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!

Adventures in Sourcing- Danish Style.

I have been fortunate to have been contacted by a local interior designer to assist in finding the perfect vintage dining table for her client. It has been a great experience and the family was fabulous. Shortly after this, I was contacted by a lovely gentleman from Long Island that was referred to me and he was looking for a tall order…..8 matching danish dining chairs, 2 captains chairs and 6 side chairs. It has been a busy few weeks and I will tell you how this all goes down.

Case Study: New with Old, mixing modern with classic Danish Modern in Kutztown.

First off, I was presented with some facts about the dining table hunt. Family purchased West Elm banquette seating and needs a pedestal style table so legs are not in the way of feet. Next, table needs to start small yet expand quite large to accommodate holiday gatherings. Ok. Next, they were thinking teak as the wood choice. It did not take me long to know exactly which table they needed. A more common Danish design in which the legs formed a pedestal under a round tabletop that opens with the legs expanding under the ends in it’s oblong transition.

The table is iT’s shorter configuration is A great size in a small room.

After discussion with the client, they agreed this sounded perfect. I am not in a Danish hotspot. Waiting for this table to turn up in my circle is just not an option. I got on the hunt and the goal was to find this table under value….which I would consider $800-1000. I turned one up….in Syracuse, NY. It was very reasonable and looked to be in great shape. The seller was willing to work with my shipper so I contacted Scott and Jill, who live up that way and travel up and down the east coast moving furniture, with occasional trips to Dallas and Ohio. They have delivered many items for me and are lovely people. After getting their price and adding a nominal commission, my final price was at the lower end of retail. Perfect. With the client’s blessing, I made the purchase and started rolling. When you use a shipper, private or white glove moving company, you can expect this process to take many weeks. I will get a general estimate when I book but things can change as they get closer to the date. Private shippers are also available in the evenings so there is a chance that your delivery will take place at night or on a weekend. They do their best to accommodate your schedule and will reach out to you when they are finalizing their route. The table was delivered and I wished Scott and Jill well in their travels until I need them again. It was in beautiful shape and had some great features like locks to keep the table closed when there were no leaves in use. I oiled it with Danish Oil and prepped for delivery. When it finally got to it’s new home, the new seating was waiting. It looked great! I enjoyed seeing where it will live and the features in the home that were laid out by the designer. She has a great colorful eye and the space was really put together well. If you are looking for a specific piece of vintage, and want me to hunt it down for you, I would be happy to assist. My goal is to obtain under value so that with the addition of shipping and commission I am still at a reasonable number for you.

Fully expanded, this table can ACCOMMODATE a crowd. Note the legs expaNd with the table. PEDESTAL tables can be tippy without this ingenious design feature.

Case Study: Longing for Danish Dining Chairs in Long Island.

In this custom sourcing adventure, I will say I was pleasantly surprised to get involved with a long distance client. He was referred to me by a friend of a friend. Thank you for referring me!

My client is planning a large family reunion in his home for Thanksgiving. It is very important to him that his guests are accommodated and his style is impeccable. He knows what he wants and sends me a pic of style. 8 dining chairs, 2 must have arms. Danish. This is totally a first dibs kind of request in that to find a set of 8, you can’t find them without buying from another dealer, who most likely built the set themselves. I started to look. I quickly found a very lovely set and reached out to the seller. These super high end Erik Buch designed chairs for OD Mobler are absolutely stunning! Popular enough that you can build a set if you need to. Sturdy and ample, unlike other Danish chairs I have dealt with in the past. After communicating my intentions, I have a buyer and will be mediating the deal, I am a professional seller, I will be sending a shipper, yada yada, I am greeted with a willingness to proceed.

JUst beAutiful! Aged teak with lovely joinery, extra soft foam work makes them super comfy and unlike most Danish, they have very large seats! Worth the splurge!

My client loves the chairs. I negotiate him a much better price than advertised and keep in mind, I am saving the seller fees, which he is passing on to us. I find out some history on them. The seller used them for the last 8 or so years, he bought them from a military family in Colorado, who brought them back from Europe. He is in Chicago. I get the negotiating squared away and then contact my east-west coast shipper, Jackie, and it turns out she was heading my way and could get them for me. I love when things go smooth. A week later, I have the chairs and am seriously in love! Oh and my seller was so amazing, he offered me 2 additional chairs that need to be restored at a price I could not refuse so they came along as well! They will be getting new upholstery and added to my inventory! My meet up with the buyer is scheduled in a few weeks and I hope he loves them as much as I do! It was great to help him find his dream chairs and overall, he paid less than some sets of 6 out there with all my help.

Great side profile!

I am pleased to offer sourcing services. Think of me like your personal shopper. On another note, I just brought back a chair from the upholsterer you may want to see!

Rebuilt with new foam, new seat cushion and new fabulous upholstery! Mid century gone modern. Very much in love wity my latest restoration!

Handsome from every side! Gorgeous designer fabric in white velvety tweed and high sheen teal or peacock overstitching in a random abstract allows thE light to dance off beautifully. I never was one for white furniture but the touch of blue is faNtastic and it adds light to a soace instead of draB. I am thinking about ordering more for my pearsall couch i love it so much!

LoTs of details! Piping or welting, notched seat cushion and Although it us mid century in stature, it is wider than many era chairs. Next to my modern couch, you can see she is smaller than today’s overstuffed and overplumped styles. Great when you have an older home with smaller rOoms!

Beautiful from behind too!

What a difference from the day I dropped her off! I also have a nice swIvel rocker ready to go! If you want to customize your own mid century beauty, i can heLp you get it done!

This chair is now available for purchase! You can get an instant shipping quote in my Etsy shop. My guess without checking is about $299. If you are east coast I might get it a little cheaper with a private shipper but in cases like this, chairish may be the way to go. I can help you make sense of the logistics if you reach out to me! I do not expect this amazing piece to be here long! 💗💗💗💗. XO Malissa

Shop and save! Lots of markdowns in my Etsy shop! Sale runs through oct 31.

Take a seat. Chairs everywhere.

I have lots of new items to unveil and I am busy working on getting some ready to go.  Here is an overview of items I have in house.   

First off, there are some modern, AS IS items I am blowing out. You can pick up or arrange a meet up local to me. These are not offered online.  You must contact me directly!

Super set from ROWE FURNITURE.  2 arm chairs and matching ottoman.  Structurally superb, no rips or tears in upholstery but it will need a good cleaning.  Priced to MOVE at $100 for all 3 pieces. 

Ethan Allen reclining wingback at matching ottoman.  Very dirty with possible sun fade but appears to be structurally sound.  $50 for the set! 

Gorgeous Queen Anne bench.  Perfect in every way!  Comfy too! $75

Next up....NEW GOODS! 

i hit a local auction last weekend and to my surprise, the local dealers were not interested in the few mid century and bohemian items there!  These are trickling in to my online markets and being cleaned up and tended to.   

Blond beech Thonet 811 arm chairs.  designed by Josef Hoffmann/Josef Franck in 1930s.  This is an early set as noted by the lack of extra leg supports that were added to later models.  Beautiful hand caned seats and backs and in fantastic condition.  I will be glueing up a few wobbly front legs (reason additional supports were added) you may periodically have to repeat this as they loosen up but an ounce of prevention will keep them stellar.  They are super lightweight, simple, yet gorgeous in design. Made in Thonet’s Czechoslovakian plant, imported by US IMPORTER Stendig and stamped, stickered accordingly. You will find Thonet’s bentwood pieces in museums all over the world as Michael Thonet devised and perfected the stream bending process.  Here’s a great chance to obtain a large matched set of these great artifacts! 

A bohemian and eclectic’s dream!   

Rattan and reed chaise. This beautiful piece is from same estate (Doctor). Not sure it’s origins but design elements are very much a replica of a Thonet No. 2 chaise.  They are typically not bamboo, however and feature cane instead of woven reed.  I will continue to research but not only is it a gorgeous piece to look at, it was used inside so is in very good condition.  A few broken reeds but no missing areas. I will spend time tacking some areas with glue as that is all that needs to be done.   

Gorgeous Knoll raw saddle leather office chair. Swivels and on casters. This leather is dreamy.  I found one chair like it online but no identification help.  It is not in Knoll’s current offerings.  I have reached out to the company so let’s hope their helpfulness is better than their Human Resources since I have applied for many jobs there in the last year and only get canned denial emails. 🤦‍♀️  

Adorable oval tall table.  This may make an appearance at my booth....need to sell the Broyhill set!!!! 

I will split these chairs from the table at this point.  I am priced at $400 local pick up.  That gets you the chairs (new upholstery), table and leaf.  You can’t beat this price for Broyhill Saga!  These splat back chairs were sold with all the Broyhill premier lines and you can add on very easily.  Why am I priced so low?  I sold the credenza off quickly and made my money on this buy.  I do not have room as my storage is jammed.  This is the one set I have that I can offer to local fans and collectors at a great price! I buy to sell retail, not wholesale.  When I can offer at a great wholesale price, I want to!  This chance does not come often. That said, my online price of $600 is still great but accounts for my fees.  Shipping this complete could be a $650 price.  Still the set will be had under value if you restore the finish. It is current in well loved/rustic condition but it’s charming. The gold linen seats are new including the foam and it is ready to use.  

You can purchase this set directly at Fleetwood Antique Mall. Come prepared to transport.  Staff will help you load it. OPEN 10-6 WED - SUN 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA 19522

If you are interested in just the chairs, I can bus ship them for $150 additional.  Chairs alone $400.   

I am working on the other set of chairs I have as well.  Fabricating a new support piece as the former was missing.  Will replicate the finish on the new piece and then just need to knock a few crooked legs loose and reglue them up.  The former fixer did not use clamps. 😭  They look real nice cleaned up.  I am leaving the original upholstery alone and did repair a small hole.  I think it’s nice and if you want to hire me to redo for you I would gladly do that but trying to keep the price down and I really do love the striped fabric!  So sexy! These will be priced to move!  

My husband is working on the new piece of maple that will replace a missing rung.  It’s a great match to the original wood which is probably beech. 

Lots going on as we are in the final weeks of school and will be camping in a few weeks.  If you need me please reach out! I have weekday availability for deliveries and such.  I am stocked full of some great things right now in ALL BUDGETS!!! Please refer your friends!  I will treat them like family! 🥰

Have a great week!

XO MALISSA