19th Century Thrift Store Find

I braved 100 degree temperatures to wait outside until the Amistad Thrift store opened this afternoon. It was only 5 minutes, but when you're talking 100 degrees, standing outside for that long is tough!
They put all of the new stuff right by the door where their counter is. Well, I snapped this baby up as I walked by to see what might be in the showcase. When I had a chance, I turned it over and looked at the bottom for any telltale markings. I didn't know what any of them meant, but I looked anyway. LOL.
Imagine my delight when I got home and looked up the symbol on the bottom of this piece. Their website says that his piece was manufactured in England between 1883 and 1889. It doesn't have any chips, either! I have no idea what it is worth, but I bet it's more than what I paid for it.

Facebook and ArtFire

I really enjoy Facebook for its networking possibilities and the wonderful way to keep up with family and friends. This week, I found a new reason to love it. ArtFire has an application where you can make a tab just for your ArtFire shop. Don't have an ArtFire shop you say? What are you waiting for? It's only $12 a month - period. If you should get 12 friends sign up, you will get the account free for LIFE - you and one of your friends.

ArtFire has been around less than a year and it has already made a big splash. It has made 10 times more for its artisans than Etsy did its first year. Works for me!

Should you decide to get your own ArtFire account, please use this link http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=power_up&refuid=27255 so I can get credit towards my 12.

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I am going to Round Top!!

My DH and I have just been invited to go with some friends to the 42nd Annual Fall Antique Show at Round Top, Texas. There will be over 350 dealers there. My pulse is getting awfully fast just looking at the map. I just know that I am going to have trouble sleeping. One thing I do know for sure, I better start saving my money now. My DH won’t come out and admit it, but I think he is pretty excited, too.

We are going to stay at a Bed & Breakfast 1 1/2 miles from all the action. Traffic is going to be a challenge as it is. I'm glad that I'm not driving. Can you believe that they even have Wi-Fi there? This is going to be so great! Can you tell that I am excited? I am looking for a covered trailer. That would make things much, much better.

If anyone has any sage advice to pass along, I’m all ears, please tell me, tell me.

8 more days

We have 8 more days until we get to set up our shop. I found some delightful additions this weekend. I know I will not have room for all of my treasures when we first set up. I will need PLENTY of things to add as (hopefully) things are purchased.

Since I will start working again full time next month, I am getting as much done now as I can. It will be nice to have our garage back. We still have enough room to park the car and the Harley, but that's about it.

I just love the drop leaf farm table. I bet lots of stories have been told while sitting around it. Can you believe that I got that whole stack of plates for just a buck?

So early on a Saturday

When the alarm went off this morning, I thought to myself, "Do you really want to get up and go to garage sales this morning"? Myself said, "You never know what you might be missing out on if you don't get your bones out of bed".

I am so pleased with the "treasures" I lugged home. I had been wanting one of those cool 3-tiered baskets. I can't believe it was still there. I had hit about 5 places before this one. It will be perfect for the new shop we are opening. (It turns out that I have more time to prepare for the new shop - the owner wants to put up new ceiling tiles, repaint, spruce up the floors, and who-knows-what-else. Instead of tomorrow, we won't get to move in until the end of the month.)

I bought the Coca Cola cooler to go in the shop, but my husband snatched it. I guess that's okay.

Jan's amazing GIVEAWAY!

Jan Thompson of the Polka Dot Barn is hosting an amazing giveaway on her blog

This is a very charming banner which will look great on my mantle, but I'm sure that it would look equally great on your mantle should you win. I'll try to be happy for you. LOL!

Click here to enter.

My new digs

Starting next month, I will have a booth in a brick and mortar shop in Corpus Christi. I am so excited!! I am renting a 5 x 10 area with a couple of friends of mine. The place is on antique row and is located at 4325 S. Alameda.

We get to start setting up on Sunday, August 2. I am on a fast search for furniture. I have two weekends - well actually one because I am participating in Riviera Trade Days this weekend. It sure is going to be hot! I think we will have fun - I am doing a booth with Joan & Betty.

Repurposed Rubber Stamp Holder

I repurposed this old rubber stamp carousel to be an unusual flower vase. I used 5 bottles to give it nice balance, but it could have up to 10 bottles in it. The bottles used to be used as spice jars. Since I've been cooking for awhile, I no longer like to use the spice racks. I would rather keep the spices in their original containers. When I first got married, I thought that they would look great on display in my kitchen. Turns out, you have to dust them when they are on display.

Working at the desk

If it is necessary to have lunch at your desk, you might as well treat yourself. This lunchbox that I found at my favorite antique store in Sinton has lots of character. I love the little push button closure. I wonder how many lunches it has carried in its lifetime?

Happy Independence Day!

Light up those sparklers! It's time to celebrate!!