A Moment of Reflection

Isn't this the best cuddle picture ever? How appropriate for a time when we consider love and those with whom we spend our lives. Friends, family, co-workers - All of these individuals who share our precious moments...
I have been going through some difficult days with depression and anxiety and it is only by God's grace that I am able to make it. He has blessed me (and you!) with so many wonderful things to live for - The greatest of these being people who love us unconditionally.
I encourage you to say "I Love You" and "Thank You" more often to those special people whose lives intertwine with yours.

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17

Quirky Valentine Scraps & Musings on Work

I thought we all could use some laughs today with frigid temperatures and gray surroundings (although I must say it looks nice and sunny outside - What a farce! One trip to the mail box and icicles will form on your extremities!)... But not to complain... Just to dream of sunshine and fruity beverages is enough for January.

So, I've been contemplating the future of my antiques business lately and have come to some conclusions: 1. I really don't know what I'm doing. 2. I hate change. 3. Did I mention I don't know what I'm doing?

After completing 2008 paperwork, I realize the need to evaluate my venues and overhead. There is definite potential for profit- I've just got to figure out exactly where and how. Here is my 2009 vision for Flotsam & Jetsam:

1. I'm going to restock my Etsy store & place new items in the shop every Thursday (starting 1/22).
2. Every Tuesday new pieces will be added to my Rubylane site (starting 1/20).
3. Having a booth at the DC Big Flea at the Summer and Fall shows.
4. Doing consignment with the fabulous Cynthia of Ornamentea and Panopolie (along with seasonal trunk shows)

I have decided to phase out my booths at Gresham Lake Antique Mall and SuzAnna's Antiques (by June, I'll be giving up my leases)... It's a really hard decision and a scary one but I think it will be best in the long run. But whose to say that I'm right? Like I said, I have no idea what I'm doing.

For all of you seasoned (and not so seasoned) proprietors out there, I'd love to have some feedback and thoughts on what I've shared today. What are your business plans and goals for 2009? And more importantly - Do you know what you're doing?

Valentine's Ephemera

I thought I'd share these lovely little diecuts with you - Aren't they wonderful? I purchased them at the D.C. Big Flea several years ago; the package was unopened old store stock ... ahhh, aren't those beautiful words to an antiquer's ears?

As a gift to my readers, throughout the rest of January and the first two weeks in February, I plan on sharing some Valentine's themed vintage and antique ephemera. I have some funny "love" quotes as well as images ranging from the late 1800s to the 1950s. I hope you'll find a use for these little pieces of history.

Little Tidbit: One thing I do is change out my computer desktop regularly with favorite pictures I've collected. It's a nice way to see something lovely each time I use my lap top.

Taking Care of Business

OK- So maybe traveling for business doesn't warrant a 17th century Venetian soiree image BUT I just love my job... And - It's that time of year again... The January D.C. Big Flea is coming to Chantilly, VA! I've been looking forward to the trip for months and now the time has finally arrived. 2 days of fabulous finds and hidden treasures. Last year, I found this 19th c. French porcelain shoe for Rubylane - Who knows what will turn up this visit! (Sorry ladies- the pink slipper has sold).

Along with the Big Flea comes doing some shopping at the numerous antique malls and vintage shops, not to mention the happenstance estate sale. Additionally, I get to visit dear friends ... What more could you ask for in a "business trip"?

With the visit lasting from tomorrow to Tuesday, posting will be delayed until mid next week. But check back then for the scoop on all my "capital" finds!

Vintage Valentine Book Project

Dede Warren over at Dream Create Share is sponsoring a fabulous round robin project for Cupid's Special Day. Participants are making sixteen 5 x 7 pages with a Vintage Valentine theme. Dede will then compile our pages and make "fat books" for each member.

I've been brainstorming about my design and have started to get a sense of how I want my pages to look ... I'm planning on doing a Homespun Valentine concept using cutout hearts, glitter, and maybe even some sewing!

While searching for inspiration in my ephemera stash, I found these two pieces and "Shazam!" I had my Homespun Motif! Don't you just love the layers of aged paper and text combined with the straight pin? And what about that delightful image by illustrator J. Frederick Smith? Both of these will work as great focal points for my pages. Now I've just got to start creating!

Emma Bridgewater Pottery

Some things are just meant to be ... Like Murano and Glass. Silk Scarves and Italy. Pottery and Stoke on Trent. Which brings me to my latest obsession - Emma Bridgewater's Bird Pottery.This lovely English ware is completely handmade ... Visit here for more info on how these pieces reflect an Old World aesthetic.
I first found these pieces (poor graduate student days) at a wonderful little gift shop in Washington, D.C. called Periwinkle (a must see if you're ever in the area!)... Now that I have a need for plates, mugs, etc. (and a paying job!) I'm starting to think these would be a great investment. Not only are they durable and visually appealing, they keep their value and are collectible in and of themselves. What more could one ask for in a plate?

With a little research, I found a great boutique based in the U.S. that carries the Bridgewater lines - Ann Marie's Fine Coffee and Tea . So now we Americans can enjoy a spot of tea and a scone on a lovely Emma Bridgewater dish.

Photos courtesy of http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/