I SAW THE SIGN . . . .and it opened up my eyes!

A recent post by Dixie & Linda of Funky Junk Sisters regarding vintage signs reminded me of my "issue" with signs.  "Hello, my name is Debi . . . and I'm addicted to signs!"  Is there a 12-step program devoted to this alarming addiction??

In this post, I will show you many wonderful signs I have for sale that will make their way to Farm Chicks, Funky Junk Sisters, Expo and Barn House! Help me, I've fallen for signs; and I can't get up!!!!

My own kitchen is nearly wall-to-wall with cool, vintage signs that provide a one-of-a-kind experience.  I'm not particularly interested in everyday "art" but prefer the surprises in the kitchen (later post)!   

I grew up in Walla Walla, Washington, having worked on nearly every type of produce farm that existed in the area.  As a child, I hated the work back then; but time and memory loss (no doubt) have contributed a feeling of sentimentality and longing for the simpler times of my youth . . . reflected in this "farm art." 

I love it, don't you!?

Speaking honestly, though, working on farms in my younger day left me with a strong work ethic, enduring physical strength, and a sincere appreciation for natural beauty . . .

eventually leading me to the tough but intensely rewarding path I'm on today!

CONCRETE JUNGLE

NOT being one of the talented gardeners that so many of my friends in the antiques business are, I find myself gravitating to "decorating" my non-yard at this point in time.  It seems like my own environment suffers while I transport my treasures across the countryside--something's gotta give, since I'm not the energetic young thing of years past!

However, having said that, I'm getting sparks of motivation and the immense desire to direct my mini-van into various nurseries lately.  I'm a bit intimidated at all the options (and the prices--whew!) of mother nature's offerings.  

Until my ship comes in, I'm literally taking advantage of mother nature's bounty.  It's amazing what birds can "drop" into your life/garden!  Most of my greenery is "volunteer", but it looks pretty good with my concrete jungle!  

(Volunteers are buttercups, ferns, holly and the aggessive ivy--which covers up all kinds of unattractive gardening faux pas!)

Jim was none-too-pleased with me for buying this gorgeous baroque fountain recently (weighs a TON!).  I added the seated cherub to the top.  However, when he saw how happy it made me, he succumbed to helping drag it out of the van and into the "garden." 

We pulled out the ivy away from the fountain, as it's taking over the garden space--too greedy that plant!  Looking for better options . . . . 

In the meantime, I continue to contemplate what a lovely escape my small yard will be in the future, gathering ideas from all the gorgeous blogs out there!!! 

FARM CHICKS . . . & DUCKS & GEESE & SHEEP & ROOSTERS & BEARS!!!

The greatly anticipated FARM CHICKS SHOW is next week.  Trying to get all my barn animals into the van is taking considerable convincing . . . I feel like Noah's Ark!  (Perhaps we should rename our big, white Dodge van from "Moby"--the big, white whale--to "Arky"!!  

Due to the length of the trip from Bellingham, and the fact that I can't drive the trailer alone (okay, so call me a chicken--cackle, cackle!), it's ALL gotta fit into one vehicle.  I should rent space in Deb and Bob Kennedy's giant trailer . . . except I know they will have it packed to the proverbial rafters!  Am I right, you guys?!!!!

I feel giddy, like Christmas morning--so much to look forward to at Farm Chicks.  When the vendors and the customers have this much buzz going on, you KNOW it's gonna be great!!    

HANGING ON IN THIS ECONOMY?

I feel like that (now-) vintage print of the cat literally hanging by it's claws.  I keep putting my oars in the water . . . spending money, time, immense physical effort and more than a little psychological capital in order to create a living in the vintage arts.   However, to what "net affect" achieved is hard to tell these days.  We are all affected by the economic downturn.  If we can "hang on" like that cat in the silly print . . . will we be okay?  

Well, if this past weekend in Langley on Whidbey Island was any indication, I think I can say a resounding YES!  Very few of us made as much financially as we had hoped, but we had an enormously good time with each other.  Perhaps it was the long-awaited sunshine and sweet breeze, perhaps it was the small and intimate nature of the show itself, perhaps it was the delicious home-made food from the caterers (they certainly  had plenty of business!), who knows?!

Here are a few booth photos.  My absolute favorite item (which didn't sell and I truly don't care), is the dreamy, creamy antique French painted cupboard loaded with goodies.  Morning sun streaming in made photos difficult . . . c'est la vie!

It's always a challenge to take aged inventory that didn't make it to a new home in a previous sales environment and make it 

look "new" again in another venue, but it's much like moving items around your home until they find a new "home."

Thanks to our generous and kind show promoter, Ann Flynn (who was already housing three other dealers in her own home), I landed an overnight accommodation

better than any hotel I could dream up!  The immensely talented Gaye and George Rolstad have a completely redesigned, rebuilt country French home with this darling "garage" (actually George's shop is downstairs and the simply divine apartment is upstairs).  It felt as though living in a dream.  Sorry, not enough pictures . . . I was too busy dreaming!

Hope all of you had a splendid Memorial Day Weekend--working or not--and that you remembered comrades and family members who have valiantly fought to give us the American Dream. . . the one that still  keeps us all "hanging on"!!!   

xoxoxo Debi

MEMORIAL WEEKEND ANTIQUE SHOW - in LANGLEY, WA, on WHIDBEY ISLAND

Sorry, not much notice--rushing about packing tons of fabulous vintage items. HERE'S A PARTIAL LIST OF TREASURES IN MY BOOTH (I'M WAAAY AT THE END OF THE SECOND ROOM--DON'T MISS ME!!!!): 

*CREAM-PAINTED FRENCH CUPBOARD*GALVANIZED WIRE SWIM LOCKER PLANTER BOXES*METAL OARS* UNIQUE SEASHELLS *CRAB POT*ROUND COPPER CRAB BOILER* CHANDELIERS and LAMPS*ANTIQUE FRAMES* FRENCHIE STUFF* OLD BASKETS*SILVERPLATE TRAYS* ICE CREAM CHAIRS* OLD SIGNS* WICKER* BOOKS* CHILD'S GROCERY CART* HUGE GARDEN FINIALS*NESTING TABLES* VINTAGE PIERCED METAL GLIDER (OH, SO COOL!)* . . . & many unusual smalls!!!

Here are just a few teaser photos--as you can see it's pretty much all packed and ready for you to come see this Saturday (10:00 to 5:00) 

and Sunday (10:00 to 3:00) on beautiful Whidbey Island, a perfect location to spend your Memorial Day Weekend! 

DELICIOUS FOOD AVAILABLE ON SITE!

FROM SEATTLE: HEAD NORTH ON 1-5, TAKE THE MUKILTEO EXIT, FOLLOW TO THE MUKILTEO FERRY DOCK WHICH WILL DELIVER YOU TO CLINTON, ON WHIDBEY ISLAND. STAY ON THE HIGHWAY (525) HEADING NORTH APPROX. 4 MILES TO LANGLEY STREET. TAKE A RIGHT ON LANGLEY AND FOLLOW APPROX. 3 MILES TO THE ISLAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. PLENTY OF FREE PARKING. ADMISSION IS $3.00. 

GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT AND JOIN US THIS WEEKEND!!!!

REPURPOSED LOCKER DOOR PLANTER BOXES . . . so cool!

VOILA!!  Locker Doors given a new life as planter boxes.  Fill with moss and your favorite flowers for a unique planter--sturdy & heavy!!!  

So, from this . . .

. . . to this!  Impressive, No????

BARN HOUSE . . . Open, Open, Open!

The much anticipated opening of BARN HOUSE was soooo much fun (especially because I was shopping instead of working!).  I was able to walk around and really see everything--eye candy beyond belief!! 

I couldn't wipe the grin off my face . . . beauty, serenity, friends, best sweets in town, coffee, inspiration -- words just don't suffice.  These people know how to create an atmosphere that stomps on the "economy"!!!

Jermonne and friends behind the counter barely had time to smile, taking in all those sales.  I kept waiting for the line to go down to pay for my goodies--but it never did, so I stood in line and talked with my new friends from Salvage Studio, Beth & Lisa.  Great times.

Could't even get a picture of Joe--he was a "streak" going through the throng of customers, taking items down, helping move treasures from barn-to-cars/trucks!  

It all seemed so magical.  But for any of us who work in this business, we know how much HARD WORK it took to create such a special experience!! 

I'm really looking forward to participating in the Barn House Flea Market on July 18.  Don't miss it!!!!!!