Saturday Tag Sale Finds

Ahhh...The weather is finally warming up here in New England which means...tag sale time!  Each weekend from April until the snow starts falling, I am out early on Friday and Saturday in search of finds for my store or for my home.  My weaknesses?  Art, books, glass, pottery, vintage jewelry, old signs...yes, I have many weaknesses.  So this Saturday morning, I headed out in search of nothing in particular and happened upon a tag sale filled with vintage and antique goods. At my first stop, I ended up buying all the following items from one person.  I love when that happens.

1946 Book Alice's Adventures with beautiful full color plates.

A Vintage Texaco Ad featuring a bikini clad woman water skiing.   I think these will look great matted and framed.

A Florida Orange Juice Ad featuring Santa Claus

A Vintage WWII Era Coca-Cola Ad

A fashion magazine from 1888.

Oh look, new walking gowns!  As much as I love antiques, I'm so happy to not  have to wear this "gear".

Some kitschy "First Family" and "Chuck and Di" paper dolls.  They were just too funny to pass up.

Vintage 1960s Bovano Studios Enamel on Copper ashtray and plates.  These will go up on my etsy store.

A signed print "Figure Study" and a charcoal nude.

Signs of the Times

My family just got back from a roadtrip to Wilmington, North Carolina.  All along the way, what seemed to capture our attention (or in some cases helped to pass the time on our 12 hour journey) were signs.  There were signs along the road, in the museums, posted at the beach--everywhere. 
I'm often drawn to antique and vintage signs and posters.  To me, nothing captures the sense of time and place quite like a sign.  They give us clues about the values and culture of the people in that time period.  Many become part of our collective memory.  For example, how many of you can picture the WWII posters of the women flexing their muscles to pitch in, or Uncle Sam pointing at "you".  

What will our signs say about us?




MY TOP FIVE SIGNS OF THE TRIP:

1. Your basic warning sign:

    2.    A warning of a different kind in downtown Wilmington...

  3.    At the boardwalk--A sign dedicated solely to addressing cigarette butts!

4.      The "Most Descriptive Inn Sign".....(They also managed to work a piece of scripture into their address.-Was it divine intervention that they were located at 316 Carolina Beach Avenue?)

5.       Perhaps my favorite, and the winner of  "Most Verbs Used in a Sign" goes to the North Carolina Aquarium...

Signs and posters available at http://www.hydrangearow.etsy.com/:

A vintage street sign:

A poster from WWII:

Two Midcentury signs:

Opening Day: Elephant's Trunk Flea Market

While most people are counting the days until the beginning of baseball season (Go Red Sox!), I am patiently ticking of the days until the opening of the famed flea market, the Elephant's Trunk.  For antique dealers, this marks the beginning of our busy season and more opportunity to hunt for the ever-elusive hidden treasure.  Located in New Milford, CT, the Elephant's Trunk began in 1976.  It opens every Sunday from April 4th until November 28th.  All of my "serious" dealer friends either set up there or go to shop, regularly.  The gates open at 5:45am for early shoppers.  They pay $20 to get an early look at the goods.  Regular admission begins at 7am and costs less than a cup of coffee (only $2).

I set up there about 5-6 times a season, waking up at 4am to make the hour plus drive.  With my flashlight in hand, I make a quick round of the 400+ vendors scouting out the competition and looking for bargains in the process.  Then before daybreak, I begin unloading my merchandise.  It's a lot of work, but great fun.  You can't fake it in this industry.  You have to love what you do or it's just not worth it. 

Besides the excitement of selling my treasures to an appreciative crowd, I most look forward to meeting people. In addition to other dealers,  I've met movie set designers, a cattle farmer, jewelry designers, interior decorators, shop owners, and people from as far away as Texas. 

If you can make it, skip breakfast in favor of the warm, homemade donuts available from one of the food vendors.  Also, save some cash to grab a few bouquets of flowers amd some fresh vegetables on your way out.   See you there!

For more info, go to http://www.etflea.com/.
For flea market tips, see my last blog entry.

Flea Market Etiquette: Tips From A Dealer

As the flea market season begins here in New England, I thought it might be a good idea to offer some flea market tips from the perspective of a dealer. 

All photos courtesy of www.countryliving.com

What to wear:

• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes: Many flea markets are on fields that can be dusty, muddy, or full of gravel, dress accordingly.
• Layers: Temperatures can vary greatly from morning to mid-aftenoon.
• Sunscreeen (and bring a hat)

What to bring:

• Cash (please don't ask to write a check)
• Bottled water and snacks
• A large bag or, even better, a rolling cart to put your items in
• Some bubble wrap or newspaper
• A pen and paper and a map of the grounds (if available). This is to keep track of booths you want to come back to and/or to note where you left a large piece.
• A measuring tape and measurements for any spaces you are trying to fill.  (Take this opportunity to measure the opening of your trunk so you don't buy something that is too large to fit in your vehicle.)
• A magnifying glass (if you mant to check maker's marks, jewelry, etc..)

For your car, bring:

• One or two blankets to protect any large items you purchase (and your car).
• Some rope or bungee cords and a pair of scissors (to tie down anything that may hang out of the back or have to be placed on the roof).
• Cardboard boxes to contain purchases.
• If you are planning on buying art or frames, bring cardboard to place in between each piece and stack vertically.

Negotiating with Dealers:

Part of the fun of flea markets is finding something you love at a great price.  Most dealers expect that you are going to negotiate on price. 

1. Start by greeting the dealer and making some small talk.  Ask a question or two about the item you want.   This is a good way to see how friendly and receptive the dealer is.  It also gives you a chance to establish rapport and become comfortable talking to the dealer.
2. If it's unmarked, ask, "How much is this?"  The dealer will give you a price.   If it's already marked, proceed to the next step. 
3. Ask:"Can you take $__ for this?"   "Do have any room on the price?"  "What's the best you can do on this?"
4. Most dealers will either accept your offer or come back with an amount that is better than their first price. 
5. Now, either say "ok" or move on.  Further negotiating from this point is usually not appreciated.  (Unless, you buy multiple items. Then it is acceptable to say, "Can you give me a price on all of this?"  or "What (price) can you give me if I buy x, y and z?"  Only ask this if you haven't already negotiated for every single item. )

Here is what I'm usually willing to accept on my items:

If it's priced at $250, I'll take $200.
$150--$125
$100--$75
$50--$35 or $40
$25--$20
$15--$10
$12--$10
Under $10, it gets risky.  Offer what you are willing to pay, within reason.  Maybe $6 or $7.

There are deals to be had at the end of the day. 
It is true that at the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is pack everything back up to bring it home.  So the best prices can often be found at the end of the day.

Here's where I differ from other articles I've read.  DO NOT NEGOTIATE at the end of the day.  If there is a tag, yes, make an offer for less.  But, if you ask, "How much is this?"  I guarantee you, the answer is going to be the absolute rock bottom price because the dealer wants to get rid of it. 

By the end of the day, most dealers have been up since before daybreak.  I'm usually tired and hungry and just want to get home.  Most serious buyers are also gone.  The last thing I want to do, as I'm packing up my things, is barter on prices.  I have no energy left.  So, if the dealer gives you a price that is too much, just say thank you and walk away.  Trust me if there's any wiggle room at all, the dealer will call you back and give you a better price.


DO:

• Know what you want to spend
• Know the market, so you can spot a good deal
• Make offers
• Buy it if you love it.  Odds are that if you love it someone else will too, and it won't be there for long.
• Ask the dealer if they can hold the item for you (If it is large or really heavy).  Make note of the dealer location and make sure to ask what time you need to be back to get the item.  (Always pay for the item first.)
• Get (or leave) contact information with dealers that you like

DON'T:

• Barter on items that are already priced really low
• Expect the dealer to take an offer if it's early in the day
• Pretend that you only have "x" amount of dollars, and ask if you can have it for that price (especially after you've negotiated a better price--trust me we've heard it all)
• Be rude
• Say negative things about the items in my booth
• Break something and walk away (offer to pay for it--most dealers won't make you)
• Allow your children to touch breakable items or play with antiques. Take this as an opportunity to teach them about flea market etiquette.
• Leave your trash in my booth (empty coffee cups, etc..)

I hope this helps.  Feel free to leave your own tips here and happy hunting!  I will see you at the flea market!

Packing Away Winter

I'm making a bold move this week.  I've decided that, come what may, I'm going to pack away winter.  This means running all hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and such through the wash (or to the dry cleaner) and tossing them into a Space Bag.  All coats, jackets, and snow pants must go, too.  Add in the heavy sweaters, turtlenecks and practical boots.  Sleds, snow shovels, and Ice Melt will be lugged to the shed.  Then and only then can spring really begin.
This may not seem like such a "bold move" to most people, but in New England putting all this away is kind-of like purposely breaking a mirror or opening up an umbrella inside--it's tempting fate.  Weather here is tricky.  For instance, temperatures hit the 60s here a couple of weeks ago.  Everyone was pulling out the spring gear, some even sporting shorts and flip-flops.  The parks were crowded.  We even had lunch at the beach.  Then we were hit with flooding rainstorms and freezing temps again.  Out came the scarves and gloves.  April here is as likely to bring snow storms as it is to bring spring showers.  But I need to believe that spring is really here, so here I go (fingers crossed and knock on wood).  Wish me luck!


Goodbye basket full of winter...

Hello spring!  (image courtesy of A Country Farmhouse http://www.acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/)

Too Hot to Handle

Among my many collections, is one comprised of vintage umbrellas.  The attention to detail is what draws me to these.  It seems to be a lost art.  Not only do the umbrellas have great fabric prints, but the handles are always something special.  As I've said before, I just can't bear to see them tossed into a landfill or unappreciated.  Here are a few of my favorites from my personal collection.


This handle is sterling silver and probably dates to the late 1800s.  I think it looks like the handle of a cane.

The handle of this umbrella is made of ivory and resembles a sword handle.  It was probably made by a former swordmaker when swords became obsolete.

What handle could be better than this one??????

These are the most "lady-like" of the bunch.  They are both made in Italy, just one more reason to love Italy (as if the food and wine weren't enough).

Sunday Dinner

On this cold, drizzling Sunday, I'm craving my warm weather food.  I love going to the farmer's market and buying fresh tomatoes warmed by the sun, fragrant basil, crisp cucumbers and crusty bread.  That's all I need to make a meal: some salad fixin's and a loaf of bread.  Alas, it will be months before I taste my first fresh tomato, so I need a substitute.  On Friday's episode of Rachael Ray, she created this Warm Provencal Chicken Salad.  It's chocked full of fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, and leafy greens.  I figured it was a good compromise.  So, that's what's for dinner for my family tonight!

Warm Provencal Chicken Salad

1/2 to 2/3 cup EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 pounds baby white or gold potatoes, halved
4 small onions, sliced 1/2-inch thick wedges
8 to 10 cloves garlic

1 pound trimmed green beans or asparagus, halved
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup black pitted Nicoise olives

8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 shallot, coarsely chopped
A small handful of sage leaves
A small handful of tarragon
A couple of sprigs fresh marjoram or 2 teaspoons dried
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, loosely packed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

4 cups arugula
Baguette


Preparation

Heat oven to 450˚F.

Place potatoes, onions and crushed garlic in a bowl and toss with just enough EVOO to coat, a couple of tablespoons. Season liberally with salt and pepper, place on baking sheet and place in oven. Roast 45 minutes, turning once.

Place green beans or asparagus in bowl with tomatoes and pitted olives, dress with a little EVOO, salt, pepper and place on baking sheet. Roast 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat chicken lightly in EVOO and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken 12 minutes, turning once, then thinly slice on an angle.

While chicken cooks, place shallot, herbs and mustard in food processor and season with salt and pepper. Pulse chop to finely chop the mixture then stream in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup EVOO to form a pesto-like sauce. Scrape sauce into a large, shallow bowl.

Pile roasted vegetables, potatoes, onion, tomatoes, olives and arugula into a bowl. Top salad with sliced chicken and serve with crusty baguette.

Don't Forget: Liberty Of London Debuts at Target this Sunday!

I just wanted to remind people that Target will be launching their Liberty of London line this Sunday.   Liberty of London is a wildly popular brand in the UK that is best known for their prints.  Most of the prints featured at Target will be florals.  (Although I'm in love with a peacock print that I spied on one of their pillows.)
Many items are only available online.  Be at your local Target early as there has been lots of hype and they are expecting crowds.  To see some of the prints that will be available go to www.target.com/liberty.

Here's the number one item on my shopping list:

I have a vintage "handlebar basket" that would look just perfect on this.  Wish me luck!

SCORE!!!

I was checking in on all my usual spots today and I was in the right place at the right time.  I am happy to report that in addition to finding some cool items for my shop, I also scored a great piece of jewelry for myself.  I'm a sucker for all things nautical (must have something to do with inhaling the salty, Atlantic Ocean air my whole life).  A woman came in to donate some jewelry to a local non-profit thrift store and I happened to be right there as she was describing the anchor pendant below to Joe, the manager.  As I am a frequent customer, I got it for $30.00!  "It pays to thrift."  This will be a staple in my spring jewelry wardrobe. 
I also posted a few of my other finds below.

The gold anchor pendant...

I couldn't resist this pair of vintage 80s earrings because, I swear, I owned these in 1984....

Another nautical item, a very large, vintage brass whale...

A few more from today, a vintage tin house bank, an art deco lighter, and vintage Ray-Ban reading glasses...

A Nod to the Olympians

Thank you to all the Olympians for bringing some excitement to the doldrums of winter.  The talent of all the Olympians was amazing to witness.  

Here are some of my favorite moments (all photos are courtesy of  www.nbcsolympics.com ):

Kim Yu-Na nails both the long and short programs in Women's figure skating and breaks all scoring records on the way to gold.

Shaun White performs stunts never before landed in competition for USA Gold in Snowboarding on the half-pipe.

Joannie Rochette earns the bronze medal with enormous strength and grace just days after her mother's sudden death.

Canada takes the Gold in men's ice hockey.  This was tough to watch as an American, but it only fitting that Canada should win their sport on home soil.

The USA men's four-man bobsledding team takes home the gold in a bobsled made right here in Connecticut by the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, Inc.  As a side note, the Russians wanted to purchase a sled from the company and they said, "These sleds are made by Americans, for Americans."

Last but not least, I found a new sport to follow and I am convinced that if I practice every day for the next 8 years I can make it to the 2018 Olympics....

Women's Olympic Curling

(Okay, maybe only as a spectator, but aren't dreams are what the Olympics are made of?)