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.

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

Incoming! Franciscan Starburst alert, misc collectibles, Barbie and some great furniture on the way.

I have taken on a large amount of consignment items from dear friends who are downsizing into their dream condo.  Of course my goal is to help them get as much as they can for their awesome collections, but there is much work ahead in going through and listing.  That said, you will want to stay tuned to my Instagram or Facebook pages for hot off the press listings.  At any time I welcome you to contact me and if I can sell it to you before I list or even off Etsy, it will save you!  Local and regional peeps who can drive to pick up can save too.  I am bundling things so make me a list let’s negotiate!  I am currently adding Franciscan Starburst China to my Etsy.  Some have issues and I am noting all of that.  Read carefully and reach out if you need more info or pics.  This will take me some time to get through and we will be out of town this weekend.  I am trying to take little steps.  If by chance you know of a hardcore Barbie collector or dealer, please send them my info.  There are some fabulous collectible editions in this lot.  I would love to have someone hand pick so I can get it more manageable.  Most are new in original boxes and if removed were display only.  There are accessories as well.  So much! 

Wednesday I am returning for some furniture items.  Hoping my car can fit it all!  Here’s an idea of what is coming. 

Handsome hoop chair nicely recovered by my client.

There are 3 of these awesome Bertoia barstools.  They were special ordered and shipped from Italy with seat cushions.   Would like to keep the set together.

Saarinen chair pair

Thonet bentwood chair

Stay tuned to my social media as I work my way through these awesome collections. I am always willing to ascertain bulk deals. There are some really cool Barbies in this lot!  Limited runs, collectors editions, designers and so much more.  Generally speaking they were never removed from the boxes, a few may have been displayed.  Wait until I start digging in! Seriously good stuff.  

Joan is here waiting for you!  Is there more from this series?  I have no clue! When I start on the Barbies I will be posting in social media.  I would say that these are probably headed to eBay.   

Enough temptation for now.  Can’t wait to show you more!  

Help me re-home this great stuff!  My consignment endeavor will help my friends empty their home of valuable items that just won’t fit their new space. They have deliberated on what stays and what needs to go and now here I am, handling the details.   Collectors helping collectors, keeping this stuff in your own community of enthusiasts.  It’s a win for everyone!  I hope to get involved in helping others do the same as time goes on. I can use my expertise to help you get more money for your stuff than an auction house, yard sale or other quick unload option.  

Stay tuned! XO Malissa 

these are all live on Etsy plus a coffee pot.  Much more to come!

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

SHOPPING SURVIVAL KIT: Extravaganza Weekend in Berks! Come visit us!

Come see the amazing collection of medical items from the doctor’s house.  I am bringing many items not even listed.  From the weird to the unusual, to the crafty and useful, there is seriously something for everyone here!  Bulk deals will be made.  

I will be out and about this week as we celebrate spring Antiques Extravaganza in our area!  Here in Kutztown, you will find plenty of shopping steals and deals.  Head to https://renningers.net/index.php/extravaganza for the event details. There is usually an email sign up for $1 OFF admission coupon so make sure you find it on their site! Your coupon comes via email so print it out to use at the gate.  This 3 day event has an array of dealers with all kinds of items.  The market itself has wonderful food vendors including fresh veggies, meats and meals.  Come hungry and pack a cooler for all these PA DUTCH treats!  Many locals will be yard sale selling this weekend!  Be prepared to brake for junkin! Check craigslist and other yard sale apps and keep your eyes on the signs!

Area haunts: 

Once Again Thrift Store Phone:(610) 683-3204 

Address:15260 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530

Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM MON-SAT

DO NOT MISS MAIN STREET KUTZTOWN. Many shops and great restaurants! Municipal parking lot next to YOUNG ONES music shop.  FIREFLY USED BOOKSTORE is amazing.  Paisley and Company hand made soaps and toiletries is great too.  If you like jewelry, Sorelli has a store on Main St as well.  For eats, Letterman’s Diner will stuff you in a small cozy retro diner.  The Airport Diner just out of town is a family favorite too.  For beverages and fare, do not miss Kutztown Tavern and Saucony Creek microbreweries. 

JUST SOUTH ON 222- Fleetwood Antique Mall.  14129 Kutztown RD, Fleetwood.  Come see my small but mighty retail space and take home some fabulous finds! I will definitely be set up on Thursday and maybe Friday outside!  Stay tuned for my social media for updates. I am packing my medical items for the weekend. I will definitely have the most extensive collection of it in the area.  Come make a deal!  https://www.fleetwoodantiquemall.com/

Kirbyville Antiques-  keep heading south a few miles on 222, on the right.  Same owner as above so on that website. 

Red Barn Antiques-  Park Rd, Blandon. Turn left at the light on route 73, turn left at next light (Park RD), the barn is on the left. https://www.redbarnblandon.com/

Jump on 222 south bypass, formerly known as road to nowhere and head to Adamstown for more fun. Prices generally leap down there but you can find deals if you hunt.  We love Shupp’s Grove Flea Market which should be open sat and Sunday.  There are many markets and co-op’s to visit so grab some brochures at your first stop. http://shuppsgrove.com/

Other area markets: Jakes Flea Market, Barto open Sat and Sun.  I am planning on setting up here with my friends on Saturday morning.  I think they have a vinyl and record event this Sunday as well.  https://www.jakesfleamarket.com/

Just north on route 100, Bally:  Fensty’s Flea Market indoors if you need to duck out of a shower.  Open FRI/SAT/SUN.   https://fenstysfleamarket.com/

 Hope this helps you out of towners!  Keep your eyes on my Instagram @madmodworldvintage or my Facebook page for my plans. 

​Hope to meet some of you!  XO MALISSA