The Kitschy Collector Drops In On Three Favorite Retro Families

Dropping In On Ozzie and Harriet Nelson

I thought it might be fun to visit with some Retro families from the 1950's.I dropped in on Harriet Nelson first. She and Ozzie had just come back from a Tide Laundry detergent promotion. I imagine that over the years, that the Tide people must have given her lots of freebies, which is probably how she managed to to keep David and Ricky looking so crisp and clean.

Harriet told me that her series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" started as a radio program (1944) and aired on T.V. from 1952-1966.

Having Tea With The Cleavers

Next I thought I would see if June Cleaver was back from the market. Luckily she and Ward were home, but Beaver and Wally were out mowing lawns.

June was excited to show me her pearl necklace that I bet Ward bought her when they began their T.V. series in 1957. She wore that necklace everyday until the show ended in 1963.

Last Stop, Chatting With Margaret and Jim Anderson

After some lovely tea that June prepared, I headed out the door to visit with Margaret and Jim Anderson . They were eager to share with me stories about the family and how the ever popular series "Father Knows Best" began. It seems that the episodes began on NBC Radio in 1949. Jim was an insurance agent back then and known to be very paternalistic and sarcastic. He softened up quite a bit when he went on T.V. in 1954.
Although Jim had lots of rules, he adored his kids, Betty "Princess", James, "Bud" and Kathy, "Kitten".

It was getting late in the day so I wished the Anderson's well. I promised Margaret I would send regards to Lucy and Ethel when I see them next week at the "Vitameatavegamin" Meet Up.

Postscript

As you probably gathered, my blog post leaped into T.V. land where creative writing often trumps reality. For more thorough and reliable information on Retro T,V. families........visit these museums or read more:

Museums

The Museum of Broadcast Communication http://www.museum.tv/
The Museum of The Moving Image http://www.movingimage.us/site/site.php
The Paley Center for Media http://www.paleycenter.org/

FURTHER READING On Leave it Beaver

Applebaum, Irwyn. The World According to Beaver. New York: Bantam, 1984.

Golbout, Oscar. "A Gift from the Children." New York Times, 8 December 1957.

Liebman, Nina. Living Room Lectures: The Fifties Family in Film and Television. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, 1995.

Shayon, Robert Lewis. "Beaver's Booboo." Saturday Review (New York), 1 February 1958.

Shepard, Richard. "Busy 'Beaver' and His Brother." New York Times, 30 October 1960.

Spigel, Lynn. Make Room for TV: Television and the Family Ideal In Postwar America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992.

"TV's Eager Beaver." Look (New York), 27 May 1958.

FURTHER READING On Ozzie and Harriet

Ames, Walter. "Home Life, Show Life Same in Nelson Family." Los Angeles Times, 16 November 1952.

"The Full Nelson." Time (New York), 16 February 1948.

Gross, Ben. "Ozzie Nelson Gives Secret of Happy H'wood Marriage." Sunday News (New York), 5 March 1961.

"Harriet Hillard." Variety (Los Angeles), 14 August 1938.

Holmes, John R. "The Wizardry of Ozzie: Breaking Character in Early Television." Journal of Popular Culture (Bowling Green, Ohio), Fall 1989.

"Mourning in Sitcomville." The New York Times, 5 October 1994.

FURTHER READING On Father Knows Best

Denis, Christopher Paul, and Michael Denis. Favorite Families of TV. New York: Citadel, 1992.

Leibman, Nina. Living Room Lectures: The Fifties Family in Film and Television. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, 1995.

Taylor, Ella. Prime Time Families. Berkeley, California: University of California Press, 1989

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.

Colorful Playful Handmade Children's Pillows Made From Re-Cycled Clothing

Pillows Made From Vintage Children's Clothing

Have some fun decorating your child's room with some cute vintage ideas from www.BInspiredVintage.etsy.com . This popular Etsy dealer really knows how to create playful kid accessories on a limited budget using hand me down clothing.

Using Old Overalls And Strapped Little Girl Dresses

The red and blue handmade pillow is made from fun vintage baby overalls with a bright corduroy circus print, blue polka dotted background and white eco felt. Buttoned straps create a pocket to hide a favorite plush toy, doll or bed time book . The other pillow shown is made form a little girl's dress.
For more ideas for your baby nursery or kid's room, visit www.BInspiredVintage.Etsy.com.

Photo courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/BInspiredVintage

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.

Are Vintage Mixing Bowls Always "Hot" Sellers? Advice From The Kitschy Collector

The Ups And Downs of Buying And Selling Vintage Mixing Bowls

It seems to me that vintage mixing bowls are sometimes "hot" sellers in our shops and at other times real sleepers. And when we are selling bowls like hot cakes, we load up on even more bowls thinking it's a good idea. But just when we have a wonderful assortment of bowls on hand...the whole cycle quiets down. And those of you who have limited shelf space know what a bummer it is to find places for "too many" mixing bowls, especially very large ones.

The Good, Bad And Ugly
So its probably a good idea for me to tell my readers what I have learned from being in the biz for several decades. The bottom line is that not all bowls are great sellers . Know your bowls!

Good Selling Bowls

1. Patterned Bowls
"Dots" (McKee, Fire king, Hazel Atlas)
"Diamonds"
"Ivy"
"Sailboats" (McKee)
"Tulips" (i.e. Fire king)
"Ribbons" (McKee)
"Kitchen Aids" (Fire King)
"Apple" (i.e. Fire King)

2. 1940's bowls in red, yellow, green, blue
( especially red or yellow) .

3. Complete nesting sets (all kinds priced reasonably).

4. Jade-ite bowls priced right.

5. Bowls with roosters

6. Pink bowls.

7. American Dinnerware (i.e. Pottery Guild).

Harder To Sell Bowls

While I find that bowls in colors such as olive greens, mushroom colors, burnt oranges, golds and browns are harder to sell, I do want to remind you that they are gaining interest.
It seems that younger collectors are re-discovering the bowls of their childhood and these Harvest color bowls are picking up a bit more interest.
How Long Does it take to Sell Olive Green Bowls?

Not too long ago I kidded a friend about how long the Olive green bowls she brought into her retro cafe-shop would sit on her shop shelves with no interest from anyone.

The Buyer Fell In Love With Her Mom's Bowl

Right after I joked about these disco era bowls, a young waitress came over to the bowls and bought them right on the spot. The young gal said the bowls reminded her of her mom's (70's) kitchen.

Proceed With Caution on These Bowls

1. 1970s earth tone bowls.
2. Very large mixing bowls.
3. Frosted bowls.
4. Common bowls which go with mixers.

Some of the photos courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRevival


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.

Cottage Pink Vintage Furnishings Featured At Romantic Rose Boutique

Romantic Cottage Style

With Valentine's Day approaching, it is the perfect time of the year to talk about Romantic Cottage Style. I thought I would take you on a tour of the Romantic Rose Boutique so you can see how beautifully these gals showcase their custom decorated cottage furnishings.

Artist Judy, really pays attention to details. That is why her furnishings and accessories stand out from the rest. How beautiful Judy freshens up old chairs, tables, desks giving them a new life!

Cottage Pink Gives New Life To Old Chairs

Above, the old pressed back chair has lovely spindles and a seat cushion made form an old quilt.
The second photo shows a vintage chair with a shield back. The detail in the chair is what sets this piece apart form the rest. Judy has distressed the wood so some of the original patina comes through.

Soft, Vintage, Romantic

Painted vintage furnishings of soft pinks and creams, lots of accessories with hand painted roses or florals and pretty textiles are what my friends at Romantic Rose Boutique specialize in. You will see some of their custom work in my book, Hot Cottage Collectibles

Custom Painted Roses
Make Book Case So Special

The bookcase shown her looks like it has been lined with vintage wallpaper, but guess what...that is hand painted flowers on a cream painted background. It is simply darling.

Visit Romantic Rose Boutique at: http://www.romanticroseboutique.com/

You can see more of Romantic Rose Boutique in my book Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes (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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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

Using Vintage Wooden Boxes And Crates to Display Antiques And Collectibles

Vintage Wooden Boxes Help To Organize Your Displays And Showcase Your Antiques And Collectibles

Wooden boxes of all sizes are an antique shop owner's best friends. I cherish my vintage boxes and have a hard time passing up any of these great finds at tag sales or Flea markets.

First let's go over the common type vintage boxes and crates you will find that work well in your shop for displaying and organizing collectibles and antiques. Remember it is important to have on hand a variety of sizes and shapes. Some boxes you will sit on the floor, while other boxes might be used on a table top for use as a riser or to contain smaller collectibles such as post cards or vintage dish towels.

Types of Common Vintage Wooden Boxes Or Crates
1. soda boxes with compartments
2. soap boxes
3. fruit boxes
4. cigar boxes
5. food boxes
6. advertising boxes
7. cream cheese boxes
8. tool boxes
9. Champagne boxes
9. Milk boxes
10. Coca Cola boxes
11. Seltzer Boxes

Tips About Using Wooden Boxes Or Crates For Display

It seems that when you go shopping for old boxes the prices are all over the place. Yes indeed there are boxes and there are boxes. This article is about common boxes not the very old antique ones that have fabulous advertising and fetch big bucks. I am talking about equipping your shop for an assortment of different style boxes that are $5.00-25.00. Sometimes you have to put up with a very dirty box to get a real bargain...but that is ok...many of my lovely boxes have had a bath or two.

Tidy Up Your Boxes

So start off by cleaning your box and removing any exposed nails. Also hammer in any loose parts and inspect the box for dangerous splintering.Some boxes have metal banding which can be dangerous if not carefully secured to the box.

Vintage Cream Cheese Boxes

I use smaller boxes such as Cream Cheese boxes upside down as a "riser" to help create different levels for my kitchen collectibles. Cream cheese boxes also work well right side up or (upside down) for displaying small juice glasses such as Swanky Swigs.

Vintage Wooden Soda Boxes

Wooden soda boxes are perfect for displaying mounted vintage magazine advertisements or framed pictures. Sometimes I turn an olden wooden box upside down and use to elevate another box so customers to not have to bend so far. Besides stacking boxes is a great way to save space. Oh, I almost forgot, soda boxes stacked one on top of each other make great cheap shelves for books.

Vintage Coca Cola Boxes

Coca Cola boxes turned on their edge are charming as a smaller shelved unit for vintage tins or small advertising boxes. The yello box shown is a Cocal Cola box that has been painted. i got it that waY. Salt and Pepper shakers also work well displayed on the shelves created when you stand the box upright.

Vintage Cigar Boxes

Cigar boxes are very handy. I use smaller wooden cigar boxes for post cards. Other types of cigar boxes can be used also as riser or platforms for collectibles or with the lid open to display hankies, jewelry, scarves, textiles, doilies etc.

Photos taken at my shop Kitsch n Stuff (Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford).

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.

Photos taken at my shop kitsch n Stuff (Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford).

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.

Adding Vintage Paper Doll Cut-Outs Or Puzzle Pieces To Transform Children's Tables And Chairs

Creating Whimsical Vintage Children's Tables And Chairs

A dated boring children's table and chairs can be reborn with a little paint and some fresh ideas such as adding vintage paper doll cut outs or puzzle pieces to the table top.

At The Bleu Willlow in Simsbury, Connecticut, I found these adorable tables and chairs which have had a charming make-over.

Mixed Media Advice For Vintage Projects

There are many ways to accomplish a transformation. Here is the way my mixed media friends might attempt a project like this.Mixed media collage artists are very familiar with layering papers and objects on "supports" and coating with a variety of products.

Well now think of your table top as your "support" (surface) which you will treat a "collage".

Preparing Your Table Top Surface

First you will may need to prepare your table top and legs with sanding and primer or a base coat of paint if the surface is not smooth and intact. Next choose a color scheme and paint colors
for your table top, legs and matching chairs.

Using Clear Self Leveling Gel

When this step is complete you can add your vintage images or game parts. The tables shown here were done as decoupage projects by artist Karen Schuler. Crafters use a variety of methods and products to stick papers and objects onto surfaces. Diluted glue, Mod Podge and other decoupage mediums work well.

For another method of adding cut outs and embellishments, you might consider using Golden's Clear Self Leveling Gel When visiting their website you will find lots of technical advice. You can also check with your local paint store for other options.

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:

. 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.

Vintage Altered Art Using Old Bingo Cards And Parts

Growing Up In A Family Of Bingo Addicts

I grew up in a family of Bingo Addicts who played the game two to three times a week. My grandmother Esther, a.k.a. "Shabby Granny" (see Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Home) decorated her entire apartment in the prizes she won at Bingo.

Bingo Prizes Are Now Kitchen Collectibles

While some of the Bingo games she played gave out cash prizes, most of the games she enjoyed gave the winners usable items such as coffee cups, salt and pepper shakers, cheese and cracker boards etc. Many of the " kitchen collectibles" we all buy and sell today, were once Bingo prizes.

Altered Art Bingo

"Bingo Games" are still popular today, but in a much different way. "Bingo" has been elevated from a parlor game to an art form. For many, "Altered Bingo Art" is the latest passion. Crafters are collecting vintage Bingo cards, tokens, markers etc. and transforming them into mixed media art forms. Many artists also incorporate sewing notions as well as vintage images from magazines or cards into their Bingo art.

Collectors And Artist Want Vintage Bingo Sets

This trend affects vintage sellers because it means that there is a new market out there for these vintage games. Even incomplete Bingo sets are of interest to altered art creators. Many artists use the Bingo cards as "supports" (surfaces) to create their projects, adding embellishments, trim, stampings, paintings, wax resistance, gold leafing, calligraphy etc. Some artists even make three dimensional assemblages out of Bingo materials. The Bird House shown here is a good example of a whimsical use of Bingo parts. Do sellers..never throw out anything!

You can find lots of vintage game parts, embellishments and completed Vintage Altered Bingo Art on Etsy.com and other on line sources.
Also keep on eye out for these items at Flea Markets, Thrift Shops and Antique Malls.

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.artchixstudio.com/
http://shessewpretty.typepad.com/
http://katiebeecreative.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.

Use What You Have to Display Antiques And Collectibles: Creative Tips from The Kitschy Collector

Ideas From The Kitschy Collector

Are you sitting with a few odds and ends in your shop or store and you are wondering how to kick them up a notch...or two? Well this post will help you energize ...re-group and return to your shop with some easy practical ideas.

Project 1: Turning A Three Tiered Vintage Candy or Cake Dish Into A Store Display

Let's start with vintage tiered candy dishes or cake plates. For the most part, many of these fall into the category of bric a brac and can be found in thrift stores everywhere. Of course there are some special ones, but I am talking about the ticky tacky kind...that still have some retro charm...but you won't make a killing on them when you try to re-sell them.
So here is my first tip....convert this tiered cake plate "thing" (not sure what to call it). ...into a store display stand. Yes...turn your Aunt Dottie's "thing" into something useful.
in the photo show, Laura of The Bleu Willow in Simsbury, CT displays colorful tiny sachet pillows in her turquoise tiered dishes. (You can use it for vintage costume jewelry etc .).

Project 2: Open Up Your Vintage Dresser Drawers and Use as A "Shelf" or "Display Mantle"

Desk drawers, dresser drawers, cupboard drawers all can be used for displaying linens, pictures, booklets, etc. If you open the drawer of a dresser drawer, for example, you can use this slightly opened drawer as a "shelf" or "mantle'.

In my shop, "Kitsch n Stuff, I have opened the drawers of an old metal kitchen cabinet to display all my recipe booklets. The key point here is that you display the booklets in the up position, using the open drawer as a easel. While you can certainly store items inside the drawer, I am talking about using the drawer open as an easel . Small collectibles or booklets etc. can be "leaned" or partially stuffed


Project 3 Stuff Small Collectibles and Boutique Items Into A Vintage Baby Cradle or Crib

Space in most shops is critical. Items need to do "double duty". So here is another bright idea.....take an old baby doll crib and use it as a display piece. And who said you have to stick dolls inside. Be creative. Mix and match....wake up your customers.....Who said a crib is only for
baby stuff...re-invent the rules!

Visit: http://www.thebleuwillow.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.

Using Vintage Kitchenwares to Organize Your Trinkets and Notions

Goodbye Plastic Bags- Hello Green Vintage Kitchen

Storing trinkets and odds and ends in plastic bags is not cool these days. Environmentally conscious folks have taught the rest of us to give up on the world of PLASTICS in favor of using materials that can be re-cycled such as glass and metals.


Plastic Bag Guilt: So Now It's Time To
Re-Use, Re-Cycle, Re-Purpose

The message is getting through, "green" is "in" .....and as a result of all this pressure to "save the earth"....I'm starting to change my habit of using new things instead of salvaging old things. In fact, I now experience a guilt attack when I even think of buying Ziploc bags. While I am not totally plastic-free yet, I am well on my way.

Looking Out for "Green Neighbors"

But there are some days that I break down and reach for my Ziplocs. On these days, when I'm in the market, I pray that I'll make it to the check-out counter before I am spotted by one of my very "green" neighbors. I have learned to hide a box of plastic storage bags under a large box of cereal in my cart to save face.

Plastic Boomed in 1950s

It's easy to understand why so many of us Baby Boomers are plastic maniacs. After all we grew up sitting on couches that were covered with plastic, ate cereal in Melmac bowls and watched mom host a Tupperware Party. Let's face it, most of us grew up on plastic and it is hard to let go.

So now the trick is to begin to wean ourselves off all this plastic stuff and to look for other ways to store foods as well as organize the odds and ends which clutter our drawers and counters.

Meet Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy

Keeping one's home "green" can be a fun project. It is a new way to think about how to re-purpose or re-cycle what you have at home. One of my favorite vendors on Etsy is a shop called Pink Grapefruit Style . This gal is the queen of vintage trinkets and treasure and has really mastered a variety of ways to keep small objects in place using old muffin tns, ice cube trays and loaf pans to hold odds and ends. So now it is time for you to re-visit your basement or attic and turn your old housewares into clever storage containers.

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

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.

Blue Sky Foods: A Clam Shack With Attitude In New Hartford, CT

Key West in New Hartford, Connecticut

Blue Sky Foods is essentially a Key West Clam Shack with attitude! Located in New Hartford, Connecticut, along Route 44, this roadside cafe seems like it should belong down at the shoreline which is over an hour and a half a way.

Funky Eatery For Displaced Beach Bums

In fact, this funky eatery is somewhat of an oddity in a area known for its nearby ski slope (Ski Sundown) and country style shops. It's a rather "beachy" hang out for this New England town which is far from the ocean.

"Kick Back And Relax"

Locals adore this place because they get to kick back and "shoot the breeze" with owners Deb and Mike. If you want to have a little fun and a quick good meal...this is your place. You'll find the menus at the register tucked into a sand pail and Deb ready to take your order. Moments later, Mike is at the grill or in the kitchen and your order is up and ready quite promptly. It seems that you hardly have time to read the boat magazines or play some of the games on your table before your tray of food arrives.

Down The Road from "Kitsch n Stuff"

I'm a frequent flier to Blue Sky Foods, because my shop, "Kitsch and Stuff" is right down the road in The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. Deb is like me...she adores flea markets and tag sales and has quite a collection of her own displayed throughout the shop. This eatery is stuffed with treasures (for view only) ..

Jimmy Buffet Fans

It is not a secret....Deb and Mike are "Parrot Heads" and you will find Jimmy Buffett music playing and Buffett memorabilia everywhere, as well as all kinds of beach and whimsical collectibles mounted on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, decorating the bathroom...you get the point. I especially like the laid back beach theme.....it's nice to be greeted by a few plastic flamingos when the snow is falling in New England.


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.

Wake Up Baby Boomers; Adding Hip Hop To Your On-Line Antique Shops

Wake Up Baby Boomers

Rock music and vintage go together like smart phones and texting. Today music and videos are "in" and if you really want to sell your treasures......you need to become some what of a "techy" or you will fall behind.
Are you Hip? Learn From Younger Collectors

If you are a younger collector/seller and you are hip...... you are probably already adding music to your websites, twittering and producing promotional videos for on line stores. So move over baby boomers, the hipsters are here and they are adding hip hop to their shops and waking up the world of collecting.

The Music Trend Online


I first noticed this musical (and visual) trend on my site http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ where members were adding music to their profile pages or online stores. And some members added not only songs but animated backgrounds such as snow flakes falling or dashing stars etc.

In Sync or Out of Sync

At first I felt out of sync.....didn't we need the Big Band sound playing whenever 1940's collectibles were showcased? Of Elvis or Chubby Checker for 50s and beyond stuff ? But now the younger collectors are spicing up their shops with pop music which adds a whole new dimension to "vintage". And folks are sticking around these entertaining sites longer. But do buyers get distracted more easily and focus more on the music than in the vintage items for sale?

Look and Listen

For example, take a look and listen to this video made by www.ricracandbutton.etsy.com. This is a wonderful on-line store with adorable vintage and retro finds. Copy the link below and paste into your URL. (sorry to make you have to copy the link...but the easy way isn't working) . Here is the link to copy:

http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/ricracandbuttonsetsycom-vintage-children-bookswmv/3846948865

This popular etsy.com dealer has great music playing alongside her video of vintage children's books. Not nursery rhymes or retro music....but upbeat now stuff! Perhaps she has got the right idea about upbeat music? Take a listen...watch the show......the times they are changing. After you view the video, come back and add your comment...whaddya think?

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.

Michele's Cottage Gifts of Plantsville, Connectiut Features Shabby Chic Artist Gail McCormack of Australia

Welcome to Michele's Cottage Gifts

Stroll behind the shops on Main Street in Plantsville, Connecticut and you will find Michele's Cottage Gifts, a Shabby Chic boutique that you will thoroughly enjoy each time you visit.

Australian Artist Gail McCormack

Today, Michele's was featuring Australian artist, Gail McCormack. Michele had both originals and prints of Gail's paintings.

Gail McCormack's paintings delight Romantic Cottage Style collectors. Her charming paintings of roses, tea pots and tea cups, florals, garden pots etc. are popular among women who like soft, feminine, pretty images. Her original paintings and quality prints are very reasonably priced. Gail's husband Tony is also quite creative. He makes hand crafted cottage style furniture. Both enjoy doing lots of outdoor shows and have plenty of followers around the globe.

Cottage Collectors Will Adore Michele's

Michele's Cottage is a charming shop, sitting along the Quinnipiac River in the Village of Plantsville which is part of Southington, Connecticut.

Plenty to See

The multi room boutique carries lots of painted cottage furniture, vintage collectibles including decorative plates, chocolate pots, tea cups, vanity, textiles, lighting, kitchenware, jewelry, wall decor and more. Old and newer treasures are mixed together in very sweet displays throughout the shop.

Michele's Cottage Gifts
53 Main Street
Plantsville, CT
860-329-0033

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.

The Fire Place Wood Fired Pizza And Tap Room: A Trendy Vintage Hot Spot in Downtown Southington, Connecticut

Lunching At "The Fire Place" Wood Fired Pizza

Today's journey took me to The Fire Place Wood Fired Pizza and Tap Room on Center Street in downtown Southington Connecticut. After an afternoon antiquing in nearby Plantsville, I was ready for some dynamite wood fired pizza . Owner John Pucci welcomed me into his four year old restaurant and proudly took me on a tour while my "Classic Margherita" pizza was being made.

Located in a 100 Year Old Building

Like a proud father showing off pictures of the kids, John pulled out a photo album and showed me how he and his dad transformed this 100 year old building into an upscale trendy restaurant. Once home to a cap and hat store and than bootery, this charming old building was completely gutted and re-designed.

Re-Purposing Architectural Elements

The best part of the transformation is that John and his dad were able to salvage many of the architectural elements of the building and incorporate them in the new restaurant. The tables were made from the ceiling beams; the exposed brick wall was uncovered after the plaster was removed and many of the vintage signs found buried in the basement have been framed and mounted throughout the restaurant.

Meet The Polar Plunge Group in The Tap Room

The Tap Room was hopping even though it was late in the afternoon. It seems that a group of charitable folks were coming back from the Fifth Annual Polar Plunge at Camp Sloper, a fundraiser to provide camp scholarships.

Plenty of Ales and Specialty Pizza

There were a lot of smiling diners warming up with 18 beers on tap, wood fired wings, wood fired specialty pizza, personal T.V's and friendly experienced waitstaff. While I dined in The Tap Room, the restaurant has a large dining room as well as outdoor seasonal dining.

Menu Favorites

Wood Fired Wings are popular.....check out Spicy Fired Wings, Smoke House Wings, Fiery Buffalo Wings and more. Specialty Pizza include CB and Bacon, Buffalo Chicken, Veggie, Brooklyn Bridge, Honey Barbecue, South Philly, Verde, Shrimp Scampi, Quattro, Zucchini and more.

Perfect Pizza

My Margherita pizza arrived promptly and it was magnificent. Fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil over tomato sauce with a perfect crust. Move over New Haven...the best pizza may actually be in Southington!

The Fire Place
http://www.thefireplacect.com/
44 Center Street
Southington, CT 06489
(860) 620-1234

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.

The Coffee Trade in Avon, Connecticut Is Filled To The Brim With Antiques, Collectibles And Freshly Roasted Coffee

The Coffee Trade Combines Antiques And Collectibles

If you live in Avon, Connecticut than you probably know about The Coffee trade, the best place to have a cup of freshly roasted coffee, exotic tea or an afternoon hot cocoa and schmooze with friends and business associates. The Coffee Trade is located on Route 44 in a charming 100 year old county farm house. But there is more to this cozy, relaxing coffee cafe.......it is also a FABULOUS Antique Shop.

Filled To The Brim With Coffee and Antiques
Every room, corner, alcove, closet, wall is packed with antique collectible glassware, china, ceramics, figurines, ephemera, tea cups, chocolate pots, jewelry, Victorian prints, linens, dolls, books, furniture, kitchenwares, holiday, cottage, garden, etc.
Owners Joan And Dick Are Busy Beavers

I have learned a great deal about how to display and showcase my own antiques and collectibles from owner, Joan. Joan and her husband Dick are two busy beavers who are always in motion when you visit. Dick can be found attending to his German Probat coffee roaster, while Joan is moving her latest antique goodies into the shop.
The Aroma Of Freshly Roasted Coffee

The deep aroma of freshly roasted coffee can be detected all around the area. When I am visiting shops across the street, I am reminded of the roaster which is slowly roasting and churning the beans to bring out the best characteristics of all the different coffees available.

Morning Coffee...Afternoon Cocoa
I often stop into this shop more than once in a day, joining a friend for morning coffee and stopping by before dark for a cup of hot cocoa served in a glass pedastyl mug with whipped cream.


See Coffee Trade's Antiques in
"Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes" Book
Joan has always been very kind to me. Many of the photographs found in my second book "Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes" were shot in her shop.
Be sure to tell Joan and Dick I sent you when you visit.
The Coffee Trade
http://www.thecoffeetrade.com/
Route 44
Avon, CT
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of 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.