This is the new date for this program. 

April date was cancelled

Vintage Looks For The Modern World -  Monday May 12 at 6:30 PM

Join Todd Lyon and Nancy Shea, owners of Fashionista Vintage & Variety in New Haven, in a demonstration and discussion that mixes the old and the new. Learn how to integrate vintage accessories into your day-to-day wardrobe; the do’s and don’ts of hat-wearing; the art of scarf-tying; the four items you should never buy new; how to rock grandma’s brooches; and more. You might even be plucked from the audience for a quickie vintage make-over!

   Call to register. 203-433-4653

Nancy DuBrule-Clemente of Natureworks
Spring Wreath Making Demo 

Thursday April 10  -  6:30 PM

at Consign & Design Shoreline

Join Nancy DuBrule-Clement from Natureworks of Northford for a delightful demonstration. She will show you how to make bright and colorful spring wreaths using all natural dried and preserved flowers, mosses, greens, fragrant lavender, pussywillows, bird nests and pretty ribbons.

Call Consign & Design Shoreline to register.203-433-4653

New, Old or Repro Lamp?

There are many ways to identify the age of a lamp but it may take a bit of investigation.

1. A good lamp will have fine detailed casting and a deep patina
2. Original wiring can give you clues to it's age
3. Wear on the base of the lamp will indicate it's age
4. Type of metal used in casting
5. Knowing where makers marks are

Never clean an old lamp that's copper, brass or bronze. It can take away up to half the value of the lamp.

Pot metal lamps made between 1920 and 1930 are not that heavy and the casting may be inferior but they can have substantial worth.

Pot metal cast lamps were made in abundance 1910-1940 to fill in a void for folks who couldn't afford the beautiful  lamps made by Handel, Pittsburgh, Bradley & Hubbard and of course Tiffany.

What's Not Hot.

You probably know that the greatest generation is passing, and the baby boomers are downsizing. They're getting rid of the mahogany china cabinets, cherry curios, and everything that's in them! There are very few china patterns that are still desirable, and the ones that are can't be put into a dishwasher.



Bottom of McCoy Pitcher

Crystal? Nope. Gallway and Waterford are every where. Baccarat and Tiffany are the only ones to get excited about but you'll pay top dollar. No bargains except on the ones that no one wants.



Roseville Magnolia

Pottery? Most of the names you know; Roseville, Hull, Hall, McCoy. They've lost up to  half their value.

Hummels? Only the ones with the very early hallmarks have held their value. They too have lost up to 1/2 their value.

Depression Glass. A big seller and very desirable at one time - now the pricing causes depression - just kidding. But it's not a good market at all.

With the advent of the internet, there is a lot more on the market and a lot less buyers.

Rethinking A Sideboard

Cherry Sideboard

Reusing. Repurposing. Repainting. Refinishing. Restyling. Rethinking. Read on...

Let's say you find a used mahogany sideboard. Traditionally used in a dining room, this piece has drawers for flatware and linens. Some even have doors with shelving that hold larger pieces. Some were built with a high exposed leg, others with storage and drawers to the floor. Here are some ways to rethink a sideboard: