Flokati- it's a rug, it's a throw, Vietnamese silk lanterns.

Last week, I headed out with my friend Laurie for yet another urban picking adventure. We make a day of it with the goal of heading to our favorite estate company and then thrifting and shopping the whole way home.  This trip did not disappoint and although I would say I am not really in spending mode right now, I got some great items at a relatively low cost which always is good!  The highlight of the trip is always a great view of Manhattan from NJ.  I find that shopping in this area gets me a different selection of goods that are not readily available in the more country area I typically shop.  

My favorite picks are the two Flokati rugs I bought home.  I already have one of my own, so both of these are listed for sale.  The Flokati is of Greek origin and is made of wool.  The pile is left long and it has a great shag.  They are used as a throw over a couch, bed or bench and as a rug.  They have some weight to them too.  These are both in excellent condition and have no stains or issues.  One is a larger rectangle size and the other is smaller and almost square.  Take a look and see if you can accommodate one.  They are great for MCM purists, boho and eclectic decors and more.  They add a real nice texture to a space and are a great neutral cream (natural wool) color. Both are listed in my etsy and chairish shops. Great holiday gift!

WIKI: A flokati rug is a handmade shag wool rug. Making flokatis is a long-time tradition of the Vlachs in the Pindus mountains. The natural color of a flokati rug is off-white, but they may be dyed different colors. The entire rug is wool, including the backing from which the tapered shag emerges. After the rug is woven, it is placed in the cold water of a river to fluff the shag. They continue to be handmade in the mountains of Greece and are regarded as desirable in American modern decor and children's rooms.

Next up, to go along with my recent Asian kick, which, by the way, is TRENDING right now!  I buy what I love, but so many times I come home with stuff and start poking around or get an email and whammo, there is my new found style, already being marketed and discussed in one of my markets!  I just got a mailing from F Schumacher, fine purveyor of fabrics, wallpaper and accessories that I have a trade account with and they are launching a fabulous fabric panel line all with beautiful Asian designs.  I do pay attention to current trends in the design world as that is how I stay relevant.   So I found some beautiful Vietnamese Silk Lanterns.  In Hoi An, they celebrate every full moon with a beautiful lantern festival in which thousands of silk lanterns are hung about town all aglow.  I picked up 3 of these lanterns, all with an inner bamboo frame system that collapse for easier storage and shipping.  They are VERY large and I find them very attractive in a grouping but am pricing individually.  The smallest one needs some glue and I have not repaired it yet so have not listed it.  You can find them on etsy.  

I get lost in this beautiful painting. The black background is actually green foliage and pink accents. It was amazingly done! 

I have worked through the art and ming tables I picked up the other week and most everything is live on etsy and chairish.  I hung the paintings in my living room for safe keeping while they wait for a home and I am in love with them.  The details are lovely and it really classes up my space.  I know whomever takes them in will love them just as much.  I added everything I know about the artist, which sadly, is not much.  Most of it from observation of being in her home and not necessarily facts about her art career.  

I just accepted an offer on the Adrian Pearsall Jacks end tables.  The kidney shaped cocktail table is still available.  I will hopefully be looking to bring some of the upholstered items from this lot home shortly.  I keep going round in my head about them.  For as much as I'd love to restore them and then list them for sale or even coordinate the restoration for the buyer, I really do not have the kind of budget to invest into them without having someone lined up to fund it.  I may just offer them as is for the buyer to do their own coordination.  I have a house full of items I have a lot of money invested into and they just do not seem to find homes fast.  It makes me sad but it is what it is.  I cannot tie more money up into things that sit for a year or more.  That said, if you really love them and want me to help you get them done, I will gladly and enthusiastically take on the project.  

As the push to the holiday season approaches, I will be trying to get through some back stock to list and may even thin some of my personal collections.  I did just list an amazing tension pole lamp that I was planning on keeping but decided since I have another to restore that can replace it, I will let it go.  Keep checking my Facebook and instagram for latest additions to the inventory as I usually post it there first.  

Heading out for the weekend so any sales that come in will be shipped Monday.  Have a great weekend!  xo Malissa

Caning, Asian influences, shopping with a friend and good housekeeping practices because it's the LAW.

Greeting! After a busy few weeks, I have just completed restoration of a homemade oak rocking chair with cane seat and back I picked up earlier this year.  I took it on because I have successfully replaced sheet cane early in my restoration career and decided I was ready for another go.  I am happy to report it all went smooth and the chair is now available!  Here are a few pics from the process.

The first pic is the chair as found with a blown out back.  Step 1 was removing the old cane and spline.  The best way to accomplish this is with a $40 steamer.  The steam loosens the old glue.  I would say it took the better part of an hour to work the old cane free.  Then I visited my local basketmaking and caning supply shop (yes, that is a THING!) called the Country Seat and they helped me match up the cane and spline to the right sizes.  The spline has to be big enough to fit in the channel tightly as that what keeps the whole structure intact.  Then I returned home ready to work.  After soaking the new cane and spline in water for about 20 min, I got to work using the wood pegs to insert the cane into the channel.  Working from side to side and and making it taunt.  Once I had it all lined up and inserted as I liked, I would trim off the excess, cut the spline to size beveling my ends for placement.  Then adding wood glue in the channel, inserting the spline, pounding in with a rubber mallet and my peg and wiping off the excess glue.  Overall, this project took about 3 hours of my time.  The chair looks fantastic!  If you have an eclectic style like I do, you may fall in love with the texture of caned and woven goods. Sheet cane replacement can be tricky, but it is a lot easier and less time consuming that outright caning!  Stop by my etsy shop if you want to read more about the chair. CLICK HERE

While I was at the caning shop, I picked up some material to repair a 1930's Heywood Wakefield rattan rocker.  It is shown on my Diamonds in the Rough page.  I am going to get started repair the one arm that is a little dogged up and then redoing the seat.  I have some golden yellow fabric I thought would be a good choice with the aged orange finish of the rattan, but I am open to  using a pattern.  If you want to claim this baby now I will finish it per your specifications.  Amazingly enough, the rattan is actually a very tight twisted paper and not a reed at all!  When I snapped off a piece to take it along to the shop, I was suspicious and the woman at the shop confirmed it!  I will be replacing with a reed in the area that needs repaired and hoping I can do a close match of the orange paint to blend it in.  These kind of details are always challenging and fun for creative types like myself. 

NEW ITEMS.

I just picked up a few new items that I am getting ready to list.  I love to know the history of what I find so being able to select things from the home they lived in is a fun yet melancholy part of securing my inventory.  I was able to visit a home that is getting cleaned out after it's owner recently passed on.  She was a working artist who made her living selling prints and original oils.  I am still trying to get more info on her business but she did copyright everything she sold so there were definitely savvy practices being followed.  Her home was filled with late Bombay Company furnishings in near perfect condition.  I picked up a pair of 2005 era MING style end tables in a black finish with gorgeous burl tops.  I quite enjoy the Asian style and think it would be a great match in an eclectic or boho décor.  This will be photographed and listed in the next 24 hours- hoping for no rain and a little sun! I also picked up 2 very large original oils on canvas in beautiful gold gilt lighted frames.  They are both floral subjects.  One is marked Not Copyrighted DO NOT SELL.  The other has been copyrighted and her notes show pricing and editions for canvas and paper reproductions including her asking price on the original, $4,000.  I am trying to get some more info regarding where her work was being sold and what galleries she had relationships with.  

One  of my friends mentioned they wanted me to look for a couch for them.  A few hours later a lovely living room set gets texted to me from an estate guy I buy from. Well turns out my friend was as smitten as I and trusted me to handle his deal. He got my full services including condition evaluation, pick up/delivery and a complete cleaning and sanitization.  He is handling a structural issue with the couch himself.  My Facebook page blew up after I posted the pics so I think lots of people loved it! It is Bassett Premier, often misattributed to Adrian   Pearsall.  It is in amazing condition too! Looks great in his home and I get to visit them. 💕

Speaking of sanitizing, in other exciting news, I decided to apply for a license from my state to be able to tag my own used or restored upholstered goods after I clean and sanitize with one of 2 products the state authorized to be used. I chose Steri-Fab, which is an insecticide, germicide and fungicide.  I will vacuum and steam all upholstered goods and follow with sanitizing all areas I can get to, I am certain that not all places do a thorough job with this especially thrifts, who are required to tag and any other retailer you shop with in PA.  I was letting my mall handle it for me but decided it would be something I would do for every customer I ship to. I am already following procedures but am waiting for my license to be approved so I can order the yellow tags. Buyers can remove them after receiving the item but it is piece of mind for all of us! I welcome local people to use my services! I would gladly sanitize and clean something you found or are selling commercially so you can comply with the law. Message me and we can talk about it!

HALLOWEEN

Just to let you know I have some fabulous NEW Halloween kitchen towel from Primitives by Kathy available locally at my Fleetwood Antique Mall space and currently a few styles are on ebay.  Please stop by and check them out!  ebay.com/usr/madmodworldvintage

This towel available NOW in my ebay shop or locally at Fleetwood Antique Mall!

order now so you get yours in time!  

Thanks for reading, your comments and emails!  XO Malissa

Weekend Shopping Options.

FLASH SALE!  My Etsy shop will be on sale today at 2pm, concluding oct 6 at midnight.  10% off everything, no coupon required.  Come have a look!

Looks like fall is finally on the way and what a great weekend to head out and enjoy some shopping. This post is for my regional fans and will include shopping info for the big shows this weekend in eastern PA plus where I will be on Saturday.  

3 times a year my local area features a large show which draws bargain hunters, pickers and Antique fans from all over.  This weekend are those events and I will attempt to navigate you through. 

Starting TODAY through Saturday-Extravaganza at Renningers KUTZTOWN. Kutztown is an adorable college town and features a quaint and bustling Main Street filled with unique shops like popular Sorelli Jewelry, Paisley and Company bath shop and Firefly Bookstore.  There are food options as well including Kutztown Tavern and Brewery and just out of town is Saucony Creek Brewery and Gastro Pub, home of my favorite seasonal brew, Maple Mistress.  From town, take Noble Street out to Renningers Farmers Market and head out back to a large outdoor market feature hundreds of vendors selling all sorts of antiques and vintage goods. Make sure you visit Renningers.net and print out the $1 off admission coupons!  Admission is $15 today, $10 Friday and $5 Saturday.  The farmers market in the front building is open Friday and Saturday.  Bring your cooler and stock up! There are meats, eggs and produce plus many delicacies like baked goods and even wine tasting inside.  Food stands are reasonably priced.  On Saturday, there are indoor Antiques vendors as well.  Not sure if they will be open on Friday or perhaps some will be tending their stand.  Free admission to that building by the way. 

Make sure you take a pit stop on route 222 just south of Kutztown to visit my pop up shop at Fleetwood Antique Mall! We are only a few miles away and I am sure you will find the selection and prices are fabulous! I just added a bunch of new items in my relocated space.  Find me on the 2nd Floor, rear of the barn.   

Currently featuring my restored Heywood Wakefield chair and the gorgeous day bed. 

Next up, head to Adamstown. Keep in mind, these are the most expensive Antiques in the area.  You may find a hidden treasure, but things here are in many cases priced higher than my online markets! Most co ops will have sales and other promos going on and some will have outdoor vendors.  I love stopping at the Mad Hatter and have friends who sell there.  It's a must see if you travel to Adamstown.  From Kutztown, continue on 222 south.  There will be an Adamstown exit south of Reading and take route 272 straight into Antique central.  You can pick up a map at your first stop. Make sure you plan on Shrupp's Grove Flea Market. It is a lovely shady spot filled with vendors and I really enjoy shopping there.  Enjoy the area fauna! You will see horse and buggy's with Mennonites and Amish.  There are many regional food specialties to enjoy as well!  Ring bolongna, Scrapple, AP cake and Shoo fly pie.  Make sure you try something new!  

I hope you get a chance to seek out some treasures!  I will be set up on Saturday at Pyrex and Vintage Fest in Havre De Grace, MD. The street will be closed down by Joretro and approx 30 vendors will be selling pyrex and vintage goodies. The town is adorable, the weather should be perfect! Hope to see some fans!  What pyrex I have left will be $5 each dish.  I am also packing camping/picnic items and will have hen on nests, china sets and some small furnishings. My bestie and helper will be bringing vinyl records. Come see us!  It is an amazing event and if you enjoy pyrex, this will be over the top for you! Event runs 10-3. Hope to see you there!  Event page at Facebook.com/pyrexfest

Lots of fun new arrivals!

The last week has been exciting! I purchased the first items I committed to buy from the living room of Craft Associates pieces.  Craft Associates plant was an hour north of me in Wilkes Barre, PA.  They are known by their well crafted walnut items and their striking designs by founder, Adrian Pearsall.  His pieces are highly collectible at this point in time so I am thrilled to be able to bring them back to life!  

I started with the tables as they are easiest to get ready for sale and they will be helping to fund the upholstery work I need to do coming up.  The jacks tables are amazing and worth every penny! I have the freeform boomerang coffee table and a pair of guitar pick end tables- which are a harder to find form. They have been cleaned and touched up with new lacquer sprayed.  I have some oxidation on the glass top which looks like a haze.  It disappears when wet.  I have been working on polishing it to see if I can remove.  There is general wear issues on the pieces but they have not been abused.  My touch up cleaned up much of the obvious wear.  

I have dealers hawking me for them but I will not be wholesaling. They will be priced according my markets.  To help my regional peeps out, buy direct from me and pay cash and you can save my fees which is about 10%. I do not charge for meet ups and delivery, either. So let's chat and try to work it out! They are iconic, amazing and timeless!  I am so thrilled to be able to assist them in finding a new home.  

Next up.  I was busy doing some cleaning and touch ups on some items I picked up. I would love to deliver this fine piece! Say hello to a gorgeous Lane Rhythm Hutch!  

This great storage piece features glass sliding doors on the middle 2 shelves (not pictured) and the whole bottom is open for storage via the 2 doors on the sides. A beautiful piece to show off your treasures or books, it is warm and the texture is perfect! Specially priced if you buy direct. I also can deliver this piece as it fits in my minivan but it does not break down any smaller. I will help arrange shipping nationally for the additional cost. 

i also picked up a great Temple Stewart dining table in wheat finish that will match Heywood Wakefield but I paired with my ladder back Italian chairs and am in LOVE!  I will give you a much better price if you buy the whole ensemble! Reach out!

Thanks for following along and hope he all have a great weekend!

xo Malissa

Fall happenings.

After a wild week of getting ready and then moving spaces, I am all settled into my new space at Fleetwood Antique Mall! I am thrilled with the new space and everything went together very smoothly. Seeing the day bed set up and looking fabulous has made me love it even more! Try to make it over and see it if you are in the area. I am offering it at my rock bottom price at the mall. I do have another daybed ready for restoration as well, you can find it on my website, madmodworldvintage.com under DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH. Here are some pics of the new space. 

I went with a college theme and I think the daybed is a great accessory. It is extremely comfy with all new cushions. I left a little paper with info on the piece you can read about what was done.  

I have a great selection of Halloween items (not vintage) which I hope everyone enjoys! I love being able to offer fun things locally!  

Lots of new pillows available!  

Next up! I am officially registered as a vendor for Pyrex and Vintage Fest on September 30th in Havre De Grace, MD.  There are about 50 vendors expected to be setting up along the street outside JoRetro vintage shop.  Last year was a lot of fun and I expect this year to be even larger! If you enjoy pyrex and Comradery from like minded old souls, you will be in heaven.  Havre De Grace is an adorable town and an easy drive from PA, NJ, MD and D.C. Here is a link to the event info. https://www.facebook.com/pyrexfest/ 

I will be packing a bunch of pyrex which I think I will be blowing out flat pricing so stop by and see if I have anything you need. I am up for orders so if you are hitting the fest and would like me to bring something for you please message me!  I think I will be bringing the cafe set and afew summer left overs and offering af clearance pricing.  Would love to squeeze some furniture in the van! My bestie will be coming along to help and will have lots of vinyl to poke through.  

Sad day, but I sold my violin that was listed all summer and looking for a new home. That said, I will soon start collecting the Adrian Pearsall items that were offered to me by a friend of a friend. I am excited to dig in there and make them beautiful again! Here is another peek!  

These 4 pieces will probably be my first pick ups. The table glass on the coffee table may need to be replaced but otherwise, they are ready to go with some cleaning and maybe a repair or two.  I love the Havana chair and ottoman. Tempted to keep that one! 💕 

I will most likely ofer AS IS or RESTORED pricing. If you want to handle your own restoration, that is fine by me but I would love to coordinate that for you! 

At this point, I am planning on restoring this couch for my own living room!  Just need to convince the husband it's time to ditch our sectional. 😆 

Speak up if there is something you are interested in as I would accommodate you when I select what's next. Due to my budget restrictions, restorations would require 50% deposit to start, balance due on delivery. None of the upholstered items are usable as is and I have not inspected the strapping supports which may also need replaced.  

Thanks for following along and hope to see some fans in Havre De Grace!  

xo Malissa