The Weary Hunter

The Sisters 'Shades of Light' Designs

Did you ever dream that “Treasure Hunting and Selling” would be so much work? It seems that I am still catching up on my needed sleep reserve after Warrenton, Estate Sale, floor rebuilding, lampshade designing, plus Fredericksburg Trade Days, then had fun helping Kim Hughes of Bungalow set up her Country Living space.   

Warrenton Treasures that we sold

 

 

Ray, sweet hubby

Did I mention that I also have a hubby and keep my grand daughter once a week? Of course, no one wants to hear about my bemoaning or “wonder woman” syndrome. BUT, Want to see my cape?

The weeks since Texas Antique Week have been busy, but never too busy to uncover new places or to tromp through my local haunts for more “treasures “. Ray, aka hubby, shared a video of a gentleman in Texas that found a 1600’s Danish art work at his Goodwill, so I am always on the hunt for one of those. That alone is enough to rummage through the thrift stores and vintage dirt. http://news.yahoo.com/video/greenvillewyff-18211287/3-goodwill-store-purchase-earns-190k-at-auction-28519106.html

Lamps, Shades & Bigs!

A recent trip to Waco, took us through Marlin, where Hubby showed me his Grandmother Carter’s home and the streets that he played on as a young boy. It just so happened that I spotted several thrift stores, and Ray was gracious to indulge my fixation on “treasures”. Thirty minutes later we were loading up lamps, shades, and “smalls” (which I tell Betsy, my sister & partner, we have enough). There are times when power shopping is essential. Since we were in my Honda, it didn’t all fit, so we must return for the BIG “TREASURES”!

Only the Tangerine Tango Sofa is coming home

 Thinking of returning this weekend, and I am certain that across the street it read “AUCTION – MAY 5”. Also the proprietor stated there were a total of 2 or 3 estate sales this weekend! So I have been preparing, by getting plenty of rest, haircut scheduled for today and bank account balanced. I think that I am ready, Good Lord willing!  Blogging has also been work, so I am ready for a nap!

We are Hunters (of vintage goods)

  I love finding a treasure that was handmade by someone with a creative mind.  This cigar box storage cabinet is the perfect example.  It was filled with screws and nozzles and springs and made me wonder about the person who created and used it.  I just loved the imperfections of it.

  What an eclectic mix... from cowboy hats to a violin case (unfortunately there was no violin to go with it), to fruit and cheese containers and crates to a handmade tool box.  This describes my taste- eclectic chic!

       At our Garden Club Thrift store I had found a large fox collar (most likely it came off of a vintage wool coat). I also added to our vintage wedding dress collection with this 50's beauty.

This is one of my favorite colors, so it was a no brainer to buy this aqua shelf and as a bonus, there was on old phone shelf (like they used to have mounted on walls).

I got six old soda crates (two shown below).  I've seen ideas of using them as planters, a birdhouse, table centerpieces, Any other ideas?  You can also see the phone shelf in the picture and the legs of two mid century folding chairs. I'm betting there were once four and a card table to match!

Elaine went "hunting" also, but I'll let her post her pictures.  I'm thinking of hunting at a salvage yard this afternoon, sound like fun?
Betsy of Sisters Treasures

A New Look

A needed repair to our cottage floor (done beautifully by Elaine's husband, Ray, and Elaine and their crew) at Fredericksburg Trade Days, gave us the perfect opportunity to revamp our store. With the help of Elaine's son Dan, we used Elaine's wonderful vision to open up our space so everything wasn't so crowded and easier to see our "goods". Wouldn't you know I only took one picture of the inside!! Go figure! Ha!
Our friend and neighbor vendor Patty, of Old Gold, helped us set up vignettes outside.
We had a great weekend and got got to see lots of our regular customers and met lots of new ones. Thanks everyone for coming out this weekend!
We might go Check out the Country Living show and the Junk Salvation both in Austin this weekend.

Garden Antqs Vintage at Zapp Hall

   I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa Cano of Garden Antqs Vintage in Fredericksburg at our Trade Days in February (where I admitted to her, I've been an adoring fan (i.e. blog stalker!!!), for a long time.
     She is truly the sweetest, just as I had been told by several of her friends when I mentioned her, before actually meeting her.  Her nickname by her friends is "Sweet T" and I think that totally fits her.
           Not only is she a great blogger and antique dealer, she also hosts the famous "Bloggers Party" at Zapp Hall twice a year during Antique Week in Warrenton

  That is Teresa on the left (my apologies, Teresa, for not getting a close up picture).

  Here a few of the fun ladies who attended the Blog Party! (what fun we had).

    What I wanted to show is the amazing design talents of Teresa with her booth vignettes.  They are amazing and my poor photography doesn't do them justice, but I think you'll enjoy her creativity and awesome vintage and antique finds.

     She does several shows around Texas so be sure and check out her blog Garden Antqs Vintage.
     
 Betsy of Sisters Treasures (hopefully Elaine will post some pictures her husband took of our tent at the Warrenton show soon).

Warrenton Vendor hi-light

On Sunday, we took a load to Warrenton and took a little time to walk around since my friends had never been. I was actually surprised at how many vendors were already set up. One in particular caught my attention for the beautiful displays and awesome antiques.
I asked permission to photograph some displays to share with you. This vendor is The Sweet Pea from Athens. Tx. When I received her card, I realized I'd been reading about her shop, Winnie and Tulula. If the shop is anything like her space at Warrenton, I'm sure you will be in for a treat. Check her out at Warrenton ( but I must confess I forgot to see which field her pavilion is).

Nellie Bar the Door- Warrenton is Coming!

  It's getting closer, so to heck with organization!

Forget about straightening the shed!

           Warrenton is THREE weeks away!! YIKES!

                                

 We've got to keep digging............

Treasures are still awaiting our keen eyes!

And keep working because..

Repairs and painting are tops on our agenda!

And we have Fredericksburg Trade Days this coming weekend (March 16-18)

  So, look out people, we may look like a whirlwind barreling through,

but we're loving every minute of it!

Operation Overhaul or A sure way to drive one CRAZY!

This is sister, Betsy and ten days ago I left my job with a major corporation after eleven years (for several reasons, most being economic-related) and decided to become a full time junk  er antique dealer! 
      So far, I'm loving it!  Of course, I've been spending money like crazy without bringing any in, so I think I have this self employment thing a little mixed up!
      One major obective when I decided to do this, was to set up a work area and in that same vein, clean up and organize my shed (i.e. workshop/storage unit and all purpose collection point for junk)!
     Let me just say........... Oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into??? EEKKK!!  This job would be a challenge for the best of the dream team organizing gurus on TV.
      This is what I have pulled out just from the front (half) of the shed.....so far.

Seriously, there is some "good" junk here among the general.... "what was I thinking" purchases!

 This DOES look like a "ready to go to the dump" pile but there are some cool things here also!

See, this is a close up of a few good pieces from that landfill destined pile!



If you note my shed in the background, everything on the left side and in the 3 stalls in the back plus inside the building is STILL awaiting my thorough overhaul!

So, prayers please for sanity while completing this task! 
Operation Overhaul.... to be continued.