What Is The Difference Between Recycling And Upcycling?

 Upcycling Is Eco Friendly  

For quite  some time now I  have been fumbling with the terms "re-cycling versus up-cycling". I often confuse the two ideas and no amount of reading up until today has straightened out my confusion. But today I have finally gotten to the bottom of these two terms.

Thanks to a blogger at http://www.relevedesign.com/ I am confident that I have just learned about "what up-cycling" is in the clearest description.

Here is what Releve Design says:

WHAT IS UPCYCLING ?

When we’re done with magazines or plastic bottles we usually throw them away. Sometimes we reuse them. Other times we recycle. Recycling actually downgrades the material. For instance, the quality of plastic lessens each time it’s recycled. Different types of plastics and impurities get mixed together, weakening the plastic. Fortunately, there’s a better way to deal with waste, and that’s upcycling.

Upcycling is a special type of repurposing. In general, repurposing puts things to use in a different way than originally intended. Repurposing is not always eco-friendly, especially when it uses new and usable things. Upcycling is an eco-friendly way of repurposing, because it only uses unwanted and discarded materials and transforms them into something new, desirable, and more valuable.

Image from http://www.hometalk.com/1187323/sunny-days-and-repurposed-benches#

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

Decorating With Rusty Vintage Chairs

Using Rusty Chippy Accent Chairs To Add Texture And 
Visual Interest Inside Your Home
In case you haven't noticed, RUST is in. Chippy, rusty, rough looking patina continues to be a hot look as home owners are mixing urban-factory looks with current design styles. The neglected rusty chair that has been sitting in someone's backyard or piled up in a junkyard somewhere can now be  taken inside and used as an accent piece.

Now I am thinking, did I actually write "accent piece". Yes.....rust is a wonderful element for texture and for adding an artsy dimension to any decorative style. Speaking personally,  I would have a hard time sitting on a rusty chair.....I suppose a cushion would solve the seat issue, but what about the back of the chairs  Readers......... do people just use these rusty chairs for "props" to showcase a plant or for visual interest or do folks sit on these chippy, scaling chairs?

You will find this rusty chair and more interesting decorative items at 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Having Coffee Or Tea With Virtual Friends On I Antique Online.com

Socializing With Friends On I Antique Online.com: Neighbors From Around The World

Oh how I miss the days of sharing a cup of coffee or tea with neighbors. The days of close apartment living or dorm rooms with friends coming and going are gone. Now I enjoy the company of over 12,000  antique friends on I Antique Online.com. I usually have my morning tea right at my computer and visit with so many online friends who have joined  I Antique Online.com  the largest social network on asntiques and collectibles, co founded by me (C. Dianne Zweig)  and Scott Liscomb.

Chatting With Collectors Across The Globe

The beauty of social networking is that I can have friends all across the globe and feel as if they are "next door neighbors". One gal who is a very active member of IAO lives in South Africa and we are like two ships crossing in the night. Our "conversations" are alwasys a day behind but when you are on a virtual network, you don't even notice the distance and time change.

Each morning I check in with the community and I always  awake to a healthy and growing list of potential members waiting for me to approve their membership. The morning usually brings the potential members who are from Europe and other areas beyond the USA. While I am asleep in the States, collectors from  Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand  etc. are busy checking out IAO and waiting for me to wake up and click on the button that allows them to join our vibrant and friendly community. Welcome aboard to all......are you a member yet? Click here: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/

Some of the photos shown were oiginally  pinned to my Pinterest.com board called "Kitschy Thrifty Housewife" .  The housewife carrying the cake came from http://pinterest.com/upnow/ and the Chase and Sanborn image came from http://pinterest.com/nancyflack/ .

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

Did You Know There Is An Online "Paint by Number" Museum ? Read Up On This Hobby Before You Go Out Antiquing

"Paint by Number": A Hobby That Swept The Nation in the 1950s

Oh, my I just discovered that there is now a "Paint by Number Museum" online. You will find images of Paint by Number Art, articles, exhibits, advertising catalogs and everything you could possibly want to know on the topic.

 I just ordered this older reference book called  Paint by Number: The How-To-Craze that Swept the Nation. 

One thing we can say about this hobby that really caught on during the 1950s-1960s is that it left a lot of funky artsy  for wall decor for baby boomers to now bring home once again. And on that note, I'm off to find some "Paint By Numbers" for my walls.

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

Vintage Plastic Watering Can For Retro Collectors

1950s Vintage Plastic Tomato Red Watering Can: Sweet Memories

Plastics were everywhere in the 1950s, from toys to garden accessories. Typical Atomic era colors were tomato red, green, sunny yellows and strong blues. Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived in the Northeast, I thought I would share with you this adorable plastic 1950's watering can. Be sure when you buy old plastics that you look for fading, cracks and chips. This watering can, spotted on Retro Revival (Etsy.com) was described as mint. Sorry it has been sold. Let me know if you spot another one!

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

Playing House With Colorful Retro Children's Plastic Dishes

Vintage Toy Plastic Dishes From Worcester Ware: Baby Boomer's Delight

Plastic children's dishes from the colorful eras of the 1950s-60s still make the little girl in all of  us want to play house. I spotted this set online with dish rack and all. Isn't this sweet? I have the same set in my shop Kitsch n Stuff without the rack. I recently went to buy a burthday gift for my niece and new versions of these these of dishes are faar from the Dimestore prices they once were. Look how the seller, Retro Revival paired the dishes with a vintage tablecloth.
 
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

Pinterest.com: Cheaper Than Therapy And Great For Relaxation

Pinning On Pinterest.com Is Good For Your Mental Health

Now that I have retired as a psychotherapist and identify myself as an
ARTIST...and kitschy collector, I'm not thinking too much about "psych" stuff...mine or anyone elses. Hmm, I suppose there is a deeper explanation here. Perhaps making art soaks up all my crazy stuff ..... It's channeled into my work. And when I need a  break from art, schedules, family and life...than I can always count on the pleasure I get when going antiquing.

The Urge to Go Junk Collecting

Recently I have discovered  another way to feed my junk collecting urges. I can now go antiquing on Pinterest.com. Pinterest.com at this time is is not a buying and selling site. (although the site is used as a marketing tool for many businesses). Think of Pinterest.com as a super sized virtual  scrapbook that you get to create to suit your own tastes, interests and  collecting habits.
Building Pinterest.com Boards

 The member builds what are called "boards" ( bulletin ) that you "pin" photographs onto of items that you like. Photographs come from other members, your computer photo file or sources on the  internet.


Pinterest.com I s Like Children's Lotto For Adults

 I have decided that Pinterest.com is like playing lotto bingo as a kid. Remember this game, you  have a board that  you match objects to. You place the cat on the cat spot and the dog on the dog spot  etc. until you have filled the board.  On Pinterest I am building my boards, like the old fashioned lotto game. So when a vintage red kitchen bowl appears on the Main page of the site  I can "repin" that  bowl onto my "Kitschy Kitchen Bowl" board.

Pinning Boards Is Like Doodling: Mindless Relaxation

[Source: Piemouth.] This task  of hunting for collectibles on Pinterest.com and than pinning photographs on categories of  boards that I have created is like doodling......you get swept away from the left side of your brain to the right side of your brain in mindless yet satisfying constructions of virtual bulletin boards. Try pinning on Pinterest.com while pretending to be watching the news coverage you will enjoy the distraction. Pinning on Pinterest.com is cheaper and safer than an antidepressant or tranquilizer and it's FREE.


Photo credits from  http://pinterest.com/kitschnstuff/kitschy-thrifty-housewife/
Visit:
 http://pinterest.com/upnow/
http://pinterest.com/cutiepiecottage/
http://pinterest.com/cahartnell/

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

Federal Glassware "Inca" Gift Sets Featured In The Company's 1960 Catalog

"Inca" Pattern From Federal Glassware Of Columbus, Ohio

The Federal Glass Company of Columbus, Ohio like other major manufactures of beverage glasses dureing the  30s, 40s, 50s, 60s were always adding new patterns to their collections. In the 1960 catalog from Federal, they promoted "Inca" gift sets.


Pre-Columbian Design Inspiration

According to the company catalog description, "Inca" was inpired by pre-
Colombian motifs. Colors of blue and gold were combined.

Three different sizes of "Inc" glassware were featured: 14oz Inca Sky-Ball, 12oz Beverage and 9oz Cocktail. These styles  came in sets of eight glasses.

It is very unusal to find boxed sets in mint condition. The set shown here was spotted at
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/87613071/set-of-8-vintage-1950s-federal-inca

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 Gay Fad Salt And Pepper Shakers

Gay Fad Shakers Look Great With A Colorful Vintage Tablecloth

Look how fabulous these Gay Fad style salt and pepper shakers look on a colorful vintage tablecloth with similar primary colors.The shop, Retro Revival is one of my favorites on Etsy.com but has taken a long hiatus. Never the less,  I thought I would share with you this great retro combo that the sho owner put together.

Fran Taylor, an artist and designer founded Gay Fad Studios and built it into an extroidinary glass decorating company. Taylor worked  from home from 1938-1945 hand decorating tin items, waste paper baskets and glassware. In 1945 she opened Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster ohio.

Fran and her staff bought blanks form major glass companies and beegan had decorating them. Few of her pieces were marked, according to an online artice at http://www.santafetradingpost.com/gay_fad.html.  Retro Revival usually does wonderful research on her items for sale. She describes the set shown as being 1945 Gay Fad, Hazel Atlas Fruit pattern.

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   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

Zweig click on this link:

Vintage Glass Juice Pitchers (Decanters) For Retro Kitchens

Cheerful Glass Juice Pitchers Were Popular In 1950-60s  Kitchens 

Capped juice pitchers and open "Juice Jugs" which held fresh squeezed orange juice were popular kitchenwares during the 1940s, 1950s and into the 1960s. During the Postwar years, housewives also used these juice decanters to store orange, grapefruit, lemondade products which came in small frozen packages and were defrosted and mixed with water.

Fresh Orange Juice Sets (and individual glasswares) were made by most of the major glassware companies such as Hazel Atlas, Anchor Hocking, Libbey, Federal, Barlett Collins etc. Small juice glasses also sometimes referred to as also cocktail glasses in company cagtalogs were patterned with tomatoes, oranges, tulips, stripes, flowers, roosters and other cheerful designs.

Boxed Juice Sets

Each company ran promotions of their juice glassware , offering boxed starter sets which may have had a 32 ounce container and four or more glasses featured.

Today you will find bits and pieces of these sets or marriages of tumblers with pitchers. Glass capped decanters are easily found and often are sold for just a few dollars. Full sets are not as easy to find. I have sold sets for $18.00-36.00 dollars in my shop Kitsch n Stuff in The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford, CT

Striped decanter photos courtesy of Retro Revival.

Anchor Hocking photo courtesy of  http://www.etsy.com/people/MEMORIESNMORE?ref=ls_profile

Learn more about vintage juice glassware on http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ There are som many group forums that cover this topic.

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 A Wooden Cigar Box With Compartments To Hold Artist Paint Brushes

Partitioned Wooden Cigar Box Makes Handy Paint Brush Holder In Your Art Studio Or Craft Space

A partitioned cigar box makes a great paint brush holder. I missed this gem yesterday at an art studio tag sale held on the first level of The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. But Lisa Ludwig, my studio neighbor on the second floor grabbed this really cool cigar box and is already making  good use of 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 Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Shopping For Vintage Marbles

Finding Marbles Is Harder Than Hunting For Easter Eggs 

I bumped into an art friend in an antique mall a few days befor Easter. She was out looking for marbles to add to her grandchildren's Easter basket and I was out antiquing with my sister who was visiting from the Big Apple. My sister and I joined my friend  in the hunt for marbles.

Marbles it seems were harder to find than Easter eggs. One small jar of ordinary marbles was spotted (not shown) but it had a big price tag it seemed to me. But then again I have never bought marbles before and I have no clue about what's a good deal for marbles and what is a rip off.

Marbles For Play Only 

My sister and I left the antique mall and I promised my friend I would scout for marbles in the next ten stores I would be visiting. Keep in mind that we were searching for marbles for children who were not collectors but simply going to play with them.  It was not important at this time to really delve into the hobby of marble collecting with more serious exploration.

 Identifying Your Marbles

Now let's assume a marble newbie (cluelesss buyer and collector) such as myself,  finds a stash of marbles in an old jar or plastic bag in an antique and collectible store.  How do you  size up your marbles when you are comparing what appears like similar "ordinary" marbles found in different stores? The answer is you probably will not know what you are buying at this point in time, but you can begin to comparative shop.

Mayonnaise Jar Method Of Marble Buying

I had to think quick on my feet during my first foray into marble hunting so I constructed the Mayonnaise jar measurement system. I used the first small Mayonnaise jar filled with marbles that I noticed in the antique mall as my control jar. When I left the store and went antiquing in the area I compared all future sitings of marbles to that jar.

Don't Pre-Judge Your Marbles

At this point I was only making gross judgements about the quantity and similarities of the marbles I found. I  had no idea about the condition, age, rarity etc. I only was able to say something like "oh this guy wants $15.00 for a small Ziploc  bag of what looks like ordinary marbles and the other  guy down the street  has a jar filled with many more marbles for $20.00 for the jar.

Now I enter a group shop and I spot a  HUGE (think gallon size)  glass jar filled with marbles and the price is nice. I snap a picture of the marbles and send it to my friend. She visits the store the next day, buys the marbles and by Easter her grandchildren have a great easter basket treat.

Summary
 If the stash of marbles in a decent size jar is under $25.00-30.00 you can pproabaly take the plunge and buy the marbles without too much worry. But you may want to read more on this topic before you go out huntng.  For more about identification of marbles see http://www.blocksite.com/marble-reference/online-marble-id-guide/

Learning More About Marble Collecting

But let's say you want to learn more about buying and collecting marbles.
I would suggest you visit the site of the marble maven BOB BLOCK. His site is  http://www.blocksite.com/  

Bob Block has excellent information on marbles on his site such as :


History of marbles
Kinds of marbles
How marbles are made
Are marbles still being made?
Where I can find marbles?
Can damaged marbles be repaired?
Are marbles being reproduced?
Games played with marbles.
How can I learn more about marble collecting?

We also have a Marble group forum on I Antique Online.com 
Visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/marbleinfo

Jar of marbles show on top was found (and bought) at Burlington Inn Antiques, Burlington, 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

Retro Furniture Makeovers Group Forum Now On I Antique Online.com

Flea Market Furniture Makeovers Discussed In New Group Forum


I have added a new group forum on my site  I Antique Online.com called "Retro Furniture Makeovers"  as well as a new board for me on Pinterest.com with the matching name "Retro Furniture Makeovers" Both the group forum and the Pinterest board were soaring with visitors and members in a just few hours of their launch.

The I Antique Online.com group description is: "upcycle or make over your old furniture with a hip Retro look. Design ideas, tips on restoration, refinishing and
decorating."

Upcycling Vintage Furniture 

Already there are over 20 articles posted capturing some of the best re-posts from popular blogs and online magazines as well as photos and  
original discussions from out IAO members.

I urge my readers to visit this exciting new   group " You can als

o leave a comment here about your favorite upcycle and flea market makeover blogs and I will add them to the I Antique Online.com group "Retro Furniture Makeovers".
Photos courtesy of  http://www.hometalk.com/1187323/sunny-days-and-repurposed-benches#

http://refoundvintage.blogspot.com/2012/12/favorite-5-furniture-makeovers-of-2012.htmlhttp://refoundvintage.blogspot.com/2012/12/favorite-5-furniture-makeovers-of-2012.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

Marbling Paper Is An Art, Not A Science

Tips When Marbling Paper With Oil Paints 

I have been experimenting with marbling paper in my art studio. My first attempt at using the oil paint method to marble papers was a messy, hilarious yet creative afternoon. I had a lot of fun despite the fact that everything did NOT go according to plan. The morning of my oil paint marble day, I  started off watching tutorials online on You Tube. I also did some reading.

Many Different Methods To Marble Paper

There are many different methods of marbling paper. I  settled on the oil paint strategy after watching a science teacher's demo on You Tube. He said he likes to use fun projects to engage his students. While the teacher acknowledged that marbling paper  is ...."art" he said he gets to "the science" behind the "art" afterwards. (Next time I'll listen to an art teacher).

Using oil Paint To Marble Paper

I chose the oil paint method over many different marbling technique options because the science teacher came up with a method with fewer steps then others. His plan was pretty similar to a version I had tried years ago in a mixed media collage class, so I thought I was in the right ballpark.


Marbling Paper Calls For Practice And Experimentation

Looking back on the pictures  that I took after the afternoon of marbling, I can only say that ART is ART and not science. Marbling papers is indeed something that you have to practice and be patient with. The instructions called for mixing oil paint with Turpenoid (thinner) in small empty plastic (pill) containers. That sounded simple.

Beware, it isn't so simple to blend Turpenoid with oil paint in tiny containers.  You will need several long mixing sticks such as coffer stirrers or wood skewers. Forget tooth picks, they are too small to mix the paint in the plastic (pill) containters. I would use plastic squeeze bottles the next time.

Mastering The Oil Paint-Turpenoid Consistency

Essentially, you prepare a shallow pan with water and drop colors of paint on the surrface of the water and then gently place the paper on the water surface to pick up the designs of paint. This is of course in theory. Getting the paint at the right consisitency so that the oil paint doesn't sink to the bottom of the pan or create globs of paint is not so easy. (The good news is that the pan cleans up easy at the end of yur session with a little more Turpenoid on a rag).

Trial And Error

I discovered that you need more pigment than I started with, but indeed you need to have a very good blend of  the thinner ad the paint. The science teacher offered no precise measurements. He urged studentsw to experiemnt. Experiment is what I did. I made a big mess, but I learned plenty.

Now I am off to Dick Blick to look into suppliles for another method of marbling called method called  Suminagashi http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/simple-suminagashi-monoprints/. An  ancient Japanese method, this marbling process is said to be meditating. After the oil paint method,
I'm ready for a more relaxing and cleaner method!

Postscript
By the way after I finsihed marbling there was a lot of extra oil paint in the bottom of the pan. I used it paint papers for future mixed media projects.

Readers have you marbled paper?  Please share your stories and tips.

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

Gay Rights Is No Laughing Matter: Supreme Court Justices Need To Take Equal Rights Matter Seriously

Supreme Court Banter On Gay Rights Was Disturbing

Is it me or did others think that the banter that was going on in yesterday's Supreme Court hearings on California's gay marriage ban was outrageous. The nightly news played audio of some of the conversations that were taking place in the high court. I was appalled at the courtroom banter.

Charles J Cooper, the attorney for the pro-Prop 8 petitioners made the key argument that marriage is for the purpose of producing offspring. He argued that since same sex couples can not make children that they have no claim to matrimonial rights.

Charles Cooper And Justice Elena Kagan Have "An Amusing Exchange" 

That statement was followed by what many news reporters called "an amusing exchange" between  Charles Cooper and Justice Elena Kagan. I would label that exchange in poor taste at the least and certainly lacking the wisdom we come to expect of Supreme Court justices.

Here is what was reported in the Los Angeles Times in their article "Supreme Court Appears Timid About Expanding Same-Sex Marriage" (March 27th, 2013).

"This led to an amusing exchange between Cooper and Justice Elena Kagan. Kagan said, by Cooper’s reasoning, a 55-year-old couple could be barred from marrying since they could not produce offspring. Laughter erupted from the courtroom audience when Cooper responded by noting the 55-year-old man, at least, would be fertile. Justice Antonin Scalia chimed in with weird comments about the fertility of the very elderly former senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. How that was germane only Scalia knows."

Jovial Atmosphere In Supreme Court Disturbing During Gay Hearings 

I found this jovial atmosphere in the courtroom disturbing. The dialogue seemed to get stuck on fertility issues and avoided the bigger issue of equal rights as well as the current status of so many  gay couples who are already parents. I thought the discussions in the courtrooom were out of touch with the critical issue of civil rights for every citizen with or without children. And by the way many couples both gay and straight choose to be childless and that too is part of the variety of choices couples make. Here is more from the LA Times article about gay parents and children.

"Oddly, no one pointed out that homosexual couples actually are producing children through sperm donors and surrogate mothers. They are also becoming parents via adoption. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy noted that, in California alone, 40,000 children are being raised by homosexual parents. In the modern world, there is more than one path to parenthood."

Wake Up Judges

Wake up judges ......there is no one version of "family" for gays or for straights. Children raised by gay parents need to be protected in the same way as other families. Here is what The American Academy of Pediatrics says on  "Where we Stand: Gay and Lesbian Parents":


"Increasing numbers of children have been adopted by gay or lesbian individuals or couples in recent years. In some states this has stimulated political debate and public policy change. A growing body of scientific literature reveals that children who grow up with one or two gay and/or lesbian parents will develop emotionally, cognitively, socially, and sexually as well as children whose parents are heterosexual. Parents’ sexual orientation is much less important than having loving and nurturing parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the diversity of families. We believe that children who are born to, or adopted by, one member of a gay or lesbian couple deserve the security of two legally recognized parents. Therefore, we support statutory and legal means to enable children to be adopted by the second parent or coparent in families headed by gay and lesbian couples. The AAP supports civil marriage for all parents who wish to marry, to provide legal and economic stability for parents to more effectively rise their children". http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/types-of-families/Pages/Where-We-Stand-Gay-and-Lesbian-Parents.aspx

Civil Rights Is The Bottom Line

But while protecting the best interests of children is of course a critical issue, the basic civil rights of same sex couples is at the core of these Supreme Court hearings. I found the court hearings yesterday lacking in intelligent discourse. I was extremely disappointed in the conduct of the court. There was an anxious immature atmosphere in the courtroom. We are ALL entitled to equal rights under the law. I urge my readers to speak up and blog about this topic.

The time has come for CHANGE.....and it is no laughting matter!

Supreme court cartoon from http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/03/prop-8-gay-marriage-supreme-court-oral-arguments.html

"I am Not A Second Class Citizen"  photo courtesy of  WFAA.com

Gay family photo courtesy of ABC News Radio http://abcnewsradioonline.com/health-news/same-sex-families-at-risk-with-patchwork-of-state-parenting.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

Thermo-Temp Thermoware Raffiaware Pastel Tumblers 1950's Favorites

Raffiaware Tall Tumblers In Fabulous 1950s Colors 

A few years ago, Martha Stewart featured an article on vintage plastic dishes in her magazine and every dealer ran to their storage sheds, basements and garages and dug out all their Raffiaware.  Following Martha Stewart's article there was quite a buzz in the air as Thermo-Temp Thermoware plastic tumblers, pitchers, bowls, desserts,  etc. were showing up everywhere. The excitement for these hip plastics has settled down a bit, especially in soft colors. But FAB colors such as TURQUOISE and CHARTREUSE  still turn heads.

It's Plastic Time 

As the warmer weather approaches, picnic wares and plastic dishes  start finding their way back into shops and antique boothes. Even though I do not see as much interest in many of these plastics, I still adore them. I came across a wonderul set of  12 ounce tumblers in a small shop in Connecticut  called "Antiques on Whiting" (Plainville).

Great Prices on Raffiaware 

The mint set of vintage plastic tumblers that I found (not in the box) in this small but terrific little packed shop, had pastel colors that were so vibrant. These vintage "Raffiaware" or "Therno-Temp" tumblers as they are known, were being sold in this shop for $2.00 a piece which I consider a very fair. One tumbler was damaged, but the others were mint. If you do a little homework on the subject you will learn that the tumblers I spotted were originally sold from 1956-1959. These tumblers were sold in the 50s in a boxed set of eight  different colors.
The boxed set below is how they were origibnally sold.
The boxed photo is courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/transaction/57984262

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

Red And White Smaller Hoosier Style Cabinet Climbing In Price

Charming Red And White Kitchen Cabinet   

Old kitchen cabinets in mighty fine condition are seeing outrageous jumps in prices in some parts of the country. I am one of those buyers who takes notice of any red and white kitchen Hoosier style cabinet or baking cupboard I come across. I always seem to have a magic number in my head as to how much I will pay for these cabinets which I adore.

Do I Need Another Red And White Hoosier Style cabinet?

I don't even need another red and white kitchen cabinet, but that doesn't mean that I would not buy one at the right price. But lately the prices for cabinets, especially smaller  (narrow) ones that would work well in an apartment or in a small home or tight spot are fetching big bucks.

Readers Guess The Price?

How much do you think the cabinet shown was selling for ? How much would you pay?
How much have you sold similar cabinets for? What part fo the country are you in?

Spotted at Plainville Flea Market At The Crossing, Plainville, 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

Should You Buy Vintage Retro Melmac Dishes?

Melamine (Melmac) Dishes Popular in the 1950s and 1960s 

I adore Retro Melamine dishes. Melamine resin dinnerware which was so popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Melmac was one brand name of Melamine resin "plastic dishes".  During this era, plastics actually took over the favored use of ceramic tableware. As buyers began to see the limitations of Melamine such as easy scratching and staining, the plastic fad in kitchenware lost it's fizzle.

Baby Boomer Remember Melmac Dishes

But, how many of us who are baby boomers warmly remember our dinners on colorful Melmac plates? My mom had a set of orange and white square dishes and cups. Square plates in the kitchen was a very bold step for 50's homemakers. I hate to think of my parents as cool, but thinking back to our stylish Melmac, I guess we were hip.

 Today you will find lots of Melmac dishes around, from full sets to box lots of assorted colors and styles. In an antique shop, as I have written about before, these plastic dishes take up a lot of room on our shelves and often are not big sellers (unless they are in unususal sets)  even at very big discounts.

Displaying Melmac Dishes In Your Antique Booth

Over the weekend I spotted a stash of Melamine/Melmac dishes at Plainville CT Flea Market at The Crossing, Plainville, CT. The dealer, an older women who spends a good deal of time organizing the  details in her booth, displayed her random pieces of Melmac in such delightful ways, that I was tempted to buy some of her dishes. But I remembered how much Melmac I have bought in the past and how long it sits and I resisted the urge!

Can You Microwave Melamine Or Melmac Dishes?

According to what I have read by others who have discussed this topic, it is not a good idea to put vintage Melamine dishes in the Microwave oven. Like other older products, these plastics absorb heat and can burn, crack, blister and change their shape. I have heard of people however who have Microwaved food with these dishes and their experience is that the plates get very hot and they have cracked a few over the years. I am very skiddish about plastics and heat so in my kitchen, I use only glass in the Microwave.
According to discussion on forums hosted by the Sociity for Culinary Arts and Letters,
"Vintage "Melmac" made in the U.S. is safe to use for serving food. 
You can't put it in the microwave or heat it in the oven, temps over 70° C will cause it to break  down" http://forums.egullet.org/topic/140493-melamine/

Please take a look at this FDA aritcle . http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm199525.htm . Another source to look at is http://forums.egullet.org/topic/140493-melamine/

Can You Put Melamine Or Melmac Dishes In The Dishwasher ?

Many readers ask if you can put Melamine or Melmac kitchenwares in the dishwasher? I have found several answers to this question. Some believe that these plastics should only be washed in mild soapy water and not exposed to the harsher soaps used in a dishwasher. I would  be concerned with patterns and colors fading with dishwsher  use. Others are more concerned with food safety and the stabililty of chemicals used in making these dishes when exposed to heat.  Please see: http://forums.egullet.org/topic/140493-melamine/

 I would love to hear from my readers with their experiences?

Visit Diann'e Pinterest Board called 1950s Plastic Kitchen  http://pinterest.com/kitschnstuff/1950s-plastic-kitchen/

Photo Credit:

Turquoise set:  http://noirlacquer.blogspot.com/2011/02/sinful-colors-mint-apple.html
Coral set: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValsVintageShoppe?ref=seller_info
Stacked cups:  http://pinterest.com/pin/182536591118535931/

Read More:
http://retrochalet.blogspot.com/search/label/Residential

http://www.squidoo.com/cleaning-melmac-or-melamine-dinnerware

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

Updating Vintage Chairs With An Elegant And Whimsical Look

Change The Style Of Old Chairs With A Playful Painted And Upholstered Style

When you are updating the look of old dining room chairs, you can add a whimsical feel by changing the way you apply the fabric to the chair seats. My friend Clyde, chose a fun pink and black color scheme for his hair salon and selected fabrics and accessories with tones of silver, white added to his pink and black overall look.

Change The Direction Of How You Apply Fabric To Chair Seats 

I love the way Clyde applied similar fabric colors to his chairs but alternated the direction of the fabric on the chair seats. He also did a reverse of the paint colors on both chairs, yet the chairs do look like they are part of a set.

Visit Clyde's salon http://www.clydestamandshairdesign.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