New Melmac Just in Time for Christmas

Ack! Make it stop, because these are just way too cute. SwankyPress on Etsy has these *new* (but personalized to your taste) melamine plates.  You can now give "melmac" (or at least the new version) to the little guys and gals for the holidays.

As you know I'm into the vintage melmac hence the whole RetroChalet Melmac Central site right? I'm sort of getting all squishy over these plates. If you think about it, what's better than giving a gift that people can use at the holidays that was personalized by a made-in-USA small business Swanky Press?  Geeze, I guess I'll have to love it. 


Visit Swanky Press Direct to see what they offer here at SwankyPress.com

Jonathan Adler Resin Dachshund : Plastic Fantastic

I received an email from Jenni who asked me what fantastic plastic I received for Christmas. So here is the answer to her question. My friend Anne gave me this awesome Jonathan Adler Doxie paperweight that was part of his Barnes and Noble line. Anne probably didn't know but I'm a huge fan of this designer. Jonathan is a designer from New Jersey with a moxie-chic-hip style. Far be it for me, a vintage plastics girl to promote "new plastics" but the truth is we live in a society where most things are made in China...even if they are designed here.  This little paperweight is so heavy he gives off the appearance of ceramic or wood, but is a high quality resin. Love him.

visit our newest sponsor:

Walmart : Melamine and Melmac Eye Candy Design For Summer 2011

New lines for summer in Walmart Stores now, usually gone by May. 

What is old is new again. The fun vintage dishes of the fifties may have died off in the 1960's, but today melmac is a staple in many homes. Who would have predicted that the fun retro colors and mod styling would circle back again, and again, and again...  Quite possibly Martha Stewart's interest in Melmac in the last 1990's into early 2003, got the ball rolling again.

Bowls, plates, tumblers, and solids mixed with stripes are going to be big this year.

In the 1950's dishes were not cheap. Many people go to the Dollar Store and can pick up a new, made in China melamine dish for $1.  Stores like Target , Bed Bath and Beyond and Kohl's sell designer melamine like Jackie Shapiro and French Bull designs for a pretty penny now-a-days.  Most probably made at the same plants that make the Dollar Store dishes.  In my opinion, the Walmart tends to be best priced for the styles and colors.  This year, most items are ranging under $2 per plate or bowl.   Colors are brights and many solids are present to be mixed with stripes or floral prints.

  I am a vintage diva, however, nothing beats appreciating a great Melmac display.

Zak Designs Update and Emeril Lagasse : New Kitchenwares Coming

"Learning to Fly" designs made for Zak Designs my Marimekko,(famous Finnish textile and clothing design company dating back to 1951) 
was a quick sell out in most stores. 

It's been awhile since I gave new melamine manufacturer Zak Designs a 94% Satisfaction rating, on their four piece mottled mixing bowl set. (See the video and my review here) so I thought I'd check in with you and let you know some updates.

First my bowls are still holding strong! We use them for everything from mixing cake batter, tuna fish, fresh tossed salads, and mixing meat balls.  We wash them in semi-hot water and they do get a little abuse from hubby when he's in the kitchen. I have to say they are more durable than I ever imagined.

Secondly, I recieved a letter from the company's representative after they saw my review on YouTube. Please note the last line (IN GREEN) is the best part of the message.

Hi Ira,

I recently stumbled across your YouTube review of our Confetti Bowls. I wanted to thank you for such an honest and thorough review of our product. I was sorry to hear that you email our company and never received a response, and I wanted to assure you that that isn't standard operating procedure at Zak. I checked with both marketing and customer service, and neither department has a record of receiving your email, so I'm wondering if it might have got trapped by our spam filter and never reached its intended recipient. I apologize for that. I can understand how that must have upset you, but I greatly admire that you provided an honest review despite that. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions in the future, and I'll do my best to direct you to the appropriate person at Zak to help you.

Much thanks,

Chris

Christopher Cogley
Communications Manager
Zak Designs, Inc.     www.zak.com

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

I read about this on GourmetRetailer.

Lastly, Zak Designs is teaming up with Emeril! I love this idea. Can you imagine Zak putting some more "BAM" into their bowls?  You can read all about it HERE on Gourmet Retailer!  If anyone is going to the Zak will launch the Emeril line of serveware and kitchen prep products at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago (booth #S-4448) located at McCormick Place, March 6-8th.  I can't wait to see this line!  If anyone is going send me some pictures!

Zak Designs New Melamine Confetti Bowls Product Review by Ira Mency

Zak! Designs gets a 94% Satisfaction Rating 

Zak Designs Confetti Assorted Brights Mixing Bowls, Set of 4 by Zak Designs  Buy Them Here.

I'm a vintage melmac collector who HATES new melamine.  Being a greenie I loathe the idea of new melamine being produced today. Here I am with a  blog that promotes buying vintage melamine to keep those items out of the landfill.  I purchased a set of these Zak bowls for the sole purpose of reviewing them with an open mind.  I was certain I would find them unworthy.  NOT SO!

WATCH MY VIDEO!

After studying melmac and melamine production for over 25 years, I could not understand how Zak Designs could have found a way to mold actual BITS or SHARDS of recycled melmac in the bowls themselves and have them hold up. I thought this was absurd aka (in thermoset talk = hogwash.) Upon arrival, I was stunned.  They really were doing it, and making the bowls functional.


Much to my own disbelief after careful product review and rating in five areas including Pricing/Value, Shipping, Design, Eco-Green-Recycling, and Quality, I gave these bowls a 94% satisfaction rating and would indeed recommend them to a friend. Believe me, I'm shocked but I must commend them on their design and care for the environment. Other manufacturers may not be as worthy. In a cheesy video, I've explained why and how I obtained this rating,