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?

Fascinating Treasures and New Acquisitions

 Fall in Love With Antiques~ Visit Flotsam and Jetsam!

Vintage and Antique Children's Toys and Accessories

 I've completely revamped the store and have all new displays and merchandise.  I've brought in collections of vintage stuffed animals, buttons, and ephemera.  Also, new jewelry and books!  You just must come see what I've been up to...

A Fabulous Wall Covered With Old French Newspapers and Etchings/Engravings

This particular wall display really turned out nicely.  I just love the folk art deer head!

Oh So Sparkly!  A Wonderful Collection of Silver and Gold Decorative Items

 I'm particularly fond of the silver and gold arrangement.  It really sparkles and highlights the collection of silverplate, sterling, and mercury glass. 

A Closeup of the Gilded Display -- And a Bit of Handmade Jewelry from The Lady and the Librarian!

A Vintage Suitcase Filled With Treasures

More goodies- Including a New Selection of English Teacups and Saucers

I also brought in a large collection of vintage English cups and saucers- One is particularly rare and features a sailing ship- You simply have to see it!

So, come by and "Fall" in love with *"vintiquing"!

*A phrase combining the words vintage and antique; the word was coined by British home magazine Home and Antiques.

My Latest Guilty Pleasures

 

Very excited to start reading this book... I found the author through her blog Mabel's House (which is absolutely fabulous).  I highly recommend reading her wax poetic about life.

 Just signed up for Jeanne Oliver's new class, Creatively Made Home.  It starts up in Oct. so you still have plenty of time to sign up-- I recently finished her business e-course and it was really worth it.  Not only did it encourage me to start both Constant Contact (a business marketing email service) but also made me think more about my business Facebook page and blog. 

 Can we say cute... Once again, Neatcurios on Etsy has brought the goods.  Just bought this little guy this month.  He's wonderful!  I have him in my kitchen perched on a marbleized 19th c. box with a small hand forged key swinging nearby... Makes me so happy!

 Want, need, must buy.  But sadly, cannot until I sell some flotsam and jetsam:).  The ring and earrings are from Abandoned Memory on Etsy.  I am IN LOVE with these pieces.  All handwork- Amazing detail.  I just love the sense of history encompassed in the tintypes.  Must save trusty pennies.

 French Sentiments... Even the name takes one back to another time and place.  Kathy Barrick's latest creation is so much fun!  She actually sourced the spider at Flotsam and Jetsam!  Kathy's work is not only online.  I also carry her pieces at the shop so stop by to peruse her creations...

 Toot.  That's toot as in foot, not toot as in boot.  How fabulous is this?  A new British blog with the most intriguing, even occasionally cheeky, look at antiques.  I love her perspective and how she takes us through her car boot purchases.

 Jeanne Oliver's new collection is a modern twist on vintage... I bought the Amelia Messenger Bag on a whim.  I thought it would be perfect for foraging thru flea markets- Lots of room to stash antique and vintage finds.  Visit her blog for more info on winning a $500 package from the line.

So, this is a little peek into the life of me.  Hope you enjoyed the randomness!

A Little Birdie Told Me...

Vertical Street View of the Sign

 So, as promised- Here are the pictures of my new sign.  Yipee!  Thanks to Rebecca for helping make my vision a reality.  I just love Spencerian script (the bird is a simplified version of a 19th century design)... Google the phrase and you'll find lovely swirls and curls to enliven your penmanship.
I hope to blog within the next two weeks about an August window display and shots of some fabulousness from a N.C. buying trip!

Happenstance Happiness

Just a quick little blurb to share some fun happenings!

1.  Flotsam and Jetsam now has an official sign at the new location.  A local artist hand painted a revised Spencerian Script bird that I found on a 19th century calling card... I'll share photos of the actual sign tomorrow.  Here's just a little teaser: 

You can also see an example on the blog header in the bottom right hand corner.

This design is also on my new business card... Rebecca Smith, a very talented local graphic designer, helped work this vision into a viable concept.

 2.  I've been on a buying spree! *(See #3 for the most current trip)  The last couple of weeks I've found so many wonderful things... Several dealers I work with have provided the most magical stock.  Now, I've just got to get them priced and out on the floor... Come by this weekend for the latest vintage/antique goodies!

3.  A sincere thank you to my dear friend, Laura Orcutt of The Lady and the Librarian for hosting Ben and I.  She has fabulous treasures just waiting to tempt you at her Raleigh, NC locations in Cameron Village.  I found some spectacular pieces that I just can't wait to put out at the shop.  While in Raleigh, I also visited two of my favorite shops, SuzAnna's Antiques and Shabby Lane Antiques, both off of Capital Blvd.  

 4.  A blogging buddy, Sue of Vintage Rescue Squad, was just honored by my favorite magazine, Home and Antiques.  She was named one of the top 50 blogs by this fabulous British publication!   

 

5.  Just found a new store in Takoma Park,Washington DC : Trovh.  It is truly exceptional- Great design, wonderful experience- Really fabulous, fun place.  Quoting the header, "a collection of artful objects discovered or found".  I found a vintage mother of pearl button necklace, a handmade sliding ruler bracelet, some interior design books, and some "foodie magazines" for my husband. 

OK... enough gabbing.  Must get back to work... And pricing.  Perhaps I'm putting off pricing things so I can hoard all the fabulousness for myself.  Hmmm:)

Summertime Glory

Fun Accessories Including a Vintage Bench, Wooden Pepsi Crate, and 48 Star Flag

 Just wanted to give a glimpse of the shop window in all it's "Summertime Glory".  We've decorated  with a 48 star flag, a vintage American drum table, a Victorian child's faux bamboo desk, and a myriad of patriotic accessories. 

 New acquisitions to the shop include military postcards and vintage c. 1940/50 children's books along side a fun c. 1920 boater hat and tons of fabulous European lace. 

We hope you'll visit us over the next several weeks- We'll be adding new auction finds in addition to estate purchases....

Stay cool!

English Medal Prints, Child's Faux Bamboo Desk, American Legion Flag

Window Vignette Featuring Ogee Mirror, Japanese Wooden Tray, English Blue Willow and Vintage Hat

Eastlake Style Vanity with English Dresser Set

Look What Ive Found!

 

  Wanted to share my latest acquisitions with you.  Some really fabulous finds, one of which is this American mid 19th c. single plank bench... Amazing.  Purchased from the daughter of a former antiques dealer, this is really a special find.

Fabulous Mid 19th Century American Bench made from one plank of wood- $915

 

 

 

 

 

What about these sketches... As you probably already know, I LOVE portraits, especially those of women.  These are from the 1920s-1960s and are real treasures. I plan on doing a window with them in the up and coming months.

Beautiful mid 20th c. portraits from a sketch book- $13 each

 

I just love Old Paris porcelain.  This little girl is completely handpainted and truly fabulous.  So delicate, so "Frenchy".... And what about that Chinese plate- A great backdrop for your treasures or an accent piece for a wall.

Chinese Nanking Soup Bowl c. 1800 $20 as is, Fabulous handpainted Old Paris figurine c. 1880 $72

 

Don't you just love old frames?  This one is really special and has a great image.  The bow is what I find so appealing.  

Early 20th c. frame, $45

Look at all the smalls!  The case was recently redone and I'm so pleased with the display...

 I just rearranged the case and put new things on display.  I have fallen in love with the result.  So many tiny things to take home!  So many little objects to make your heart go pitter-patter...

Another shot of our cases... Lots of treasures to discover!

 So, stop by soon to see all that we have to offer.  We also have a 60% off sale on select items... Get them before we ship them to auction!  Have a fabulous, vintage day... And don't forget to shop at your local antique stores:)