A. Schwab a Memphis treasure being renewed and preserved

A. Schwab a Memphis treasure being renewed and preserved

Memphis has a treasure in the landmark store A. Schwab. This store has become a Memphis institution, beloved by many generations. An authentic mercantile experience still greets visitors from around the world. Children of all ages enjoy an assortment of old-fashioned delights. A. Schwab’s original hardwood floors, antique pine display tables (built in the alley behind Beale), old-school merchandise, and rich family history make it one of a kind. I had the privilege to be invited by Terry Saunders to take a tour and see some of the behind the scene developments and to learn what is next for this 136 year old store.

Terry Saunders

Terry Saunders is the new owner of A.Schwab. She is very committed to preserving the history of this institution.

A. Schwab push cart

This push cart was used on Beale Street in Memphis and now is a wonderful display in A. Schwab.

A. Schwab  typewriter

All sorts of vintage objects are used in displays. This vintage typewriter was used for many years by A. Schwab.

 

A. Schwab  Record players and Radios

So many memories….A. Schwab Record players and Radios….This store is like a museum in many ways!

Guitars displayed at A. Schwab

Guitars displayed at A. Schwab…..Memphis is “Home of the Blues” and “Beale Street is the Heart of the Blues.”

A. Schwab Stage for events

The top floor of A. Schwab holds all sorts of treasures….including this stage for musicians. What a great place to hear the Blues.

Wheels in A.Schwab basement

Terry even took me to the basement and showed me the collection of A.Schwab tools and century old artifacts.

A Schwab Memphis Home of the Blues

I just love this old pin! Memphis Home of the Blues. Beale Street Heart of the Blues.

Terry  and her team is doing a wonderful job reviving A. Schwab.    It is a work in progress.   There will soon be a soda fountain / restaurant  where everyone can come to hear the Blues!    It has been a treat for me to learn more about A. Schwab.   This is a Memphis treasure that has to be seen!    I’m going to love creating custom gifts for A.Schwab!   Thank you Terry for the tour of A. Schwab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Displays for Wine Bottle Stoppers

Creative Displays for Wine Bottle Stoppers

Everything sells better if it is displayed in a unique, fun, and inviting way.    Classic Legacy specializes in creating custom gifts and our wine bottle stoppers are our best-selling category.   We have created many display ideas for the wine bottle stoppers.   Feel free to use any of these ideas!

Marble stoppers in Flower Pots

Marble stoppers in Flower Pots are fun for Spring. I filled the flower pots with Styrofoam covered with artificial leaves. The bottle stopper has a cone shape point and fits nicely in the flower-pot!

Large planter display for Wine Bottle stoppers

Large planter display for Wine Bottle stoppers is perfect to showcase a group of wine bottle stoppers.

Cake Pedastal

Cake Pedestal with two layers of Styrofoam covered with green leaves. This grabs attention!

Metal wire display

Mix things up a little and use metal for displays. This was originally a display that held test tubes for flowers.

Display Wine Bottle Stoppers in Wine Bottles

Display Wine Bottle Stoppers in Wine Bottles. Simple and very effective!

Display wine bottle stoppers used for alternative uses such as for oil and vinegar.

Display wine bottle stoppers used for alternative uses such as for oil and vinegar.

Wooden Arch Displays for wine bottle stoppers are attractive.

Wooden Arch Displays for wine bottle stoppers are attractive.

Acrylic Displays are good because you can see the entire bottle stopper.

Acrylic Displays are good because you can see the entire bottle stopper.

Classic Legacy offers one hole, six hole, and eighteen hole acrylic displays for wine bottle stoppers.

Classic Legacy offers one hole, six hole, and eighteen hole acrylic displays for wine bottle stoppers.

Let your imagination go!   Let me know what some of your favorite ways are to display wine bottle stoppers!    Join me also on Pinterest to see all the display ideas I’ve been collecting.   

Creating Vintage Display for Vintage Inspired Jewelry and Gifts by Classic Legacy

Creating Vintage Display for Vintage Inspired Jewelry and Gifts by Classic Legacy

I spent the day Saturday in search for a mannequin that I could “dress” and use to display Classic Legacy vintage inspired jewelry.   I found one and here are the steps that I took.   My grandmother collected old lace and vintage clothing.    I inherited some of her finds.   I thought it would be fun to dress this mannequin and highlight Classic Legacy jewelry.

Mannequin Classic Legacy Step 1

I began with the mannequin I bought from Pier One Imports. I love the French inspired fabric but for the look I wanted I needed to cover it. I began by wrapping and pinning ecru ribbon around the neck area.

Step 2 Mannequin Classic Legacy

The next step was to add the bodice of the dress. This is a lovely lace piece. If you look closely you can see how the neckline and cap sleeves are formed.

Step 3 Mannequin Classic Legacy

The Classic Legacy pearl necklace chain and vintage heart look great ! We sell the necklace chains individually as well as some necklace sets that have the charms and medallions attached to the chains.

Step 4 Mannequin Classic Legacy

The top part is complete!

Step 5 Mannequin Classic Legacy

I added the skirt. The original gathers were in about 1/2 of the skirt….and I pinned it to the mannequin. I love the soft aged cotton and the beautiful cut lace at the hem.

Step 6 Mannequin Classic Legacy

The middle part of the original dress is missing….so I improvised with some more antique lace. This is a fine mesh lace with a wonderful scalloped edge. I wrapped it around the waist line. I like the contrast in colors of ecru and cream.

Step 7 Mannequin Classic Legacy

I do love the final dressed mannequin! Nana, my grandmother, would have loved to see this! I love just looking at this and remembering her.

Classic Legacy jewelry is vintage inspired.   Our charms  and chains are all made in the USA.   I am in the middle of creating more charms that have quotes and Grandmother names….including Nana.   I encourage you to use what you have to create displays.   Your customers will notice!

Displays:  Vintage is the Trend Market Highlights 2013

Displays: Vintage is the Trend Market Highlights 2013

Vintage displays are definitely a trend.   Designers are using vintage suitcases, books, vases, spools, trophies, and binoculars to add interest to displays.   I have incorporated many of these items in our displays at market.  As I walked the show and looked at many booths I definitely saw this trend.   Retailers and designers know this look catches the eye!   Here are just some of the vintage displays that  are trending.  Be sure to check out our Pinterest board of a collection of display ideas for retailers!

Classic Legacy Vintage Inspired Displays

Vintage Fleur de Lis Stand to display Classic Legacy earrings topped with dried hydrangea

Vintage Fleur de Lis Stand to display Classic Legacy earrings topped with dried hydrangea

By the way …..I grew these hydrangea in my garden!   I love hydrangea and plan on writing about that sometime soon.   Vintage displays don’t have to be hard….use what you have!

Metal Flower Stand used to display Classic Legacy Wine Bottle Stoppers

Metal Flower Stand used to display Classic Legacy Wine Bottle Stoppers

Vintage Finds for Classic Legacy displays spools, books, binoculars, suitcase

Vintage Finds for Classic Legacy displays spools, books, binoculars, suitcases

Vintage Lamp Part Classic Legacy Necklace Display

Vintage Lamp Part Classic Legacy Necklace Display

Display Ideas Seen at the Dallas Market

As I walked the show I noticed other displays as well.   Here are some of the vintage finds that I saw used in displays.   Retailers are using these trends and buyers are taking notice.

Vintage Finds from Dallas Market 2013
Vintage Finds from Dallas Market 2013
Vintage Finds for Displays At Dallas Market
Vintage Finds for Displays At Dallas Market

Vintage Inspired Displays for Classic Legacy Retailers

We know that vintage is big now.  We are now working with a local Memphis metal artisan to create custom displays that are vintage inspired.

Necklace Display Wrought Iron and Wood for Classic Legacy necklaces

Necklace Display Wrought Iron and Wood for Classic Legacy necklaces
Classic Legacy Bracelet Display Wrought Iron and Wood
Classic Legacy Bracelet Display Wrought Iron and Wood
Wrought Iron Rotating  Classic Legacy Necklace Display Vintage Inspired
Wrought Iron Rotating Classic Legacy Necklace Display Vintage Inspired

Classic Legacy charms are vintage reproductions.   Many of the designs are from the 1890′s.   The trend of vintage inspired displays is perfect for our collection.   Be sure to check out our charms and necklaces.   This is one of my favorites…..it is a watch fob!

Silver Pocket Watch Fob Charm Classic Legacy collection

Silver Pocket Watch Fob Charm Classic Legacy collection
Preview of 2013 New Gifts and Designs for Classic Legacy

Preview of 2013 New Gifts and Designs for Classic Legacy

We are finalizing all the new designs for 2013 and I wanted to give you a preview of what will be coming in 2013.  You are the first to see our newest offerings!

Silver Jewelry

The Classic Legacy jewelry line is expanding to include silver!   Our signature chains and charms will now be offered in a high quality silver plate.   Our initial charm is available in all letters.   Our Bridesmaid charm will be a keepsake for years to come.   We also are introducing mother of pearl stretch bracelets that come with the initial charms already attached to the bracelet.

Pearl Bracelets & Silver Charms Classic Legacy 2013

Pearl Bracelets & Silver Charms Classic Legacy 2013

Vintage Postcard Collection

Everyone loves to celebrate their state and the Curt Teich vintage postcard collection is the perfect image to capture what is important and memorable for each state.   We have purchased the rights to this collection and are honored to introduce Texas as the first state in our collection!   More will be coming!   Let us know your state. We have created charms and medallions with the vintage postcard image…..and most exciting we now print on metal, create a waterproof canvas for our new trays, and “wrap”  an image around our flasks.

Vintage Texas Postcard Gifts 2013 Classic Legacy

Vintage Texas Postcard Gifts 2013 Classic Legacy

Serving Trays with Your Custom Image

Our new trays are acrylic and have a double bottom with a special opening where your custom image can be inserted.   Our Texas tray will be in the open line…..but just image the possibilities with your custom image.

Trays 2013 Classic Legacy

Trays 2013 Classic Legacy

Displays for Retailers

We work with American craftsmen…..woodworkers and metal-smiths ….and have created some amazing displays available for our retail partners.    These are displays that showcase Classic Legacy jewelry and you will be proud to have our displays in your store for years to come.

Bracelet Display Classic Legacy 2013

Bracelet Display Classic Legacy 2013

Stay tuned for more to come.    These are just some of our newest designs for 2013.

 

5 Ways Businesses are Leveraging Pinterest

5 Ways Businesses are Leveraging Pinterest

Novel ideas, beautiful ideas, and fun ideas make a business.   Pinterest is a great place to collect these ideas.   Classic Legacy is known for our custom gifts.    We serve retail stores, hotels, resorts, museums, and event planners by creating personalized gifts.   These are some of the ways that businesses are leveraging the ideas from Pinterest.

Collecting Ideas for Displays

Retailers and event planners have so many responsibilities.     One of the most important jobs is to create an inviting atmosphere at your event or in your store.   I have begun to curate display ideas.   I’ve found that this is one of the most popular Pinterest boards.    Be sure to check out all the great ideas on our Pinterest board.     These mannequin ladies are some of my favorite.

Mannequin ladies Display Ideas for Pinterest Classic Legacy

Mannequin ladies Display Ideas for Pinterest Classic Legacy

Quotes Connect

We share fun quotes.  We share inspirational quotes.  We share informative quotes.   Our readers love quotes. We have found that sharing quotes lets you know we are human…..and “Why yes, I CAN drive a STICK.”  Be sure to check out our quote board and our “falling out laughing board”.

A Favorite Classic Legacy Quote on Pinterest

A Favorite Classic Legacy Quote on Pinterest

Fun Food Ideas

Everyone loves fun food ideas.   You may think ….”What does that have to do with custom gifts?”…..well we want to connect with our readers with what they are interested in .    Classic Legacy’s best-selling category is our wine accessory category.   ….and Wine goes with great food.   Here is  a festive turkey that I really think I’m going to make for our Thanksgiving dinner party.   Be sure to click here to view the other fun food ideas that we are collecting on the Classic Legacy Pinterest board.

Fun Food Ideas from Classic Legacy Pinterest Board

Fun Food Ideas from Classic Legacy Pinterest Board

Seasonal Tips Resonant

When I step into a store or go to an event that is magical I REMEMBER it!   That is the goal of a business ….to be memorable and then when the time is right your customer will call on you to provide that special service.   Pinterest is a wonderful place  to collect ideas and curate seasonal tips.   Be sure to check out the Classic Legacy board for Fall and follow our novel, beautiful, and fun seasonal tips that help make businesses memorable.

Seasonal Tips for Retail Stores Curated on Classic Legacy Pinterest

Seasonal Tips for Retail Stores Curated on Classic Legacy Pinterest

 Sharing New Custom Gift Ideas

We  share some of the latest gift ideas that we have developed for our clients.  Pinterest is a tool to share what Classic Legacy is all about.  We create wonderful and unique custom gifts!   One of our newest gifts highlights our ability to print  images on metal.    These wonderful reproductions of antique pill boxes look fantastic with reproductions of paintings.   I have always loved this painting that is owned by the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville.

Custom Box Classic Legacy  Belle Meade Plantation Painting

Custom Box Classic Legacy Belle Meade Plantation Painting

Pinterest continues to evolve and change.   Please do join us on Pinterest and see how you can leverage it for your business.    Click here to view our pins and join the fun!

How Retail Stores are like Summer Memories

How Retail Stores are like Summer Memories

When I shop I love to see things that bring memories to mind.   Retail stores that I love  are like Summer memories.   Summer is a time to “Live well, Laugh often, and Love much”.   Summer is a time to dream.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much  Bottle Stopper by Classic Legacy

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much Bottle Stopper by Classic Legacy

Summer is a time to play tennis, sail, and spend time at The Lake.

Charms for Classic Legacy bracelets and necklaces.  Sailboat, Tennis, On Lake Time charms bring summer memories.

Charms for Classic Legacy bracelets and necklaces. Sailboat, Tennis, On Lake Time charms bring summer memories.

Summer is a time to go to the farm.  I am revived at the farm and love to be with family.

Farm Photo with flowers of Missouri Summer Memories

Farm Photo with flowers of Missouri Summer Memories

Summer is a time to take a break and just look around.   When I go into stores I like to look at displays.   I have begun a collection of ideas for retail displays.   I take photos with my phone when I see interesting ideas.   The perfect place to save these photos and ideas is Pinterest.   Please do visit my Pinterest Page to see all the displays.   Here is a photo I snapped yesterday.   The old small sink is a perfect place hold products…..I can even image a mirror or shelf above for more displays.

Sink Display for Bath Products Sighted by @classiclegacy

Sink Display for Bath Products Sighted by @classiclegacy

So for me  my favorite retail stores are like summer.  These stores always create happy memories and are places that I want to return to again and again.  How do you think your store, museum, hotel, resort,website, or business helps create memories?   Think about this and please share your ideas.

Lockets for Necklaces Mother’s Day Gift From Classic Legacy

Lockets for Necklaces Mother’s Day Gift From Classic Legacy

Mother’s Day is approaching and our lockets are the perfect memento for a Mother’s Day gift.   I love to keep my children’s photos close and putting them in a locket is a wonderful way to preserve memories.  We have several different styles of lockets and even a reproduction of an antique watch fob that make wonderful additions to any of our Classic Legacy necklaces.

1.  Book Locket with Multiple “Pages”

This book locket is a reproduction of an antique locket.   When it opens it has two extra “pages” inside.    I love this locket.

Book Locket For Necklaces by Classic Legacy
Book Locket For Necklaces by Classic Legacy

2.  Watch Fob/Locket Finding  For Necklace

This watch fob is just about my favorite.   It actually opens up and years ago of course when it opened you would find a watch.   Now there is a large area for mementos.   Place multiple photos or tiny findings inside this wonderful finding.

Watch Fob Embellished with Stone and Finding on Double Link Chain Classic Legacy Design
Watch Fob Embellished with Stone and Finding on Double Link Chain Classic Legacy Design

3.  Round Locket for Mother’s Day

Our round locket is another good choice and has the largest area for a photo.   This is another reproduction of an antique finding.

Round Locket Designed by Classic Legacy

Round Locket Designed by Classic Legacy

4.  Oval Locket for Mother’s Day

The Oval Locket is a good choice for more vertical oriented photos.   Another good finding for precious memories.

Oval Locket Vintage Inspired by Classic Legacy

Oval Locket Vintage Inspired by Classic Legacy

5.  Displays for Vintage finds

I have had so much fun learning how to do faux finishes.   This decorative piece was on sale…..it was black but I painted it white…..then used cream chalk paint and a stain….and viola it is a great display piece for our lockets and vintage inspired jewelry!  Let me know how your are display your jewelry.   I’ve even created a special page on Pinterest that is a collection of display ideas for retailers….take a look!

Display for Vintage inspired jewelry by Classic Legacy

Display for Vintage inspired jewelry by Classic Legacy

 

Initial Charms Vintage Inspired Personalized Jewelry Keepsakes

Initial Charms Vintage Inspired Personalized Jewelry Keepsakes

Initial charms that are vintage inspired create personalize jewelry keepsakes.   Classic Legacy just introduced our line of mixed metal jewelry.   Our charms come with a special clip so they can easily be attached in any of our necklaces and bracelets.   Every letter of the alphabet is available.   This thin bar necklace with a single initial is one of our best sellers.  In fact we include it in our most popular pre-pack.

Initial Necklace Vintage Inspired Classic Legacy

Initial Necklace Vintage Inspired Classic Legacy

Our customers really like the fact that we have small charms as well as large cluster charms.   The large cluster charms are often paired with crystals and beads.   This large cluster charm features Mother of Pearl with a crystal ball finding and the initial of your choice.  Be sure to view all of our small charms and large cluster charms.

Cluster Charm with Initial Classic Legacy Jewelry

Cluster Charm with Initial Classic Legacy Jewelry

Speaking of vintage inspired …..take a look at these precious sisters.   This is my mother and aunt.   Classic Legacy creates custom charms.   You just have to send us a digital image and we can create charms and medallions.  Be sure to ask about more information.   Check out our custom section also.   We create many custom gifts.

Charm Vintage Sisters Classic Legacy Jewelry

Charm Vintage Sisters Classic Legacy Jewelry

We also have created made in the USA displays for you to showcase Classic Legacy jewelry.  I am working with a blacksmith to create the back of the display.   It is screwed into a wooden wedge.   Two jewelry trays fit on top.   They are divided into twelve sections.   Each charm is display on a vintage inspired card……in fact the image is a reproduction of an old French passport….and look carefully you will see the CL stamp representing Classic Legacy.

Cluster Heart Charm on Vintage Inspired Display Card by Classic Legacy

Cluster Heart Charm on Vintage Inspired Display Card by Classic Legacy

Made in USA display for Vintage Inspired Jewelry by Classic Legacy

Made in USA display for Vintage Inspired Jewelry by Classic Legacy

Be sure to discover all the charms, bracelets, and necklaces that are vintage inspired by Classic Legacy.   Classic Legacy sells only wholesale to retail stores.   Qualified buyers may order online and create an account here.  Please do call 888 645 3422 if you have any questions.   We love serving retailers, hotels, resorts, and museums.    Catherine Tatum

[gplusbutton]

 

Made in the USA  Handcrafted Jewelry Displays by Classic Legacy

Made in the USA Handcrafted Jewelry Displays by Classic Legacy

We just introduced our new line of the Collector’s Theme Jewelry.   This line is designed and handcrafted in the USA by the Classic Legacy team.   To best compliment this new collection I wanted to create displays that would be helpful to our retail partners.  I wanted to share with you some behind the scene steps that were taken to create the Classic Legacy displays that are handcrafted in the USA.

1.  Tools to Cut and Form the Displays

We use a wonderful electric saw to measure and cut the displays.   This tool is a great help.

Saw used to Cut the boards for Classic Legacy Jewelry Display

Saw used to Cut the boards for Classic Legacy Jewelry Display

2.  The boards are Assembled

The boards are carefully nailed together to form the base of the wedge display. This is how the unpainted displays look after they are assembled.

Unfinished Jewelry Display Classic Legacy
Unfinished Jewelry Display Classic Legacy

3.  The Wooden Base is Painted

The wooden base of each display is painted.

Painted Display Base for Classic Legacy Jewelry
Painted Display Base for Classic Legacy Jewelry

4.  Custom Blacksmiths Forge the Iron Rack Display

We drew the design and then took it to a blacksmith to execute our design for the rack that holds the necklaces and bracelets.   This is a very sturdy display that will last in a retail store!

Wrought Iron Display Back for Classic Legacy Jewelry display

Wrought Iron Display Back for Classic Legacy Jewelry display

5.  Final Assembly of the Display for Collector’s Theme Jewelry

Four screws are used to attach the back rack to the wooden base.   Two trays with divided compartments hold each of the unique charms and charm clusters for the Classic Legacy jewelry collection.   Our retail partners are really complimenting us on this display.   We are proud that it is made in the USA!

Classic Legacy Handcrafted Jewelry Display Made in the USA

Classic Legacy Handcrafted Jewelry Display Made in the USA

Please pass along to your customers and tell them about Classic Legacy handcrafted jewelry MADE IN THE USA.

[gplusbutton]