Fall Finds, Revisiting Bette Fast sculpture

I have been very busy bringing home new items, getting them cleaned up and ready for new homes! I have an array of kitschy things and high end stuff. This are going live on Etsy and Chairish as I go. Here’s a look!

Super 1976 Gae Aulenti design by Knoll is up for consignment. Leather upholsteRy, fabulous italian post modern design.

Iron desk, i recovered the seat in reproductiOn bark cloth, atomic design.

Mid century CONVERTIBLE couch opens flat for snoozing!

Vinyl upholstery, mid century day bed now Showing at fleetwood antique mall!

Orange vinyl and chrome lounge chair

King walnut headboard

Handsome low dresser with mirrors, walnut

Tall boy in walnut

SOLD Night stand pair in walnut

I have more coming! Working on resealing the marble top on the Platner cocktail table! We had to strip the remaining yellowed resin off first.

A heaT gun helpEd to soften the old resin sealant.

She’s a beauty!

50% off all pink dots! I PROBABLY tagged 95% of the items in mY upstairs space! Trying to move out this stuff! I have more to replace it with!

Downstairs has only a few markdowns But i am featuring some awesome itemS. Come see them!

Bette Fast revisited!

If you check a few years back in my blog updates, you will find my coverage of discovering Bette Fast, the late first wife of novelist Howard Fast. He wrote over 80 novels but he literally got himself banned from publishing (and subsequently investigated) because of his communist beliefs. His best selling novel, Spartacus, was self published due to the banning. Meanwhile, his lovely wife was an accomplished artist. In my collection, I have a pencil nude sketch, a 1960’s buxom women series painting (which Howard discusses in the Forward in the book he published regarding Bette’s work), and one of her magnificent sculptures. Having only exhibited 3 times, once in LA, once in New Canaan and once in Greenwich, most of her works are held by private collectors. This is important to note as many of them will start becoming available on the secondary market as their owners pass on and their worldly goods end up in auctions and estate sales. Bette’s work for the most part are female forms. She always was considered a feminist and her beautiful depiction of females in action is well noted. I have done varying amounts of searching for more info since I have gathered some of her works. One thing on my bucket list was to visit the only 2 sculptures she turned into statues. They are publicly available at the Temple Shalom in Greenwich, CT. Howard’s book was published in 1995, a year after his wife passed. Much has changed at the Temple Shalom since then as well, having some new structured erected. Upon checking google maps, I noticed not much of a courtyard, which is where the book said the sculptures were placed, I had a delivery in the area and wanted to find them, but was not sure if I could access them. I zoomed in my google and I had hope!!!

The image on thr right was from google maps. It sure lookS like her! Fingers were crossed! This is right off the parking lot so definitely accessible.

I pulled in and saw her! My heart fluttered as i parked my car.

From this vantage point, I looked to the left down the parking lot and saw the second sculpture.

These are some powerful sculptures. Beautiful from every angle. The maquette I own is equally as delicate. I have not figured out it’s ‘title’ and it is not shown in the book containing some of her works. I have found that the University of Pennsylvania has the ‘Howard Fast Papers’ in their archive. It includes lots of items from Howard’s book dealings, personal household items and more. I am not sure if any of Bette’s sculpture records are contained in it, but that is probably the next exploration I need to do. Lucky for me, it’s only in Philadelphia!
XO MALISSA

Officially back (for now)!

Hey everyone! I made it! I got relieved of my 2020 Census duties on Oct 22nd! I am, consequently, in the process of being hired for another Current Survey position with the Bureau for a 5 month operation next year. This new gig will be home based and I will be contacting households in my county that are in the Survey program collecting their data. These Surveys are awesome tools for businesses and the country at large and I am happy to be a part of it. While I understand how it will go down, I also know that things are a bit different in the ‘real’ Census Bureau vs what I was doing with the Decennial Census but I am expecting to have more availability as the field jobs are typically not 40 hours a week gigs and that should work out just fine! Plus it gives me an income which encourages me to spend more money on inventory. I don’t take money out of my business except to pay for my car and other business related expenses. This is how I can continue to grow but at the same time, it does not help my household. I have determined that ‘doing it all’ may be the only way to succeed and I am OK with that. :).

So, where we left off: My couch! She’s home! Not totally complete as I have work to finish but really only just got here and have been making up for lost time as everyone seems to want me for something. My husband made me some temporary legs so as I wait for the final legs to be made from one of my former coworkers, we can still use the couch. I also need to start working on the walnut skirt trim and I did purchase my finish for that so just need to do a little sanding and finish them up. My husband also has some things to do on the hanging cabinet. BUT….we are using it and am thrilled!!!! Of special note is that lovely leather ottoman! I just purchased that from Joybird, where I have a trade account. It is very good quality (although not made in the US….boo) and I am so happy as it makes an additional sprawling space which we were used to with our former sectional. If anyone wants to purchase from Joybird, I can be your middleman, however, you would have to pay in full for the item and could not use the payment plans they offer. Just a note on that. I have purchased fabrics from them and for clients which works out great for remote restorations.

Since that photo was taken, we have added a few more blocks to the ‘legs’ so it is closer to the height it will be with the new legs and casters. <3. *Pillows made by me, blue is vintage 80s KNOLL TEXTILES, brown pattern is TRINA TURK for F SCHUMACHER.

You are spying a Jim Eldon for Knoll oak and leather top coffee table in that shot. It is beautiful! I just bought it and had to try it out at my sofa, however, I had already purchased the ottoman and they will not work together. That coffee table is in excellent condition minus a few small leather scuffs which I think I can repair. I will work on that before I list it. It is one AMAZING and utilitarian table. I really do love it. The story there——-I went shopping at a retired VP of Finance for Knoll’s home. He moved in with his son who is know caring for him and they are downsizing some of his collection. I got to hear some fun stories of life growing up with a house full of designer furniture and about his dad’s days in the corporation. I also was able to purchase some very sweet items. Here is a better shot of the Jim Eldon table.

Beautiful oak, impeccable condition. The flaws are in the far right corner but I am pretty certain with some toothpicks, glue and a youtube vid, I can get them cleaned up. All of the fibers are intact, they just need to be put back in place.

The piece de la resistance (in my best FAUX FRENCH accent—channelling my Grandmama who was raised in Quebec) is the beautiful 72” Florence Knoll bench. This ICONIC piece is in immaculate condition. Brown leatherette tufted upholstery is flawless and the chrome is very clean. I will be polishing it before it leaves here. The label, which is in PERFECT condition, I might add, dates it to the 1960s- POST 1961. This piece is perfect in a commercial setting as that is what it was made for. If you see clients and need a lovely piece to show off in your space, this is perfect. In a home, it would be impressive in a hall of entry or even at the foot of your bed! OOOHHH LA LA! Add some fur or a cream throw and it will look so cozy. You can do a lot with it. This rare piece is also in perfect structural condition (you know how I am with upholstery) and the foam is soft and she was probably in a climate controlled environment most of her life. BONUS. Without further adieu, meet this lovely example of fine mid century design:

Seats 4. This version is the longest version they made and is not currently being produced by Knoll.

This piece belongs in a museum. Serious shoppers can find her already in my etsy shop, coming soon to my chairish shop. This is a true collectors piece!

Knoll’s office was at 320 Park Ave from 1961-1970.

After 1970, the office moved to Fifth Avenue. If you look on the right you will see a lovely striped casement on display in the new showroom.

I was able to purchase two bolts of this fabulous sheer casement yardage in two color ways! Circa 1970. I believe it is cotton/linen but I am trying to determine that. The book this pic was in did not have any deets on this line. I have much more of the yellow/orange but there is ample available here to do something fun with and share that fun with others. After I do some more research, I will be pricing it out by the yard. The edges are finished that all you need to do is hem the bottom and sew the top to accommodate your curtain rod or window treatment. They are sheer but not too sheer and will make a lovely colorful accent to your windows! Also a rare collectible in such quantities, I feel very privileged to be able to host them and hopefully use a bit in my own home.

Blond “Cesca” chair designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1920s during the Bauhaus movement. I have a set of 4 black ones that I will be recaning, by hand, the one seat bottom. This chair is a newer production than my black set, and I will definitely be researching to see if it was made in the Gavina plant in Italy or after Knoll started producing them here. The cane on this chair is sheet cane (much easier to replace) and I will be replacing the seat and the back. Otherwise, she’s in beautiful condition. I will definitely share more comparison shots of this chair and the earlier ones and maybe do a write up or video. :)

One last thing- I bought a similar teak danish 2 piece unit from a friend who was moving. It is not perfect but a real nice piece. (this pic is not mine). I will get it set up and pics taken soon. It can be used without the top to make a nice credenza. The top piece has some warping and there are some other minor issues but it will be a great starter piece if you love Danish and do not want to invest a fortune. Will be pricing this piece for local market and reach out if you are in the region and interested until I get that done.

I think the covers most of my latest additions. The dining set I was recovering on the last update sold within hours of me listing it and is waiting to get picked up to move to Wisconsin. Things have been really flying out the door this year and I will say, do not hesitate if you think you want something I have. I will hold things or even take a deposit but in this market, things are not here long. ALSO….ETSY is now offering a 4 installment payment plan with NO INTEREST! This may help you afford a big ticket item without putting it on a credit card. PLEASE read the terms! I think these plans work great IF you follow the rules and do not miss any payments. It truly is no interest until you screw up. I believe their plan is set up for 4 biweekly payments so you have about 2 months to pay it off. You will see this option and details on every listing you see on etsy. It was nothing I had to opt in to participate in. This is a fun and exciting product for holiday shopping! Keep that in mind and choose etsy to support small business just like mine all season long!

Thanks for checking in with me as I do appreciate those of you who take time out of your day to ready my blog! I will be hustling over the next 2 months to get some projects done and things listed. STAY TUNED!

xo Malissa

Etsy clearance sale!

If you go see 21 bridges let me know you find it and what scene! I hope to go this weekend! 💗

I am motivated to down size my inventory as I get ready to work some full time contract work. Plus I could use some Christmas money as I don’t see me starting much before January at this point. I am slowly moving more inventory over to my SALE. I have a CLEARANCE category on Etsy and that is where you will find the markdowns. 20% off and many have free shipping. I have started featuring items in my social media and honestly, I have some cool stuff, My long term goal at this point is to downsize and get out of Smalls. I have not been to a thrift store in months and have not bought any Smalls at estate sales. I have backstock to add and will be taking things out to my space in the mall as things leave out there. If I have something not on sale and you want to negotiate, that is fine. I like bulk buys so if you want a few things that will get you a better price. I am planning to continue on with furniture and restorations but end the franticness of trying to ‘make a living’. I can’t physically process and sell what I need to do that I can make a respectable wage. Teenagers are crazy expensive. Every time I turn around my kids need hundred of dollars for this field trip or that band trip and guess what, I am only a few years away from 2 kids in college and I am starting to panic. This can not sustain our family and I need to get a real, paying job. And bonus if I can stockpile some money in a retirement fund while I am at it. So here I am, making a plan. Will see how this full time temp job goes cause if we all can handle it (including my mom who has to step up to be kid Uber after school), I may start my quest earlier than the year and a half I have given myself (kid #1 will be driving and then I am free). I love what I do. I am hoping and praying I can get a job related to what I am doing…..in some capacity. I have created a wonderful thing here and this year, I will probably beat $40,000 in sales, my biggest year yet. But it’s time to get off the hamster wheel and work for someone who values my time and compensates me for it. Self employment is not for the faint of heart or for those of us who need a steady income. It’s a constant juggling act. The good thing here is I can still operate in whatever capacity I choose! I choose to specialized in furniture restoration and will continue. I won’t care if a piece I pumped hundreds of dollars into is still waiting for a forever home in two years if I have a paycheck paying my bills. Things have changed. Etsy is far from reliable. Chairish is still growing but not as I have hoped. eBay has no respect for sellers. Making it alone is just impossible and selling local for me is not profitable. So here’s some things to tempt you. Come buy your gifts with me. I appreciate you! Check back often for updates as I may add more items as the month rolls on! Thanks as always for your support and for helping me be the best I can be! You guys trusting me to restore, source, ship and deliver your items have given me a wealth of experiences and expertise. 💗 Malissa

I am featuring sale items daily on my social media! Stay tuned for more as the days go on!

Holiday season updates.

Upcoming Sale Opportunities

As the weather turns crisp and the holidays draw near, I wanted to give you a quick update on some things I have planned.

BLACK FRIDAY PROMOS:

ETSY

First off, for the last few years I have been kicking off the shopping season a Black Friday GIFT WITH PURCHASE in my Etsy shop. This year I am repeating the fun. Purchase anything in my Etsy shop starting BLACK FRIDAY and through Christmas while supplies last, get a free bonus gift from me in your box! It’s my way of saying thank you for supporting me!

SHOP LOCAL AT FLEETWOOD ANTIQUE MALL

Black Friday-15% off my space.

Small Biz Sat- 20% off my space.

Dec 21st Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 15% off-35% off if you wear an ugly sweater. ONE DAY ONLY.

***i may exclude some consignment items (FIRM) but otherwise, everything is included. Cash preferred when qualifying for discounts.

Pick up at my pop up shop Or purchase right here On my website! Red bags are extremely limited but i have plenty of grey ones! Super INEXPENSIVE gifts fOr your mcm loving friends!

Thanks for your support this season and throughout the year! Keep in mind my shipping prices only include cheapest method. If you think you need expedited shipping closer to the holiday, please reach out so we can make the right choice for you. If you need large furniture in time for Christmas, please reach out immediately! I am getting ready to start another census working phase and will probably be full time. My delivery availability will be very limited. I will do what I can to accommodate all requests! Happy Thanksgiving! XO MALISSA

Collectors Consigning with Collectors- musings for my newest venture.

I am so thankful my friends and past clients, Danny and John, chose me to help them downsize their collections as they embark on a new adventure in condo living.  There are many times in life when you are faced with your bulging collection and space, time and storage issues.  I am using this experience to set up spreadsheets, procedures and thoughts for an official contract for future consignments.  

My thoughts so far, this is a lot of work.  It is probably not worth consigning small, low value collections.  This is for mass quantities of high end stuff or a combo of both.  I also will be faced with what to do with the residual items as time goes on?  I was thinking after an agreeable amount of time, slashing prices.  Contacting local dealers to buy out the remaining items, etc. My goal is to realize the highest values for your stuff as the market will bear, pack and ship safely and deal with the customer service, make appropriate bulk deals with shoppers.  

What can you expect?  Well, it’s hard to say until we get rolling.  The Barbie market has really surprised me.  Collectors are ravenous and willing to buy multiples for combined shipping. These are all in mint condition and never removed from the box.  I have competition on these listings and am pricing in line with recent sales and things are moving faster than my own inventory! That is great news!  I try to keep my shipping costs low and I am begging friends to save me smaller to medium boxes, packing pillows and other materials.  So far, so good.  

Here are some additional thoughts.  I make more money buying bulk at low prices and selling high myself than I do consigning.  I do not always have the cash to purchase mass quantities of inventory and especially high end inventory so consigning works great as it is no upfront cost for me.  Here’s probably the best thing so far.  I picked up 2 carloads of inventory last week.  I listed the furniture first then the Franciscan Starburst as that fits what I normally sell.  My own fan base was excited and I sold some china out the gate.  Next I started the Barbies on eBay.  I have gotten though 3 boxes in 3 days with close to 15 boxes total.  Since I started listing, I sold over $1000 worth of stuff and raised my consignors over $600!   I know in the estate circles I buy in no dealer would pay this much for this massive lot.  I have not even touched the surface! So much more to go!    Keep watch on these fabulous items in my eBay shop at eBay.com/usr/MadModWorldVintage and the mcm items will be headed to my Etsy shop.  If you think you have a large valuable collection and would be interested in consigning with me, you can reach out at anytime to get on my list! 

XO MALISSA