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​

The couch of dreams....restoring a classic.

I have been busy working through my items to get them ready for listing in between working with customers.  I apologize for those who are waiting for specific items!  I will get to them, I promise!  I also had a bit of a cold last week which kept me less than productive.   

I had a very interested party in the sectional and although there has been no formal commitment, I decided to forge ahead on the restoration.  I spent a lot of time cleaning the pieces and working on some light stains on the cushions. I managed to lighten them.  They are not obvious, but if the cushions are flipped and swapped, they are mint on the reverse sides so that is fabulous!  I took to my upholsterer to get a quote on the foam replacement.  It was in line with what I hedged for so that is also great!  After that, I came home and ditched the old foam and cleaned some more.  I also added an internal patch to reinforce a very small puncture that will also be on the underside with the cushions flipped.  I will have it ready to deliver in about a week and a half after someone commits.    It is a big investment for little old me to do without a buyer.  I have gotten loads of feedback in the last week and I am certain she will not be here long!  I cannot wait to see her with her properly stuffed seats!!!  

***I would totally take a deposit to hold any furnishing in my inventory and ship when paid in full.  Please keep that in mind!  This works out well for me so I have time to get it packed and then when paid, I can take it right to the bus, I never know how fast my stuff is going to sell and I have worked with folks for a week or 2 until the transaction is complete so definitely reach out if that helps you!  I know it is income tax time and if you see something you like and are still waiting for your refund, know I will work with you.

Shipping......so of course I have taken on this very large item that I could not possibly ship on the bus, which is my preferred way of keeping my clients happy with reasonable shipping.  I must tell you that I have done extensive quoting on this couch and chairish is THE BEST priced white glove shipping out there.  I cannot touch the rates they are getting on my own direct through Plycon.  Should you need to use white glove shipping, by all means go to my page and add the item to your cart for check your rate.  If you are not a current chairish client and sign up for an account you will get a coupon sent for $20 I think.  Also, I can forward one to you with your email so definitely take advantage of it.  Chairish is my highest fee market and it kills me to pay 20% commission on my items when I do most of the work but being able to offer the best shipping rates for those who need white glove shipping services makes it worth it to me to keep listing.  Click the badge below to visit my shop! Save me to your favorites!

I am still working my way through my lighting and want to check it over before I sell.  I did list the entry light fixture the other day.  It is such a unique piece!  It was in use until we look it down.  I will not be rewiring it unless anything looks sketchy.  Kenny will check it for shorts with his meter. Find this piece at https://www.etsy.com/listing/494074972/mid-century-modern-4-teardrop-pendant

Such a stunning piece!   Used on a pitched cathedral ceiling, but would work on a flat ceiling as well.

Used over a built in planter, I would guess this is one of the better fixtures you'd find for this purpose.   

Def American made as there is a union label.  Maker unknown.  Super shape! 

As you can see, it is a large fixture.  The wires are encased in a brass rod so lengths are only slightly adjustable.  The light on the left can come up higher to meet the bottom of the rod.  

I will be working on catching up with those of you who expressed interest in the pole lamp and the plastic plant, so I can get them sent out or delivered.  The plant has cement/plaster of Paris in the pot and it had been a super pain to break up!  I want to finish that up this weekend and get it shipped.  I also have 2 peeps interested in the pole light with the planter bullets that I'd like to go over next.  We are up to our ears in basketball season and have games or practice most weeknights and over the weekend.  Getting very weary of it and this should be over by the end of February, thank goodness!   

I am also picking up the black Herman Miller rocker this Tuesday and will be getting it listed right away.  Both rockers are available but I will be keeping the one that does not sell first so if you are considering adding one, now is the time to commit.  Unless I stumble across another shell, I will not be getting any more.  

The tension screen is at my booth space.  I left it as is, the bottom panel is damaged.  It can be removed or shortened, but figured I would let that up to the new owner.  Added some other goodies this week too.  Stop by WED-SUN 10-6 at Fleetwood Antique Mall 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA. GRQ Used Furnishings is with us now so I can tell you there is lots to see!  Great prices and a huge selection of every era you could want. 

Please stop by all my shops for your Valentine's Day gifts!  I am stocked with some great items!  Thanks for your support! XO Malissa

Last minute gifts for MCM enthusiasts, happy campers!

Greetings!  I was able to get some NEW goodies yesterday and spent most of the day listing them in my eBay shop.  If you have been following along in my business adventures, you may know that I have a wholesale relationship with Primitives by Kathy.  I love that I can curate an inventory for varied interests like my own and this relationship has allowed me to add many wonderful items relative to my camping, boho and vw bus world.  Added to the inventory are some awesome kitschy pillows for a quick grab for holiday gift giving!  Got RV or camping family?  Beach house friends?  I have you covered.  Quick ship as always is this crucial time of the year!  

Perfect for a camper, vw bus or beach house!  Large size, cotton cover with poly fill.  New sealed in bag.  $29.50 each plus ship. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359417783

My reversible happy camper doormats (also in stock!) feature this awesome saying on one side and have been a huge hit!  Grab a cool pillow for your bus, camper or cabin! I love them. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359406969

Indian Kantha Placemats restocked!  I have 2 sets of 4 available, $30 each plus ship. ON ETSY. https://www.etsy.com/listing/499015843/assorted-india-sari-placemat-set-of-4

After I left the showroom, I headed to a new place to explore.  A fabulous small factory weaving quality textiles on 1920's and 1930's looms.  The selection was just wonderful and they specialize in heirloom quality reproductions.  They have a small selection of MCM themed patterns and are in the process of designing more.  The looms were clicking in the background as i shopped.  I bought out all their in stock MCM offerings until the next production run projected for end of Jan/Feb.  I will restock when available!  Here are some pics and what I added to my inventory!  Makes a thoughtful gift or add to your home before your guests show up! 

A display of some of the more traditional offerings. There are pillows, throws, bedspreads and more being woven here!

Racks of finished goods. 

A vintage loom on display.   

NOW AVAILABLE IN MY EBAY SHOP

George Nelson Clocks Theme runners!  I only was able to grab 2 of these but will restock next year when available.  I sold this gold one 2 hours after it was listed.  The orange one may not make it until the email goes out!  

Available as of time of writing but has watchers. $25 plus shipping! Great price and so beautiful.  The intricately woven pattern features 3 thread colors....deep orange, black and natural.  If you can't afford a clock, this at leas will tide you over.  Looks great on a table or credenza. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359452461

Same orange and coordinating threads as the clocks in this great Atomic geometric design.  This runner is same construction as the clocks including an upgraded bound hem. Also $25 plus ship. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359478602

Gold geometric pattern in a great throw blanket!  Get cozy MCM STYLE! The thread is a gold/chartreuse and is woven with black and natural.  Bound hem. All 100% cotton, machine washable, made in PA!  $80 plus ship. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359490945 

Textured weave, geometric shapes in gold. Less whimsy, more stunning! They had this displayed at the foot end of a twin bed like a drape.  It is shorter than the others by 2" at 52" length and is 15" width (the prior series is 17" width and 54" length). I can see this on a walnut or teak piece and they are totally a holiday appropriate color! Folded hem, no binding trim. I have two. $20 each plus ship. https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359793631

Long and lean, this stunning ombré stripped pattern is gorgeous!!!! See listing for outside pic that better represents the colors. There are various blues and greens in this piece and it is 70" long.  Perfect for dining tables and when you need more overhang.  Rolled hem.  Only $20 plus ship!!! https://www.ebay.com/itm/322359750983

I look forward to offering more throws and runners and maybe new patterns and color ways in the future. If you would like to be on a waiting list for anything I sell out of, just send me a message or email!  Malissa@madmodworldvintage.com

i am trying to ship in 24 hours or less to get your gifts out as fast as I can!  Thanks to all who have shipped with me this season and this year!  I am happy to say I have exceeded my lofty sales goal for the year and have beat my last year's sales by over $8,000!  As we say hello to a new year, I hope you will stick with me for lots of new offerings and services as we move forward! ✌️😘 Happy Holidays! Malissa 

Giveaway promo, Black Friday promo updates

FUN CONTEST!

I am currently running a Giveaway promo and encourage all to apply!  I am 7 facebook LIKES from 300 and my blog is hovering around 50 followers (of which there is a small percentage of loyal readers and I THANK YOU for that!).  I am kind of sad that social media folks are quick for the hearts but not quick to follow along.  I do not pay for followers or any of the other gimmicks that go along with that so my small crew is here because they want to be.  THAT SAID, I am curious if I can snag a few more by offering a bribe of sorts!  I have a set of 4 Indian Kantha placemats that I would like to give away.  I sold out of the others and these were in my booth for a while.  They have a $30 retail value for the set.  I would love to send them to someone to enjoy!  Here is how it works.  Please sign up to follow my blog via my mailchimp which is the annoying pop up that comes up when you head to madmodworldvintage.com , which is my mailing list.  Then head to my facebook page at  facebook.com/madformodmalissa  and click LIKE.  Then send me an email malissa@madmodworldvintage.com so I add you to the drawing.  I am thinking that I will probably offer consolation prizes as well depending on the level of participation.  If you already follow both, please just send the email and you are in!  I know not everyone sees all Facebook posts so that is why I am hoping to get some more loyal blog readers because that is the best way to get all my info out.  DEADLINE TO ENTER IS THANKSGIVING!  I will draw the winner in the evening.  Please invite your MCM loving friends! 

HOLIDAY SALES

Booth 2R09 at Fleetwood Antique Mall, 14129 Fleetwood PA 19522 WED-SUN 10-6 OFFERING 20% INVENTORY for CASH SALES except anything marked FIRM THROUGH the month of NOVEMBER.  The only item I have currently marked FIRM is my Herman Miller rocking chair.  I plan on changing out some more items so please stop by if you have not checked it out in a while.  I have selected many lower price point gifts and items to feature so if you are in need of something for your holiday gift giving, don't forget to SHOP SMALL! 

ETSY SHOP Gift with purchase Black Friday through the holidays while supplies last!  I will throw a little special something in every box this holiday season!  I do have a coupon code active right now through midnight Thanksgiving night....15% off shopwide code PYREXSWAP.  Please feel free to use it to get a jump start on your holiday shopping!  Please do not use it on any furnishings I have listed ON SALE, but anything else goes.  This is a special thank you for being my loyal followers!  Use the code at checkout and I will enclose the special gift for you early!

EBAY SHOP I am currently featuring 3" and under HEN ON NESTS from our collection and a fabulous selection of pyrex!  Please stop by and check it out.  I also am able to offer CHOOSE YOUR BEST SHIPPING of the larger sets!  That's right!  I have been doing this long enough to know my way around getting the best shipping rates and so many sellers rip people off.  You will be able to choose from USPS and FED EX at 35% off rack rate.  Pick the best one for you!  Please make sure you check them both!  USPS will be cheaper for east coasters and mid westerners but south central and west coasters will need to use Fed Ex to get the best price.

CHAIRISH    I cross list my best furnishings on Chairish.  Although I will bus ship almost anything to save you money, I will also say, there are a few things that I feel would be best sent fully insured with white glove and chairish definitely has better shipping rates negotiated than what I or you could get on our own.  You can get an instant white glove quote on my chairish page!  If you are interested in larger furniture items and need shipping cross country, reach out to me and we can definitely discuss the options.  I want to save you money and if I can do that for you, I will!  In most cases, I have not actually packed and quoted an item and will only do so once a serious shopper contacts me.  I work to get you options fast! 

DELIVERIES  I am generally available currently on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to schedule meet ups and deliveries in the region. 

I will continue to try to get most items packed and out the door within 24 hours as is what I am accustomed to and what my returning customers expect. 

I will be working on the next Herman Miller rocking chair this week as the base and shock mount supplies are en route to me as I write!  Expect it to be listed by the weekend if all goes well!   I am also trying to get as much fresh inventory listed as I can and will be adding more to the booth space in Fleetwood!

xo Malissa

Booth Space Ramped up for fall!

Stop by the space at the Fleetwood Antique Mall (Hours WED-SUN 10am-6pm) featuring the newly paired chrome dining set!  It is super adorable!  I spent a few hours yesterday at the mall swapping things out and adding a bunch of new and delicious items!  2 gorgeous ceramic Christmas trees that have been restored and a ready for a holiday display to call their own, retro kitchen items like a chrome cake plate and fun stacking aluminum canister set plus some linen items....the perfect holiday table cloth for that table and a great red and white gingham apron which fits my plus size!  You know and I know that plus size vintage is always a treat to find!  I also added 2 great pieces of vintage luggage!  Whether you repurpose them, display or use them as intended, I only buy this stuff if it does not stink like grandma so rest assured, their condition is usable.  If you are interested in the table set, please reach out as I would gladly deliver or meet up if you are in the region.  It is one service I offer that many others do not!  Scroll through the gallery below for a sneak peek!

I am at this point in time finding myself with a little breathing room as I just found home for MANY larger inventory items over the last few weeks.  Yea!  Organizing my garage and inventory areas so that going into the holidays and winter I am in a good place.  I have fabric on order from Joybird and will be starting to work on getting the Brasilia chair set I have ready to sell.  If you are in the market for a chair set with gorgeous turquoise seats....let me know!  I ordered PURE WATER, which will look fabulous with the deep walnut finish.  I have lots of restoration work to do on the chairs so will be getting started on that before the fabric shows up.  Do not forget that I have a trade relationship with Joybird!  I am able to buy things at a discount but would gladly be your liason if you plan to place an order with them.  The more items that I sell, the deeper discounts I can earn and I was told they can still work out the 12 months no interest financing for you if you go through me!  They just revamped their trade deal and I am doing very well on the fabric now!  They do require 5 yards minimum, so if you find yourself in need, maybe I can help you out there by buying and selling you off what you need.  Definitely keep me in mind for that.  I use lots of fabrics to recover seats so I would definitely be willing to do this. 

Looking FORWARD........I have purchased some small gifts to do a BLACK FRIDAY PROMO!  Look for an announcement via social media and blog closer to the big day.  I am excited to be able to score some goodies from my wholesaler, Primitives By Kathy, to make this happen.  I enjoy their offerings although many do not fit my business scope or price points but these gave me a great idea!  If you ever poke around on their page and see something you can't live without, please let me know as I am only an hour from their warehouse and visit every few months to buy.  I can buy anything in their catalog!  With that said, DO NOT forget I am also listing some of these items in the ebay shop!  I am having a steady stream of sales there and plan on listing more but still trying to get off new account restrictions.  I think I have 6 sales left to reach that goal.  If you are out of the area, please pop over and check out some of these great NEW WITH TAGS items that make great gifts! 

We are about a week out from the fall Antique Extravaganza that comes to Kutztown and Adamstown 3 times a year.  If you come shopping, please remember my mall is just south of Kutztown on route 222 (1/2 hour north from Adamstown and generally priced lower)!  Reach out if you need any tips on the area!  I will be glad to share my shopping spots with you.  And you can PICK UP ANY ITEM in my online inventory at the mall, please reach out a few days before you are in the area and I will make sure it is there for you.  Ideally, I would love to meet up with you if my schedule allows.  Please reach out!  I love working with my customers face to face and the mall space has really allowed me to do that!  NEW ITEMS ARE BEING LISTED ON ETSY ALMOST DAILY as I try to get through my backlog of inventory I have been collecting all summer and ramping up for the holiday season!  CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY and follow my social media!

Thanks as always, for caring about what I do and following me on this journey!  xo Malissa

Some items in the ebay shop right now.....