2012 Look Back

Winter snow has settled on the barn where furniture has now nestled down for a " long winters nap". We can see 2012 in the remnants of wood shavings, slightly used sand paper; a tossed-aside rag speckled with paint and stained with varnish; cans of wood putty and stripper stacked neatly in the corner - all saying" job well done" - take a well deserved rest.

This year we traveled a little more in search of unusual finds - and we certainly did accomplish that which we set out to do. Some of our favorite pieces are quite unique if I do say so myself.  The search took us to little villages and out of the way shoppes -  When the day grows long and our hands weary of the nooks-n-crannies of old wood carving we're reminded - THIS is why we do THIS.

Each piece has it's own personality - and we find ourselves asking " I wonder what kind of home this was in before we found it" - or what story this piece has to tell. With some loving care and a little help from the "master restorer" we rest assured the pieces will find good homes throughout the upcoming year.

We hope 2012 brought good antiquing to you, and we look forward to the upcoming year as we continue business friendships, and search out pieces you personally request.  When you are in town, stop by the "Barn" there's always a cup of coffee ready to brew and undoubtedly some yummy something on the pantry shelf or the pie safe to satisfy the sweet tooth. Or just come browse and see whats in progress for 2013.

Here's a little peek......................,

Happy New Year to you ! May all your "old stuff" find good homes. apg12

Chasing Fall through Antiques

It starts from the farthest point north, First the golds, then the oranges peek through and finally the blazing reds burst into view and the Leaf Peepers mingle about the forest, woods and glens chasing Fall as it migrates south.  And so our autumn antique quest began with the turning of the leaves.

The Adirondacks - Small villages dot the Lake George and Lake Champlain landscape. Tucked away in the upper corner of New York these villages and towns host numerous lovely antique shops. One particular spot took us four hours to meander through. It had multiple levels and was so nicely organized almost what seemed like by decades of the past.

Here's a couple snapshots from this location;

Vermont - Always my favorite place to spend a day jaunting about the Norman Rockwell countryside - BTW, we did stop at his museum for a tour. The antique shops are such a quaint variety from the smallest cubby hole of a shop to outdoor Flea Markets. Some has are part of coffee shops while others host local artisans wares.

My favorite -

Maine - Such different finds in this area. Of course the nautically-inclined antiquary will just love stepping into the shops filled with seafaring antiques.  I particularly like the multi-use of seashells; they can be found everywhere and adorning so many items I would have never thought of. Here are some of my "best places" that we shopped.

 

 On this particular street you could exit one shop and enter right next door into another, and so, and so on for several blocks. Of course each block was short with a nice cobblestone street between.

If it's Fall - it must be antiquing time

The fall is truly the best time for antiquing.  The weather is perfect, even if you have to dodge a few raindrops, merchants usually have some hot apple cider brewing or a thermos of cocoa awaiting eager shoppers and auction hunters. 

Having perused the Flea Market Magazines over the summer the idea of heading out on the treasure hunt with any one or two specific finds is absurd. There is so much to choose from. Being the eclectic sentimentalist that I am, and with my fondness for small occasional tables (can you tell),  I kicked off this years jaunt to the Mt. Vernon, Ohio area. Oh so many lovely little antique shoppes.  Here's a few of the finds that will be featured in 2013.

Be sure to look back next month when our jaunting takes us to New England for the Lake George Antique Fair and Bolton Landing Yard Sale. Vermont is just up the road, and New Hampshire and Maine around the corner, so there will surely be a find or two tucked away in the Norman Rockwell type villages....., we're on the road again !

Play It Again Sam

What..., no piano?  A minor detail.  What unoccupied corner wouldn't welcome this little gem of a stool, if only to pause for a moment to afix your shoe strap.  A small secretary desk might delight by this accompaniment.  Or a bureaux to sit and apply your makeup.  Whatever the choosing, this handsome antique is sure to please even the most selective buyer.

Solid hardwood dark oak and all original hardware including brass talon-foot crystal ball leg base.  The crystal balls are in excellent shape.  This one is going to take a bit longer to restore as the disassembly will take some careful attention to the details. But it's been done before on a larger scale, so rest assured this little fellow will be as good as new - look for it next fall.

Till then ...., you'll just have to humm a tune while you wait.

July Brings Out the Beach in Us All

Calypso trios playing rhythmic beats, vibrant kaleidoscope of colors; sun shining like diamonds on a blue ocean, a bright yellow cabana against a sandy beach.  This simple petite Half Table found at a junk shop on a road trip to the lake just seemed to cry out " do something different" - "don't just stain me".  Far too small to be lost in a  white-wash, it needed a color to make it POP.

Island Turquoise Blue, Spiced Carrot and Daffodil Yellow all lent a hand.  This piece already has a home. A customer in Florida liked the colors and wants this for her Florida room foyer - so in October the small Caribbean look table will head south for the Winter.

Spring Trunk

Spring cleaning find - this portly old Trunk. A littled weathered and care worn. I imagined it having stored treasures and keepsakes from days gone by; a hanky used to dab the eye of a fair haired Miss or maybe the old Trunk had crossed the Atlantic bringing life's cherished posessions to a new country for a new beginning.  Irish linens, engraved flatware perhaps received as a wedding gift.

Whatever it's past, it has good bones and will be tenderly restored.  Set your sea fareres scope and sextant for Spring next year and watch for it coming a shore all shiny and new - ready to store new treasures.

Bygone Bombay

Bygone Bombay. This slender occassional table is sure to evoke thoughts of the parlours found in quaint homes in the West Indies.  The perfect size to serve afternoon tea. Each shelf could surely host delightful compliments and tasty finger sandwiches, brioche, or croissants.  Restoration is in progress so pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and join us as we lift layers of years from this beautiful fine wood table.

Lady In Waiting - showing signs of age

With the arrival of Spring, the Antiques are being readied for repurposing. While the evenings and night time temps are still hitting the freezing mark and staining doesn't fare well at those colder temps, sanding and dis-assembly can still be accomplished. Just take a look at the featured item this month - called "Ladies In Waiting" 2 Stylish Entrance Tables.

This is one of a pair of end tables I spied in the far corner of the auction estate sale in Russell, KY. Actually, they were supporting a pile of boxes containing assorted antique door knobs and hardware, most of which were rusted and uninteresting. Upon further investigation, rearranging, and a little dusting off, the beautiful cherry wood peeked through - I knew I'd found "two diamonds in the rough".