Creating A Brick Wall On Canvas For Your Antique Mall Booth Or Shop

How To Paint A Faux Brick Wall For Your Antique Mall Booth

Strolling down the aisles of The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, I spotted a new dealer who had just completed the decorating phase of her new booth. She created a Faux brick wall (which really looked like the real thing) using canvas tarp which can be purchased at large household stores such as Home Depot or Lowes.

Sponging On The "Bricks"

This talented dealer mixed up brick color paint and with the use of a rectangular sponge dipped into the paint she applied the "brick shape" to the canvas. By sponging on the paint with random pressure, you get the look of bricks with white and brick red uneven combinations.

Adding Brackets To The Brick Wall

To fully get use out of the "brick wall" metal brackets were mounted to the canvas cloth with rods to hang antiques and collectbles. What a great idea and I have to be honest, it's a very simple one....even I could do this LOL.
 
Photos 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

When Antique Dealers Buy From Each Other In A Group Shop

Antique Booth Buying Among Dealers In The Same Antique Mall 

How many of you are guilty of shopping in a friend's antique booth in the same store that you lease a booth   in and then after your purchase, turning around and adding what you just bought to your very own booth? Each Antique Mall I have leased space from has different rules on this topic. The more lenient store owners encourage lots of buying and selling and set no rules about buying from other dealers. Yet in other places I have leased space, inter-booth buying and selling was discouraged. I like the idea
of being able to buy from other booths in my group shop and building my favorite inventory. What do my readers think?

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

Organize Decorative Plates For Display In Your Antique Booth Using An Old Enamelware Tub Or Basin

Decorative Plates Displayed In An Old Enamelware Basin 

Many antique dealers are so clever about how they use their limited booth  space in an Antique Mall. After you have been doing the dealer gig for ahile, you come to learn that displaying dishes is not such an easy task. You also catch on that big items take up a lot of room and may not always yield a big enough bang for your buck. At  Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT, this gal used heer noodle and displays her lovely decorative plates in a large enamel basin or tub. Now that is  great way to tidy up your booth and make 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

Whining About Knick Knacks: Lovable Or Clutter In An Antique Shop?

Should Owners Of Antique Malls Read Their Dealers The Riot Act? No More Bric-a-Brac

Is it me or do you all agree that there is a lot more bric- a- brac (worthless knick knacks) out there mingled in with a few decent items when you go shopping for antiques and collectibles?

Is The Internet Gobbling Up All The Good Stuff For Online Selling Venues?

I have been hearing for years that the internet and all the online selling venues have gobbled up all the good stuff leaving the left overs in the brick and mortar Antique stores.

Antique Stores Cluttered  With Tschotskes

I'm now seeing more and more of some of my favorite antique haunts cluttered with a lot of tschotskes and "smalls'. And the truth is, many of these "smalls" are the kind of things that I often would find at Goodwill.

 Antique Dealers Come And Dealers Go Each January

As January approaches, there are a lot of dealers who will pack it in and decide to leave their booths at a group Antique shop or close their stores after the holidays. This happens every year and the changeover usually brings new booths, new stores and new dealers. They arrive with a fresh bounty of STUFF and do very well at the beginning. But the trick is being able to keep up quality of your inventory and to attract new customers  throughout the year.

What Comes Around Goes Around

My husband jokes that all of the dealers just buy from each other and sooner or later your junk ends up back to you. There is some truth to that, but I even hear dealers telling me that they are buying less from other dealers in the very same  group shops where their booths are and that they visit regularly. Friends tell me they used to come home with more goodies than they brought into sell, but now they leave  empty handed.

Are You Seeing More Bric-a-brac For Your Vintage Comfort Zone?  

So I would like to hear from my readers.....are you seeing more bric a brac in Antique stores that you like?
Should owners of these stores read their dealers the riot act? Or is the economy so poor that the owners of large (and small) group antique shops lucky to have filled thier booths?

Top photo courtesy of http://loveshackchic.blogspot.com/2012/05/found-antique-markets.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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

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

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

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

Chippy Green Painted Wood File Cabinet Makes Great Display Space In Your Antique Shop Or Home

One way to double duty your antiques and collectibles is to open up the drawers of cabinets. desk, dressers etc. and USE the drawers as display space for other objects.

I spotted an older wooded painted file cabinet at
the store Anthropologie.
As you can see the drawer si stuffed with products that they have for sale. And look how hip the chippy green paint looks with yellow jars. What an attractive color combination.

Now you can think twice abut passing up old cabinets. Perhaps they would make GREAT display space 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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Showing Off Collections Of Ordinary Objects In Your Antique Shop

Found Objects Make Great Collections

Collections...it seems every Antique or Vintage shop I visit these days is getting in the act of showing off collections of odds and ends such as billiard balls, keys, blocks, toys parts, etc.

Exhibiting Your Odds And Ends In Quirky Containers, Boxes, Bowls

Not only are store owners gathering up ordinary objects and exhibiting them together, but they are also displaying "smalls" in quirky bowls, containers, boxes and vases.

I like the concept.... mixing and matching "this and that" in all kinds of funky ways. And nothing is left out of this craze to display collections of "things". All you need is a little creativity and you can transform your piles of vintage junk into colorful or engaging objets d'art.

Grouping Together Old Factory Parts

Some of the best groupings I have come across are made up of discarded and rusting machinery parts, factory cast offs and metal "things". The more ambiguous the object is , the more exciting the collection becomes.

For more on collections visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/crazyaboutmycollection


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

Opening An Antique Store

Tips About Opening An Antique and Collectibles Business

I have been receiving more inquiries from folks who want to start their own antique business. In the biz there are a few categories of shops. I will first briefly describe the kinds of antique businesses there are. Than I will offer some important ideas to think about when reviewing your antique store options. Remember, these decisions have to fit your lifestyle, budget, geographic location etc. There is no one right answer.

Types of Antique Businesses

Solo Antique Shop Antique Mall Online Antique Store

You can open a regular Antique store called a Brick and Mortar shop (retail store that people visit in person). This type of store can be a solo ownership or a group shop where you manage the sales of other dealers as well as your own.

Another popular way to sell antiques and collectibles is to lease space in an Antique Mall or Group Antique store. In this arrangement you rent a booth. In most places you have the option to rent a full booth or a half a booth. Some stores even allow you to rent a double booth if space is available.

And the last type of business you might consider is opening up an online Antique store on some of the many sites that are devoted to the buying and selling of antiques and collectibles. This way of doing business requires that you must be
responsible for shipping out all your merchandise to customers who buy from your online store.

So how do you make the decision which way to go? Here are some thoughts to keep in mind while you are sorting through the decision process.

What Type of Antique Business Should I Open ?

Solo Antique Shop

Will the shop get a lot of foot traffic or cars that pass by? Is it on a main roadway or in an area of similar shops? How many days will I plan to be open? Do I have a budget for help? Can I be available to be in the store on Saturdays and Sundays, the two busiest days for sales? Do I have enough inventory to fill a solo shop? Where and when will I get more mercahndise to fill my solo shop? Can I afford to have someone cover for me when I am unable to be at the store? Do I have an advertising budget? How will I plan to bring in new customers?


Antique Mall / Group Antique Store

Number one question is whether a booth (or showcase) will be enough space for me to sell what I have? If this is a full time adventure, is there enough space to make money? What price range is the stuff I have to sell? There is a big difference between selling high end estate jewelry and selling tag sale quality flea market finds.. How many dealers are in the Multi-Dealer Antique shop I am considering? What size are the booth spaces? How long has the group shop (or Antique Mall) be in business? Is this store conveniently located for me? If the store is a distance from my home, how often will I plan to come to the store to bring in new merchandise or organize my booth? What is the lease on this booth? Does the owner take an administrative fee? Do I have to do floor time?

Online Antique Store

Can I learn how to photograph objects so they will sell well? What is my plan for shipping out goods? Do I like packing antiques and collectibles? Do I intend to be home at the computer a good deal of the time? What kinds of antiques and collectibles do I want to sell? This business is usually better suited for smalls? Do I want to sell on an already existing site geared to antiques and collectibles? or start my own free standing website? How will I promote my online business? Do I have social media skills? (On I Antique Online.com) there are many group forums geared to this topic.

Photos courtesy of Salmon Brook Shops, Granby Connecticut

Learn more about this topic on http://iantiqueonline.ning.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

Building A Successful Social Network On Antiques And Collectibles

Antique Social Networks: Keeping Them Fresh & Engaging

I get asked all the time, "Why is your site I Antique Online.com working out so well?. My standard answer is, "build it right and they shall come" (paraphrased) ....remember the movie Field of Dreams ?
But what exactly is meant by "build it right " ?

Social Media For Antique Dealers & Collectors

If truth be known, when I I joined Scott Liscomb (co-founder of I Antique Online.com), SOCIAL MEDIA was a new VOCAB word for me. I was a clueless newbie not unlike many of "mature" folks who find their way onto I Antique Online.com. This is not to say that I am mature....but I am clueless about tech things.

I Antique Online.com Has 188 Group Forums For Collectors, Buyers, Sellers

But one thing I knew was that if you offer something worthwhile, people will come. In the case of a site about antiques and collectibles, what I offered members was lots and lots of group forums. I nurtured each one so that from humble beginnings each of the over 188 group forums developed as exciting, active places for like minded people to have conversations about a particular collecting topic. In addition to talking about kitchen collectibles or vintage jewelry or antique lighting etc., members have an opportunity to post photos of their favorite collectibles.

How To Build Strong Group Forums On Social Networks

The trick to keeping social networks on antiques and collectibles healthy is to "feed them". In other words, you have to provide plenty of nourishment in the way of fresh ideas, new blog articles, engaging forum posts, plenty of colorful photographs, relevant news features, guest authors etc. And you must, clean house often.

Drastic Measures

If a particular group is starving for attention...drastic measures may need to be taken, but first there are some remedies you can try to boost engagement.
You might have to change the moderator of a sleepy group, jump in (as editor) and guest moderate, recruit a heavy hitter to take over the group, post some exciting content in the group, send out a broadcast message to all members of the site etc. And if all else fails, you might have to take down a boring group and re-build it with a twist form scratch. Some groups seem to need a better karma.

Don't Abandon a Lazy Group On A Social Network

The worst thing you can do is to abandon a lazy group. I Antique Online.com is a fun, fresh and friendly place for buyers, sellers and collectors of antiques and collectibles. Be sure to visit us at: http://iantiqueonline.ning.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 Old Books As Shelves To Display Your Collections

Books As Shelves

Retro Hang-Ups

I have a house filled with books. There are books in every room. Even my closets are filled with books. But what if you have a house without too many books and you want just a few?

Well here is the perfect idea for minimalists who like their walls pretty empty. Try using a few vintage books as shelves for your collections. I spotted this idea on http://pinterest.com/pin/17895045/ Let me know if you try it.

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 AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Using An Old Wicker Head Board To Display Vintage Tea Towels

Hanging Vintage Hand Or Tea Towels On An Old Wicker Headboard

Retro Hang-Up Idea

Here is another cute idea for hanging up vintage tea towels or hand towels in your antique shop or booth. This dealer took an old Wicker headboard and mounted it on the wall of her booth at Antiques On The Farminton, Collinsville .

She then draped her tea towels and hand towels across the bottom rung of the headboard. You will notice a few towels that were hung a little higher than the rest. A great idea.....

You will find more clever display ideas when you visit her booth which is on the second floor of Antiques On The Farmington.

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 Twigs And Tree Branches To Display Antiques And Collecitbles

Creating Interest In Your Antique Shop Displays Using Natural Displays

Retro Hang-Ups

Oh my, where to hang small collectibles when you simply have run out of room in your antique booth or shop? This gal, who is a new dealer at Antiques On The Farmington in historic Collinsville , CT has solved her wall space issues. She hangs her "smalls" on tree branches.

This is a very exciting way to show off some of your smaller collectibles. The pretty oval old print in a painted green frame and the vintage tin match safe are both tied onto the twigs of a piece of real tree branch. Very, very clever and eye catching. By the way...this is a very inexpensive way to bring interest into your booth or store.

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 An Old Book Or Magazine Rack To Display Decorative Plates In Your Antique Shop

Short On Wall Space? Display Decorative Plates in An Old Magazine Or Book Rack

If you own an Antique Shop and you have ever wanted to display decorative plates, you know how hard this can be. Ideally, plates would look great if they were mounted on a wall. But many of us who rent booths in an Antique Mall or Group shop do not have the luxury of wall space. So here is a clever idea, display your pretty plates in an old book or magazine rack. This is a great way to show off your lovely decorative plates in one featured area .

This idea was spotted at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, 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

Antiquing Indoors At The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford, CT

Cool Off: You Can Spend Hours Antiquing At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut

Where can you go antiquing when it is sizzling out ? When it is hot hot hot...you need an escape which is indoors and where you can entertain yourself for hours at a time. showers ...I head to a large indoor Antique Mall where I can enjoy antiquing out of the sun and heat.

Check Out Kitsch n Stuff

I'll even go to the Antique Mall where my own shop Kitsch n Stuff is located and instead of fussing with my booth I put on my shopper hat and go antiquing! On these days, I act like a customer walking up and down the aisles pretending I haven't seen some of these booths before.
The Collinsville Antiques Company Has Everything For Antique Collectors

The truth is, that even if you are very familiar with a particular Multi-dealer store, dealers are always bringing in new things and each time you stroll an Antique Mall you are bound to find something new. I have yet to leave The Collinsville Antiques Company without a few new items.

Check Out Buck's Homemade Ice Cream At The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford

At The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT you can shop unit you drop and than revive yourself with an amazing lunch in their in house Retro style cafe. After lunch you can order take a few more runs around the store and return to the cafe for Buck's ice cream . Buck's ice cream has been around since 1949 and is a New England favorite.

But what if you live too far away to pop into The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.? What else can you do? Where else can you go ? The answer is easy....jump online to I Antique Online.com and visit our Antique Mall Group .


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.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Adorable Creative Ideas For Displaying Your Vintage Costume Pins And Brooches

Cute Ideas For Displaying Vintage And Antique Jewelry

This idea for displaying your antique and costume pins and brooches requires that you have a set of colorful Sharpie pens or magic markers and some scrap heavy or postcard weight paper. Who doesn't have these supplies hanging around?

You Will Need Card Stock And Markers

Now you cut the card weight paper into fun shapes . Here Peter Roth, the owner of "Tree House Art And Antiques", in New Hartford, CT (Route 44), cut his card stock into floral shapes or shapes and designs that are compatible with the piece of costume jewelry that he was "framing" on his card stock.
Creating Colorful Backings For Costume Or Handmade Jewelry

You will see that the gold color beach chair pin is attached to a white cardboard backing where Peter drew a beach umbrella. How cute is this? Or look at the cute flower shaped cardboard backings? Isn't this a sweet and inexpensive idea? If you try this idea, send me your photos (Dianne@cdiannezweig.com). Thaks.,

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 Painted Wooden Stump To Display Vintage Costume Jewelry

Clever Vintage Jewelry Display Ideas From Tree House Antiques And Art

Retro-Hang-Ups

Got a painted stump hanging around your garage? Well here is a wonderful idea for you spotted at Tree House Art and Antiques in New Hartford, CT. (Route 44). Hammer some nails in yur stump and hang your vintage costume jewelry on it?

Now I have no idea where, Peter Roth, the creative owner of Tree House Art And Antiques, found this stump, but leave it to Peter to find a practical use out of anything and everything he finds. His make shift jewelry display sits right on top of a counter and is a fun way to show off your vintage jewelry finds.

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