Display Your Vintage Buttons On An Old Bingo Card

Button Bingo: Great Way To Showcase Your Vintage Buttons

 I spotted this idea on Pinterest and traced it back to http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeirloomAngel?ref=seller_info . This clever Etsy dealer has found an adorable way to sell her vintage buttons. In this case, she has sewed the lot of green vintage buttons onto an old  Bingo card. This is a whimsical and practical way to ship vintage buttons to mail order customers or even to display in your shop or home.

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

Displaying Vintage Kitchen Utensils On A Column Made From Louvered Bifold Doors

Retro Hang-Ups: Louvered Doors For Display 

  

I  spotted this great display idea  at The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut
It has been awhile since I have added a post to my section on Retro-Hang-Ups. Here is a inexpensive and practical way to hang old vintage kitchen gadgets and tools in your shop. I came across this clever display while strolling the aisles of The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT. This gal took louvered bi-fold doors and created a column in the center of her antique booth to display old kitchen utensils. What I like about this idea is that it uses the space smack in the middle of the booth without blocking too much. It's a great use of space! 

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

Grouping Colorful Kitchen Collectibles Together : Displays That Get Attention

Red, Yellow, Green Kitchen Collectibles Look Fab Together

I was immediately drawn to this colorful display featuring a vintage plastic napkin holder sitting on top of  a pile of vintage Riviera Ware. You gotta love the combination of the red, yellow and green. These colors are so exciting and so VINTAGE! The lesson here is to create attractive combinations of collectibles so that you are showcasing your items for sale. You not only save space by creating vertical displays, you offer the buyer ideas of how to arrange vintage colors and objects at home. The idea is to suggest to the buyer how great this entire vignette looks. You'd be surprised at how often customers buy the whole grouping and "copy" what they see displayed in a shop.

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

Display Your Vintage Hats On A Handmade "Hat Tree"

More Ideas For Displaying Vintage Hats

Retro Hang-Up Series

 I have heard of a a "hat tree ...but this is a different kind of "hat tree". This is a REAL HAT TREE....I guess. Perhaps more accurately this is a giant  "Hat Tree Branch" ?  On closer examination, you will find that the "tree "  has been spray painted white. This altered  tree uses a main "pole" as the center   "trunk".  Smaller branches were then added to the main "pole" using  white tape. This unique display for vintage hats  appears to be a  ready made piece that was modified to shows off these lovely vintage hats. I think the total effect is quite lovely. I spotted this whimsical vintage "Hat Tree" display at Coventry Arts And Antiques in Coventry, CT


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of 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

Displaying Vintage Fiesta On A Boulangerie Cart

Tara Bradford's Fiesta Collection 

I bumped into photographs by photographer Tara Bradford  posted on her blog and thought my Retro readers would  absolutely adore them. Tara writes that she is mad about Fiestaware which she started collecting in 1996 when living in San Francisco. She has amassed quite a collection which now sits on vintage zinc boulangerie cart (baker's cart).

Photographing A Fiesta Vignette

Tara explains in her blog post that she was also a McCoy collector but lost her collection when moving from Paris. So now her joy is collecting and taking photographs of her  vintage Fiestaware  (her remaining American collectible) which she arranges  in different settings with a variety of light sources.

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

Antique Booth Space Ideas: Hanging Vintage Potholders On A Cute Handmade Shelf

Display Ideas For Your Antique Booth

What do visitors see when they walk down the aisle of your Antique Mall to visit your Antique booth space? At The Collinsviile Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, you will find that my space called "Kitsch n Stuff" has many different "spots" that the eye will catch when approaching my booth.

I like to maximize my real estate so that I use every inch I can for display space.I have used the side of a bookcase to display small pictures or at this time, vintage crochet potholders.

I discovered a cute handmade shelf, made to look like the screened door front entrance of a cottage. The picket fence
is so adorable. Below the shelf are small hooks which work so well for hanging vintage potholders.

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

Hip Christmas Holiday Serving Ideas For Retro Moms

Bring Some Retro Holiday Pizazz Into Your Home This Christmas

This year bring some RETRO Holiday pizazz into your home by setting your holiday table with colorful hip vintage kitchen-wares from the 1940s,1950s and 1960s.. Re-set your holiday clock and take the express bus right back to your favorite kitschy eras.

Serving Holiday Snacks In A Vintage Lazy Susan

How much fun will your holiday snacks look displayed in a ceramic dish Lazy Susan ?
Or what about picking out some quirky polka dotted salt and peppers shaker roosters to add to your holiday table? Forget about the crystal, the silver, the red and green.......mix it up...get retro...have fun.

Think RETRO When Out Shopping

It's easier than you think to decorate for the holidays. Take a visit to your nearby Antique Mall or Antique Group shop and think RETRO. As you walk up and down the aisles, look for colorful bowls, vases, serving pieces, trays, accessories etc. that seem to work well together.

Organize your selections in some way. Objects with a pattern such as polka dots. Or perhaps you want a black, white and red theme. You may decide to keep the traditional holiday colors of red and green but this year kick up your "green" a notch with a retro green color such as chartreuse.

Create Your Own Holiday Color Palette

And don't be afraid to create your own holiday color scheme. Who said you can't use a wonderful 1960's orange vase with green snack dishes. You can...you can invent your own interpretation of a Retro Christmas or Chanukah. I'd love to see pictures of your Retro holiday. Send them to me at Dianne@cdiannezweig.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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Using A Metal Wine Bottle Rack To Display A Collection of Vintage Rolling Pins And Kitchen Tools

Roll Out A Useful Idea For Displaying Vintage Rolling Pins

Here is a cute display idea for kitchen tools spotted at The Blue House Vintage Shop in Canton, Ct.
Try showcasing your vintage rolling pins and other kitchen collectibles and tools in a metal wine rack. I love the way the rolling pins are displayed on an angle. The opening for wine bottles works just right for a collection of rolling pins.

While I write a lot of articles for antique shop owners, there is no reason why home owners couldn't adapt these ideas in their own kitchens. For dealers, this just may be a way to highlight your vintage rolling pins. Many dealers tend to hide their kitchen tools in a bucket or box. This clever idea may just help you sell some of your kitchen tools.

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

Pink And Turquoise Kitchen Collectibles At Kitsch n Stuff

Retro 1950s
Kitchen Collectibles At Kitsch n Stuff:
A Collection With Personality

I finally got over to my shop Kitsch n Stuff at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT to do a partial make-over of my booth. Inspired by some new finds that I picked up over the weekend, I rally had an easy time re-decorating "Kitsch n Stuff.

Hello Pink And Turquoise

Today I mixed Retro kitchen collectibles of pink, turquoise with some blue and white. I have to say, it all worked out quite well. The secret in mixing so many colors together is that all of the housewares and kitchen collectibles I used were from the same time period, the 1950s.

Using A Vintage Tablecloth To Organize Colors

I used a colorful 1950s's tablecloth on top of my pull out Hoosier Cabinet baking surface. Than I added a cute white and blue wooden cabinet and a nifty turquoise tiered snack tray to anchor the vignette before I added coordinated glassware, teacups, textiles etc.

A Carousel Of Retro Collectibles

One of my favorite additions was using the bottom tray of the turquoise snack tray to hold a set of Demitasse cups. How cute is that? By the way, wouldn't a grouping of cupcakes look fab on the turquoise Retro snack tray?

What Shall I Put In The Cabinet Drawers?

I also want to return to my booth and add some collectibles to the cute little drawers in the white and blue cabinet. Perhaps some jewelry or doilies? I'm not sure how much age the cabinet has, but it sure caught my eye. So sweet. Now that I think of it, this adorable cabinet would look great in a vintage nursery to organize all the baby's accessories and supplies. Or it would work in a kitchen or even powder room. So many ideas!

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.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Using Bold And Colorful Vintage Tablecloths For Summer Entertaining

Summer Parties Come Alive With Exciting And Vibrant 1940s And 1950s Tablecloths


Now is the time to pull out all your funky, colorful, whimsical 1940s and 1950s kitchen tablecloths and use them outdoors for summer lawn parties, festive barbecues and tropical themed parties. Or bring the outdoors indoors with pastel colors, beach motifs and nature's beauty.

Using Vintage Style Themes

You will find so many different styles of vintage tablecloths to choose from. Common summer themes might include nautical, red and white, cottage colors, state souvenirs, checks, tropical, Mexicana, florals, geometrics, primary colors etc.

Bold Vintage Decorating

Be bold in your decorating selections. Don't be afraid to mix a red and white tablecloth with aqua or green chairs as shown in the lovely accompanying photo. Or choose a vibrant tablecloth such as the fruit patterned one below and accessorize your table with similar colors.

"Hot Kitchen And Home Collectibles of the 39s, 40s, 50s"

In the second edition of my book "Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, I have added a brand new chapter on vintage tablecloths featuring textiles from the collection at The Little Round Table.

Gorgeous Ideas From The Little Round Table

I must encourage you to visit The Little Round Table to see how you can set your table with lovely older linens and accessorize your tablescape with Fiestaware, old pottery, vintage glassware and dishes.

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

Using A Vintage Quilted Lingerie Tray To Display Small Collectibles In Your Antique Booth

Re-Purposing A Vintage Lingerie And Stocking Organizer

You have seen plenty of these quilted satin Lingerie Trays for sale which were originally sold for women to use as lingerie and stocking organizers. These days, I really do not see these lovely vanity collectibles flying out the door of any shops. But that doesn't mean we can't make use out of them in our displays.

Use The Compartments To Hold And Display Your "Smalls"

So what shall we do with these practical products of yesteryear? Don;t hide them in your booth. USE them in a new way. Consider displaying your "smalls" in the divided compartments . Costume jewelery, sewing notions, trinkets, medals etc will work well tucked into the sections.

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

Displaying Your Antiques And Collectibles In The Right Spot ?

Decorating Your Antique Booth: Where is The Good "Karma" ?

If you have been an antique dealer for a long time, you know that certain sections of your antique booth seem to do better than others. Some areas of your antique booth or shop get better light or exposure while other sections seem to get lost. But good lighting and visibility while helpful is does not guarantee that a particular display area will work out well. You need to factor in the issue of "karma".

How "Karma" Plays A Role In How Much You Sell

Don't kid yourself, some spots in your booth or mall have better "karma" than others. A case in point for me (no pun intended). I have this GREAT 1950s white metal kitchen cabinet that makes a wonderful funky retro display shelving unit.

Some Areas in Your Antique Booth Work Better Than Others

BUT things never sell out of it? I have no idea why? I love this cabinet because it is narrow, easy to move around and sets the retro mood in my booth. The problem is.....no matter where I place it or what I put on the shelves of this retro cabinet, nothing seems to sell off of it. It just seems to have bad "karma".

Displaying Collectibles On A Handmade Potting Table

In a less prominent spot in my booth is a darling soft green painted hand made garden potting table which I display vintage kitchen housewares or cottage style collectibles. The "karma" on this potting table is much better than that which surrounds my retro 1950s kitchen cabinet. The same kitchen collectible which is displayed in the metal cabinet will sell when it gets moved to the potting table .....go figure?

The moral of the story is that you should always move around the objects in your antique booth and learn where the best "karma" is!

Photos taken at my shop "Kitsch n Stuff" which is part of The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of 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

Add Some Red To Your Pink And Yellow Vintage Kitchen Displays In Your Antique Shop Or Home

Decorating Your Antique Booth With Pink And Yellow Kitchen Collectibles And A Touch Of RED

I have always adored pink and yellow vintage kitchen collectibles. But when you are decorating your home kitchen or organizing your antique booth with these sweet colors, you really do need to add a third color to your mix or your displays will become sleepy.

Pink And Yellow Vintage Kitchenwares

While I was re-doing my antique booth for Spring, I selected out my yellow and pink collectibles and began setting them down on the Hoosier cabinet I use for display. I just couldn't get the look I wanted. I always step away from my booth and look at it from a distance to see how the public will see my booth from the aisle.

Add A Touch of RED to Your Antique Booth Displays

This time, the pink and yellow vintage kitchen collectibles were simply getting lost. So I took a bold step and adding some additional kitchenwares that included RED and GREEN. Now, originally I did not want to add a primary colors because I was in a pastel mode. But drastic measures were called for and I really needed to wake up my display which was getting too soft and safe.

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

Customizing Display Space For Small Antique Booths

The Trick Is To Maximize Vertical Space In A Small Antique Booth Or Shop

Are you short on display space in a very small antique booth? Well here is a unique shelf made out of Styrofoam shelves creating compartment spaces for "smalls" that was spotted c at Farm Village Antiques And Collectibles.

If you have ever visited this tiny shop which is across the street from Tulmeadow Farms (the best homemade ice cream), you will note that there isn't a lot of floor space, so that dealers need to go up and maximize their vertical space. This clever shelving unit was made to fit the space and it sure does hold a lot of smaller antiques and collectibles.

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

Collecting Vintage Polka Dot Kitchen Collectibles

Are You Ready For A Vintage Polka Dot Kitchen?

If you like changing your vintage kitchen once in awhile, perhaps you are ready for a new theme to inspire you. How about adding polka dot kitchen collectibles to your repertoire? Polka dots are very retro and can add a whimsical flair to your vintage kitchen theme.

Spice Up Your Kitchen Collections With A New Twist

Many collectors like to spice up their collections with a new twist on an old theme. Many folks find that after awhile they get tired of collecting the same old thing and that they need to give themselves a bit of a challenge when they are out hunting.

Narrowing Your Search

For example, a tea cup collector might want to look be more selective about the kind of tea cups they collect. So instead of bringing home every tea cup they see, they begin to set goals for themselves, narrowing their search to certain types of tea cups.

The Harder The Item To Collect: The More The Challenge

Every collector knows what I mean when I say, that every now and then you need to modify your collecting habits to keep life interesting. Collecting Polka dotted housewares and kitchenwares may just be the challenge you are looking for. Unlike other kitchen items, it is not that easy to find polka dot designs. Don't get me wrong, they are out there, but collectibles with polka dots get scooped up real quickly.

A Variety Of Polka Dot Collectibles

If you look hard enough you will find polka dots on vintage beverage glasses, ceramic planters, kitchen mixing bowls, aprons, canisters, pot holders , tablecloths and more. Filling a glass cabinet with all your polka dotted collectibles could be quite fun. Or how sweet would a shelf be with your collection of polka dotted kitchen-wares?
In addition to shopping in all your favorite stores and online shops, be sure to visit I Antique Online.com as well. You can also let members at IAO know what you are looking for and they will come up with lots of options.

Photo of bowls courtesy of: http://sadiesaid.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-spring-and-with-spring-comes.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 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

Visiting A Retro Kitchenware Haven Owned By Fritz Karch, Editor Of Collecting At Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Kitchen Collectibles Galore At The Tomato Factory in Hopewell, New Jersey

I think I may have found the haven for the best collection of vintage kitchenware anywhere. Sit down, pour yourself a cup of tea.....I fell into a place called The Tomato Factory in Hopewell, New Jersey and stumbled into a booth owned by Fritz Karch the editorial director of collecting at Martha Stewart Living Magazine.

Obsessed Collector Of Kitchen Kitsch And More

Yep...he is a ridiculous collector of kitchen kitsch and then some. Picture this, Pyrex bowls which start at the floor and go up at least two to three feet high. Refrigerator dishes in colors you probably have never seen before.
Shelves and shelves of pottery vases from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s in white,cream, aqua, blue, pink, black, green and more.

Where Are All Those Collectibles Shown In Martha Stewart Living Magazine ?

You've seen plenty of articles in Martha Stewart Living magazine with photos of how great pottery looks when grouped together by color, varying size and shape. Well where do you think all that pottery is? I'm thinking it just may be at The Tomato Factory Antiques. I kid you not. And tablecloths, Fritz had PILES of tablecloths.

In Fritz's online staff bio he says "he specializes in twentieth-century dinnerware among may things". I can tell you some of the "other things" Fritz can't stop buying: beverage glasses, Jadeite, bowls, refrigerator jugs, dish towels, Bakelite, flatware, clocks, shakers, Cookie jars, planters etc.

Largest Collection of Vintage Pottery Vases And Planters Anywhere

Fritz had one of the largest collections of pottery vases and planters I have EVER seen in one spot. And I have to tell you, his prices were very fair. Isn't all this aqua pottery dreamy? The warmer weather is coming and now is the time to buy pastel colored pottery before the rush is on. Speaking of "rushes"...don't you love it when Martha Stewart Living features an article on a particular collectible? The antique world feels the aftershocks. I am still recovering from Hammered aluminum and plastic picnic-ware. I wonder what Fritz has got planned for the next edition? If only I had an inside track. I'm working on it...stay tuned!

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

Lighten Up Your Antique Booth Or Shop With New Color Combinations

Springy Ideas For Your Antique Booth Or Shop

Spring is in the air... all the antique dealers I know are gearing up for tag sales and flea markets so that they can replenish their inventory. February and March are in between months for many antique dealers. In many parts of the country the weather is still cold and the shows, sales and markets have not yet started again in full swing.

Mini Antique Booth Makeover

So at this time of the year, you really need to work with what you have to create some attractive displays. I generally have two kinds of booth makeovers...BIG ONES where I tear apart the entire booth from floor to ceiling, and MINI makeovers which is when I do a little gentle housekeeping and perhaps move a few things around to give the booth a zap of freshness.

Jazz Up Your Antique Booth With Some Sparkle And Pizazz

An easy solution to build some interest in your antique booth or shop is too create new color combinations. As you pack away your Christmas and holiday decor, leave the greens out and save some of the pretty Christmas balls and garland. Try organizing your greens with yellow or orange collectibles. Incorporate vignettes of antiques and collectibles with some of your smalls with flower designs. And add some of the holiday decor that you left out to jazz up your items and to give your shop a lighter, Springy look. Take a look at the plate with the green and silver balls.

Salmon Brook Antiques Ready For St. Patrick's Day

At The Salmon Brook Shop Antiques, Granby, CT many dealers have already changed over their booths for Spring. First comes the St. Patrick's themes ....the GREEN 'S are sprouting, along with the clovers. If you do not have any St. Patrick collectibles you can set the holiday tone by selecting a collection of the green ceramics, bowls, vases, plates etc. that you have dispersed in your booth or shop. Put all your greens together and you will have a new and fresh display. But don't forget to add a little yellow or orange to perk up the greens.

Good Bye Santa, Hello Easter Bunny

After the greens are our ...it will be time for new palettes. If you haven't removed the Christmas decor...what are you waiting for? Good bye Santa, hello Easter Bunny. I know it is still February and we have plenty of winter to endure...but getting into a Spring mode is not a bad idea.

Mix-It-Up : Sell More

I am getting ready to transition my booth with a new display of pink and black 1950s kitchen collectibles. I will pull apart my booth and pair together new colors . When you move around your items for sale, they actually DO SELL!
Magically everything looks new again.

Here are some new Springy color combos to try:

aqua and yellow
lavender and yellow
orange and yellow
green and cream
pink and green
soft blue and pink

Salmon Brook Shops
860-653-6587
563 Salmon Brook Street
Route 10/202

Granby, CT 06035

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

Using Ordinary Vintage Objects Such As Old Thermos Bottles To Create An Attractive Collection

Using Vintage Objects As Art

I like the idea of making artsy collections out of ordinary vintage objects. The Seymour Antiques Company in Seymour CT. has always provided me with plenty of inspiration and ideas.

Look how amazing these older thermos containers look when grouped together? The palette is limited to red, black and silver. The simple banded design, popular in 1930s and 1940s housewares is another organizing element making this ensemble were attractive.

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

Creating Antique Store Displays For Valentines Day

Coffee Trade Antiques In Avon, CT Features Attractive Displays For Valentines Day

Many Antique Shops I visit at this time of the
year have put away their holiday decor and moved onto Valentines mode . Typically Antique dealers pull out all of their heart shaped and red collectibles, vintage valentine cards and other related items.

What Themes Go With Valentines Day?

At Coffee Trade Antiques in Avon CT, Joan a master at creating eye catching vignettes, is always coming up with displays that take the holiday theme one step further.
Joan is great at expanding an idea so that she is able to give potential buyers so many more ideas that they came into the shop with. And of course in this way, Joan sells a great deal more.

Taking A Look Around Your Shop To Survey What You Have To Use In A Valentines Display Beyond The Usual

She looks around her shop and says to herself..."what goes with Valentines Day ?".......her answer might include...."couples"...."romance"......"Bride and Grooms".... "elegance"....."poetry"......."flowers"......."Victorian"... "beauty" "jewelry".... "perfume bottles" etc. Once she comes up with ideas...she then pulls out all the collectibles that go with her categories.

Bride And Groom Themes

So Joan might look for books, plates, cake toppers etc. that all feature brides and/or grooms. Or if she is after "romance", she selects out antiques and collectibles that relate to that theme such as poetry books, ceramic couples, old photographs .

Palettes of Pink, White, Gold, Silver, Red

Joan does not just put out vintage Valentines and call it a day. She builds collections of objects that create the tone, images and mood of Valentines day. Joan uses pinks, red, golds, whites, silver and even some traditional red when she decorates and displays collectibles for Valentine's Day.

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

Using A Styrofoam Cone Shape Form To Display Vintage Costume Jewerly

Look how cool these vintage yellow flower pins look displayed on a green Styrofoam cone form. The form is sitting on a tray alongside a sweet picture frame.

I can see this idea working for all kinds of whimsical costume jewelry pins, especially colorful 1960s Flower Powers styles.

Styrofoam is inexpensive and comes in so many different shapes. You will find balls, blocks, rings, cones and other shapes.

Can you spray paint Styrofoam? Ordinary spray paint will melt Styrofoam. For more information on paint Styrofoam read: How To Paint Styrofoam.

You could also cover the Styrofoam form with vintage material or wallpaper.

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