SAND POINT ANTIQUE & DESIGN MARKET, Seattle, WA - March 2009

Lynden Craft & Antique Show - March 2009

The one, true thing that makes each and every show successful (no matter the $$) is the friendship we share with other, like-minded plunderers of vintage treasures!  Our quest is a shared passion that unites us and secures our happiness.  Here are just a few of these very gems!!

 JoDee (in the middle) of "Duchess" came with her friend Kat all the way from Vancouver, Washington.  Kat wasn't available when I snapped this beauty, but there may be a good one in their camera . . . if our busting-out-laughing photo shoot wasn't a total disaster!

Top-left is Sheila and her beloved and adorable Pepe Le Pew.  When they were in my booth, guess where all eyes were looking?  Pepe was "Best in Show"!!

Top right are vintage darlings Lindsey and Frannie of Bellingham.  Lindsey owns Penny Lane on Holly Street--a must see when you're in B'Ham!!  Frannie retired her shop across the street and now conducts estate sales.  She has an incredible collection of vintage clothing, which she beautifully displays on her person.

Bottom left is dear Peggy, a long-time devotee of professional antique sales (Sedro Woolley).  She and her husband recently "retired" (do you ever, really?!), and she was treating herself to a well-deserved outing with mutual friend, Pam (lower right).  We shared stories from many years past, and I always learn something new from Peggy!

Pam's thirst for knowledge and the thrill-of-the-hunt always result in carefully selected treasures for her home.  She has a great eye!

Last, but by no means least, is Mary Barker (lower middle photo), who has been with the Lynden Show since it's inception!  She owns Ranch Antiques in the county and sells at More Than Antiques in Lynden.  Mary is an expert in the field of antiques, with an enormous knowledge base for Native American pieces.  I adore her outspoken, humorous approach to life.  

My only regret is in not getting photos of many more friends, but I did actually have to work my booth, ya know!

It may not be spring outside yet, but it was a-bloomin inside the Lynden Craft & Antique Show!  Many wonderful, devoted customers turned out once again to bless this event.  Considering the economic wallop we've all had to deal with, there was business to be grateful for.

People were buying mostly "comfort" purchases, but some furniture, lighting and true antiques were still selectively plucked from the booths.  Investment-grade purchases seem to be on the back burner, but customers are still taking our business cards!

There is renewed interest in color--spring pastels in tune with nature's cycles are popping up!

Antique books, while looking good in the mix, were basically eye-candy this time.

 Wonderful new friends who inspired me at this show were JoDee and Kat of "DUCHESS"(Vancouver, WA).  They kept me in stitches, and I have a few more crow's feet to prove it!  JoDee plucked my newly acquired "Gin" crock . . . wouldn't you know it--my favorite!!

It was a bit early for an Easter theme, but had to have the bunny-stuff!!

Antique, yard-long pansies print in a pristine-perfect Victorian frame, old church sign from Snohomnish, spongewear, porcelain, architectural tie-backs from an old mansion.

Another spongewear jug, doll-head poking out of gorgeous Fenton rose bowl (looks kinda like it's coming out of an egg!), GIANT alabaster grapes (unusual gold color)

Victorian chromolithograph of girl-in-the-corner & sympathetic puppy!

Stunning black-and-white litho of girl with egg basket, lovely pair of oval-in-square frames, antique medical books, Italian glass candle holder (mid-century)

Charming, old medicine cabinet, pale transfare plates, Victorian antique books, plaster capital, decorating books

Hello Amy!

Portland EXPO, Portland, OR - March 2009

Packing, packing, packing!

PORTLAND EXPO - March 7 & 8

Here's just a snippet of what's coming . . . and SO MUCH more!!

Spring is in the air--transformation time . . . .

Hard-to-find . . . Italian "Lemons" Tole, Lantern-Style Chandelier

Vintage, Italian Tole Daisies with BEES Candle Holders

Stunning Continental Porcelain Floral Bolted Urn & Italian Glass Floral Lamp

Italian Gold & Clear Glass Leaves/Berries Candlabra

Antique, Victorian Brass & Crystal Lustre Candle Holders & Wavecrest Urn, Biscuit & Ferner

Antique & Vintage Portrait Prints

Glorious, Ornate Silverplate Tray with Unique Wood Handles

PAIR of Art Deco Alabaster & Crystal Budoir Lamps

As always . . . Crystal Chandelier!

French Painted Art Glass Vase, Austrial Crystal Necklace, Hand-Blown "Swirl" Brandy Glasses

FADED ELEGANCE/SNOHOMISH CITY-WIDE SALE, February 7 & 8!!!!

Okay, so my space is a bit crowded . . . but 6 x 9 never looked so good!  Come see the goodies available during this weekend's big sale at Faded Elegance (I'm way in the back on the right.)  Many of these treasures have already been marked down, and there is an additional 10% off marked price.  Ya gotta get there--you won't be disappointed!!    Most shops in Snohomish are participating so make it a day!  If you don't see what you're looking for, drop me a line (many more antiques/vintage goodies are available).  

French-style dining set opens to almost 10 feet (three leaves, custom table pad, and 6 chairs!)

  French-Style Valentine Candy Box & hot-pink pink gym basket 

She-sells seashells down by the seashore (er Snohomish River?) . . . painted Italian end table (dreamy!) . . . hotel silver . . . chippy white finials  . . . Eastlake ankle stool (all original)! 

Austrian "etched" glass decanter, red & white transferware, blue & white transferware (platters and Victorian water pitcher), giant cherubs platter from Gumps . . . be my Valentine!!!

Victorian tin ceiling escutcheon (against wall) made to hold chandelier . . . darling crystal and Italian chandeliers, mirrors, lamps, baskets of silk orchids, French-style oval table, books, etc.!

COME TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME SERIOUS EYE-CANDY . . . and bring a friend or two!!!!!!!

MOVED TO FADED ELEGANCE IN SNOHOMISH!!!!

Just one day after Inauguration of our new President, I'm filled with hope for our country and the bright future that lies ahead.   It's thrilling to see renewed spirit and motivation in people all across the USA!  Hard work lies ahead for us all, but hey--we're worth it!!!

Speaking of renewed spirit, I'm so excited to be joining Kimberly at Faded Elegance in Snohomish.  This has been one of my favorite shops for years, and I'm so glad to be a part of this talented team of people.  You owe it to yourself to check it out if you haven't been there recently . . . makes you feel fantastic, just walking in.  Merchandise changes FREQUENTLY, so go back FREQUENTLY!

Italian Tole "Birdcage" Chandelier (closeup)

Crystal Empire-Style Chandelier, Carved Teak Table, French Tapestry . . . .

Vintage print - Redcoats in Tudor Home after the Hunt

Vintage Silver (pheasants card receiver), Copper (crysanthemums),  & Crocheted "Popcorn" Coverlet

Black Amethyst Glass - Vintage Ashtray with Schnauzer Dog

Italian Nesting Tables in a YUMMY color palette of silver & cream; Milkglass Budoir lamps

Darling Cherub Figural, Table-top Mirror (see Kimberly in reflection!), Hotel Silver

One of Kimberly's (many) amazing vignettes!

INDECISION '09 . . .

With the passing of the holiday season, I find myself in an abnormally "paused" condition regarding the New Year.  I recognize (and also experience personally) the pressures on Americans to severely moderate their budgets and carefully assess where dollars are spent on a priority basis.  To me, beauty in my surroundings is just NOT an option--it's a necessity!  Just like the air I breathe, the water I drink, the food I eat, and sleep each night, my soul requires the nurturing I feel when my surroundings wrap their loveliness around those I love.   The great sense of satisfaction I gain when helping others to achieve beauty in their lives is indescribably delicious!

Vintage/antiques have long held a face of fascination that I want to gaze into forever.  It's the highest form of recycling and is good to the earth and our collective souls.  I've long believed the mess we are in as a species has sprung from our ridiculous over-manufacturing, over-developing, over-greedying pressures to consume.  Having said that, everyone needs to make a living, of course.  But I'm stumped and remain on "pause" for awhile longer, seeking inspiration from a quiet place inside me.  I doubt that I'm alone, but I sometimes feel alone.  Rather than my usual flurry of planning for this year ahead, I'm settling in to my discomfort, hoping to find a path through the maze ahead.

 

As I do this, I count my many blessings . . . oddly even the blessings of turmoil and discontent that have always been the seeds for my renewal.  Being a sensitive sot at times, I must also appreciate the people who have not wished me well, not wanted me to succeed.  For in those moments of self-doubt my path has become strengthened.  I can have--and deserve--a life filled with love and happiness.

 

To that end, I thank my friends, my family, my mate and his children, my fantastic customers who have become the dearest of friends, and my relationship with God for providing unceasing prodding so that I DO appreciate what has been given to me (even if I didn't appreciate it at the time!).

I will get "back to business" soon . . . I have my new friends, Amy and Kris from Todays Country Store in Sumner, to thank for a sorely needed boost.  They have the most charming, beautiful shop that you MUST go see!  You can also catch them at the upcoming Puyallup Fairgrounds Antique Show from January 31 - February 1.  Check out their blog (under my "Inspirations").

. . . to be continued!!!