The Decorating Merry-Go-Round: The Psychology of Decorating Your House

The Ups and Downs of Decorating Your Home

Do you have a few minutes to schmooze about the ups and downs of decorating a house? You have often heard that doctors and nurses make the worst patients because they know way too much about medical issues. As a result of being too knowledgeable,   healthcare professionals scare the bonkers out of themselves thinking about what could go wrong.

Living In The World of Color and Design

Well apply this same concept of knowing way too much to creative types who are faced with decorating their very own homes. Because these artsy fartsy types live in the world of color and design on a regular basis, some of these same individuals become paralyzed when they have to make their own decorating decisions.

Creative Types Enjoy The Adventure of Decorating But Get So Little Done

Intuitively you might think that someone is the creative world would have such an easy time of it picking out fabrics, choosing furniture styles, letting go of old stuff etc, but that may not be the

http://jaimacompany.com/pattern-of-the-week-retro-bark-cloth-prints-2/

case at all. You see the more creative a person is, the harder it is for them to settle on anything. Artistic individuals live in the world of possibilities and enjoy the adventure of creating. In a nutshell, these creative junkies want to stay on  the decorating merry-go-round forever because the thrill of the ride is more exciting than a new couch!

 Artwork shown by C. Dianne Zweig

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

Collecting Vintage Poodle Collectibles: 1950s Plastic Poodle Cosmetic Bag

1950s Vintage Clear Plastic Cosmetic Bag With Poodle Graphics on Do Wah Diddy

I'm having a grand time revisiting the 1950s on one of my favorite websites, Do Wah Diddy.
Who remembers plastic cosmetic bags with poodle graphics?

Here is the Do Wah Diddy Description: 

This clear acetate bag is imprinted with “poodle” and “Eiffel” tower graphics. The graphics are enhanced with a few rhinestones (see detail photo). The top of the bag is zippered and the edges trimmed in gold foil. Inside the bag you will find 2 plastic bottles and 2 plastic jars, all with pink plastic tops (all clean with nothing left inside). Everything is in EXCELLENT condition with no tears or smudges, which is common in vintage bags such as this. The acetate is slightly yellowed from age, but this very minor and does not distract from the piece. The bottom of the bag has a light cardboard enforcement (original) and there is a faint blue stain on the bottom about 2-1/2 inches long x 1/4 inches wide (very faint). Fun item. Listed for $25.00. Here is the link: http://www.dowahdiddy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=POODLE-BAG-R15

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

Vintage 1950s Poodle Laundry Hamper

Poodle Laundry Clothes Hamper on Do Wah Diddy

Flashback to 1950s Poodle Clothes Hamper spotted tis morning on Do Wah Diddy. Poodle collectors this one is for you.

 Do Wah Diddy description:

We get an occasional laundry hamper from the old days, but seldom one with such cool graphics as this example. It features a pink, gray and white poodle walking upright and carrying an umbrella. A flower cart and flowers add to the scene. The graphics are stenciled onto a textured vinyl with a swirl pattern which covers the front, sides and padded lid. The hamper is made of composition wood and metal with a wicker back. There are two handles made of clear plastic highlighted with gold glitter. The hamper stands 24-1/2 inches tall. It is 21-1/2 inches wide and 12 inches deep. It is in NEAR MINT condition with the paint, vinyl and frame all perfect. The only flaws we can point out are a couple of nicks on the wicker at the back corners (see detail photos). The nicks are minor and do not show from the front nor do they cause any problem with the function of the hamper. No markings or date, but research points to Harper Ransburg as the maker in 1955 and it seems to be a pretty rare piece. This will ship in a large box via Fedex Home Delivery for $52.95 including insurance (oversize rates apply). Here is the link to Do Wad Diddy http://www.dowahdiddy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HAMPER-POODLE-WE15U

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

1950s-60s Cory Coffee Maker Unused Original Box at Do Wah Diddy

1950s-60s Cory Coffee Maker Set: Another Treasure at Do Wah Diddy

I have been on a major clean out of my basement, pledging to scale down the collectibles that I have accumulated for my shop Kitsch n Stuff. Who am I kidding, I still love to find 1950s treasures while browsing some of my adored websites online. I just spotted this 1950s-60s Stovetop Cory Coffee Maker Maker on Do Wah Diddy. It is still in it's original box with four ceramic coffee mugs. The set has never been used and was probably a wedding gift. Do Wah Diddy has listed it for $65.00 which sounds about right.

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

Collecting 1950s Franciscan Starburst Dinnerware

Franciscan Dinnerware Website: Resource Information for This Popular Mid-Century Collectible

If you adore Franciscan Starburst Dinnerware and are looking for a terrific resource for help with identification and pricing you will find everything you need to know at http://www.starburst-dinnerware.com/ . I was going to write an article on this topic, but there is no need to...just click on the link and you will learn all you need to know about these
highly popular 1950s dinnerware and serving pieces.

Photo courtesy of http://evieshaus.blogspot.com/search/label/Franciscan

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

Using Vintage Pyrex To Serve Your Holiday Guests

Set Your Holiday Table With Vintage Pyrex 

If you are scrambling to figure out how to serve your holiday guests in a festive and affordable way, think about using vintage Pyrex bowls and dishes. What I love about Pyrex is that is is so versatile and so reasonable priced for the average collector.

Using Vintage Pyrex for Soups, Appetizers, Desserts and Holiday Entertaining   

This ever so popular usable kitchen collectible works so well serving hot or cold appetizers, soups, entrees, desserts and for healthy and convenient storage.  With so many colors and patterns available, you can have lots of fun incorporating these sweet vintage treasures of the 1950s and 1960s and beyond with your current table settings.


Introducing Evies Haus: Kitschy Retro Blog

I discovered this FABULOUS blog this afternoon called Evies Haus   which is bursting with amazing photos of kitschy vintage Pyrex showcasing soup, desserts and meals served in these popular collectibles. Please visit Evies blog and tell her I sent you over. I'd love to hear what you think, be sure to comment below.

     

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

Mixed Matched Vintage Dishes Make Lovely Holiday Table Settings

Setting Your holiday Table With Mixed Matched Glass and Vintage Dishes 

Spotted on Vintagerous these lovely vintages dishes in aqua and pink work so well together. As you can see there are several time periods represented here, but the overall color palette gives you a real Retro feeling.  

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

Announcing Vintage Fiesta Dinnerware and Homer Laughlin Pottery Group Forum on I Antique Online.com

Collecting Vintage Fiesta Dinnerware and Homer Laughlin Pottery 
  

If you are like me, you might get a little confused when you come across Fiesta dinnerware and you try to determine if you have old pieces or new ones? Well now you can get just the help you may need with a brand new group forum devoted to collecting Fiesta Dinnerware and Homer Laughlin pottery on my site, I Antique Online.com. This exciting group is moderated by author Barbara Mauzy and will cover resources, photographs, discussions , table settings and more. Please stop by the group and check us out http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/fiesta-dinnerware-and-homer-laughlin-pottery

Photo taken by C. Dianne Zweig at Sandwich Antiique Center, Sandwich, Mass.

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

Where to Buy Original Vintage and Antique Christmas Holiday and Party Collectibles, Decor and Gifts

Christmas and Holiday Themed Collectibles Featured At Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

The Collinsville Antiques Company in New Hartford, CT is a winter wonderland this time of the year. While the entire store is decked for the holidays, there is one dealer who always is in holiday spirit.  Bruce specializes in holiday themed collectibles year round.

Retro Christmas Collectibles You Will Adore

His current Christmas exhibit is beyond anything I've seen anywhere. He is a designer who travels to China a great deal creating new versions of beloved Christmas and holiday decor and gifts.

Buying Original Christmas Themed Collectibles
Bruce often exhibits the updated newly made items alongside the original antiques and collectibles which inspired the new designs. He also is a major personal collector of antique and vintage holiday collectibles which he buys and sells.

Vintage Christmas Holiday and Party Decorations   

You will find, Christmas wall decor and holiday decorations, Christmas lights, Christmas themed paper party items, notions, kitchenware, barware and more.

Santa Knows If Your Christmas Collectibles Are Really Old

I snapped some photos of his booth to give you an idea of what he carries. This dealer is straight up with his price tags. He lets you know which items are original and which are reproductions. Hey, you cant fool Santa or Bruce or buyers! I encourage you to visit this magical booth.

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

Frosty Christmas Fun...Cute Vintage Holiday Corsage

Sweet 1940s Frosty Christmas Corsage: Nostalgic Holiday

Where else can you find an adorable 1940s Christmas holiday corsage than on one of my favorite shops on Etsy.com called Pink Grapefruit Style.  Corsage is listed at $5.95. Pink Grapefruit Style is a wonderful source for sewing notions, holiday ribbons, embellishments, Christmas decor, trinkets and more.

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

Collecting Vintage Christmas Paint and Color Books

Are These 1960s Christmas Coloring Books For Saving Or Using?

If you are lucky enough to find a children's 1950s-1960s Christmas Paint and Color Book in unused fine condition I'm guessing that you will not really want to share this treasure with your kids or grandchildren. These vintage collectibles can fetch anywhere between $18.00-24.00. Sure once and awhile, I come across a coloring/paint book for much less money, but I'm still not apt to actually toy with the inside. What about my readers, have you shared your collectible coloring books with the kids?

Image from Pinterest.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

Vintage Poodle Dish Towel Spotted at Vintage Ringo on Etsy.com

1950s Tea Towel With Kitchen Poodle

 From the collection at https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageRingo

I always get a warm nostalgic feeling whenever I see 1950's poodle themed collectibles. This sweet dish towel was found at Vintage Ringo on Etsy.com. I love the familiar 1950s color scheme of yellow and green which probably would have gone quite well with a set of Vernonware dishes.

Dish towels like this one in excellent condition usually sell for $22.00-25.00.
Sometimes you might get lucky and find a towel for less, but there are so many collectors who adore poodles and textiles that you will pay dearly.

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

Should Empty Nesters Who Like Collecting Downsize, Upsize Or Stay The Same Size When Buying a New Home

Are You Ready To Downsize ?

Empy Nesters Should You Downsize. Upsize Or Stay in The Same Square Feet? 

Many couples labor over whether they should "downsize" , "upsize" or stay the same size when changing homes after the kids are grown up.  To help you decide what to do I need to ask you (and others you might live with) a critical question.... Are you a hopeless collector/saver? Additonally, do you (or mate) go to Tag sales and Flea Markets regularly?

Time To Let Go And Move On...Maybe 

STOP right here if you you are indeed a shopper, collector and bona fide saver. Unless you are ready to throw out your kid's report cards from kindergarten (your kids are married with children) or dump old appliance parts...you are not truly downsize ready. The leap to a truly smaller home or apartment needs to happen gradually...when you are serious!

This is not to discourage you from moving to the Condo/cottage /apartment etc of your dreams, but to realize that downsizing takes time.

Downsizing A Home Is A Process

Downsizing is a process.  Stage one is to begin to de-clutter the family home you are living in while you are exploring new home options. You will never be totally ready for the move, so give up on the idea of getting the purging all done in time for a move. STUFF will come with you no matter what. Accept the fact that you will be revisiting your junk (the stuff you didnt get to) in your new place.

Stage two is sorting out things in your new home and thinking about a smaller place the next time you are thinking about smaller places.  

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

Discarded Ceramic Cut-Outs In Litchfield Connecticut Shop Inspiration For Mixed Media Art

Contemporary Art Is Found Everywhere: Mixed Media Artist C.Dianne Zweig Explores The Art of Possibility 
Why do Mixed Media artists always get excited about leftovers and unusual gargage. To be   totally accurate, sometimes discarded materials aren't really garbage as is the case with this pile of cut out clay which will actually be recycled and used to make new objects. But for the moment this growing pile of hardened clay cut outs sits in the back of a gorgeous custom made tile store in Litchfield, CT. I strolled into the store lured by a fabulous window display of glazed functional pottery and custom tiles. However, I was equally excited to explore this heap of broken and left over pieces in the back corner of the shop.  To a Mixed Media Artist who lives in possibility, the art is everywhere. So what would you do with these pieces?  Stencils, Assemblage art, jewelry ? Feel free to post your ideas please.

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

Chai and Home A Beautiful Jewish Lifestyle Blog About Elegant Modern Jewish Living

Elegant Jewish Holiday Decor For Chanukah 

I was all set to write an article about how difficult it was to find fine Chanukah holiday tabletop decor in my neck of the woods when I discovered a wonderful blog called Chai and Home . Dena's gorgeous blog covers the topic of holiday decor so well, that I no longer needed to kvetch about this topic. She has a library filled with with inspirational posts about living an elegant Jewish lifestyle. Chai and Home covers holiday decor, design, color schemes, Jewish crafts, holiday bargains and more. Her delightfully designed blog also covers all the Jewish holidays and Shabbat.
What a treat to have found Chai and Home, I only wish I found it earlier. Gotta go, lots of work to do on my holiday table!

Visit Chai and Home  http://www.chaiandhome.com/

Photo found on Chai and Home from the Pottery Barn Collection.

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