What You Need To Consider When Renting An Antique Booth

Advice On Renting An Antique Booth   
Let's talk turkey...and I am not referring to Thanksgiving, I'm talking about renting a booth space in an Antique Mall or Antique group shop. How much should one expect to pay for leasing space and what kind of space is right for you?  My experience as a leasee covers a few decades. I have been known to stuff my kitsch n collectibles into shelves, showcases, open shelves, small booths, large booths as well as odd shaped nooks and crannies. I love challenging spaces.

Everything And The Kitsch n Sink
I even  offered to clean the bathroom of one Antique group shop in exchange for allowing me to hang my kitschy decor on the walls. The joke is that I sold more stuff from the bathroom than from  my open shelves at the opposite end of the store.

What Kind Of Space Do You Need For Your Antique Business?

There are many different types of rentals available including showcases, booths (full or half) and shelves.  If you walk into a lovely store and they show you a nicley placed open shelf unit or perhaps an available half  booth  (i.e. 6' X 9")  would you know if that is a good deal or not? Here are some of the questions to review.

 What You Need To Consider When Renting An Antique Booth

1. How large is the group shop or Antique Mall ( how many dealers are there?)
2. How much traffic does the Antique Mall get.
3. How many years has the store been in business?
4. How many days is the store open?
5. How much space will you get?
6. Do you have to work the floor?
7. How much stuff do you have?
8. What is the average price your items will sell for?
9. How big is your stuff?
10. Does your stuff need to be locked up?

How Much Do Antique Booths, Showcases, Open Shelves Rent For? 

Remember rental prices vary  throughout the country.  But  most stores that I am familiar with offer full booths  at $200 -350.00 a month and half booths $125.00 -175.00 a month.  You may also find that you can rent open shelves or showcases for $75.00-200.00 depending on size and placement.

What Are You Planning On Selling In Your Antique Booth Or Showcase?
 
So readers how do you begin figuring all this out....what will make sense for you...a booth (half or full), a showcase, shelving and where?  First I would ask what are you  planning on selling? If you like to go to tag sales and pick up a little of this and a little of that....does this and that add up to what your rent is? If most of what you have to sell are collectibles under $15.00-20.00, will you make your rent?

On the other hand if you are selling gorgeous antique and collectible perfume bottles and you have a following, a showcase for $150.00 might be just fine. But don't take a showcase for selling Beanie Babies in 2012-2013 cause you'll get burnt!

Where Is The Antique Mall Or Group Shop?

Now that we have cleared up what you are selling and if you can make the rent . Where is this Antique Mall or group shop you are considering? If you have to bring an Eagle Scout with you to find it you may be in trouble. On the other hand if the antique store is located on a main road, has been around for a long time and has a waiting list, that's a positive sign.

How Many Days Is The Antique Store Open?

And how many days is the antique group shop open? Is this a 7 days a week place? Or is it only weekends? Use your noodle, why pay the same amount of money for a weekend place as for a place that is open full time, sevens days a week?  While you are contemplating your options, also  look at  how many people are on hand helping customers in the prospective store you want to rent space in. I would also wonder about how well the store is managed.  Are all the moving parts working together for a smooth operation?  Do you feel comfortable in this store?

How Frequently Will You Get Paid?

Some antique stores are run with fancy computer systems while others (even successful ones) use
old fashioned  record keeping? Find out more about how sales are processed. Is there a administrative charge deducted from your check? Do you have to do floor time? How often will you get paid? How does the store keep track of inventory? What kind of record will you receive etc.

 Is This Where You Want Your Antique Business To Be  

 Before you sign on the dotted line, is this store conveniently located ? Remember you will need to replenish your stock frequently. Can you see yourself travelling easily to this store? Do you  like the staff?  Is this where you want your Antique business to be?

I welcome comments, experiences, suggestions, ideas from my readers.


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

What To Eat During Storm Sandy And Extended Power Outages: Tips, Recipes, Ideas

Eating Healthy During Extended Power Outages: Tips, Recipes, Ideas   

Advise From The Kitschy Collector: What To Eat During Storm Sandy: Surviving Power Outages Like A Gourmet (LOL) .  Listening to the news last night about Storm Sandy  preparations, I was running through my mind what I might be able to eat if the power goes out for an extended amount of time. I mean how much tuna salad can one person eat? I chuckle when the suggested rations include granola bars and boxed juices. Those are SNACKS not meals. But the Kitschy Collector did do her homework on this topic and hopefully my readers scan share this information with  other before they go out shopping today.

Beyond The Food Pyramid 

So I went cruising the net and found  some really ridiculous articles about NUTRITION during hurricanes and bad storms. Nutrition....are you kidding....these articles were actually talking about "proteins", "calcium", "balanced diets". What they didn't discuss is what to eat. Now is not the time to talk about calories in and calories out. No one is in the mood to hear about food pyramids either.

Another area that the experts like to cover is food spoilage.  While this is a  critical topic, it still does not  address what to eat beyond crackers and peanut butter.  But it is an important concern so here is information on this topic read http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/power_outages.html

Not The Time To Barbecue When Tree Limbs Are Flying

Now some of you might be thinking, oh I'll barbecue. Well that idea is not going to work when the winds are gusting and the tree limbs are flying  and you are up to your ears in water. And by the time the storm settles down and with an extended power outage, your meat is not safe for consumption.

The answer is to find 100 ways to use the same ingredients differently. Please readers, please add your comments and suggestions today so we can share our resources. 


So what foods can you prepare for the upcoming storm?

WHAT TO EAT DURING STORM POWER OUTS 

Here are some foods  to keep on hand, followed by  some suggested recipes from "The Healthy Hurricane/Disaster Cookbook"

What To Buy  For Food Before A Storm Or Power Outage

1. canned tuna
2. canned salmon, canned chicken, canned shrimp,  sardines, etc.
3. Parmesan cheese in the green can meant to me stored at room temperature
4  almond milk, soy milk, rice milk (buy the small boxed variety)
5. boxed juices or ice tea (buy the small boxed variety)
6. crackers
7. peanut butter, almond butter, soy butter
8. canned beans (kidney, black, navy, chick peas etc.

9. raw fruits and  vegetables
10. jams and jellies
11. bread, pita, wraps etc.
12. lemon juice , herbs, spices
13. cereals that can me made with rice milk/almond milk.
14. canned vegetables (carrots, potatoes, corn etc.)
15. dried fruit
16. nuts
17. make sure you have plenty of pet food on hand
18. Do you have an hand can opener?  
Tuna and White Bean Salad 

Ingredients: Directions:
2-6 oz cans tuna packed
in oil
3 cups drained and rinsed
canned white beans
preferable cannelloni
beans
2 bunches watercress
(about ¾ pound),
tough stems removed
and leaves chopped
(about 2 quarts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine
vinegar or white wine
vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh-ground
black pepper
1 tablespoon drained
capers
1 red onion, sliced thin
Combine by tossing gently tuna (including oil), beans,
onion capers, watercress, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and
pepper in a large bowl. Serves 4.
Variations:  Use arugula instead of the watercress. Try
canned sardines instead of the tuna

California Chicken Sandwich 

Ingredients Dressing Directions:
2 -6 oz chicken breast
cans
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
8 slices of whole wheat
bread, toasted
4 small romaine lettuce
leaves
2 plum tomatoes each cut
lengthwise into 4
slices
1 peeled avocado, cut
into 8 wedges
1/3 cup fat-free
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons thawed
orange juice
concentrate
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon ground
cumin
Hot sauce to taste
To prepare citrus mayonnaise, combine first 5
ingredients in a small bowl.
Spread 1 tablespoon citrus mayonnaise on each of 4
bread slices.
Top with 1 lettuces leaf, ¼ chicken, 2 tomato slices, 2
avocado wedges, and remaining bread slices. Serves 4

Salmon Salad with Chopped Cucumber 

Ingredients: Directions:
1 can (14.75 oz) salmon,
drained and flaked
1 medium cucumber,
peeled and chopped
½ cup chopped celery
5 radishes, thinly sliced
½ small green bell
      pepper, chopped
¼ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup fat-free plain
       yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated onion
Lettuce or mixed
salad greens
In a bowl, combine salmon with cucumber, celery,
radishes, and green bell pepper.
Blend mayonnaise with lemon juice and onion in a
1-cup measure; toss with the salmon mixture until well
blended.  To serve, line a salad bowl with lettuce or
mixed greens; mount salmon salad on the greens.
Serves 5


Garbanzo Spinach Salad 
Ingredients Dressing Directions:
1- 15 ½ oz. can Chick Peas
10 oz bag “Washed and
Ready-to-eat”
Spinach
½ cup walnuts
2 red apples
1 cup alfalfa sprouts
1- 8 oz can “pineapple
tidbits in its own
juice”
½ tsp. orange rind
8 tbsp juice of fresh
orange
4 tsp canola oil
2 tsp. cider vinegar
3 tsp fresh lemon juice
Drain canned ingredients.
Prepare dressing in a small bowl.
Wash apples and dice to bite size pieces.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  
Drizzle dressing over top and toss lightly. Serves 4

For more recipes read: http://jefferson.ifas.ufl.edu/community_dev/pdfs/Cookbook.pdf

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

Making A House Call To Buy Antiques And Collectibles: Tips And Warnings

Annoying House Calls Antique Dealers Are Familiar With

There is no delicate way of  discussing annoying antique house calls. I'm speaking about the person who calls you on the phone (or emails you) luring you to come to their home because they have GREAT STUFF that YOU will like.

These are the folks who have  been keeping an eye on what you like or buy. Perhaps they are customers in your antique shop or mall.

Do You Get That "Cooties" Feeling  ?

The point is that they "have your number". They know how to dangle a collectible carrot in front of your nose. So you go running over to their home (or apartment) to find out one of these all too common scenarios: Their home is a horror house (you get that cooties feeling)......they have cherry picked all the good stuff first (only brown is left)......they tell you everything is for sale...but every time you pick up an item you like, they are not selling it..... and lastly. ...their idea of good stuff is miles away from your idea of good stuff .

Sellers Acting Dumb

I want to throw in, the ploy that I come across a lot. People who say in one way or another that   don't know if what they have is valuable or they need you to help them figure out if something can be sold. Don't buy it. There are no more clueless sellers anywhere. The name of the game is coming up with a fair deal.

 Tips For  Making An Antique Home Visit

1. Ask sellers to email or send photos to you before.
2. Ask them to have a price list prepared.
3. Ask sellers where is the item (make sure they have prepared stuff to sell). I was lured to buy linens only to hear the seller tell me they were packed away in attic when I arrived  to their home.
4. Ask seller to put aside smalls they want to sell in one spot so you are not picking through their closets only to hear they are keeping the good stuff.
5. For kitchen collectibles for example, determine what colors they are selling.  Reds, yellow, greens sell better than brown,  orange avocado green.
6. Discuss upfront(on phone) if items have holes, cracks, tears, rust etc.
8. Don't believe that you are the first person invited in to see the stuff.
9. If you have a shop, ask them to bring things to your shop.
10. Lower your expectations!

I would love to hear from my readers, what have been your experiences, please spill the beans. Do you have advice to add?

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

Photographing Vintage Tablecloths For Your Online Antique Store Or Selling Venue

Ideas For Selling Vintage Tablecloths 

Tablecloths Ready For Photographing  

Be honest...how excited are you when you see a vintage tablecloth advertised for sale online and it looks like a crumpled mess ? Let's be real ..who wants to buy a tablecloth that looks like you used it as a security blanket?

I can't believe I'm giving advice on this topic...because I'm not one to fuss over linens.  In my shop, I rarely wash or press most of the vintage tablecloths I sell. (I buy them in tip top shape LOL).

But I do worry about how a photograph looks to a prospective buyer. And when I am showing linens online or writing an article, I do pay attention to wrinkles and creases and just how pleasing and exciting the vintage tablecloth looks. Once in awhile you just have to pick up an iron!

Say Good Bye To Wrinkled Vintage Tablecloths

I get queasy when I see the way some sellers present their linens for sale on their websites.
Photographing linens is not that easy, so I can sympathize with many sellers. I struggled with this topic when I was adding a few tablecloth images in my books. The images looked decent on the thumbnails I reviewed for  my book, but not as fab when the book pages were done. It is not easy.

 

Display Vintage Tablecloths    

Should I keep the tablecloths open and flat? Should I fold them in a square or rectangle?  How about on a table? Should I hang them on a clothes line  or ladder rungs? There is no one right answer.  The   important advise is to photograph your vintage tablecloths so that they will invite buyers.  Here are  some tips about photographing tablecloths and linens when you are featuring them on a website, blog or online selling site. Readers please feel free to add your suggestions and experiences.

 How To Photograph Vintage Tablecloths

1. Be sure you have good light.
2. Keep your background simple.
3. Fold your cloth the same way in each photograph. Keep your images consistent.
4. Avoid showing wrinkled, creased tablecloths.
5. Try shooting from a ladder with the cloth laying open flat on the ground  on a white surface.
6. Photograph close up.
7. Outdoor photos are OK, but watch what else is in picture.
8. Add a close up of a particular pattern if you like.
9. If you hate ironing, at least fold the tablecloth nicely and smooth out wrinkles and creases.
10. A nice close image of a piece of the cloth is better  than a distant shot of the whole cloth.

Tablecloth collage from http://sointovintage.blogspot.com/2010/01/thrifting-gods-just-say-no.html

Pink and Lime green tablecloth from http://modish.net/

Red and black tablecloth from http://www.thelittleroundtable.com/

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

Chester Americana Antiques Features Artist Susan Woodward's Metalquirk Assemblages From Her Junkin Excursions

Collectible Junk At Chester Americana Antiques And Gallery 

Sunday was a unseasonably warm Fall day and a great time to take a ride to Chester, Connecticut. Chester is a sweet New England town in Connecticut's Shore region.  A quaint village, Chester is home to galleries, antique shops, eateries and boutiques. One of my favorite stops is "Chester Americana Antiques And gallery".

Metalquirks You'll Adore

I have  written about Chester Americana before. Today I wanted to share some new images of the funky re-purposed objects you will find in this interesting shop.  The photos shown are the works of artist Chester Connecticut artist Susan Woodward who has named  her assemblages "Metalquirks".

Yes, It's An Old Insect Sprayer

I not only loved her quirky fellas but I adored how she describes her art and process. I have decided to share that with you  in her very own words. Her biographical card which sits in front of her work reads

What You Can Do With A Rusty Old Hammer

"From the time she can remember, Suzie has had her eyes peeled, pointed downward...as she  searches for her next discovered treasure.

She finds glory in the rustic and character in each rusted piece of treasure found on her junkin excursions.  Upcycling her tossed and found items  is her inspiration. The fascination is seeing beauty in the fusing together of items with a previous life in a surprising and creative way" .

To see her work visit:

Chester Americana Antiques and Gallery 
4 Water Street
Chester, CT
860-322-4259


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

The Kitschy Collector's Guide To Some Of My Favorite Antique Malls And Shops In Connecticut

 Chester Americana

Where To Shop For Retro, Vintage, Nostalgia In Connecticut 


NEW HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford (New Hartford, CT) 860-379-2290


(Visit my shop "Kitsch n Stuff" inside this 22.000 square feet Antiques Mall

Muddy Moose Antiques (New Hartford, CT.) 860-738-1737

WINSTED, CONNECTICUT

Carol Morgan Antiques (Winsted, CT.)

Linda Mays Antiques ( Winsted, CT)

A Step Back In Time (Winsted, CT) 860-379-3160

CANTON & COLLINSVILLE CONNECTICUT

Antiques On The Farmington (Colllinsville, CT.)

The Blue House: Nice Old Things (Canton CT) 860-352-2532

Canton Junk Shop (Canton CT.) 860-693-6039

Queen Anne Antiques (Canton, CT) 860-847-2094

Used Furniture of Canton, Canton CT) 860 693-9455

BURLINGTON, CONNECTICUT

Burlington Inn Antiques (Burlington, CT) 860-404-1780


BANTAM, CONNECTICUT

Old Carriage Shop Antique Center (Bantam, CT) 860-567-3234

LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT

Carey Sanford Antiques (Litchfield, CT) 860-567-4041

AVON, CONNECTICUT

The Coffee Trade Antiques, (Avon, CT) 860-676-2661

Old Village Antiques, (Avon, CT.)

 Antiques On Whiting

SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT

Farm Village Antiques (West Simsbury, CT 860-651-9599

GRANBY, CONNECTICUT

Salmon Brook Antiques (Granby, CT )


PLAINVILLE, CT  

Antiques on Whiting  143 Whiting (Formerly J.P. Finishing Touches) 

Antiques On Whiting

Plainville Route 10 Traders

PLANTSVILLE, CT

Plantsville Station Antiques 860-628-8918

WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

Three Ladies Antiques 860-231-1678

Millers Crossing 203-535-6107

WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT

Patti's Treasures & Antiques (  Windsor. CT )
860-687-1682

GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT
Griswold Street Antiques (Glastonbury, CT) 860-657-2885

MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT

Silk City Antiques Antiques And Decor (Manchester, CT) 860-533-1263

COVENTRY, CONNECTICUT
Memory Lane Countryside Antique Center (Coventry, CT) 860-742-0346

Memory Lane Too (Coventry, CT) 860-742-2865

Special Joys Doll Shop And B&B (Coventry, CT. 860- 742-6359

PUTNAM, CONNECTICUT

Antique Market Place (Putnam, CT) 860-928-0442
There are many shops in Putnam, but the Market Place is my favorite

 Chester Americana

ESSEX, CONNECTICUT

Valley Farm Antiques (Essex, CT.) 860-767-3007

CHESTER, CONNECTICUT
Chester Americana, (Chester, CT) 860-322 4259

CLINTON, CONNECTICUT   

Clinton Antique Center, (Clinton, CT) 860-669-3839

MADISON, CONNECTICUT  

 The Nosey Goose

The Nosey Goose ( Madison, Connecticut)
203-245-3132

STRATFORD, CONNECTICUT

Stratford Antique Center (Stratford, CT) 203-378-7754

SEYMOUR, CONNECTICUT

Seymour Antiques Company (Seymour, CT) 203-881-2526

Tickled Pink (Seymour, CT) 203-888-8898



Please not that this list is always changing. Be sure to call these shops and malls before heading out.

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

Oodles Of Poodle Collectibles

Gallery of Poodle Collectibles

Retro Poodles To Love


One of my absolute favorite books is an older title called "Flea Market Fidos" by Barri Leiner and Marie Moss. If you love dog collectibles, you will adore this special full color book which shows collections of dog collectibles in adorable vignettes and settings. 

Flea Market Fido 

I like to browse through  "Flea Market Fido"  and marvel at seeing so many dog related prints, figurines, kitchenwares, towels, playing cards, textiles, plush toys, books, jewelry, nursery decor and more. 

Venture Moms

On the author's website VentureMom.com Leiner and Moss tell the story of how they pitched their book idea to prospective publishers by preparing a  proposal in a vintage craft box tied with bakery string. Inside the box was vintage photos which illustrated the themes of the book. They were taken on by a  division of Harry N. Abrams.    

  

Retro Poodle


One breed which always has a big fan club is the poodle. Retro collectors go ga ga over kitchen and home collectibles with poodle designs.  In "Flea market Fido" you of course find a poodle section with a beautiful collection of poodle plush toys from the 1950s.  Inspired by this delightful showcase of charming pups I have added two doggy boards to my Pinterest page: "Retro Poodle"  and "Retro Dog".   
Oodles of Retro Poodles

I can keenly remember that my mom had matching plastic quilted toaster and mixing machine covers with poodles in our kitchen. Our bathroom was decorated with  pink poodle wallpaper, poodle accessories and shower curtain. And of course my favorite plush toys was a poodle that stood almost as tall as our pet poodle Ko-Ko. I invite my readers to come  visit all my Pinterest boards.  Do you remember you own poodle childhood? Tell us about your retro poodle years.

Toaster cover image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/77272581/vintage-1950s-pink-poodle-toaster

Figurine  and print image is from http://pinterest.com/leonardod/


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


 

 

Collecting Vintage Paper Drinking Straws

Boxed Paper Straws: Popular Collectibles 

Collectors of soda fountain and soda pop collectibles enjoy adding vintage paper drinking straws to their fun collections. Boxed in their original packaging with cheerful or stylish graphics, these delightful paper collectibles are affordable and a terrific addition to  soda pop and ice cream collectibles .

Popular Themes Of Paper Straw Boxes

Some collectors will be interested in a particular theme, such as Halloween and be interested in the boxed straws because of their cover graphics. A Mexicana collector might scoop up a box of straws with associated imagery. Other themes are Disney, circus, nursery rhyme etc. Yet other  collectors might want a box because of it's color or style.

When shopping for these items, be sure the paper boxes and straws inside are intact, the graphics are clear and the items is indeed and not a reproduction. I generally pick up these collectibles for
$ 6.00-12.00.

 History Of The Paper Drinking  Straw

The invention of the paper straw is attributed to Marvin Stone who patented the process of winding paper to form a tubular straw in 1888. Marvin tinkered at first with wrapping paper around a pencil and gluing it together. Early paper straws were coated with paraffin wax to keep the paper from  melting in liquid (especially bourbon ).  Back in the day,  gentlemen sipped their whiskey through tubes made of natural rye which left a grassy taste  in their drink.

Interestingly enough, Marvin first manufactured paper cigarette holders before he moved onto his successful drinking draw. In 1906, the Stone Straw Corporation moved from hand winding straws to  machine -wind straws.

Marvin Stones' spiral wound tubing technology influenced other industries as well such as the mass production of radios in 1928 and other electronic manufacturing processes in every industry.

Next Came The Bendy Straw

In the 1930s, Joseph B. Friedman left his brother's  soda fountain parlor and went home to experiment with changing the way the paper straw worked. Friedman placed a screw in the top of the paper straw and than wrapped  dental floss around the paper creating grooves. When he removed the screw he had  developed an accordion mechanism allowing the straw to bend. In 1939 The Flex  Straw Company".

Paper Straws Sold To Hospitals

By the 1940s, Friedman had invented custom built machines and was selling his  bendable straws to hospitals to replace glass straws. The early boxes of Flex Straws had a picture of a nurse and explained the benefits of using straws in a hospital or sick room.

For more information please read:

http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/History-Of-Drinking-Straws.http

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/11/the-amazing-history-and-the-strange-invention-of-the-bendy-straw/248923/

http://amhistory.si.edu/archives/d8769.htm

http://invention.smithsonian.org/resources/online_articles_detail.aspx?id=301

http://www.examiner.com/article/history-of-the-drinking-straw

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/11/the-amazing-history-and-the-strange-invention-of-the-bendy-straw/248923/

Photo of Flex Straws from http://www.rubylane.com/item/161834-14986/Vintage-Paper-Flex78-Straws-Original

Fiesta Drinking straws image from http://pinterest.com/marieutah/cute-and-interesting-old-advertising/

Halloween straw image from http://pinterest.com/lorta/vintage-images/


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

Farmington Valley Arts Center Features Studio Artists In New Virtual Art Gallery

Visiting The Farmington Valley Arts Center Online Gallery

Exciting ART happenings are in progress at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, Ct.  Check out FVAC's new easy to use website  where you will find information about  studio artists, art classes, workshops, events, programs, exhibits, gift shop and more.




Art For Everyone 
Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Jewelry, Ceramics, Textiles, Illustration, Textile Art, Chair Weaving. Assemblage Art, Wearable Art, Collage, Mixed Media, Functional Art  

Explore Exciting Artwork Online

Before visiting FVAC in person, you can also get to know over 20 studio artists and FVAC calendar listings by viewing  artist work and FVAC  events right on your iPad, computer or mobile device. The Center invites you to explore the artwork of the Studio Artists online in a brand new virtual gallery . The Farmington Valley Arts Center is located a lovely wooded, country setting off Route 44 in Avon. Avon, CT. Avon is part of a region of Connecticut known as the Farmington Valley.  

The Farmington Valley Arts Center offers      working artist studios, art classes, weekend workshops, art lecturers, two galleries, special events, a gift shop plenty of holiday related celebrations.

Artist In Residence Program

A very exciting project of FVAC is the Artist in Residence Program which allows young or emerging artists an opportunity to study and create at the center for three months sponsored by a local patron or business. A great deal of effort is made to attract artists to the center to try out the environment and engage with other artists who lease space at the center.


Come Visit FVAC During Candle Light Season Events

November 16th. 2012 

Be sure to visit  FVAC during the annual Candle Light 2012 opening event, Friday, November 16th from 6-9 pm at The Farmington Valley Arts Center. The Center will also be open the following day, Saturday, November 17th.  and the following weekend as well. 

Candle Light Season 2012 At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

The Candle Light season is when the FVAC extends open house days inviting members of the community to visit artists in their studios, take part in special event and  workshops, shop for the holidays and visit the two galleries on site. To learn more about The Farmington Valley Arts Center  and a  calendar of events visit   http://www.artistsfvac.org/

Credits

Landscape painting
FVAC artist Candace Abbott http://www.artistsfvac.org/candace-abbott

Dog portrait
Melissa Croghan http://www.artistsfvac.org/melissa-croghan


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

Vintage Plaid Collectibles Are Hot

Collecting 1950s Tartan Plaids

Vintage  plaids are very collectible. You will find lots of plaids in  popular items such as skirts, dresses, hand bags, hats, bathing suits, umbrellas, kitchenwares,  textiles, blankets, lunch boxes, luggage, thermos, ribbons, playing cards, wallpaper, bowling bags, and more. Plaid textiles and designs can be found during many generations but were very characteristic of Post war times.

What Is The Age Of Your Tartan Plaid Collectible? 

Magazine advertisements and store catalogs of the 1950s show toys, outdoor products and home textiles and clothing with lots of red, navy, green dominated tartan plaids. It's worth poking through some of these older advertisements to become familiar with  what plaids looked like in the 1950s and what they looked like in the 1980s. Another tip is to look at the style of the clothing or household good with the plaid pattern. Is the style consistent with the 1950s ? A good  example is looking at a 1950s skirt versus the long skirts of the 1980s. Not every plaid is hot. But 50's plaids are very desirable!

Older Plaids Have Distinctive Palettes And Styles 

  

Also concentrate on the  shades of colors. 1950s plaid colors in clothing were not in your face loud and bold like   they were in later years. The blues were in the grey tones. The reds were toned  when paired with darker Navy or forest green colors. The tartan weave was closer together in clothing. Picnic items had characteristic color combinations which many off us baby boomers remembers. Color and style will help you determine if your plaid collectible is older and more collectible than the Disco years or later.

 Selling Plaid Collectibles

Sellers, if you have plaid collectibles  from the 1950s (a popular time for this pattern), do some homework before you price them. There are a lot of plaid enthusiasts out there driving the price of plaid up. Plaid clothing and textiles in tip top shape are not that easy to find and popular among today's buyers.

What Is Tartan?  

Tartan refers to a pattern of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical patterns and comes in a  variety of color palettes. Many  use the term tartan to mean plaid and associate tartan fabric with Scotland.

History of The Name Tartan

There is some  discussion regarding the roots of the word tartan. Some historians suggest that tartan referred to the distinctively woven clothing coming out of the Highlands of Scotland. Others view tartan to define a  fabric that is woven in bands of color that repeat in sequence and  is different from a checkered pattern.

Common 1950's Tartan Color Palettes

And tartan is not simply red, in the 1950s, you will find palettes dominated with red and black, green  and navy,  black and pink, grey and pink or red, navy and yellow, green and yellow. yellow and brown.In the United States, I often see sellers online use the word tartan to describe red plaids. But tartan is so much more than red. There are however a lot of collectors who enjoy collecting all thing in red plaid or all things plaid. You will find many picnic wares in plaids. 

History of tartan.

http://www.kinnaird.net/tartan.htm

Images are from Pinterest.com (Use vintage plaid or vintage tartan in your search).

Bathing suit ad http://pinterest.com/pin/86201780338186771/
Scarf http://pinterest.com/pin/230316968413006427/
Bowling bag http://pinterest.com/pin/118993615124616762/
Dress http://pinterest.com/pin/83809243036173584/

Yellow picnic jug http://pinterest.com/pin/165648092515208393/
Plaid lunchbox http://pinterest.com/pin/165859198748063451/

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