Antiques of a Different Sort ...

As I was catching up on my reading, this article from Kovel's Comments caught my eye - Here are the "juicy details"....

Watch out, Dracula--a collector paid $14,850 for a c.1800 vampire-killing kit at a Mississippi auction earlier this month. The kit is complete with stakes, mirrors, a gun with silver bullets, crosses, a Bible, holy water and, of course, garlic, all neatly arranged in an American walnut case. It sold at a Stevens Auction Company sale.

Have a Happy Halloween!

Winged Creatures

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy this beautiful butterfly antique print ,,, A great piece to add some color to your artwork and crafts!

Remember to Eat Your Veggies!

One thing to do when feeling a little down is to make sure you get your vitamins - B 12 is especially good! So, what better way to get your nutrients than from tasty vegetables? Enjoy this fun antique page- A nice addition for canned veggies this winter ... Also great for making a colorful card with a garden focus.

Light of the World

Psalm 27:1 " The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?"

Recently I've been rather overwhelmed; unfortunately, the result has been a lack of posts here on Flotsam and Jetsam. I am not quite sure how long it will take me to get back to my old self so please be patient... I thought I'd share this verse to encourage both myself and blogger friends.

Mysterious and Kooky ...

Fall is a magical time of year with a crisp nip in the air alongside rays of bright sunshine- It's a time for both the bitter and the sweet. In this vein of thought, I decided to share a few pictures of Flotsam and Jetsam... A little establishment with both elegance and a sense of humor! A recent investment in some true vintage Halloween merchandise (c. 1920-1940) has brightened up my sales case and lovely "Mozelle" has been a true pleasure in her delightfully sinister mask ...Have a wickedly wonderful week!

An Elfin Celebration!

In celebrating Halloween with A Fanciful Twist, I thought I'd share a secret with you ... the location of special fairy festivities. I found this magical place while exploring the wild land of NYC. Called teuscher, this beautiful lair is filled with the most fabulous and exotic chocolate in the world. Chocolate with pink pepper ... chocolate with chili ... chocolate with mandarin ...
The possibilities are endless.

Elves love fanciful packaging - it fits in nicely with their whimsical environs.

This Halloween, enjoy some fanciful chocolate of your own. Perhaps even a neighboring elf will share theirs with you!

Quirkiness ....

Jenny at The Red Bulletin Board tagged me with a meme.

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself.

4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

OK- I'm not good with tagging people (I was always last picked for teams in school) so I'm going to leave this a free for all - If you'd like to participate, please feel free to join in~!
Randomness of Me
1. I am a big fan of Diet Mountain Dew ... Don't tell anyone but I probably drink like 6 a day. Please don't be a hater.

2. I have 2 older sisters - one is 12 years older than me and the other is 17 years older than me.


3. I am a huge fan of Viva Paper Towels... My friend Laura at The Lady and the Librarian got me hooked. You should try them!

4. I first fell in love with old houses and antiques in college while working for the Historic Foundation in Columbia, S.C. I gave tours of historic properties including the Hampton Preston Mansion, the Robert Mills House, and the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home. Columbia, S.C. has many hidden treasures, and I encourage you to visit these homes! (Images courtesy of Historic Columbia Foundation)
5. I wanted to be a Disney animator when I was growing up - until I was a senior in high school. (Images courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures)

6. I fell in love with my husband on our 3rd date at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. I haven't looked back since.

So, hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me. Leave a comment and tell me a little about YOU! Thanks:)

Wondrous Delight

Walking into ABC Carpet and Home was like stepping into a fantasy world filled with a thousand wishes. A stunning compilation of interior decor and eclectic goods, ABC was truly a highlight of my trip to the Big Apple. Everything sparkled, even the most mundane of normal objects -- From the crystal chandeliers to the crushed velvet I never imagined such a place existed outside of magazine photographs. These images give you a taste of what this magical realm offers ... Bon Appetit!

Remember When Antique Mall

I recently took a little jaunt to Oxford, NC to visit Remember When Antique Mall... And what a great trip it was! I was so impressed with the quality merchandise and overall presentation that I signed a lease for a small display case of my own! So, starting October 23rd, I'll have some of my items available at Remember When.
As a little teaser, I thought I'd show you all some of the items available for purchase at this fabulous little shop. I found so many unique pieces - things which are usually only available at shows or in very specific specialty boutiques. Let's just say I spent the majority of last month's sales on more stuff for me ... whoops- I meant for Flotsam & Jetsam!

Fun Fall Frolics!

I didn't realize how much I would miss blogging this week! Wow- New York, NY was a much needed vacation but I'm glad to catch up on my favorite blogs and do a little posting of my own!

I've finally finished setting up the house for All Hallow's Eve - Some fun surprises are in every corner and at every turn... My favorite item is the ceramic haunted house my Mom made in the 1970's. It lights up and flickers for a fun, spooky effect. I asked for the house when I got married because I've always loved this piece. I would beg Mom to put the Halloween up early just so I could enjoy looking at the eerie mansion... She would put it on our kitchen table and cover the entire surface with pine straw, pumpkins, and pinecones. So much fun!

I have great Halloween memories as a child, and I guess that's what makes this season so special. Be sure to spend some time this weekend with your own family. Perhaps go to a pumpkin patch or enjoy some fall treats together... Make some memories!

Very Vintage Halloween Swap!

Since I'm leaving for the Big City tomorrow, I thought I'd go ahead and write my Very Vintage Halloween Swap post hosted by Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. I was paired up with Lindsey from Two Crazy Crafters. She's a great girl and so much fun to do an exchange with!

The first image of a 1964 Midge Barbie and some other goodies is my package to Lindsey. She's a Barbie collector and aficionado - Just check out her fabulous Wednesday posts!

The other shots here are Lindsey's gift to me - How fun! I just love the adorable cupcake figurines - Trick or Treat anyone?

I draped the wonderful Día de los Muertos skull garland over my bookcase- Has a rather gothic, spooky effect don't you think? And look at that "Batty" Wand! I can just start casting my spells now:)

Lindsey also included a cute family portrait of our dear friends The Hal and Lou Ween family - Get it? Hahahaha... My buddy from the Lady and the Librarian may just snag it for her holiday decorating:) And the cute black cat candle holder is so whimsical... What a great display!

I truly enjoyed participating in this swap and can't wait to check out all the other participating blogs! Have a great Fall week:)

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Autumn in New York

Why does it seem so exciting, inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-knighting

Shimmering clouds - glimmering crowds, glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel - I'm home

It's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
All sigh for exotic lands

But it's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again

This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Autumn in New York
You'll need no castles in Spain

Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park

But It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again

In New York

--Performed by Frank Sinatra; Written by Duke

Dapper Young Fellows

Well Ladies and Gents, as much as I adore images of children and beautiful women, I can be swayed to snag a photo of a handsome gentleman from time to time... And aren't these some fine specimens (hope that doesn't sound too risque)? I included the back from the top hatted man because I thought it was intriguing in its own right ...

Have a pleasant Fall weekend, and enjoy some junking!

P.S. I'll be in NYC with my dear husband Mon 6th-Fri 10th so posts may be infrequent next week... But I'll have lots of eye candy when I return.

P.S.S. Check out The Blessed Nest for photos of a recent blogging friend expedition!

Roaring Twenties

As a button collector, there are certain styles that I am on the hunt for. For example, the elusive Victorian owl button. And the beauty pictured above. She's a garter button from the 1920's (photo courtesy of the British Button Society). There's even an example of this style button with a police officer holding a stop sign - Get it? (Think about where garters are located:))....

In an ode to the 20's and all the fabulousness of flapperdom, I thought I'd share another favorite photo. I adore this shot... It's an actual photo postcard that a dear friend found for me. Can't you just hear the jazz in the background?