Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Fall Break and Zurko's Haunted Halloween Market

A couple times a year, there's an extra weekend in the month, and we don't have a show. That's this weekend, so rri is on fall break! Joe is cleaning out the studio in preparation for winter, plus taking the trailer in for a much-needed paint job. I'm catching up on paperwork, putting final touches on the etsy shop (!) and working on our "big reveal" -- all the new handmades we're been creating for the holidays. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and check back next week for a peek at what's coming to Kane and Mishawaka Antiques! xo



Don't forget about Zurko's Haunted Halloween Fleamarket, this Saturday, October 29, from 4 til midnight, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois. Sounds like lots of fun: in addition to all the vintage vendors and their treasures, there will be special appearances by stars from some scary movies, plus live music! Visit Zurko's website for details and print this page for half-off regular admission.

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Mishawaka Antiques; Tent Sale Details

Joe and I were so pleased to be invited to join Mishawaka Antiques, a lovely new shop in the old downtown section of Mishawaka, Indiana, about 40 minutes north of our home base. Owners Scott and Glenda are real gems -- totally gracious, totally talented, super nice. They felt our area needed a different kind of resource, an antique-based, up-to-the-moment, design friendly shop where customers could find looks they see in shelter magazines. With personal assistance from shopkeepers who "get it." And are happy to help.

The store got such a great response in the first month that they've added on already, taking the space next door as well. I have been in to restock our space every week and have bought a number of things to resell. So what are you waiting for?! Make a roadtrip this weekend -- the forecast for northern Indiana is looking dandy. The shop is located at 118-122 Lincolnway East; hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 to 6; Sunday, 12-5. Telephone, 574-252-5400. For additional photos, see our and the shop's Facebook pages.

Diane's Tent Sale

And speaking of lovely and talented, our dealer pal and frequent show neighbor Diane Passi is hosting a TENT SALE this Sunday, October 23, from 10 to 4, at her place in Wheaton, Illinois, 841 Delles:

Diane's stuff is always awesome; be sure to check it out. More photos are available on Diane's Facebook page, as well as estatesale.net.

We are off to Columbus this weekend with a load for SoBo Style. Katie's October artist showcases are in full swing; she is featuring a different local artist at the shop each Saturday this month. See her blog and Facebook sites for details! Shop well and have a great weekend!! xo




Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Happy Hallow-'Ristmas? Plus Midland, Burlington Update AND Chicago Weekend Shopping Opportunities

I've been feeling kind of outta sync the last few weeks, working on Christmas just as the first leaves were falling outside. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays, and Christmas handmades are some of my favorite things to create, but I am feeling a little creatively crowded!

Every year, I say that I am going to get started earlier, and this year I actually did! But it was really tricky buckling down and getting things done. Still have lots to do over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for a peek at what we'll be debuting in November!

Now, this is more like it! Normally I try not to post a lot about family stuff on the business' blog, but my son was so proud of his pumpkin that he asked me to share it:


Personally, I was a little worried about the deep-seated pyschological implications of his creation...'til he said it was a design he saw on-line! But, kudos, Jack, on the execution. Puts us right back on the correct seasonal track.

Midland/Burlington Update

Had a busy weekend at Midland and Burlington. The weather was great both days, but windy and running the gamut from mittens-in-the-morning to shorts-by-afternoon. Good crowds, too. A big THANK YOU to everyone for coming out -- especially our pal, Heather, who brought some of her wonderful jewelry to sell and hung out for the day. Can't believe the tent will be packed away now 'til April! But here's to the start of the indoor season.

Coming This Weekend: Diane's Tent Sale

Hey, our fellow dealer and frequent show neighbor Diane Passi is having a TENT SALE this Sunday, October 23, from 10 to 4, at her place in Wheaton, 841 Delles. Diane's stuff is always to die for, so be sure to check it out. Will have a sneak peek on the blog later in the week, or you can friend her on Facebook right now to take a look.

And don't forget about Zurko's Haunted Halloween Flea Market on October 29. Will post the half-off general admission coupon again next week. Happy shopping!

Today, I'm off to fluff our space at Mishawaka Antiques, run down a few more holiday supplies, then will be back at the office working on our NEW ETSY STORE!! Too exciting. More to come on that. Have a great week. xo

Friday, October 14, 2011

Burlington Bound

Tomorrow, Joe and I are headed for Burlington, Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati, for our last outdoor show of the season. Come join us! The Burlington Antique Show is awesome -- one of our favorite places to shop -- and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. Can't wait.

We'll be stopping by Midland to restock on the way. Summer is such a busy time, it's hard for us to get a full shot of new merchandise in there, so tomorrow is key. We've set aside a bunch of great stuff for our Indy friends, so check us out at Midland as well. Take a look at our Facebook page for new pics of what's headed to both locations. And come see us!! xo

P.S. For our Chicago friends who can't travel this weekend, don't forget about Zurko Promotions next two October shows -- the Wheaton season opener is Saturday, and the new the Haunted Halloween Market (which has been getting lots of great press!) is on the 29th. Details can be found on the Zurko blog, and their HALF-OFF GENERAL ADMISSION coupon can be found on our blog post from earlier this week. Happy shopping! xo

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Are You Pinterest-ed?

Sunday at Grayslake, I was talking with Joan and Emily, two of our pals from EsseMade, about our new love, Pinterest:
Giving credit where credit is due, it was another customer, Carol of Vintage Charm, who originally mentioned it to me. OK, several times. And of course, as with all things tech, it took me a long time to actually take a look. But I have to say, I love it! Not enough yet to start my own board, but it has replaced some of my magazine perusing. Too many of my print friends have folded in the last few years, and Pinterest more than fills the void. Plus it is just so darn easy to use.

If you aren't familiar. do take a look. It is basically a virtual bulletin board where you can "pin" things you like and/or look at images that other people like. It is a great place to jump start creative thinking!

Grayslake Report

As predicated, the weather for Grayslake was LOVELY. So there were lots of outside dealers and a good crowd both days. We just squeaked over the line in meeting our sales goal as the show was closing, and we appreciate everyone who helped us to do just that. Smalls and graphics carried the day. Now we are getting ready for Burlington, our last outdoor show of the season, as well as a trip to restock Midland. Burlington is a great little show, and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. Did I hear ROAD TRIP!! Grab some friends and join us. And for our pals in the Cincinnati area, what are you waiting for? Be sure to come and see us. I'll have photos posted later in the week of what's coming to both locations, here and on Facebook, so be sure to take a look.

Zurkos also asked me to mention that they will be honoring the HALF-OFF GENERAL ADMISSION coupons for Wheaton's season opener this Saturday, as well as for their special Halloween show on October 29. Check their blog for details. And if you set up your Pinterest board before I do, let me know so I can take a look! xo


Friday, October 7, 2011

The Best, The Worst and the Half-Off Coupon

Thursday is both the best and the worst day for me to take blog-worthy photos. It is the best day to take pictures because we have just finished shopping and sorting for the weekend's event. It is the worst day in that nothing is ready to actually be photographed:

Welcome to my weekly dilemma! Suffice it to say, we have LOTS of great stuff for Grayslake: wonderful painted furniture, lots of original paint, boxes and boxes of smalls, containers, lamps, mirrors, silver, paintings and graphics, chalks and handmades -- everything you need to create an awesome fall look that will ease right on in to the holidays. But right now, it's kind of like "Where's Waldo," it is in the picture somewhere!



Do plan to join us. The weather is going to be fabulous -- perfect for antiquing. And don't forget to print this page and bring it along for half-off general admission. Show details are just a click away on the blog's sidebar. And some slightly more civilized photos will be posted on Facebook this morning. Do plan to join us! xo








Monday, October 3, 2011

I Hate Anthro

Last Monday I had the good fortune to spend a day shopping in Chicago with one of my most favorite pals in celebration of her upcoming birthday. We started out thrifting on the South Side, then trolling through downtown favorites like P.O.S.H. After lunch, we headed to State Street and the "mothership" of shopping:

Now I must tell you that I totally hate that place. It is so unfair that one store can make me want everything in it! From the yummy housewares and those cute little drawer pulls, to the exquisite selection of books and jewelry. Not to mention the clothes. And the props. I'd be happy to just have some of those. Sigh. Wouldn't it be fascinating to work for them? I'd love to learn a few of their secrets.... I did learn that shopping on someone else's behalf is called "propping," so I'll console myself with knowing that we have that much in common. Here's a peek at some of our latest "propping," on display at last weekend's Kane County Flea Market:


It was a gorgeous weekend and shoppers were out in full force (maybe some were propping, who knows!?) But we still seem to be missing our many of our retailers. Hmmm.


I loved all the fall colors throughout the booth. This is definitely my favorite time of year.


Many thanks to all who came out to support the market. Tomorrow we start work on Grayslake. Be sure your plans for next weekend include it. The show will feature the popular "show-within-a-show," vintage clothing. Check back later in the week for photos of our latest "props" -- both here and on Facebook -- and be sure to print your half-off admission coupon! xo