Meet and Greet Event!

Please join me next Friday, September 14th from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at the Fleetwood Antique Mall in my retail space on the 2nd floor for a fabulous evening of chit chat, shopping and socializing! There is a big birthday event going throughout the mall with food and sales.  I want to meet you and hear all about your collections, wants and projects! Feel free to pump my brain on anything while you are there plus if you have anything in my realm you are looking to sell bring pics and details!  I am planning some giveaways and other surprises! My featured inventory will be 30% OFF ALL WEEKEND plus any items I bring from my online inventory can be had at a discount.  Reach out and I will have anything in my online inventory there for pick up or for inspection! My space is too small to feature everything but I do plan on bringing some of my restored ottomans!  Here is the event link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/284618475463599/?ti=ia

Please share with your friends!

Details of the BIG SALE at GRQ/Fleetwood Antique Mall are here:   https://www.facebook.com/events/2201061653240630/?ti=ia  FRIDAY EVENTS.  See the GRQ FACEBOOK PAGE for details of the whole weekend schedule.

HOPE TO MEET SOME LOCAL MCM FANS! Can’t make it Friday? I may have some weekend availability to meet by appointment! Reach out!

XO Malissa

Tools, Picking and eating New England.

Last week was a whirlwind but worth the stress of making sure everyone’s life would be smooth in my absence. I embarked on a road trip with my friend, combined forces and expenses and came home with some great new items, memories and new friends.  I don’t care what you sell or specialize in, we are all the same deep down and the cast of characters at the auction will keep me laughing for years.  

The first leg- We had concert tickets for a Monday night show.  A Philly band we both like, Waxahatchee.  The tickets were bought months ago so I ended up getting home very late and doing my two days at work Monday and Tuesday.  Home for Tuesday evening but not really as that is when my band rehearsed so I did not get caught up on my sleep.  Wednesday morning I had to head back to NJ to leave for the trip but not until I stopped at the upholsterer to pick up the finished X Benches. I buffered in time to that stop and luckily so as he was still finishing them up.  I left before 10am and headed straight to my friend. We arrived within minutes of early other and got on the road.  We made great time and it was a very scenic trip....New York skyline, the NEW Tappon Zee Bridge, beautiful areas I could never afford to live in and continued through Connecticut and Massachusetts.  We arrived in Nashua, NH by evening and had dinner with some friends in the hotel restaurant.  It was good to put faces to the stories my friend tells me and everyone was excited about the buying and selling happening all week.  I even caught some interest in what I do so conversations were easy and light.   

My friend was out shopping the swap meet at 5am Thursday and I was getting up and ready to do my scheduled delivery.  Turns out it was a beyond crappy morning with rain and yes even snow.  Cold and miserable.  My friend had his fill of shopping and decided he would accompany me to the coast and by the way, found an estate sale close by just across the boarder in Massachusetts.  We stopped and I snagged some great items including a just listed Calif/Asia rattan lounge chair and a set of Amish Butterprint Cinderella nesting bowls.  After trying to buy a set of Jarts and being told they were illegal by the estate sale company, my quick thinking friend spun the request to just buy the plastic fins and nuts.  I have a set of wrecked ones so hope to make him a set with the parts. You do know kids split skulls with that famous yard game? 😂 We continued on to Rye, a beautiful coastal town just outside of Portsmouth and delivered the goods.  Then had some lunch in a cute little burger joint.  Portsmouth is really adorable.  We got back to the hotel and then had a super seafood dinner at a local joint with all the characters we were hanging out with.  Of course, it was Lobster Roll for me!  Friday was more parking lot swap meet action, I was schooled at how to shop for Stanley Chisels, in case I find any while I am picking.  Who knew people were so passionate about chisels?  The auction started so we hung in there a bit.  This is one of the biggest tool auctions in the country so there was definitely many collectors and dealers driving up the prices.

 As the auction winded down and the money ran out, it was time to move on to the next leg of the trip.  We headed to Rhode Island to my friend’s Aunt and Uncle where we stayed for the night.  It was my first time in the state so excited to have now been in all the north eastern states.  I got to try Quahogs or Stuffies, which are like a crab cake only with chopped clam. So good!  There were some other delicacies like wine biscuits that were also pretty awesome.  We had a great night visiting and loaded my van with some furniture that was going home with my friend and we headed out for the trip home.  It would not have been a complete trip without a craigslist deal and my friend had one lined up.  We actually went to PA to pick up a tiller before we got back.  Then we hooked up with my family and our VW friends at a car show for the night in Trenton.  It was an awesome week and hope we can do some more joint adventures soon. 🤘🏼

So what did I bring home?  First off, here is a look at the X Benches! I am in love.  These great benches were popular in the 70s and often attributed to interior designer Billy Baldwin.  They are super popular now and look fabulous at the foot of a bed.  I used the plush Blush Royale velvet from Joybird after my client selected it in another color for the wave couch.  Amazing fabric!!! I have some yardage left if anyone is looking for a small project.  Available now in the Etsy shop!  

Another darling restoration in the books! These were extremely labor intensive and are priced accordingly to cover the upholsterer, my fabric and markup.  I have included shipping in my price.  If you are local I may be able to come down some.  Reach out!  

They are sturdy and comfy and you can sit on them!  Under a console table, at the foot of a bed, in a small sitting area, these make awesome room accents! Interior designers love them. Blush is a hot trending color and looks great in a white washed room.  

Super hot in boho, Jungalow and eclectic decors, this Calif-Asia bamboo and wicker chair is so cute! In excellent condition! Add a fur or skin, kilim pillow or other accessory and you have a loungy chill space.  Just listed! Milo Baughman actually designed some lines for this company although I do not think this chair was his.

Another super Pyrex set just in! I am saving this and the pink gooseberry set I have for the Mid Atlantic Pyrex Swap in just a few weeks.  If you are headed there too and want to reserve one of these sets message me! 

Gorgeous Victorian Settee! This chair is in amazing condition and is superbly made! One cushion needs a patch.  Bad 🐶.  I will assist in repairing that for you.  Some sun fade but otherwise in amazing shape.  A very cool piece for a Victorian home or eclectic decor. I just love the details and look at the fringe!!! Upholstered in Philadelphia. message me for info!

I am headed out today to swap some things out in my booth space for the weekend. If you are coming to Kutztown or Adamstown this weekend for the spring Antiques Extravaganza, stop on by the Fleetwood Antique Mall and check out my space! If you want to pick up anything in my online inventory there message me and I can get it out there for you!  i am taking camping, picnic and summer stuff out! 

Have a great week!  XO MALISSA

Chairish- where it is at. A look at this newer marketplace taking the internet by storm.

I sell in more than one online market. Some of my items are listed in one, some in all.  Although up to now, I have been focusing on my etsy shop, things have been changing over there and I decided to add some of my higher end smalls to chairish.  I figure I would tell you guys about that market as I do feel they are positioning themselves to become a force to reckoned with. 

HOME Screen in the Chairish App.  

I got involved with Chairish a few years ago.  They are a relative newcomer in the online marketplace and a lot of folks are unaware of them. They are presenting to an upscale audience focusing on interior designers. There are no vintage requirements and they encourage sellers to offer late model Furnishings and Decor.  They also offer white glove shipping nationwide which they arrange at incredible rates. I price shopped Plycon on my own and they are seriously half of that. Although white glove shipping is a splurge, it really is a great choice as all you need to do is say 'put it over there' and they will, taking all the wrappings with them when they leave.  I sling a lot of furniture and can say that alone is worth forking over the dough!  

2 of my items showing up in a search for BOMBAY. 

Chairish is a curated collection.  That means someone there decides if they want your item listed.  If for whatever reason they do not want it, it gets denied.  It is a way of controlling what is associated with their brand.  The audience is Interior Designers shopping for clients and savvy homeowners in the know.  Sellers are also grouped by region and often offer deliver or pick ups.  This is how you can shop smartly without driving up the price with shipping costs.

There are some great features in the App! First up is a VIEW IN YOUR SPACE feature.  

Currently only offered by Chairish and their really high end sister site, DECASO, this fun feature lets you use your camera to overlay this scalable image over you room.  See how cool my mirror would look hanging in my VW Vanagon?! 😂

From the desktop browser, I have also been able to PRINT A TEAR SHEET which looks like this. Also an Interior designer feature but helpful if you are coordinating your own project.  

As you can see above, shoppers can make offers. Sellers can accept or counter.  When you make an offer, be aware that everyone who has HEARTED that item gets a push email that announces HURRY! MALISSA HAS MADE AN OFFER OF $250.   

SHOPPING TIPS:  you can score a $20 off coupon as a new shopper just be signing up for an account or message me your email as I can have one sent to you.  I also just printed out a packing slip for a buyer and it included a coupon code for $20 off a purchase of $100 or more on a return trip.  You can ask questions directly to the seller as a public comment.  Please note there there is not a private communication system nor will they encourage direct contact between buyer and seller off site.  They will, however, assist as a go between and forward info between parties.  Just contact customer service to initiate.   TRUST:  although listings are edited by Chairish, know that they do not authenticate any item being sold.  I have observed some shady practices by dealers in this market.  Like any other marketplace, make sure you ask questions and get proof.  If the dealer cannot provide, you may want to find someone who will to purchase from.  

TRADE DISCOUNTS.  Are you an interior design pro? Chairish recently launched a Trade program where, once approved, you would be eligible for trade discounts as offered by sellers of 10-30% off listed price.  I personally feel I price fair so have not jumped into this. Realistically, prices need to start higher to accommodate this on top of the already steep commission.  I am going to wait it out and see.  Shoppers always can make offers so not being featured in the promos is the only thing I will miss out on.  

Pop over and give chairish a try! You can follow my shop at chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage and find me under Philadelphia sellers! ✌️Happy shopping! Allow 6-8 weeks to receive white glove furniture shipments! I had been taking 2 weeks just to get things picked up!

xo Malissa

Dream Weaver.

Anytime you try something new there are many feelings shooting through your mind.  Can I do this? How do I do this? What if I screw up? You think you prepare by researching and reading but there comes a time when you just have to jump. After hoping to recreate the original weave on the Italian chiavari chair set then not finding any instructions for it, I decided to stop racking my brain trying to recreate the wheel and just do a weave I had instructions for.  Moving forward, I started the first chair.   

Step 1. Fill in the front corners as the chair is wider in the front than the back.  I counted the old seat fills and followed that lead. 

Each string is tacked on both sides in this step. 

Moving on, the next step weaves around the 4 corners.  It is pleasant going for the most part.  When you run out of cord, a square knot is used to attach the next piece.  

Continue going around until about 1/3rd left. 

At this point, triangular pieces of cut cardboard are inserted in the pockets to full out the seat and add additional support. 

Continue weaving until the sides are filled.  Then use a figure 8 stitch to finish off the seat.  

My first chair took about 14 hours.  I hope to gain some speed as I move through the next 3! 

I am happy overall but hope to get faster and better as I go! 

Oh, and did I mention there is no way to prevent the rats nest??! 😂 

I am not sure if I will attempt this for others, but I do have one person in line if I decide to rehab to order! 😂🤘🏼 

Heading out for a one nighter camping trip Saturday but will be available sporadically up until we leave.  Can't wait to sleep in the Vanagon! 🚐   

Have a great weekend! 

Malissa

Hoppy Easter, Berks County Area Thrifting and Shopping Guide.

Have a great holiday to those celebrating!  I had a busy week! The McCobb bench is on it's way to Chicago and the lucite and brass table is packed and being picked up next Wednesday.  That said, we did not ship the 52" glass top and my buyer is replacing with a larger one.  If you are regional to me and need a round glass top and this 1/2" thick beauty will do, $100 and it is yours.  Let me know!  

​Spring shopping here in Berks County and into Lancaster county is picking up and in a few weeks there is a big Extravaganza weekend.  ​You will want to come by Renninger's Kutztown renningers.net for Thurs, Friday, Saturday shopping the weekend of April 27, 28 and 29th, then head to Adamstown Sunday 30th.  I don't find tons of mcm furniture at these events but there are great finds to be had.  Here's some lists of area thrifts in case you can make it to our area. 

FROM 222 heading south

KUTZTOWN:

Once Again Thrift store in shopping center where Weis Market is. 15260 Kutztown Rd Kutztown Pa 19530

Further south on 222: Fleetwood Antique Mall (this is where I have a space) 14129 Kutztown Rd Fleetwood, PA 19522

The Shoppes at Kirbyville who also has outdoor Flea Market on weekends

READING

GOODWILL

3045 N 5th St Highway

reading PA 19605

Opp Shop for Opportunity House

In Strip mall by Checkers, same side of highway as Goodwill

GOODWILL BY THE POUND OUTLET

3001 St Lawrence Ave Reading Pa 19606

GOODWILL

602 E Lancaster Ave Shillington PA 19607

HOPE OUTLET

645 N 6th St Reading, PA 19601

ADAMSTOWN

just south of Reading is Antique Mecca in ADAMSTOWN. Prices are high here but it is worth picking around. I have found deals! Definitely check out Mad Hatter Antiques as there is the most kick ass MCM booth in the back with the most CatherineHolm you will ever see! You can pick up a map there for all area stores. I have never done more that 2 in a day and you could seriously spend days there. In the summer, nearby Shrupps Grove has become my favorite flea market. I think they are closed for the season now.

​You could say I just shared my shopping secrets with you, but I assure you, these days I am shopping estate sales and people are connecting me to others selling so no worries, they are no secret! 😜✌️ 

i will be headed to Maryland once again for the MidAtlantic Pyrex Swap near Baltimore.  Had a blast last year and looking forward to seeing folks I know, fellow dealers and make new friends.  It is a fun trip and hope to find a few more snowflakes I need for my collection, make some trades and come home with some fun stuff.  ​

Our Saturday space at Columbus Flea in NJ last weekend. 

A friend and I just sold some stuff at the Columbus Flea Market in Columbus, NJ near Trenton.  It was a huge market, Sunday being the better day.  If you are in the region it is a great day trip.  ​

i have tons to do today so off I go.  Reach out if I can help you with anything! ​

XO Malissa​