Here We Go ...

Today was the beginning of Miss Maggie's makeover. The aluminum moldings and emblem were taken off to prepare for painting …

oh and the little levels, too ...

It's probably a very good thing I didn't paint her myself … I didn't even know this was necessary. 

First Visit to the Hastings Flea

Well today was our first time at the Hastings Flea in Hastings on Hudson, NY and I doubt it will be the last time! We met so many nice people, heard some good music - and we sold a lot of treasures to admirers. It was a good day.
It was a hot day!
There must be something that happens between the end of a flea market day and the moment you decide that you'll do it again that makes you forget just exactly what is involved in this kind of work because we do go back again and again in spite of the enormous effort involved in making a day successful.
… the buying is always fun, but then there's the taking it home to repair, paint, wash, press, inventory, price and label … then the packing … and the loading into the trailer and the unloading at the market … and the creating a visually appealing display … and then the repacking and reloading … … …
In between all of that, however, we meet the most wonderful people. Today so many were complimentary, they all always love Maggie, and quite a few asked if we'd be back again in August! I meet flea market philosophers young and old, those who collect everything from mirrors to milk bottles to anything with cherries on it to rusty junk. I meet people who want to tell me their stories, talk to me about their grandchildren, tell me about how life was better then … those who want to explain

The Elephant's Trunk … Finally!

Well, it's been busy here. Yes, it's summer, but I'm working hard - and having fun! This past weekend i went to an estate sale on the other side of The River and found some wonderful treasures - mostly linens - mostly white. I went back the second day for the discounts and came home with even more linens! I was also able to go to an auction. My Aunt Judy had called me from the auction Saturday morning and I went straight over there after my second trip to the estate sale.
I bought two vintage wrought iron tables which I'm fairly certain are Salterini. The round dining table, like so many of her sisters, is missing her glass top, but she's in beautiful shape and still so lovely. The side table does have glass and is equally beautiful. I'd snap some pictures, but they're in the car!
I took both over to the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT yesterday. There was a lot of interest in both of them, but alas, they came home with me. I'd love to keep both, but I won't. I'm sure they'll sell. I did sell the third table I bought at auction - a lovely aluminum round with lots of chippy paint … so sweet … should've kept that one, really … but how many round tables does one girl need? I have six. Maybe that is enough.
My niece Isabella and I have been talking about doing The Elephant's Trunk for about two years now. We finally got there and it was worth the wait! It was amazing. Like the Beacon Flea and the Hastings Flea, the crowd was filled with very nice people, but unlike the other two, the Elephant's Trunk is big!
We started a little later than we would have liked - 4:00am came too fast - but it was a fabulous day and I'm looking forward to getting back there already. In the meantime, I'm getting ready for Madison Bouckville Antique Week! I've never been there, but a friend told me about it last summer then another friend mentioned it during the school year … both suggested going, and I am! I'll be at Quaker's Acres with Miss Maggie Mae and many wonderful vintage finds.

I'd love to blog on, but I've got to get back to ironing. I promised myself I'd get it done before heading back to The Trunk. If I don't, I'll have to stay in all weekend. Yes, I'll be grounding myself if I don't get this done so off I go. Here are a few photos of what I'm facing … a labor or love, really. They're so lovely that I don't mind ironing at all!

… more to come … 

Ps Maggie's painter visits tomorrow … we'll be choosing just the right pink! 

Painted Treasures

Today we spent the day painting furniture, finding more fabulous vintage pieces and then packing the trailer and the car. Anna, my older daughter, is amazing when it comes to packing the trailer. Not only does she get everything in, she puts things in in a logical manner and it's so neat! The tables are the last to go in as we'll need them to come out first. We'll set them up right away so as we unpack, we have somewhere to put all these tiny treasures. I'm not very good at packing and I so appreciate her help. … I'm also grateful because she put the second coats on all of our painted pieces. Take a look:

… one two-tiered table and two chairs were transformed … we'll see if anyone likes them as much as we do!

What else do we sell? … well … take another look:  

vintage garden

vintage linens

vintage paper

vintage tableware

vintage tools 

I usually say anything pretty & practical, but every once in a while I find something whimsical that isn't too practical, but so much fun! 

See you at the Hastings Flea!

It's Been a While …

Well … it's probably time I got back to this. I've had Maggie for over a year now - June 26 was her 'birthday'. She's still not painted, but that's coming. I plan to refinish the formica table and countertop next week with my daughter. I just read a post on Facebook on how to do it. The product got mixed reviews, but more good than bad so we're going to give it a whirl. I think it's probably easier than replacing the formica, but we'll see …
I've been taking Maggie to the Beacon Flea Market in Beacon, NY on Sundays. If you're ever in the area, stop by! It's a fair weather market and there you'll find true flea market treasures - no new items - and some really great people. From the vendors, to Emma who runs the show, to the wonderful crowd of customers, you'll find everybody there to be so nice.
I'm heading down the The Hastings Flea this coming Sunday. I've never been there so I can't say much about it, but it looks like it's a good one. It's held the second Sunday of every month so on July 14, I'll let you know if I'll be going back on August 20!
Summer's here so please check back for progress on my little Shasta. In the meantime, take a look at these …

first outing

Yesterday was the first time we took our Maggie out with us. We parked her Ole Carousel Antiques Center in Stanfordville where I rent space and sold a few things in the parking lot. Truth be told, customers were far more interested in the trailer than they were in my merchandise! Everyone wanted a tour of the tiny space and all thought she was adorable!
While I didn't think to take pictures of our selling spot, I did snap a few photos of the interior ... again, not the greatest pictures in spite of the fact that I just got a new phone ... problem? I didn't realize the protective plastic piece was still on the back ... more to come!

My daughter made these beautiful curtains for over the sink just yesterday morning before heading over to the Center ... 

that same daughter was the one who made my chalkboard wall ... this is the wall to the left as you step in ... 

... then, before I knew it, she was napping here ... can't blame her, looks comfortable, doesn't it?

Before leaving, my younger daughter had cut hydrangea to place in my vintage coffee pot ... it's missing the inside pieces so it's perfect for this ...  

I do have another coffee pot just like this one, but smaller that does have all its parts ... now I really need to get the gas guys out here to hook up this stove ... I need my coffee!

... soon after placing those flowers, however, I created a mess pricing things on that pretty little display table ... it's such a great workplace, though ... charming, cozy ... love it.

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sign on my trailer door

back at home

Maggie Mae is back home ... after spending a week in the shop - only because we were away - she's home where she belongs ...
The guys at Trailer King were great! The did everything they needed to do to get her to pass NYS inspection and now she's really road worthy. I asked if she could handle a trip upstate or to Cape Cod and the answer was a big yes ... she's ready to roll. I left feeling really confident. Tomorrow the decorating resumes ...