the frenchman's wife

toss me a bone...

2012-02-23T10:46:00.003-06:00

we are all in touch with this expression. it relates to times when we feel "out of the loop"; lacking inclusion; in need of just a little something. so i'm experiencing this tendency, nowadays--it's an annual feeling, most often associated with the post-holiday, winter blahs that plague so many retail environments. on a more specific front, this is also the time of year that the kane market implements its hiatus period, leaving us all, dealers and customers alike, aching for some good stuff to buy and sell!!

never fear, however, for the month of february is creeping to a close, with the days of march neighboring its heel. it has been a long, albeit manageable, winter, with very few "bones" to crunch on. no sales, neither garage nor tag; very few shows-- a grayslake here and there; most shops resembling a carcass, picked clean by the holiday crowds, aching to be replenished.

enough complaining...kane is but one brief week away--save the dates, march 3 and 4--and we will then get our much needed fix. make no bones about it.

old dog, new tricks.

2012-02-12T00:02:00.006-06:00

see some new tricks.

visit

www.provenancemarket.blogspot.com/

best, lisa.

the long road ahead.

2012-02-01T20:58:00.000-06:00

i collected the keys to my new project this weekend. my family is eagerly anticipating preparing the space for me--and there is so much work to be done.

i hope to periodically chronicle the goingson associated with the assemblage, through both photos and text. people often misunderstand the undertaking associated with creating an environment, ignoring the hellish parts and focusing solely on the fun and frolic. don't misinterpret my squawk--i adore having a public workspace and market--but for me, getting there is far more than half the battle. i detest paperwork, negotiations, letters of intent, contractors, demolition and the like. i savor arrangement, creation, window dressing and all other visual artistry. unfortunately, the two groups travel hand-in-hand, and you're hard-pressed to get to one without grudgingly enduring the other.

for now, however, i am in the infancy stages of shopkeeping, once again. predictably, this time around is just a wee bit more difficult, as my husband and i are just a few years older and, as acknowledged in a prior post, a few degrees slower. i suppose that i will just have to concentrate a bit more when planning the particulars, and my man will carry a travel-sized tube of bengay in his pants pocket for the associated aches and pains.

best, lisa.

the things of a life.

2012-01-21T15:09:00.004-06:00

i just love things. the journal behind the body of a family and home is often so deeply fascinating...especially if you have the luxury of meeting, and spending time with, the people who cherished these wonderful items.

i have the good fortune of culling many of my things from private homes and estates; frequently establishing relationships with the kind people who allow me into their lives. often, long talks ensue, leading us down the meandering roads of remembrance. these conversations occasionally inspire both laughter and tears, and serve as a cathartic experience that assists the process of "letting go". these times can be tough for the people who have assembled a history, like a spool of fine, tightly wound ribbon, and are now faced with the unavoidable unravel.

on the opposing end of the spectrum, some individuals are poised for change, and eagerly anticipate the road that extends before them. these folks are a breeze to work with, as they attach only goodness to the items of life-- their poignant memories and the future nostalgia to be established with its new owner.

i appreciate the shells and stones gathered on a sandy getaway; i adore the stacks of fine china and rows of crystal goblets that hosted countless holiday noshes. the fine country nitestand, knobs smoothed from the touch of a soft hand reaching for a novel at bedtime; the linen toweling, monogrammed by hand in the middle of the morning when the household is quiet and without demand.

i marvel at these goods--simple and unobtrusive--the things of a life.

best, lisa.

get out of jail free...

2012-01-15T21:51:00.003-06:00

any creative soul can attest to the simple truth that, if not everlastingly inspired, an artist can come to feel imprisoned in flatness. this trait, in many creative folks, often conjures up labels such as impulsive, reckless or unsatisfied. yes, i've be called all of these and many more...but i have a thick skin and, let's face it, i'm used to it.

which brings me to now. my last post let you all in on my new shop news. i am SO EXCITED!!! many of you know what i speak of...this represents the freedom and diversity within my business that i have been searching for, and moaning about for quite some time. i preached, a few short posts ago, about "new year, new art", and i meant it. beginning a new project is so invigorating and delightful--i can't wait to begin!!!

let's see...did i leave anything out...oh yes...the LOCATION of the shop. well...i am happily returning to the birthplace of my business, joining a host of great antique stores, boutiques and specialty shops in the trendy west end of downtown lagrange. yahoo!! i am thrilled, and hope that many of you will visit me there--i think that it will be terrific!!! more details soon to follow...

best, lisa.

eggs-clusive.

2012-01-14T20:14:00.001-06:00

i got a shop. yay!!!

cereal serial.

2012-01-09T22:53:00.004-06:00

it has been alleged, by my children, that i am unkind parent. the "abuse" has been in the form of dietary choices made by me, their mom, operating within my full legal rights, when they were younger. rather than allow them to rot their little choppers on coco flakes and froot puffies, i pushed the cheerios and raisin bran.

in addition to these choices, nabisco shredded wheat was another of my favorites--which the kids promptly renamed "bird's nest cereal". clearly, the appearance of the food warranted the name, but loud groans, moans and tantrums soon followed the title, coupled with the refusal to consume.

today i often sit, breakfast bowl brimming with "nests", while my adult children tease and mock me. their bowls are filled with froot poopies and icky pops and they couldn't be happier. while their milk turns blue from spooky berry--can you imagine what it does to your insides????--i am secure in the knowledge that, someday, they too will " reign terror" on their offspring and insist on"bird's nests" in their bowls, rather than fun colored marshmallows.

i will munch quietly and wait...

getting it in gear.

2011-12-28T17:40:00.003-06:00

as time flies, we all tend to slow down and age a bit. it creeps up on us, rather unexpectedly; rearing its ugly head one morning as we rise. first, a silver hair, followed by a few of its friends. a crease here, a crinkle there--laughter lines and worry grooves mapping the course of life on your person.

it becomes a bit more difficult to perform the tasks that were once seamless and carried out without consideration. the aging process is the ultimate study in humility--illustrating that we are all, quite simply, human.

but, let's face it, the foundation of lethargy is often rooted in lack of inspiration, not biological decline...it's a matter of simply rising up--wrinkles, gray hair, droopy parts and all--and getting your rump in gear!!! this time of year fosters the gloominess, providing very limited stimulation for the creative spirit. all of you gals know what i speak of--we each possess that little flicker that arouses our artistic genius--whether we craft, decorate, paint, sculpt or the like. that glimmer inside of us all mirrors that of the butterflies of a new love...eager for an object of desire.

so guys and gals...if you are burdened by the doldrums of the season, realizing that all of the celebratory artistry is gone for yet another year, think of the months to come, and all of the newness that the occasion represents. get your rump in gear, pick up a book on your medium of choice and get INSPIRED!!! new year, new art...be INVENTIVE!!

i wish all of you a happy, healthful and prosperous new year.

best, lisa.

holiday essentials.

2011-12-24T17:33:00.002-06:00

have a joyous holiday filled with yummy food, good people and pets, super gifts and fun and, of course, fine design.

best, lisa.

the ground was blanketed with snow...

2011-12-18T13:36:00.005-06:00

i woke up to snow. bleh. this girl belongs out west--in the valley, not the mountains.

i've been selling these toasty wool throws and blankets like hotcakes lately. the variety of available colors and patterns is so attractive--it makes you want to amass scores and neatly stack them in an armoire or atop a chest at the foot of your bed. many elect to slice these pretties up and create pillows or upholster chairs, ottomans and the like.

i am considering making plush dolls out of these throws, give american girl a run for it's money, and open up a plush-doll-made-from-stinky-old-blanket- store in downtown chicago. not that all examples are noxious, but i would insist on using only the deeply offensive, ratty ones--it's all about principles and attitude--i think i may really be on to something here...

happy day. lisa.

uniformity.

2011-12-14T20:26:00.003-06:00

the world is brimming with chaos. we are always running to-and-fro; moderately hysterical in our day-to-day lives. but...being the admitted presiding officer of all things in my world (my softening of the term "control freak"), i do so enjoy the ability to create order within decor.

for quite some time, i have been a champion of suitcases. this is not an unusual design medium--study any magazine, decor manual or home improvement episode and you will most likely find stacked cases posing as a coffee or side table in any given setting. what i really embrace about the style is the tight, neat appearance that it affords, coupled with the functionality of storage capabilities...how neatly sensible! to continue by marrying the cases with a few chunky, textural baskets--you've created yourself one hip and happening space that can always be found in order.

with the new year in sight, it is an ideal time to consider implimenting a plan of order within a space. ignore the urge to purchase rubbermaid bins for all of the amassing stuff of the holiday--be a trendsetter and jam it all into a mess of suitcases and baskets instead!!

happy decorating!! best, lisa.

pi.

2011-12-05T21:12:00.003-06:00

i have come full circle in the business calendar--the final kane in the cycle having just wrapped up this past weekend. in reflection, it has been a fruitful year--bountiful with new friends and clients; teeming with horseplay and laughter.

i need to give a "shout out" to the ladies...mame and michelle of willows--you CHICks (ha) are my partners-in-crime; we wreak such havoc on the general public-- it's not even funny!! rebecca of vintage living--you're no innocent bystander...you are simply a surreptitious hellion!! judy of tapestries of nature--gosh, where do i begin...how do i verse...um...let's see..."it's in the bag, baby"!!! you girls are all so fun; you make showing up for work each month such a happy affair!

please, fellow friends and shoppers, do remember that kane is on hiatus for the months of january and february. it is difficult to make it through these days without "the fix" of our favorite market but, never fear, march and spring will arrive before we know it. soon, the air will be perfumed with hints of warmth and the promise of newness--the group of us will be culling great stuff to peddle--the circle will begin again.

best, lisa.

please pass the soy.

2011-11-23T22:49:00.003-06:00

yes, i know that this is NOT a photo of a turkey--it's the only snap i had of an animal, so...and, no, we don't eat bunny and stuffing on the holiday.

this little guy was living with his seven brothers and sisters in our yard this spring. my son began taking photos, and this little ham stretched out within an ajar wheelbarrow in the rainwater--just cooling off and posing.

images such as this make me want to explore "tofurkey".

happy holiday! best, lisa.

a joke.

2011-11-13T23:03:00.002-06:00

i am a child of the 70s. it was such a wonderful time to be young--so many burgeoning ideas were being explored--artistically, musically and educationally. i attended an "experimental" elementary school; brand new and in-the-round, complete with open-air classrooms and a young flower child instructor for each grade level.

arts were stressed--singing, playing instruments, craft, puppetry, foreign language and...books. i had a love affair with the written word--such tremendous adventures were to be had between each and every cover!!! i thank all of those hip ladies for their influence!!

i adored the days when the scholastic order sheets were passed out--i would pour over the flimsy film of colored paper, making numerous selections ranging from ghostly fiction, to biography, to movie star trivia. i especially enjoyed the variety of joke books offered--i could often be found toting a small covered box, layered with cotton, that held the remains of a eerie moving finger that popped out and frightened my peers (culled that from the "spooky magic" volume).

i will close this entry with one of my favorite pranks from these reads, that was aroused from this photo that my son snapped...what kind of room has no doors and no windows????

best, lisa.

alert nancy sinatra.

2011-10-29T13:18:00.003-05:00

these boots disappeared on me...quite some time ago. i purchased them, and then...poof...they were gone. i figured that they were lost in the abyss of stuff slated for sale in the locker, basement, garage, etc. no. turns out, they were slated for MY DAUGHTER'S feet. i only learned this fact when i heard the distinct "clip-clop" approaching yesterday morning as she came to say goodbye.

but i stole them back while she was sleeping, and stuffed them into a rubbermaid container bound for kane. HA! phone nancy, these boots are made for walkin'!!

a cut up.

2011-10-28T22:16:00.005-05:00

so...

i was reviewing some of my high school escapades with my kids a few days ago--what a spectacular time my friends and i had!!

i spent those years, deliriously goofy, wreaking havoc on the innocent nuns. i recall that there was humor in most everything--the world was just a big place to go out and mess up in--all good, clean fun, of course.

i spent four years in a green and navy tartan plaid skirt--often accompanied by a set of plastic vampire fangs which i wore, quite conspicuously, at the most inappropriate times. aforementioned skirt once ended up over my head as i tipped, desk and all, when reaching for the superball that my friend and i volleyed in the rear of algebra class.

i suppose, in retrospect, much of my humor was artistically-centered--my pal cathy, an enormously talented person, and i would regularly create elaborate artwork celebrating some book we both read or television we both enjoyed. audio tapes of mock talk shows were created--riddled with ironic humor and local references--i still have a few.

those days are far behind me now, but were a precursor to my disposition today. my children find it hard to believe that i was, indeed, that person (with fangs)--still have those in a box somewhere in the basement--but, every now and again, a glimpse of the "young lisa" can be witnessed in merriment.

artistically, however, i am going strong--thank goodness some trace of youth still prevails--as i will be exhibiting this medium at the kane market next weekend. the theme will dance on the fringe of autumn to winter--i refuse to rush the holiday. take a trip out to the fairgrounds and check out what's hot!!!

best, lisa.

i've got piles.

2011-10-17T23:13:00.005-05:00

i went hunting today. set out on the road for a mini-trip (under 100 miles)--hit a few boutiques and multi-dealer shops. found a few items in the first leg of the tour, but, after rounding a corner in one particular place...i saw PILES!!

yes, friends, PILES of ironstone!! yea!!! reasonably priced PILES!!! double yea!!! so i began the pilgrimage up to the checkout with my PILES--platters, dishes and salt cellars--wrote my check and loaded it all into the truck.

when i returned to my studio (garage) in the late afternoon, and unearthed all of the goodies from their nesting, i recreated the piles on my worktable. some examples are pitted and crazed; others are slightly discolored and nicked; still others are simply white. beautiful!! i just sat for awhile and enjoyed--what a great day!

best, lisa.

harvesting.

2011-10-16T14:11:00.003-05:00

the soybean fields beside my home are being surrendered, and a distinct crispness is creeping into the air at a hurried pace. this is the ideal time to arrange some autumnal vignettes and begin to consider holiday decor and entertaining.

would you get a look at this grouping--nothing like a little transferware, a few grape clusters, a ball of flax, rough-hewn cutting boards and a nub of sewing wax to encapsulate the cozy look of the season. i adore the plump fruit, artfully crafted from stone, to resemble its original. the wood of the boards, salvaged from a bakery that had long-before cooked its last pan of dough, is pitted and discolored from commercial overuse. the flax, carefully wound to create a textural globe of simplistic beauty. and the wax...let's see...what flowery words can i use to detail this tidbit? wax...um...beautiful?...no...artful?...hardly...um...oh hell, it's WAX...i may write well, but i can't work miracles!!!

happy harvesting--best, lisa.

making the icky look pretty.

2011-10-08T17:12:00.002-05:00

i have often discussed the plight of my studio being contained within my garage--the trials and tribulations attached to this situation--insects, weather, messes etc. just in case i was not believed--i offer this photo. notice the car port-orientated debris littering the shelves; observe the sets of sneakers and shoes, strewn about the steps and floor. then, the flowers...artfully assembled in a clear vintage demijohn--the beginnings of putting together a show.

both of these elements, in contrast, vying for the attention of the eye--similar to the principals of fine design. granted, it is wholly inappropriate to call a canvas "icky" but, in fact, it is often perceived as such. designers, shopkeepers, vendors, window dressers--each faced with the challenge of making the bland and garish transform to outstanding and stunning.

that being said, i must now add...i simply ADORE this task, each and every time; whether it be in a garage, basement, market, storefront or home--it tickles my fancy to have the opportunity to do so. it never ceases to amaze me that, at the quiet end of each show, i find myself beginning the process of mentally preparing for the next. beyond this, i am also astounded that the appeal of the task never dims--it moves and thrills me--providing a variety that perpetually inspires, and an outlet that is ever-challenging.

this skill is not reserved exclusively for the professional--a visit to many fellow blogger sites is a fine example of how we EACH possess an artful eye; erecting beauty on an otherwise humdrum platform. celebrate your vision! embrace the style that you alone devise! let your creativity and imagination transport you to new heights--rid the world of its icky!

squirreling it away.

2011-09-29T17:03:00.002-05:00

doing business in the manner that i do, items that i purchase don't always immediately end up on the selling floor. some things are quintessentially autumnal in their look; others dictate a vernal audience; holiday items speak for themselves.

seasonal guidelines aside, i often create themes which can span a spectrum of different looks--hunting and gathering are paramount to achieve this task--i'm not complaining.

which brings me to today--i have been "squirreling" for this kane event all year--i've arranged a very decorator look with a modest macabre feel. i cannot let october pass by without a light whisper of spook...i hope to see many of you there. boo.

fruit and veg

2011-09-20T21:52:00.003-05:00

feeling much better. although i am a 43 year old woman, my father still feels compelled to lecture me whenever i fall ill--"eat your fruit and veg...pound it down if you have to!!" so i "pounded it down" until i could stand it no more, and you know what happened...NOT MUCH. truth be told, the most drastic change came in the form of a gargantuan canker sore on the tip of my tongue--most likely the result of TOO MUCH CITRUS!! he means well, though.

onward. have been thoroughly in love with, and selfishly coveting this wonderful framed oil. it is quite generous in size, and would make a splendid addition to a cozy rural kitchen. this gem, and many others, will be accompanying me this weekend to the country folk art festival in st. charles. i am beside myself with expectancy--have longed to be a part of this event for years but, up until this point, was unable to because i handcraft not one thing. this season however, a few select vendors of vintage have been invited, and i am one.

if you reside in the vicinity, please give it a visit--i will be joining fellow bloggers judy, (tapestries of nature), and rebecca, (vintage living). hope to see you there!!

sick.

2011-09-11T14:33:00.002-05:00

my body has given me the sign to yield...i am so sick. bleh. i'm too sick to look at books. i'm too sick to watch television or play solitaire. double bleh. my daughter graciously passed this on to me. remind me to repay her later. i will post again when i am feeling better.

antiquated.

2011-09-08T10:41:00.003-05:00

...and some claim what i sell is old????????????

it was a nice weekend at kane--many new faces--probably out-of-towners who ventured out to explore the market for the first time. it was a bit warm on saturday; a large, looming cloud whisked the heat away midday--along with many of the customers who feared worse was to come. sunday, however, was gorgeous and cool--welcome autumn!!!

my son heads out on his bike some afternoons and snaps photos for the blog, often returning with a wealth of rather obscure, abstract images for me to work with. this particular snapshot was coupled with laughter and a smart remark as to the fact that this, and my current cell phone, are the last two remaining of its kind. raising mocking children is one of my bads.

a yarn.

2011-08-31T17:31:00.005-05:00

clients often ask if i am, in truth, a frenchman's wife. well, i'm not--but it sure sounds good, doesn't it?! that's part of the fun in having a creative business..switching things up and taking on a new vibe. i began business as 'farmer rabbit', peddling my primitive and farmhouse wares. i continued with 'trendhouse', reaching for a fresh, new aesthetic that hugged the line of my traditional fare. my second location birthed 'the wife', based on my altering eye and new marketing strategy. but, like all artistic folk, i am becoming disinterested in the label...antsy...searching for a new and exciting spark that defines my current fancy.

enough about what's going on in my brain...it's a complex terrain. i am spending my hours preparing for kane market this weekend. i am particularly excited about the grouping that i have pulled together over the last 30 days...texture and warmth are the most appropriate adjectives to define the feel...and, yes, these yarn balls and a few of their friends will be along for the journey. before you stoke up the bbq, take a quick trip out to the fairgrounds and pick up a few goodies.

squash.

2011-08-26T22:12:00.004-05:00

fall is coming. i love the harvest season--it is an especially good time to decorate. nature offers it's bounty for us to use and enjoy--pumpkins, squash, gourds, broom corn, pods and the like--all in splendid abundance, to place in and around our homes.

this shot was from my last shop and it brings me, fondly, right back to the night that i arranged this vignette...how i miss it!! i deeply enjoyed working into the evening, after hours, jazz rattling the windows as i sipped my tea and created. gosh...i think i need to do that again very soon...

road trip

2011-08-20T22:47:00.005-05:00

my husband has taken a much-deserved break from work this past week, and we've been getting quite a lot done on the business front. projects that have been collecting dust on my worktable have been addressed; a bit of painting, a few repairs and rebuilds. progress.

one morning we "got the heck out of dodge" and hit the road in search of vintage. i wish i could share with you our route but, as we all know, the nature of the hunt dictates otherwise. i will tell you this... we found some TERRIFIC STUFF-- some MIND-BOGGLINGLY AWESOME goods that, clearly, i had not anticipated to find on a road-jaunt.

traditionally, road- jaunts begin optimistically--you get some bagels and shmear, a whopping iced tea for pep, insert a full repertoire of travel tunes into the cd player...you know the drill. the first stop is generally mediocre, but that's alright, there are plenty more to witness. stop after stop...one thing here; lots of beanie babies there...morale rapidly declines. by afternoon, you wish you had NEVER embarked on this quest, thinking of all of the other things that you SHOULD have been doing with your day, and all of the gasoline expense that is being incurred. by 4:45, with fifteen minutes until all malls and shops close, you're driving, pell-mell, to get to the final destination that is officially located "in the middle of nowhere"--but alas, because the shop is located in such a remote town, and traffic has been slow all day, the owner decided to close early and get something accomplished in HER day. so you sit... three-plus hours from home..watered-down, half-full iced tea cup sweating in your cupholder...listening, for the third time, to an overwrought cd...with nothing noteworthy in the flatbed of your truck...fuming...

thankfully, as previously noted, this journey did not resemble the aforementioned--we scored LOTS OF GOOD STUFF for kane--i'm so excited --can't wait to start playing with it all!!

the pewter shop

2011-08-11T22:20:00.006-05:00

when i was young, my mother and i would venture downtown quite regularly to visit "the big field's" on state. as some may recollect, the flagship store was truly awesome--catering to every diverse taste; appealing to the most discerning eye. within the vast building, numerous "shops" would exist--the men's store, the 28 shop, the world bazaar, the gourmet shop and, my mother's very favorite, the pewter shop. clad in federal blue and taupe tones, this room was comprised of sunken alcoves laden with antique examples, both domestic and imported. nooks brimming with teakettles, platters, goblets and the like--my mom was in heaven--i splayed myself across the floor, resting my head on the bundles of packages that we had amassed, gazing up at the dimly-lit shelves, knowing that somehow i would, one day, admire these trinkets myself. at that time, however, i just wanted to make her rush through her enjoyment and get to the toy floor, pronto.

today, i have no want for toys, and the pewter shop is but a precious childhood memory. i was correct in assuming that a passion for antique pewter would, one day, ensue. pieces of fine pewter are not abundant these days, but when i do run across, i snatch them up. a set of cups accompanied me to market this past week, but returned home with me in the end--which isn't such a terrible thing--i can enjoy them just a bit longer.

fans of my work.

2011-08-11T12:06:00.006-05:00

i am humbled. i am truly in search of the appropriate words to convey my feelings. stunned is a fitting term for my condition...

i am going to make this an open exchange to all that have visited my space, commented on my work and graciously complimented my performance in the design arena. first and foremost--thank you. these eight letters cannot accurately convey the overwhelming gratitude that i feel for all of your kind words and accolades.

i have been in the industry for quite a few years now, and have maintained a relatively low profile in the process. while being well-known locally, the global exposure that has now been afforded me allows for widespread applause and recognition--a very broad affirmation of my works. so many of you have commented so favorably, not only here, but at the french larkspur blog as well. i have gained so many new friends and followers, ones who are willing to make far pilgrimages to the kane market, in order to visit my space...wow...i am in awe!!! i hope i don't disappoint.

which now brings me to thought #2.--tracey, at french larkspur. what a truly kind gesture it was, to not only showcase my work in such a highly favorable manner--snapping THE MOST EXQUISITE photos of my things--but to then share those images and thoughts with your many fans...gosh, i am bowled over!!! thank you, tracey, for liking me. thank you for being so considerate of me, for no benefit to yourself--quite rare these days, wouldn't you all agree??!! thank you for sharing. thank you for making my week!!

finally, to all of the friends who have been with me; all of my new friends and followers, and to all of the wonderful customers who make "the frenchman's wife" possible--i do so value you--without you, i would not be able to enjoy this terrific business that is, wholly, a sensational dream.

high tension...

2011-08-07T21:31:00.003-05:00

gosh, i'm beat! it was another busy weekend at the kane county market--very frenzied, very warm, very stressful. but don't get me wrong--i'm certainly not complaining--working kane is always fast-paced fun and frolic. i have a host of great neighbors in the expo building, and even more terrific friends and customers who patronize us there--much thanks to all of you!!

i am going to take a couple of days to restore, and i will again post.

ciao.

alpha-bit

2011-07-30T22:12:00.003-05:00

how many of you remember...this is going to date me...LETTERMAN from the electric company??? i loved when he ripped the character off of his superhero sweater and changed offensive words back to good.

perhaps my love of this bit is why i am so partial to the use of letters in design. i have sold all shapes and sizes of the alphabet over the years--these, in particular, are extremely vintage, and look spectacular in glass. letters encourage a 'collegiate' look when paired with books or trophies; they invite a cool, mod look when coupled with a clean industrial style. and don't forget...dating me, yet again...the cozy, liberated, single-gal-pad-look expressed by mary richards in her hip minneapolis apartment with a big "M" displayed prominently on her living room wall.

consider the use of letters in your design-scape--they are often available at fleas in a variety of colors and dimensions--a few are certain to enhance your living space.

trophy time

2011-07-25T21:41:00.004-05:00

it appears that tot from time worn interiors is one smart cookie!!! it did not take but a minute for her to guess that the quiz item from the preceding post was an old workbench--good educated guess, tot--thanks for your kind participation. i am awarding you with this photo of a 1930s trophy which i sold at last month's show to a great customer.

this is no ordinary workbench that is accompanying me to kane in two weeks...it hails from a midwestern dairy that began production in the late 1800s. it is a full ten feet of distressed and primitive beauty, with a wonderful attached vice and marvelous patina. it will, hopefully, soon grace someone's home with its wonderful utilitarianism, in addition to its aforementioned allure.

if possible, make plans to visit it and me at the august kane market...i have a great group of items for the show...lots of

cool euro-goods peppered with a bit of metal. see you there!

what the ...ell am i???

2011-07-20T20:32:00.006-05:00

ladies and gentlemen, let's play a game. i will reveal a few details about this photo, and i would appreciate a few guesses as to what it might be. i would like to say that some form of prize or award was involved...well, one that was tangible, to be exact. but hey, as my grandfather always rationalized, the true reward is in the fact of KNOWING-- (but no one would kick a gift certificate out of the bed, now would we)? sorry, no voucher, no coupon, no trophy, no ribbon...just silent applause from the infinite blog world.

clue #1. i am very long. about 10 feet, actually.

clue#2. i am totally comprised of wood.

clue#3. i date from the 1890s.

clue #4. i am taking a trip to the kane market in august.

clue#5. i would make a splendid sideboard in a

dining area.

clue#6. i would also be an awesome television

table in a great room.

alright folks...what the ...ell am i?????

stacks.

2011-07-20T20:05:00.002-05:00

one of my favorite design options is the fetching look of quantity. mountains of dishes, stacks of bowls, fistfuls of everything imaginable...keys, dominoes, clothespins. the beauty of this decoration technique is in the plentitude itself initially, with the quality of the items being secondary. as i have mentioned in a prior post, collections need not be grandiose in worth or grade but, rather, epic as a collective whole--a statement is reached through this approach.

the very best thing about acquiring the "volume" look--spending all free time in the hunt and gather mode...what could be better????

a bee in my bonnet

2011-07-12T22:39:00.002-05:00

i wanted to give you a look at this beautiful jar, chock full of vintage speckled eggs which had been fastidiously blown out for some long-ago festive easter celebration. i want you to notice the magnifiers that have been carefully set amidst said eggs...all as a precaution...did not want to break any of these precious items that have survived years and years.

this clear vessel has a glass top as well...stunning. this grouping, container and all, rest innocently atop a table in my workroom (a.k.a. garage).

enter, stage left: bee. bee swarms around. bee buzzes; dives for head. bee poses threat to happy creative spirit.

enter, stage right: feather pillow. swat at bee. spin. swat again. feather pillow bends, striking aformentioned beautiful jar teeming with stunning vintage breakables.

crash. bee: exit, stage left, laughing.

just another reason i need a damn store...garages as workrooms stink.

rocks.

2011-07-05T11:01:00.006-05:00

this is my second pup, bandit. often, we call him 'rocks' because he meanders through life with, seemingly, rocks for brains. now, i'm not being cruel...all who know me are familiar with my urgent sense of devotion to our animal friends...but this is the honest truth. this dog is so goofy, and possesses not one ounce of 'street smarts', that it borderlines comical.

bandit's favorite game is called 'find me under the carpet'. this game mimics the traditional hide-and-seek, with a twist of bandit added. hiding is terrific fun...if...you don't leave half of your unnaturally elongated body exposed, flailing about, in an attempt to draw attention to yourself. his back paws kick to and fro, head and fronts buried under the throw, voicing a growl/moan combo until recognized. this contest, clearly, is not much of a challenge for the other dogs in the house.

incidentally, rocks is not an antiquing pup...there's nothing in it for him, so it is not worth his valuable time.

stumped.

2011-07-01T21:35:00.004-05:00

people in the industry often ask of one another, 'what is selling now?'. we use the inquiry as a gauge to determine if our merchandise is wrong or right and, ultimately, what to purchase next for our clients. over the years, answers have been relatively simple--shabby, industrial, primitive, country or urban. now, however, in direct correlation with the fluctuating economy and the school of thought that it need not be old, it just requires a certain "look" to be acceptable, the circumstances surrounding this question is leaving us...stumped.

in addition to all of the various hats we dealers must wear throughout the course of our work, i have failed to touch on yet another...trends. yes friends, another fleeting, alternating detail that we must put a thumb on--not only what the people like now, but what they WILL like in the future. and remember, if you have clients that purchase a piece- at- a- time, in order to eventually reach a whole, you must make certain that these new trends afford a seamless transition into the existing matter--or else. this is no easy task.

so what's a girl to do? what's a client to do? my solution: ignore the trends, abandon the rules, avoid glancing over your shoulder at what others are doing, and simply buy what you enjoy. be true to your keen eye and good sense of style and discount all of the cynics and naysayers--when others question, 'what is selling now?', you can simply retort with, ' my terrific things!'

big jugs

2011-07-01T00:22:00.004-05:00

i have been known to have many big jugs. i take these jugs with me to shows. occasionally, my husband will carry my jugs for me. he does not complain about toting the jugs from here to there. the jugs are often heavy and, as i get older, they become more cumbersome to carry. when i sell the jugs, i have "jug-reduction", and i feel relief. when people come to the market, they pay good money to see my jugs. i don't appreciate people touching my jugs when they don't buy them. customers often ask to see my jugs, even when they are not visible--as if i could hide jugs of this size, even if i wanted to. occasionally, people will fight over my jugs, and i must referee. my jugs and i will be at kane this weekend--stop by and see us.

a- tisket, a- tasket, come buy a woven basket

2011-06-27T21:32:00.003-05:00

i have regularly carried these woven wicker totes for the extent of my career in vintage. they are sturdy, handsome and purposeful...love them. most often oblong in shape, the weight of the weave varies; older examples enhanced with wooden bottoms, slats and/or metal bands. and it is no mystery that i highly favor vintage with intent--store just about anything in them--books and mags, boots and shoes, clean and dirty laundry--the list goes on.

i have come across a cache of wonderful totes that will be accompanying me to kane this weekend. the colors are whitewashed and mellow, in a variety of shapes and sizes. come visit them in the expo--air conditioned--building and take one home with you!

pain in the gl...ass

2011-06-23T21:51:00.003-05:00

don't get me wrong...i really love glassware--it's a necessary thing. selling glassware is fun--people need it to drink from. what i don't like?? packing it and unpacking it. what a pain in the glass!!! taking glassware to a show is like taking my kids to a show--it---ruins---my---day. and don't think that selling it is the end to your problems--in order to complete the sale, you have to pack it for your customer--and most likely it is a client who wants it parceled as if you are a saleswoman at bonwitt's, not a flea. so what's a dealer to do? abstain from carrying this medium, or simply bear with the issues and be quiet about it...?

show princess

2011-06-20T22:11:00.018-05:00

i was talking with an industry pal last evening (m., you know i'm speaking of you, you secret skulker); moaning about the current ebbs and flows of the show circuit. earlier this week, i conversed at length with another friend in the business (jan, it's you), and we cried a similar river.

this gets me thinking--are we dealers encountering true tangible issues worth beefing about--weather-related attendance variance; poor promoter performance; frugal, price-negotiating customers who don't seem to value the lengths to which we go to acquire great stuff; etc. etc.--or are we simply whiny babies--a sad bunch of "show princesses", ousted from our castles and forced into the real world of vintage buy and sell?!

it is often suggested that we in the industry have an intense passion for the craft--the countless hours spent in pursuit of goods, the cleaning and repairs and such, the lugging and the selling--all to generate about 13 cents an hour--my folks are proud. but hey, we want to be rewarded for our work beyond the monetary--we want our customers to say, "wow! great stuff for a great price!" we are willing to set up shop, and take down shop--all in a two day time frame. we want the damn weather to cooperate on occasion--not too hot, not too cold; not too much snow and ice, not too much wind and rain. we want a consistent flow of traffic--the appropriate traffic--comprised exclusively of our target demographic. gosh, it seems as if the asking is too much--that the expectations and complaints are enormous. but let's not forget the not-so-obvious--what other work can afford us the opportunity to be amongst things we so enjoy, along with others who share that same passion; all the while, making a respectable dollar. show princess? nah. mildly frustrated? perhaps.

let 'em eat...

2011-06-15T12:10:00.003-05:00

since the onset of my vintage sales career i have always held a soft spot for tin utility bins. this is an example of one of my favorite types...white with black and gold word and accents.

these tins were used, predominantly in the kitchen or pantry, to store dry food ingredients. culinary staples such as flour, sugar, coffee, tea, bread and cake were often housed, beautifully, in these containers.

look for these at vintage malls and markets--and no need to remain religious to the words printed on the side--put pencils in your sugar tin; house paper clips in your tea canister. anyway you slice it, it is stylish storage at its best!

bird brain

2011-06-14T23:30:00.003-05:00

these are my friends, bird 1 and bird 2. aren't their faces just stunning!!? we have lived in our home for the past 4 1/2 years, and each spring season these birds, or perhaps their offspring, revisit the same place on our porch and build a nest for their babies. we get this view through our entryway transom and marvel, year after year, at the miracle of life. bird 1 and bird 2 are very friendly towards us as well...when they return for the season, they will swoop at us as we work in the yard, singing and chirping, saying hello. they even interact with our dogs, flying around them happily as the pups run outside. just another example of how we underestimate the intelligence of the animal kingdom.

boy-o-boy!

2011-06-09T18:24:00.003-05:00

i have such fond memories regarding this and other photos of my last shop. this lamp rested prominently on my sales counter for the duration of my time there. i loved the regal look that this conveyed--the spotted foil finish within the shade reflected light so beautifully off of the ceiling; the black veneer, coupled with the gild accents--so tasteful.

so, i theorized, what better than to couple this fantastic lantern with a giant golden "O". that's right, my decorating talents were being justifiably exercised by propping this large alphabetical example against this

now-misunderstood light. all that i then needed was for Oprah to stop by...

dog tired

2011-06-06T22:36:00.003-05:00

after loading the trailer, unloading the trailer, setting up the space, selling the stuff, and re- loading the trailer--all in the heat and humidity--boy-oh-boy, we are all "dog tired"!! give me a few days to recover, and i will post again soon.

my nose to the grindstone...

2011-06-02T22:08:00.003-05:00

i am working very hard. i am bringing some heavy things to kane this weekend. this body does not do well with heavy things. i can't help it, however--i am such a sucker for these wonderful grindstones!! discovering these at the right price is a rarity; especially in multiples--but i do so enjoy stacking them one atop another. what the heck...i'll make my husband and kids carry them... where's the harm?!

if you're in the market for some stones of your own, visit these this weekend at kane, and one or more may accompany you home. it is projected to be a scorcher--but my space is in the "modern air condition comfort" ( yes, i am aware that the correct term is "conditioned"), so feel free to stop by and cool off! see you there.

hotel silver

2011-05-28T19:27:00.003-05:00

here's yet another element that i have a fond affection for--hotel silver. isn't this example amazing!!! it is one of a pair that i recently came across and subsequently offered to another dealer for her fabulous shop. the oddity about this duo is that the terrain of the domes were mottled and pied rather than smooth and sleek--but this made them no less attractive, of course!!

i culled them from a dynamite collection including six large teapots, numerous shallow serving dishes, several creamers and sugars, a fistfull of utensils and a cluster of jam pots. they have all left me now, in search of new homes...but i am always on the prowl for another good find.

life in s-hell

2011-05-26T22:34:00.004-05:00

i've got shells coming out of my ears. i have amassed so many specimens over time; examples that clearly held a special place in the hearts of some of my clients. one group of sand dollars that i culled have simple writing on some of the backs dating and describing the adventure on which they were gathered. others were offered from a large bowl, married with a variety of rocks that were captured on the shores of numerous seaside vacations that the family took. starfish, darkly patinaed by the briny waters of the sea, arms elegantly splayed out--placed gently on the shelves amidst framed photographs of summer memories.

pull out your seashore booty for the warm months--put together some vignettes featuring these natural beauties. if you don't have some of your own, scour the beaches on your next trip or scan the markets for someone else's memories--either way, they offer a beautiful, versatile way to welcome in the essence of summer!

getting a hand-le on things

2011-05-24T22:26:00.004-05:00

posts have been few and far between lately because i've been so darn busy. i am attempting to maneuver lots of square pegs into round holes by condensing lockersfull of stuff into one...hey, we all need goals. so i'm making my pilgrimages to goodwill and the sal-arm with flatbeds-full of donations...definitely a bittersweet cycle that we dealers occasionally experience...we don't want to throw money away, but we are so sick and tired of looking at said items, that we cannot lose them fast enough!

in my quest for organization, i have found items that have clearly entered the witness protection program...unearthed from rubbermaid hideaways and cardboard caves. some of these items i am happy to see again; others i swear i had sold long ago (guess not); others still, i never want to see again...bad mistakes, odd lots, trying for a look that didn't take off. bleh.

so i am on the road to recovery, feeling liberated at each drop-off point--rejoicing with each slip of paper itemizing my contributions. as the clutter diminishes, and more of the concrete floor becomes visible in the "dungeon of vintage", i am regaining control of my storage world. ahhhh!

eye spy

2011-05-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

these magnifiers are great! unlike many types i have carried in the past, these do not have wooden handles but textured metal ones. perhaps these were utilized in an institutional manner--classroom, laboratory, etc--and demanded a less "frilly", more no-nonsense approach.
either way, i dig them, and have always enjoyed their aesthetic--whether it be in quantity in a jar on a shelf, or one at a time set atop a great book on a nitestand.

screening room

2011-05-04T22:39:00.003-05:00

i was driving through a small country town one day, when i spotted a sale at an old home. leaning against a large front yard tree was a grouping of tall screen doors that once graced the home's exterior. needless to say, i was on them...what an ideal medium for walls at the kane market...lightweight and tall, and clearly just the right color. the price turned out to be ideal and, to boot, the owner offered the corresponding window screens as part of the package. after loading them into my truck and waving farewell, the owner counted his cash as i rolled down the road toward home. what a find ! not only was this just the thing i needed for the booth, it was enormously affordable as well--score!

what my dog says

2011-05-03T21:14:00.009-05:00

this is my dog. she is one of three. what the heck is she thinking?

1. did she go antiquing and forget to feed me?

2. did she go antiquing and forget to take me?

3. did she go antiquing and leave me with the other two crazy dogs?

4. yeah right, like you're going to sell that.

5. what did you buy that for?

6. can i eat that?
may i take this opportunity to "get on my soap box" for a moment...i know that my little blog only reaches a small patch of the world, but if my words make one bit of difference, it matters. this good girl was a shelter rescue dog, and she could not be better! more importantly, she was an older dog when we adopted her; she needs no lead to follow, is grateful to have a home to come back to, and most certainly must be missed by someone! please...if you are in need of a good friend, adopt a pet--and consider an older pet--they are so often overlooked for the cute puppies and kittens. when my husband and i began our life together, we adopted two dogs, ages 12 and 9...both lived to be 20 and 18 respectively--and gratefully--the 9 year old was on her last day at the shelter before we took her home and gave her 9 more years! think about it...they make great antiquing companions!!!

country style

2011-05-02T20:13:00.006-05:00

is this not the epitome of country style? a beautiful footed transferware bowl and a casual stack of hemp linen toweling. these items are long ago sold, but i am always on the prowl for similars.

when i think back on all of the terrific country goodies that i have had...wow...i'm so old. i've been in this industry for quite a few years now, and rural decor rarely fluctuates--it's one thing that can be counted on. who can resist a lovingly-weathered wooden breadboard, inflicted with the many strokes of a kitchen blade. running hands over the fine luster of a sideboard or plank tabletop, smooth after years of meals being served upon it. the gentle curve of an ironstone pitcher, bulbous with pride at the years of service it provided at pastoral suppers. a bit romantic...perhaps...but is that not what the bedrock of this passion is about...the history behind the piece, and the lives that it has touched along the journey.

"chair"-ity case

2011-04-27T18:49:00.003-05:00

let's be honest...all of us unbalanced vintage people need to attend a few sessions in the local church basement. we must stand before our peers, gingerly introduce ourselves and make an affirmation. you know what i'm speaking of ladies and gentlemen--we would all benefit from a hearty "j.a." meeting!! that's right, "junkers anonymous" is what i speak of.
let me set the scene...you're innocently crusing down the street on your way to the grocery. kids are in the back seat, radio is merrily humming a tune. all of a sudden-bam-you spot this chair frame setting ever-so-innocently curbside. 'who in the heck would mistake that for trash?', you proclaim outloud as you complete an ever-illegal maneuver, endangering the lives of yourself and others. the back-end of your vehicle protrudes slightly into the street as you slam it into park and ignore the traffic hissing in your ear. you grab at the wood, deftly swing it into your flatbed and hoist your rump back behind the wheel--all the while hearing the protests from your children that you are embarrassing them, and what if it was a classmate's home that you were scooping this from!! you tune out their backseat riot and strategize your assault on this found object, basking in the glory of the acquisition for the entire day.
you all know you've been there...

curvaceous cathy

2011-04-26T19:15:00.004-05:00

i was scanning through my past photographs and stumbled upon this gal. i passed her on to another dealer who ultimately put her up for sale in her fantastic urban shop. what a wonderful work of art--not that it screams perfection in form or technique, but it speaks volumes in content and meaning! furthermore, i am digging how zaftig she is, while continuing to sit confidently and comfortably poolside--there was a time for women like her (and me, for that matter).

i'm so wired

2011-04-23T20:55:00.004-05:00

the week before kane always finds me antsy and wired. there is so much to do in preparation. i don't think shoppers realize the enormous groundwork necessary to participate in a market setting; not to mention the physical labor that is attached to putting forth that perfect presentation. when you examine how many hats we dealers wear--we hunt it, clean it, mend it, price it, merchandise it, sell it and bookwork it--can some seriously justify negating the prices, when you think of all of those steps??

on the flip side, being at a good show means one that is charged with energy--people grabbing, asking questions, finding that special piece that really melts their butter!!! it is such fun seeing tons of customer/friends; pouring over photos of some of the items that they have purchased, now lovingly placed in their home setting. this is what the work is about--connections with the things we love and the people who enjoy them.

this wiry chick is taking the trip with me to kane this weekend--we both hope to see some of you there!!

i got stoned

2011-04-22T11:57:00.007-05:00

this is a glimpse of the ground near my home. a bit ago, my kids and i were goofing off and they issued me a challenge. ever-taunting my use of natural elements in design, they mocked me mercilessly, and asked why i had not yet incorporated this "free gravel" into a vignette. so i gave them each a spade and a bowl and said, "gather, brats."
subsequently, i used the heck out of those rocks. i put them in jars, baskets, urns, fishtanks, glasses, on plates, on my head, on the hood of my car--any available acceptable surface or container for my amusement. in my last shop, the village had an annual garden event...did i ever get mileage out of that rubble!! some clients, after purchasing the vessel that held the pebbles, were moderately disappointed that they were not included in the sale. for that, i, in turn, mocked my children--mother always does know best.

dicey design

2011-04-21T22:52:00.003-05:00

some things can be very risky in the world of design. incorporating new and unusual ingredients into a space is often so daunting; baby step is truly what's required.

take these dice--playful, textural, downright fun.

spend your weekends at markets and antiques shops gathering....one....after....another. start placing your efforts into a small bowl on a desk or conversation table. keep....amassing....dice. before you know it, bam, a collection!! of course, now you're eighty-seven years old, and too old to see your new collection without your glasses and a magnifier to boot. now you have this killer collection, it looks terrific on the windowsill of the assisted living one-room apartment that you now call home and, when you're gone, rest assured the entire bowl and all will end up on the fifty cent table at your daughter's garage sale. happy hunting!!

'bin' there, done that

2011-04-19T14:14:00.002-05:00

i have spoken of the sheer joy design-storage brings me! ladies, no guilt attached to buying stylish home storage...the man of the house can hardly protest when you arrive from flea, laden with totes and baskets...ready for organization! furthermore, any discount decorator shop regularly offers turnstyle variety, so there is never a shortage of good looks.

toys are a huge mess in a family or play room--bin it!! magazines and books--let's face it, if you love vintage style, you really love visual inspriation--bin it!! arranging a walk-in closet--woven containers add color and texture--bin it!! kitchens scream for structure--napkins, utensils, spices, cruet sets--get them out of cabinets and drawers and show them off on the countertop --bin it!! laundry areas are a natural choice for exposed neatness--house pending wash in a fashionable way; use your grandmother's wicker basket for cleaned linens--bin it!!

closing the door on my space

2011-04-15T12:08:00.006-05:00

i am horribly frustrated that the space i had bargained on fell through. i mentioned a few posts ago that i had a building in mind for my next shop, had negotiated the terms, moderately promoted it and waited 3 months for the occupant to vacate. what i failed to know was that there were zoning issues which could not be negated and, therefore, resulted in a bust. i try to be from the "it wasn't meant to be" school of thought, but it is often very trying; i wonder, at times, if i'm just fooling myself. alright, for this purpose we will assume it happened for a reason and i will move on...but where?

it struck me as funny

2011-04-14T12:41:00.006-05:00

my husband snapped this photo the other day that i found hilarious. i recently purchased both items--an enamel bucket and a gargantuan wine bottle, vintage 1960s, which were awaiting pricing on my garage (studio) floor. it struck me amusing the coupling of these two elements and their relationship to today's world. given the viral popularity of wine drinking these days, one may ask, "do you prefer your wine by the bottle or the bucketful"? it is certainly a toss-up. i am loving this bottle...it has its intact label and original cork, and would be an awesome decorative addition to an at-home bar or in a european-style kitchen on a shelf or baker's rack. the bucket is one of three that i plan on planting...wouldn't it look wonderful with a rosemary topiary stretching out of it???

"forming" my opinion

2011-04-14T11:46:00.004-05:00

i must admit...i had reservations. for a solid year or so, my friends and colleagues analyzed, deliberated and cajoled the prospect of my creating a blog. technical support was offered...ego was stroked...worry was dispelled. so now, i've done it; beyond the technical struggles, which i believe will forever be a monkey on my back, it has been terrific! let me say thank you to jeanine from chippy shabby, first and formost...she has given all there is to offer--thank you! the girls from blue cardinal, allison and jenn, you were one of my first cast of supporters--thank you. and debra phillips from "sg" shop fame...who offered unconditional help and accolades directly out of the gate--thank you.

it is such an agreeable feeling to be part of a predominantly woman-based group who welcome and nurture members so openly. over time, i have observed that there is no competitiveness or rancor--these elements are so often present in the business aspect of this passion; it is such a refreshing treat! so thanks ladies...let's talk more about the things we love the most--lifestyle with some of the most unique and wonderful elements!!

i've got to be honest

2011-04-12T22:07:00.004-05:00

i've got to be honest...first, this photo has nothing to do with anything, i just thought it was pretty. second, i am brainless when it comes to this computer stuff...even the slightest task seems daunting, and i continue to struggle with it on a daily basis. having said this, please understand, dear audience, that i am not as savvy as other publishers in blogland. i am antiquated in both work and personal life; blissfully content if only to roam with a clunky ibm typewriter tucked firmly in the crook of my arm. my children catagorize all of my photos for me, and are on call to aid in their retrieval on a continual basis. most importantly, if i violate any protocol regarding commenting or answering remarks or emails, please be forgiving-- know that it is not out of arrogance, but rather of plain ignorance to the skill. understand that i am so thankful for anyone who carves time from their busy day to hear what i have say--thank you. i feel much better now that i have purged...just bear with me.

stamp saver

2011-04-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

aren't these glasses terrific!? i suspect these were most likely supermarket giveaways in the 1970s--you know--spend one thousand dollars, get one stamp, save twenty stamps, get one glass. problem is, the one glass ends up costing near one hundred dollars by the time you're done...such a deal.

today, however, these tend to be rather kitschy in a chic fashion. they are very weighty and dense, and could likely withstand quite a bit of rough treatment before incurring a chip or crack. they also tend to be abundant and reasonably priced...better than even ikea or crate and barrel. don't overlook these "stamp savers" for your future glassware.

me and the girls

2011-04-11T19:58:00.006-05:00

me and the girls hit the road this weekend and traveled to the grayslake antiques market. it was a truly pleasant time. i had the opportunity to reconnect with several clients from my initial shop location and catch up on things with so many old friends.

the girls behaved themselves, and ultimately went home with someone who will enjoy their company very much. i was secretly glad--traveling with two greek goddessses can get to be very high maintenance!!

talking to me

2011-04-10T21:29:00.003-05:00

i found this photo, along with several others, at a market about a year ago. each scene portrayed a different setting in new york city in the 1950s and 60s. i can't put my finger on it, but there is something in this scene that speaks to me...i feel a sort of memory or connection to it...odd. i enjoy the fact that this moment was captured "in motion", so to speak, as these people in the scene continue engaging in their own tasks, uninterrupted.

my other favorite factor in the piece is the hands...who do the hands belong to, and what's her story??

the artistry of vintage

2011-04-08T22:59:00.003-05:00

regardless of how many mirrors i run across in my travels, i am endlessly amazed at the intricate frames they are often housed in. consider the thought and craftsmanship behind each piece--relate that to a similar item today. no wonder folks spend countless hours scouring shops and markets for perfect vintage decor for their homes...there is nothing else like it. the next time you find an item that "moves" you, ponder the history behind it--both in ownership and artistry--and cherish it!

brushing up on my skills

2011-04-07T23:00:00.003-05:00

anyone who knows me well can predict that some sort of household brush collection can be found in any of my market vignettes at any given time.

i have a penchant for brush acquisition--they look so good...clustered in a big glass bowl...resting casually on a shelf or coffee table...hung in a haphazard row on a wall. the variance in size, shape and color is what i find so appealing--so much can be done with such a simple element.

a lightbulb over my head

2011-04-07T21:22:00.001-05:00

this basket of bulbs went with me to the kane county market this past weekend...and it liked me so much, it came home with me as well. never fear, a few other baskets went happily to new homes-- so my idea was not in vain. i really liked the look of the clear glass bulbs in contrast to the rustic weave of the metal tote. this type of piece makes a dynamic statement when placed in a room--it's clean and no-nonsense; primitive with a hint of industrial.

vintage spirits

2011-04-07T10:50:00.002-05:00

this fantastic group of vintage shot glasses was found in the dusty basement of a tavern owner who began his buisiness the 1950s. i purchased nearly 200 of them, and had such a fun time selling them in my shops! the graphics on them are so merry--it makes me want to have a shot, and i don't even drink!!

i culled these, along with a host of other bar-related booty, about 4 years ago on a house call...it is so interesting to see what people hold on to. these items i find are so special to their owners--they define a life...what a wonderful business i am a part of.

a little bit of metal

2011-04-05T09:41:00.003-05:00

metal accents are a colossal decorating medium these days. their images are splashed across numerous glossy publication pages each month, and can be found rather religiously in most antiques spaces at your local markets and malls. so many people have an affinity for the look, but find it difficult to incorporate it into what is already present in their design scheme.

what i recommend is to begin small...introducing a little bit of metal into a room can be as simple as a tin box for storage situated by the in the laundry room or beneath a coffee table. woven metal locker baskets are easily culled and can be efficient reserve in a child's playroom or greatroom.

in a home office setting, try marrying metal accents to even the most traditional space with a grouping of floral frogs as pen holders, or a few wire document baskets to house paperwork and encourage organization.

brown bottles

2011-04-05T00:26:00.006-05:00

i'll admit, brown bottles sounds boring. brown bottles looks boring. who the heck would think of brown bottles as a decorating item? someone who's boring, that's who. but wait...these chunky, robust vessels ARE very interesting--especially when clustered together. furthermore, i have recently seen some great examples of these beauties with botanicals decoupaged across the front and they are, in fact, truly awesome! this glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are the perfect compliment to any shelf, table or countertop display. not boring...brilliant!!

my favorite

2011-04-04T23:35:00.007-05:00

this ironstone pharmaceutical pad has been with me for the last handful of years. as a rule, i do not collect for myself...it stands in the way of assuring that my clients get the very best of all

my picks. often, people will visit my spaces and comment on "what my home must be like"...and are then stunned to hear that i elect a very new, edited, modern look to live with. this item, however, stole my heart and brought me much pleasure to possess for quite some time.

finally, though, i was ready to move it along to a new home and allow another to take pleasure in its ownership. fortunately for me, a very good customer and friend offered her home, and provides visitation any time i may need it.

put a cork in it

2011-03-31T20:44:00.004-05:00

one decorating medium to create on the cheap can be achieved by imbibing in a few glasses of your favorite grape. just find a big clear vessel, place it elegantly on a counter or at the center of your dining table, and start filling it up. this technique was also embraced in the 1960s and 70s when leftover corks were used to make crafts such as trivets and wreaths. drink up!

bottled up

2011-03-31T20:35:00.002-05:00

these terrific wrapped spirits bottles are popping up in print everywhere lately. pottery barn, crate and barrel, and the like are introducing them into many vignettes these days...and i can see why. unfortunately, they tend to be rather pricey and difficult to come by...but if you do, they add wonderful texture to any setting. keep your eyes peeled and snatch a few when you find them. happy hunting!

chic storage

2011-03-27T19:45:00.003-05:00

i adore these canvas handled bins which were used in countless factories and offices across the country. they are mega-sturdy and often found with handles and/or wheels. i use them as laundry bins or in a mud room for a catch-all (gloves, hats, shoes, etc.). if you are lucky to find one large enough, you can apply a glass top and create and instant coffee table--just roll it before your living room sofa and be done. this design medium is one way to add a bit of "soft industrial" to a space, without overburdening the area with the harshness that is often present in the hard-edge aesthetic. so often, existing motif in a home is not able to accept the popular technical-type look that is splashed throughout magazines today. these totes, as well as other factory bins, provide a glimpse of this scheme without disturbing the current arrangement.

simple beauty

2011-03-26T19:11:00.003-05:00

when looking at potential decor for any space, my first criterion is alway simplicity. simple items are undervalued in an industry where bigger is most certainly considered better. of course, bigger is usually attached to a considerable price tag--and a certain unparalelled status that humble bowl of vintage office clips could most certainly not attain. just consider this collection on a desk in a home office, or coupled with a large wooden urn on a glass sofa table. not only does it speak volumes about the homeowner's artistic edge, but it allows a bit of leftover pocket change for the next adventure in decoration.

egg-ceptional look

2011-03-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

aren't these lovely?! these marble eggs were extremely popular at one time in the grooviest of living rooms--now they are wonderful and earthy, displayed in a cluster on a bed of gravel. the colors are so rich and variant; the texture is smooth and soothing--they remind me of worry stones.

i purchased all of these from one lady who had collected them over a forty year time span; some original to the owner, some secondhand. they brought her much pleasure over the years--both in ownership and in quest. i passed them on to a fellow dealer who became as romanced by their simplicity and beauty as i.

my shop

2011-03-11T11:54:00.010-06:00

i closed my shop nearly a year ago. in that time, i have revisited mediums in the business--done a few shows, set up and broken down a few booth spaces, peddled my wares from a 10x15 storage unit. all of these choices were sufficient; all of them "kept my beak wet" and satisfied my passion for the stuff...but i was left with a giant void in between events; a deep well that dragged me down and made me...crabby.

i never seemed to find the right combination when i had my shops--like a child of one's own, i basked in all of the positives that each space had to offer, and ignored or disliked the many negatives that either needed to be addressed, or had no hope for correction whatsoever.

when i was at the shop, i missed my friends and clients at the shows, and vice versa. i was always in a space where my stock needed to be housed elsewhere, so it often became difficult to arrange an aesthetic. one space i worked was a typical "storefront" type, which made it like a fishbowl when i was attempting to work, while the other was an 1860s farmhouse comprised of a series of little rooms...exhausting.

so i've searched, debated and contemplated. just when i think i've found it, it falls away. now, i suspect that i have it again. we'll see...

yummy glass

2011-03-04T16:18:00.008-06:00

isn't it astounding how much care and precision was put into the creation of all things old--both ornate and simple the same? these apothocary bottles were used pharmaceutically as a basic means of storage and use. with older examples, the label was sandwiched between the body of the bottle and an additional piece of glass...outstanding!! and examine the two bulbous stoppers on the center vessels...more imagination and artistry was put into the creation of these everyday items than many of today's most prized homegoods.

examples of these bottles can be discovered at flea markets and antiques fairs today for moderate prices. they display well at home on a shelf, coupled with a stack of medical journals or some other scientific booty rescued from a table at the swap meet...go out there and find a jewel to add to your collection!

one of the basics

2011-03-02T15:20:00.007-06:00

although this has been said time and again...i feel the need to re-emphasize. like a childhood friend, nothing is more loyal and true than a sturdy vessel of white ironstone.

the beauty of this medium, aside from the obvious, is the versatility that the white provides. you can begin a collection and be assurred that it will marry with any color palette currently in your home--very easy and low risk.

furthermore, the popular serviceware was designed to be used daily and, therefore, carries with it a sturdiness that rivals all other forms of porcelain--so actually using your collection is often an added bonus!

i have a penchant for the stuff, so i can often be spotted at markets and sales pouring over a box of mismatched pieces...but there's plenty out there, so start diggin!!!

fine design

2011-03-01T22:14:00.006-06:00

simplicity is the key to all good design-- color, form, texture, grouping and scale are also very necessary components of the best domestic eye-candy.

to achieve a look that is enviable, try to accentuate the beauty of the basic; embrace the everyday and celebrate the purity of the item, whether it be a humble serving piece or a rough-hewn block of olive oil work soap.