Introducing Modish.Net: Online Social-Networking Community For Mid Century Modern Design Antiques and Collectibles

Mid-Century Ceramics and Design Found On Modish.Net:    

If you love Mid Century pottery, dishes and design you will LOVE an online social-networking community called "Modish". This beautifully designed site is an amazing  resource for 20th century modern design. You need to join the community and you will then be able to view thousands of pages of collections of ceramics, pottery, glassware, tabletop accessories, flatware, home decor and more.
I can tell you that if you are a fan of Mid Century, you will get lost on this very well organized site. This is my gift to you today...let me know how you enjoyed your visit.

Photo courtesy of http://modish.net/gallery/ceramics-15030

Be sure to also vist Mid Century Pottery and Ceramics Group Forum on I Antique Online.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

Is It Bric a Brac Or Collectibles? Where Have All The Good Vintage Kitchenwares Gone?

In Search Of Vintage Kitchen Collectibles: Getting Hard To Find

One of my absolute favorite pastimes is to go out antiquing and to buy more kitchen collectibles and other favorite collectibles for my shop Kitsch n Stuff, located in The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT. Thank goodness I hoarded a lot of great vintage kitchenwares for years and years.

Is It Bric a Brac Or Quality Vintage Collectibles?

I have written about this topic before so forgive me for kvetching again about this matter. It is just painful for me to see so much bric a brac being passed as "collectibles" both in shops and online. Now that I think of it, what I am finding is that bric a brac is showing up in lovely Antique stores and good stuff is showing up at Flea Markets. The problem is that dealers are selling the "junk" for the same price as the collectibles and the asking price of the collectibles is for the retail market!

Readers: Are You Finding Kitchen Collectibles Easily?

Readers, please take a moment to share yur experiences? Are you able to find genuine kitchen collectibles from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s? Or do you get frustrated having to sift through a lot of bric a brac when you out shopping or surfing online?

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

Downton Abbey Countess Violet Invited To Visit "My Cup Of Tea: Tea Antiques and Collectibles Group"

Violet, Dowager Countness of Grantham would visit "My Cup of Tea Antiques and Collectibles Group"  on I Antique Online.com if she wasn't so busy helping granddaughter Edith Crawley pack for Switzerland 

This post is for all our Downton Abbey fans. I can't believe there is only one remaining episode for this fourth season. Where did the time go? Perhaps you would like to join others  and chat about our fondness for Downton over a cup of tea?  We can meet in a wonderful online group called  "My Cup Of Tea: Tea Antiques and Collectibles Group"  which you will find on my site I Antique Online.com.

Invitation To Violet Dowager  Countness For Tea This Afternoon

I have invited Violet, Dowager Countness of Grantham but her schedule is just so busy that I can't be sure when she will arrive she. I imagine that she is just so busy figuring out what to do about all the comings and goings in her family.   I'm almost certain she is terribly preoccupied with her granddaughter Edith Crawley. It looks like poor Edith is off to Switzerland with her Aunt Rosamund. But if she could, I know she would want to try to stop by and visit with the members of our Tea Group if not today than during the week.

Vintage Tea Related Articles On I Antique Online.com

Before I forget, I have heard from others that Violet is quite impressed with all the forum posts in  "My Cup of Tea Antiques and Collectibles Group"   a group for collectors of teacups, teapots and tea accessories. I know she would want to reserve some time for this charming collectors group if she could. My sense is that now that Robert is back at the castle, she has a lot to do to mend all the family dramas before he catches on. Violet sends her regards to all and hopes to see you soon either in the group or at Downton.  


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

"Lovely Ladies: Vintage Head Vases" Popular Group Forum On I Antique Online.com

Delightful Group Forum On Vintage Head Vases

One of my favorite group forums on my site I Antique Online.com is "Lovely Ladies: Vintage Head Vases". In fact we have a lot of obsessed collectors of these lovely ceramic gals who share lots of   images, information.

and resources on this popular collectible.
Collectors of these popular planters will find great forum posts by Marlin Martin (Forum Moderator) such as "Cleaning Head Vases"  ; "Plastic Flowers And Vintage Head Vases" ; "Golden Rules for Collecting Head Vases" and so much more. We welcome new members to this delightful group.

Photo source:
http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/the-beautiful-jeannie
http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/lovelyladies/forum/topics/children-and-teen-head-vases

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 Small Painted Table Top Vintage Shelf Unit With Cubbies In Your Antique Booth

Antique Booth Display Ideas

I love finding cute smaller vintage
shelves to add to a table top to display glassware or other small objects. Finding suitable mini-cabinets in an attractive color with lots of cubbies is not that easy to find. My suggestion is to visit a large Antique Mall or poke around on Etsy.com or other online sources.  sooner or later you will discover just the right display unit for your antique booth.


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

The Best Blogs About Antiques And Collectibles Are Now Featured on I Antique Online.com

 Blogs About Antiques And Collectibles Listed On I Antique Online.com

I Antique Online.com is what I would call a super-sized Antique blog. Think of I Antique Online.com as the BIG BOX of the best antique blogs. As a social network dedicated to folks who buy, sell and collect antiques, collectibles and art, I Antique Online.com is the place to find every imaginable blog out there related to antiques and collectibles.

Antique Blogs Is Where To Find Articles, News,

As you know, blogging is where the action is. More and more print newspapers are switching to online websites to feature news, articles and information. And I Antique Online.com is now the premiere place for collectors in every area to get the scoop on what is hot and what is not.

What Antique Blogs Interest You?

So if you are looking to learn more about a particular antique or collectible, check out the BLOGS on I Antique Online.com.

Feature Your Antique Blog On The Main Page of I Antique Online.com

When you join I Antique Online.com (FREE) you can add your business or personal blog to the blog directory on the Main page of the I Antique Online.com website.

Members of the site have linked all kinds of interesting and informative blogs about antiques, collectibles and art in a variety of places on the I Antique Online.com social network site.

Target Your Antique Blog To Collector Groups

Besides blogs featured on the main page, members can add their blog feeds to their member profile pages and in any of the over 200  collector groups. You will find antique blogs on jewelry, Pyrex, toys, kitchen collectibles, pottery, cottage collectibles, vintage clothing, business, snow domes, junk, ephemera, textiles, antiquing, auctions, ceramics, kitsch. retro, Mid Century, Victorian ETC.

I Antique Online.com Blog Directory

Join I Antique Online.com 

Readers,  BTW...if you would like to be on my  blog roll for this blog C. Dianne Zweig Kitsch n Stuff which also feeds onto the main page of my site I Antique online.com, please send me an email at Dianne@cdiannezweig.com with a link to your blog and we can exchange blog links. I would love to share the information. 

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

Go Antiquing Online: I Antique Online.com Is Like "Arrested Development for Antique Lovers"

Confessions Of A Social Media Manager 

 I have often thought that if my social network  I Antique Online.com was a T.V. show what would they call it.?

Am I being too sassy, how about "Going To Jail Yard Sale" or  "Don't Ever Curb Your Enthusiam For A Juicy Tag Sale?"

Social Networks Are Like T.V. Dramas

If you want to know the truth...sometimes I Antique Online.com, the largest social netowork for antiques and collelctibles is not at all like a T.V. comedy, but more like a dramatic T.V. series.  There are some days that when I sit at my computer managing the site, that I'm thinking to myself.... who has more drama queens, my family or the site?  And I mean, with over 14, 500  members you can get a lot of sub-plots going on. The winter is still here ......are you hooked on I Antique Online.com yet? Stay warm.....pull up a chair and go antiquing online, it's better than T.V.
!

Are you a member of I Antique Online.com yet? You can join us right now click here: 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Rules About Junking Mom and Dad's Stuff

Sifting Through Mom's and Dad's Accumulated Piles of Stuff 

Antique Dealers Are Waiting For Your Junk

I get really antsy when I hear about making "piles".  Often what is in the "garbage" pile is not exactly garabage! At times I want to leap out of my chair and go rescue some of the things that I hear people throwing out. No, no, please readers, do not be so quick to unload that which you think is "garbage".  

Did you know that a lot of antique dealers regularly replenish their inventory by combing through the piles of "junk" that end up at the dump?

Are You Trashing Treasures?

 I have created a beginning list of items to hold onto and not toss. Over and over again I hear of people who trash some wonderful treasures because they do not think anyone would want them.
Please readers add to this list.  

 Do Not Throw It Out Because:

1. You never liked mom's 1960ish tablecloth with big bold flowers...STOP
2. You are are not a smoker and have no use for an artist signed ashtray from the Mid Century..STOP.
3. You can't see who would want old advertising coffee tins with nuts and bolts in them...STOP
4. You never liked the way grandma smelled so you want to toss out an old talc tin...STOP.
5. You are afraid your grandchildren will get into an old jar of marbles so you want to toss them..STOP
6. You have no use for 1930s magazines stuffed into an old trunk...STOP

7. You never liked mom's souvenir tumblers....STOP
8. You can't stand dad's 1950s barware collection.
9. You have no use for grandma's sewing notions.
10. You see no reason to save grandpa's tools.

That's enough for now. Readers feel free to add to this list.

 Read More: 
 http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2013/01/helping-mom-and-dad-price-collectibles.html

Visit:  http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation

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

Downsizing Your Home: Delay Tactics We Use To Hold Onto Stuff

Do You Save Old Things In Hiding Places To Avoid Parting With Your Collections?  

How can I be writing about downsizing a home when I am one of the biggest savers on the planet.
Besides collections of  this and that, I also am a bookaholic. I suppose I should be proud of my extensive collection of books since I hated reading in grade school. But it really is time to unload some of my "diet books" and "cookbooks" . I can't even believe I bought a book about how to convert every recipe by cooking with TOFU.

Are Your Closets Stuffed With Home Decorating Magazines? 

Oh and before I forget, I also buy way too many magazines and have stacks of  "Country Living", "Martha Stewart Living" and the once popular Mary Engelbreit "Home" piled up in one of my bedroom closets. I won't even go into the
discussion of how many old ski jackets I have hanging around or turtleneck tops I keep stored in plastic boxes. The turtlenecks went out in style for me when I no longer needed to keep my neck WARM because my hormones took over than job!

Why do we buy so much and save so much? Some people like ME....have what I call delay tactics which result in moving saved stuff around  instead of dumping old stuff.

Ways To Delay Dumping Stuff You Own That Needs To Be Gotten Rid Of

1. Open up an antique booth and move some of your collection to a new space (cheap storage).

2. Hide your old clothes that you don't wear anymore in plastic boxes instead of giving to others.

3. Bury boxes of children's toys in places in your home that you can't get to.

4. Schelp ridicuous memorabilia and junk (i.e. rusty road sign

your kid came home with in High School) up to your attic and hope the A/C mechanic doesn't kill himself when he is up there.

5. Pretend to be cleaning out stuff when in truth you are just organizing stuff to accomodate more stuff.

6. Keeping multiple refrigerators and freezers so that you can buy six loaves on bread and freeze and then decide the bread is too old to use.

Readers please add your delay tactics to this list on how you hold onto to stuff instead of throwing out.  








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

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

Are You A Saver of Old Vintage Stuff? 

Do you save the winter time to organize your clutter? If the answer is is not exactly "yes",  then we are in the same club. I tell myself in the warmer months that I'll have plenty of indoor time during the winter months to straighten out

my piles of STUFF. I convince myself to save the big clean out projects for a nice snowy day.

Are You In The Mood To Visit Your Basement ?

Every now and then, I actually venture down to my basement and take a looky around and think.....I'm not in the mood today, maybe next week. And as you might imagine, weeks creep by and I'm back to Spring time and the last thing I want to do is stay indoors and clean out my basement when the weather is warm and the birds are chirping.

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

I have developed a list of the common excuses we use why we do not throw out clutter that accumulates in our basment. Please feel free to add to this list.

1. You never know when you might need birthday plates with fire engines on them.

2. Graduation paper cups.....2011 can become 2014 or 2021very easily.

3. You might need children's boots in case some stray children show up at your door and want to build a snowman in your front yard.

4. In case your GPS fails you can choose one of the 768 tattered and torn maps you are saving.

5. They may call a Retro day at the beach this summer and your boom box radio will be fabulous!

6. It might be fun to have a Halloween picnic this summer and set the table with black and orange plastic forks and knives from a 1982 Halloween fest.

7. You can re-gift all the coffee mugs that your kids gave you that say Happy 40th, 50th, 60th etc. birthday. You can give them back to your kids!

8. Harvesting old jigsaw puzzle down in the basement is not such a bad idea...  you may one day find the missing pieces in your kitchen drawer,

READERS, please add to this list!!!!!!!!!!

Airplane and puzzle  photos are courtesy of House of Young http://houseofyoung.bigcartel.com/products 

Elephant image courtesy of Chock-A-Block on Etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChockaBlock?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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

Collage Jewelry Using Vintage Buttons and Buckles: Visiting Mitzi's Miscellany

Colorful Upcycled Craft Projects With Vintage Sewing Buttons 

I am heading to my own art studio this morning, but I came across yet another delightful post of one of my favorite blogs Mitz's Miscellany that I wanted to share with you.

Learn what Mitzi did with old buttons, buckles and jewelry findings. Read more at  http://www.mitzismiscellany.com/2014/01/collage-jewelry-with-vintage-buttons-and-buckles.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 Are You Saving In Your Office Drawer That Has Past It's Prime Time ?

Are Your Old Office Supplies Collectible Or Trash?

It is one thing to save an old typewriter because it brings back fond memories (o.k. not so fond memories of having to make corrections on term papers over and over again). But it is another thing to hold onto bags of aging rubber bands. You think you are being practical by accumulating lots of terrifc rubber bands in all sizes, but guess what, old RUBBER BANDS get brittle and fall apart!

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Out Your Office Drawer ?

When was the last time you cleaned out your office drawer?  What exactly is still in that drawer? Highlighter markers that are dried out? Staplers without matching staples? You get the point.....there is a lot of stuff in your desk drawers that you are saving way past their expiration date.

Collecting Office Drawer Stuffers

Which brings me to my next thought. Why do we save so much stuff that we know is not really "alive" or useful anymore. O.k. I'm exaggerating a little bit, a dried out magic marker  or rubber band was never really "alive" and "now not alive",  but let's agree these office drawer stuffers are more similar to a fossil than the Philodendron sitting on your window sill. What good is a ink depleted marker or a rubberband that is ready to crumble?

I say when office drawer occupants are no longer able to perform their duties it is time for a honorable burial.  

Photos 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 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

Downsizing A Home To Remedy The Decorating Mistakes You Made Over A Lifetime

Downsizing Isn't What You Think It is About

I have been giving a lot of thought to the concept of "downsizing" lately. At first I considered  the topic of "downsizing" as a process where you purge a lot of your junk and eventually move into a smaller place such as a condo where someone else rakes your leaves. But I have to be honest, this whole concept of "downsizing"  is indeed more dynamic  and exciting than practical. One person's downsize is another person's upsize. And many people are really having a "lifestyle change" more than giving up space.

Downsizing And Going Larger

Recently I met a woman who "downsized" from a 5000 square foot home to a 3000 square foot condo. For her this was a significant "downsize". Another couple I bumped into last week, "downsized" by leaving a small family ranch style home to move to what is actually a larger townhouse condo.   They still called this a "downsize" because they "threw out" all their old stuff.

Downsizing To Get A Better Look 

Which brings me to another related aspect of the "downsize" matter....just how many couples I talk with who "downsize" to create a new and exciting nest. The goal is a new look and not necessarily a streamlined condo.

Downsizing To Play House Again

So basically what I am getting at, is that the whole idea of "downsizing" to a condo isn't exactly about going into smaller quarters. Even getting beyond the original plan for many to eliminate the chores of maintaining a lawn, shoveling snow etc. and gaining other conveniences. Many couples take the leap to move to a condo for other reasons such as to see new faces and have a chance to play house again one more time. Let's face it, it is fun to buy new towels,  to junk your old kitchen set for something   more stylish and  to remedy the decorating mistakes you
have made over a lifetime.
 

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

Designer Susan Driscoll: Patterns Inspired by Vintage Fabrics and Mid Century Modern Design

Kitschy Pattern Designs on Pinterest.com 

Visiting Pinterest.com is like having your very own reference library filled with books, illustrations and magazines. One of my favorite boards I have created on the site is called "Kitschy Pattern Design". I like to "collect" images of patterns inspired by vintage fabric and Mid Century design.

Here is a preview of my "Kitschy Pattern Design" board.

This image is from designer Susan Driscoll who named her studio "The Print Tree". Susan, based in Liverpool, UK is a freelance designer influenced by vintage textiles, nature, mid centrury design and contemporary illustration.

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

Antique Booth Ideas: Painting A Display Shelf In Bright Periwinkle Blue and Yellow.

Colorful Painted Shelf Gets The Attention of Shoppers In An Antique Mall 

I just had to share with you this photo of a colorfully painted cabinet which was recently posted on my site I Antique Online.com. For sure this photo caught my attention as it was uploaded in our phoot gallery on the site. You can also imagine that this shleving unit would catch the attention of buyers who were strolling an antique mall. The whimsical shelf displays collectibles for sale in a multi-group antique shop . Antique dealers...painting one of your cabinets or shelves a bright color is a sure way to bring  more customers to your antique booth!


Photo from Judy Jordan collection: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/very-vintage?context=latest
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

Tips When Determining If Grandma's Antiques and Collectibles Are Worth Anything?

How To Begin To Sort Through Grandma's Antiques and Collections


As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I am often sent photos of antiques, collectibles and trinkets and asked "Is this worth anything?". Or "What should I do with my mom's collection of salt and pepper shakers?". Usually when I get an email with these types of questions I ask the sender first if they have a photo or two for me to look at. To be honest, I'm curious myself. I want to see a preview of what they are talking about.

Finding The Special Collectibles

Can you imagine if the person who is contacting me had a HUGE collection of  McKee or Tipp range set shakers? Or if the shoe box of old jewelry they found in a dresser drawer was packed with beautiful highly collectible Bakelite pieces ?

Usually after I get a chance to see a few photos, I write the sender back and suggest to them that they visit my site "I Antique Online.com" and post their question in the group "Whadja Find" as well as in any of the many collectible groups on the site such as "Furniture" "cookie jars" , "Depression Glassware", "Bakelite" etc. Our Depression Glass group is moderated by famed author Barbra E. Mauzy  who has written many books on Depression Glass.

I Antique Online.com Is A FREE Social Network To Help You Figure Out What You Have 

I Antique Online.com is a social network made up off over 14, 000 members who bring to the community a lot of both personal and business expertise. There is no fee to be part of this community and there always is so much to learn from so many members of IAO who enjoy helping out new members. I like the idea of using I Antique Online.com for feedback because, you will get lot's of advice and the community will self monitor the responses.

Many people will advise you to seek out an appraiser or auction house, which is also a good idea, but how do you know who to go to? On I Antique Online. Com we can help with that process as well. Be sure to visit the group "Estate Liquidation" on I Antique Online.com.

Tips When Determining If Grandma's Antiques and Collectibles Are Worth Anything?

1. Look at the item. To your eye does the item look old or new?
2. Is the item attractive?
3. How is it made? Does it look well made? Is it plain, ornate, stylish? Is there a lot of detail and workmanship?
4. Are their any markings, labels, signatures, numbers?
5. Is anything chipped or broken or repaired?
6. If you had to guess what era the item was, could you? Do you remember what years grandma had the item?
7. What is the item used for?
8. Is the item common or  quite unique?
9. Does it look like a fake or does it show signs of age and use?
10. Where did grandma keep it in the house? Was it cared for? Was it on display? Was it used?

Photos are from I Antiqe Online.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

Shop Handmade Gifts For The Holidays at Farmington Valley Arts Center New Gift Shop and Gallery

 CHOOSE HANDMADE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS: VISIT THE DREZNER HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY AND SHOP at the FARMINGTON VALLEY ARTS CENTER, AVON, CT

Drezner Holiday Gift Shop Gallery open Wednesday through Friday 12:00-4:00pm and Saturday all day 

Visit  http://artsfvac.org/

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

Mixed Media Colors: When You Just Can't "Own" The Palette

Painted Papers For Collage With Colors That Scream Help!

This post is for my Mixed Media followers who will know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to falling into just the right palette. Well let's say the last palette I fell into I just can't own. I  am trying to like it, but it doesn't work for me. Remember the Bravo T.V. show "Work of Art" ? One of the art critics, I think it was Jerry Saltz, would often say "it just doesn't work for me". Well that is how I feel about the colors on the papers I painted for my current series of collages. What do you think....are these colors working
for you?


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

Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery: Getting Ready For Shopping in a Winter Wonderland at The Farmington Valley Arts Center

The Only Holiday Greens I Knew About (Until Yesterday) Were Spinach and Kale 
I am very proud to announce that yesterday marked the first time I helped decorate for Christmas. I've had a lot of experience with blue and white banners, dreidels and this year Thanksgiving latkes, but not much floor time with greens and wreaths. In fact, the only greens I really know about are spinach and kale. 

Decorating The Farmington Valley Arts Center For Winter Wonderland 

So please understand  it was a big deal for me to show up at holiday workshop to help make holiday swags to adorn the outside posts and doors at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT. where I have my art studio (Studio 9B). 



Getting To Know My Holiday Decorating Greens 

I arrived to our beloved classroom in 3A ( a place I have taken many classes before I became "a real artist" LOL). It was there that I was introduced to a whole new variety of holiday "greens" gathered from the landscape around the art center and brought in from our artist's gardens.  I learned that you can use, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Junipers (fragrant), True Cedars, Firs, Spruce, Ivy, Holly (green and variegated) and many Evergreens such as Hemlock. 

Making Holiday Swags Is A Hand's On Experience: Protect Your Hands

By the end of the afternoon, I had a whole new appreciation of the bounty that was available for FREE. But let's get back to the actual hands on experience. You need to be prepared for working with your hands and protecting your hands. Old gloves are helpful. Forget about using the thin surgical gloves that many of us Mixed Media artists use in our studios. You will never be able to wrap wire around your bunches of greens with rubber goves on. You'll get all jammed up, trust me!

Making Holiday Swags

So what actually is a holiday swag? It is an arrangement of greens bound with wire, a colorful holiday ribbon and dressed with embellishments such as coloroful ribbons and bows, berries or  acorns if you wish. After the first four swags I made...the rest were a piece of cake. Making the bows was another story. 

You can see our holiday swags this Friday night, December 6th, 2013 at The Farmington Valley Arts Center Open Studios and Shopping in A Winter Wonderland 6:00-9:00 pm. Sample chocolates in each of the studios and visit The Drezner Holiday Gift Gallery and the Fisher Gallery for a wonderful glimmering exhibit.

For more information visit: http://artsfvac.org/37th-annual-candlelight-opening/