Sew Lovely

For this weeks Vintage Thingy Thursday I wanted to do something special. And nothing could be more fabulous than this antique ivory etui from the markets of France. An etui is a small ornamental case for holding needles, cosmetics, and other articles. This late 19th century one is especially unusual because it's shaped like an umbrella. The top screws off and that's how you would put your needles in...
So, in honor of my new store, I'm going to give away this wonderful little bibelot! All you have to do is leave a comment on any post; I will choose a winner next Saturday, the 10th (it's the first day Flotsam & Jetsam is open~).
Good luck!

Shhh ... It's a Secret!

I've got a secret to share with you ... I'm so excited about this new adventure- But I'm also scared to death! What if I don't sell anything- What if I can't make the rent? What if everyone thinks my little shop is ugly and stupid? What if my ideas are somehow wrong?

On the other hand, everyone seems really positive except one or two curmudgeons. And let's hope their predictions prove to be ill-founded. I have the support of my family and friends - And hopefully the little town of Kensington.

Our "soft opening" will be April 10th and our grand opening will be sometime in May. I've got a graphic designer working on a logo and signs and I just went to the bank regarding accepting credit cards (which is super expensive! Yikes!). But I know a good number of people use debit and CC so it's worth it. I don't want to turn someone (and a sale) away. And today I bought the cutest little bike to put out front as a display- And my friend Anna (of Chickens in the Basement fame) is making a fabulous wooden sign to hang on it... Right now, I'm on the search for a vintage 1950s prom dress for the window - So if anyone's got one hanging in their closet, leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

So, everything seems to be falling in place. There's no way I could think of everything - And that's part of the fun... Figuring it all out.

The pictures below show what it looks like now with The Fine Swine. Soon all those signs will say Flotsam & Jetsam! Whopee!

Taking a Leap

I have the most exciting news to share with all of you! Sit down- Take a deep breath: I'm opening up a brick and mortar store in Kensington, Maryland on Antiques Row. I sign the lease this week and move in on April 5th. Things are happening so quickly ... I just can't believe I'm going to have my own shop.
It's the cutest little space with a picture window and just enough room to make a cozy little boutique. I'm going in with 2 old & dear friends to make the burden a little lighter. But ultimately, the shop will be mine! Whopee!
So, mid April, you all must visit the DC area and make the journey to Flotsam & Jetsam Antiques - I promise you'll find vintage treasures and antique bibelots galore!
**For all of you too far away to visit, I plan on taking lots of pictures - It's going to be fabulous**

Saint Genevieve: Parisian Treasure

This lovely late 19^th century miniature icon is another Parisian market find. Featuring Saint Genevieve, the little antique is a true gem. Imagine my surprise when I learned Genevieve is the Patron Saint of Paris! How fascinating is that? OK, so maybe not too ground breaking but still interesting!

The detail on this Gothic style piece is meticulous – From the spires to the reticulated arches, the frame appears to be a little masterpiece. I've only seen one other icon like this and it was in poor condition.

On a side note, I've been quite disappointed with sales at the booth in Hagerstown. I'm just not sure if it's the right place for me. Either Raleigh was a hot market for my taste or people just aren't discovering my little space here. How long should one wait before moving to a new antique mall? Two months? One month? I don't want to jump the gun but I'm also concerned that wasted time is wasted money. What do you think?

Parisian Felicity

felicity |fə lisətē|
noun ( pl. -ties)
intense happiness : domestic felicity.

Another fabulous find from abroad! Fine hand tooled French c. 1880 leather box with etched familial scene and original key. Felicity indeed …What a beautiful setting of domestic tranquility – And perhaps a bit of romance between the two adults? Who knows? The fine detailing of the etching is lovely and incredibly intricate from the tiny bows in the child’s hair to the wrinkles in the rug.

There is a fabulous time weathered "patina" to the box. The leather is worn and scuffed – However, I personally feel this only adds to its charm.

Find out more about this little box and other treasures at my online boutique ...

The Lovely Ladies of Paris

One of the best surprises was finding European post cards in Paris. They were all fabulously romantic and inspiring- And I found many to be in my thrifty budget. I plan on consigning these beauties to Ornamentea and Panopolie (two sister stores- exceptional jewelry and mixed media supplies ... all things crafty). They are both located in Raleigh, N.C. - If you're in the area, you should definitely visit.
I plan on posting Parisian postcards over the next few Postcard Friendship Fridays so be sure to stop by for more alluring beauties...

Parisian Treasure #2

Straight from the streets of Paris, this breathtaking French ivory cherub shows European craftsmanship at its very best. Delicately hand carved, this tiny angel is Victorian, circa 1890 in date. A cherub such as this was a common gift during the era for newborns. The piece would have hung in the baby’s room or on the crib. This “guardian angel” would have protected the child from harm’s way. Continuing on the theme of tiny "finds", this treasure measures 2" tall, 2" wide, and 1/4" deep.

For more on this piece and other intriguing smalls, take a look at my Rubylane shop - You never know what you might find. I'll be updating the boutique with Parisian goodies throughout the month ...For more Vintage Thingie Thursday, visit The Coloradolady!

Parisian Treasure #1

Meet Pierrot -- The sweet, dear soul who pines for the lovely Columbine. This little clown has been cast aside for another beau, Harlequin ... Truly, a story of unrequited love. Pierrot's vain attempt at courting was met with only rejection and scorn. So here he sits, playing his mandolin and nursing a broken heart.
Made of gilded metal, this romantic sculpture is a mere 4-1/4" tall. He is seated on a green and brown marble base. His tarnished appearance only adds to the shabby charm of this piece.

I found him at a little shop in one of the markets in Paris. Even though he was a costly little trinket, I feel the sculpture has a fantastic appeal to the hunter and gatherer of "smalls". It will make a dramatic focal point for any collection.

If you'd like to see a little more of Pierrot, please visit here for pricing and dimensions.

Bonjour!

Paris... A place of romance and magic- Truly, the city of lights. The trip was lovely and filled with all the things that a vacation should have- Like silly jokes and memorable moments together. My favorite parts were the Louvre and the fabulous markets! I'll be sure to share some pictures of our trip with you. I also plan to post on the items which I found at the flea markets - So many wonderful treasures- Each distinct and unique. Most of them will be going on my Rubylane site.

For now, I want to share a little something for Vintage Thingie Thursday hosted by The Coloradolady.

This wonderful treasure was found by my dear friend Laura of the Lady and the Librarian at the DC Big Flea in January. A mere $15 was all I had to pay for this fabulous piece of flapper history. This vintage powder puff is circa 1925 and is the epitome of the Jazz Age. Called a patter wand, it was probably more for show; however, other puffs were used not only for faces but for knees as well.

This is my first time posting for Thingy Thursday and I'm really looking forward to meeting new friends! Stay tuned for more Parisian flotsam and jetsam.

Also, for those of you who may be new to my blog (or have just wondered about the name of my business) here's a little vocabulary lesson:

flotsam |ˈflätsəm|
noun
the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea.

jetsam |ˈjetsəm|
noun
unwanted material or goods that have been thrown overboard from a ship and washed ashore, esp. material that has been discarded to lighten the vessel.

Ta-ta for now~ See you for Postcard Friendship Friday!