Allegan: It Was the Cat's Meow!

These folk-art cats were two of my favorite recent finds, which we featured this past weekend at the Allegan (MI) Antique Market. The weather couldn't have been better -- with one exception, it has been great this season. But this time it was just perfect antiquing weather -- crisp in the morning, no rain, and warm by afternoon -- but not too hot. You could almost see Fall peeking around the corner.
I was excited that our product mix reflected the seasons changing, moving from summer to fall, with some wonderful reds, great primitives and lots of rusty wire.

Some weeks we just get lucky and the load hangs together really well -- colors and textures balance and there is something for everyone -- painted furniture, primitives, industrial, smalls. That's what we'd like to see every time, but it is harder to achieve than you might guess. That's where Fate plays a hand -- we just have to work with what is there!

We had two spaces this time; our regular neighbors had a conflict, so we rented their space, too. I was cranky Saturday, trying to bend my brain around the new configuration. You don't realize what a pattern you get into with setting up until something changes. But by Sunday, we were pleased. And we had a great time with our regulars and some surprise guests!! Plus we had lovely new neighbors -- Melissa and Todd, with their son, Sam, who were celebrating their anniversary setting up at the market. As if there would be any better way! Although the pace was more leisurely than last month, there was a great crowd. Many dealers were saying that this month and last month were two of the best they've seen. Thanks to all who came out to support the show.

We start getting ready for Kane today, plus will continue working towards our upcoming Trunk Show in Columbus, Ohio (details on both events can be found on the blog's sidebar). More photos from Allegan are available on our Facebook page. Check back later this week, both there and here on the blog, for a look at what's coming to Kane. xo

Allegan: Everything is Coming up Roses! Plus First Trunk Show Sneak Peek

Can't wait to show you all the wonderful finds we have for Allegan this weekend. The buying was awesome last week, so there are lots of lovely groups -- oil paintings, birdcages, lots of lamps and mirrors, tons of chalkboards, loads of original paint and primitives, workbenches, school tables, Toledo stools, glass and wire containers, plus so much more -- I really could go on and on!! Check our Facebook page for more photos.

Plan to join us this weekend -- the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. It is destined to be a fabulous show. Details are just a click away on the show sidebar. See you there!

Also promised to give you a weekly update on the wonderous goodies we're stashing away for our upcoming Trunk Show at SoBo Style:

We'll have several dressforms, plus lots of lovely framed graphics:

The storage area is filling up! More photos next week. Details on the flyer pictured below. It will be a junkers' paradise in Columbus that weekend -- the Country Living Fair is also going on, SoBo will be stocked with fall treasures, and the Springfield Extravaganza is just 30 minutes away. What are you waiting for? Make plans now to be there! xo

Nutty-Nutty-Nut-Nut

My son Jack loves our customer Katie Palmer, even though they have never actually met. The reason being an inside joke. One day, Katie left a message at the house, saying the store had been so busy it was "nutty-nutty-nut-nut." And Jack found that to be delightfully funny. He would repeat it to himself and giggle. Granted he was in second or third grade at the time, but the story stuck. Whenever Katie's name comes up, he smiles, and I know what he's thinking.

Well, Sunday, just after we had unloaded, he would not have been disappointed! Nutty-nutty-nut-nut broke out big time. It was suddenly so busy that we were all helping customers -- and the store wasn't even open yet! Wow! That's what we like to see.

Part of the excitement is due to all the great fall pieces Katie has been receiving. She is already on her second order of Hot Skwash -- lovely velvet pumpkins with real stems -- they've been going right out the door from the back room. They are exquisitely made -- I can't figure out how they do it. I bought a batch last time for my dining room table and more this time to give as gifts.


She's also getting all the seasonal hats, scarves and gloves in, plus loads of new jewelry and other goodies. I had to pace myself -- could have filled the whole van with treasures to take home for myself!

We also spent some time ironing out logistical details for our trunk show, coming up at SoBo next month -- the same weekend that the Country Living Fair is in town. We've been working on merch for about four weeks now, accumulating lots of special pieces that say "fall." Will start posting some photos here and on Facebook over the next few days.

So how was our weekend? Quiet? Or Nutty-Nutty-Nut-Nut? Leave a note and let us know! Off to shop today for Allegan -- already found some awesome stuff on the way home from Columbus, but want to add to it so the booth will be packed out. Check back later this week for a peek! The weather is supposed to be great this weekend -- plan to join us in Michigan. xo

Trunk Show Update; Mindy's Sale; Weekend Plans

Joe and I have been extra busy this month, getting ready for our TRUNK SHOW at SoBo Style in Columbus next month, in addition to our regular round of events.

We are really psyched -- it's been a while since we've done a special event. And special is exactly what we are trying to make this one. The storage is already filling up with a sampling of favorite rhubarb reign projects -- trophies and steampunk flowers from our magazine articles, paper blooms, paperweights, dress forms, crowns, vintage magnets, framed Morris prints are just a few of the goodies stashed away. Plus we've started collecting a lovely grouping of fall furniture -- cottage-style painted and original finish -- plus industrial finds, sap buckets, pumpkin perches , owls and much more. Check back each week for a peek at what's coming and be sure to join us at SoBo in September. Click on the above link to visit Katie's blog for more details.

For our Chicago-area pals, make sure your weekend plans include visiting our customer Mindy Schloss' Vintage Nest Tent Sale, Saturday, August 20, from 10 am to 4 pm, 2111Chestnut, Glenview. She's cleaning out her garden items, some display pieces and other fabulous treasures. Sounds like fun! Be sure to check it out.

We are headed to Midland tomorrow to re-stock, then will be making a run to SoBo for our monthly appointment. Check our Facebook page over the weekend for a look at our latest finds! xo

Worth a Thousand Words?

Sometimes I think I've got the whole blogging thing backwards. I tend to think more about what I'm going to write than what I'm going to photograph. Any time I venture into cyberspace I'm struck by the drool-worth wealth of images. But my biggest problem with that is that I'm just too impatient to be a good art director for my blog. Sigh. It generally seems like I'm just too pressed for time to make vignettes and worry about lighting. Double sigh. But I wish that weren't the case!

I did end up taking more pictures than usual Sunday morning before Grayslake re-opened. Now I know that quantity doesn't make up for quality -- still no arty shots or fancy lighting. But it kind of gives the feel of walking through our booth half-way through the show. (And if this isn't enough, you can pop over to our Facebook page for more!)

The show ended up being quite busy on Saturday and steady on Sunday. There was a heavy, but brief, storm Saturday afternoon, but otherwise, the temperatures and weather were lovely. Dare I say even a little on the cool side?! I had to get out my emergency sweater even.

Many thanks to all who came out to support the show! I will leave you at this point to finish your virtual tour. We are off to Midland and SoBo this weekend. Plus we are busy counting down the days to our trunk show; see the show sidebar for details on that. Check back later this week for a peek at what we've been working on. xo

Grayslake: Everything from A to Z; Half-Off Admission Coupon; Congratulations

We are READY for this weekend's Grayslake Antique Market -- and literally have everything from A to Z! Be sure your plans for Saturday and Sunday include coming to see us.

Click on the show sidebar for details. Be sure to print this page for HALF-OFF regular admission. Make a bunch for your friends, too. Or just call up the blog on your phone at the gate. How awesome is that?!

And congratulations are in order! Our customers' Monica, Mark and Tracy are featured in the August issue of Romantic Homes. Their show, Three French Hens, is featured on page 64. Way to go, guys!! xo

Favorite Finds, Kane Update, Grayslake Coupon

So how's your treasure hunt gone this summer so far? Remember a while back I was talking about the Year of the Hare and making rabbits my summer crush? Well, I'm striking out there big-time! Turns out rabbits are not as common as you'd think and any I find that I like are kinda expensive.
But, never fear, the market gods have not forgotten me! Just last week, Sumaya Seccuro (of Brian-n-Sumaya, whom I'm sure may of you guys know) gave Joe some books that she thought I might be able to use for projects. But this one, the "Cyclopedia of Useful Knowledge," I think I'm going to have to keep. Everything that the pre-Google housekeeper/beekeeper/farmer/business person needs to know! Plus I love the cover.

And I finally broke down and bought this primitive oil painting that I just love. I've looked at it since the beginning of the year, but the dealer was having a 20-percent off sale this month, so I decided that I could take it home. Even though there are no rabbits in it! What about you? Found anything lately that you just love? Send me a photo and let's share.

Many thanks to all who came out for Kane County this past weekend. We ended up having a great show, despite a little heat and an (unexpected) rain shower or two. That was especially welcome, as Kane was kinda quiet in June and July. So humid, I know...not conducive to the hunt. And speaking of the hunt, Joe and I, plus my mom, will all be out shopping today for Grayslake. Hope you can join us at the show this coming weekend! Don't forget to print the coupon below for half-off regular admission. Make some for your friends, too. Or call it up on your phone at the show's entrance. Check back late this week, both here and on Facebook, for a look at what we find -- and will be bringing! xo

Step On It! Kane County Is This Weekend

Lace up your shoppin' shoes! The Kane County Flea Market is this weekend, and we've got LOTS for you to see!

Brand new smalls, mirrors, lamps, handmades. Furniture both big and small. Tons of boxes and bottles. Lots of new graphics. So much more. Can't wait to show you. Details are just a click away on the show sidebar. Hike on over!! xo

Once upon a blog; Allegan update; Something just for Lynda

Once upon a time, two antique dealers started a blog. Then something magical happened.

Friends began to appear!

And they brought their friends. And so on. And so forth!

(Translation: Joe and I were struck this weekend by how many connections we've made through our little port in cyberspace. Case in point -- Dan and CJ, of True North Interior Design and Antiques. We knew Dan by site from going to auctions, but one day at Allegan, he came by with his lovely wife, CJ, who happened to read our blog. We've been fast friends ever since. They introduced us to a new customer, Patrice, who just opened the awesome shop pictured above, Elements, in Grand Rapids. Patrice was telling us over dinner that on her first day, a customer had come in with a gift -- an awesome metal letter "E." This customer was none other than Glenda of Junkin' in My Pink Cadillac and Mishawaka Antiques, who had found Patrice through links from our blog to Dan and CJ's! This is just one of so many examples. How fun is that?)

Allegan turned out to be an terrific show. Temperatures were high, but the humidity gave us a little break.

Sales were good in all categories.

Many thanks to all who came out to support the show. So what about you? Are you ever surprised by the connections your blog makes to other kindred spirits? Leave a comment and let us know!! Now it's on to Kane. Check back later this week for a preview. And check out this article on Midland Arts and Antiques on Apartment Therapy while you've at it! Click on the link in our sidebar for Midland details. Thanks go to our dealer pal Diane Passi for pointing it out.

Lynda -- Thought you would get a kick out of this. Look who is headlining the Allegan County Fair:

OMG!! Wouldn't that be fun? And on 9/11 no less. xxoo