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:)

A Magpie's Misfit Toys

Beautiful vignette featuring satin millinery flower, 19th century books, Victorian frame, and kitten ephemera

 "Collections make a home.  They can trigger memories or even inspire the palette of a room.  But mostly these pieces, personal and collected over time, reveal who you are.  When you open the door, these are the treasured objects that welcome you home."

 ---Country Living, June 2008

Ever since college, I have "collected" little things which bring joy to my life.  I started off with handmade textiles and laces and then moved on to dishes ... then vintage hats... Now 19th c. paintings...  Whatever I'm collecting, however, one thing remains constant.  The items make me feel at home.   They add warmth and comfort to an otherwise empty room.  

Lovely collection of an Old Paris Porcelain saint, apothecary bottles, English ironstone, and 19th c. women's hobby books

 I often ask customers what they collect for I feel it reveals a lot about an individual.  It's amazing to hear the myriad of answers... From 19th century children's ceramics to early American quilts to Buffalo Blue Willow -- What variety!

Can you resist this little display?  Wonderful handmade 1920's doll with vintage book

 For me, the shop is an extension of my magpie habits.  Currently, my house is on the smallish side with little room for acquiring new objects.  Thus, the shop is an "enabler"!  But in the most delightful sense, of course.    It's so pleasant to walk into the shop and be surrounded by things I've personally chosen for clients- and sometimes just for myself!

Early 20th c. Betty Boop style crayon cloth doll with ephemera, diecuts, and buttons

 The images in this post show some of my lastest acquisitions.  The pieces are my personal favorites- From the Old Paris Saint to the bronze inlaid crucifix, I'm quite happy with my current inventory.  I only hope you will stop by the shop and share your personal collecting stories-- Perhaps I'll even have a trinket or bauble for you to add to your own "nest."

One of my personal favorite collections is religious antiques.  This is a particularly spectacular French cross with inlaid bronze work. SOLD

 

What fun!  A vintage English Tri-Ang tow truck- With original paint and label...

SOLD

As always, if you spy anything in particular in the pictures you'd like to know more about, simply contact me via email or leave a comment on this post:)