Warrenton

I shopped 'till I dropped today and boy did I have a great time. I am so thankful for my supportive husband. He toted all by treasures all over the place today. He's such a sweetie!!

It was a bit overwhelming, but apparently the best approach is find a starting place, remember where you parked, and have fun!

I found some of the authors to a few of my favorite blogs. It was wonderful to meet some of the people that I read about. I've been a bit of a lurker. I stop by and read their posts, but I haven't left many comments. I promise to be better about that in the future.

First, I met Mindy. Her shop is Primitiques 'n Poetry and is located inside Winnie & Tululas in Athens, Texas. I've enjoyed reading her blog and now I have had the pleasure of meeting her face-to-face. Her sweetie, David was there, too and we got to meet him as well.

I also got to meet Teresa of Garden Antiques Vintage. She hosted a wonderful blog party. I got caught up in the party and didn't take more pictures. I'll try to do better tomorrow! I met Debbie of Talkin' Trash. She is such a delight! I almost didn't recognize her without her crown!

On the way out, I stumbled upon this awesome car. All I can say is WOW!

Ready for Round Top

We bought this wonderful trailer this morning on our way to Round Top. If I fill it up, I should have PLENTY of cool stuff to put in my booth at Third Coast Antiques, won't I?

My brother-in-law talked us into going to the lake today instead of hitting Round Top this afternoon. He is probably right. I wouldn't have much shopping time today. Besides, he promised to throw something tasty on the grill for us. Who could pass that up?

I need a bath!

I feel so dusty and dirty after this morning's treasure hunt, but BOY did I find some goodies!!! I wasn't even sure I was going to bother this morning. It had been raining most of the week and there were very few sales to choose from. In fact, I wasn't even going to go to the one that I found all of the goodies but a friend of mine said, "Let's go", so I did.

The cedar jewelry box is from Dallas. The front of it is stamped - Texas Centennial 1836 - 1936. It's a neat little box. I didn't get everything photographed, but this gives you a pretty good idea of today's score.
Fortunately, the guy I bought all this from also delivered it. After he told me he would deliver it, he asked me where I lived. I joked with him and told him that I lived about 25 miles south of town. I couldn't resist.

Old window chalkboard

My husband's friend has spent the last year helping his parents re-do a dilapidated old house. My DH has talked about how I can take something destined for the trash pile and turn it into something cool so he gave us a big stack of old windows that had come out of the house.


I had my DH pressure wash all the windows then I gave them a good sanding after I removed the glass. Instead of spraypainting the glass with chalkboard paint, I spraypainted some brown hardboard. It takes a couple of coats to get a nice finish, but I really like the results.

Lamp Rewiring 101

If you do it right, rewiring lamps can be easy peasy.

Just follow these simple steps.

1. Go to bing.com and type in "rewire lamp".
2. Assemble all necessary tools.
3. Make sure husband is in room.
4. Ask lots of questions out loud.
5. Wait for husband to say, "Here, let me do that".
6. Hand him all the tools.
7. Watch intently.
8. Say "Thank you"!

See, I told you it would be easy peasy!

We grew

Today, we went and doubled the size of our shop.


We are going to have some serious fun!

We are in!

Our move in day finally arrived! Everyone was shaking their heads when they saw just how much stuff we were planning to stuff into our booth. I had it all in my garage for over a month, so I can tell you how much space I was going to need.


Each one of us has our own area of talent and between us all, we got everything arranged in a pleasing way. I am so thankful for my DH who helped us. He loaded it all in his great big Ford truck, helped lug it all in to the shop, and put our displays together.


Joan has done visual merchandising professionally. Need I say more? She has a real eye for placement. Joan was solely responsible for all the display in the consignment shop that I used to belong to. My hat is off to her.


Betty shows a fine attention to detail. She is a master with her paintbrush. Her painted pieces are stunning. She also has a couple of online shops where she markets her pieces. She is beginning to receive special orders from local ladies who have seen her work. They want her to work her magic on furniture they have in their home. I can tell you - this girl is going places!



I just know we will be happy in our new "home".

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.