Display Your Collectible Vintage Postcards In Hanging Plastic Photo Sleeves

Have Some Fun With Plastic Sleeves For Your Vintage Postcards

O.K. vintage postcard sellers and collectors, this post is for you. Once again my friend Peter of Tree House Art & Antiques has found a clever way to display old postcards.

Peter really does need to come up with nifty ways to display stuff because he packs in stuff into his shop lilke nobody I know.

What Peter has done is place vintage postcards into plastic photo sleeves which he allows to dangle freely from strategic spots in his shop.

This idea works great for several key reasons:
1. The plastic protectors sleeves keeps the postcards clean.
2. You get to present many postcards at one time.
3. It's easy to hang anywhere in your shop or even in your home.

Tree House Art & Antiques
202 main Street
New Hartford, CT
860-307-3356

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Pretty In Pink: Painting Your Antique Mall Booth Space Walls PINK

Shabby Chic Lovers Will Adore Pink Walls In Your Antique Booth Or Shop

If you sell pretty antiques and collectibles, you may want to consider painting the some or all of the walls in your Antique shop or booth space PINK. I just had to share with you an absolutely lovely booth space showcased on http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.com/

Adding Pink Painted Pegboards

Pink painted walls and peg boards work very well with cottage style collectibles as well as "Shabby Chic". Combined with white painted shelving and furnishing, pink walls are delicious.
Often all it takes to transform an antique booth or shop is a unifying paint color.

Cottage Style Goes Well With Pink Painted Walls

Because cottage collectibles include rose themed accessories, the pink walls are a terrific way to
create a softer tone for your booth which works so well with delicate floral wall decor, tea sets, decorative plates, textiles etc.

Photos Courtesy of http://dignifiedrubbishblog.blogspot.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Who Moved Or Re-Moved My Cheesy Antiques And Collectibles?

The Hem and Haw Of Keeping Track Of Cheesy Collectibles

Don't you just fall apart when someone comes into your Antique booth or shop and decides to re_decorate for you ...i.e. pull apart your displays or pick up an object and take it to a booth clear across the mall or de-construct an item in some way?

Dust Collecting Junk

The sad part is that some of my junk has been sitting in my booth for so long that when I spot one of my "things" three rows down in another dealer's booth, I actually recognize my missing object.
Attached To My Collectibles

I suppose we get attached to our merchandise even though we also can get sick of collectibles that we have had for way too long. I don't know about you, but when I see that something I have owned has sold after sitting around in my booth for what seems like an eternity I scream out in absolute JOY.... the old thing is GONE.

"Who Moved My Cheese"

Remember the cheesy book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, M.D. a book which told the story of adapting to change. "Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life-whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind."

CHANGE Must Take Place

As the story goes in the book, one day the cheese is gone and CHANGE must take place. What about applying the "cheese' story to our business of selling antiques and collectibles? Do you get unraveled when someone comes into your shop or antique booth and moves around your items for sale? I do....I have even walked up to my Front Desk Manager (at my Antique Mall) and declared that it appears that something in my booth is missing.

Looking For Missing Collectibles

Calmly Robert (our front desk manager) tells me to check my booth again and lo and behold I usually find the missing object buried somewhere unexpected in my very own booth. I hate to say it but more than a few times, the object is found "maimed" or "dis-connected" . Imagine finding only the groom of a tacky imported bride and groom set or the lid missing from a stinky old jar.

PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

I have a hard time imagining that someone is our there kidnapping ceramic brides or unscrewing rusty lids from jars or shlepping my stuff clear across our 22,000 square feet store to another dealer's booth. This is what I have to say to all of you PLEASE DON'T MOVE MY CHEESY ANTIQUES ANYMORE !

Assemblage Photo Courtesy Of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockwasher/page1/

Oregon Cheese Photo Courtesy of Country Living. 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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Children's Birthday Party Napkins From the 1950's And 1960s

Vintage Party Goods Delight Baby Boomers

Once again look what I found on .... http://sip-of-sarsaparilla.blogspot.com/ Children's Retro Birthday Party Napkins. I really had no idea how many people like to collect children's vintage party goods from paper plates to nut cups to cute little napkins. Check out sites like Etsy.com and you will see what i am talking about.

Let's Re-Visit THE Birthday Party

My goodness, it is so much fun to re- visit some of these party accessories from my childhood back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Apartment Parties

Living in a small "Garden Apartment' in Fresh Meadows, Queens (N.Y.), birthday parties were held either in your living room or in the spooky community basement where the washer and dryers were kept. Believe me, the party room in this "recreation room" in the basement needed more help than a few balloons and streamers.

Vintage Party Themes

But it was a blast picking out your party theme each year. Usually napkins which went with plates, cups, tablecloths etc. were of popular images from cartoons, T.V. shows, Disney, the circus, sports and more. Other common subjects for images were cowboys and cowgirls, space themes, tea parties, marching bands, poodles etc.

Party Goodies

Oh yes, I can visualize some of these parties as if it were just yesterday. The "Bridge table" would be dragged out of the closet and added to another table and set with a paper tablecloth. Then I would help to set the table and fill the ruffled nut cups or plastic party baskets with Hershey Kisses or M&M's etc. The cake always coordinated with the theme of the party. Mickey, or Donald or Felix or later Fred Flintstone might be the star of honor.

"Little Girl Themes"

For a real change, we might do a frilly pink party and use party goods with a "feminine touch", like images of gals with bonnets at a tea party. The streamers, in coordinated colors would hang from one end of the party room to another. The room with look so pretty and than the kids would arrive with presents in hand (the best part).

Oops.....Here Comes The Soda

And year after year, mom would serve the birthday cake and pour glasses of soda ...yes I said soda...it was in the 1950s....and without skipping a beat...some excited kid would spill their soda all over the paper tablecloth and party goods and the party would move to "game time" !

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Sassy Retro-Vintage Products Designed by Anne Taintor

Retro Lovers Adore Anne Taintor Sayings And Products

Have you all found Anne Taintor designs yet? She is the gal who created all those fun edgy magnets, calendars, note cards, barware, bags etc. with vintage images and sassy sayings.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with graphic artist Suzy Massey (Phoenix Massey Studio) who designed the Anne Taintor website. Suzy told me how Anne Taintor, a 1977 Harvard graduate never imagined that her kitchen table hobby would become the successful business it is today. While Anne now resides in New Mexico and has passed on the day to day operations to others, The Anne Taintor Company is still a big hit among retro lovers.

How Anne Taintor Started

Anne began her business in 1985 as a single parent who wanted to work at home so she could spend more time with her daughter. She first started making collaged pins and magnets using vintage images and Anne's own clever captions.

A hit among her customers, Anne's business grew and grew and each year more and more products were added to her inventory.


"I feel a sin coming on"

"We have nothing to fear but our mothers."

"I can't be good ALL the time"

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Groovy Flower Power Pillows Made From Plonka Home Of Norway

Exciting 1960s And 1970s Colorful Mod Fabric Pillows

Have a little fun. jazz up your Living room or "Media room" with some BOLD COLORFUL PRINTS in some wonderful combinations of rust, orange, brown, yellow, gold, olive green.

Finally, I found some groovy pillows made from original 1960s and 1970s Mod fabric. Introducing Plonka Home Of Norway

These colorful Flower Power decorative accessories are made by Plonka Home . of Norway, a shop i found on Etsy.com. Created as 16 inch pillow cases, the front is original fabric and the back is a high quality linen according to their shop descriptions.

Mixing Mod With Today's Style

These bold designs of flowers, geometrics and abstracts would compliment today's "Transitional Style" where updated furniture styles are mixed with retro and vintage elements such as wall decor, pillows and textiles. Priced at $24.00 with an $8.00 shipping charge, these funky pillows are still way more reasonable than finding new pillows or having custom made pillows made from a decorating service.

Where Does Plonka Find Her Groovy Fabrics?

I'm not sure where this gal finds her fabrics, but she sure does have a beautiful collection of 1960s and 1970s patterns in a variety of authentic palettes.

Some people add pillows at the end of their decorating make-overs. But surely one could start with these pillows and build a fabulous room around them.

Visit Plonka home on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plonkahome

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Tutti Frutti Lampshade Made Out Of A Vintage Tablecloth

Retro Lamps Shades Made From Vintage Tablecloths
It seems that I keep finding more and more uses for vintage tablecloth cutters. One of my favorite sellers on Etsy.com is Sassy Shades. This gal creates lamp shades out of vintage barkcloth, doilies, runners, tea towels, remnants and old tablecloths.

Fruits And Flowers For Your Kitchen

Look at this wonderful lamp shade, Sassy is calling "Tutti Frutti". Here is how she describes her shade: " It was handmade from a vintage tablecloth. The back ground is white, with an array of fruit and flowers in vibrant colors of green, yellow, blue, pink, and a rosy red. It would be very darling with your cottage or shabby chic decor as well as fun accessory for the kitchen!"

Description
Square Frame (4 panel) measuring:
Top 3"
Bottom 5-1/2"
Height 6"

The inside frame has been hand wrapped in grosgrain ribbon with the outside trimmed in the same fabric. This lampshade has a clip for a regular size light bulb.

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Vintage Rooster Sewing Caddies

Sew Charming.......Rooster Caddies

How charming are these hand crafted Vintage Rooster Sewing Caddies? As you can see these handmade wooden rooster themed caddies usually have holders for thread spools, a scissor, pin cushions and sometimes even a drawer for sewing notions.

Red And White Roosters

Painted in red and white, I'm guessing these novelty items were from the 1940s or early 1950s when red, white and yellow kitchens and home accessories prevailed.

I wonder if they were kits found in magazines? I would love to discover some original instructions of some of this folk art style projects.

Rooster Sewing Caddies With Personality

If you look closer at these photos, you will see that these fellas have a lot of personality.Some of these wooden sewing holders have wings which are really pin cushions that are attached and made out of checked or gingham material.

The hand painted features in black paint are also personalized to give each sewing caddy a unique look.

To me, it would be so much fun to have a room filled with these roosters. you could name all your feathered friends!

Attention Rooster And Sewing Collectors

These type of collectibles have appeal to both collectors of all things "rooster" as well as collectors of old sewing accessories. And because so many collectors adore roosters, you will find that these collectibles can sell easily for $16.00-24.00. Try searching for these treasures on-line. I have found a grouping of them on Etsy.com. eBay and other sites are also good places to search. You may also want to check in with shops that feature sewing collectibles.
Visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/vintagesewingcollectibles to share more with other Vintage Sewing collectors.


Photos courtesy of:

http://bricolage-julier.blogspot.com/
http://planettreasures.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathysSewingRoom

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Using A Grocery Shopping Cart To Have A "Hodge-Podge" Or "Jumble Sale"

Learning From The Brits About How To Sell Junk

I love this idea of throwing all your junk or White Elephants into a grocery shopping cart and having one whopper "Hodge-podge" or "Jumble" Sale.

While in the United Kingdom, Jumble Sales are a bit more elaborate, why not have a mini-"Hodge-podge (Jumble) sale right in your own booth?

According to Wikipedia, "Hodge-podge" is a word used to describe a confused or disorderly mass or collection of thinks; a "mess" or a "jumble".

The Jumble Room

I have heard the term "Jumble Room" used by Brits to refer to the spare room in the house where all the unwanted things headed for the "Jumble Sale" reside. Perhaps we in the USA may use the term "rummage sale".

In the United Kingdom, a Jumble Sale is usually sponsored by a local Scout Group or church.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Anderson

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Adopt A Bathroom: Displaying Collectibles In Your Antique Mall Bathroom:

Bathrooms Are A Perfect Place For Displaying Collectibles, Vintage Wall Decor And Extra Storage

Are you running out of space for your collectibles in your shop, mall (or home) ? Well here is the perfect solution...adopt the bathroom. If you lease space in a large Group Shop or Antiques Mall, what does your bathroom look like? Can you adopt the space?

Is Your Bathroom Boring?

Is your bathroom boring? Do you have anything hanging on the walls? What about shelves, does your bathroom have any nooks and crannies? What can you do to change this space into display space?

Claim Your Bathroom

Don't waste any time....claim your bathroom. Here is what I did a few years back. I was renting space in a large Multi-Dealer shop with a stinky poopy bathroom. BUT it had lots of walls and plenty of room. In my mind, I could see the perfect make-over and now all I had to do was convince the owner of the Group Shop to offer me the additional space at no cost in exchange for making it look attractive or interesting and keeping it fresh and tidy. When the bathroom was done, shoppers loved to visit the bathroom!

Creating Shelves from Old Wooden Boxes

I mounted an assortment of different size wooden boxes (that had compartments or dividers) on the wall to create "shelves' and display boxes for small and cute collectibles. I used a vintage powder room- quirky theme and gathered up all the odds and ends that I didn't mind placing in the bathroom. I covered the walls with fun stuff!

If you have things that are "precious' you can also hang a locked glass cabinet on the wall if you have space. But I used the bathroom as an extra space to "store" and display the overflow from my booth and just displayed low value items.

What To Display In Your Vintage Bathroom

1. Old drugstore tins.
2. Vintage pharmacy bottle.
3. Old magazine advertising (beauty, fashion, hair, cosmetics).
4. Talc tins.
5. Baby and nursery accessories.
8. Quirky figurines.
9. Orphaned objects (one of a kind).
10. Old hats
11. Hair nets, hair pins, rollers.
12. Old hair blowers.
13. Shaving collectibles.
14. Nail accessories.
15. Vintage soap.
16. vanity collectibles.

Should You Worry About Missing Objects ?

When I converted the bathroom of the Group Shop I was leasing a booth in, I actually sold a lot of things out of the bathroom. I never put anything too good in the bathroom and I never worried about things that were missing. In fact, sometimes i really wanted some fo those good ole things to disappear.


Tips About Collectibles in Bathrooms

Be sure that you have plenty of toilet paper, paper towels and soap in a dispenser. You do not want people using your "collectibles' in place of the products they ought to be using.!

Photo are courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Top Ten Excuses Why Your Antique Mall Or Shop Business Is Slow

Diagnosing Your Antique Mall Doldrums

This post is for those of us who are IN THE ANTIQUE BIZ and who are accustomed to hearing excuses for why business is off in our Antique Malls or shops. No matter what the month or season is......I have friends who will tell me why business is slow. And as you have probably already guessed....there are plenty of possible explanations. Feel free to add you own ideas about Why business is slow!

Top Eleven Excuses:
Why Your Antique Business is Slow

1. "Everyone is on vacation"

2. " People are busy outdoors (raking leaves) (shoveling snow) (mulching property) .

3. "It's too hot to go out"

4. "It's too cold to go out"

5. "It's raining too hard"

6. "Gas prices are up"

7. "It's back to school and mom's are busy"

8. "It's tax time "

9. "The volcano erupted"

10. "It seems everyone is attending a Tea Party protest event this weekend .

11. Election Distractions

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Collectors Enjoy Buying Kitchenwares With Original Labels And Price Markings Or Stickers

The Value Of Original Labels

I adore finding "mint' kitchen collectibles that still have the original packaging or labels or price tags intact. Thank goodness that so many folks hang onto good old stuff packed away in their cluttered basements, attics and garages. These pack rats are what keeps all of us "hunters" happy.

Handle With Care

When you do find collectibles that have original markings and labels in place, be very careful when handling and cleaning these wonderful older housewares.

I know this sounds obvious, but don't get labels wet. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust around the label, but stay away from directly soaking the advertising or manufacturers label. Once you remove the identifying information or distort the writing with water you have lost a good deal of their history. Of course if you are buying collectibles for use in your kitchen, you will indeed have to peel away stickers etc. If possible, try to hold onto wrappings, boxes, stickers etc for later re-sale.

China Markers Used To Mark Housewares

Often Five & Dime Stores marked planters, figurines, glassware, S&P's, housewares with China or Grease Pen markers (waxed pencils). While it's usually hard to rub off China markers easily, some sellers try to "get rid of" any evidence of the cheaper price for fear that buyers will think the current price is "too much". The same logic sometimes prevails when a seller thinks about removing a paper or foil label.

Stickers, labels, tags, markings provide important information. It helps buyers and sellers identify and date these kitchen collectibles.

Made In Japan

Another important point to remember is that products have more monetary value when the original advertising label is still on. And don't be so quick to peel off a 'Made In Japan" sticker. In the collecting world, MIJ collectors are plentiful. I have heard of sellers who think people won't buy "cheap" wares. Some sellers worry that they won't get their asking price if the original price is left on an item. Not true, labels and stickers are very important...keep them on!

Fire king photo Courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/ricracandbuttons?ref=seller_info

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting And Decorating With Antique Purple Bottles

Vintage Purple Bottles Look Great Grouped Together

Why Bottles Change Color

Here is a beautiful collection of old bottles which have turned purple in color after years and years of exposure to sunlight. Bottle collectors know that the color purple results when a bottle with the chemical Manganese Dioxide is exposed to sunlight.

From Manganese Dioxide To Selenium

Glass starts off aqua-blue or green and becomes clear after manufacturers add what is known as a clarifying agent. According to The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, prior to World War I, Manganese Dioxide obtained primarily from Russia was used as a clarifying agent. When our source of Manganese Dioxide was cut off by German blockades, a different chemical (Selenium) was used to clarify glass.

Dating Your Purple Bottle

This is an important piece of historical information to help date bottles. Selenium does not turn bottles purple when in contact with the ultra violet rays of the sun. Since WWI began in 1914 and ended in 1918, older purple bottles would be date to the time when Manganese Dioxide was used
(prior to WWI).

Purple bottles are not only interesting to collect, they make very attractive decorative accessories
when grouped together in small collections. Look for bottles of different sizes and shapes .

Read More Information About Vintage Purple Bottles

Federation Of Historical Bottle Collectors

Vintage Glass Bottles

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Vintage Red Metal Candy Cabinets Are Great For Displays:"Everybody Loves Candy"

Bright Red Vintage Metal Candy Racks Featured At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut

One way to bring a charming vintage look into your store or home is to use an older metal display rack as a decorative piece. Recently, I spotted two wonderful matching bright red candy racks at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. On the top of the rack the sign reads : "Everybody Loves Candy"

As I turned the corner from where my booth is located, I practically ran into these marvelous Colorful Era displays. Probably from an old Luncheonette, old Drugstore or Candy Store, these red beauties are the cats meow!

Everybody Likes Candy

At first the racks were tagged and for sale. But when I returned a few days later, Cindy (co-owner) adopted one for her Cruisin cafe to feature snack foods and Doug (husband and co-owner), adopted the other rack for the entry way of this 22,00 square feet Antique Mall to hold free pamphlets and info about antiquing.

I'm not totally sure these fab cabinets are still for sale...BUT I just betcha they are! .

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.

Visiting The Rockin' Cruisin' Cafe At Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut

Antique Lovers Will Adore The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut With A Retro In-House Cafe

The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford, Connecticut is all geared up for the Labor Day Weekend. This has to be one of the best Antiques Malls you will ever visit.

Cindy who co-owns the store with her husband Doug runs a really fun in-house Retro Cafe.

I thought I would share some new photos of the "Cruisin Cafe", to show you how nifty this old fashioned eatery looks. This is a place that you can take the whole family to. Cindy and Doug are always adding new props to the cafe making it a destination in of itself.

With the help of Cindy's mom, the menu is delish!

Located in The Collinsville Antiques Co. this 1950's styled cafe makes for a winning combination of shopping and great meals.

Full menu available for take-out, see below.

The Crusin' Cafe is closed Mon. and Tu

With over 22,000 square feet of showroom located on one floor,

we are one of the largest antiques shops in New England

Cruisin Cafe SAMPLE MENU


Big Bopper - Philly Steak and Cheese etc.

RTE 66 - Pastrami Melt

Sock Hop Grilled chicken Teriyaki etc.

Buddy Holly - Turkey BLT

Beatnik - Triple Decker

Elvis - Grilled Chicken Wrap etc.

Groovin - Veggi Delite

Chicken BLT

Harley Melt- Grilled Cheese with Turkey

There is a fabulous Ice Cream Bar serving Buck's French Ice Cream and a scrumptious full breakfast menu served all day long. For those who like lighter food, Cindy makes terrific salads.
The prices are very very reasonable!

The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford
283 Main St. (Rte. 44)
New Hartford, CT 06057
(860) 379-2290
Open 7 Days, 10am - 5pm

By the way, if you walk out of the side entrance of the cafe, you will walk right in front of my shop, Kitsch n Stuff!

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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 Authors Guild, Inc.