Gathering the Goods for Junk Bonanza

Let's see; what have I been up to lately?  A sweet grandson who just learned to walk spent all last week with me, I started a new 'just-for-fun' job this week that involves arriving at work at 4:45 in the morning, we're getting ready to attend a wedding that's a 10-hour drive away...oh and JUNK BONANZA is coming at us faster than a steer running away from a rope.  So how are things with you?

Look at the 3 1/2 foot tall oil painting up there.  I'm told it came out a bar.  If I had anywhere to start a Western collection you Junk Bonanza attendees wouldn't be getting a shot at it; it's just amateurish enough to charm the boots off ya!

Kathy and I are sharing one space at Junk Bonanza.  Be prepared to come in and look because you are going to see a huge variety of items packed into one small space. Here's a sampling:

It will be our great 

to see you at Junk Bonanza. 

Be sure to visit our facebook page where we will continue posting photos as we gather the goods!

Elkhorn Wrap-Up

Oh my goodness; where do the weeks go?  I can't seem to slow down long enough to get to blogging and reading all of your wonderful blogs.  I want to extend a big thanks to everyone that visited Kathy and I at Elkhorn last weekend. It was a beautiful weekend.

The best part of doing our 'home' show is seeing so many familiar faces.  We love the building we're in and our neighbors are the best, including Michelle & Don just across the way.

(Don wouldn't hold still for a pic so the doll sat in for him....)  Don't you love Michelle's green step stool? I had my eye on it but someone nabbed it right at the end of the show.

Down the way from us are Sarah and Dale of Antiques on Main in Reedsburg.  They have a great little shop up there and conduct estate sales as well. (Two of my favorite sales ever have been theirs.)

And look who came all the way from KS & MO to shop?  It's Miccia and Shelli, promoters of Junk Jubilee in Iowa.  Jeanine - ChiPPy!-SHabby!, in full shopping mode flashed by; other friends out shopping were Julie & Pamm of Fresh Eggs Antiques and Laura - The Ironstone Nest, Jill, Tammy & Janie. It's always nice to meet new friends like Nancy from Atlanta and Kellie who snagged the iron headboard for her first apartment. Way to get the decorating started in a charming way, Kellie!

 We also had a nice visit with Kimberly of Serendipity Refined.  Check her blog to see the houndstooth suitcase she nabbed from Kathy!  Our pals Candyce & Jill of Altered Ever After, Diane Passi, Lady Liberty, Janice & Judy Tapestries of Nature , and Courtney - Whatnots were all set up outside and for once the weather wasn't cruel to them!

As always, when I start naming names I'm sure to miss someone and I'll apologize right now if it was you.
We truly appreciate every one of our customers and friends that take the time to stop in.

...and now the clock is ticking and I must get back to work. Would you believe that we'll already be in the second day of Junk Bonanza in just four weeks?  If you don't see me here often, please do check in on my facebook page; I'll try to keep updates flowing there!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Elkhorn Teaser

Who would ever guess that the most beautiful weekend of the entire summer would coincide with the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market?  That just never happens folks.

I have just three of these great cream cans with brass number tags. Perfect for a big bunch of those late summer sunflowers.

I have a feeling that this one is going to be a barn-burner and you will not want to  miss it!  Elkhorn, Wisconsin is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee, and not all that far from Iowa & Minnesota either!

This sweet charmer boasts original wood finish and tattered upholstery...

...and graceful cast iron legs.  Sweet!

Elkhorn is one of the best markets in the Midwest.  400-600 vendors inside and out.  All vintage, no 'made in China' totes or knock-off handbags here.

It's been awhile since I've found a sweet cubby.  It's a nice size too. 

I was thinking about varnishing the varnish box, but decided to leave it as found...

And I'll have you know that those are "Official Soap Box Derby" wheels.

The hours for Elkhorn are 7:00 - 3:00 on Sunday.  Serious shoppers can get in on Saturday afternoon for $25.00, I believe.  (A lot of business happens on Saturdays.)

This vintage wooden fruit from the Caribbean is the perfect combination of "summer to fall" transitional colors. 

I'm heading to  my storage now to pack up the smaller things and will post more photos on my facebook page later if I get a chance.

We'll have measuring tape by the yard and other schnibbles & bits.

Kathy and I are sharing a booth so you know we'll be packed to overflowing with great stuff.  You'll find us in our normal location; booth 29 in the SMALL ANIMAL Building.

We hope to see YOU there!  

Congratulations to Debra at Common Ground on Vintage Inspiration Friday #100!  I'm linking up and taking a short break to check out all the fun posts.
Come with me, won't you?

Junk Bonanza Preview - Transferware

Unearthing things I've set aside for Junk Bonanza has consumed me lately.  I'm jazzed about the junking fun that we'll be having in Minnesota before we know it. (I'm posting more preview photos on my Facebook page - click here) In just five weeks, my friend Kathy and I will head up the road.  Extraordinary junkers from all over will be making the same journey; we'll all converge on Canterbury Downs and fill the facility to overflowing with the most amazing junk.

Today I'm packing up the 18th & 19th century English transferware that captures my heart.  No pretty shelf-sitter sets for me though.

It's a mish-mosh of patterns and colors, that somehow play very well together.

Various shades of blue are plentiful...

...but reds, greens and browns also  make an appearance.

Transfareware doesn't come home with me unless it's crazed, stained, chipped or broken.

This happens to be my favorite piece.  Do you suppose that someone was quietly sipping his
tea when a bullet flew through his cup???  Talk about a wake-up call!

I'm really hoping that fresh mums will be available when we  head out to Junk Bonanza.  Old transferware looks dreamy when pared with the bold colors of fall.

If Junk Bonanza isn't yet on your calendar, it's time now to make plans.  Ki Nassauer, Editor-in-Chief of Flea Market Style magazine runs the show.  Ki is the queen of card-carrying junkers everywhere and has been inspiring many of us for years.  You won't be disappointed!

Junk Bonanza

Canterbury Downs

Shakopee, Minnesota

Sept. 13-15, 2012