occasional sales

One disadvantage of living in outstate MN, is that we only visit occasional sales in Twin Cities area about twice a year.  Just had the opportunity over Thanksgiving to visit two.  Have been to Cottage House ( chicago Ave.) earlier in spring and found it to be just as much fun as I remembered.  Had to stand back as furniture went flying out  the door while other pieces were brought in to fill spaces.  It is really amazing how painted furniture is still attracting a multitude of buyers.  Of course, the reasonable prices probably have something to do with it!  In speaking to two dealers, it is apparent it's becoming more difficult to find items that can be refurbished and turn a profit.  Cudos to those folks----"you're doing a great job."   I received permission to link this blog to their facebook page so looking forward to expanding our reach!  The second visit was to the Pink Flamingo which is on Cedar Ave in Mpls.  This shop carries a few more collectible type things, as well as some mid century modern items tucked in.  The folks here are also most helpful and accommodating and so both experiences provided a very enjoyable morning, even though it was drippy and overcast.

fun and funky market/messenger bags

 Feed sack bags for sale on etsy
through mommy made in Mn blog spot
carriem24 with my heart and hands

Messenger/Market bags:

Blue Toile located at Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls, MN

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bag located
Weekend Cottage  in Clear lake, Mn

If you follow the link Mommy Made In MN, which you will find on my blog favorites, it will take you to some really fun bags made from advertising feed sacks trimmed, lined and otherwise decorated with vintage materials.  Tablecloths and other hand decorated linens are used to creat bright accents to coordinate with each unique bag.  Great for shopping at your favorite co-op, grocery or to carry books, shoes, ipads or things your kids are always asking you to "keep" for them,  Some are located at Exit 55 in Fergus Falls, Yesterdays in Alex, Weekend Cottage in Clear Lake or Olde Farmhouse in Ashby, Mn.  What a great gift for birthdays or special holidays.  Also, a great way to repurpose wonderful vintage fabrics and trims!

rusty stuff = decorating buzz

Some of you may remember old farm sales where there was lots of machinery and rusty parts which were not big sellers.  Amazing that in today's market, those items are considered desirable.  Several years ago I attended occasional sales south of the twin cities and encountered plow parts used as center pieces gracing a very long table (6ft?) They were flying out the door.  The dealer said she had to replenish several times that morning.  Now you can find articles and pictures in almost every decorating magazine showing examples of how items can become wall decor, stools, tables, sculpture type designs and almost anything your imagination can come up with.  One of the dealer/designers at Yesterdays created a bonanza in late summer with the use of gears, tractor seats, pulleys and other large or small pieces of primitive hardware.  She and her son were kept very busy coming up with new creations and trying to find new sources of raw material.  In the latest issue of Country Sampler there is an article called the "wheel deal" using sprockets as wall art.  Restoration Hardware and Cabins and Cottages (?) magazines had articles on this new craze.  Hopefully, I'll get some pictures downloaded so you get an idea of the raw material used in these projects.  Yesterday, my batteries died in the camera and the sun disappeared behind clouds so I didn't get photos.   Next I need to figure out the mechanics of downloading!  Success!!  The items shown above are creative products by Gayle a designer/dealer at Yesterdays.    Awesome!!

The re- phase

Recycle, repurpose, reuse, refurbish, redesign are a few of the buzz words in the antique world these days.  In our throw away society, if something can't be put in the dishwasher, won't fit in a closet, needs a few nails or refinishing----throw it out or buy plastic or paper.  However----we have found that a coat of bright paint can hide multitudes of blemishes and flaws.  This method of refurbishing can be used in redecorating and is referred to as  SHABBY CHIC.  Wow, what did we do before that term came into vogue?  We also continue to see the chippy paint fad still in favor in spite of the fact many of the old paints contained lead.  So cover with a polyurthene finish to contain chipping.  Using neat old pieces of furniture can add an interesting look to most rooms and often offer solutions to storage while fitting in quite nicely with pieces from big box stores.  The willingness to retain old tables, dressers, cupboards, chairs etc.,  or turn items into garden art  keeps things out of landfills and saves them from ending up being burned or buried on old farmsteads!  That's a whole other story.

hot items

Many shoppers are reliving their childhoods with the purchase of vintage toys.  Old metal or cast iron cars, trucks etc. are among the most desirable.  Recent auctions would indicate the economy isn't affecting the purchase price for many bidders who are adding to collections or buying with the desire to enhance the decor in their homes.  Maybe American Pickers, Picker Sisters and other antique themed programs are adding to the awareness of how much fun it is to have unique and one of a kind items as part of their overall house design.  Even older Fisher Price toys are bringing high prices.  In other words, don't throw anything away!  Our grandsons are enjoying playing with their dad's and uncles' Little People, airport, shopping mall and parking garage that have survived since the 1970s. 

little cars and trucks at Exit 55

A well loved old pedal car at Exit 55