The T-Cozy

1946 American Fabrics Magazine, a Post War Textile Industry Publication

My recent estate sale forays led me to a fabulous find — the very first issue of American Fabrics, a quarterly publication which charted trends and developments in the post-war American textile industry.

This oversized folio perfect-bound book is filled with interesting articles and spectacular ads from 1946. From cover to cover, this 160-page magazine is simply wonderful. 

Inside you'll find an original letter from the publisher, several tipped on full-color plates, a tissue paper insert with real fabric swatches, a key to color harmonies, and so much more. Have a look . . .

Here are some of the magazine's editorial pages . . .

This key to color harmonies is really interesting . . .

And the ads in this publication are equally as fascinating . . .

If you are a fan of fabric, fashion, or the 1940s, this magazine is for you! You can find its listing in my Etsy shop here.

Susan

Getting My Ducks in a Row

What a busy March it has been! I've spent this month working on a variety of creative projects to help organize and grow my business. 

One of my goals for March was to find lots of interesting vintage items for my Etsy shop. As you know,  I've traveled all over the state to various estate sales. I've also worked on improving my listings with better descriptions and product photographs. 

Another goal of mine was to simplify my website and pare it down to its essence. Take a peek at tpartyantiques.com and let me know what you think. You'll see that there are less pages, the copy has been rewritten and I've added some new photos. I'm very pleased with the result. And since my studio is always changing, I hope to shoot new pictures this spring for my studio tour page. 

In April, I plan to devote myself to getting more shelter magazine writing, styling and photography projects. You can click on the magazine covers in the "As Seen In" section in the right-hand column of this blog to view my magazine articles to date. I've really enjoyed this type of work and hope to do more of it in the future.

I think my ducks are lined up pretty well now. I feel nice and organized for what I hope will be a busy and productive spring. 

Susan

Artwork courtesy of Canonto at deviantart.com.

A Button Bouquet for Beth

Last week, I received a request for a custom made button bouquet from Beth, one of my Etsy patrons. It was a rainy day and there is nothing I like better than getting crafty in my studio when it's dreary outside. Plus, I'd much rather work on a button bouquet than the pile of paperwork I had waiting for me on my desk.

So I turned on some music, had a seat at my drafting table and began to sort through my jars of vintage buttons.

Beth wanted the bouquet for her Hull lady planter, similar to the one I have. She also wanted it to match her kitchen which is done in Jadeite green, red and yellow with touches of blue. I got all of my supplies ready and searched for just the right buttons.

And here is the finished bouquet! Isn't it sweet?

I sent off the bouquet and it arrived to Beth just yesterday. She kindly left me positive Etsy feedback stating that it looks lovely in her planter. Yay! This was first time I was asked to do a custom button bouquet. I'm so glad Beth is pleased with it. 

Thanks, Beth. That was fun!

Susan

March Estate Sale & Etsy Listing Madness

Every Friday during the month of March, I have traveled to estate sales far and wide in search of terrific items to offer for purchase in my Etsy shop. Here's a peek at my newest vintage finds.

Colorful red and aqua items . . .

Vintage textiles: bark cloth, tablecloths and curtain panels . . .

Things that say "Spring". . .

Calm and neutral items . . .

And a little bit of this and that . . .

I may go to a couple more estate sales this Friday. Then, in a mere 12 days, the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market will reopen for the season. I never made it there last year, but I plan to go this spring, for sure. Wish you could come along!

Susan

Hello Spring! What Took You So Long?

Finally. It's spring! Wasn't that a crazy winter? We are certain to appreciate the warmer days ahead after a winter like that.

Soon the trees will have their new growth, that wonderful fresh green new leaf color. I recently curated an Etsy Treasury with those spring buds in mind. I titled it A New Leaf. 

This spring, I look forward to getting out in the garden. I also can't wait to grab a book and head to the beach down the street. In nice weather, I like to take an afternoon break to clear my head. Most of all, I am itching to open all the windows and let the warm spring breezes in.

How about you? What are your plans this spring?

Susan

Studies in Aqua and Red

While I had my camera out the other day, I was inspired to take a few photos of one of my favorite color combinations — aqua and red. I like these colors together and someday I hope to use this combo in my kitchen. Maybe even sooner than later, as Jacob is in the home stretch of high school and we are toying with the idea of downsizing. John and I have even started going to open houses, just for fun. Although it would be hard to leave the home we have loved living in for the past 20 years, I look forward to starting fresh in a sweet little cottage, too.

Speaking of fresh and sweet . . .

I love the aqua and red cottage kitchen below. It's a clipping from my inspiration book. I'll take that kitchen please! 

Have you enjoyed my ode to aqua and red? I hope so. I also hope you'll have a wonderful weekend.

Susan

Elsie, Collector Extraordinaire

Today I'd like to share some amazing collections with you. These photos were taken by Elsie, one of my favorite T-Cozy readers. We'll start with a cabinet made out of her father's chicken brooder . . .

When Elsie asked her husband to build the cabinet, he looked at her like she had lost her mind. Nevertheless, he made it and Elsie loves it. She left it the color her dad had painted the brooder, plain gray. But there is nothing plain about this cabinet. It's wonderful — as is the whimsical Elsie the Cow collection on top and inside.

Above is an area in Elsie's sewing room. I love that toy stove!

Elsie's collection of Ohio Art tin toy tea sets and child's glass tea sets is truly impressive.

Elsie left a comment recently about how she decides what to collect. She said, "Funny how when you are a little girl, some things sort of stick in your mind. And then when you grow up, you got to have a little bit of what intrigued you." 

Elsie is definitely intrigued with dolls . . .

Many of them are displayed in a glass case. Elsie said, "I have a whole showcase of toys, some mine, a lot I have collected. I put all of them I could get in my showcase as I was tired of dusting but I don't want to get rid of them. My showcase is in my sewing room and it came from an old store that I grew up buying from."

"I use to buy all my candy over this showcase which had the cash register on top. Hubby bought it for my 36th birthday and I am 61 now. I can remember when I was so small I could not see over it and I put my toes on the ledge of it to climb up and see over it to pick out my candy behind. Funny how you remember things like that but can't remember where you put your phone..."

Elsie lives down south, so I have never been able to see her collections in person. When she sent me these pictures, I wished I lived closer so I could stop by her home, have a cup of tea, and drool over her vast array of vintage treasures. I have been so curious about her collections. How lovely to finally see them at last. And to show my gratitude and appreciation, I am presenting her with my Kindred Spirit Award! In the past, I have given this award to other bloggers, but Elsie deserves this recognition just as much.

Elsie, thank you for sharing what you are passionate about. It's been a pleasure getting to know you!

Susan

The Collections Cupboard

I enjoyed reading your comments about what you collect. So let's chat a little more about collecting, since so many of you are passionate about this topic. Next, I'd love to hear about how you display your vintage finds.

One place that showcases many of my favorite pieces is the pie safe in our kitchen.

I had this cabinet built by a man who specializes in pie safes with punched tin inserts. I asked him to make one to my specifications so it would fit in a sliver of space along a kitchen wall. 

Instead of tin panels, I requested glass inserts instead. After all, what's the point of having wonderful things if you can't see them? 

I love how this cupboard keeps everything within view, dust free and accessible.

Any thoughts on why you like to collect? For me, I thrive on the visual inspiration these wares provide. 

Most of the items I collect meet three criteria; they are colorful, cheerful and whimsical.

I prefer things that are authentically vintage, not "vintage-inspired" or newly made to look old.

Vintage things have good karma and lots of imperfections that come from being well loved. I don't mind if a tablecloth has a stain, a plate has usage marks, or a bowl has a chip. No need for my collections to be perfect  — as long as they make me smile.

Susan

Thoughts on the Past 4 Years of Blogging

My, oh my — how time flies when you're blogging. I can't believe it's been four years since I wrote my first T-Cozy post! Back in March of 2007, I was enmeshed in the day-to-day running of a busy tea room and antiques shop. An awful lot has happened to me since then, but here I am — still blogging . . . 

Over the years, I have found that blogging is a welcome form of self expression that allows me to dabble in my love of the verbal and the visual. It's a perfect forum for sharing what one is passionate about. And most of all, it's fun.

Four years ago, little did I know that I'd make so many wonderful blogging friends. Dear readers, please know that I am truly fond of each and every one of you. Your comments and emails have provided me with support, laughter, and insight more times than I can mention. I do hope I have offered some inspiration and have been a pleasant diversion for you over the years, because that has been my goal. 

As an expression of my gratitude, I am offering a 20% discount on everything in my Etsy shop this weekend, March 12 and 13. Simply type in the coupon code 4YEARBLOGIVERSARY when checking out to receive the discount.

Sometimes I'm amazed that after four years and 754 posts, blogging still feels right to me. But it does. So I guess I'll keep on posting and I hope you'll keep on reading. 

Susan

Vintage image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.

Finds from a Collector's Home

It seems that about once a year, I come upon an estate sale of a true, over-the-top collector. And those are the sales I live for. Last year right around this time, I happened upon one that was filled with an amazing array of vintage pottery. On Friday, I found a sale that had a different spin, but was equally as thrilling. I could tell that the home's owner was someone who was passionate about sewing, crafting and collecting. Neatly stored in her garage were stacks of boxes filled with all sorts of artsy supplies. 

My first purchase was a large carton filled with vintage millinery supplies. I love these delicate flowers and velvet leaves, above.

I hit the mother lode of millinery stamen! The stash included over 25 clusters of floral pips, perfect to use for hats, flowers, or other creative endeavors.

More millinery items: vintage leaves in all shapes and sizes, and a variety of berry clusters.

Another box I bought was packed with pretty appliques and lacy trims. I guess the owner must have sewn her own lingerie. I bought three pink satin dresser boxes as well, and decided to fill them with some of the trimmings to sell in my Etsy shop.

So many charming appliques: flowers, butterflies, and bows.

Once I finished poking around the garage at the sale, I headed inside to find more astounding collections. On the first floor, one room had shelves on all four walls that were filled top-to-bottom with action figures. (I passed on those.) Then I headed upstairs to find another whole room with a different collection: vintage dolls.

I couldn't resist this doll chair and child's roller skates. The chair sold right away on Etsy and is now on its way to Spain. The roller skates sold, too. They are heading to Alaska!

I don't know much about old dolls, so most of what was for sale was a mystery to me. But I couldn't resist this darling set of 1940s doll furniture, below. It is just too sweet! Hannah would have loved playing with this about 15 years ago. But since she's a bit too old for it now, I'll be listing the set in my Etsy shop for someone else's daughter to enjoy.

That's a quick rundown of some (yes, there were even a few more things) of my finds. What a fun sale! I'll be spending the rest of the week working on my Etsy listings.

Thank you to those who left comments on my last post regarding what you collect. I enjoyed reading about your collections. My next post will continue this theme, so now that I know what you collect, think about this next question... Why do you collect?

I hope to hear from you,

Susan

Are You a Collector?

When we have guests over at our house for the first time, they usually comment on my array of vintage items. Although they appreciate my collections, they are quick to add that they aren't "collectors." It is said that having three of something forms a collection. So wouldn't that make us all collectors of one sort or another? Don't we all have at lease three pairs of socks? How about hats? Everyday dishes? Silverware? Books by a favorite author? Earrings? Golf clubs? I could go on and on — my point being that even though you may not know it, you, too, are a collector.

Some of us love handbags and have a different one for every mood. Others love shoes. And most of us have clothing for every occasion. Yep, those are all collections! Here are just a few of mine . . .

Because I have a love of all things vintage, it seems natural to me to collect. "The more, the merrier" is my motto. But I do have my limits. I don't want my collections to overpower a room. I also don't want to infringe on my family's comfort or make them want to put me on one of those hoarders TV shows. So I keep my collections controlled and tidy.

One of the main reasons why I love having my studio is that it provides me space in the house that is mine to do with what I want. That's where you'll find lots of my eclectic goodies and gadgets.

My musing about collections this morning all stems from an estate sale I went to on Friday. It was in the home of an over-the-top collector. Needless to say, I had great fun shopping at that sale. I'll share more about it later this week.

So . . . what do you collect?

Susan

A Dose of Nostalgia

I've been shopping at some interesting estate sales lately. For some reason, many of my recent finds have been vintage children's books. These discoveries have really brought me back to my childhood. Maybe they will for you, too. Have a look . . .

"Let's Play" was published a bit before my time, in 1952. It has the most charming, vibrant illustrations and even has its original price sticker on the front — a mere 19¢!

This 1954 "Romper Room Book of Nursery Songs" is filled with words and music to the songs children love best. Did you watch Romper Room on TV as a child? I certainly did! At the end of each show, Miss Barbara (the host of the show where I grew up in Northeast Ohio) would look through a pretend mirror and chant “Romper, bomper, stomper, boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today. Did all my friends have fun today? Did all my friends have fun with me today?” Then she would recite random names and say, "I see Tommy, and Alice, and Micky..." etc. It was always thrilling when she said some version of my name (Susie, Sue, Susan) as I was sure she could see me watching through the television screen! 

"Little Swimmers" was published in 1960. I wish I had this book back when I was learning to swim. I remember my mom taking me for swimming lessons at a local high school when I was five or six. Oh, how I dreaded them!

"Pussy Cat's Secret" was published in 1949. I love the 1940s imagery throughout this precious book. And the pink cover with its winking cat is awfully sweet, too.

Printed in 1951 in Great Britain, this Pixie Book is called "Woodland Babies." Just the right size for little hands, this book is divided into four stories about baby animals in the forrest: Bunny, a very small rabbit; Rusty, a fawn; Cuddles, a fox cub; and Tom, a baby bird. Cute!

These these nostaglic treasures will be trickling into my Etsy shop over the next few days. Don't they harken back to a simpler time? No cell phones, video games, eReaders — just a nice paper book to hold in your hand while you snuggle next to mom or dad on the sofa.

Susan

The Latest and Greatest Studios Magazine

Just a quick reminder to those of you who are readers of Studios magazine. The latest issue, Spring 2011, has just hit the newsstands!

I hope you'll enjoy my piece in this issue, which is all about sprucing your studio's exterior doors and mailboxes. Here are a few photos I shot for my article . . .

As always, Studios magazine is packed with loads of creative people sharing their wonderful spaces , so you are sure to be inspired.

Are you able to find Studios at your local newsstand? Try looking for it at large bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Borders. But if you can't find it, remember you can always order it online from the Interweave Press website here. If you prefer to forgo the paper variety, they also offer a downloadable digital version of the issue.

Susan