Belle & Beau on the Dixie Highway 90 Mile Yardsale

Nothing says “family time” like packing up the kids and dog and heading out to spend the entire day yard sale hopping. Oh, who am I kidding? I forced them to go, all of them. But since I put in almost 5 hours sitting at the ball field for soccer tryouts this week, I figured they could spend 5 hours in the car while I worked had fun searching for inventory.

Diesel’s first time coming “picking” with us, and he did great!

My friend, Kimberly, told me about the Dixie Highway 90 Mile Yard Sale a while ago. But unfortunately for me, it always conflicted with other plans. I was on the fence about going right up until the time we pulled out of the driveway. It’s a really long drive for us to get there, and there is never a guarantee you’ll find anything good. In fact, I was worried we were going to drive all of that way and get rained out.

First things, first. In my world of yard sales, people set up at 8:00 and “early birds” show up at 7:45. With traffic, we ended up not getting to Adairsville (one of the cities on the 90 mile stretch) until 10:30, and people were just then starting to set up. Not sure what that was all about, but I’m glad we got a late start. I would’ve been all huh? and wuh? and “this is a bust.”

Our 9 year old played “photographer” today. And I love seeing the day through her eyes! Here are a few of her pictures. At the bottom you can see a picture of some of the things I ended up buying.

Sweet iron bed. The guy insisted it was a “twin” but I knew better. Smaller than a twin! He wanted $75

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Loved this.

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Some very cool bottles here. We must be on the right track!

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We ended up buying all of the insulators here.

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 Here is a small portion of what we ended up getting:

Insulators, camera and case, skates, dolls, milk glass tea sets – one for iced tea and one for hot tea. etc, etc

Best deal of the day: the insulators
Favorite find of the day (that I’m keeping!): jadeite sugar bowl with holly leaves on it. Everything else is for sale.
Should’ve skipped on: antique scale (not pictured)

We had fun and will definitely do it again!


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Before & After: Painted Wood Hutch

I’m so thankful for Spring. It really makes a big difference in my motivation. When it starts to really get cold again this fall, I’m going to give myself permission to forget about painting furniture until spring comes again. No expectations for myself to work in the cold, blah weather means no guilt for not accomplishing anything.

I’ve had this hutch in my garage. (We keep our cars in the driveway and our furniture in the garage. Don’t y’all?) I hadn’t planned on what I was going to do with it, but I got a burst of energy and motivation this week to just get it done.

Seriously. Ugly, right?

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.jsI think what I disliked about this the most is that there was no visual interest in the wood. I’m not against wood furniture, but this one was just like a big blog of orange-y stained wood. And the doors. Tragic. This isn’t a giant piece. I’ve been lifting and lugging it around all by my petite flower of a self. (I really hope you read that with sarcasm.) But it is a piece of furniture that will be extremely useful to someone. Not me, though. No room in the inn.

Much better. Much, much better.

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.jsNow there is some visual interest. I left the surfaces unpainted that would get the most use. You can see a similarly dramatic difference in a before and after picture of me in makeup. #redhead

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.jsI’ve put some of my jadeite and jars on it so you can visualize what it would look like in use.

Hope you love it!
XOXO,
Abby

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Entertaining with Milk Glass

Fact: My favorite color is white. Don’t get all technical on me and say that white isn’t actually a color. If you go into your local paint store and ask for white paint, you’ll get it. Why do I like white? It’s clean. It’s not complicated. After a full day of reviewing paint chips and fabric patterns, white is a peaceful spot for my eyes to rest.

Fact: There are no walls in my house that are truly white. I like to accessorize with white. White pillows, white throws, white candles. It works, no matter what your paint color is.

Fact: I also love white milk glass. (We’ve covered that, haven’t we?) If you aren’t familiar with milk glass, it was very popular in the mid 1900s. Dozen of manufacturers created products such as dishes, vases, figurines, lamps, and so on. Some of the more successful companies to create milk glass included: Hazel Atlas, Federal, Indiana Glass, Fire King, Anchor Hocking, and Pyrex.

Recently milk glass has gained popularity in entertaining decor. The simple, white, and often delicate appeal of milk glass provides a restful background for flowers and foods. Milk glass provides a non-competitive background on tablescapes, allowing the food and flowers to be the real starts of the show.

A bridal luncheon uses milk glass to create a bridge between vintage and modern touches.

 Using milk glass creates a unique look.

A lovely milk glass cake stand, a milk glass pitcher, and milk glass vases unify this tablescape.

Sometimes simple is better.

Milk glass can be found in many places. Antique stores, Etsy, your mom’s or grandma’s kitchen. If you need a large number of milk glass pieces for your special affair, here’s a tip: Don’t worry about finding identical pieces. As long as they are all the same color, once you add your flowers or food, it will all become a “set.”

For more ideas on milk glass, please visit the websites listed at the bottom in the photo credits. If you are local and are looking for milk glass, stop on by my booth at Countryside Antiques in Braselton.

I’d love to hear your milk glass stories!
XOXO,
Abby

Photo credits:

http://blog.hwtm.com/2011/07/stunning-vintage-modern-bridal-shower-pt-1/
http://nuumummy.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/my-vintage-tea-party-baby-shower/
http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/464669
http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/07/30/will-you-be-my-bridesmaid-ideas/
http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/03/pink-gold-guest-dessert-feature-2/
http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/originals/f4/3a/53/f43a530a20243253a84223ff5e620481.jpg
http://madisonhousedesigns.com/archives/631

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How to Start Antiquing

To me the idea of antiquing is romantic. The process of finding an antique, learning its story, and bringing it home has the antiquarian investing emotions into their find as the wallet is being pulled out to pay for it. People sometimes ask me how I got started in antiques. At the start, at the very beginning, is a love for old things. If you aren’t committed to the idea of having previously owned merchandise in your house, owned by who knows who, then you might not be ready to get started.

When I first started I made some mistakes and I bought some things that I really didn’t like or need. If you’re interested in collecting and antiquing, I’ve put together a few steps to help you begin your journey.

What do you like? If you aren’t sure what you like and need help figuring it out, try a few of these:

  • Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pin board for anything and everything that you’re interested in. You can search for “antiques” or “vintage” and thousands of pictures come up. Which of these pictures appeals to you? Make a list. Or better yet, pin them to a board.
  • The Library. Check out a few antique price guide books from the library. Don’t worry about the prices for now. Just flip through and see what gets your attention. What do you like in the book?
  • What are your other hobbies and interests? Are you a die-hard baseball fan? Then chances are you’d enjoy collecting baseball memorabilia. Do you knit scarves or sewing in your spare time? The world of vintage and antique linens awaits you!
  • Do you prefer to have a collection to display on a shelf or pieces that can function in your everyday life? If you’re looking to start a collection figurines and pottery might be for you. If you’d prefer to use your collections daily, jewelry or dishes are an excellent option.
  • What would upset you to see thrown away? What item from days gone by would you hate to see by the side of the road or in a dumpster? Chances are that if something comes to mind, that would be a great thing for you to start antiquing for.

Do a little research. I’m not talking hours and hours of research. But it is a good idea to learn a little bit about what markings to look for and what the going prices are. The average antique dealer knows that their reputation means everything. They are not out to fool or scam you. However as a collector doing a little research means that you know that Pyrex and Py-O-Rey are not the same thing, and their values are drastically different. You’ll be amazed how quickly you catch on.

Browsing is fun, but having a plan is better. Antique stores can be overwhelming. Many stores rent out shelves or stalls to individual dealers. Those dealers will try to maximize their space, and a lot of merchandise gets packed into tight places. However, if you go to the stores and fairs with a plan of what you’re looking for, those things will jump out at you. For example, let’s say that I decide ahead of time that I need to find a green chair and a pink vintage tablecloth. I’m going to browse thinking, “green, pink, green, pink.” And voila, out of the woodwork comes those items you need, that you already have the perfect spot for. Don’t get overwhelmed. Make a plan. 

You don’t have to buy anything. Did I just say that??? I mean, you don’t have to buy anything unless you’re shopping in a place where I’m selling. 🙂 In all seriousness, just because you go to an antique store or fair doesn’t mean that you have to buy something. If you haven’t found something that you came in looking for or that you are generally interested in, it is okay to walk out empty handed. That’s part of the fun of antiquing. When you finally find something that you’ve been looking for, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment and appreciation for that item. Antique stores are full of items waiting to start a new life with their next person. It might not be a perfect match for you.

Tastes in antiques are like underwear, personal and never shared. Remember above when I gave some tips for finding out what you are interested in? Chances are that your friend, neighbor, sister, son, or daughter-in-law doesn’t have the same taste that you do. Trust me. If you’re going to shop for antiques for others, be very sure of their tastes and needs.

I hope that this helps you to get started. If you’re ever in the metro Atlanta area check out the antique stores of Braselton. You can find many of my pieces for sale in Countryside Antiques where I have a booth. 

XOXO,
Abby

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    Can’t I have ANYTHING nice?

    I’m surprised that after having four children, that my mom had anything nice and special to show for it. I remember playing with balls in the house (and being told to go outside). I remember roller skating in the house. I remember throwing spaghetti noodles on the kitchen ceiling while on KP duty. And alas, my mother somehow kept safe some beautiful treasures.

    That can’t be said for everything, though. There were casualties. There were cries of “Can’t I have ANYTHING nice?” There were blank stares loaded with “why did I even bother?” when we came hanging our heads that something special had been broken.

    My kids and I were doing some holiday baking with my mom yesterday. And, God love her, I think Christmas threw up in her house. I mean, the Spirit of Christmas Present had some bad egg nog and hurled Christmas. Everywhere.In.The.House. I’m surprised there is no Christmas toilet paper. But it really is a magical place for the kids to visit during the holidays. And my mother adores showing them all of her moving and electric Christmas decorations. You can literally see the memories being made in their minds as they awe in wonder at the tiny dancing Nutcracker ballerinas.

    Three generations of cookie bakers: Me, my sweet S, and my Momma.

     Mixed in with the borderline coo-coo wonderful Christmas decor are things from my childhood. There are ornaments on the tree that I remember staring at as a child. Not valuable in monetary terms, just invaluable in nostalgia. There’s the nativity set with the most gentle expressions on Mary and Joseph’s faces. And there’s the retro, golden, angel playing the accordion. …..What?!?!

    Yep: retro, golden, angel playing the accordion. She began as a set of three, and, you guessed it. Two fell victim to tragic deaths at the hands of four rambunctious children. I can’t pinpoint which of us children, exactly. But after so many years have passed, can’t we just lump it up to all four of us together? (Says the one who most likely broke it.)

    I was commenting to my mom how sad it was that only one survived, and she is battered and chipped at that. Suddenly a light bulb! Um, hello! Why have I not researched these?! My mom purchased the set from a church tag sale and there was no marking on the bottom of the remaining angel. So into my search engine went: 1960s gold angel playing the accordion. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? A Christmas miracle.

    A complete set of THREE retro golden angels playing their instruments. This lovely set of ladies is on their way to my house. I won’t get them in time for Christmas this year, but they will probably be the first things I put up next year. Again, not necessarily valuable in monetary terms, but the memories they bring for me….priceless.

    XOXO,
    Abby

    P.S. LOVE YOU MOMMA, and your Christmas decorations!!//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

    UPDATE: These vintage Christmas angels were made by Hapco Japan in the 1960s. They are made of paper mache (papier mache). My collection has grown over the past couple of years. Here are more pictures:

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    The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

    Crazy day, y’all! But definitely one for the story books.

    First, let’s start with the bad.
    Our girl, Samantha, is energetic and full of life. This means that she often bubbles over with so much joy that the only way to properly express herself is to spontaneously break out into somersaults and cartwheels. But it also means that there are usually some really great stories about her day. Well, yesterday, on her birthday, she was doing a cartwheel and her necklace flipped over and scratched her in the eye. Off to the doctor we went this morning, and guess who’s got a corneal abrasion? This gal:

    Covering up her eye patch that she secretly loves. (Do you have a mirror so I can look at it again?)

    So a day off from school means that she gets to come with Ken and I to work:

    On the road again, hunting for antiques.

    Picture of me, courtesy of the one-eyed Georgia Peach:

    Now, on to the GOOD:
    Lots of treasures were found. Including some awesome glassware, dirt cheap antique books, and this guy:

    Never used, vintage, 100% leather case, WITH THE KEY. Sa-weeeeet!

    Y’all don’t only want to see the good stuff, do you? I mean, sometimes the ugly stuff is MUCH more interesting. Wait for it. Wait for it…

    Check out this Mid Century sofa! U-G-L-Y! This is beyond my help. I am not up for a total sofa makeover. I should’ve taken a bath in hand-sanitizer when I got up off of it. Seventy years of gunk, and stank, and who knows what else was not a party I wanted to go to today. I envy the person with the skill to make this beautiful again. The frame and the legs on it were to die for. If you were someone other than me.

    Life is certainly an adventure! I sure am glad I have a spunky family to make it so interesting.
    XOXO,
    Abby

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    Just call me "Dr. Love"

    It always starts out strong. You like each other. You need each other. You think she’s pretty. You think he’s strong and dependable. But then things start to change. You outgrow each other. Things fall apart. You start to take each other for granted, and you start looking around for something new and exciting. In the worst cases, there is abuse and neglect. Furniture divorce. It happens.

    Ever feel like you need a new piece of furniture? Are you outgrowing what you currently have? Do you have something hiding in the garage, shed, basement, or barn that you just don’t love anymore? I feel like Dr. Love. I find your problems (furniture, that is). I give them some therapy (love and elbow grease). I play matchmaker with someone that appreciates them and thinks they’re prettier than you do.

    It’s okay. Really. People change. I’m here to help.

    Here’s a lady that needed me:

    Mid-Century Credenza by Indiana Desk Company, Jasper, Indiana

    Sure, she was big. And let me tell you, this girl was heavy. She was made by Indiana Desk Company (now called Indiana Furniture) in the mid 1900’s. Made in America and built to last.

    When she came to me, she didn’t need much therapy. She just needed a good cleaning up, and some touch up in spots. First I made a spray of 50/50 vinegar and water. Next, I used (very gently) a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Aren’t those things awesome? Just be careful that you don’t take any finish off, causing yourself more work.

    Next, I purchased some touch up materials:

    The first guy on the is a Blend-Fil Pencil and the other guy is a Wood Finish Stain Marker, both made by Minwax. For both of these I found a color that I thought would match the existing stain, which I thought was a dark walnut. The Blend-Fil pencil is kind of like a waxy substance that you can fill into nail holes and cracks. The Wood Finish Marker is filled with stain. In this case, the Wood Finish marker worked best. The Blend-Fil stuff doesn’t really dry hard.

    So after an easy cleaning, I simply took the Stain Marker and touched up any scratches and scuffs that were still noticeable. Easy as pie, y’all. No sanding, painting, or refinishing required. We simply cleaned her and touched her up. Kind of like putting some heels and lipstick on for a date, right? And if you’re southern, don’t forget your pearls!

    Once she was on the market, she didn’t last long. We sold her very quickly, like I thought we would. It just took some match-making to find the right person to love her. She went home to be in someone’s dining room as a fantastic buffet.

    Tell me about your furniture match-making!

    If you have a piece that you need to divorce (get rid of). Let me know! Dr. Love is here to help!
    XOXO,
    Abby

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