2011 December — Retro Renovation

Hoover Christmas commercials from 1959-62 — “Hoover happiness lasts for years”

Posted by: pam kueber • December 17, 2011

Today, if DH gave us a steam iron for a present, we’d hit him with it. And no court in the nation would convict us. Back in the day, though, I guess this was a humongous improvement over the old ironing presses — nasty work. Thanks for reader Anna for recommending these Christmas TV commercials from Hoover. They’re from Down Under — 1959, 1961, and 1962 — and include Santa with an Australian accent. Which is Just Not Right.

Christmas means peace and good will beyond measure
And Hoover at Christmas means gifts she will treasure

Two more funny vintage videos from Hoover AU ahead…

Heck yeah there is more →

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Discovered: Huge stash of NOS 1960s and 1970s flower power posters, $19.95 BIN

Posted by: pam kueber • December 15, 2011

Here’s another last minute gift idea: A multitude of vintage Flower Power Posters — part of a long lost stash. I bought the two Buckminster Fuller designs, each at $19.95 BIN plus shipping. They have been sent, I will report back when I get them. There are about a dozen different flower designs — and lots of vintage travel posters, as well. Here is what seller Bryan tells me about his find: Heck yeah there is more →

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Erica Wilson: Biography and Comprehensive Online Guide

Posted by: pam kueber • December 15, 2011

So very sad to hear the news that Erica Wilson, “America’s First Lady of Stitchery” died earlier this week. There is no doubt that she played a critical role in the revitalization of needlecrafts in mid century America — an influence that cannot help but to have affected interior design even more broadly. You know how much I love my bargello pillows. Needlework, in general — well, we do it with tender loving care, as a very personal act of creation, love, giving to our families. When we do needlework, we are creating a family heirloom. We are also “being” one with the earth. Thank you, Erica. Above: Above: a photo of Erica Wilson at work, taken as part of an amazing series by TheSelby.com in 2010.

Tribute from EricaWilson.com

Above: The opening page of EricaWilson.com – what a lovely tribute.

Here, I will gather all that the important biographical resources that can find online about Erica Wilson. Heck yeah there is more →

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Vintage Erica Wilson needlecraft kits — A wonderful last-minute holiday gift

Posted by: pam kueber • December 15, 2011

Update: I just learned that Erica Wilson died this week. So sad. Story to follow. My sister-in-law taught me that there are two kinds of problems: The first kind, you throw money at. The second kind, you running screaming from. If you are starting to get panicked about your holiday shopping (I have not even STARTED, ha), I offer this suggestion: Throw some money at a vintage Erica Wilson needlecraft kit. Erica Wilson is a GODDESS. I bow down. These kits are available, all minty New Old Stock, but in particular I like the selection from Mary aks shoallake153. And, she says that if you jump on one of her Buy It Nows, she will get the package out next day.

Tip to using the ebay carousel: To go to a particular item, click on its photo (NOT on the ebay logo) — then, click on the lime green “View and Bid” box, which will take you to ebay. Disclosure: When you buy anything from these ebay carousels or after you click into ebay here, it nets me a teensy commission.

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Pantone catches up with Pamtone: Orange luv

Posted by: pam kueber • December 14, 2011

So reader Wendy sends me this cryptic email:

Pamtone

Pantone

Yes, the color company Pantone just named their 2012 Color of the Year: A reddish-orange they call Tangerine Tango. And, it’s my 2011 Color of the Year — a nice, rich, vibrant Orange. Pantone rightly points out that this color marries the energy of red with the friendliness of yellow. It is one of the absolute ultimate perfecto colors for a mid century modern interiors — L0Ok, the color (close enough) was used in the very piece of art that gave a name to pop culture… David Hicks loved it… it transcends 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s… For these reasons and because burnt orange is my favorite colors, that’s why I named it Retro Renovation’s very first Color of the Year. This year, you will recall, I chose Bitossi Rimini Blu — which is a terrific complement. But, hey, remember: This color choosin’ is all just for fun. Don’t pay one whit of attention to marketeers and pundits — me included… Surround yourself with the colors that sing to you! Image above: Used with permission from The Estate of David Hicks.

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David Hicks — 1960s interior design legend

Posted by: pam kueber • December 13, 2011

Photo used with permission The Estate of David Hicks

Do you know David Hicks? Another amazing person that played a critical role in midcentury interior design. I am just starting to study him, so am by no means an expert, but so far what I have learned: David Hicks was famous for helping introduce the world of interior design to: Tight bold geometric prints, bright-colored furniture, mixing the old and new, shaking things up…. 1960s into 1970s interior design as we know it! Heck yeah there is more →

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Win a vintage ornament wreath made by Georgia Peachez — Season of Giving Giveaway

Posted by: pam kueber • December 12, 2011

Update: The contest is over, the Random was spun, winner Sylvia was contacted, and she promptly responded. So the wreath is on its way to her. Congratulations, Sylvia. And thanks to everyone who participated and for all your wonderful greetings. Happy Holidays, everyone, and thank you for a wonderful year. ‘Tis the season for giving, and to celebrate, I engaged Suzy aka Georgia Peachez to make one of her holiday wreaths created from vintage Christmas ornaments that I could give away in a special end-of-year contest on the blog. She pulled out her shiniest Shiny Brites — and I asked for a sparkly elf, which she dug out of her treasure chest just for us. How do you enter? Read on –>

Heck yeah there is more →

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Most popular Christmas songs on the radio — Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree is #1

Posted by: pam kueber • December 10, 2011

The most popular Christmas songs on the radio? This cool infographic — citing data from ASCAP — says Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bell Rock and Blue Christmas were tops from 2000-2009. But hey, where is Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt…. and how about Bruce Springsteen doing Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, which I’m thinking is ’90s? Also, I don’t think it’s a “Massive Project to Carefully Recreate the Christmases of Baby Boomers’ Childhoods” — I think we just like playing music… we like Christmas… and the best Christmas songs came from this era! Thanks to xkcd.com for this rockin’ graphic.