Give Me Liberty

As you know, the Yankee and I have been busily participating in antiques and collectibles shows around North Carolina. 

It has been rather interesting to note how each show has had its own distinct personality–created by the type of goods being sold and the particular venue of the show.

The first thing you'll notice about the show we attended last weekend, in Liberty, NC–beyond the wonderful pastoral setting–is the sea of tents dotting the landscape.

With over  375 dealers from 20 different states packing this 100 acre farm, there was no shortage of wonderful antiques and collectibles to choose from.

Walter had a booth full of fun conversation pieces.  Isn't this old seesaw the cutest thing?!

George–set up directly across from me–tempted me throughout the show with some of the most incredible antiques...like this wonderful little aqua chest.

It called to me for days.  I had to put my fingers in my ears just to silence its cries!  ; )

Carolyn made an offer to me on this old pie safe–from the NC Biltmore House–that I couldn't refuse.  Well, almost couldn't refuse.  Sorry, Carolyn.

When I saw this booth, I instantly thought of Cline's Antiques.  I didn't get a chance to talk to this vendor to find out where she buys for shows, but I suspect Cline's might be on her list.  What do you think?

If refined antiques is more your style, there were plenty of those as well.

This aqua canoe–in the front of this booth–was such a touch of whimsy, considering how polished everything else was.

Country farmhouse antiques and collectibles were the biggest sellers at this show.

The piece pictured below was from my booth.

I could have sold this piece at least thirty times the first day of the show.  Of course, I only had one of them to sell!

Well, the Yankee is pacing the floor waiting for me, because we need to leave for the next show.  So, stay tuned; I'll show you more terrific treasures when I return.

Hot Fun in the Summertime - Part 2

Here we go with round two of vintage loveliness.  Prepare to salivate like a Saint Bernard over this dazzling display of goodies!

I'm always on the lookout for ornate silver and silver plate to add to my personal collection.

And, believe me, there was no shortage of either at this show!

I specifically look for beautiful, unique serving pieces.

These glistening beauties stopped me dead in my tracks.  However, their price tags dictated that I continue my search.

I'm also constantly on the prowl for unusual, one-of-a-kind items.

This group of frames and wall décor–made from antique ceiling tiles–qualified on both counts. 

But, I prefer to visit my favorite junker's paradise to find the tiles and make my own frames.

And for those of us who love to dig for treasure in places like that, there were ample booths set up to accommodate our addiction!

I was like a kid in a candy store when I found this vendor with bin after bin of odds and ends. 

Just think of all the cool things waiting to be created from these fabulous antique and vintage trinkets!

But, rather than just focus on my personal tastes, I thought I would also do a bit of window-shopping for those of you with a more contemporary slant.

This is such a perfect name for this vendor...don't you think?  ; )

Although...they were selling other "happy" pieces, as well.

And, for all you country and primitive lovers, Jerry and Joanne, of Stuffer's Antiques, provided one of the loveliest selections–of both–in the entire show.

Not in the market for large pieces?

John's booth was overflowing with wonderful, smaller primitive accessories.

And, Penny's booth was the perfect example of primitive all prettied up.

Truly, there was something to delight everyone at this show.

Soon, I'll show you some of the goodies from my own booth. 

But for now...

I'm off to prepare for another show this weekend–at the Raleigh Flea Market.  If you're in the area, stop by and say hi. 

I'll be in booth 411 Wake, outside the Commercial Building.  Hope to see you there!

These last two posts are filled with my favorite things, so I think I'll share them at Jessica's

Hot Fun in the Summertime - Part 1

OK, so it has only been spring "officially" for a few weeks now.  But, had you been with me at the antiques and collectibles show this past week, you would have agreed it felt more like the middle of summer!

Can you say HOT?!

The Yankee and I chose to be outside for this show.  After all, nice weather–following a cold, snowy winter–motivates people to leave their nests to soak up the sun. 

And, what better way to spend the

day(s) than taking in all the lovely sights in a fun place like this?

Vintage linens just happen to be some of my favorite things to collect.  So, naturally, I had to peruse the gorgeous assortment in Zena's booth.

Guess which precious little pixie I thought of when I spied this lovely pink pretty among Zena's linens?

And, as if all those incredible linens weren't temptation enough...

Debbie's booth...

filled with...

all that beautiful...

ironstone and transferware...

was almost more than I could bear.  I found myself calculating how many pieces more I needed to sell, before I could shop at her booth.  ; )

She also had a wonderful assortment of Florentine trays...

as well as, numerous other lovelies that desperately wanted to come home with me.

There were gorgeous vintage gowns all over the place.  

Should I ever have the pleasure of attending the Silver Bella–one of the other things on my want-to-do list–I would love to don a gown like one of these beauties.

By the way, the colors of those gowns, just happen to be the "hot" colors for the season.  I saw those two colors–in varying hues–everywhere and on virtually everything...

from clothing, to upholstery, to furniture and accessories.

And, I would have to say that Rory and Lee Ann's booth took the prize for that particular color combination.

This heart-shaped chair–part of their display–was just the sweetest thing.

But, by far–to me–these luxurious fur pillows were the most delightful items in their booth.  Can you just imagine diving into a bed filled with these?

Be sure to visit Rory and Lee Ann at The Greentiques Solution and The French Maid's Place.  And, tell them you came by way of Liz at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Want to see more treasures from the show?  Then, come back tomorrow for round two.  I'm dying to tease you some more with all the luscious eye candy I found.

These are perfect vintage thingies to show off for

Busy, Busy, Busy

We're participating in an antiques extravaganza this week–that the Yankee and I have been preparing for, for weeks.  We've created some really cool items to take to the show...which, of course, I'll share with you later.

You can read about The Big Spring Classic here.  And, I'm going to take lots of pictures of my favorites things to share with all of you!  Until then...