Madison-Bouckville Antique Show

Last week/weekend was the annual Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. My friends and I actually went on Wednesday to shop 'town' before the 'in-field' opened. I'm going to let my 'not-so-good' pictures tell the story. For more on the show stop over to my friend Judy's Blog.

YUP! That's right...over a thousand dealers at the big show on the 'in-field'.

There are a couple of hundred dealers that set up along the streets, in yards and parking lots for the week before the actual show. For many years, I have shopped 'town' and skipped the big show. It's just easier for me to go during the week.

This doesn't really begin to show you the many, many dealers in town. Imagine both sides of the street filled to capacity with tents and booths, filling yards and all empty spaces, for about a mile and a half...and remember....this isn't even the main show!

This railroad cart was ticketed at $275.00!

Awesome, HUGE table!

I love these yard long photos from the 1920's or so. I have one, but it didn't come framed...

Hey Judy....doing anything on Labor Day?

Hey, I know there's a market for these doll sculptures...

...but honestly folks....they give me nightmares!

Judy bought a couple of pennants here...

So....I got this soap barrel top.

I thought it was kind of cool and I like the texture of it. It cleaned up nice...

I picked up this sign too! It'll look great on my wall.

I grabbed this small plate too. I know it's not 'priceless' but I needed a small blue and white plate for the dining room wall arrangement. It was only $1.00! How could I pass it up? You can see more about the show Laura at 52 flea and if I find more...I'll make sure you're the first to know!

Stay tuned Madison-Bouckville Show

Stay tuned for more from the

MADISON-BOUCKVILLE ANTIQUE SHOW!

Common Keepings Antique Show

I'm a little behind in my posting, but I have to make a point of mentioning the "Common Keepings" antique show. It's a new show that looks like will become an annual show! Great time was had by all. The exhibitors were knowledgeable, the prices were reasonable and the selection was great! It was a kind of fluke that I went and I'm glad that I did. Thanks Janet for a wonderful time!

Martha makes the most wonderful soy candles!

The hall was packed with Americana and collectible patriotic items.

Check out those quilts!

This is one of my finds. Look at my bird mansion!

Judy and I did pretty well...filled the back seat and the trunk!

The bird house and tabletop cupboard that I got.

I mention this because, if you are from the Syracuse area or within driving distance...keep an eye peeled for the next show! I'll try to remember to post when I hear about it. I recommend that you make the trip...not too many dealers...only about 30 or so...but quality pieces! For more pictures please see my friend and fellow shopper Judy's blog Orchard Drive West! (and while you're there, check out her great header picture! Love those flags!)

The Old Painted Cottage: Living Room Redo – Fireplace Makeover

Jennifer at 'The Old Painted Cottage' has the right idea....with a teeny bit of varathane and pretty much nothing else but a surround, she's made over her ho-hum fireplace into a show stopper! Look back into her archives for the before and after of the ranch style home she and her husband purchased about 1 1/2 years ago. You have to take a look! This girl has got such vision....

This is one of my favorite blogs...

check out this post...
The Old Painted Cottage: Living Room Redo – Fireplace Makeover

Barnhouse Marketplace...now open!

You have to check this place out! The Boys of Barnhouse, who hail from the upper northwest, Battle Ground, WA, and have an awesome blog, have opened a new online shop. Stop by their blog and enter to win Barnhouse cash! I have been reading about their events and sales for a while and I'm so excited that now I can have a little taste of BarnHouse style from the east coast!

So...go straight to the marketplace, and see if I'm right! Awesome stuff!


http://BarnHouseMarket.com/

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N...

Here I am again, enjoying another 'stay-cation'! From last Thursday at 12:31pm until the day after Labor day, I am free to sleep late (which I won't), paint all day long, shop, finally finish the workroom re-do that I have been pecking at all summer, and watching a couple of movies that I have been looking forward to for ages. (I watched 'Freedom Writers' today, excellent story!)

When I left the office on Thursday, it was to come home, get my last load of 'stuff' packed up and delivered to my friend Wendy's for our garage sale that was to take place on Friday and Saturday. Lots of work, but worth it! First, I got rid of lots of stuff that was just taking up room in my house,. Secondly, I got to spend 2 entire days with my friend Wendy, which we almost never get to do these days. I really miss that!

The weather was going to be iffy for the weekend, so imagine our surprise when Friday turned out to be a beautiful day with no rain! To be honest, we hardly got to chat on Friday. It was steady all day and we sold a ton of stuff! It rained overnight and Saturday morning was foggy and a little bit chilly. After a while it kind of cleared up and the sun even peaked through the clouds in the afternoon!

A little after 3pm we heard that dreaded low grumbling. We looked at each other and said, 'thunder'? Needless to say, we hurried and got everything packed up (thankfully, there wasn't a whole lot) and sat down in the chairs just inside the shelter of the garage when the heavens let loose with a huge downpour! We sat there (Wendy brought us each out an adult refreshment) and chatted for almost another hour! I think it was about then that Wendy mentioned that she thought I would have been snapping a few pics throughout the sale for my blog. Hmmmm....I guess I forgot to do that...

All things considered, it was a successful sale and enjoyed each other's company while making a few extra dollars. Can't beat that with a stick, huh?

Makeover Issue-Country Living

Country Living Magazine

September 2009 Makeover Issue

Has anyone seen this month's Country Living? It's chuck full of great makeovers and lot's of "Steal this idea" hints. If you haven't read it yet, pick it up! You'll be glad you did...

One of the articles is about Pennsylvania homeowner/designer Mary Jane McCarty and the renovation of her home in Yardley, PA. I love her use of color and how she weaves her family heirlooms and vintage finds into every room. My favorite room is the kitchen. Her home is warm, friendly and one I'd be happy to live in myself!

(All photos from Country Living Magazine and courtesy of Gridley + Graves)

Hurry! Run don't walk....

Run right over to 52 Flea and sign up for her 200th blog post 'Give Back'! Just post a comment and if yours is chosen, she will pick up something special for you at the Madison Bouckville Antique Show this week! HURRY - you only have until midnight on Tuesday 8/11 to sign up!


http://52flea.blogspot.com/2009/08/200th-post-give-back.html

Beautiful Saturday...at the Shop.........

(A sign I painted a couple of years ago.)

Today, I was working at the antique shop (The Colonial Housefitter). It's a beautiful day, unusual as of late, we've had so many days of rain and overcast skies in the northeast. In the Syracuse metro area there are so many "fests" going on this weekend, it's hard to count. There's the "Great American Antique Fest" at the Onondaga Lake Park, the "Ukrainian Fest" at Saint John's church, "Irish Fest" just to name a couple. It's also "Syracuse Arts Weekend" downtown. There are many, many skilled craftsman from all over the country, artists and food booths dotted along the streets. There's music and all kinds of entertainment going on downtown!

(A couple of my paintings...the one on the top sold today.)

That's OK, I'd rather be right here at the shop. I've had several regular customers come in, the breezes are blowing the curtains, the sun is shining, I have a cool drink and a good book and it's exactly what I need right now. I'm reading Tara Frey's book, "Blogging For Bliss" in between customers. I ordered it (and Sue Whitney's "Junk Beautiful-Outdoor Edition") from Amazon last Sunday and much to my surprise it came yesterday, a full week before it was scheduled to arrive! I've gotta tell you, Tara's book is so interesting! I am an avid follower of her blog and true to form, the book does not disappoint. Tips, profiles of bloggers (some of which I already read), everything from: why blog, how to blog, how to beauty up your blog, how to use it as a tool for business and just general blogging issues and fixes. I LOVE this book! Thank you Tara!

I also have to mention that I got my new issue of Romantic Homes this week. Among all the usual great reads, there's a couple of awesome articles on fellow blogger Debbie Dusenberry of "Curious Sofa" in Kansas City. There's an article about her home and another about her shop. There are plenty of wonderful pictures that illustrate her style.

So, I decided to snap a few pictures of the shop and show you what we have here. The shop is all country antiques, mostly country primitive, with enough wriggle-room for someone like me who's personal style is more country-vintage-farmhouse-cottage. Wow, that was a mouthful! All of our artful items are handcrafted by local artisans. I sell many of my works here, paintings, ornaments and other handcrafted items. Notice the mural I did (going up the stairs). I had a blast doing it and we're planning another for a wall upstairs. My friend, Chris is the owner and her taste and her displays are wonderful. Our favorite time of year in the shop is in the Fall and Winter. There's such a sense of coziness and peace. I know for a fact that because of that, people have been known to hang around just to rejuvenate and relax themselves! Enjoy the pics!

(Upstairs, isn't that cupboard awesome?)

(Front wall where the new mural is going.)

(Bed and bedding upstairs.)

(Another view of that great cupboard.)

(At the top of the stairs left.)

(The top of the stairs on the landing.)

(Blanket chest at the very top of the stairs.) (Antique feedsack tote bags.)

(First floor toward the back.) (Looking straight ahead as you walk in the door.)

(Looking to the right as you walk in the door.) (Straight ahead walking in the door.)

The following pictures are of a mural I did about 4-5 years

ago that goes up the stairway at the shop.