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 - A Great Time Selling and Buying!

Thanks to everyone that came out and shopped Elkhorn this past weekend.  It was so good to see all of our regulars and meet blog readers Michelle, (Vintage Remix), and Marilyn for the first time. Thanks for introducing yourselves!!


After spending most of last week at camp with a couple of my grand-girls, (more on that another time), I was left with three hours to pack for the show.  Yikes. Once there, I didn't get any photos of the show, opting to do some quick shopping instead!    

 A big stack of old gray sap buckets was a fun find.  At just 8 1/2" tall, they'd be perfect for centerpieces.  (I've made some available in my etsy store - here).  Some will be embellished with stencils and be available elsewhere soon.  I found a few other things that are headed for Waterloo tomorrow, but my favorite find of all is staying right here. I can't wait to get it all wiped down and ready for prime time!

This little old hand-made 'hoosier' is just five feet tall and has found a perfect home in my kitchen.  The top lifts up and has a divider for flour & sugar. There are  holes where the sifters used to be. I'm planning to cover the holes and store small vases inside. (Pardon the wonky photos - the corner windows in my kitchen make it nearly impossible to get good pics at any time of the day!)

The turquoise paint is the third layer.  Blue and a reddish-brown came before.

The storage underneath will come in handy for paper products and table linens.

You all know how I feel about the color, and the honest wear is an added bonus.

Such folky charm!

 There aren't too many things that I buy to keep, but I'm beyond thrilled to have this one for myself!
So do tell, what did you find this weekend?

Letterpalooza at The North Shore Flea

Old sign letters are f-u-n and they've been a sub-specialty of mine for years.

Tomorrow evening is the first North Shore Flea of the season in Highwood, Illinois.  To celebrate the opening, (and the perfect weather!), I'm taking more letters than I've ever taken to a single show.

The North Shore Flea is located in Highwood, Illinois.  It's an easy drive from Milwaukee, Chicago and all of the 'burbs. Drive in or take the train.  The flea runs from 4-9 p.m. and admission is free. (Click here for the North Shore Flea facebook page.)   
I'll show you some of the other fun vintage things I'll have at the flea in my next post.  See you there!

It's About Time

In spite of the fact that I was a bad blogger and got no photos of the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market, I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say thank you to our wonderful buyers. It was great to see so many familiar faces and meet some of you for the first time.  The next market is June 24th - get it on the calendar now!

This year has been crazy busy and Kathy and I have decided to back off the shows a bit - we won't be teaming up for anymore shows that involve overnight travel this year, except for the fabulous Junk Bonanza - of course!  We've both been so busy that it's resulted in no time to devote to decorating our own homes with fab finds. I've been away from home a lot this spring and haven't had time to spend with CG, either.  (We're going to remedy that with a little weekend getaway.)

So while you may not find Gracie's Cottage at quite as many shows this year, we'll still be bringing you our fun and wacky finds.  (Any 'local' shows I add on short notice will show up on my sidebar and on my facebook page.)

I've just re-stocked my space at the Waterloo,(WI), Antiques Mall.  My booth is right at the top of the stairs and it's chock full. I refill it every week with fresh finds.

I've also been busy restocking my etsy shop. and will be adding lots more in the next week.  You'll find some of these fabulous vintage watch dials there, soon.

Are YOU trying to make more time for yourself this summer?  If so, I wish you much success!

Brimfield Finds & Answers

Good morning!  Four boxes of my Brimfield treasures all still in route, but I've got a few things to show you, in no particular order. I'll also answer a couple of questions I've had.  If you have a Brimfield question - let me know!

This texture of this Irish linen bookbinder's thread grabbed me.

Gina asked how we managed to avoid getting crushed in the opening crowds.
Our strategy this year was to arrive early and stake a position on the edge of whichever group we were in, preferably next to the road, a garbage can or a fence.  At the opening moment, we hung back for just a few seconds and then went in, again along the edge of the crowd.  We'd head toward the back or outside edge of a field - the crowds disperse quickly throughout a field.

No one will be surprised that I couldn't leave without these.

I'm often asked if you can buy for resale at Brimfield. Yes. You have to work at it, but it can be done. You do need to be careful not to be caught up in the 'wonderfulness' of something unusual. When I'm out purchasing items, there's a continuous ticking in my head - I'm calculating cost, expenses and potential profit.  Don't forget to consider  expenses. (In the case of Brimfield, it's travel, hotels, meals, shipping....)  I know what percentage I need to add to the item cost to find the true cost.  Experienced sellers know this, but I do meet a lot of young people just starting out.

This "Kate Greenaway Almanak for 1925" is not in great condition, but the illustrations are fabulous.

As much as I love you, my fellow dealers, my customers, my merchandise, this IS a business.  When I started, (part-time), in 1996, I decided I would always try to buy 'smart', never, ever use family money for my business, and always pay cash for merchandise.  If I do choose to purchase with a credit card, the balance is paid in full when the bill comes in.  ***This is what works for me - your situation may be different.***  At Brimfield, credit cards are not an option anyway, so be sure to bring plenty of cash.  It would be no fun to be there for a week with no money to spend! 

I love early books, (just for the look, mainly), and didn't find as many as I would have liked.

If you are fortunate enough to be at Brimfield 'just for fun', then have at it!  I can promise you'll enjoy shopping just for yourself!  I didn't initially buy this tote to keep...

...but it will probably stay with me, at least for awhile.  :)
It may end up on my bench with a portion of the sea glass collection I purchased. (Thank you USPS for flat rate boxes!!)

I love the patina and original labels on these old dumbbells.

You knew I'd come home with some letters, right?

There are 10 - 12 pounds of these in various sizes.  The largest are about 1 1/2" tall.

Margaret spotted a box of 12,000 'pearl-head' jewelry pins for me. Yes, 12,000.  You know I like multiples!
And these...

...probably thousands of 'jewels', many still individually wrapped.

This old beauty is a wax seal...

...letter 'R'.

That's all for today!  There are more pics to come, but I'll probably just post them on my facebook page as time allows.  Have yourselves a wonderful Tuesday.

Don't forget the Elkhorn Antique Market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin this Sunday, 7-3.  We'll be in the Small Animal Building, Space 29!

Don't Forget Elkhorn This Sunday!

Come to Elkhorn and dig for fun finds!!

The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin is one of the best in the Midwest...no Beanie Babies, tube socks or school supplies. Just 400-500 dealers of the best vintage around.  It's an easy drive from Chicago, Milwaukee or Madison.   It opens at 7 a.m. this Sunday, although early buyers can enter for $25 on Saturday afternoon.  And don't worry if the showers come...there are plenty of buildings to take shelter in, (& shop!) . You'll find us in our usual location, space 29, in the Small Animal Building.  We don't stage our booth...we stuff it with hundreds of great finds for you.

Shopping wasn't on my schedule this week, but I did trek out to a couple of fun sales and came home with some unique items for Elkhorn and Etsy.

I bought this for the letters, but it's such a cute, complete set that I don't have the heart to break it up without giving it a chance complete!

Feeling smart? 

This 1940's IQ test will let you know if you are or not!

Over 2" thick, this catalog of typefaces will make you swoon!

fabulous fonts

and more!

These c1914 paper dolls are as charming as can be.

Call a shopping buddy and make plans to attend the last Elkhorn Antique Flea Market of the season. 

See you there!

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