I'm Here. I know it is the End of March almost already. Birthdays first. Tilly. Then Vintage...

 

Tilly came to live at the Cottage 5 years ago today. She is from Wrigley Rescue, Long Beach, CA.

Her M.O. is sweetness and that is how she gets her message across and her needs met.

She is a mix but like so many Siamese, she has her quirks.  Does that apply to anyone reading this?

Tilly is young not vintage. She is 6 years old.

Speaking of quirky, that is what I am trying to find more of... quirky vintage items. I call this guy Coconut Head but he is made of regular wood. Not necessarily coconut wood.  Really a cute guy.

He has "setting appeal" rather than hanging down from something.

Original purpose: spoon rest. This shell resin type item was sold at many places but not always a spoon rest. Time frame was during the 1960s - 1970s approx. Many were souvenirs that had a sticker on them. Mine is practically mint condition with no issues.

Steering in another vintage direction. I was moonlighting at the Long Beach Convention Center a couple of decades ago. It must have been some type of sports show.  I got to meet Gary Weaver #52 and got this autographed card. He played in my home state for the Packers.

Back of card also interesting.

Vintage items (not the cat) are or will be in my Etsy shop. Link at top. Or inquire within.

Vintage Mounting Corners for Then and Now. A couple of Rambling Thoughts.

We are now closer to Christmas than not. Are we closer to a vaccine?  For everybody, I hope so. 1918 Spanish Flu ran its course in 2 years. Let's make our 100 years of science and progress shorten that.

Who Said? Cheap fabric, and dim lighting. That's how you move merchandise" Answer at the bottom.

I feel like I am in 'Etsy School' learning at home like a lot of our population. I am also working on my photos and displays. Some still turn out better than others. Etsy Link at top. I have been adding a lot of new items lately.

Answer

 -Morty Seinfeld"Feb 18, 2014

Henry James, What Maisie Knew and a Pink Scissors

By the same name, James wrote a short novel in 1897. What Maisie Knew is a British film made in 2013. Very thought provoking and disturbing at times. Story of two divorced parents in Manhattan, and how they barely remember they have a daughter. The movie came from the 1897 book.

This is my Viewer review on Rotten Tomatoes:
Reviews mentioned Maisie was not precocious. All the drama roles were taken by her parents. An insightful scene to me was when Zoe came to visit. She ended up crying and needed to go home early. Zoe could see what was so sadly wrong with Maisie's life. Her tearful reaction to it was so 'normal'. Maisie stuffed her feelings but she knew that was one way to survive. I liked the ending scene when the mother realized she did not want her daughter afraid of her. The only part of the movie I didn't relate to were the two ex's falling in love.
Disturbing at times but it flowed and I flowed with it.

If you are playing catch up on your movies during this Pandemic give this one a try.

Pink kitchen scissors--bought this today at Ace. I was thrilled; it goes with my kitchen decor. Remember I said I get joy out of the simple things in life?

I am not going in department stores shopping for personal items but there are days being a good Western consumer I feel like I have to buy "something." Thus the scissors.

Displays, Vignettes, Props, Staging, Arrangement & More

In the Vintage Resale Business...Dealers like to search for their next treasure but  for me doing displays in my booth is my favorite part.   Sometimes, I practice at home.  I'm working on my photos to take better pictures for Etsy.  Trying to re-invent myself during this period of the pandemic.  Good to have multiple talents.

I started selling vintage in 1990, I learned from seasoned dealers that a space can be too perfect (esthetically) and it's a detriment to selling.  Customers just want to look, admire and not disturb.  You don't want a museum or a Macy's window.

Good product should always sell.  That is why some have white shelves lined with their wares that are viewable & reachable.  A colleague of mine had that style with all 1950s items.  Right place, right time.  It worked & he sold abundantly.  So timing and location are important too.  It's getting more complicated. Hmmm.

A space (talking in an antique mall) can be too empty or too full.  There is a fine balance.  Think of the jewelry in the window of a fine jewelry store.  There are just a few pieces arranged attractively.  Now think of racks of jewelry in a discount store.  Which looks better and which would demand a higher price?

Do you want the volume approach?  It works for McD. Then you have to buy appropriately before you can sell appropriately.  Do people make more small purchases or would a few large purchases get you through?  Amortize over the months.  One size does not fit all. Not for seller.  Not for buyer.

What spurred this post?  Monday, is June 1.  Antique Station (my booth #42) is re-opening.  It has been closed since early March.  Exciting?  Yes.  I hope you stop by.  I will post some more pictures of what is waiting for you there.

 Vignette at home.  Practice.

 Fun to do vignettes with your camera.

 Of all vintage, linens are my favorite.  I wash & sometimes, even iron before selling.

 Garden grouping.

 Look at the details.

 Patio.

 Tools & hardware.  I like the contrast between primitive & refined.

Curated.  Estate finds.

Inquire Within

Czech vintage necklaces. An idea for Mother's Day.  The pink necklace is listed on my ebay page "Monah". https://www.ebay.com/itm/274355628531
Fast, free shipping. Or Inquire Within.

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/GraciousCottage/tools/listings/stats:true/804397193
Fast free shipping or Inquire Within

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