The one with more sterling watch fobs and stuff

I've got some new vintage sterling English watch fobs in, and I believe I have matched them up with the best chain for each one. I make some of the chains, and some are already made, or vintage. On the far left is one I have been wearing for years, 1897, Birmingham, England Junior League, with gold links and a gold wedding ring I found, can't read the inscription, but it's from 1915. The one on the far right I am wearing today, it's very delicate but strong, for 100 yards won at St. Gabriels. One in from that is for a member of - are you ready - the mermaid swimming club! 14 and under, 1938. So cute! Click on the pics to see close up. Call or email for more information.

One of my pair of awesome vintage architects stools in original leather. I wouldn't touch it...

Cast iron vase that would have been used on a grave in France.

I love this vintage ladder used for hanging wallpaper, it's a great bookcase, or leave it empty.

My chick incubator/coffee table, with one of my amazing vintage Mexican school maps. I have about 10 left, and they are all different and I love them very much :)

iron pod candlesticks, simple and sculptural...

The one with the pictures of the Garden Party Open House

The garden party went smashingly, thanks very much!
Real grass on the table was a genius touch, if I do say so.My new white ceramics looked perfect.
And the potted plants were the cutest gifts!

Thanks to everyone who came in and made it a great day,

including a wonderful customer who brought a gift of rosemary,

roses from the garden, and lemons.

Such a simple gesture, but so me!

I love it when my customers "get me".

Now for my artichoke dip recipe everyone wanted:

8 oz light sour cream

8 oz light whipped cream cheese

8 oz grated real parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic

1 can drained artichoke hearts in water

red pepper flakes

put all but the artichokes in food processor and mix, add them at

the last 15 or so seconds so they still have some texture

serve with your favorite cracker, I like pita crackers

I hope to see you soon!

The one about the Garden Party Open House and Sale!

Mark your calendars now, The Spring Sale and Open House is just around the corner! On Saturday, May 9 at 11am we will have the shop decked out in Garden Party mode. It's the day before Mother's Day so we will have a wonderful selection of gifts and potted plants, small bouquets in simple vases, better yet bring your mom in and let her enjoy the atmosphere and pick out her own gift! Delicious treats and iced beverages will be on hand to keep you going. Come early, as fresh flowers will be limited. Everything in the shop will be at least 10% off, up to 50%.

The one about the stuff that smells GREAT!

I love Votivo candles! I've not found a line with so many scents that I love so much. My favorites are Fresh Tomato Leaf, Soku Lime, and Sea Island Grapefruit, but I have a much larger selection for all tastes. If you keep the wick trimmed and burn them for no longer than 2 hours at a time, as per the instructions, they should burn for 50 hours. The finest wax blend and rich fragrances, you don't even need to light them to enjoy the scent.

I love my Mill Valley candles too! The people (in Mill Valley, CA)who handcraft these are super nice and thoughtful about what they are doing. These are pillar candles, and not as highly fragranced for those of you who might not want a strong scent. My favorite by far is the Citrus Floral, with the Ocean a strong second. What I also love about them is they will make any scent in any color, so I offer the Citrus Floral in both cream and a lovely sea blue.

I also love Voluspa! I have their reed diffusers, as well as the travel tin candles. Favorite scent in this line is the Vervaine Olive Leaf, followed by Grapefruit Mint Cuttings.

I am IN love with Tokyo Milk Parfumerie Curiosite. Made by the same woman who brought you Archive Bath and Lollia, this new line is so delicious. These fun, flirty fragrances are destined to become collector's items. Beautifully packaged in vintage perfume bottles with a typewritten label, totally unique and completely adorable. The names are as exquisite as the fragrance combinations and blends, all crushed and distilled to perfection. I've got the all natural perfumes and lip balms, and patiently waiting for solid perfumes, candles and bubble bath in the same scents. Gin and Rosewater, 'nuff said.

Yet another wonderful line is Olivina Napa Valley, in original Olive, and Fig scents. Candles, lotions, bath gel, all natural and so moisturizing with very unique scents. These sell themselves and have quite a following here.The lotion, bath gel and dry oil spray I use at home is Grapefruit by Archipelago. It's a true grapefruit scent, not too sweet or overpowering. I've also got the candle, soap, perfume, and hand lotion. Ask me for a free sample when you visit.

That's it, all of my fav yummy scents. All are made in the USA, many of the companies are run by women. As you can imagine I get a LOT of samples and testers from companies wanting me to sell thier lines. I have tried all of these and can honestly say that I love them and stand behind them. If I don't love it, it does not make the cut. Interestingly enough, packaging is what first catches my eye, then the product, and the company and practices behind it. Now come on in and give them a try, perhaps you'll become a scent junkie like me!

The one with some of the new stuff from Texas

I love these reproductions of a garden diary from 1906.

The awesome dolls I wrote about in my last post. Above guy is mine, below are all that is left of them.

Maybe my favorite new thing from Texas. Chubby copper doll hand molds. I'll probably remove the steel case so they can twiddle if they like when I am not looking :)

An espresso cup and saucer from Laura Zindel. I just got a new shipment from her and am in love.

This journal is wonderful. I've got all manner of handcrafted tablets and journals with a very vintage feel. This little book ties with a ribbon and looks old and used but is, in fact, new.

I found a batch of someones watercolors and sketches of the uk from the 50's. He's got great little descriptions of the places and how he intends to paint them.
Happy spring! Oh, mark your calendars for May 9, my spring sale and open house. Garden party style...

The one where I am back from Texas Spring 2009, trip #5

Hey y'all, finally up to writing about our trip. As always, it was fun, work, and this time some drama. Tamara and I were much to busy socializing to take many pictures, so I'll have to paint a picture with words. Our first night in was 39 degrees, and we were tired from the flight (at least she was, poor thing had to get up at 6am and had a layover), so we settled in early to rest for a full day of shopping. Of course this is Texas, so when we walked out our door to the stalls they were still all closed up for the night. Yes, it was bitterly cold and windy, but some vendors didn't show up until noon! So much for getting out there at 9. Shopping was a blur all week, but the nights are not, interestingly enough, so I can only speak of those. We were ready to have a good time, and did so quite well. I had in my mind a mission to get out of my comfort zone in DT's booth and migrate to the bubble lounge, where they set up comfy sofas and chairs in the dirt and serve veuve clicquot, so civilized. We met the nicest people, as always. One night Tamara needed a real drink so we headed out to the Round Top Tavern, which was the scene of last years first night crime for me and Jess, the night which fairly ruined us for the rest of the trip. It was good, a few good songs on the jukebox and DT actually taught Tam a few things on the dance floor. I don't think she had ever 2 stepped before that. Back to the bubble lounge for another lovely evening. Some days after shopping we would stop at Matt and Nigels booth for some Kir Royales. One night into La Grange for some delicious Mexican, although half of us were dying from the cigarette smoke. I believe it was that night that love was in the air, must have been the warm texas eve.

Once again I will post my Facebook updates, it's like my diary, and helps me to look back and remember. In chronological order, I've omitted some to spare you :)

Colleen:
Is already in Texas in my mind, just need to get my flip flops in the pasture.
loves her new spinner luggage so very much!
Texas antique shopping day 1, both up at 7:30 feeling very perky, a very good sign!
bought new belt for my buckle that says "Wayne" on the back!
finally danced in texas. To the Clash:)
is finally in a sun dress and slowly wandering the fields
is enjoying a beverage on the veranda with a lovely warm breeze and good company
and Tamara are eating powdered donuts in bed
is sack lunch at Clutter!
is 2:47 in the am. Don't ask, I'm fine
is a rock star. Five hours sleep and out for our last day of shopping in a thunderstorm.
can't believe we didn't get a picture of the girl walking the baby cow!

On the way back to Austin, Frank (who will be driving our precious goods back), met us at his friends house. She is a fine artist with a white trash trailer on a patch of land in the middle of nowhere with the most interesting yard art, 2 forrest gump talking super sweet and polite 7 year old boys, farm animals, bad dogs and high on pot brownies. Anyway, I bought some of her wonderful stuffed creatures all made of found objects. I wish she had more, I'll have to go back in the fall to see what else she has come up with. You must come in to snatch them up before they are all gone.

Last trip to Texas I ran into an old friend from San Jose, who is now the most excellent picker and the ONLY person I would trust to buy for my store besides me. That's saying a lot. Anyway we are back in touch and he offered to bring our stuff back, since he was driving back anyway, no sense in me and Tam driving as well. Well, we started getting worried as the week wore on, Frank was a little worried about not having enough room, I don't tend to panic but was cautious with my purchases. On Saturday I got a call from a very cranky Frank, who was not having a good time picking all of our stuff up and trying to make it fit. Miss Tam was in a panic, texts were flying back and forth. Long story short thank goodness for Matt and Nigel, who helped him repack the truck and actually Nigel is on his way out in an additional truck to bring our stuff (and other peoples) back to California. You are amazing gentlemen, and I will not forget this. Frank, I am sorry you had to go through it, I won't make you do it again and I appreciate all of your kindnesses and generosity in Warrenton and Austin. You're a good man. I have no idea what happened, I didn't think we had that much stuff, I guess we shall see when the trucks arrive. Will there ever be a trip without drama? I also need to thank Clark, who offered to store the things I bought from him and Charlie and Kathy, who let us stack our smalls in their booth. I love you guys!

Since I didn't get many pictures of what we bought, (no idea what happened there, I guess I like a surprise when the truck shows up), I am posting my list that I faxed to Frank. I'm very proud of myself, he only could not find one booth, and I had taken a picture of it and the things around it so I could direct him from here, and I knew the dealer had been a kindergarten teacher, so he kept asking people if they used to be one. I will say that I am excited about every piece, it's all wonderful and I can't wait for it to get here - I'm hoping for Friday but Frank might take a spa day in Scottsdale and I just have to let him :) The pickups start at one end of the road, and go for maybe 1 or 2 miles, just to give you an idea. This is the list I gave to my friend Frank, who is collecting and bringing our goodies back:

Colleen shipment Spring 2009
*MARBURGER tent A
1. Fishnet sculpture 6 x 2 x 2’
2. Gazebo wooden 18” x 24”
3. Metal table base 5 x 3 x 3’
4. Blue leather topped footstool 1 x 1 x 1’
5. wooden desktop easel 1 x 1’
*MARBURGER tent Bcb you saw me there
6. architects stool
7. architects stool
*COLES spot #123 si quaeris @ Texas and Cole sts
8. small green desk 3 x 3 x 2’
*COLES Yolanda @ Jim and Waco sts
9. painted bookshelf 6 x 1 x 3’
*EXCESS – Clark, my boyfriend
10. Butcher block 3 x 3 x 3’ (might need help)
11. playground step
12. small funnel
13. small grey gateleg table
14. grey bench
*EXCESS – Matt & Niggy Nutters
15. cowhide in burlap bag, iron pulley bottom of bag (on truck)
16. wooden railroad crossing sign
17. H-E-B bag of goodies, antlers, turtle shells, rosewood box, priceless stuff
18. 3? tennis rackets in holders
19. very small iron black stamp holder
*Bar W field – at 2nd fork in road on right/porta potties on leftsign in middle says “Nebraska glass and primitives” and looks like it’s pointing at them, they have a white tent
20. pine tabletop desk w/stuff inside
21. blue bookcase 3 x 1 x 3’
22. green 6’ bench*Tin star field – Hector 2nd booth on left (carnival rides)
23. blue grey shoe rack 5 x 1 x 3’
*Renck Hall (in front of hall look left)
24. blue primitive bench 4 x 1 x 2’
*Zapp Hall tent (to left of Zapp hall building)
25. make do pine desk (very light you could pull in back of zapp hall and run in to grab. From front of tent she is in the back righthand corner)
*Zapp Hall restaurant (on the left, I showed u that night) Big Jim and Debbie York (hi guys, thanks for the hospitality, you are wonderful!)
26. painted primitive work table 10 x 3 x 3’ (2 guys)
27. pine table w/drawer 5 x 3 x 3’ (2 guys)
28. pine lovely delicate shelf 5 x 4 x 1’*Kathy and Charlies booth (you met him, with light table) on left behind blue house
29. small white stool/box
30. pair red corbels 2 x 2’31. red bench 3 x 1 x 1
32. small grey box
33. medium grey box 2 x 1 x 1
34. ceramic white light fixtures? Inside one another
35. orange cart 3 x 2 x 3
36. orange cart # 2
37. Mennonite bench
38. Mennonite bench #2
39. bag of pillows
*Missouri girls (next isle to your right, across from virgin saints and sinners) up porch to open side door
40. white side chair (please tell someone you are taking it, they know u r getting it)
*At the end of the row, after Joe, look to your right, past the next isle and down into the field. Rusty guys behind legal tender
41. 4 tiller blades
42. enamel tub
*back out on the highway, same direction, across from 3rd base bar and next to the creek, booth out front
43. rolling shoe rack-blueish
Yayyy, all done! Thanks Frank! Have a safe and relaxing trip home. I hope to see you by next Friday.*Rusty springs and sieve in your trunk*kewpie doll headless bodies*additional doll part molds*possibly a wicker basket if I left it at Clarks or the boys space
The booth Frank couldn't find...

The field next to where we parked...

The one where I'm off to Texas again

On Friday I'm off to Texas for the BIG antique fair. This will be my 5th trip, and I am excited, as always, to see all of the good friends I have made there. Of course I am super excited to see what great finds await me, that's the whole purpose of these excursions, right? I'll so miss going with my good friend Jess, but she's a newlywed and now expecting a sweet baby (yayyy!) so I'm bringing our good friend Tamara for her first visit. I've been busy getting the store in order so you can still come in and shop and Kate and Dawn won't have too many questions for me. In the meantime enjoy these lovely images of east Texas that I have taken. See you when I get back!

The one with the recent new finds

Just a few new things: old beautiful books are flying out the door. These dollhead molds are amazing. Below is the new Laura Zindel handmade ceramics, I love her stuff so much! I've sold quite a few pieces already so she is making more for me. She has a thing for insects, but also does botanicals and birds. Also available is her line of microwave and dishwasher safe dinnerware made in upstate New York. I will have a set here so you can see that every piece has a different variation on a theme.

These are old printing plates for some sort of gambling games. They have been mounted and are now art.

Also a great pair of very old German wooden suitcases. Big and beautiful.

A couple of newly recovered and restyled upholstered pieces. Wing chair is covered in a great tiny cotton check. Beautiful sofa in the most wonderful linen, down cushions. Both of these are a small scale perfect for smaller older homes.

Cherry standing secretary desk. Circa 1810, American. This piece is sooooo good.

This is just one of 5 huge vintage Mexican posters from a school, there are maps and all sorts of wonderful teaching tools. I think the fonts and the colors are so great.

An old milkman box. You set the dial and he sticks your purchases in the back. Cool.

Another of my wonderful clocks by the artist I found in New York. This is called "shattered".

I just love manzanita, and my good friend Tamara gave me a nice big branch when I was up at her store in Auburn, helping her rearrange and merchandise. Below is her new front window display. Clearly I had a little bit of a hand in this, all whites and creams. The rest of her shop is much more colorful. Her stores blog is here. She's going to Texas with me next week for the antique fair. It's her first time, I'm so excited to see what she finds, and hope we don't end up fighting over things :) Just kidding, Tam. I walk the fields alone a lot, so we should be ok, plus she loves color, and well, I don't, unless it's the perfect faded red or blue...Will post my great finds as soon as I get them.