vintage Fishing Lure

Something is Fishy With This Old CD Rack: Creating Quirky Display Space For Old Fishing Lures

Ya gotta laugh when you see how Peter Roth of Tree House Art & Antiques transformed an old CD Rack into a whimsical display for his collection of old Fishing Lure. Is this clever or what? Look what happens when you turn the rack vertical.
Knowing Peter as I do, I am sure he found the rack for free or for peanuts.

Now while Peter has used this rack for fishing Lure, I am sure us gals could use this idea for vintage jewelry or other "chick stuff". Feel free to come up with some suggestions and to add your ideas to this post.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.

Display Your Collectible Vintage Postcards In Hanging Plastic Photo Sleeves

Have Some Fun With Plastic Sleeves For Your Vintage Postcards

O.K. vintage postcard sellers and collectors, this post is for you. Once again my friend Peter of Tree House Art & Antiques has found a clever way to display old postcards.

Peter really does need to come up with nifty ways to display stuff because he packs in stuff into his shop lilke nobody I know.

What Peter has done is place vintage postcards into plastic photo sleeves which he allows to dangle freely from strategic spots in his shop.

This idea works great for several key reasons:
1. The plastic protectors sleeves keeps the postcards clean.
2. You get to present many postcards at one time.
3. It's easy to hang anywhere in your shop or even in your home.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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.

Pretty In Pink: Painting Your Antique Mall Booth Space Walls PINK

Shabby Chic Lovers Will Adore Pink Walls In Your Antique Booth Or Shop

If you sell pretty antiques and collectibles, you may want to consider painting the some or all of the walls in your Antique shop or booth space PINK. I just had to share with you an absolutely lovely booth space showcased on http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.com/

Adding Pink Painted Pegboards

Pink painted walls and peg boards work very well with cottage style collectibles as well as "Shabby Chic". Combined with white painted shelving and furnishing, pink walls are delicious.
Often all it takes to transform an antique booth or shop is a unifying paint color.

Cottage Style Goes Well With Pink Painted Walls

Because cottage collectibles include rose themed accessories, the pink walls are a terrific way to
create a softer tone for your booth which works so well with delicate floral wall decor, tea sets, decorative plates, textiles etc.

Photos Courtesy of http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.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.

Who Moved Or Re-Moved My Cheesy Antiques And Collectibles?

The Hem and Haw Of Keeping Track Of Cheesy Collectibles

Don't you just fall apart when someone comes into your Antique booth or shop and decides to re_decorate for you ...i.e. pull apart your displays or pick up an object and take it to a booth clear across the mall or de-construct an item in some way?

Dust Collecting Junk

The sad part is that some of my junk has been sitting in my booth for so long that when I spot one of my "things" three rows down in another dealer's booth, I actually recognize my missing object.
Attached To My Collectibles

I suppose we get attached to our merchandise even though we also can get sick of collectibles that we have had for way too long. I don't know about you, but when I see that something I have owned has sold after sitting around in my booth for what seems like an eternity I scream out in absolute JOY.... the old thing is GONE.

"Who Moved My Cheese"

Remember the cheesy book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, M.D. a book which told the story of adapting to change. "Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life-whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind."

CHANGE Must Take Place

As the story goes in the book, one day the cheese is gone and CHANGE must take place. What about applying the "cheese' story to our business of selling antiques and collectibles? Do you get unraveled when someone comes into your shop or antique booth and moves around your items for sale? I do....I have even walked up to my Front Desk Manager (at my Antique Mall) and declared that it appears that something in my booth is missing.

Looking For Missing Collectibles

Calmly Robert (our front desk manager) tells me to check my booth again and lo and behold I usually find the missing object buried somewhere unexpected in my very own booth. I hate to say it but more than a few times, the object is found "maimed" or "dis-connected" . Imagine finding only the groom of a tacky imported bride and groom set or the lid missing from a stinky old jar.

PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

I have a hard time imagining that someone is our there kidnapping ceramic brides or unscrewing rusty lids from jars or shlepping my stuff clear across our 22,000 square feet store to another dealer's booth. This is what I have to say to all of you PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

Assemblage Photo Courtesy Of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockwasher/page1/

Oregon Cheese Photo Courtesy of Country Living. 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.

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.