Vintage Wallpaper Sample Books Are Popular Collectibles And Inspire Today's Designers

When You Find Vintage Wallpaper Sample Books Hang Onto To Them: They Are Very Popular

If you discover Vintage Wallpaper Books online or at a sale, grab them, they are very desirable. Lots of different buyers are after these sample books, decorators, collectors, artists etc.



1950's And 1960's Wallpaper Designs Are In Demand

As I discussed in my first book, Hot Kitchen And Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s (Collectorbooks.com), prices for 1950s and 1960s wallpaper books continue to climb in value. In fact I have seen some Mid-Century books go for over a hundred dollars or more on eBay in a bidding frenzy.

Textile & Fashion Designers Compete For Old Sample Wallpaper Books

My theory is that designers from the textile, home and fashion industries are after these books to help as a jumping off point for new interpretations of the retro and vintage styles.

Using Vintage Wallpaper In Art Projects

Others use vintage wallpaper in art projects and up-cycling projects such as lining an antique desk drawer with wallpaper from the 1930's. Of course the gals who enjoy scrap book design love vintage paper including wallpaper.

Getting Ideas About Retro Home Interiors

For me the Kitschy Collector, I adore the older sample books because I get to see how home interiors looked as many of the original wallpaper samples are accompanied by photos of room interiors. Take a look at these photos from the Sears Harmony House Collection of the 1950's. . These images are from a 88 page sample book featured at http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeirdeeGirlVintage.

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 S & H Stamp Plan Catalogs To Identify And Date Kitchen And Home Collectibles

Learning About Your Kitchen Collectibles From Stamp Plan Catalogs Such As Sperry and Huchinson (S and H).

Stamp plan catalogs such as S and H Green Stamps (Sperry and Huchinson) and others (Triple S Stamps, Blue Chip Stamps and Plaid Stamps), are valuable resources for identifying and dating kitchen collectibles and other household goods. Trading stamps were popular form the 1930s-1980s).

Today's Collectibles, Yesterdays Rewards Gifts

Many housewares and home accessories that collectors bring home today to use or decorate with in their vintage kitchens came redemption centers.

Remembering Green Stamps

I clearly remember my mom pasting her green stamps in chunky little booklets which she brought to the local S & H Gift Center. Redemption centers were similar to a department store. You would find sections of small appliances, outdoor furniture, kitchenwares, cookware, toys, bathroom, furnishings, garden etc.

How Much Do Catalogs Go For?

There were many different premium or stamp plan companies besides S and H. You can find these catalogs on online sites and auctions as well as in antique shops which offer vintage paper items. I usually pay $3.00-10.00 for 1950s and 1960s catalogs. I have not yet come across earlier catalogs and would imagine the price to be a bit higher.

Photos are form the collection of http://www.etsy.com/shop/howtobooksandmore

and http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroChalet

Read More About It:

To read more about S and H Green Stamps see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_&_H_Green_Stamps

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 Turquoise, Black, Pink Squiggle Enamelware Cookware

Squiggle Enamel Cookware Were Popular In The Atomic Era

What do you think of these cool nifty fifty squiggle pots discovered on Etsy.com in a shop called "Instant Living"? I nearly had a flashback when I spotted them. Isn't it something that some objects will just pull you right back to your childhood days.

Squiggle Designs

I can still see my mom (and dad) cooking in the kitchen with atomic age pots which came in combinations of turquoise, black and pink. The abstract squiggle pattern was very common in the 1950s and could be found on cookware, counter tops, table tops, shelving paper, wall coverings etc. The squiggle design was part of the popularity of abstract motif working it's way into kitchens and homes postwar influenced by space age and scientific achievements.

Turquoise, Pink, Black: Enamelware Colors of the 1950's

Squiggle cookware came turquoise and black, black and white or pink and black. Housewives of the 50's could choose from deep skillets, casseroles, coffee pots and other cookware often with interchangeable lids.
I see much more of the turquoise color than the pink or the black colors.

I have seen values of these pots vary according to condition. In excellent conditon without chips, scratches and stains, you might expect to pay $25.00-45.00 (with a lid).

Photos Courtesy of Instantliving.etsy.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.

Lady Dianne Goes To Camelot Village Antiques, Bennington Vermont

Lady Dianne Goes To Camelot Village Antiques, Benningnton Vermont

Boy did I have fun at Camelot Village Antique Center in Bennington, Vermont last Saturday while traveling through The Berkshires and beyond. While most of the members of my family went outlet shopping in Lee Massachusetts, I shlepped my husband up Route 7 (In Lenox, Mass.) to Route 9 in Bennington (Vermont). Our trip from Lenox, took under an hour.

From Farm To Antique Center

The Camelot Village Antique Center was originally a farm and summer residence of a wealthy New York City family back in the late 1800's. According to the Center's brochure, the original name was "Ben Venue" , which is Scottish and translates to "small mountain" .

Fillmore Farms

In 1892, James C. Colgate, founded Fillmore Farms and raised prized Dorset sheep. Later son in law James S. Dennis took over Fillmore Farms an enterprise which included cattle, poultry, dairy, pork, maple syrup etc. Camelot Village is the original Hubbell Homestead (the nucleus of the farm).

Enough About Pigs And Cows: Let's talk Antiques

Enough about cows, pigs and poultry. The Antique Center is a blast. The building keeps going and going. Just when you think you have turned down the last aisle, there is another hidden staircase and another and another. There are booths everywhere. And there is every imaginable collectible somewhere in this huge multi-dealer shop.

You will find postcards, ceramics, advertising, pottery, glassware, textiles, retro, sixties, country, furniture, paper, kitchenwares, country store, jewelry, vintage clothing, china etc.

Lovin' My Kitchen Collectibles

Of course I am after my favorites, kitchenwares, retro, country store and cottage and there was plenty to look at and of course come home with. Like in all group shops, there are dealers and then there are amazing dealers. In this post I am sharing some of the sellers who I really liked.

By the way, there is also a Deli on the premises, a Craft Center, Country Store and Wine Shop and Flower and Gift Shop.

Camelot Village
66 Colgate Heights (Route 9)
Bennington, Vermont
802-447-0039

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.

Handcrafts From Around The World In New Hartford, Connecticut

Handcrafts From Around The World In New Hartford, Connecticut

Artisan Imports On Sale
In New Hartford Connecticut
April 24th and 25th, 2010

Only I would go out for a quick sandwich and stumble upon a magical sale of wonderful handcrafted objects d'art from around the globe taking place this weekend in New Hartford, CT on Route 44, a few doors down from "The Foothills Delery", (my luncheon hideaway).

I wandered into the building just before opening and asked Carole Karvazy, the event coordinator if I could take some photos to share with you. Carole was very gracious, showing me around the different booths representing, Poland, Mexico, Tibet, Hungary and The Far East.

The Sandor Collection: Hungarian Imports

Beautiful collections of hand made felt pillows, apparel, ceramics, decorative boxes, jewelry, furnishings, pottery, wall decor and more were displayed in this special sale called "Importers Spring Warehouse sale".

Carole told me that many of the goods shown are 70% off retail prices. I am always amazed at the creativity and workmanship of many of the products that find their way into such sales. It was a delight visiting this sale. If you are in the area, stop by, you will have plenty to look at.

While In The Area

Visit My Shop Kitsch n Stuff at The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford

Read More About "The Foothills Delery": http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2009/08/visiting-the-foothills-delery-retro.html

Also Visit Blue Sky Foods http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/01/blue-sky-foods-clam-shack-with-attitude.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.

Getting A Little Funky With Your Antique Mall And Shop Displays

Retro Tomato-Orange High Heels
Make A Hip Display

Who said your antique and collectible displays have to make any sense? Sometimes getting a little funky is just what the doctor ordered. I love it when I find kitschy arrangements of objects. Today at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, it seems that funky was featured!

Size Six If You Are Wondering

It's hard to walk past these lady's reddish orange pumps. I have no idea how old they are or what they are made of. But I can tell you that they were a size six. For a moment I actually thought about trying them on....I could squeeze into a six.

Mingling Odds And Ends Into A Perky Display

After I finished amusing myself with the idea of trying on shoes the height of a New York skyscraper, it was onto a booth which flaunts funk. Come on, don't you agree that this dealer's creative use of wall space and attention to shapes and size make for an attractive display. This is a very nice job of mingling odds and ends into a very perky display.

Why Not: It Doesn't Have To Make Sense

Last but not least, is this wonderful woven vase sitting on top of a turquoise plastic play oven. Hey it works, even though the whole idea is a bit silly. The vase is indeed big and looks as bit foolish hanging out on top of a toy oven. But it did get my attention. And besides, the colors brown and turquoise look great together . So why not use the oven as a neat way to display a cool looking vase? Funky is fun and we all need a little playfulness now and then.

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.

Tea For Two At Past And Future Fine Antiques in Lenox, Massachusetts

Exquisite Tea Collectibles At Past & Future

All I can say is that if you want to see the most exquisite collection of teapots, tea cups, chocolate pots, decorative plates, silver, elegant glassware and more, crank up your car and head to Lenox, Massachusetts. Right on Church Street in the Village is a shop called "Past and Present, owned my Marcy Cohen. This has to be one of the most gorgeous antique shops you will ever visit.

Snapping Lots of Photos Of Gorgeous Hand Painted China On Display At Past & Future Fine Antiques

Of course I was so busy taking photographs for all of you to see, that I didn't actually get a chance to do any shopping. But, truthfully, I would want almost everything in this shop. The Berkshires is loaded with antique shops, but this is one of my favorites.

Lovely Tea Collectibles

Marcy has very lovely vignettes of her spectacular collection. I particularly loved the lilac inspired settings. But everywhere you look in this shop, you will see beautiful serving pieces, luncheon, dining and tea related collectibles.

Dreaming Of Owning A Tea Room

I have always dreamed of owning a Tea Room/ antique shop with tea collectibles. I never could decide if I would go in a whimsical direction and call my Tea Room- shop "The Mad Hatter" or go in a more sophisticated direction and name my shop "Lady Dianne's Tea Room" (my name). If I ever end up fulfilling my fantasy of owning a Tea Room, I would want everything Marcy Cohen has in her shop! (I better start saving up).

Displaying A Breakfast Set Inside A Basket

And I would love it if Marcy would come and arrange my room settings. Take a look at how she has displayed a breaakfast set in a large basket. How sweet is this? This certainly looks better than having plates and tea cups sitting on a shelf. But you do need room to be able to showcase your Breakfast Set inside a basket.

Where To Find A Spot For A Tea Room?

So if any of you know a charming spot for a Tea Room in and around The Farmington Valley of Connecticut, please let me know. I already have the baker picked out. In fact, I know exactly what I'll have on the menu.......but I do welcome suggestions.......perhaps some day, I will have a Tea Room...which do you like better for a name
"The Mad Hatter" or "Lady Dianne's"?

P.S. Please don't spill the bean...oh I mean tea leaves....this is still only a fantasy!

Past And Future Fine Antiques
Marcy Cohen
63 Church Street
Lenox, Massachusetts
413-637-2225

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.

Do Pretty Romantic China Cottage Collectibles Always Have To Be Featured In A Glass Showcase?

Showcasing Pretty Romantic Cottage Collectibles

Part of my antique booth do-over or is it make-over was to take out some of my "better" and or "fragile" collectibles out of the dark tall (but darling glass curio cabinet they were in and "let them be seen".

Grouping All The Floral Cottage Collectibles Together

I grouped my sweet floral plates, salt and pepper shakers, vanity items, etc together on a hand made cottage chic garden table which I bought from another dealer.

Should China Collectibles Always Be In Glass Cabinets?

I know, many of us who have shops or booths in antique malls, worry about keeping delicate collectibles out for a variety of obvious reasons. But, I have to be honest, many of my kitchen collectibles are as valuable (and even harder to find) than the floral decorative pieces. The difference is that the kitchenwares handle better. In fact, when you think about it, some of these kitchen collectibles we all buy and sell were used in kitchens 60-70 years ago and they held up really well.
Delicate porcelain objects are a totally different genre.

Delicate Collectibles

But on the flip side, I thought I might try featuring some of these lovely hand painted items. They are not that precious.

Not Having To Ask Staff Members For The Key

I wondered if my attractive porcelain collectibles would be of more interest to customers didn't have to bother to ask staff to get the key to the locked cabinet they were previously in.

We shall see what happens this month. My theory is, that if customers can get up close to these beautiful floral pieces, they will be more apt to want them in their homes and my sales will increase. It's just a thought!

If you love this kind of stuff...you will adore my second 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.

Antique Wicker: A Cottage Style Favorite

Have Your Lemonade
Sitting In An Antique Wicker Chair Or Sofa

Wicker has always been a favorite on porches. Popular during the Victorian era, the word wicker is actually derived from the Scandinavian words wika, meaning "bend" and vikker, meaning "willow". Although many people refer to "wicker" as a material, it is actually a catch all term to apply to many different materials which are woven.

Types of Wicker

Materials available for weaving depend on the climate of a given region. For example in warmer areas you will see reeds, palm leaves, canes, grasses and of course rattan made into furniture.

Cooler Climates Use Different Materials

Crafters in cooler climates avail themselves to wood strips, rushes, wild grasses, willow twigs and roots for designing furniture.

Rattan A Natural Material Is Very Popular

Most of us are familiar with rattan the most popular natural material for weaving. Because rattan is a solid core vine it is very sturdy and a good choice for furniture. ( Wicker Design By Mary Whitesides 2003).

Wicker Styles

Wicker can be divided into several styles: Victorian, Art Deco, Bar Harbor, Stick Wicker (Modern). You will find more photos of vintage wicker in my book, Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes (Collectorbooks.com).
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Photos Courtesy of Preservecottage.com and natashaburns.com

Check Out http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/antiquewickerfurniture


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.

Picky About Buying And Selling Kitchen Collectibles: How The Kitschy Collector Is Different From The American Pickers

Buying Kitsch N Stuff

Terrific kitchen collectibles do not hang around anyone's shop for long. And need I tell you how hard it is to come across good stuff anymore. Some people swear by tag sales or yard sales, while others prefer flea markets or auctions for shopping. And then there is me.....I just can't get up early enough for sales!

Strolling Around Shops Looking For Kitchen Collectibles

So, I take my time going out hunting. I prefer strolling around other shops finding a few gems here and there and re-selling them.

Unlike The American Pickers: I'll Pass On Rust

And unlike the American Pickers, I pass over anything with rust, chips, cobwebs, dents etc. The gals (and guys) who buy from me, expect vintage kitchenwares in great condition. I'm still trying to figure out why anyone would want nasty old car parts or bicycle skeletons (The Picker stuff) To each his own. I'm happy with teacups and kitchen canisters, while Mike and Frank adore old rusty oil cans . You can't drink tea from an old oil can (or maybe the pickers can!) .

Hunting Or Blogging?

And I'm not saying you can't find fabulous stuff at a flea market or a garage sale, I'm just saying I can't get up that early anymore. (I'm too busy blogging!). I'm so frustrated going to a flea market mid morning and the dealers are already getting ready to pack it in. After all they have been on the field in the wee hours of the morning ( I am still asleep). How about a flea market for sleepyheads!

Wheeling and Dealing: The Art Of Buying Vintage Housewares

Often my profit margin is very narrow. But I pride myself on buying kitchenwares and housewares in very good condition. And I look for bargains, so that can pass the deal onto my buyers. I also have my favorite colors, styles and categories, especially favoring "cute", "adorable" and "colorful" kitchenwares for the Colorful era (1930s, 1940s, 1050s) .
Never Plan When You Are Hunting For Kitchen Collectibles

And need I tell you, you can never plan what you will find. You might think you are out shopping for tablecloths and you stumble upon beverage glasses (which you don't need). BUT the price is right and you know you will kick yourself if you don't come home with yet another set of glasses.

Stumbling Across The same Old Thing

Or you go out shopping and it seems that you keep finding the same things for a few weeks. Like you have a "bowl" week or a "planter" week etc. And you always find good deals on stuff you already have plenty of.

It's a Hard Job "Picking" Kitchen Collectibles
Rarely do I hit the jackpot like Mike and Frank on The American Pickers. I put in a lot of leg work for a few dainty doilies. Afterall it is a lot easier to come across a barn of rusty guy stuff than to discover adorable kitchen collectibles in fine condition from the 30s, 40s, 50s.
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.

"Kitsch N Stuff" Gets A Major Make-Over: Now It's Easier To Shop For Kitchen Collectibles

Kitsch n Stuff: A Funky Antiques And Collectibles Shop At The Collinsville
Antiques Company Of New Hartford

"Kitsch n Stuff", my shop at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut got a major make-over in the last few days. So if you are wondering where I have been, I've been camped out in my half a booth at Collinsville.

The Transformation Begins: Thinning Out All The Kitsch N Stuff (Antiques and Collectibles).

I had stuffed so much into that booth that it was either time to expand the size of my booth or to
begin to part with some of the "white elephants" and tidy up the space. In essence if I was using the analogy of a haircut....I thinned out the overgrowth.

Opening Up My Kistch N Stuff Booth: Now You Can See The Collections

After several days of working on the project, I'm sore from head to toe....BUT...my booth looks so much better. I took away a glass cabinet that was blocking too much of the entrance to the booth as well as moved around some of the other cabinets. I like the way my white metal cabinet with black and white contact shelf paper looks at the end of booth. It helps to convey the funky tone of my collection. I know you must be thinking that the booth still looks packed.....but you should have seen it before. You couldn't look into the booth, it was fortified like a fort.

I'm Famous For Stacking: Time To Change

All of the veteran dealers at Collinsville told me that there was so much stuff in my booth that some customers were actually afraid to "disturb" some of my stacking towers of kitchenwares. I am one of those folks who likes to use every inch of space.

I'm A "Crammer"

Not only do I cram in things in my booth, but when I work on graphic design projects, I have been know to use up all the "white space".

Antiques And Feng Shui

So creating a more airy booth, was a big deal for me. I feel so much better....I can feel the Feng Shui Gurus shouting out with joy.......

Come visit me at Kitsch n Stuff........

Would you would like to see a photo slide show of my some of my collection: click here

Dianne

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.

How To Display Vintage Sewing Buttons And Notions On A Peg Board

A Vintage Button Display Idea That is SEW Much Fun

Are you a sewing button collector and dealer ? Have you ever thought of packaging your collection of buttons in small plastic bags and hanging them up on a peg board? Look how tidy this booth looks at "Great Finds" in Sheffield, Massachusetts.

Hang Your Vintage Buttons And Notions On A Peg Board

Creating a peg board with buttons sorted by color and style may be a lot of work when you first start out, but after time, the system seems to be very convenient for both the seller and customer.
Notice the addition of a folded label attached with a few staples. This display idea is easy, practical and affordable.

Sorting Vintage Buttons Is A Stress Buster

I have been told by many button collectors that sitting on the floor or at the table sorting through mounds of buttons can actually be a stress buster. These are probably the same gals who find ironing and washing dishes enjoyable and very relaxing.

You can find small plastic bags (generally used for jewelry) on-line or from companies that service antique store products.



Great Finds
1840 North Main Street (Route 7)

Sheffield, Massachusetts 01257

413-528-8059

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.

Vintage Linen And Tablecloth Lovers Will Adore Memory Lane Countryside Antiques Center in Coventry, Connecticut

Vintage Linens And Tablecloths Featured At Memory Lane Countryside Antiques Center in Coventry, Connecticut

I love vintage linens, especially colorful 1940's and 1950's tablecloths but boy are they a challenge to keep neatly displayed. So I am always paying attention to how other dealers take care of and feature their linens.

Starting With Vintage Linens And Tablecloths In Excellent Condition

When I first started selling tablecloths, I always washed and ironed what I bought. But then I got lazy and only fuss over my linens occasionally. Don't get me wrong, I carry beautiful linens in my shop "Kitsch n Stuff ", but I acquire them in tip top condition. I rarely wash and press linens anymore. So my hat is off to the gals who do!

Oops...Be Carfeul About Washing Vintage Colorful Linens

Perhaps I have decided to leave the status quo as a result of having been traumatized after a brightly colored floral patterned tablecloth I washed.......faded badly. Oops...that hurt. I really did not see that coming. Oh yes I have tried a variety of washing recipes. I also have experimented with different ways to showcase my linens.

Elegant Displays At Memory Lane

Today I discovered a very beautiful linen and tablecloth booth at Memoray Lane Countryside Antiques Center . Her booth really inspired me and I thought I would share some photos of her lovely booth.

Using Attractive Floral Sweater Boxes To Organize Linens

This dealer takes exceptional care of her linens and you can really see the difference. It looks to me like she starches many of her linens. She also displays her vintage linens them quite elegantly. Her 1940's and 1950's everyday cloths hang, while her more formal linens, luncheon napkins, embroidered linens, doilies etc. are organized in very pretty floral sweater and storage boxes. She uses adorable hankies as shelf trim and adds lots of finishing touches to all her displays such as gorgeous floral arrangements and delicate china accessories.

I'd love to hear about your experiences, tips and linen secrets.

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

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Dianne is a member of:
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