The T-Cozy

Québec City, Revisited

To celebrate our silver wedding anniversary last week, John and I traveled to Québec City, the place where we spent our honeymoon twenty-five years ago. Back then, we stayed at a tiny inn called Manoir Ste. Geneviève. 

We were so happy to see that it is still around and asked a friendly Québecer to take a picture of us in front of it. Manoir Ste. Geneviève is located on a small park right across from Québec's most famous building, Le Château Frontenac (above left). Back then, John and I looked wistfully across the way and promised each other that if we ever returned, that's where we would stay. And sure enough, this time we stayed on the top floor in a room overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, where I found a bouquet of roses from John waiting there for me. 

I just love Québec City's narrow cobblestone streets lined with century-old buildings. Chock full of European charm and easily walkable, everywhere you look, you'll find history, beautiful architecture, quaint shops, and most of all, fine French dining.

On our last night in Québec, we went to a restaurant called Le Saint Amour. We dined there while on our honeymoon in 1988, and I saved the matchboxes as a memento of the delicious meal. Once again, we were thrilled to see that it is still in business. Plus, the food was as delicious as we remembered.

I must share a lovely little coincidence with you… Upon arriving in Québec City, we went to a bistro near our hotel for lunch. As we walked in, John and I heard what was playing over the restaurant's speakers and looked at each other in amazement. It was our wedding song, the first one we danced to as a married couple. Wow! What are the odds of that?  :)

Susan

25 Years of Wedded Bliss

On this day twenty-five years ago, I married my commuter love, the handsome man I spotted across a crowded train. It most certainly was love at first sight. However, it took two months of riding the same train for us to finally meet. 

Once we did, little did I know that I had just met a very special gentleman — someone with the kindest heart — the type of person you can always count on to be there for you. I am so fortunate to have the honor of sharing my life with him. 

Happy 25th Anniversary to my dear husband John, the one true love of my life.

Susan

Celebrating Motherhood

Motherhood is certainly one of the most difficult jobs around, but it is also, by far, the most rewarding and fun. 

I treasure each and every moment with my two children and feel so blessed to have them in my life.

Here's to motherhood! Wishing you the very happiest Mother's Day.

Susan

My Sweet Little Etsy Shop

It has been 5+ years since I opened my Etsy shop. I am proud to say that, to date, I've had over 1,200 sales. However, that didn't happen overnight. It has been a process. For instance, it took me a while to figure out the best way to photograph my items as well as how to write good descriptions. I also spent time establishing my shop's polices so that patrons feel confident shopping with me. I strive to offer the very best customer service, because when it comes right down to it, a patron's satisfaction is my top priority. When a package from T-Party Antiques is waiting on their doorstep, I want them to be surprised at how quickly it arrived, impressed with the care that was taken in getting it to them safely, and thrilled at how chock full of vintage goodness it is.

In case you haven't stopped in for a while, here is a peek at what I currently have available for sale in my sweet little Etsy shop:

Books & Booklets

Home Decor & Housewares

Paper Ephemera

Pottery, China & Glass

Spiral Bound Journals
Textiles & Tablecloths

Tins & Trays

Toys, Games & Playtime

Vintage Miscellany

My shop is always changing as I find more vintage goods with the right vibe — the criteria being nostalgic, fun, whimsical items that make people smile. So check back, because there will be many more items making an appearance in my Etsy shop soon.

Susan

Toleware Trays, Trinket Boxes, and Mother's Day at SoNo Marketplace

Just in at my T-Party Antiques booth at SoNo Marketplace — vintage toleware trays and sparkly trinket boxes! I put this vignette together with Mom in mind. Wouldn't these pretty things make nice Mother's Day gifts?

These trays are from my personal collection. I figure, if and/or when we sell our house, we'll be moving to a much smaller place. So I'm already starting to share many of the vintage goodies I've collected over the years. 

At SoNo Marketplace, we are gearing up for Mom's Day. Along with a delicious brunch on Satuday and Sunday, we are selling $1 raffle tickets for a fabulous gift basket worth over $600. Plus, we are offering 20% off in our booths for the entire weekend.

SoNo Marketplace is located at 314 Wilson Avenue in South Norwalk, CT. This week, the merchant shops will be open on Thursday from 11am to 6 pm, and Friday through Sunday from 10am to 6 pm. Hope to see you there!

Susan

Studio Sweet Studio

Things have been a bit hectic here lately, so I apologize for not posting as often as I'd like. You see, we put our house on the market last week and we've been working hard to get it ready. As you may know, John and I have been talking about selling our house for a while now. With our daughter's move to the city and our son half way through college, it finally felt like the right time to downsize. And although I am looking forward to finding a new, smaller home, there is one room that I will dearly miss — my beloved studio.

My studio is the one room in our house that we added in 1991. Back then, I had a heavy work load as a graphic designer. I needed a space that was quiet with a separate entrance so that I could work and meet with clients and printers without disturbing our growing family. Now I use the room as a sewing and craft space, to run my Etsy business, and to write this blog. It has served me well for the past 22 years.

You have heard me go on about how important it is to have a space of your own, a quiet place to create and reflect on life. My studio has been just that. Filled with all of my favorite things, it has been a constant source of inspiration. Spending time here has made me happy each and every day. 

Now my hope is that someone new will feel the same way. So wish us luck! Let's hope a lovely family will want to raise their children in the home that has sheltered us so well for over two decades.

Susan

Stop By, Say Hello, and Save 10%

Just a quick reminder to local shoppers... My Spring Sale is still underway at T-Party's sweet little brick and mortar booth at SoNo Marketplace. Located at 314 Wilson Avenue in South Norwalk, CT, we are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Please note that my 10% off sale runs through April 28.

You can also receive the discount when you shop at T-Party's Etsy shop. On items over $20, use the coupon code WELCOMESPRING at checkout.

Susan

"We live on a planet and it's very unpredictable."

After a hurricane or a similar wacky weather event, I often remark, "We live on a planet and it's very unpredictable." I've been saying this to my family for years, so when they hear me utter it, they usually roll their eyes. But if nothing else, my comment helps us to remember that this generous planet we live on is all we've got. Therefore, my family and I try our very best to go easy on dear old Mother Earth and treat her with the respect she deserves. I'm sure you do, too.

Happy Earth Day!

Susan

My $5 Vintage Pottery Lamp

I stopped by the local thrift shop the other day. As usual, I failed to walk out empty handed. A five-dollar vintage pottery lamp in a sunny shade of yellow came home with me. Love the lamp — not so crazy about its plain white lamp shade. Time for a little upcycling project...

I decided to transform the shade using a flower and leaf patterned paper with a bark cloth vibe. This paper is actually a vintage curtain panel. Did you know that back in the 1940s and 50s, they manufactured draperies for the home out of paper? Seriously. 

Within 30 minutes, a lovely decoupaged shade was sitting atop my new/old lamp. Doesn't it look sweet?

I have used this paper curtain for other crafty pursuits. Back in 2009, it helped to elevate a black domed lunch box that I found at the very same thrift store.

And last year at the same shop, I discovered an old lighted makeup case. Its white vinyl, faux alligator exterior had seen better days. The paper and more Mod Podge saved the day.

Sadly, I have just about used up the curtain panel. I must keep my eye out for more as they are perfect for decoupage projects.

That's it for now. Wishing you all a happy and safe weekend.

Susan

Collecting Toy Sewing Machines from the 1940s

Of all of the things I sell in my Etsy shop, there is one item that is by far the most popular — toy sewing machines from the 1940s.

Below are some of the ones that have come and gone in my shop. Made to last, these relics were produced post WWII in Berlin Germany's U.S. Zone. 

I am partial to ones made by Kayanee that have flower decals. But they are getting harder to find.

Child sewing, c. 1945. Photo by Lambert/Getty Image

I'm always pleased when these charming toys find happy new homes. Of course, I do have a couple that are keepers on display in my studio's sewing corner.

My latest discovery is the toy sewing machine shown below. It has the cutest decal.

This Artcraft model, along with a blue near mint Kayanee, will be making an appearance in my Etsy shop sometime this week. I also have several other vintage items that need to be listed. I better get started! 

Susan

Raised Expectations

What a beautiful spring day — sunny and warm, perfect for a bike ride. I love pedaling around my coastal community. However, these days what I pass while riding my bicycle is rather unusual.

Homes that sit particularly low in flood prone areas are being raised, sometimes as much as a full story. And the two houses pictured here are just the beginning. I noticed at least six more that are being prepped for elevation. 

These raised structures now loom over their neighboring houses. Unfortunately, Hurricane Sandy has forever changed the integrity of ours and so many other waterfront communities. 

Susan

It's a Welcome Spring Sale at T-Party Antiques

Celebrate Spring! Get 10% off any item over $20. Here's where to shop at T-Party...

Online on Etsy at tparty.etsy.com. To receive the discount, use the coupon code WELCOMESPRING at checkout.

Or bring in this coupon when you visit T-Party Antiques at SoNo Marketplace, 314 Wilson Avenue, South Norwalk, CT. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 6pm.

Happy shopping!

Susan

59 Lunch Boxes: Mission Accomplished!

I did it! After two months of searching on eBay and Etsy, I finally have 59 lunch boxes.

As you may know, I was hired to procure these lunch boxes for a new hotel in Oregon. Curious as to how they will be used, I finally found out that they'll be part of assemblages consisting of a lunch box, a vintage book, and a porcelain owl on top of a lamp base. Interesting! The project manager promises me a photo when they're done.

Now it's time to pack up these relics and ship them across the country to Portland. What a fun project this has been. I love a good challenge.

Susan

Four Little Kittens, Possibly the Cutest Book Ever?

There is one more thing I'd like to share with you that I found at that chock-full-of-books estate sale. This 1934 edition of Four Little Kittens.

This adorable children's book, written and photographed by Harry Whittier Frees, tells the story of Buzz, Fuzz, Suzz and Agamemnon, four cats who dress and act a lot like real kids. They go to school, play, do chores, watch movies, and even prepare for their mother's birthday by baking her a catnip cake and catching her a mouse as a gift.

Pretty cute, right? Mr. Frees dedicated the book to his feline models. He also included this note: These unusual photographs of real kittens were made possible only by patient, unfailing kindness on the part of the photographer at all times. Let's hope so. Quite frankly, I'm amazed that cats would tolerate wearing clothes and posing for pictures. Perhaps Harry was actually an expert taxidermist? What do you think?

Susan

What's New at T-Party Antiques?

I am always changing things up in my T-Party Antiques booth at SoNo Marketplace. Gotta keep it fresh!

Spring has sprung, so I put together this vignette of garden related items.

I am now stocking the Heavens to Betsy line of notecards, journals, magnetic notepads and gift enclosures. Created by my friend Betsy Goodenough, they feature antique engravings and woodcuts printed on 100% recycled paper. Don't they have the perfect vintage vibe for my booth? Love 'em! 

Last week, I was able to zip over to an estate sale. Lucky me — it had a basement full of antique books with beautiful cover art and typography. They really appeal to the graphic designer in me. 

Sorry so brief today. We are running out to catch the train into NYC for a seder with our extended family. Happy Passover!

Susan

My Well-Dressed Bicycle

On this first day of spring, I dusted off my bicycle and headed to the market in town. I have missed riding my bike these last few months and it felt good to be in the saddle once again. However, at around 40 degrees, it was a chilly ride. At least the sun was out and my bicycle was looking good decked out in its new "dress guard."

What is a dress guard? Made from crochet yarn, it partially surrounds the rear wheel of a bicycle to prevent a coat or long skirt from getting sucked up in the spokes. Dress guards can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. After a rainy day, the crochet work will dry like laundry on the line. 

Dress guards are certainly useful, but I have to admit, I wanted one simply because they are so pretty. 

I planned to purchase a dress guard from Simeli, a Dutch company that sells lovely ones in an array of colors. Instead, I found Amy on Etsy. With a shop featuring accessories for bicycles and cyclists, she kindly offered to make one for me. We found the crochet pattern from Dorien, another Etsian, at this link. 

I love my bike's snazzy new dress guard. Thank you, Amy!

Susan

My Vintage Lunch Box Quest

I am making steady progress in my search for 59 vintage lunch boxes for a hotel in Portland, Oregon. So far, I have amassed 44. And as you can see, they are taking over my Hoosier cabinet.

Everyone has been asking how theses lunch boxes will ultimately be used. At this point, I really don't know. I imagine them in a display of some sort or resting inside individual cubbies together on a wall. I think that would look quite striking, don't you?

Just 15 more to go!

Susan

News flash! I just heard from the project manager as to how these boxes will be used. She said they will be creating a collection of assemblages consisting of a lunchbox, a vintage book, and a porcelain owl on top of a lamp base. I can't quite picture what she means, but she promises me a photo when they are done.

Decal-icious

Here is my recipe for irresistibility: Take a plain, mundane object and apply a 1940s water slide decal. The result? Instant vintage appeal!

What can I say... I'm a sucker for almost anything bearing a vintage decal. Are you?

Susan

Just Plain Fun

Whether you are browsing around my SoNo Marketplace booth or scrolling through my Etsy shop, you will usually find an array of nostalgic vintage toys.

Chock full of vintage appeal and warm-fuzzy memories, these playful relics are fun to have on display in a family room, game room, sewing room, child's bedroom... anywhere!

Wishing you a fun-filled Monday,

Susan

This Morning's Prettiness...

Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend!

Susan

Restocking My Shops for Spring

I've been consumed this week with finding, photographing, pricing, listing, and arranging a slew of items in my Etsy shop and SoNo Marketplace booth. Here are a few of those yummy vintage finds, below.

It has been a bit challenging finding items for my shops this winter. However, with spring just two weeks away, it will be flea market and estate sale season very soon. Yay!

Susan

On Sundays, a Bit of Vintage Bling

Are you a fan of antique jewelry? If so, be sure to stop by my booth at the SoNo Market Place on Sundays. Liz, the nice lady who works for me that day, brings in a lovely assortment of vintage necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches to sell.

Here is a little peek...

Such pretty things! If you are in the area, SoNo Market Place is located at 314 Wilson Avenue in South Norwalk, Connecticut. The merchant store hours today are 10am to 6pm.

Enjoy your Sunday,

Susan

Lunch Box Project Progress Report

One month down, and so far I have found 29 vintage lunch boxes.

With 30 more to go to complete the project by mid-April, I'm now at the half-way point of this challenging lunch box project. Then all 59 will be shipped off to Portland, Oregon, a place I've never been but have always wanted to visit. Wish I could deliver them in person!

Susan

The Monolith in My Backyard and Other Construction Projects Around Town

Over the past few months, my bucolic backyard view has undergone an alarming transformation. Back in September, this was what I saw from my studio window...

And this is what I see today — an enormous 3+ story monolith of a house! Not only does it loom over our yard, it is completely out of scale with the homes around it.

I can't wait for spring when the leaves return to provide some coverage of this eyesore. When I'm seated at my drawing table, it blocks out a good portion of the sky. Ugh!

Right now, there are several other homes under construction in my town. Some have no choice due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. Others were perfectly nice vintage houses that have been torn down simply to make way for much larger structures. Two of the latter are shown below.

The small cottage, above left, had a inviting back porch with a glorious Long Island Sound view. Now, a monster house is being erected in its place.

This house, also on the water, had a lovely side garden and a greenhouse in the back. Now, much of the land is taken up with the huge new structure, sans greenhouse. 

As you know, I'm a fan of small, cottage-style homes. Unfortunately, some architects and builders in my area believe that bigger is better. And then what are we left with? Two things: a mish-mash of oversized "look at me" houses that don't blend in — and a lot less sky.  :(

Susan

A Work Table With a Past

Little by little, I'm making improvements to my sweet little booth at the SoNo Market Place. My latest tweak is a new front desk — a counter-height stainless steel table that gives me lots of room to wrap purchases. I'm really enjoying the larger work surface. 

Does the table look a little familiar? It has been residing in my home studio for the past four years.

And before that, it was a prominent fixture in the kitchen of my tea room for five years. When we closed in 2008, I took the 1940s fabric from my shop's front counter, below right, and placed it on the work table to pretty it up and create concealed storage.

Now ten years old, this super useful work table is like the Energizer Bunny. It just keeps on going!

Susan

The Vintage Lunch Box Project

Have a peek at my latest endeavor . . .

I've been asked to procure 59 vintage lunch boxes for a firm out in Portland, Oregon. Yes, you heard right — 59!

The photo above shows what I've found so far. Fortunately, I have been given three months to amass all of them. I am definitely up for the challenge. Only 45 more to go!

Susan

Say "Ahhh" to Spring!

At last! The spring 2013 issue of Studios magazine has just been released. This idea-filled magazine provides loads of innovative ideas to help you turn your vision of a dream studio space into a reality. Artists and crafters of all types, including quilters, fiber artists, mixed-media artists, jewelry makers, sewists, painters, writers, bloggers, and more, share their stories, tips, and studios. 

On page 20 of the new issue, you'll find my article titled "Say "Ahhh" to Spring!" As you may know, it was inspired by the window display I saw last May at Baltimore's Trohv store here. My article has photos and step by step instructions on how to make a craft stick valence, perfect to add a bit of whimsy and color to your studio.

Look for the spring issue of Studios at a bookstore or newsstand near you. Or you can order it online at this link.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Susan

All You Need Is . . .

Happy Valentine's Day!

Susan

Valentine's Day Cards Handmade by Kids in the 1930s

These Valentine's Day cards, part of the large lot I've been selling in my Etsy shop, are quite inventive. They were handmade by classmates of a boy named Walter back in the 1930s. Some are hand drawn; others utilize parts of other valentines. And a few are collages featuring patterned papers and wonderful vintage images. So sweet!

 Aren't they adorable?

Susan

Vintage Pottery in the Palm of Your Hand

I don't have to go in to work today, so I'm laying low, staying home, and being productive on this snowy pre-blizzard day. These are just a few of the many tasks I want to get to — laundry, new listings in my Etsy shop, organizing paperwork for my 2012 tax return, and writing this post, which has been hanging around in my blog's draft folder for a couple of weeks. So let's get to it . . . 

As you know, I am quite the fan of vintage pottery. I have a large collection of aqua and green pieces in my family room as well as many matte white pieces in my living and dining rooms. 

Along with full-sized pieces, I have a weakness for miniature pottery. As is just about everything in miniature (babies, puppies, kittens), these little pieces are so darn cute. Perfect to round out a collection, they look super sweet displayed on vintage play furniture like my doll hutch, above, or the toy dressers, below.

Not too long ago, this instant collection of mini pitchers sold in my Etsy shop.

Now I'm spreading the miniature pottery wealth once again. The tiny relics, shown below in the palm of my hand, can be found in my Etsy shop here.

Now that this post is finally complete, on to folding laundry. All the best to those of you in the path of tonight's blizzard. Please keep your fingers crossed for us that there will be no coastal flooding!

Susan