Lights, Camera, Action, my weekend on film, in the credits and providing a prop for an upcoming release.

This week was such a whirlwind! I am exhausted from selling 3 days plus a day of set up at a local event. I still have a van to unload today. Here’s a run down of my week!

Day 1 of Extravaganza: dealer day. I looked up from my table, cocked my head, smiled like a Cheshire Cat and said, “I know you!” To Mike Zohn of the smash hit ‘Oddities’ which follows his picking and selling adventures for his Manhattan shop, Obscura Antiques and Oddities along with his partner, shop mates and a cast of freaks, weirdos and performers coming in the shop looking for the strange and unusual. It truly is one show my family enjoyed together while it was on Netflix. Mike said it is currently available on Amazon for streaming and there is talk of more filming to come which is exciting! He was a super nice guy and I enjoyed our brief chat as I have seen him at a few of their Oddities shows but never approached him to chat. I made it to the black. That means I earned enough to pay off my rent for the event in accounting speak! 😂

Mike Zohn (Oddities) after i chatted with him looking for TREASURES. He Was carrying a real sweet ouIja board with him which surely was pre parker brothers.

Day 2- my favorite eats in the market, Nancy’s Mediterranean Food, sent out a wagon full of goodies to work the crowd for breakfast and I was thrilled to grab a piping hot breakfast turnover. They need to add bloody mary’s to the menu next time!

Every day i arranged DIFFERENTLY and swapped some merch. Day 2 and 3 i brought in my vintage camping delights.

I got tipped off from the gal working the gate that Carson Kressley would be here Saturday with a camera crew filming for a pilot. Well, I glanced back at the Vanagon, looked down at the rainbow striped Benetton rugby I just bought….and was like…it’s ON! I will lure him over like a moth to the flame.

My dollar clearance tarp was A huge hit! Most things i sold over the show were $5 or less. I was there to cLear out old stock but did bring a few low end Restorations to show Shoppers and the feedback i received was aMazing!

I got set up on Saturday. It was busy! I was digging through my medical boxes with an Obstetrician and his wife. He was finding some exciting obsolete items to use for teaching and educating those around on what things were used for. In the midst of this (and please note, I found a box of anal dialators in the morning and left it out on the table), Carson shows up and spots the dialators and away he goes! You could not plan this if you tried! He was totally unscripted and all events were actual. The crew would occasionally direct on where to stand or make us pose in front of the van and once I heard his gal say….ask about xxxxxx. Well if he got any other interviews as good as mine went, we are in for a fun show! This was definitely for a pilot on Discovery channel I think. No name mentioned. We will have to wait and see. I did sign the release to be on the show, Carson grabbed my card on the way out after gushing over a chair I restored. Overall, it was super fun and I hope his crew got me at a better angle that my husband did! He got a 20 sec clip I had to copy this still from! He’s fired from being my paparazzi! 🤦‍♀️

The doctor is In the blue shirt. Carson holding the anal dilator. I believe that is the technical term as well. Ha.

After an exciting Saturday ON FILM, I was excited to head back to behind the scenes. Earlier this year I offered to source a few vintage items needed for a local film project being shot right here in Reading, Berks County. Although she did not need much, the producer guided me to find some things she needed for some flash back scenes in the 80s. They were shooting over the summer and now it was time for the pre-screening. The film was readied in rough form, to be viewed by those who made this vision come to life. The actors were there, the crew and friends. So many great local businesses volunteered their spaces for on location shoots too. It truly was a community effort! The film was fantastic! I gushed when I saw the placement of the quilt I found for them, which happens to have been made by my husband’s step mother’s mom! The plot was great and the imagination even greater. From here, the film will be tweaked and finished….formatted properly, etc then entered into the film festival circuit. They estimated another local screening open to the public in about a year, then it will be available to buy or stream, however they plan to distribute it, which has not fully been determined as of yet. I will definitely keep you posted on the future of this film and am hoping to get a still shot of the quilt scene in a few weeks!

Dust Nuggets movie pre-screen at hamburg strand. Packed house of cast, crew and friends.

Credits from the film ‘Dust Nuggets’ scrolling on the big screen at the pre-screening with cast and crew.

One last thing! Last summer I sold a Lyons Industrial Tool Cart to a production filming in Philadelphia. Because I delivered the item to them, I met the gal who sourced it and a gal that worked for the facility they were using to film. The movie release got pushed back to November 22nd. She was turning my cart (with another) into a kitchen. So it will probably have a butcher block or some kind of top on it now and I will most likely have to wait until video to really ‘find it’ in the background. The movie looks great as the trailers are starting to come out. Go see 21 Bridges this fall! Shot in Philadelphia.

Looking forward to working with more film studios in the future! XO MALISSA

New project: MadModWorldVintage YOUTUBE channel

Please stop by and give me less than 5 min of your time! The first video in my educational youtube series 'Mid Century MISSconceptions’ is launched. Produced by my 14 year old daughter, this fun informative video talks about my recent visit to the Hagley Museum Library in Wilmington, DE to investigate a John Stuart Inc catalog. I did not find the chair I was looking for in it, but I did find some great info plus hope to return to peruse an amazing collection of catalogs and business records from the interior design business of William Pahlmann. Included in this collection are numerous catalogs, swatches and project documentation which will be a dream to poke through. I hope to get back there after my tax season commitment is fulfilled. Stay tuned!

My main point in the video is to talk about the resources I found, FREE for the taking. I have been to many museums to peruse catalogs and totes of documents. This is the only way to prove your item’s truth. So many lies are being spead and the IN THE MANNER OF descriptions just denotes a lazy dealer. Making an attempt to examine catalogs and historical documents is the only way to find the truth of a piece that may be unmarked. So many things were copied over the years, this is important to both buyers and to sellers. It is also a fun thing to know that guy next to you may be finishing up his doctoral dissertation.

Here is a look! I appreciate those who take the 4 min, some odd seconds to review my project. PLEASE SHARE and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOU TUBE CHANNEL while you are there! Let me know what you think! xo Malissa

Episode 1, Malissa visits the Hagley Museum to peruse a 1957 John Stuart Inc Catalog. *Hagley Museum: https://www.hagley.org *My Website: http://www.madmodworldvintage.com *Instagram: @madmodworldvintage *Facebook: mad4modmalissa

On the road again.

Thanks everyone who was been keeping me busy!  I have had no luck with job applications so working this full time and that’s a good thing as I have 2 items waiting for shippers.  We are on the way to Pittsburgh for the weekend and hoping to hit some thrifts as I always find good stuff there!   Fingers crossed!  I will do my best to assist shoppers over the weekend as needed.  Last weekend I arranged a shipper while I was hanging at a music festival so I am good at multitasking. 

I just swapped out my booth space this week!  Most of my glass is gone bacause I had no room for a shelf with the day bed in there.  Stop by if you are local!  I am currently offering 20% off with a college ID for the month of August.  KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY students welcome!  I have great college dorm and apartment gear.  Daybed is priced at $150 (less discount with your ID) and it is ready to use.  Not perfect, but I put new foam in the cushion, washed the cover and sanitized the bolster.  Also included is an atomic cover you can toss over if you like.  Perfect for extra seating and doubles as a guest bed.  Priced to move!  Nothing in my space is priced over $80 right now!  I have some great wall art too!  Why buy new stuff when you can start your vintage collection young!? Here is a few shots of the revamped space!  Hours are 10-6 WED THROUGH SUN. Also note I deliver furniture!!! I would gladly deliver anything to the area colleges so if you have a child or grandchild going to school nearby and want to arrange a gift of furniture, reach out!  I can flex on my pricing if you buy direct.  

This mammoth mirror shadow box is mint and so cool! I left some items on the shelves so you can see how neat it is.  It is heavy so you’ll want to anchor into the studs. I think I priced it at $80.  It is worth much more!  

LINENS! I have a new rack and filled it with some great table cloths, placemats and scarves/table runners.  Also Indian Kantha quilt throw pillows.  Please leave the hangers on the rack for me and take the item and tag to the front.  *Indian Kantha placemats also available in my Etsy shop.

Dish towels.  Insanely snarky and nice large square size.  Primitives by Kathy is famous for their towels.  I have camping themed and retro themed complete with alcohol humor.  **I have all of these listed in my eBay shop for you out of towners!    

Pillow cases!!!! Camping themed.  New in package.  Buy here or in my eBay shop. 

Door mats!  I have a few Dorm Sweet Dorm mats, a striped one and some camping theme.  There are 2 TOASTED FRIENDS AND MARSHMALLOWS/HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE mats out there.  I only have 4 total.  They are now discontinued I believe so chances of me restocking are slim.  I you have not picked one up, now I’d the time.  Also on eBay until they sell out.   

Here’s another look at the linens rack before I added the daybed and removed the shelf of glass. 

NEW ITEM

I have not listed this yet as I want see if I can replace the brass ferrules, many are missing.  It is a gorgeous 2 pc sectional in awesome cobalt vinyl.  Comfy and in really good condition.  You can arrange it in a corner or like a couch.  If interested reach out.  I will deal with the ferrules next week.  I found some but need to measure.  They seem to be $10 or so a piece and I will need 8.  I think it is worth investing in to bring it back to it’s glory.  Here is a peek.  

the Heywood corner table is in my project stash.  I can restore to order or sell AS IS to those looking for an easy project. I will get it listed soon but it is available if looking.  It is perfect for this set up!

Also picked up this amazing Austin Productions post modern sculpture by David Fisher, Russian American artist.  She is entitled the Stargazer and stands 2’ high.  If you are looking for a stunning sculpture she is in very good condition!  

She is awesome from every angle! 

Thanks for your support!  I have some exciting news to share! One of my restorations will be featured in the November issue of Berks County Living Magazine along with 4 other local Etsy sellers.  This is really great for me as my goal this year was to work with more regional clients.  Can’t wait to see what the writer does!  Have a great weekend! XO Malissa

Lounge Chair restoration

I have been crazy busy this week with deliveries and even drove to Brooklyn for the first time ever!  It went very smooth and I would not rule it out for the future.  I also need to check my ez pass to see what tolls I incurred as I believe the Varrazano Bridge was $17 each way plus there probably was a few other charges along the way.  My kids were along and helped navigate. 

I was able to replace the Pirelli strapping in the lounge chair.  It was a pretty easy project.  I have the chair listed for sale AS IS, with an option to have custom cushions made.  I have fabrics available in my stash which would be included in the quote or provide your own.  I can also order you something at cost.  It is a great chair and comfy enough with the original cushions but will be amazing with new high density foam and a great fabric choice!  

I have not identified this beauty.  It is very similar to a Baumritter lounge but there is a metal plate on the front with logo worn off.  None of the Baumritter’s have that so I am pretty sure it is another maker.  Maybe some day I will figure it out!  The wood has been oiled and it is ready to go. 

I am not sure what I will work on next. We will be busy in the weeks coming with weekend trips and other summer activities.  I just had an ad in our local newspaper yesterday so hoping some classy local peeps find me.  I would love to help some locals furnish their homes!  

The art department at the Reading Eagle did a great job on my ad. 👌

A current view of my offerings at the Fleetwood Antique Mall.  If you are looking for a large mirrored shadow box, I got one in there and it is amazing!  I believe everything at this point is priced UNDER $100, minus the Ming table set.  Come have a look and take some great items home.  I will probably be shaking up my look come next month so this is last call before I do that.  We get lots of college students in August so I will be doing a display with them in mind! 

Thank you for reading!  Still in limbo with job hunting and not knowing what my future holds.  This is all I got right now so send me your referrals! I would love to work with like minded folks who need some fun new pieces!  XO Malissa

The best things in life are shared. My trip to Kykuit.

One of a very limited edition, there were less than 20 made. This Fernand Leger design, known as ‘Blanc’ was most likely made and sold during the 1960s American tour of Marie Cuttoli’s textile exhibit and in collaboration with Galerie Lucie Weill. *photo credit J Federici

It was just about a year ago when I won a gorgeous piece of history and started researching it.  I learned a lot about wool, moths and fine rugs.  The piece was multifaceted with history and part of a very limited edition of hand knotted rugs. The artist whose work was featured, Fernand Leger, was commissioned to create the maquette or cartoon used in the design. The woman who orchestrated this project has just as fascinating history.  Marie Cuttoli, originally the wife of a French Senator, had a vision of reviving the tapestry arts in the 1920’s.  She spent time in her Algerian mansion and appreciated the artisans there.  She worked with a group of women who learned to weave and create works of art from the cartoons.  

These pieces generally took 8 months to weave and thus most seem to have been ordered and shipped from Paris. I was able to find our a little about a few of the owners of these pieces scouring auction comps from Christie’s, Sotheby’s and other high end auction houses.  Some notable former owners include Vera G List, socialite, philanthropist and notable art collector.  I read a transcript from an interview with her in 1973 available from the Archives of American Art which explored her thoughts on collecting and her involvement in the organizations she supported.  Another collector/owner was Robert and Andriene (Andrea) Bollt.  Andrea was also known as an avid modern art collector and philanthropist.  

It was at some point after I listed my piece in my online markets that I was contacted by a curatorial assistant with Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate.  They held a few pieces from the Cuttoli series in their collection and wanted to find out more about them.  I agreed to share my research, sources and comps with them and planned on making the drive to Tarrytown, NY to tour the estate. 

Enjoying the Grand Tour at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Tarrytown, New York.  *photo credit J Federici

I grabbed a friend and scheduled my appointment and Grand tour, as advised by the Curator.  She mentioned that only the 2 longer tours take you into the basement art galleries where the rugs are on display.  Also note that there are many beautiful Calder tapestries on display and any modern art fan would not want to miss this!  

The estate was absolutely amazing! From the gorgeous gardens to the amazing home and antiques, the tour guide was great and really gave us a lot of history on the family and how life was in that compound.  Heavily Asian influenced, the decor was elegant and scattered with Nelson’s modern tastes. It all worked well together.  

After the final stop on the tour at the coach house (filled with buggies that would make my Mennonite friends jealous!), I sat and chatted with the curator and showed her my catalogs and references, presented her with a written summary of comps and info and discussed theories on the origins of the pieces held in our collections. She was lovely and it was so refreshing to discuss this with a like minded individual.  Having to piece together the series of circumstances with these items really makes me appreciate the organizations that preserve this history.  I have used many of them and give back to support them when I can.  

Today I am traveling to Philadelphia to visit the Athenaeum to peruse a Harvey Probber catalog to see if I can authenticate a table I have that is attributed to him.  Another day, another fun expedition.  I will report on that next week.  In the mean time, I will leave you with a few of my shots in the gardens at Kykuit.  Have a great week!  

XO Malissa

Beautiful views of the Hudson River from this perch!