Shipping Vintage Glass

Shipping Vintage Glass: Navigating Temperature Changes and Risks

Vintage glass is a beautiful and delicate item, and shipping it can be a daunting task. One of the biggest concerns is temperature fluctuations, which can cause stress on the glass and lead to breakage. Here are some tips to help you ship vintage glass safely and minimize (but unfortunately, not fully eliminate) the risk of damage.

Understanding the Risks

  • Thermal Shock: Rapid temperature changes can cause thermal shock, which can lead to cracks or even breakage.

  • Condensation: When warm, humid air comes into contact with cold glass, condensation can form. This can lead to water spots or, in severe cases, damage to the glass.

Packing Tips for Safe Shipping

Proper Packaging:

  • Bubble Wrap: Wrap each piece individually in multiple layers of bubble wrap to provide cushioning and protection.

  • Tissue Paper: Add layers of acid-free tissue paper between the glass pieces to prevent scratches and abrasion.

  • Corrugated Cardboard: Use sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes to provide additional protection.

  • Fillers: Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or shredded paper to prevent the glass from shifting during transit.

Temperature Control:

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Schedule your shipment to avoid extreme temperatures, such as during heatwaves or cold snaps.

  • Insulation: Consider using insulated shipping materials, such as foam or bubble wrap, to help regulate the temperature inside the package.

  • Climate-Controlled Shipping: If possible, choose a shipping carrier that offers climate-controlled shipping services.

Insurance:

  • Adequate Coverage: Purchase adequate insurance to cover the value of your vintage glass in case of loss or damage.

  • Carrier Insurance: Check with your shipping carrier to see if they offer insurance options.

Clear and Detailed Labeling:

  • Fragile Label: Clearly label the package as "Fragile" and "Handle with Care."

  • Specific Instructions: Include specific instructions, such as "Do Not Shake" or "This Side Up," on the package.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your vintage glass during shipping. Remember, proper packaging and temperature control are key to ensuring a safe and successful shipment.

Once your vintage glass package arrives, it's crucial to acclimate it to your home environment before opening. This step helps to minimize the risk of thermal shock and condensation.

Here's how to acclimate your package:

  • Unpack Carefully: Gently remove the outer packaging, such as the shipping box and any protective layers.

  • Place in a Controlled Environment: Move the package to a room with stable temperature and humidity levels. Avoid placing it near heat sources or drafty areas.

  • Gradual Exposure: Leave the package unopened for a few hours to allow the glass to adjust to the room temperature.

  • Open Slowly: Once the package has acclimated, carefully open it, avoiding any sudden temperature changes.

By following these steps, you can help ensure the safe arrival and long-lasting beauty of your vintage glass treasures.

The Ultimate Thrifter's Toolkit: Must-Have Tools for Successful Thrifting

Recently I’ve received so many questions from friends and family around what my tips and tricks are for thrifting. So, I’ve decided to write this little article to help those new to thrifting vintage décor and collectibles. Having the right tools can really and truly make your treasure hunting adventure more enjoyable and successful.

In recent years thrifting has become more than just a trend, heck, it is a way of life for so many who are looking for a sustainable and cost-effective way to shop. Not to mention, the treasure hunter in all of us gets to scratch that itch rummaging through bins and scouring the packed shelves of the local thrift. I am always astounded at what amazing treasures I can find with regular visits. The type-A planner in me even created thrift circuits so I can efficiently hit up 2 or 3 before kid pick-up.

I’m about seven years into thrifting regularly and many of my great thrift finds make up some of the coolest décor in my house today (which has become a very colorful ‘wizardy-apothecary-mid-century’ maximalist paradise).  I’m sure one of these days I’ll get around to making a post about it.  Till then, you can catch some sneak peeks on Instagram.  

Below are what I consider to be some of the best tools and tips to have while thrifting so you can find the hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

First and foremost, it is really tempting to bring a bunch of physical tools. DON’T. You’re going to need to have your arms free (and no, this isn’t to push away other people who are lunging for the same treasure on the shelf).  You’re going to have to handle each and every item of interest.  You’ll need to turn it over in your hands and look for makers marks or defects/damage. 

A Small Cross-Body Bag is more than enough to hold your wallet, cash, smartphone, and some of the very few other physical tools you’ll need. I got a great fanny pack for my birthday several years ago and I use it as a cross body bag, but just about any small crossbody that fits snuggly in front of your body will work.

Consider your smartphone to be your thrifting sidekick, your thrifting Swiss Army Knife of sorts. Keep in mind, I have a newer iPhone so some of these things might not be available on older models or from other brands:

  • In addition to scouting out the in-store deals such as color tag discounts, you can subscribe to a thrift’s email or text distribution, and they often provide exclusive discounts and loyalty programs for their shoppers.

  • With apps like Etsy and eBay, you can search for specific items and compare prices. Remember to look at what items ultimately sold for before you get excited! Some sellers price high and never actually sell or they accept lower offers to close the deal. As a rule, I always confirm 3 sources for an item to make sure I’ve identified it correctly and the price is right.

  • Additionally, Google Lens is a great option if you’re trying to determine if something is actually vintage or collectible, but keep in mind, it isn’t foolproof.  Don’t be surprised if your lovely orange mid-century vase is identified as a glass of orange juice or your cute bird figurine is identified as a live bird.

  • I’m an elder millennial so my eyes are absolutely not as good as they used to be. I make frequent use of the magnifier and flashlight apps because the stores can be dimly lit, and it's easy to miss some details on items. These apps can help you inspect items more thoroughly. You'll be able to check for imperfections, hidden brand labels, or damage that might be concealed in the shadows.

  • My personal motto for a long time was, “we’ll make space”, but recently I discovered the measuring app on my phone, and this has been a game changer.  I don’t need to carry an unwieldy measuring tape anymore, and it gets the job done. Gone are the days of the nerve-wracking drive home with a barely closed trunk. With this app you’ll be able to easily verify whether a piece will fit your space at home.

  • Ditch a notebook and pen and leverage your phone’s notes app.  It’s handy for jotting things down or using a quick copy paste from your online search. Bonus you don’t look weird using it in the middle of the crowded aisle. It looks as if you are merely texting your dear ol’ mom.

  • If you’re like me, you like to make sure your life soundtrack is playing as often as possible. In my opinion thrifting is the perfect venue to bring some earbuds. Not only can you pump out cool jams, but you can also call your significant other to help justify why you must have another mid-century chair upholstered in vintage velvet floral – oh wait that’s just me.

Now, that we have covered the multitude of things your phone can do let’s dive into some of the physical items I like to have with me:  

  • I usually bring one reusable shopping bag – or even better, a thrifted tote with cool design! At least in my area they have started charging for bags.  I’d rather take the eco-friendlier and more practical route with my own bag.  It helps me stay organized and is very sturdy for carrying heavy items.

  • About a year ago I purchased a jewelry loupe online, and I haven’t looked back.  This little lighted super magnifier is terrific if you’re looking to identify hand pulled lithography or an imperfection in a cool piece of vintage glass. It is incredibly compact so it easily fits into your pocket or crossbody bag.

  • I’m also definitely the glass collecting maniac that carries a UV flashlight.  There are some pretty small portable models available.  These lights can be used to detect collectible antique and vintage glass including Vaseline glass or glass that contains cadmium.  Make sure the one you purchase is a portable UV 365nm light to get the best glow under varying store lighting. Here are a couple of cool examples from my insta.

  • While many thrift stores now accept cards, having some cash on hand is still a smart move. Some smaller, independently run thrift shops might prefer cash, and haggling for a better price can be more effective when you pay in cash. I’ve also been to some stores that discount for certain credit cards or provide coupons for donations so anything is fair game. Make sure to ask an employee so you can find the optimal way to get the best deals.

Finally, I’ll leave you with one word about what to wear during your thrifting excursion and that word is: Comfortable. Thrifting often involves lots of walking, bending, kneeling, and standing, so dressing for comfort is key. You want to have the energy and patience to thoroughly explore the thrift store. Not to mention things can get a bit grimy, so hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are essential for sanitizing your hands and occasionally your clothes.

Thrifting is an art, and the right tools can turn your thrift shopping experience into a rewarding adventure. Whether you're looking for unique vintage decor or collectibles, these essential tools will enhance your thrifting journey and help you discover hidden treasures. With your smartphone and hand sanitizer you really can’t go wrong! You'll be well-equipped to make the most of your thrift shopping experience. Please share your thrifting experiences with me in the comments. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Till then, happy thrifting!

The English Muffin Office Space

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Photo by Edsel Little

My brother and sister-in-law recently relocated from Los Angeles to Manhattan, and while apartment spaces aren’t huge in Los Angeles, they certainly dwarf your average Manhattanite’s dwelling.  The interesting thing about a great old city like New York, though, is that there are a million little nooks and crannies in the form of coffee shops and cafés around every corner to set up your computer and work.

The only problem here is that with the advent of online shopping, in the age of the all-powerful internet, many up-and-coming entrepreneurs are working from home, and bottom line, sometimes you just want your own space.  

To quote a quote...quoted in the New York Post:

...the average size of a studio apartment in Manhattan is 550 square feet and costs $2,300 a month...

So now imagine with me for a minute, not having the $2,300 a month for a studio with even that kind of minimal square footage. People get creative, and while roommates may be a common occurrence, newer concepts such as the Microapartment and the Coffin Apartment are on the rise.

With this newly researched information fresh in my mind, I'm writing this blog post for my brother and sister-in-law as they begin their hunt for the perfect New York City apartment to call their own.  They run a small business (Song & Pen) out of their home and one of the biggest challenges they now face is creating adequate pint-sized work space that packs a punch.

A Cozy Little Home in Queens

My research led me far and wide through so many images of beautiful Tiny Houses and ultramodern high-rise studios until I magically stumbled upon the most adorable Instagram handle, Cozy Little Home in Queens and subsequently 'worm-holed' into their equally adorable website. The cozy little home in Queens that was pictured was real, lived-in, absolutely charming, and loved. It then struck me, what better insight into living and working in a small space, than from someone who does it every day.

Cozy Little Home in Queens graciously agreed to answer a few of my questions about what it was like living and working in a 430 sq ft space: 

GLF: What are some of the challenges of decorating and furnishing a small work space?

CLHiQ: Storage. I feel like I could even live and work in a much smaller space if I had double its square footage in storage. We have to have a lot of vertical storage, and then try to cover it—the best example is in our living room. We put in floor-to- ceiling shelves as a closet, then hung curtains in front.

GLF: Do you feel like you have a work space that is functional and stylish or did you pick one over the other and for what reason?

CLHiQ: Where I work in our living room is stylish, but where my husband works in the bedroom we converted into his studio is functional. I can afford to be stylish as I make drawings, which is a very contained, tidy process. I like to keep fresh flowers near our living room window, and I love seeing them in my periphery as I draw. But sculpture is burly and messy, so my husband’s studio looks more like the interior of tiny Home Depot that’s been ransacked and covered in plaster. That would drive me crazy, but with all his tools and supplies right there, he’s happy and productive. A good trick we implemented: we have sawhorses, so when I need more work space, I can create a makeshift table in our living room (which we’ve used for entertaining as well; a true mixture of live/work space).

GLF: Did you go the DIY route?

CLHiQ: We went the DIY route and made the overwhelming majority of our furniture, so we didn’t look into furnishings too much. The biggest project was the Murphy bed my husband designed and we built that allows our living room/my studio to double as our bedroom. We have that large piece, and then the rest of our furniture is primarily supplemental to the bed. We knew the Murphy bed would take up a lot of visual space, so we had the goal of trying to keep baseboards visible everywhere else, if possible, to try and compensate. One of our implementations of that goal is a floating shelf (rather than a desk) for our computer, and it’s worked really well.

GLF: In what stores did you find your furnishings?

CLHiQ: We bought our supplemental pieces from IKEA. Their delivery is really convenient as we don’t have a car. We also got a lot of accessories on Amazon, such as the hooks we use for hanging up our bikes and plug-in track lighting (very renter friendly!). Then, to the literal nuts and bolts of it: we got a lot from a company called McMaster-Carr, which is a tool and industrial supplier that has next-day delivery to nearly everywhere. We got a lot of our hardware (especially for the Murphy bed) from them, and custom-fitting a rental apartment required a lot of specialty hardware.

GLF: How has living/working in such a small space changed your work and life?

CLHiQ: It’s made us a lot less wasteful with money, space, and material goods. We focus on having things we need as opposed to things we want. If we buy something new, we have to think about where it’s going before it ever enters the apartment. Is it replacing something? Do we already have one? If so, do we really need another? Those are simple questions that keep us budget-minded and prevent clutter. Granted, our studio is packed with art supplies, and we don’t skimp there; but we don’t have huge wardrobes or cabinets full of small kitchen appliances. In that regard, it also compels us to prioritize the work-space, and invest more of our resources into our studio practice. Oddly enough, people never believe us when we say that we still feel like we have too many things and could do with less, or how we feel that deliberation in how we channel our income and possessions has led to a higher quality of life.

To learn more about Cozy Little Home in Queens visit their website or follow them on Instagram! Thank you Cozy Little Home in Queens!

Photo by Ben Brophy

Tips and Tricks

Armed with this new insight, I took again to researching some of the best ways to make the most out of a small work space. 

Office in a Closet

One of the more common methods folks use is the ol' closet-as-an-office switcheroo.  This allows for decent work space with minimal effort.  Some people simply place a small desk in a closet and use curtains to cover their work space when needed, others go all out and paint and light the space to create an almost "built-in" feel.  Either way, if you have a closet to spare, this is a cost-effective and potentially stylish route to take. 

On the other hand, with storage space at a premium in already cramped quarters, a closet might not be available for such a conversion.  Similarly, in a rental a conversion like this could easily be an impossibility.

In many instances, and as with the case of our good friends at Cozy Little Home in Queens, they needed to add closet space, as their apartment simply lacked storage.   The closet office is a very elegant solution, however, (at least for most folks) it doesn't solve the Alton Brown conundrum of it all. Your closet becomes a uni-tasker. It is either an office or closet and when it does act as both, the results seem like they would be less than desirable.

If this is the route you are interested in taking and ready to flex your inner handyman, here are some step-by-step instructions.

The Mighty Sawhorse

The next item under investigation was the use of the sawhorse, also mentioned by Cozy Little Home in Queens.  Apartment Therapy has a very lovely post (complete with Ikea Hack) about the DIY version of this, in case you are interested! If you are using sawhorses you can have a space that is flexible, and a sawhorse desk can easily become a sawhorse dining table.  Then, when you need more floor space, the components of the work surface can easily be dismantled and stowed neatly for takeoff in your overhead compartment, or under your bed.

Fold or Float?

For those of you not keen on the DIY approach, there are many options online for floating desks and hinged desks that mount on the wall to save space or fold down flat when they aren't needed.  I think that the choice to fold or float is truly dependent on your space, and whether you want to have a more permanent work space always visible. The great news is that these furnishings are available in just about every price range.  So, let your fingers do some walking and explore the options!

Pressing the Envelope

I decided to get a little creative with this next idea and try something out for myself.  Keeping the multi-tasker concept close to my heart, I investigated what item might serve a dual purpose.  It then struck me.  There is one uni-tasker that never fails to take up too much space and serves a very short-lived purpose (or an infrequent one, if you live in my house).  The ironing board. 

And, as it turns out, I think it worked pretty well (I'm sure I can't be the first person to have thought of this), and I ended up comfortably working from this spot for several hours after I set it up.  The ironing board was purchased from Target for about $26 and they also have available several lovely covers to snazz up your quirky new work space.  I paired it with a counter-height stool with a back (range between 24-27").  There are a myriad of height and design options depending on what is most comfortable for you, and there are also ironing boards of different widths and some that mount on a door. Vertical storage can be mounted on the wall above the ironing board or simply interesting artwork.  Really, the possibilities are quite endless, but I'm sure you'll get it all ironed out.

Have a great space-saving office idea? Tried out the ironing board desk? Share in the comments below or send me a message at goodluckfoxdesign@gmail.com!

All About Bed-Making

Good Luck Fox
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I love my kids more than life itself, but there is something to be said for having a retreat when you don’t have to play mommy for a few hours before the first of many nighttime wake-ups. I wanted to fall into bed at night feeling as if I lived in a 5-star hotel and not wake up cuddling a crusty burp cloth.  So, how to have a destination-getaway-worthy bed in my crazy twin baby filled house?  With my clothes covered in a fresh, thick layer of spit-up and the sticky remnants of organic green veggie puffs crusted underneath my fingernails, I begin my journey.

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