Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Home From Market


Thanks to everyone who came down and visited us at the Vintage Market on Saturday. It was great to see you all. We had a great day and it was great to look at the other sellers beautiful vintage wares. The following are two pictures of our stall.




I found this at another ladies stall and thought it was so amazing that I just had to take a picture (with her permission of course!). It is an original 1950's display stand for sunglasses. I want it!!!




Wednesday, May 5, 2010

How to test for bakelite using Simichrome Polish

I have been testing some of our jewellery to see if it is bakelite or not. After searching on how to do it, I thought I would do a easy step-by-step post on how to test jewellery yourself.



1 - Purchase Simichrome Polish. I found it difficult to find in Australia. It is a polish used commonly on chrome so I tried Bunnings, Repco, Supercheap Auto ect. but no one stocked it. So, I have now imported several tubes to make it easier for you to buy.



2 - Collect everything you need. Once you have your Simichrome, all you need is a cotton bud and the piece you wish to test.


3 - Squeeze out a small amount of Simichrome onto a cotton bud. For the photo I put on more than needed, you need only a very small amount for the test.


4 - Rub it on the piece you wish to test. Rubbing on the back of a piece is recommended, however, Simichrome is also used by many people to polish Bakelite. 



5 - Watch for a change in colour. If, after 10 - 15 seconds the cotton bud turns from pink to yellow then it has tested positive as Bakelite. It's that simple. 

I repeated the test on another piece (below), and a you can see, it was not Bakelite. 




It is that easy to test. Once you have your tube of Simichrome Polish it should last you a life time as you only use a small amount for each test.

Happy Testing!!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Off to the Markets

Next Saturday (8th March) we are having a stall at The Vanity Fair Vintage Markets. They are a Sydney monthly market that sells exclusively vintage fashion and accessories.

The markets are at the stunning and historical Leichhardt Town Hall (on Norton St), the perfect place to be transported back in time. It was built in 1888 and has been used by the community since.

The Town Hall pictured in the background.







The Markets open at 10am and finish at 4pm. 

We have been preparing all week and are really looking forward to it so if you drop by come and say 'Hi'!!!