Collections or Obsessive Hoarding... You be the Judge

  In the latest issue of Flea Market Style Magazine, Ki Nassauer, editor and junk queen extraordinaire, asked on her editorial page, "What is a collection?"

 When I asked this question of myself, I started thinking of ALL my collections (Santas, Salt and Pepper Shakers, vintage clothes particularly Edwardian and anything from the 30's or older, lace, and my newest, poodles, in honor of my sweet black poodle, Harriett), I realized, I am probably classified more as a hoarder than a refined collector! However, that is part of the reason that I got into the business of selling antiques, was to feed my obsession  er collections!



That is my poodle, Harriet, in the background with my collection of stuffed poodles, The two on the left and the aqua one in the middle are vintage, probably, 50's or 60's.

Once I get started on a collection, my eye is suddenly like a radar beacon, honing in only anything poodle related, like these cute vintage figurines.  I have several, that include vases, a kitzy shell poodle, a funky nylon yarn ornament  and the made in Japan figurine of the girl and her poodle, to name a few.

Elaine even got me this giant (I'm guessing doorstop based on the weight) poodle that is definitely mid century

My latest is this tacky but cute crocheted poodle bottle cover.

   This collection is small compared to my Santa and S & P ones, but we won't go there because I definitely would start hearing the "hoarder" whispers!
       One thing I've learned is to collect what you love and if you tire of it, it's "OK" to let it go
..... And start a new collection!

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
   Betsy of Sisters' Treasures

The Grass is Not Always Greener

I  spent almost a month vacation in Maine visiting my boyfriend and his family while he spends the summer in the cooler climate of New England.
What does a junker do while on vacation, but squeeze in a little junking.
I figured I might find better deals there, so I tagged along with my guys' brother and sister-in-law (who are also in the business) to shop a small antique flea market.

There were cool finds like this primitive chippy table, but I passed since there was no way to get that back home.

I did find some good deals like these great seltzer bottles that I have an infinity for.

I always love vintage sewing supplies and crochet.

What I did find is that the grass or in this case the deals are not always better on the "other side".
I went to an antique mall and was rather blown away at the high prices. Now I did realize that I was shopping in the biggest tourist area of the state , but I felt that even Warrenton prices were great compared to some I saw.


Both the Victorian plant stand and the candelabras were in the $400 range. I know that some high priced antique stores in Texas and some of the more elite antique shows get those prices but I also know you can find similar pieces for half that price and even less.

We even went to shop that looked like a junk picker's dream called Elmer's Barn, but I was deceived by the looks. THey had this hilarious sign by the steps (sorry for the bad language, but this is pretty typical of Mainer's way of talking.

Ir looked like a hoarders dream shop.

 The prices were higher than the other shop. This place probably had some deals if you really wanted to dig but everything I inquired about had my jaw dropping at the price.

   It was fun, but I found out that often the best deals can be found in your own back yard.
I do recommend coming to Maine to see the beautiful countryside and the friendly people.

We saw this beautiful rainbow as we headed out of Maine to Canada to visit Prince Edward Island, which is quite picturesque. Unfortunately, I left my camera in Maine so I only have my I Phone pictures, to show of the island. This is a picture of the dock where we sailed  off to deep sea fish. FUN!!

As for antiquing, I found better deals at the flea market in
San Antonio on Wednesday, but I wouldn't trade my vacation for anything.
Betsy

I've got the Shopping Bug

   Do you ever feel like if I couldn't shop for this antiquing business, why even be in it?

Silly, I know, but I've become a compulsive garage, estate, thrift, antique, flea, online sale shopper.  I can't stay away and I KNOW we have more than enough inventory, but I keep thinking "I don't want to miss that special treasure!"

This is an Ebay purchase... I love Mica houses which remind me of my Grandmother.

I got a lead this week from one of my mom's friends who said they're moving to a retirement village and would I like to buy some treasures they can't take with them??  Did I respond: "Why no, I have too much stuff!!!" Are you kidding me??? I never say that! ha!

There's also an antique clock and a clock chamber (minus the clock), plus some vintage clothes.and... Oh well, you get the picture.. I didn't say "no!"

Yesterday, I thought I might be getting this obsessive buying thing under control because I resisted the urge to go to the once a week opening of the Garden Club Thrift store !! Yay me!!

But that restraint didn't last long, because I saw two magnetizing words in the local paper's classified that afternoon---- ESTATE SALE.   Oh, I love estate sales and a chance to see what treasures were left behind from the family for, we, the hoarders  estate sale shoppers to peruse through.  This was an estate company run sale so I wasn't overly optimistic since those are often over priced, but I decided to drive two towns away to shop.  Not finding any suckers  er I mean fellow shoppers to tag along, I set out on my quest and I scored!!!



I found great frames and flash cards, a primitive rocker and a cool kitchen stool.

  Tomorrow I have to ""borrow" my friend's husband again to pick up these two industrial cabinets.

Who knows... everything's half price tomorrow......... can I resist??? Not to mention, there are not one but TWO antique auctions this weekend that keep calling my name!!!

HELP..... Antique Shoppers Anonymous... I think I need you (or maybe I just need another fellow shopper to tag along so we can "feed our habits")!

Until the next shopping spree or hopefully the next show where we sell all our stuff and have a legitimate reason to shop again!

My name is Betsy and I'm a Shopaholic!!

In Seach of a Flea (Market that is!)

 (This is Betsy). Today, Mom and I took a little adventure trip to the hill country (of Texas) to a small town called Center Point (big rivals to my high school of D'Hanis ISD). We were on a quest to check out a new flea market we had been told about and even contemplated participating in. It was their first show and one of the vendors even posted on Craigslist to advertise (good move!).



When we got to the town I turned the opposite direction not knowing the town, on Hwy 27 and per chance, found a little flea market going on at some storage units.

  This is where I found this cool dolly (hand truck).  Based on what I could find out online about it, it's probably from the 30's or 40's and in good shape and VERY heavy.

About 20 vendors were set up there, some with some cool vintage and antique items, but Mom needed a "pit stop" so we left them for another time.  One vendor said they are open every weekend, so I feel it would be worth another trip to shop again. Check them out if you're in the neighborhood or looking for a nice drive in the hill country.

Of course, I didn't think to take any pictures of the flea market or town, but that's par for the course for this NON photographer! I did find this picture online of one of the cool old buildings in their old downtown area.

We did find the Flea Market that we had made the trip for, at the opposite end of the town still on Hwy 27.  This was their very first time to be open, so there were not a lot of vendors or shoppers when we got there around 1:30 pm.  I didn't see a name for this even but was told by one of the people in charge that they plan to be open one weekend a month on Saturday and Sunday.  Elaine knows the owners and had been told by them that at least to start they were offering very cheap rates on a space.  Something like $10 for a 10 x 10 space (but don't hold me to that!).

There I bought a battenberg lace tablecloth and a wisk broom and 2 shoe brushes. I don't know why, but I love the look of old brooms and brushes.

This is what we almost bought for my brother's man cave:

One of the vendors had closed a restaurant and they had LOTS of restaurant equipment and supplies for fantastic prices.  This cool bar was only $45 but sadly, it would not fit in our car so we had to pass.

They are open tomorrow also, so if you want to check them out, I thought the prices were very cheap  er.. low.. like garage sale low!  The only thing is, there were only about 10 vendors so you might want to wait until next time.  According to some vendors I spoke to, they are still trying to determine which weekend next month they will have it.

I hope they succeed because I admire anyone who is brave enough to start a venture like this in today's economy.  Plus it's another fun place for us junkers to explore if you live in our area!

Part 2 FTD's Vendors: Old Gold and Salvaged

 My sweet friend Patty Jett, proprietor of Old Gold sells both at Fredericksburg Trade Days (in a little cottage across from Sisters Treasures) and she is a partner in a fantastic new specialty antique boutique in Uvalde, Tx. called The Vintage Market- Garden and Home. 

Patty along with her daughter, Megan (owner of the amazing vintage/midcentury busienss- Salvaged ) are amazing stagers of vignettes with their merchandise.

      

Patty has a great eye and amzing talent for finding garden and industrial pieces.

There are lots of cool pieces in this vignette.



I bet Theresa of Garden Antqs Vintage would love this metal awning! The price is great also $72.  I expect this great architectural piece to go quickly.



It's fun to see how we vendors "trade" our merchandise.  This awesome midcentury sectional once belonged to us and now can below to you!

This is just one of several fantastic scenes that Patty created at Fredericksburg Trade Days this past weekend.  She sold a lot of these items, but you can contact her through their facebook Vintage Market page for details.

I'll just let the next few pictures do the "talking":

and finally, for the finale, I saved an amazing piece that Patty found and sold to a very special couple (who many would know if I said their name but I think that should remain private).

If you have the chance to shop with them in Uvalde, Tx, by all means plan to or at Trade Days each month.  Also, Megan has a cool Etsy shop, called Salvagedspace and Facebook Salvaged.

  Betsy of Sisters Treasures

Cool Vendors at a Hot June Trade Days

    We finished our June Trade Days at Fredericksburg and I have to admit it wasn't our best show, but not our worst, but what sums up the theme for most at the show was HOT! The weather that is! The thermometers said 92 -- 94 during the show and that is hot, but with the humidity it felt like 102 to 104! Ugh!
      Elaine and I did enjoy the show and were very grateful to all our customers who braved the heat to shop with us and our fellow vendors.

    One thing that makes the show one we look forward to each month is our seeing our friends (fellow vendors) and looking at the treasures they brought.  I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of those vendors who are our "neighbors" and friends and show you the fantastic displays and items they had for sale.

Love the name of their shop!



      First up is The Junkyard Dog, owned by Deidra and Mike from Glen Rose, Tx.  Their mix is similar to ours which is probably why I'm so attracted to it.  Deidra also makes the most amazing jewelry out of vintage hardware and other finds.

Deidra will probably hate me for posting a pic with her eyes shut, but she's beautiful anyway, right?
Isn't her display on the vintage plant stand of her jewelry clever?

    Here are a few pictures of her booth.  I love her attention to detail.



Marrying this lamp with the vintage can is perfect. They're not attached but look great together.





She has a great eye for French Provincial and the wrought iron gate behind it is fantastic.



I love the old dress form, used to showcase her original jewelry



This was a great vignette.

These are just a few of the many vignettes and fantastic antiques and vintage wares that they offer.
I'll post another of my favorite vendor friend's shop tomorrow and our booth to follow.

Thanks for stopping by,
Betsy