Seek and Ye Shall Find, MCM Style: How Custom Shopping Works.

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A while back, one of my clients asked me to keep an eye open for a nice walnut low dresser for her.  It's been on my mind overtime I am out sourcing.  Finally, I found a fabulous piece that was in great condition and I thought she may love it.  I sent a pic, and my initial thoughts on condition which I call a once over.  Meanwhile, my brain is going crazy processing the issues and trying to determine a strategy to repair and blend in the issues.  My initial pics were in the shop it was found and of course, these items do not last long so it was imperative that I pounce on it to secure it for my client.  I am lucky that she is easily accessible and we went back and forth via text for a little bit as I answered her questions, checked the dresser for smells, drawers work, structural issues and finish issues....plus the ever important dimensions!  She quickly decided this piece was for her (and I agree, that it is a totally stellar piece!).  There was a matching dresser and night stand and for as much as we hated to leave them behind.....I saw today they were already sold so no going back!  As soon as I had her blessing, I purchased the dresser and got it home to spend the rest of the day cleaning, touching up and filling a large gash on the left front corner.  As I worked, I really fell in love with this piece!  It was totally not the average low dresser and wow was it cleaning up fabulously!  I kept her posted with pics of my progress and she is totally excited to meet it!  Delivery is this Friday and I am so excited to see it in her home.  I love to get to clients homes since most of my customers are around the country, it's not always possible.  This lovely lady has quite the eye for design and it is a treat to see my awesome finds displayed in her amazing space.  Her color choices are bold and stunning.  The home is a sprawling MCM ranch in a charming neighborhood close to where I went to college. I always enjoy the visit! 

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As I finished cleaning up this piece, I was contacted by a shopper on Etsy about a pair of dressers I had listed.  She was interested in both pieces.  (Yea!  I hate separating sets!!!!)  Would I deliver to Maryland outside of Washington DC?  Sure would for these pretties!  We set the delivery up for the following day and I get them ready and packed my car. The family and I headed down and delivered these gorgeous chests and we got them all moved in.  They were perfect!  My client sent us on our way with the most delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies I ever ate!  As we talked and she said she was interested in some more dressers for the other bedroom, I showed her a pic of another set that was for sale and I just loved so much.  She loved it too!  So today I got all the specs and did my run down on condition plus checked how much dirt was really on it and how it would clean up.  Well, this set is amazing in a kitchy and fun way.  I am happy to report I will be purchasing this set and getting it ready for delivery in early July!

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Seriously shopping?  I get around!  I am always out looking and some things I choose not to invest in for various reasons including size, price and budget.  If i know you are looking for something, I would totally shop for you.  My goal is to get you a great price so that I can still price the final product under street value in my markets.  This means I will purchase on your behalf, go over it with a fine tooth comb trying to clean, erase imperfections as best as I can and tend to any structural issues that it may have.  Your freshly cleaned and touched up item will be shipped or delivered with the same care I take with the inventory I invest in.  You will get my honest opinion on condition and what I think I can do to get it up to snuff. I do not buy stinky or smelly stuff!  You can trust me to shop for quality items!  In most cases, I will ask for a deposit when I make the purchase with the balance due upon shipping/delivery.  If we have worked together in the past, however, you will have my trust on this. My services are offered in good faith that you will purchase the items secured for you.  Please reach out!  I will do all I can to help you find the piece of your dreams!  Good things take time, so do not expect an instant score and especially so if you give me a very specific list!  Walnut low dresser was easier to locate than say a Broyhill Brasilia 9 drawer dresser.  So the more flexible you are, the quicker this may go. 

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Stock update:

Both Frank Lloyd Wright stretched fabric frames are complete and listed.  I can make more but have 4 of the smaller 'Design 107' pattern and 3 of the larger St Marks Print pattern ready to ship! They are very simple, fabric stretched over an artists canvas.  Please see them in the etsy shop.  Reach out if you would like me to order yardage from this line for you.  Even if you only want a yard, I would split the minimum order with you as they seem to require a 2 yard purchase.  They are also selling pillows made to order.  They are not cheap, but if you are interested, please check the schumacher.com website for available prints (search Frank Lloyd Wright and they come up) and I can work up a quote for you.  All pillows are 2 sided with the print you select. Expect to pay around $200 per pillow and most are 18" square but I saw they had the velvet in 16" square, most likely because the velvet is crazy expensive.  Reach out!

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We are shoving off on vacation in a few weeks.  I will be totally off the grid for most of it.  I will probably put my online shops on vacation mode so I don't have any mad shoppers.  Although I expect to get into town every few days and access wifi, I am positive we will not have internet out in the Adirondacks where we are primitive camping.  If you need something, please reach out to me before Jun 22nd.  I will most likely not be coordinating any deliveries that week either or large furniture shipments. Hit me up now if there is something you love so I can get it shipped out or delivered for you in the next week or 2.  I will be crazy packing as we will be living in our VW Vanagon for 10 days or so which takes a lot of planning!! haha  

Special thanks to Darcie and Debbie who have been the most gracious clients and I just adore working with you! xo Malissa

Etsy shop ON SALE

Just an FYI that my entire etsy shop is ON sale for the month of February!  10% off every listing, even new stuff I am adding.  No coupon code required!  

My first month at Fleetwood Antique Mall has been great!  I am so glad I followed my dreams!  Stop by if you are in the area!  Select furnishings are available from my online inventory but I can have anything there for you to see if you reach out in advance.  It's not too late for Valentine's Day and I made some great little sets with the Fransiscan Starburst themed pillows and a matching wooden wine tag....all wrapped in a red ribbon!  $18 each set.  

Here's a view from my Instagram feed!  Are YOU following? 

Here's a view from my Instagram feed!  Are YOU following? 

I also added more Indian Kantha Quilts...there are 4 to choose from at the shop and 1 online in the etsy shop.  I can think of many uses including picnic and festivals, draped over a chair, camp bedding or throw.  The colors are gorgeous!  Here is a peek! 

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I will gladly ship any of them if interested. I also picked up an array of placemats!  They are just as awesome!  Available in sets of 2 in the etsy shop and I left a few sets of 4 in the shop.  They are awesome and reversible just like the quilts. 

Placemats!  So cute for home or glamping! 

Placemats!  So cute for home or glamping! 

Afew other items I added this week include awesome VW camper wood wall plaques!  We love our 89 Vanagon and love VW kitsch!  Brought these back from my wholesaler to share the love! #westylife  

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And HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE kitchen towels! 💗💗💗💗 

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I would gladly ship any of these new items, but they are not eligible to list on etsy so please reach out if you can't get to the store and I can mail to you via PayPal invoice.   

I am meeting up in Cinnaminson, NJ this Saturday to deliver a few items.  If you are in the area and would like something reach out!!!!  

I guess that covers everything!  My  

Vibe Sunkissed fabric arrived today so will start taking apart the next Heywood Chair this week! Yea! 🎉. Hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day!  

Xo Malissa

 

The Eames chairs are in the shop.  The bases remove with a Phillips head screw driver for easy packing.  They have some issues but if you always wanted one or 2, you can score them $200 each or both for $350 at the shop! 

The Eames chairs are in the shop.  The bases remove with a Phillips head screw driver for easy packing.  They have some issues but if you always wanted one or 2, you can score them $200 each or both for $350 at the shop! 

Don't forget the best pyrex selection in the mall!!! 

Don't forget the best pyrex selection in the mall!!! 

That tweed suitcase is new too!  Orange/Avocado tweed! 😍 

That tweed suitcase is new too!  Orange/Avocado tweed! 😍 

The Saving of the Chairs, Plus New Items To Make Your Valentine Swoon.

My mother**, the most talented seamstress ever, is getting into the meat of our projects!  She has taken apart each piece of fabric including the piping.  Using each piece as a pattern, she is starting to recreate the upholstery in our brand new glorious Vibe Aquatic fabric from Joybird. 

**Margery has been a seamstress for most of her adult life.  She learned the craft sewing her own clothes and currently has a stream of loyal clients bringing her hemming and alteration projects ranging from jeans to sequined formal wear. I encouraged her to dice up my wedding dress and have 2 gorgeous heirloom christening outfits worn by my children and hopefully the next generation.

The guts of these chairs are in great shape!  Taking these apart carefully allows the cord in the piping to be reused.  Here is the new piping!  

The guts of these chairs are in great shape!  Taking these apart carefully allows the cord in the piping to be reused.  Here is the new piping!  

After pinning the piping in place on the seat edge, mom fits the new seat on the chair.  Wow! 😍

You can really soon how vibrant and beautiful this fabric is! 

You can really soon how vibrant and beautiful this fabric is! 

Cuttings for both chairs!   The original faded cream fabric is the pattern!

Cuttings for both chairs!   The original faded cream fabric is the pattern!

I have my work to do which includes sourcing some supplies, sanding and restoring the arms and of course, reassembly!  I am just working on my year end tax stuff to stay ahead of that mess so will be getting a move on.   I have not determined my final sale price for these beauties yet but feel free to email me if you have a serious interest in them.  I will only sell them together, but do have the single chair to do later and will need more fabric so could allow buyer to choose the fabric.  I was thinking of using the Vibe Tangerine.  

MEANWHILE. 

I just added a mint set of Amish Butterprint fridgies to the shop and a nice set of Primary Fridgies. Both are ready to display.  Fresh picked, a set of 3 Daisy/Sunflower Cinderella mixing bowls that i will complete shortly.  I should be able to do well on their price.  My higher priced sets are due to higher acquisition cost and I really am not making much on them, but want to offer the best collectable pieces i can! I have priced the 2 fridge sets for credit VS cash price so save $5 if you have cash for payment.  💰 Have a look!

This pattern is quite wonderful!   I will source the missing bowl and complete the set before it heads to the shop!

This pattern is quite wonderful!   I will source the missing bowl and complete the set before it heads to the shop!

The Fridgies! 😍 

The Fridgies! 😍 

Lastly, I took some pics of the Sari blankets. I can get more of these for the time being, so I will gladly ship if anyone is interested in one!  I did not measure, but they are larger than a throw, might be almost sized for twin.  Each blanket is unique.  PERFECT for picnic, beach/pool, music festival, vintage campers and VW bus fans.  Unlike traditional American quilts, these do not have a batting later between the panels.  You will find holes, patches and character in the fabric as these were all vintage dresses.  Imported from India by my wholesaler, they were hand sewn and quilted. Have a look and email if you are interested in one! $50 each plus shipping from 19522.  Available to purchase at the shop WED-SUN 10-6 fleetwoodantiquemall.com

This blanket is vibrant and colorful!  Turquoise themed on one side, orange and warm on the other.  Great home decor item! 

This blanket is vibrant and colorful!  Turquoise themed on one side, orange and warm on the other.  Great home decor item! 

Blanket #2 is more neutral in browns and golds.  The fabrics are interesting.  Great for a Boho look, mixed decor and so much more! 

Blanket #2 is more neutral in browns and golds.  The fabrics are interesting.  Great for a Boho look, mixed decor and so much more! 

Thanks for following along and please invite your MCM loving friends to follow along!  Any fan of good design is a friend of mine!  Email me if I can meet you at the shop!  I will bring anything in my online inventory you'd like to see! ️xo Malissa