Conway Antiques Closing

The five stages of grief:  denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  It's taken me a week--and I've bounced back and forth in all the stages--but, ultimately acceptance is the only reasonable outcome.  We're so sad that Conway Antiques is closing at the end of October.  It's future is unknown, so we must press on.  So, of course, we're having A BIG, BIG SALE!!!  Please come in and take a look . . . most dealers are marking down prices.  Some will be moved by the end of September, so hurry in!!  

These are just a few photos--can't possibly cover what's available.  Most notably, I have an exquisite McGUIRE Cabinet that retails for $11,000, priced down to $2,500.  No, it's not antique; but for the connoisseur, this is an amazing deal!!  I have an Art Deco Mirrored Dresser, Ethan Allen Cherry Secretary (wonderful condition), Art Nouveau Mirrored Buffet, 1930's Tappan range (almost perfect condition), old kerosene kitchen stove, European kitchen queen bottom, World War II black-painted (original) trunk, shabby-chic black painted kitchen table, shabby-chic pink painted drop leaf end table on casters, chandeliers, lamps, silver, pottery, jewelry (locked case), fine porcelain, bird cages, lots of prints and original oil paintings, amazing antique pine church pew with kneeling bench on back, etc., etc., etc.!!!!

Monticello Premier Fall Event, Portland, OR-Sept/Oct 2008

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year . . . brilliant-blue skies, sunshine that doesn't make you miserable and cool, invigorating nights.  I seem to feel more alive and energetic--which is a good thing, cuz that energy was needed to make the long drive to Portland, unpack the van, unpack all those boxes and begin the frenzy of making sense out of all those beautiful but eclectic, vintage items.  If you're a dealer, you KNOW what it's like.  I always worry it will be a mess . . . but, in the end, it somehow came together!

This is my first venue with Monticello, a place of magical beauty and the bestest people around! The dealers are talented and competitive--yet still manage to be congenial and helpful.  The hard part is not spending myself into a coma . . . so many pretties!

While I normally try to comment on each photo, I have soooo many they'll just have to speak for themselves.  I included a few photos of my neighbors:  Joe and Sue, Isabel and Lisa, Julie, and Joyce . . . WOW! 

If you have any questions, let me know.  ENJOY!!

SAND POINT ANTIQUE & DESIGN MARKET, Seattle, WA -August 2008

Our beloved show promoter, Dennis Eros!

Whew--what a whirlwind these one-day shows are!!  Sand Point was a ton of work and a ton of fun, and many of the dealers had a good show.   Some of my photographs did not turn out, so I apologize to those of you not represented here.  Kelly Miles of "Kitsch Bitsch" had a fabulous booth but the photo was too dark.  Tall guy by the swim caps (Kelly's booth) . . . photo not up to snuff either.

We seemed to have more dealers this time, and the variety of 

wares was fantastic!  Thanks to 

all the wonderful customers who toughed out the strange flux of weather . . . from mild and sunny move-in, to hot and humid at mid-day, ending in a torrential downpour (move-out of course).

The famous LULU from Seattle was here--great display and her ever-popular bubble jewelry on parade.  Check out her fantastic blog:  http://www.luluz1953.blogspot.com

Anna Iverson with her own

creations and vintage items

Bobbie, Bobbie, Bobbie

had a GREAT show!

The Divine Miss Dawn!

                                                                                          

My friends, Cheryl and Margaret (a wee bit camera shy) with perennially fabulous finds!

Kate Hanson, redhead extraordinaire and camera shy, sharing booth with Tom Trubshaw of Ageing Fancies

"JOHNBob cool junk" had a booth spilling with vintage treasures--very nice guys too! 

Bob

John

Shipwreck Day, Anacortes, WA - July 2008

Of all the "ship wreckage" we brought to the event, Ali the alligator (or Croc the crocodile--not sure which) got the most attention . . . and sold right away.  Wish we had five of them--he was in high demand!

The beauty of Shipwreck Day is that no one expects your setup to be artistic--this is, after all, a "wreck" sale.  We had to arise at 3:00 AM (have no memory of that now) to get to Anacortes by 5:30 AM.  Open the trailer and throw the stuff literally onto the street.  Customers were mobbing us by 6:00, so it was not my best effort.  Actually, it was a relief to not be so fussy about setup.

It was a perfect, cool morning which transformed into afternoon bright sunshine.  We had NO shade and were baking (or should I say melting)!  

Holding strictly to my determination NOT to buy anything (sniff, sniff), I'm going through withdrawal at not being able to hunt for goodies.  Must admit, the sprained ankle kept me shipwrecked more than my goal to just merchandise this time.  I think I need a 12-step program!

Portland EXPO, Portland, OR - July 2008

Batting 1000 in the photo department . . . this time I forgot to bring the camera to the Portland EXPO!  Hard to update my blog without it, eh?!  I shared a booth with my friend, Tina West--the energetic owner of Hollywood Antiques in Portland--and her friend of 30 years, Pat (from Spokane).  Great company such as this makes the hours go by sweeter when things inevitably slow down.  Wish you could have seen Pat holding the old ventriliquist doll (Charlie McCarthy?) and singing out tunes together with the antique gramophone.  (Customers going by were taking pictures of her!) Thank you Tina and Pat for sharing!   

Unfortunately, in my haste to unpack at home, I turned over my ankle and bit the concrete with a mighty thud . . . sprained foot and ankle are definitely slowing me down.  Nevertheless--Shipwreck Day this Saturday in beautiful Anacortes . . . here we come!  I shall NOT forget my camera this time!!

Craven Farm Antique "Tailgate" Sale, Snohomish, WA - June 2008

The Craven Farm Antique Tailgate Sale was hot, hot, hot--literally!  Great stuff and happy customers. Unfortunately, I forgot the flash card for my camera . . . this shows early setup from Craven's website.  Thanks so much to all the loyal customers who visit us despite the pressures we must endure in this economy--keep the faith!!