Saturday, March 5, 2016

Snowy Saturday Antique Show

Today was the local Masonic lodge's annual antique show.  Since I found so much stuff yesterday in Jackson, I didn't make the effort to get out and be in line when they opened at 9:00 am today.  It was a good decision, because it was snowing (again) and our roads were really slippery -- I was glad I'd waited for it to warm up to 28 degrees.  The weather kept people away, too, so it wasn't crowded until just before I left to come home.

This show is really different from the indoor flea market yesterday...it's a true antique show, made up almost entirely of dealers, many with the booth tags still on their items.  There are lots of real antiques (100 years old +), primitives and country pieces and a fair amount of depression glass.  I moved pretty quickly through those booths and focused on the kitschy, mid-century and vintage holidays, so the whole show didn't take long.

Here are some views from today's show
There were wide aisles today...in years past, you could barely move
It's a sad thing when you have every one of the things in a coronation display -- nothing new to add to the collection!
These are from my favorite mid-century booth -- I loved everything he had, but didn't buy anything.
This table and chair set was really cool in person
LOVED this little side table.  Too bad I have no place to use it, so I couldn't justify the $25 to buy it
Lots of vintage kitchen!
This seller's dollhouse furniture was really impressive -- she had another two shelf units packed like this
 These 'linen ladies' are one of my favorites.  I go to most of the shows they're at and always look for them.  Their linens are in mint or excellent condition, always washed and pressed and gorgeous. and their prices are fair, too!   You'll see the wonderful printed quilt I bought from them farther down the page.
Aprons and some fun things made from cutter tablecloths
Since an antique show is more expensive than a flea market, most of what I bought today is just for me.  Here's what I came home with:
Strombecker 8" doll sized mid-century table & chairs
Snowman salt & pepper set in original box
Serious kitsch!  Birthday angels, choir boys and a sweet polka dot elephant planter
I've had a putz fireplace on my wish list for years and found this one today!  I love the little gnome congregation on the top of the mantel (don't know if it came with it or if it was added) .  The fireplace is lit from the back with a single bulb -- can you see the little Santa Claus on the red plastic inside?
I didn't know I needed this Holt Howard Santa Claus until I saw it!  It's dated 1960 and has a singing reindeer, cat and mouse.  It holds 2 candles and has little holes in the top of the piano (I have no idea what they're for).
Christmas stockings are one of my weaknesses and this one is so wonderful!  Amazingly, this was the least expensive stocking that the dealer had and was easily the most unusual one.  I love the  artist elf!
As soon as I saw this daffodil printed quilt, I knew I had to have it -- it's just perfect for spring!  I was so thankful that it was a price I could afford.  Check out the detail in the pattern...


That's it for the weekend spending...tomorrow is 'dealer day' at the mall, when they open early for the dealers to work on their booths.  I think the daffodils have gotten me in the mood and it's time to start a spring display!

Have a happy weekend!

Friday, March 4, 2016

First Flea Market of 2016!

The flea market season has officially begun...and it's about time! 
 The Jackson (Michigan) Cabin Fever indoor flea market isn't very big (it's all in one big room at the fairgrounds), but it's a nice mix of vendors.  There are the usual handmade bird houses, dish clothes and bibs, along with cheap cosmetics and new stuff, but there are many vintage dealers, too.
This nice vendor wanted to be in my picture when he heard it was going into my blog....
There were a couple of vendors with lots of Pyrex, but it was all too high priced for me!  It was lovely to look at, though.
I had a fun surprise, too....
Sometimes when I take pictures, I ask the vendors if it's okay (though no one ever minds).  I stopped in one of my favorite booths -- where I could pretty much buy everything they have -- and asked if I could take some pictures for my blog.  The seller asked the name of my blog and, when I told her, said she read it all the time!  Imagine!  I've never met anyone who reads my blog...I was really pleased.  I was getting ready to buy this super-cute chicken tea towel (because I just have to have another chicken tea towel...) and she gave it to me, saying she got so much pleasure from the blog.
Thanks, Donna -- meeting you really made my day!  Here are some shots of her cool booth.  I always love the way she stages it.
Donna had beautiful Pyrex!  
So many bunnies (and I only bought one)
Here are some other things I saw...

Loved this set, but couldn't afford it
This 1980s rocket ship was cool.  Here's another vendor who wanted to be in the picture.  Interesting that it was just the men...
Lots of kitchenware
Still can find some vintage Christmas, but it was scarce
I found quite a few good things, some destined for the Etsy shop, a few for the booth and others just for me!
Have you ever seen a tablecloth with corn before?  Even though I don't love the color combo, I had to get it because it's so unusual!
Pyrex odds and ends, destined for the booth
So much kitsch!  The Lefton leprechauns and mouse salt & pepper set were great finds
I'm hoping my friend Bargain Hunter can tell me if the Fiesta candles are a go-along for Fiestaware or not.  They're white, but as they burn down each inch drips a different color.
The flocked duckling and elf in the egg are going to live with me.  The Roy Rogers lantern is pretty cool, too
The toy Indian headdress with feathers has never been taken out of the package!
These chalkware flowers are so cheerful -- they make me wish that yellow would look good in my kitchen
So, that was my Friday adventure!  Tomorrow is a local antiques show, which I try not to miss and will, hopefully, have some great finds, too.

Happy weekend, everyone!