Even Better Than the Real Thing

Today unveiled my fresh, new blog template. How exciting! I love the design Sara from Sadie Olive came up with for my blog. It's a bit different from my previous look, mostly because it's more elegant and less eclectic. Even though I will always miss my old design, this new beginning isn't so bad- In fact, it's down right lovely. And it seems more than coincidence that this novel template happened simultaneously with our move to San Francisco. Bright beginnings all around.

Site Under Construction

So sorry for the mess of a blog right now but my previous template and design had to be taken down due to photo bucket/designer issues.  I am very disappointed but also trying to get past the issue.  I absolutely LOVED my old blog but change is inevitable and it is that which moves us forward.  So, I look ahead to a new design and fresh look.  

It will be at least a month before my new blog is up but I promise it will be worth it!  The fabulous Sadie Olive is designing it:)  Whopee!

Graceland Gems and California Musings...

So, we did it!  We drove cross country this past week, arriving in California last night.  I antiqued a little along the way, specifically in Nashville, Memphis, and Albuquerque. 

 By far, I felt that Memphis had the most to offer and I will definitely be going back there on vacation.  There were several great shops and fabulous food- BBQ in particular!  Toad Hall Antiques was a lot of fun (fabulous display!) as well as the Antique Warehouse Mall.  Don't be daunted by the outward looks of the later store.  Also, try to ignore both the smell outside and the XXX Movie Theater directly down the street.  It really is a gem.  I found an early 20th century perfume bottle, a vintage pair of ballet slippers, old Antiques Magazines for the car ride, an old jewelry box (I collect the ones that are leather and velvet and were used for specific pieces of jewelry), and a sterling cross from 1897.  So, you see there are some treasures there!

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Over view of the Alameda Antiques Faire

Our first day as residents of California, we decided to go to Alameda for the Antiques Faire.  We actually went last month as well just to check it out for my business... The difference between the two days was amazing!  Last month was rainy & cold.  Today was absolutely beautiful!  I was blown away with the quality of dealers and the overall atmosphere at the show... I'm so excited to be a part of this group starting next month:)

Nice Vignette of Romantic Goods

Lots to offer in Jewelry as well

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So, tomorrow Gwyneth (My 2 year old) & I plan to visit a couple of local antique stores- I'll keep you updated on what I find!  I just love my job:)

Building a New Nest

Dear Friends, I'm sending this note to my cherished friends and clients with a bittersweet sigh and sense of longing.  My husband started a new job today in Silicon Valley, CA and we will be moving there in only a few short days.  Oh my!  I've already sent out emails to many customers but just in case you didn't get a note, know that I'm thinking of you as I pack my myriad of smalls and head out into the blue unknown.  

I will continue to sell at shows and antique markets and possibly open a booth like I had in both Raleigh, NC and at Hagerstown, MD. In some aspects, however, I am shying away from the booth idea just because I'm not sure I could find the right fit for my merchandise.  My first show will be March 3rd at the huge Alameda Flea Market.  Wish me luck!

If you'd like to come by Flotsam and Jetsam one last time, I'd love to see you.  My last day is this Friday, the 25th.  Merchandise will be packed up Wed- Friday.  Give me a call @ 919-889-5553 to make sure I'm there so I can bid you farewell!

Don't worry though!  I'll still be posting on the blog and acquiring the unusual tidbit and whimsical creation for your own collection...

A Little Naughty... A Little Nice

I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since I've posted!  Oh me, oh my!  Well, life sometimes just gets in the way of the best intentions... Gwyneth (my 19 month old) has been walking and talking like crazy.  She does something new everyday.  And my business has been chugging along.  October and November were both slow months- Did any of you other proprietors notice that?  But December sales are strong -- Hopefully a sign of things to come.  

I did want to share some images of the shop as well as a few wonderful things I've recently found...

 So, this is a little overview of one area- I'm so pleased with how it turned out!  I had a dear little elf (a tall one to be sure) help me put up the quilt- I think it really ties in well with the space.  The small cabinet is adorable - Perfect for all my bits and pieces.  

 Here's a shot of my back room... I think it's finally come together.  I just love the cigar cabinet.  A really wonderful piece that I purchased from Tiara Day (which is fabulous by the way!).  I desperately want to make a trip there before Santa arrives.

 Now for a few detail pictures.  The above Christmas mercury balls are splendid... And so very fragile.  Sadness ensued when I broke 2 of them getting into the shop one morning.  But these are the survivors... They are a really great size.  Much larger than the small ones that are relatively common.

 Here's a little snippet of one of my mannequins.  I just love this Masonic collar.  Really great color!

 I wanted to share this idea with all you shop owners (and jewelry lovers).  I took an old Victorian photo album that stands on its own and used it as a display for my brooches.  The book is not in very good condition so the pin holes don't deter from its value.  But a really clever idea if I do say so myself:)

 I also want to highlight a few wonderful little things I've recently acquired... Like this AMAZING pre 1920 owl German Christmas light.  It's just perfect!  I had a Father Christmas and a Pierrot clown but both of those already sold.  They are so very rare.  My Christmas book doesn't even have an image of the owl! 

 

 And what about this stunning Art Nouveau Unger Brothers sterling silver pendant?  Look at the detail!  I just love this piece... A real find at a show from The Pink Poet!

 

 And last but not least something a little naughty:)  This is a Japan turtle lady... Who opens up to reveal a surprise!  I had one from Germany (which usually has the best quality) but this one is a nice piece and above average for a Japan example.

So hopefully Santa will bring this little naughty to a nice little antiquer!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing the shop and some of my treasures.  Please inquire about anything you see and let me know if you have questions.  And I hope to keep up with my posts a little better!

Tokens of Memory

Early 20th Century Saint and Frame

  What do you cherish?  What is important to you?

Our faith, our families, our careers... These are the cornerstones of our lives.  My job as an antique dealer is to find objects which reflect these significant parts of our world.   Pieces which remind us of our childhood, our fond memories...

 It's the story behind these pieces- Essentially, the people behind the objects- that make them special.

German Little Boy "Planter", Velvet Puzzle Ball, Green Rhinestone Button Set and Beautiful Natural Photograph of Little Girl

Folk Art Bird and Aforementioned Religious Piece

 It's the grandmother that quilted the Depression era spread, the photographer who snapped the little girl with her doll, the artist that carved that folk art bird-- They are the magic which brings the story, the object, to life. 

Blue Milk Glass Frame and French MOP Opera Glasses

I walked around the shop this afternoon taking pictures of some of my favorite pieces.  I'm sure each one has a story to tell- A token of memory....  

I hope you will stop by and browse the trove of trinkets I have collected to bring history into your decor. 

Large Grouping of European Catholic Charms

Right now, I'm particularly fond of antique frames, mother of pearl buttons, and French postcards....  What's on your list?