How to Use Pinterest

My name is Annie Lema, and I am a Pinterest addict! :) This is a true story, as many of you have already discovered, if you are a Pinterest user. If not, here are some helpful hints that might get you on your way.

According to Pinterest "Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard. Pinterest lets you organize and share all of the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

"A pin is an image added to Pinterest. A pin can be added from a website using the Pin It button, or you can upload images from your computer. Each pin added using the Pin It button links back to the site it came from."

HOW IN THE HECK DO I GET STARTED, WHAT IS PINTEREST FOR, AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

{diy project} book page jars

This is an adorable DIY project that I came across while doing research for my other blog, {quirks' kisses} inspired weddings, and decided that it was one I personally wanted to do so therefore wanted to share as well.

The original inspiration for this project came from the oh-so-talented couple, Joshua and Sarah Rhodes of Arrow & Apple. I have been planning on doing a DIY decoupage lampshade using either vintage book pages, vintage sheet music, or old newspaper clippings {so many choices}. So this project would be an excellent compliment to that one.

Vintage Window Custom Orders

I have started getting more and more custom orders as of late for my vintage windows | which I adore! As a favor to some of my customers and to simplify things for me I thought I would create this post to outline some of the many options available when placing a custom order. I really could go on and on with this one, so I will attempt to reel myself in if I find that I'm dragging it out. :)

Option One: Matted Photo Frame 

1. What approximate size window frame?
2. How many panes? 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9
3. Color preference?
4. Existing Paint or Repainted?
5. If repainted, would you like it distressed or antiqued?
6. What color matting?
7. What size photos are you framing?
8. Would you like the frame to hang vertically or horizontally?
9. Would you like hanging hardware included?

Vintage Wedding ✿ Inspired DIY Ideas No. 1

So now that I have shared with you some of my favorite vintage inspired wedding ideas, I thought I could expand the idea and create some DIY posts. Of course, for the most part, I offer these services but I just figure that you are either going to hire someone to do it for you or you are the type of person to do it yourself and if I don't share then you can find the inspiration somewhere else. I rather be a one-stop-shop for your vintage wedding needs.

Do You Take Me...

I'm IN LOVE with vintage...I admit it. And during the course of my courtship with it I have fallen deeply in love with the vintage inspired wedding theme, so much so that I am most of the way committed to expanding my business to wedding planning. Now this is coming from someone who has been married for 16 years, was married in Las Vegas, and has NEVER EVER had that twinge of "ohhhhhh I wish I had had a big wedding". I am completely content with the fact that I got married with short notice and little hoopla...just fits my personality. But now that I have had the opportunity to work with some brides in helping them create their seating charts, menus, photo frame with my antique and vintage windows I have begun to see the allure of planning A wedding, anyone's wedding other than mine or one that requires MY money! hahaha

Hard At Work - Depression Glass ID

Just a quick post to let you all know that I have been hard at work, researching and improving content provided on my up and coming website that will assist in glassware identification. In the beginning focus will be on Depression Glass identification, because that is where it seemed reasonable to start. Hindsight, I wished I had started with 40s, 50s, 60s Glassware, since I'm personally more versed in that era of glass. But you know...the whole 'start at the beginning' and the popularity of depression glass of late, got in the way. I've found out the fun way, that there isn't nearly as much data available on the latter glass, and that the internet is kind of saturated with info on depression era glass. Oh well, that just gives me a fantastic excuse to change focus mid-way...much better than I'm 41 and have the attention span of a 3 year old. ;)

Please follow this blog and visit my website @ www.quirksbyannie.com. Again, it is a work in progress so it doesn't have nearly the content that it will, but I am working diligently on that part.

You can also find me on Twitter and on Facebook, where you can also find useful content about antique and vintage collectibles.

CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows

CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows by Quirks By Annie

Quirks By Annie has launched into yet another new endeavor! Perhaps, you read my post about Antique Restoration and Contemporary Antiques. So you've already seen that we are expanding from the normal hunt + acquire = sell, aspect of Antique & Vintage Collectibles, but have found another outlet for some really great pieces ♥ antique and vintage window frames. We have come across these windows ever since we moved to North Carolina in 2006. (I'll save that story for another post.) Since discovering these awesome artifacts of the past my husband has created a few different pieces for my/our personal use. He had made a Mirror, a Matted Photo Frame, and a Menu/To-Do List Board. They are all wonderful, and well used!!!

It wasn't until we realized how many of these windows were out there; just sitting, waiting for a new purpose in life, that the bells and whistles started going off...HEY I CAN DO THAT AND SELL THEM, even take custom orders!!! So, here I am, with windows galore and anxious to make you that perfect piece. All you have to do is click this link: CUSTOM MADE Authentic Antique & Vintage Windows, and you will be taken to the listing in my Etsy Shop, where you can see what is available and order the PERFECT PIECE FOR YOU!!!

Quirks' Questions - The Q&A Forum

Quirks' Questions was created as a forum for my customers and/or readers to ask questions about antique and vintage collectibles. I don't claim to have all of the answers, in fact I guarantee that I DON'T, but my hopes are that enough of my friends, followers, and fellow antique & vintage lovers will help me fill in the blanks.

Just launched and I have already received my 1st Question and provide my 1st Answer. Just wanted to let you all know that it exists, and your participation is MORE THAN WELCOME...IT IS NEEDED!!! So come on all you experts, pitch-in and give me and the folks a hand. Thanks! ♥

You can either post a question in the Quirks' Questions widget on the right-hand side of this blog or click this link, Quirks' Questions, and go to the main site.

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE (Tip No. 2)

I know that you have all been on the edge of your seats just waiting for me to post "Top Secret: A Smidgen of Advice (Tip No. 2)". Well here it is. So grab a yummy drink, curl up in your favorite chair, take a cleansing breath, and read on...

October 1947 ♥ Better Homes & Gardens
Ad for Linens 'Cannon Percale Sheets'

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE ON CARING FOR ANTIQUE & VINTAGE LINENS...

Stain Removal:

Example of Linens with
Yellowing Stains on Folds

Quite often you will come across antique or vintage linens that have yellowed along the fold lines. This often happens after years of storage, and those folds being exposed to daily dirt and grime such as dust, nicotine, and other airborne pollutants.

1. It is always best to rehydrate the fabric prior to working on any stain. The preferred way to accomplish this would be to soak the piece in room temperature water for at least 30 minutes.
2. If the fabric is heavily soiled or stained, and does not have colored embroidery, then you can mix lukewarm water with a product, such as OxiClean®, and soak it for several hours up to several days. If extended soaking is required, then every-so-often you will need to check the stain, rinse with cool water, mix a fresh solution, and soak again. You can continue to do this until the stain is removed or diminished enough not to detract from the piece. Occasionally you just have to live with a stain, and accept it as a part of the linen's history, a little character.
3. If you are dealing with a stain such as rust, blood, or any other stain that has a high iron content, you can use a product such as Whink Rust Stain Remover®. Products such as these just take a small amount, and if they are going to work, will work in a very short amount of time.
4.  NEVER use chlorine bleach, products with bluing agents, or whiteners on any fine linens.
5.  Sun bleaching fabric was very common during the Victorian era, but modern textile experts feel that process may be too harsh for the oldest and most delicate antique textiles. Remember, the linens were NEW in the Victorian era. You can, however, place the linens in filtered sun for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but not longer than that.
6. NEVER wring out old fabrics because it can cause considerable stress to old and delicate fibers.

Vintage Embroidered Table Runner 

General Cleaning and Care:

1. Always wash delicate linens in cold water, hot water running through older pipes releases the impurities in the pipes which increases the risk of staining or discoloring during the washing cycle.
2. NEVER use a harsh detergent, such as Tide.
3. Use a gentle detergent, such as Woolite or Linen Wash by Le Blanc®. Linen Wash® is made especially for vintage, antique, and delicate textiles. Wash on the delicate or hand-wash setting, depending on your washer.
4. You can dry most linens on the lowest dryer setting, removing while still slightly damp. You don't want to dry linens, antique or otherwise, until they are bone dry because it can cause the fabric to pill or fade. Once you have removed the linen, smooth it out with your hands and fold. Or, if you are planning to use it right away, then follow the tip for ironing below.
5. NEVER use dryer sheets in the dryer or fabric softener in the washer. Fabric softener prevents the material from absorbing moisture, which will shorten the life of your textile.
6. If you intend on using the linen right away, then iron while still damp on the lowest setting possible. If a piece is embroidered, then iron it on the reverse side, on top of a towel.
7. DO NOT iron your antique linens until you are ready to use them.
8. AVOID extended exposure to sunlight and moonlight to avoid color fading.

Vintage Embroidered Table Runner

Storage:

1. Always use acid free archival tissue paper for storing your delicate linens when not in use. It is not safe to store these items in direct contact with wood or painted surfaces, since they are highly acidic.
2. If you are storing a table cloth, or other large piece, then simply place a piece of acid free tissue paper over a pant clothes hanger, carefully drape the piece over it, add an additional layer of acid free tissue paper over the linen in order to keep dust off, and then store in a closet.
3. Fold smaller pieces with acid free tissue layered between and amount the folds. If the piece is not used for a year or more, then unfold and change out the tissue.
4. Pieces that are used/displayed year-round or frequently should be laundered or hand-washed one or more times a year to remove dust and freshen up.
5. DO NOT store a piece without washing first, since there could be unseen grime such as grease that can lead to staining.

As always, please visit Quirks By Annie on Etsy. I have lots of antique and vintage linens available in my store right now. Enjoy!!!

The Interview Series: Getting To Know Chef Mum aka Sami Brown (Part 2)

Judging by the numbers, you all really enjoyed meeting and reading about my first muse, Sami Brown aka Chef Mum. So without further ado, Part 2...

Sami ~ Chef Mum

Annie Lema: Is Gavin a picky eater? And if he is, what is the easiest way you have found to combat that issue?

Sami Brown: I don’t think that I would classify Gavin as a picky eater. He will try just about anything at least once. If he isn't interested it will come out faster than it went in. We try not to cater to him too much. I mean after all, we aren't a royal family…per se. If he gets hungry enough he will eat just about anything.

Annie: What is your fave drink to have while cooking? Or does it depend on the meal?

Sami: My fave drink to have while cooking is probably a nice BIG glass of red wine. Ever since I took a 6-month wine tasting course in college I have been a big fan of wine. The best money my parents ever spent and possibly the only class I received an A+++ in. What can I say? I was willing to do extra credit.

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE (Tip No. 1)

NEW WAVE OF INFO COMING AT YOU...

I have decided to start posting tips about random, but useful information that I come across during my day to day research and exploration of the antique and vintage collectibles gig. So far my main focus on this blog has been on glassware, in particularly Depression Glass, but that is not my sole interest or the only topic I plan on covering here. So to kick off my "TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE" collection I will start with cast iron.

TOP SECRET: A SMIDGEN OF ADVICE ON CAST IRON COOKWARE...

Cast Iron is an excellent oven and stove-top cooking material. And starting a collection of cast iron cookware can be fairly inexpensive if you know where to look, what to look for, and what to do with that mess once you have found it.

Lodge Cast Iron Chicken Skillet Prior to Cleaning & Seasoning

Honestly, you can get online and go shopping at one of the many auction sites or antique/vintage collectibles sites, such as Quirks By Annie, and occasionally you'll find fantastic deals. But quite often, what you'll find is these sites have already taken the steps to properly clean and season their cast iron prior to listing it for sale. To many of these sellers it does not matter whether the piece is highly desirable or rare, they feel that they can charge outrageous prices, just because they are 'in the know'. Well isn't it time that you were 'in the know'?