The T-Cozy

Lots and Lots of Lots

In my never ending search for vintage goodness, lately I’ve had the good fortune of finding things in multiples. I love discovering instant collections for my Etsy shop. Here are some recent finds...

Lots of vintage bib aprons in unused, mint condition!

Lots of half aprons with lovely patterns!

Lots of handmade vintage lighthouse bird houses!

Lots of 1970s house coats! (to be used as yardage for small sewing/decor projects)

Lots of vintage curtain tie-back pins!

Lots of crocheted pot holders!

Lots of 1950s Androck flour sifters!

Lots of serving trays! (that can be memo boards with the addition of magnets)

Lots of vintage thread!

Lots of ceramic wall pockets!

Lots of colorful tea towels!

Lots of painted picture frames! (crafty projects in the works)

Lots of vintage shelf liner!

And finally, lots of small picnic tins! (perfect to top off a stack of larger ones)

My, that was lots of fun!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Vintage French Seed Label Goodness

Now in my Etsy shop, an array of handmade items that feature original 1920s flower and vegetable seed labels! Found in unused condition, the labels are new old stock from a seed merchant in Burgundy, France. 

Great for sketching, journaling, to-do lists and more, my handy pocket notebooks measure 3.5 by 5 inches, the perfect size to slip into your back pocket, handbag or shirt pocket.

They can be purchased singly or in sets of three and are fun stocking stuffers for gardening enthusiasts.

For your gift giving pleasure, I also created sets of kraft-colored tags with jute twine cords for tying onto wrapped presents, a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, gift bags, a house plant and more. They’re blank on the back to provide room for a handwritten message.

So pretty! You can find these items filled with vintage French seed label goodness in my Etsy shop HERE.

Susan
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Vintage Eye Candy & More

If you’re like me, you ❤️ the quirky details and charming traits that vintage items possess — like these retro toy telephones that have sold in my Etsy shop over the years...

😍 Aren’t they wonderful? For daily pics of more vintage eye candy, as well as views of my sweet little studio and cottage, I invite you to follow me on Instagram @tpartyantiques. Hope to see you there!

Susan
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A Collector’s Collection Continued

More from Rosemary’s amazing stash of vintage textiles! I’ve listed her tablecloths and bark cloth and have now moved on to handkerchiefs. Thirty-two in all, they are making their way into my Etsy shop this week.

So pretty! A few have already sold, so if you’re interested, stop by my shop soon for the best selection.

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Sharing a Collector’s Collection

I’ve hit the mother lode of vintage tablecloths! Rosemary, an avid collector with an amazing eye, has kindly asked for my help in selling over 20 from her impressive stash, each more lovely than the next. (Lots of pretty hankies and bark cloth too.) The last few days have been spent soaking, laundering, ironing — and getting them ready to share with you!

Several of my loyal Instagram followers (vintage tablecloth fans like me) requested that I sell some of these beauties directly on my feed. Although I haven’t tried that before, I’m willing to give it a shot. So the four shown below will go on sale at this link on Friday 2/7 at 3 p.m.

I’m curious to see how this IG selling experiment goes. If these textiles easily find happy new homes, I will continue selling some of them that way. If not, they will head over to my sweet little Etsy shop.

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

To Brighten Your Holiday Season...

✨Enjoy 25% off colorful vintage tablecloths in my Etsy shop through 12/24/19 with coupon code TPARTYTABLECLOTHS

Happy Holidays!

Susan
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Fun Fresh Finds

Been busy over the past month stocking my Etsy shop with colorful items brimming with vintage appeal. For your viewing (or shopping) pleasure, here’s a peek at some of my favorites . . .

😍 These cheery items, and many more, can be found in my Etsy shop HERE. 

Wishing all the best to you and yours this holiday season!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Kitsch in the Kitchen

Pretty designs, pretty fabrics, pretty trims. Vintage aprons are so appealing. These wonderful retro textiles are available for purchase in my Etsy shop. And best of all, they are on sale through the end of October!

Aren’t they fun? These next two are extra special because they are reversible. It’s like getting two aprons in one!

With its colorful umbrella pattern, I think the one shown below would be a fabulous bridal shower gift.

You can find these fun, kitschy aprons for sale HERE. Happy shopping!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Just Plain Pretty

Whether they are collectible McCoys, Shawnee minis, or unmarked relics found at the local thrift store, humble grocery store bouquets and simple flowers from the summer garden always look extra special when placed in vintage pottery vases. Don’t you agree?

🌸🌼🌺

Susan
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Cute, Cuter, Cutest

Introducing my latest, and perhaps cutest, find...

A dear friend (who knows of my affection for both Hoosier cabinets and child-sized vintage furniture) guided me to her friend who is moving. Lucky for me, she wanted to part with this charming cupboard! 

After a good cleaning, I edged the shelves with trimmed-down shelf paper — the same pattern that’s in my full-size Hoosier. Then I filled it with studio supplies and mini pottery pieces so that it’s pretty to look at as well as useful.

When I shared pics of this charmer on my Instagram feed, several folks begged to buy it. Needless to say, it’s a keeper. However, due to my weakness for vintage doll dressers, mini kitchen appliances, toy sewing machines and child-size cabinets, I search far and wide so that there is always an array offered for sale in my Etsy shop.

I love how these endearing relics look displayed on a kitchen counter. And sometimes they can do double double, like the pink toy refrigerator that can be used as a magnet board to hold the grocery list, a love note, to-do list or reminder.

One afternoon in my studio (when I was in need of distraction from boring paperwork), I set up a vignette featuring an Ohio Art toy stove from my shop, a handmade mini pennant banner, and other Etsy shop items. Super cute, right? Check out what’s in the oven...

Vintage toy sewing machines are by far the best sellers in my Etsy shop. Ones in good condition are getting very hard to find. Here is the little darling (complete with its original box) that is in my Etsy shop right now...

Over the past seven years, I’ve sold a total of 49 of these little beauties! Each cuter than the next...

When I found the vintage doll dresser below, it was in a shabby state. A little white and aqua paint brought it back to life.

I lined the drawers with pretty floral paper so now it’s ready to keep small desk supplies or jewelry stashed away and organized. You can find it for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

Here’s one last look at my baby Hooiser sitting on the “lap” of my full-size one...

Makes me smile. How about you?

Susan
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👋🏼 Hello from T-Party Antiques’ Studio!

Welcome to where you’ll find me most days . . . my studio. Filled with all of my favorite things, this special room never fails to make me smile. Come on in!

Alongside my worktable and cottage gallery wall, a shabby wooden ladder showcases four vintage tablecloths. They are but a small portion of my textile collection; a few others are neatly folded nearby in an old metal shopping basket.

My studio is where I work on a variety of creative pursuits. One of my latest projects: lace garlands made from vintage crocheted doilies. So pretty! 

To me, vintage + made from wood + shaped like a teapot = irresistible. Hence my collection of handmade soap powder dispensers and teapot-shaped ring holders.

The collections continue: picnic tins and world globes, some of which are for sale in my Etsy shop HERE and HERE.

I love to find fun ways to store and display supplies. Small drawers from a vintage doll dresser corral thread that belonged to my mom. And a Harlequin sugar bowl sans lid now holds my pin cushion. 

Needless to say, the centerpiece of my studio is the whimsical 1950’s worktable — truly perfect for a former tearoom owner.

So, are you smiling yet? 😍

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

My Etsy Listing To-Do List

I like to spend my days finding, making and sharing items with you in my Etsy shop. My latest acquisitions are shown below. Once these treasures are in hand, I begin to create their Etsy listings. That’s when I truly miss my brick and mortar antiques shop. I long for the days when a patron would simply walk in the door, fall in love with an item, buy it, and take it home — all in a matter of minutes. 

Now that I sell online, the process is a bit more complicated. Each item you see in my shop is cleaned, photographed and written about with the utmost of care. Once it is purchased, it must be securely packed for shipment to virtually anywhere around the globe.

So... if you ever see something on this blog or in my Instagram feed that you can’t live without, please feel free to contact me before it makes its Etsy debut. I’d be more than happy to sell it to you directly and circumvent the time-eating listing process entirely!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

West Elm Pop-Up Prep: Making Vintage Textile Collages, Zippered Pouches & More

Did you know that West Elm graciously offers artists the opportunity to sell handmade wares at their home decor stores? How great is that?! My local Westport, CT store is hosting pop up shops throughout the holiday season and I am so pleased to be one of the artists this year. With my first pop-up fast approaching, I’ve been busily making things to sell. Here is what I’ve been up to...

In my Etsy shop, I sell Swatch Portraits utilizing humble embroidery hoops that frame vintage fabric. To shake things up a bit, I began making textile collages featuring remnants of favorite fabrics, embroidered bits and rick-rack sewn together in a happy design. And once I got started, I just couldn’t stop! 

For kicks, I put them up on the wall of my studio. I love how colorful they are and how they look all grouped together.

In the spirit of the season, I decided to make a bunch more using a Santa Train textile from the 1960s combined with a whimsical dotty fabric and yellow rick rack.

Aren’t they fun? I then embarked on another sewing project that enabled me to learn something new...

In all my years of sewing, I had never put a zipper in before. So I decided to be brave and create an array of zippered pouches made from a stash of yummy fabric remnants.

I am happy to report that zipper installation wasn’t nearly as hard as I expected. Here are my finished pouches...

Today, I am gathering, organizing and pricing all of the handmade items that will accompany me to the sale.

If you happen to find yourself in my area on Saturday, December 9, stop by and say hello at West Elm, 35 Main Street in Westport, CT. I’d love to see you! And for some last minute holiday shopping, I will be there again on Sunday, December 17.

Susan
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Possibowlities

I adore vintage pottery mixing bowls. Why? Because of their many admirable qualities — they are solid, dependable, and oh so useful.

Perfect for stirring up cake or pancake batter, or as a serving bowl for tossed salad. I always have one filled with fresh fruit on our kitchen counter. And they do a great job of corralling a variety of colorful items in my studio.

So many possibowlities!

Susan
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Instagram Color Stories

Visual styling has always come easily to me. For some reason that I can’t quite explain, I have a knack for arranging random objects into pleasing displays, whether on the shelves of a shop, in my own home, or on my Instagram feed, where lately I’ve been having fun creating these “color stories” using products that look happy together from my Etsy shop. 

Fun stuff, right? Thanks for stopping by!

Susan
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Introducing T-Party Antiques on Society6.com!

I am pleased to announce the opening of my Society6 shop! Filled with fun products chock full of vintage goodness, you’ll find art prints, stationery cards, throw pillows, tote bags, wall clocks, shower curtains, wall tapestries, travel mugs and notebooks bearing my favorite T-Party Antiques images!

I'm having a blast working on this new venture and there will be more items with additional images to come. To view my shop, click HERE.

Happy shopping!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

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Sew Sweet! Vintage Toy Sewing Machines

Although I never had one as a child, I’ve definitely made up for lost time when it comes to vintage toy sewing machines. These adorable relics are my Etsy shop’s best sellers. I have sold over 50 and sent them to all four corners of the globe! 

Aren’t they adorable? My personal collection consist of three that I keep on display in my studio. They are KAYanEE Sew Master machines manufactured in Germany post WWII by the KAYanEE Impex Corporation of New York, N.Y. 

Embellished with flower decals, they can be quite hard to find. However, those decals definitely elevate their cuteness factor.

Below is a small sampling of ones that have found new homes over the years.

Have you always wanted one of these charmers? If so, you’re in luck; I have a few for sale in my shop. The Pièce De Résistance is this one below made by Elm City Toy Products of West Haven, CT. 

Called Little Lady, this toy sewing machine sports dark pink paint and is sprinkled with tiny cream, yellow and black flowers decals. You can find it in my shop here.

I think these two KAYanEE models are super sweet, especially because of their blue color and floral decals. The one above can be found in my shop here.

The KAYanEE shown above resides in a wooden base with finger joints at the corners. It’s available for sale here.

This last one is a Junior Model toy sewing machine that was manufactured by Gateway Engineering Company of Chicago IL. Although it has been well-loved, is sports a couple of special features. The wooden base is not a standard and must have been added by a handy father long ago. It also has a miniature red tomato pin cushion glued to the back right corner. Sew sweet!

Susan
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Pretty Pictures

In case you didn't know . . . I adore photography. Always have, always will. How nice that I get to share my favorite pics with you right here on The T-Cozy. Lucky me!

Here are some new shots for your viewing pleasure.

Our cottage looks extra cozy when covered in a blanket of snow.

Step inside. Want a cup of tea?

Our kitchen is bright and sunny. And just beyond it is my sweet little studio, also known as My Happy Place.

I can’t help but smile when I’m in here.

It has space for all of my crazy collections.

Needless to say, I have a weakness for things made from wood that are shaped like teapots.

My desk is chock full of vintage eye candy. This is where I work on listings for my Etsy shop.

I’ve spent this week listing valentines from the 1930s. Adorable.

My latest acquisition — three metal trays in the perfect shade of aqua. One is already in use as a message board in my kitchen. The other two are in my shop and come with four handmade button magnets.

It’s hard to believe that my 10-year blogiversary is this March. Wow! How did that happen? Whether you are a new reader, or one that has been with me for the long haul, my hope is that The T-Cozy has been a respite for you, a place to relax during your busy day and enjoy my quirky brand of home decor with a vintage twist. 

I am ever grateful to you for being here. It has been an honor to provide you with decorating inspiration and to share my love of photography with you. Have you enjoyed what you’ve seen and read here? I do hope so.

Susan
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I Like to Make Things

I have been an artistic person for as long as I can remember. Art was always my favorite subject in grade school and I proceeded to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in college. After graduation, I put my creative talent to work as a graphic designer for 24 years.

In 2003, I longed for a change, so I laid my design business to rest and opened an antiques shop and tea room. When it closed in 2008, Etsy became the perfect place for me to share my love of vintage items as well as the things I like to make, shown below...

Vintage button magnets

Mixed media primer pictures

Vintage book cover journals and handmade note cards

Pennant banners sewn from vintage textiles

And altered art world globes.

Recently, I had the good fortune to be one of the local artists featured at West Elm Pop Up Shops around the country. I did one in Westport, CT in mid-November and they asked me back for another. So I happily popped up again last Saturday where I brought along this array of handmade goods with a vintage vibe...

And here they are on display at West Elm...

I’m happy to report that my items were well received. Top sellers were my repurposed book cover journals, fabric swatch portraits and Flower Fairy note cards. 

I so enjoyed popping up and meeting West Elm’s friendly sales staff and super nice customers. Many thanks, West Elm!

Susan
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Lots to Do

This fall, I have been helping a neighbor lighten her load. A collector with an appetite for many different things, she lives in a lovely little home that is running out of room. So she asked me to help her decide what to sell, what to keep, and what should be taken straight away to the thrift store.

First, we headed down to her very organized basement to look through boxes, boxes, and more boxes! We began by grouping similar things together, and little by little, we had put together a number of sellable items destined for my Etsy shop and eBay. Here’s what she decided to sell . . . 

Ceramic pottery in shades of green, gold, chartreuse and aqua

A large lot of small oil cans

Kitschy French Poodle collectibles

Glass, metal and ceramic flower frogs

And an assortment of vintage miscellany. My, that’s a lot of stuff!

Slowly but surely, I've been listing these relics. Happily, several have sold. Soon I'll be focusing on the Poodle lot as well as a collection of doggie brooches I've yet to photograph. 

Susan
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Back to School

Here we are once again, at that time of year when weekday morning school buses stop at the corner and neighborhood children sleepily climb aboard. My, what a quick summer! Our kids are grown, so we don’t feel the back to school blues as keenly as we used to. However, our son is now a second grade teacher, so at least someone in our family still abides by the grade school calendar. 

The start of the academic year inspired me to focus on classroom-inspired items for my Etsy shop, like the Altered Art World Globe, at left, and these items below...

What a cute 1950s oak school room chair! Scaled down for the smallest of students, its seat is a mere ten inches high. 

This instant collection of vintage books could be the start of a reference library. Published in 1939 by Doubleday, it’s part of a set called The Pocket University which covers a wide range of interesting (and obsolete!) topics.

My repurposed journals utilize vintage readers as the covers. Spiral bound, they now sport clean, blue-lined notebook paper inside— all ready to write essays, collect recipes, or record daily events.

Take a trip down memory lane with these vintage children’s primers featuring large, easy to read text and wonderful illustrations.

I've saved the best for last... yesterday’s discovery: a 1953 Pine Life Cycle classroom chart by the New York Scientific Supply Company sporting beautiful botanical illustrations by Louise Bush.

Isn’t it wonderful? I can just picture it hanging in someone’s loft or gracing the wall of a conservatory or garden room. Wish I could keep it, but it is so large that I simply don’t have the wall space for it in our cozy cottage. Therefore, it will be making its appearance in my Etsy shop tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Susan
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Sold But Not Forgotten

In the mood for a little vintage eye candy? If so, here's a look back at some of my favorite things from my Etsy shop that have found new homes over the years. Enjoy!

As the total number of items sold in my Etsy shop approaches 1,800, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your loyal patronage. Many thanks to each and every one of you!

Susan
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Setting the Summer Table

Today is the summer solstice, when the sun is at its northernmost point above the equator. It’s the longest day of the year, lasting 15 hours and 13 minutes. How I love long summer days!

To me, summer means alfresco dining at the beach or on the back deck. When I set my summer table, I like to use brightly patterned vintage tablecloths. Last week, to prepare for picnic season, I sorted through my collection and freshened them up by laundering and ironing everything. Then I placed my favorites in a 1940s market basket so that they would be easily accessible. Their cheerful fruit and flower designs never fail to brighten my day...

The ones that didn't make it into the basket are shown below. These are either already in my Etsy shop or will soon make their appearance. 

Aren't they yummy?

Welcome, Summer!

Susan
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Pretty Up Your Shelves

Last week, I took part in a little bit of studio beautification that was inspired by four unused packages of vintage Royledge shelf lining paper I discovered at the Brimfield Antique Show.

In the corner of my work space is a narrow painted shelf with curvy trim. I use this piece to store art supplies, my button collection, and a few of my favorite vintage things. 

These shelves were already in need of a thorough cleaning, so I emptied them out and wiped them down. Then I decided to pretty them up with shelf paper. I chose to use the floral one with pink and red flowers.

I love the shelves new look. Super easy and extra cheerful! The package housed a full fifteen feet of edging, so I plan to use the remaining floral paper to line the shelves in my studio’s Hoosier cabinet.

If you, too, would like to give a shelf unit, cabinet or pantry a retro makeover, three more packages of shelf liner have just made their appearance in my Etsy shop. 😍

Susan
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A Day at Brimfield

Lucky me! On Tuesday, my friend Karen invited me along to the opening day of the Brimfield Antique Show. What fun!

The largest outdoor antique market in Massachusetts, Brimfield is massive and virtually impossible to see all in one day. Even so, we spent six hours walking the various fields and saw quite a bit. 

Wonderful stuff! Karen was particularly taken with a tent filled with Tin Lizzy doll altered art assemblages, below. They were made by Betsy Wilbur of Red Herring Antiques. Aren’t they a hoot?

Here are my Brimfield discoveries. As you can see, I used restraint and I didn’t buy a lot. Love what came home with me though!

Many thanks to Karen for asking me to accompany her to Brimfield. It was a sunny spring day and spending it perusing fields brimming with vintage treasures was just about perfect.

Susan
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New Old Finds

Yay! I've had a run of good luck this month finding all sorts of yummy vintage things. So there is, and will be, lots of new stuff in my Etsy shop. Have a look...

At an estate sale last weekend, I discovered a giant-sized tin that once held 300 Sweet-heart Sugar Cones. Although I intend to sell it, for now, it looks right at home atop my Hoosier cabinet.

The items, above, are extra sweet, like the aqua serving tray paired with a set of my flower button magnets so it can do double duty as a memo board. Love the tiny windsor-style doll chair! I also found a 1920's print that sports a humorous poem called "Welcome Guest," perfect to hang in a guest room. And those 1970s circus train birthday candle holders are kitschy as can be.

As you may have noticed, I like to use picnic tins and suitcases for storage in my studio. I'm hoping that these three will soon go to new homes (except the train case, which is a keeper).

Why I am so drawn to vintage vases with two handles? Maybe because they look like they have cute little arms with hands on their hips? Not sure, but I do know that these three beauties were made long ago by Shawnee Pottery.

More fun storage options: an industrial metal bin with drawers, a canister set with hand painted strawberries (it just sold), and a wooden box featuring a charming cottage illustration on the lid.

Mother's Day is fast approaching. This folding bed tray can be used to treat mom to breakfast in bed. It can also be a lap desk or a reading stand since the top tilts to accommodate a book.

I must admit, I have a soft spot for vintage toys. Brimming with nostalgic appeal, I think the ones shown above are beyond adorable.

So that's what's new in my Etsy shop! Never fear, I'm working away to get everything listed as soon as I am able. And by the way, Etsy has just redesigned its shop pages. Now the pictures are larger and you can scroll down to see every aspect of the shop all on one page. I really like the new format. Take a peek and let me know what you think...

Happy shopping!

Susan
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It’s a Pennant Banner Sale!

I created this array of festive pennant banners out of cheerful vintage textiles. Aren't they pretty? And so perfect for spring!  

Hang one of these lovelies wherever you want a spot of color and whimsy… at your next birthday party, backyard picnic, in your studio, child’s room, porch, craft space, office, bedroom — anywhere! 

For your springtime shopping pleasure, I've just reduced these handmade garlands 20%. You can find them in my Etsy shop HERE.

Don't you just love a sale? Happy weekend, 

Susan
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I Like to Share

Among other things, I collect vintage picnic tins and tablecloths. And because I find them pretty to look at, I keep several on display in my studio (like the tins that live on a custom-made wall shelf, or the colorful textiles draped over rungs of a rustic ladder).

Now that we reside in a cozy cottage, I am mindful to keep it serene and clutter free. Therefore, I relegate most of my colorful collections to my modest workroom. And I can't keep everything . . .

So for your shopping pleasure, I am offering for purchase the picnic tin and tablecloth, shown above, in my Etsy shop. Don't they look perfect together? Good thing I like to share!

Susan
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Pitter-Pat

Can’t we all use a little eye candy on a rainy Monday? Thought I’d start off this gloomy day sharing cheerful things that make my heart go pitter-pat. Enjoy!

I found these lovely old tea tins last week. Two sold lickey–split, I plan to keep a couple of them (for now), and one just made its Etsy debut HERE.

A stitchery picture on the wall in my studio features a garden overflowing with flowers. How I wish my cottage garden looked like that!

To me, there is nothing sweeter than vintage toy sewing machines. Shown are a few from my personal collection and some that have sold in my Etsy shop. (They sell super fast.) I still have a very cute one listed HERE. And an extra-fabulous one will make an appearance in my shop soon.

An array of colorful thread that belonged to my dear mom looks very happy stored in this rustic old drawer.

Sometimes all I have to do is walk into my studio and the ideas start flowing. It’s a special place that inspires me daily. 

Vintage chenille bedspreads are the epitome of cozy cottage decor. I was thrilled to discover this rare peacock one at a local antiques mall. You can find it for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

My studio’s vaulted ceiling afforded me space for this 13-foot-long storage shelf, the perfect spot for my collection of picnic tins. I love their different faux textures and patterns. Now all I have to do is look up — and smile. I hope I’ve made you smile today, too.

Happy Monday!

Susan
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A Touch of Sweetness

As you may know, I'm a former tea room owner and just like a good cup of tea, my Etsy shop is infused with things that radiate warmth and a touch of sweetness. I stock a selection of vintage goodness — things I love most, like pottery, textiles, books, toys and more. Here's what you can expect to see in my shop this spring...

Over the past month, I've been searching far and wide for this array of vintage goodness. What do you think? Fun stuff, right?

Happy shopping!

Susan
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Repurpose-Worthy Discoveries

When on the hunt for storage pieces for our cozy cottage, I seldom opt for new bins made from plastic and metal. Instead, I prefer using vintage items with character, like these fresh estate finds that came straight from a cellar workshop. 

Old wooden drawers are perfect to use for storage in a studio, craft room or home office. They also make great display pieces and can hold postcards, books, remote controls, and more on a coffee table. Here are a few more ideas of what these rustic relics can corral...

Sporting a wonderful patina and just the right amount of shabbiness, these repurpose-worthy finds are now for sale in my Etsy shop's Home Decor section HERE.

Susan
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Primer Projects

You may have noticed over the years that I adore vintage books, especially children’s primers from the 1930s to the 50s. The main attraction for me is that they are brimming with charming illustrations of kids from a time when things seemed simpler and less complicated. In my thrifting travels, I often come across primers that have seen better days; perhaps they have scribbles inside from over zealous students, or their bindings are shot from too many little hands turning their pages. However, if those books have nice covers and appealing pictures inside, you can be sure I'll take them home and find other uses for them.

When these worse for wear books have attractive covers, I turn them into spiral bound journals. Or sometimes their drawings catch my eye and spark an idea, like my altered art world globes.

This week's inspiration came in the form of a tattered primer filled with adorable drawings by Mildred Lyon Hetherington. They captured my heart, so I was determined to make something with them. I've been saving some unfinished wood frames I found a while back. Now it was time to put them to good use.

First, I covered the frames with bits of text from the book. I selected five of my favorite illustrations, mounted them on thick cardboard and placed them inside the frames. Then I added a simple word relating to each image using green letter squares that were once pieces from a vintage board game. Lastly, I decoupaged them with several coats of matte finish Mod Podge.

Perfect for a child's bedroom wall, these pictures would also be happy to grace just about any room of the house — like propped on a shelf among favorite books or tucked behind a farmhouse mixing bowl on the kitchen counter.

What a fun project! I love how they turned out. You can find them for sale in the Home Decor section of my Etsy shop HERE. 

Have a great weekend,

Susan
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Tiny Works of Art

About a month ago, I received an email from a gentleman named Bill who lives in Des Moines. He had come across my blog post from August 2011 called Trash Day Treasure about a fabulous display case with a slanted glass front that I found discarded by the side of the road while on my morning walk. Bill contacted me to see if there was any chance I'd ever consider giving the case a new home. Unfortunately, all I could give him was the bad news that I'd already sold the piece when we moved to our cozy cottage in 2013.

At the end of his email correspondence, Bill attached a photo of colorful glass marbles and mentioned that when he retired, he taught himself how to make them. A marble collector for almost 30 years, Bill now fulfills his hunt addition by creating his own.

For your viewing pleasure, I present to you Bill's handmade marbles, each more beautiful than the next. Enjoy! 

Aren't they stunning? Thank you, Bill, for allowing me to share these tiny works of art.

Susan
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It’s a Welcome 2016 Sale!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Ours was chock full of fun with family and friends. And I am happy to report that I accomplished one of my New Year’s resolutions this week: cleaning out the Hoosier cabinet where I store my Etsy shop items. Now that the cupboard is organized — and before it’s bursting at the seams once again — my “Welcome 2016 Sale” has begun! 

Shop this selection of vintage goodness at very special prices...

Have a great weekend!

Susan
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Shiny and Bright

Vintage Christmas ornaments never stay around for long in my Etsy shop. It's easy to see why.

These classic ornaments are extra pretty. I even love the original boxes they come in. And so I'm pleased that they will be gracing the Christmas trees of folks who truly appreciate their vintage goodness.

Happy Holidays!

Susan
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Curating the Norwalk Historical Society’s Museum Shop

A new Museum is opening in my town this weekend! Part of the Norwalk Historical Society, it celebrates Norwalk's history and diversity and is sure to be an asset to the city. Located in a stately brick building behind City Hall, it offers innovative and educational exhibits and will be used as a gathering place for exciting events.

The Museum's curators have been hard at work on the exhibits. I, too, have been a curator of sorts, as I was asked to create a Museum gift shop from the ground up. For the past nine months, I’ve been meeting with local artists, going to the gift show in NYC, searching for display pieces, and finally, setting up and styling the shop in a bright, spacious room on the Museum’s first floor.

My goal is to have the store be a shopping destination featuring gifts for all occasions, filled with interesting and unusual items that you can't find just anywhere. I have used it as an opportunity to feature 25 local artists’ work and their affordable paintings, mixed media, photography, home goods, greeting cards, jewelry, ornaments, housewares, toys, books, accessories and more.

You’ll also find custom tote bags, aprons, dish towels, soaps, hats, tee shirts and hoodies, all with the Norwalk Historical Society’s lovely new logo.

And for the holidays, a very special Norwalk globe ornament has been created just for us. So pretty!

I had such fun putting the shop together and I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

If you are in the area this weekend, shop local and stop in. The Holiday Open House (and ribbon cutting) is on Saturday, December 5 from noon until 4 pm. Hope to see you there!

If you can’t make it this Saturday, please note that regular Museum hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 pm with extended Holiday shopping hours on Friday, December 11, noon to 7 pm and Saturday, December 12, 10 am to 4 pm. The Museum is located behind Norwalk City Hall at 125 East Avenue, Norwalk CT.

Susan
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Vermont, Here I Come!

Tomorrow, I'll be on my way to Arlington, Vermont for a very special fall getaway. Hosted by Charlotte Lyons and Meleen Dupre, a dozen or so creative women will have the pleasure of staying in Meleen's charming side-by-side farmhouses. For three blissful days, we will get to know each other, explore the colorful countryside, meet local artisans, enjoy Meleen's homecooking, and even do a little tag sale shopping. 

We will also be treated to some crafty classes. The talented Jenn McGlon of Noodle and Lou is the weekend's guest artist. She will lead us in a project involving wood and paint. And Charlotte will teach us how to make a personalized shadowbox. Yesterday, I gathered the items below to bring with me. I plan to do a box with a four seasons theme featuring fun vintage pics of me and my sister.

Next time, I'll share my finished box with you, and lots more from my weekend in Vermont. If you'd like, you can view photos of the retreat at the hashtag #meleenandcharlottesvermontgetaway on Instagram.

Happy Fall!

Susan
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Coming Attractions This Fall

September is always a quiet month in my Etsy shop. Before the holiday rush begins, I take advantage of this peaceful time to search far and wide for items chock full of vintage appeal. Here are my latest acquisitions. 

A couple of estate sales this weekend look promising, so I hope to find even more to list in my sweet little shop. And next week, I'll be heading to Vermont for a very special fall getaway. Perhaps I'll find some treasures up north... We'll see!

Susan
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Picture This

I ❤️ Instagram! It is by far the perfect place for me to quickly share my love of all things vintage. Here is a small sampling of the 464 images shot by me that I've posted over the last seven months.

I post at least once a day, sometimes more, so you will always be treated to something new (and hopefully inspiring) on my feed. If you like what you see, please consider following me at this link: instagram.com/tpartyantiques

By the way, I also have a grouping of my studio photographs that can be viewed by searching this IG hashtag: #tpartyantiquesstudio. 

In addition to my sweet little Etsy shop, at some point I would like to sell vintage items via Instagram. If I get a spare moment to set that up, I'll be sure to let you know. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Susan
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My Tidy Studio

Sometimes all it takes is one new thing to get the ball rolling. In my case, it was a charming wooden bin with two drawers. Belonging to a dear friend, she knew how much I admired the piece that was hand made by her father-in-law long ago. I once told her to let me know if she ever wanted to sell it. Fast forward two years: I got a call from her last week offering it to me. Yippee!

I found the perfect spot for it in my studio  — atop my refurbished vegetable bin. Now it holds sewing supplies.

When I cleared off the bin to make room for my new acquisition, I discovered a generous layer of dust. So I began to clean... and clean... and clean. (Once I started, I just couldn't stop.) My studio is chock full of my favorite things — all of the stuff I love but don't want to subject the rest of the house to. Apparently, my cherished collections are quite the dust collectors!

Before long, I had wiped off every surface and item, reorganized a bit, and made sure to eradicate every last dust bunny. And when my cleaning frenzy finally ended, I took these pics to share with you.

I do love a tidy studio!

Susan
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Sew Cute

Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice holiday weekend. Ours was chock full of fun with family and friends. But now it's time to get back to business, which for me, is fun, too. 

Today, I'm working on new listings. Here's a sneak peek at two vintage Kayanee toy sewing machines that will be making an appearance in my Etsy shop soon. Aren't they adorable? 

Well, I better get back to work/fun.... :)

Susan
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UPDATE: Both machines were snapped up before they even made it to my Etsy shop!!! They’ve been sent off to happy new homes on the west coast today. 

Join Us at the Picnic Grove

Now that summer is in full swing, I'd like to share some vintage-inspired outdoor entertaining ideas with you. 

I thought it would be fun to imagine a gathering that utilizes some of my favorite things — my picnic tin collection, 1940s tablecloths, Bakelite-handled cutlery, and more. 

To begin . . . Using Paperless Post, let's invite 10 good friends (6 couples in all), load up the car (my favorite being a Woodie station wagon like this one I saw on MV last week), and head to a shady picnic grove (such as a leafy local park or even your own backyard).

At this fresh air gathering, each couple will be presented with their own boxed lunch housed inside a colorful 1950s tin. Before the meal begins, everything can be artfully displayed upon a wooden park bench or picnic table.

To define the picnic area and make it even more festive, hang fabric pennant banners from the trees.

Next, have each couple select a vintage tablecloth and a tin of their choice.

Then have everyone find a shady spot to spread their cloth for an alfresco lunch.

Vintage flatware with Bakelite handles continues the retro theme.

Time to eat! Inside each tin is an easy, delicious lunch, such as these pressed picnic sandwiches wrapped in kraft paper and tied with twine. 

On the left are Eggplant, Prosciutto and Pesto Sandwiches found on the Host the Toast blog. Pressed Italian Sandwiches from the Season & Suppers blog would also be delicious.

Along with a selection of beer and wine, these old fashioned soft drinks from Wild Bill's have the right vintage vibe.

Fresh salads in glass Mason jars are easy to pack and look beautiful. I discovered enticing recipes for a Cobb Salad (left) and Quinoa Salad on the ValSoCal blog.

For dessert, how about a S’mores Trifle in a jar (below left) from Mom Endeavors? Of if you prefer, a Lemon Berry Trifle, from Joyful Scribblings, is a yummy possibility.

So right about now, you may be thinking . . . I love this picnic idea, Susan, but I don't have a ridiculously large tin and flatware collection like you do. No problem!

This charming picnic lunch was created by the Home is Where the Boat Is blog. It uses a new, plaid metal basket from World Market.

Sadly, the plaid version is sold out online. However, the adorable fruity one is available for only $12.59.

World Market also offers these cute eco-friendly wooden utensils in red or blue. And just $5.99 per set! 

To get the word out, Paperless Post offers dozens of invitations and cards for any occasion. Beautifully designed, you can even customize your favorite one to reflect your personal style.

Happy picnicking! 😊 

Susan
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Fun Fresh Picks for My Etsy Shop

In the blink of an eye, we'll be heading to MV for our annual family vacation (yay!). But before we do, I have been fervently finding yummy vintage items, photographing them and working on new Etsy shop listings for these goodies . . .

Aren’t they delicious? Some of these fresh picks have already made their Etsy shop debut; others will find their way there soon, I promise. And as always, if something catches your eye or captures your heart, please let me know and I will reserve that item just for you.

Susan
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Happy Weekend!

After a flurry of errands this morning, I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend. How about you?

Enjoy! 😊

Susan
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Instagram Inspiration

It's been almost four months since I started posting on Instagram. My, how time flies when you're having fun. And I do mean fun. Filled with visual splendor, Instagram is truly a feast for the eyes. I love it!

Are you following T-Party Antiques on Instagram? I do hope so. But if you haven't discovered me there yet, here is a quick peek at just some of the 255 pictures I have posted so far...

What do you think? Fun, right?  If you like what you see, I hope you will consider following me on Instagram.

Thanks a bunch!

Susan
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The Fearless Collector

It is said that three of something makes a collection. So what does having 18 of something make? ... It makes me a fearless collector! Are you one, too?

I am a firm believer that you can never have too much of anything, as long as it is something you are truly passionate about. But I also believe that larger collections should be displayed in an orderly way. If not, they can be overwhelming. To avoid that problem with my 18 picnic tins, I placed them on a long shelf high on the wall of my studio. I love how they look up there!

As you know, I also love to collect soap powder holders. The one shown above was found just last week. Isn't it adorable?

The rest of my rustic collection resides in my studio on a narrow green shelf from my former tea room. Perfect!

Even though I am happy with how a collection is displayed, the thrill of the hunt can take over and I often buy even more of these favorite pieces. Not a problem, as it keeps my collection fresh and allows me to pass others along to patrons of my Etsy shop.

The array of soap holders, above, are past and present Etsy shop items. Aren't they wonderful? Good thing I like to share, or our sweet little cottage would soon be filled up.

Susan
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Soap Powder Holder Revamp

You may have noticed that I love to collect obsolete things. And one of my favorite collections is my array of wooden soap powder holders. They can be hard to find, so whenever I come across one, I immediately snap it up.

A few weeks ago, I was trolling around eBay and found a pair that was less than stellar. Even so, I saw their potential and bid on the auction. Plain wood embellished with primitive sailboat stencils, these rustic gems were probably the handiwork of kids in wood shop class or dads tinkering in their basement workshops. Once constructed, I'll bet it became mom's job to paint them and/or apply decals to match her kitchen decor.

I thought it would be fun to do the same and give my handmade soap powder holders a paint and decal facelift.

These 1940s relics received several coats of cream paint. Then I perused my stash of vintage decals and found four large ones with vibrant poppy flowers. Once the paint was dry, I lightly distressed the surface and applied a decal on each side.

What a difference a little paint and a few pretty decals can make! I'm so pleased with my refurbished dispensers. Now they are real charmers, all ready to make their début in my Etsy shop soon.

Susan
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Just a Little Eye Candy for Your Friday Afternoon . . .

Primrose and McCoy flower pots — the perfect springtime combo!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Susan
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Destination: Etsy

I have been a busy bee — finding, crafting, photographing, listing! Here's a peek at what is destined for my Etsy shop . . .

I made three fabric swatch portraits using vintage bark cloth with a woodsy scene.

Some recent finds: a classic King-Seeley thermos, a tabletop corner shelf with birds, a pair of Sears roller skates, a set of three teapot-shaped tea bag rests with mushrooms, a green depression glass dish, an Androck sifter with a checkerboard pattern and a teapot-shaped shelf with hooks for potholders or keys.

I had the good fortune to acquire more soap powder holders. They can be very hard to find. However, these five found me! Someone read about my collection here on The T-Cozy and offered them to me. Yay!

More finds: an aqua Pyrex mixing bowl, another copy of Susie's New Stove, a vintage carrying case, flower-shaped curtain tie-back pins, a 1950s picnic tin, a pair of toy dump trucks, a blue Shawnee Pottery vase and a pretty pressed glass dish.

I have been contemplating selling off my large collection of vintage Sta-Brite flatware with red Bakelite handles. What do you think I should do? Keep or sell?

Plus — there is one more very special vintage find that I plan to share with you in my very next post. So please stop back soon!

Susan
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Enter My Valentine's Day Giveaway on Instagram!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm giving away two of my mini handmade vintage button bouquets — one for you and one for a friend!

To win, go to my Instagram for details on how to enter, at this link, by February 14.

Good luck!

Susan
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