Vintage Indie

On the Road with Contributing Editor Gina Smith - American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore MD

By Gina M. Smith, Lilly*s of London*ish

      “Road Trip,” my sweetie proclaimed after I had a particularly grueling morning on what was supposed to be a vacation day. “You’re not gonna believe this place,” he promised.  And then delivered. I’d still be at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230 if he hadn’t dragged me out at closing time.

      So what’s this got to do with Vintage Indie? If you like the cast-off, the odd neglected item, the long ago favorite, in short, “vintage,” then you’ll love art made out of all things vintage.

      The artists at the Visionary Museum (AVAM for short) not only like this same stuff; they use it in their art, they sell it in the gift shop, they live and breathe vintage bits and bobs. The museum is proclaimed the “official national museum for self-taught, intuitive artistry.”

      ‘Visionary’ or outsider artists do not consider themselves part of an art movement. They often use unusual materials and tools to make their art and create just for the simple reason that they “need” to create.

      The current AVAM exhibit, through Sept. 6, is “The Marriage of Art, Science and Philosophy.” If that sounds too egg-heady for you and yours, consider some of the exhibits: life-sized robots made from sprinkler heads and radiators, a tiny diorama of hundreds of busy monkeys carved out of peach pits, a more-than-life-sized and anatomically-correct Big Foot made from multi-colored electrical wire.

      Lest you think I am poking fun at any of the art- far from it! I was enthralled and amazed. It felt like I was among kindred spirits. The spirit of one of my recent Art & Soul teachers, Anne Grgich (www.annegrgich.com), was certainly there. In fact, when I got home I wrote to ask if she is familiar with AVAM and learned she had exhibited there in 2002-2003. The exhibit was titled “High On Life,” and you can read more about that here:  . As a related side note, Anne was also the cover story in issue 22 of Raw Vision, an outsider and contemporary folk art journal/magazine sold at the museum. I was able to pick up issue 66 and can’t stop drooling over it.

      AVAM is an excellent road trip for families with children. Kids will love what they think are wacky exhibits while mom and dad will appreciate the deeper meanings. And if one or both of you is into vintage, recycling, science fiction or more, you’ll need the entire 10 a.m. to 6 p. m. Tuesday through Sunday to see everything. I could have spent a good two hours in the gift shop alone.  It’s not called Sideshow for nothing. The variety of kitsch, original art, toys and memorabilia from the 70s and 80s, and the large selection of art books are all outstanding.

      There’s plenty of open space at AVAM for restless kids. Besides the full-sized mosaic-covered bus outside, there’s the wildflower garden (which can also be rented for weddings), the sculpture plaza and tall sculpture barn (yes, it’s really a barn- with barn-sized art). There’s also the Giant Whirligig, Baltimore’s 55-foot wind-powered outdoor landmark, created by 76-year-old mechanic, farmer and visionary artist Vollis Simpson. It is free to see in central plaza.

      An adjacent building, the Jim Rouse Visionary Center, pays tribute to social and urban activist the late Jim Rouse, founder of the nearby community of Columbia, MD, and a major developer in the Baltimore area. The three levels include The Hall of Social Visionaries, Visionary Village and The Center for Visionary Thought and Expression.

      The current exhibit (Art, Science and Philosophy) in the main building is dedicated to the late Sir Arthur C. Clarke, whose short story was the basis for 2001: A Space Odyssey, the movie he co-wrote with Stanley Kubrick. That alone should give those of us old enough to remember a vision for what to expect there. But in addition to sci-fi fantasies, (un) expect to find intricate patchwork quilts by Michigan artist Ms. Chris Roberts-Antieau, paintings on tar paper by former biochemist Mr. Tres Taylor, intricate carvings on the tips of pencil leads by Dalton Ghetti and 30-foot rolls of crayon drawings by 112-year-old (and counting) Frank Calloway.

      Still, my favorite exhibit is the life-sized robots by DeVon Smith in the Rouse center. If you are enamored of doorknobs, sprinkler heads, coils, watering cans and bed knobs and broomsticks, you’ll want to take them home, or at least hug them. It’s Found-Object Art at its best. (A good use of vintage parts for smaller robots can be found on Etsy here:  and here.

      More open space abounds around AVAM on Federal Hill where free movies are shown at 9 pm on Thursday nights through mid-August. The film selections are inspired by the current exhibit. Schedule: July 2 Raiders of the Lost Ark • July 9: Dr. Strangelove • July 16: The Time Machine • July 23: Sleeper • July 30: Dr. No • August 6: The King & I • August 13: Ghostbusters. The museum is open and free between 5 and 9 pm on movie nights. Rain location is inside the museum.

      For more information on this or any AVAM activities and exhibits you can contact the museum at 1-410-244-1900 or www.avam.org. Now, go figure out how to make art with all the vintage goodies you’ve been hoarding.

- Contributing Editor Gina Smith aka Lilly*s of London*ish, started making jewelry about six years ago and has since tied this in with a love of vintage finds, Blythe, crochet and altered art in her etsy shop. Growing up in an antiquing family gives her a background and appreciation for all things vintage, especially dinnerware, jewelry and Americana advertising prints and products

{All contributed content Gina Smith © Lilly*s of London*ish}

Tales From the Flea Market: Episode 4 – Fab Chairs, Striking Architectural Elements & Accordions, Too.

With each Tales from the Flea Market episodes, I have focused on something - jewels, textiles and general finds. This episode its seriously time to head to the ends of the Alameda and start with Row Z.  This required a lot of discipline and full support from my daughter Kathryn and her beau Will because I always get sidetracked.  I can’t help myself – it’s as if finds leap from the rows into my line of sight. Not this time!  

I put the blinders on and push ahead down the main aisle with Kathryn arm-pinching me if I even began to slightly veer off course – I have a bruise btw.  I arrive at Row Z!  Yeah. An accomplishment I feel proud of.   

On this particular day, Will was looking for an accordion to add to his growing collection.  I would bet we saw 20 accordions, and concertinas, and trumpets, and fiddles, a saxophone and a mini-Steinway upright. Oh and the most fabulous tuba with a case lined in magnificent crushed red velvet.  It’s as if Alameda is where old musical instruments go to be adopted.  I want to take them all home and I seriously contemplated creating a wall full of vintage, beautifully worn and loved musical instruments.   

Will breaks off to play each of the accordions he finds and Kathryn and I roam the lesser known aisles.  The outskirts are a great place to find the finds that spark childhood memories like peddle cars, a Schwin bike with a gold sparkle banana seat, collectibles you thought you’d never see again - think big glass amber-colored coffee table grapes and those items you wanted for one reason or another but never got - can you say Knit Magic!

Realizing I don’t really have a foraging theme for this Alameda visit, I decide to let the Flea speak and soon find myself focusing in on chairs and architectural elements.

 

On the corner of Row K, I see laid out before me a sea of cornices and columns and ornate ceiling moldings. I stand and I stare and I take a picture. Many pieces, such as these, come from Bay Area Victorians. What a statement and how perfect for adding an air of raw sophistication to a loft or commanding stateliness to a room in your home.

Continuing with the whole molding theme but not on purpose,  I spot Paul and Elizabeth Foster’s Alameda offering – Antique Ceiling Tins on the corner of Row R. This couple in from, Ashland, Oregon, have textured and some highly decorated antique tin ceiling tiles, made into mantels, cornices, ceiling moldings, chalk boards, mirrors and even a cabinet buffet. Their prices are very reasonable and their approach clever and I’m figuring out where I can put a new slate chalkboard trimmed in red ceiling tiles. Shoot em an e-mail to if you would like to know more about their creations or check them out on Flickr.

Chalk & Magnet Boards


Buffet Hutch made with tiles

Small Tin Tiles

 

Sit Down!

I love chairs and in fact every room of my home has too many. A blatant and obvious fetish.   Alameda is a chair-filled paradise – all shapes, all sizes, all colors.

Then, out of nowhere on the edge of Row L , classic Parisian influences that makes my heart sing. Reupholstered chairs in burlaps, linens and grain sack. These pretty vintage chairs and sumptuous settee trimmed in sweet green velvet are delicately strong.   I couldn't even begin to decide which one to add to my chair family.  Love the printed french detail and that black and white piping is out of this world. Notice also in the background the two black and white Damask patterned chairs.

A few rows over I spot the oil cloth upholstered outdoor white iron two-seater with table.  I’m on full tilt and later saw this delicacy leave for a new home.

A stop by the India Clay Oven food booth for a naan chicken wrap (Thank you Rita for introducing me) and I am just about finished.  I’ve seen so much and in the words of Kathryn – “There really is something here for everyone.”   

Stay Tuned – Tales from the Flea Market is headed to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. I’ve never been and am dragging along Kathryn and Will again and my Mom.  All diverse tastes.  May be interesting to see what each of us uncovers.

 - Cindy Cooper

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About the Flea Market - Alameda

The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire or simply “Alameda” if you are in the know, offers a stunning array of vintage finds from jewels to furniture to collectibles and everything and I do mean everything in between.  

I’ve been foraging Alameda for about eight years with stunning success and much happiness.  I love everything about this monthly event -  the wares, the people, the typically cold weather and the view of San Francisco Bay Bridge and skyline. This market is second only to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena! Fabulous.

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Vintage Indie is happy to welcome Cindy Cooper as our newest Guest Contributor. She'll be joining us for "Tales From the Flea Market" a new series sharing real life stories of trips to the flea market. Cindy Cooper is also a vintage jewelry aficionado and would love to help answer your vintage jewelry questions.

On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Shadeland Shoppes Antique Mall Indianapolis, IN

On a recent jaunt to Indianapolis, my husband and I discovered the Shadeland Shoppes Antique Mall on the east side of town.  Originally opened in 1982, it is recognized as the oldest antique mall in the area.  Bonnie Kinser purchased it in March 2008 and has worked hard to bring it back up to par. Over 40 dealers are represented.

 

Ellie, a dealer at the mall, says, "It's just gotten better."  She has been a dealer at the mall since 1987.  "We are creative people.  We do this because we like to decorate.  We don't buy furniture by the room, we buy it by the piece.  Antique dealers like what we do, we like our merchandise.  It's not just about the money."

 

The mall is over 13,400 sq ft., well lit and packed full of a wide array of antiques and collectibles.  It contains an eclectic mix of old and new.  Shoppers will find furniture, glassware, toys, books, jewelry, military items and more.  They also offer a variety of collectibles that would appeal to men such as model cards, trains, Civil War items, fossils, coins and sports memorabilia.  Shadeland Shoppes accepts credit cards and offers layaway and gift certificates. 

 

Molly the cat sits at the desk where she can maintain her position as "resident manager".  She arrived 3 1/2 years ago with her kittens and never left.  Her picture is sketched on the mall's business card.  Customers look forward to seeing Molly when they visit and often bring her treats and toys.

 

If you arrive at lunch time be sure to check out Jimmy D's snack bar located at the front of the mall.  They opened 3 years ago and offer homemade chicken salad, hot dogs, ice cream and more.  The crew whips up their goodies at an original soda fountain purchased from a drug store that closed many years ago.  Ice cream tables and chairs are plentiful in the dining area. 

 

In March 2009, Consignment Chix opened a consignment shop within the antique mall.  Women's designer clothing as well as fun jewelry and accessories add yet another reason to shop here.

 

Special Events:  A car show is held the first week of August in the parking lot in front of the mall.  An outside flea market is held in conjunction with this annual event and dealers run sales in their inside booths. 

 

Location:  3444 N. Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN  46226  (Located conveniently between I-70 and I-465

                 just 7 miles from the IN State Fairgrounds)

 

Phone:  (317) 546-2402 or toll free (866) 461-0276

 

Hours:  Open daily 10:00-5:30, Sunday 11:00-5:00

 

Website:  www.shadelandshoppes.net

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

Tales From the Flea Market: Episode 3 Fabrics, Textiles and Embellishments – First Sunday of the Month

With today being dubbed Vintage Green Day, we think it is a great idea to promote GREEN Shopping. Our favorite way is with vintage, of course. Join our special guest Cindy Cooper as she brings us Episode 3  of Tales from the Flea Market straight from  Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire.

On this trip to the Alameda, the focus is on Fabrics, Textiles and Embellishments.

 

Out there are many incredible vintage fabrics and textiles and the possibilities of re-working, re-purposing and re-using are endless.  You don’t see this type of quality and workmanship in today’s cloth. The cottons and linens in particular offer a subtle softness.  I collect vintage pillowcases for just this reason – they are so perfectly soft and look great on the bed all mixed up. It’s original, comfy and pretty all at the same time.

 

Like jewelry, fabrics show in time frames.  The Victorian era showed us amazing re-inspired damasks, lace and velvets.  The 40’s brought bold bark cloth. The 60’s introduced us to groovy paisleys and patterns on everything and this is also about the time wear-able polyester came into play.  Who wants to remember the PPO’s (polyester pull-ons)? You know the ones – thick polyester with a slight flair, elastic waist and a seam right down the front.  It seemed light blue was the favorite PPO color.  Having a bad flashback.

 

Every time I’m at Alameda I stop by Euro-Linens – www.euro-linens.com.  Their set-up and offerings thrill me every time and every single piece is original ranging from 35 – 135 years old. They have vintage French linens made into pillows, and other boudoir comforts.  Those O M initials in the picture below are cross-stitched in red thread!   The workmanship is splendid and the prices very reasonable and more than that –they are striking!

 

 

European Linens – Row C on the corner next

to George. You’ll see em.

 

 

 

Inside European Linens – One space

to the right on Row C– Alameda.

 

I haven’t been getting too far past the front gate lately so after the Euro-Lines stop by I’m heading straight for the outskirts of Alameda – Something wild like Rows U-Z to see what I’m sure, I’m missing.

 

Oh wait – before I can head to the outer banks, I want to go by what I call embellishment central.  Embellishments can be anything that adds design interest to a piece and here you can find all kinds.  Monopoly pieces, plastic checkers, doll heads, keys, drawer pulls, fixtures and even numbers and letters are available for as low as one dollar.  Many collage artists and scrapbookers delight in the small and original chotchke items this vendor has to offer.  Fun stuff.  I picked up a blue plastic princess phone key chain which is a replica to one I received in Kindergarten for learning my alphabet. Ma Bell used to give them out as swag. I also bought my friend Rita a majong piece with her favorite number. Oh and a gold drapery tassel with cording that will make a beautiful trim embellishment on a pillow perhaps.

 

 

Alameda Row G - $1 chotckes and more!

 

Moving on up the rows, I spot Jennifer Saxton and her linens.  She embraces the notion of re-cycle, re-do, re-find and even has her own children’s clothing line, Princess. Princess features little jackets and dress sets made from some of the most sweetly colored cloth – some chenille, some florals – all darling.  I was most intrigued with a beautiful piece of bark cloth (circa 1940’s) that made me want to reupholster everything in my home.  The peacock blue, the fuchsia pink – all so vibrant.

 

Jennifer Saxton Vintage Fabrics & Princess Collection

 

Now, clothing at the flea market is hot - there certainly are some fantastic finds that can be worn as is or re-purposed into something even more fabulously wear-able.  Hats, sweaters, coats, dresses, shoes and more are plentifully found at Alameda.  What’s fun about vintage clothing are the fabrics, patterns and built-to-last quality typical of vintage workmanship. I swear this is where designers and retailers such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and the like get their inspiration.   

 

 

 Vintage Clothing and Hats-a-plenty, Alameda, California – Row K 

 

As you can tell – there is much to be found and as usual I’ve hit just the tip of the Alameda iceberg. 

 

Stay Tuned – Tales from the Flea Market will next take on furniture finding and re-purposing or re-inventing finds. Last month we ran out of time to check out the loading zone – I’ll get to it maybe next time or the time after that.  Also, I’m planning a Rose Bowl run the second Sunday in April.  I’m literally weak in the knees thinking about what I’ll discover.

 

 - Cindy Cooper

 

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About the Flea Market - Alameda

The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire or simply “Alameda” if you are in the know, offers a stunning array of vintage finds from jewels to furniture to collectibles and everything and I do mean everything in between. 

 

I’ve been foraging Alameda for about eight years with stunning success and much happiness.  I love everything about this monthly event -  the wares, the people, the typically cold weather and the view of San Francisco Bay Bridge and skyline. This market is second only to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena! Fabulous.

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Vintage Indie is happy to welcome Cindy Cooper as our newest Guest Contributor. She'll be joining us for "Tales From the Flea Market" a new series sharing real life stories of trips to the flea market. Cindy Cooper is also a vintage jewelry aficionado and would love to help answer your vintage jewelry questions.

On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Bright's Antique World Franklin, KY

Driving to Nashville, TN this past fall, my husband and I discovered one of the best antique malls we have been to in a long time.  Conveniently located right off the interstate, Bright's Antique World offers 35,000 square feet of antique furniture, glassware, jewelry, toys and more.

 

Owners Riley and Linda Bright purchased the land, had the building custom built and opened their doors for business in January 2003.  Voted No. 1 by Busy Bee Trader readers, this mall definitely lives up to that recognition.  They offer a wide variety of collectibles, quality furniture and reasonable prices.  The mall is well lit and well maintained.  The women's bathroom is decked out in vintage clothing and accessories in every nook and cranny and the men's bathroom carries a hunting theme.

 

Store Hours:  Monday - Sat 9-8, Sunday 10-6, closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Location:  281 Steele Rd., Franklin, KY 42135 right past Cracker Barrel.  Exit 2 off I-65, KY.

 

Phone:  (270) 598-9901

 

Website:  www.brightsantiqueworld.com

 

Special Events:  A special event is held each spring in conjunction with the local historic district businesses.  A Customer Appreciation Day is held each October offering special sales and refreshments.  A Christmas Open House is held annually on Thanksgiving weekend.

 

Carolyn West, one of the managers, has been a dealer for over 30 years.  She is also a collector as most of the dealers are.  She was friendly, knowledgeable and offered exceptional customer service.  This mall is definitely worth the stop, whether you are passing through the area or looking for a one day getaway.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Elliston Place Soda Shop Nashville, TN

You will step back in time when you step through the doors of Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, TN.  Located in a trendy area near Vanderbilt University, it is a favorite among locals, college students and tourists alike.  Prior to opening as a restaurant, the Soda Shop was originally a grocery store and then a drug store.  In 1939, half of the Elliston Pharmacy was remodeled by a former owner Lynn Chancellar to create the lunch counter and dining room space.  The drug store remained in business until 1965.  Thirteen years ago, retired Judge Charles Galbreath purchased the Soda Shop.  The original neon sign still hangs out front.

 

The menu offers a wide variety of plate lunch specials, home cooked meals and soda fountain favorites.  Be sure to save room for an ice cream sundae, milkshake or orange freeze for dessert.  If you are in the mood for some tunes, pop a quarter in the jukebox made famous by Hank Williams Jr.  He is featured leaning against the very same jukebox on one of his album covers.

Elizabeth and Tim Young

 

Other famous visitors include LeAnn Rimes, Marty Stuart, Loretta Lynn, John Madden, Tom Brokaw and George Lindsey who portrayed Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show.  Carrie Underwood performed in a video shoot at the Soda Shop.  If you wish, sit at the counter and watch the dedicated employees create overloaded banana splits and thick milkshakes.  Or choose a booth and have a bird's eye view of the door where you can watch for your favorite country music artist to make an appearance.

 

 

Hours of Operation:  Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

                                 Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

                                 Breakfast served until 10:45 AM

                            

Address:  2111 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN  37203

 

For carry-out service call 615-327-1090 or fax 615-327-4084.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

Tales from the Flea Market - Episode 2 – Jewels of Alameda – First Sunday in February

Vintage Indie is happy to welcome Cindy Cooper as our newest Guest Contributor. She'll be joining us for "Tales From the Flea Market" a new series sharing real life stories of trips to the flea market. Cindy Cooper is also a vintage jewelry aficionado and would love to help answer your vintage jewelry questions.

It’s the first Sunday of the month – ALAMEDA here I come! This time I’m going to take a spin around to find some impressive jewels and upcoming adornment trends.
First basic thing to realize is that all jewelry belongs to a vintage or era and many pieces shown at Alameda span the past 100+ years - all eras are represented from Victorian to Deco to Dime Store. I find that most of us have an attraction to a certain era that can become the basis for choosing, collecting and wearing jewelry.

My first stop is immediately through the front gate on the left on the corner of Row A.  This is quite literally an over filled Champs-Elysées-like Magasin de Bijou. A jewel box of history! I’m breathless trying to get a glimpse of all the lavishly filled cases of amazing and decadent JEWELS from late 1800’s England to the 1920’s deco era.  Radiance.

 
Left Corner of Row A, Just through the Entrance Gates – Jewelry Feast.

Row C - Mathilde Poulat circa 1930’s necklace, earrings and ring set with turquoise and amethyst teardrops

After being overwhelmed with the decadence of deco and then the jubilance of Mathilde, I settle down for a moment to focus in on what I see as the next trend.

New Feature - Tales from the Flea Market - Go Forth & Forage

Vintage Indie is happy to welcome Cindy Cooper as our newest Guest Contributor. She'll be joining us for "Tales From the Flea Market" a new series sharing real life stories of trips to the flea market. Cindy Cooper is also a vintage jewelry aficionado and would love to help answer your vintage jewelry questions.

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire

The Main Runway at Alameda Point. Alameda, CA

It’s the first Sunday in January (yeah) and it also happens to be 6:00 a.m. and my parking karma is putting me right in front row parking (I’m thinking my practically valet spot has more to do with the time of morning than my karma but its all good regardless).  I pay my early VIP entrance fee of $15.  Now I could wait until 9:00 a.m. and pay just $5 but then all the good stuff might be gone. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire or simply “Alameda” if you are in the know, offers a stunning array of vintage finds from jewels to furniture to collectibles and everything and I do mean everything in between.

I’ve been foraging Alameda for the past eight years with stunning success and much happiness.  I love everything about this monthly event -  the wares, the people, the typically cold weather, the view of San Francisco skyline and the Bay and the beauty of enjoying a sausage sandwich complete with onions, mustard and sour kraut around 9:30 a.m. Kettle Korn is also available for my noon time craving.  Apparently this market is second only to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

{Click any images to enlarge}

View of San Francisco Bay Bridge Skyline

Flea Markets – The Original World Market

Alameda boasts a wide variety of approx. 800 vendors and is laid out in rows from A-Z - intrigue at every turn. Once upon a time and about three years ago, I had a small retail store featuring eclectic luxuries – many of the pieces that would delight and gave the store its visual flavor were plucked fresh out of Alameda.  Pillows from City of Paris, Bark cloth lampshades from Carmella, Typewriter bracelets from George, Vintage window frames screen printed with French Café logos courtesy of Trinidad and jewels galore.

Alameda also gives presence to many artisans who perfect the art of collecting, designing, crafting and knowledge.

In this monthly feature – Tales from the Flea Market – we will forage together and see what we find – could be a particular vendor best known for their offerings or perhaps we’ll be able to spot some trends. I’m thinking it would be fun to hang out at the loading area and to see what people are buying. Also, I must to get to the back row markets – a resolution for Tales from the Flea Market in 2009.

The First Market of 2009

In Row A – I immediately dashed to the end of the row on the right to Coco Reichborn’s market.  Coco creates an offering of French wares.  French religious artifacts are prevalent as are the French baskets, watering cans, dishes and furniture.

Coco Reichborn - Alameda January 2009

 

I spent about 30 minutes hanging out at Coco’s spot then realized I still had a lot of ground to cover.  

Next up on Row D - Marilyn.  Marilyn creates a vintage somewhat Victorian showing.  She mixes in her crafts created with vintage embellishments such as shells, German glass glitter, buttons and mercury glass.

I also uncovered bull horns, chemise du nuit and vintage coral. My favorite which I should have gotten a shot of was a vintage fish bowl decorated with rhinestones around the rim.  Simple elegance for a fish!  I love it and am planning my fish purchase soon.  

Hard to believe this is the Flea Market – all the finds and visual flavor.  I have a ton more folks to feature. On this day, I only made it down Rows A-J.  I’m overwhelmed to think about what else I’ll discover after Row J.  I was anxious to get going on bringing out only a small portion of the best of what was found this chilly Alameda morning.  

Stay Tuned – Tales from the Flea Market will next highlight The Jewels of Alameda and coming soon - Guild Lady-like Handbags.

 If you'd like to join us as a guest contributor for our "Tales from the Flea Market" series we would love to show off your town! Send us  a note Subject: Tales from the Flea Market.

On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young - Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville KY

If you are looking for a quaint restaurant to provide a place for rest and nourishment during the busy holiday season, visit Kaelin's in Louisville, KY. Opened in 1934 by Carl Kaelin and his wife, it was originally a small delicatessen.  Carl soon purchased the building next door and then expanded over the next two years to open a full family restaurant .  He coined the term "cheeseburger" and his little restaurant on a tree lined street in KY became nationally recognized as the birthplace of the cheeseburger.   A restaurant in Denver, CO tried to claim the fame in 1935 but Carl has proof that his came first.  A plaque out front recognizes his creative genius. The original neon sign still hangs out front beckoning hungry customers inside.

 

Kaelin's daughter Erma took over the restaurant in later years.  She had 8 children but none could be enticed into the restaurant business.  It was sold 4 years ago to four local men who desired to keep the tradition alive.  Located near Bellarmine University, Kaelin's now draws an older crowd, many of whom have been patrons for over 50 years.  Some customers remember bringing their dates to Kaelin's for a cheeseburger and fries back in the 1950's.

 

One waiter, Jesse Amos, began working at Kaelin's back in 1958 and still comes in a day or two a week.  Another waitress, Sheila, has been at Kaelin's for over 20 years.  Sean Hanley, the day manager, has been on the staff since 1987.  Fresh ground beef, homemade potato chips and a menu full of great American fare are sure to satisfy.  A banquet room upstairs can accommodate up to forty people and is perfect for private parties.  Gift cards are also available.

 

Address:  1801 Newburg Rd

                Louisville, KY  40205

                (502) 451-1801

 

Hours:  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

 

Website:  www.kaelins.com

 

Special Events:  Cheeseburger Week is usually held in mid October.  All things cheeseburger are on the menu including Cheeseburger Pizza, Cheeseburger Soup, Cheeseburger Casserole and Cheeseburger Quiche.  Visit Kaelin’s on Monday nights for $2 cheeseburgers any time of the year.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

On the Road with Contributing Editor Gina Smith - Exploring the Hills of Central Ohio

Every time I go someplace new, it becomes my new favorite place. But, this latest road trip to the hills of central Ohio may retain top billing indefinitely. The Midwest and my home of Indiana get plenty of flack about corn, flatness and rednecks, but if you shy away from Ohio Amish Country for those reasons, it would be a shame. Just try not to choose an icy, snowy day like I did. However, the weather definitely put me in the mood for some holiday shopping as well as some Amish comfort food. (read: baked goods).

      My trip began in Dresden, just east of Columbus in Muskingum County. Any basket collector of any sort will tell you stories about Dresden as the home of Longaberger Baskets. These handmade, maple-splinted baskets were first made at the turn of the century (that would be the early 1900s) to transport fired and unfired pieces of pottery to and from the kilns in central Ohio, where famous potteries like Roseville got their start. One particular basket-maker, J.W. Longaberger, lived in Dresden and made baskets for a supplemental income and for family use. This craft and the town of Dresden had all but died in 1972 when one of JW's 12 children, Dave Longaberger, decided to re-start the family business.

      It's a long and colorful rags-to-riches family story, but suffice to say, the company is in it's third generation of Longabergers with a massive plant just outside Dresden and a basket-shaped corporate office in Newark, Ohio, both of which make for interesting tours, whether you are a basket lover or not.

(please click the photos to enlarge)

      I usually stay at my favorite B&B, The Pines of Dresden, formerly known as Hemlock House. Owners Marin and Allison have done a terrific job in two years of bringing the four-plus bedroom in-town farmhouse back to its B&B heydays, when former owners Tom and Jean Elliott greeted guests with homemade muffins, a lazy cat or two, and lovely colonial furnishings. Marin, so-named for his mother's love of Marin County, California, is an outstanding gourmet cook. He whips up breakfast for the guests and special dinners by request. Allison, once Miss Teen USA, is as sweet as her title suggests. I've stayed other places in Dresden, so I can highly recommend The Pines. 

 

(Pictured, the Blue Bird Room at The Pines of Dresden B&B)

This trip found me at The Comfort Inn of Millersburg, Ohio. Friendly front desk folk are glad to recommend their favorite tourist attractions and give directions.

      Just up the road any which way you’ll find plenty to do. To the south near Zanesville, you can find pottery outlets and an annual pottery festival. West is Frazeysburg, Newark and on to Columbus, a thoroughly modern big city with a hip, downtown vibe. There are many amazing restaurants from which to choose, but Haiku Poetic Food and Art at 800 North High Street, won over my palate and my heart with its charming casual outside dining. Heading east is Coshocton, a former canal town with its historic Roscoe Village. You can ride a horse-drawn canal boat and hear stories about this mode of travel which ended around 1913 with the advent of the railroad. Also in Coshocton is Raven's Glenn, known as 'Ohio's Crown Jewel Of Wineries,' located on the banks of the Tuscarawas River. There is a tasting room, a Tuscan style Italian restaurant with a Sunday champagne brunch buffet, a gift shop, and a full service banquet facility.

      Day two took me north to Millersburg and along the winding Rt. 83, I spotted one of the few remaining “Mail Pouch” barn-sides in excellent condition. It looked as if it had been painted yesterday. I had to stop and turn around to get a shot but felt if I didn't it might fade away before next time like so many other roadside signs. What always amazes me about this part of Ohio is how hilly it really is. Most of Ohio is flat like the rest of the Midwest, but in this central section there are steep hills with amazing views. It is a real workout for walkers and cyclists. It's also a tricky drive in the winter, or early fall in this case.

      In Millersburg in Holmes County I had a nice strip steak at the Millersburg Hotel and then went gaga in the evening over all the antiques shops that I couldn't get into. Things close early in these parts, even in the summer and on the weekends, so do your homework before you go. One store, however, made up for all the rest. That was 55 West & Co., a huge, multi-level old downtown building filled to the brim with antiques and salvage- a gazillion vintage finds waiting to be re-purposed, just as the owner was doing by gluing colorful Bakelite and rhinestone jewelry to large, plate-glass mirrors. I scored some vintage finds for the whopping total of $12 (a doll head, baby shoes and old pencils) and two pairs of handmade, beaded earrings by owner Stefanie Kauffman, visit their blog here.

       There were old typewriters, old door knobs, wooden sewing drawers, minks, boas, vintage hankies and more, all artfully arranged. The windows were a-glitter with vintage Christmas lights and ornaments, a perfect glow for a cold, snowy day. I definitely plan to go back. A truck would come in handy.

(inside 55 & West Co.)

      Great dates to check out Millersburg this season would be Children’s Night Dec. 19, Last-Minute Shopping and Free Gift Wrap Dec. 22, and Girls’ Night Out is already set for Feb. 21, 2009.

      The heart of Holmes County is the US' largest Amish settlement outside of Lancaster, PA. The little towns of Berlin, Walnut Creek, Charm, Mount Hope, Winesburg and in the next county east the town of Sugar Creek offer a dizzying amount of craft stores, Amish restaurants, quilt shops, B&Bs, cheese shops and furniture stores. Watch out for the buggies on the road. This is not a re-enactment. Just driving by the pretty farms and taking in the 'view for miles' from the tops of the hills will give you a glimpse into this modest lifestyle.

 

(Country Gatherings and The Potting Shed- huge shop on OH39 just east of Berlin, OH- local and "county" goods, home decor)

      The shops are packed in side-by-side along the main and side streets, so allow plenty of time for looking and save time for a slice of Lemon-Blueberry pie or maple-frosted buttermilk cookies at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Walnut Creek, where you can see the most amazing views down into the valley below, from your parking spot. Der Dutchman restaurants, inns and shops can also be found in Sugarcreek, Plain City and Waynesville, as well as Middlebury, IN. Check them out at www.dhgroup.com.

       Known as “Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek offers a glimpse of the Swiss-Amish sect, those who adhere to an even stricter code, such as only open carts and buggies-not covered-even in a snowstorm. You can purchase bulk foods here, and also observe traditional cheese-making.

      Berlin has what seems like hundreds of shops right along Ohio 39. You can check it out during “Shopping Under the Stars” Dec. 12. One of my favorite shops here is “Country From the Heart.” It’s not your usual, tired country themes. Instead, owner and artisan Tammie J. Weaver favors the primitive as well as folk art and paper mache. Country Gatherings offers home décor and gifts as well as a “Potting Shed,” another fave of mine.

 

(Country From the Heart Front Porch OH 39 downtown Berlin)

      You’ll also find a year-‘round Christmas store, Sol’s Exchange-billed as Ohio’s largest arts and crafts mall- more cheese shops, quilting and fabric stores, a scrapbook store, furniture, a kitchen gadgets store, and an amazingly huge shop for doll collectors.

      Wherever your travels in Ohio take you, there’s plenty of lodging and plenty of eats, so be sure to Google the area, do your homework, request brochures, and you’ll have a cozy and successful get-away, whatever the season.

- Contributing Editor Gina Smith aka Lilly*s of London*ish, started making jewelry about six years ago and has since tied this in with a love of vintage finds, Blythe, crochet and altered art in her etsy shop. Growing up in an antiquing family gives her a background and appreciation for all things vintage, especially dinnerware, jewelry and Americana advertising prints and products

{All contributed content Gina Smith © Lilly*s of London*ish}

Kentucky News - Dinosaur World Cave City, KY - On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young

Driving along I-65 S through Kentucky, it’s hard to miss the giant fiberglass dinosaur sitting atop a small hill at Exit 53.  He invites the adventurous driver and family to exit at Cave City, KY and visit Dinosaur World.  Reminiscent of the almost bygone roadside attractions, this is a delight to find along the modern interstate.

 Opened in June 2003, this location is one of three in the United States.  Glen Rose, TX and Plant City, FL boast the other two, all owned by the same individual, Swedish businessman Christer Svensson.  The main attraction here is the Dinosaur Walk where one will find over 150 life size dinosaurs nestled among trees and other natural vegetation. 

(pictured right, Mr. Young)
Signs are posted with dinosaur descriptions and facts.  Be sure to walk up the hill beyond the Mammoth Display to have your picture taken with Photosaurus.  Other onsite attractions include a fossil dig, boneyard, indoor museum, movie cave, picnic area, playground and gift shop.  The gift shop offers everything from a 50 cent plastic dinosaur to an authentic dinosaur egg nest for $3600.  Yes, they have sold several, mainly to companies seeking to decorate their offices with that most unusual item. 

Vintage Hot Spot - Art in Advertising - Indy Antique Advertising Show

If you are in the Indianapolis area be sure to visit the Indianapolis Antique Advertising Show held in March and September.  Dealers from Germany, Florida, California, Washington, Maine, Ohio and everywhere in between set up their finest pieces of vintage advertising at this wonderful show. 

(click on photos to enlarge)


 
Held in the Champions Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis), it’s easy to maneuver, well lit and there is plenty of parking.  Saturday hours are 10-5 and Sunday hours are 10-3.  A vintage Toy Show is held in conjunction with the Advertising Show on Sunday with hours of 8-10 for early buyers and 10-3 for regular buyers.  One will find 86 tables filled with delightful toys from bygone eras.  Admission is $7 and children 12 and under are admitted free.\



 





Sandra and Doug Moore and Sharron and Vern Atkins of A&M Promotions bought the show from the previous owners in September 2001.  It has been in existence for 38 years and has quite the following.  While the March show is usually larger with approximately 95 dealers, you will still find approximately 80 dealers at the September show. 

  Sandra has been an antiques dealer for over 20 years, specializing in Bakelite, Ohio Art, Scotty collectibles and vintage travel souvenirs.  She states that this show is one of the largest advertising shows in the country and offers premium merchandise only, guaranteeing the customer that they will find top notch items.  Dealers are asked by invitation only.  It is here that you will find many one of a kind, unique and often museum quality pieces including country store items, signs, gas station and soda fountain collectibles, display cabinets and paper ephemera.  It is stipulated that dealers cannot offer items newer than the 1960s. 

While visiting the Advertising Show, be sure to sign up for their mailing list.  Information about the Antique Advertising Association of America which holds annual conventions is also available.  If you need a break, concessions can be found on site.  Porters and carts are also offered for larger purchases. 

Mark your calendars now for the next show to be held March 21-22, 2009.  More information can be found at www.indyadshow.com. 

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

Vintage Hot Spot - Gatherings Jeffersonville, IN

               

If you love romantic décor and vintage style, stroll into Gatherings in Jeffersonville, IN for unique gift items and home accessories.  This delightful store is filled to the brim with all things beautiful.  Soft neutrals with accents of black and dark brown as well as floral patterns abound. 

My favorite display is a vintage metal serving cart adorned with a coiled green garden house and framed bird prints tucked within.  Other delightful items include unique picture frames, candles, gifts for the new baby and a line of scrapbook items by Anna Griffin.  Among the vintage items, one will find rhinestone jewelry from the 1920s and 1930s, stemware, dishes, silverware and ice buckets.   

Owner Shannon Ross states that Gatherings has something for everyone in every price range.  She scours the market for quality items at a reasonable price and strives to pass that on to her customers.  Gatherings first opened in 2002 and has been in its current location in the historic downtown area since July 2006.   

            

Hours:         Monday through Friday 10-5

                   Saturday 10-3

Address:      426 Spring St.

                  Jeffersonville, IN  47130

                  (812) 282-3865 

Website:  Gatherings

Do you hold any special events?  Gatherings will be conducting several upcoming seminars.  One will be on tablescapes for the holidays during the Christmas season, another on how to host a tea party and a third seminar on paper crafting; specifically how to create vintage crafts from new scrapbooking supplies.  A Holiday Open House will be held on November 6th from 6-9pm.  An Open House is also held in the spring. Another event called Art on Spring is held three to four times a year.  Several downtown businesses participate and a local artist is featured at each participating location.  It is always an evening event and refreshments are served.

Is shopping independent stores and businesses important to you?  Shannon says that being an entrepreneur gives her the desire to support other small, independent businesses.  Furthermore, shopping independent establishments allows her the opportunity to find unique items that aren’t run of the mill.   

Not only does Gatherings offer items to decorate your home, but they will also provide design services, customized party décor and fresh floral arrangements.  It’s a one stop shop to meet all of your home interior and gift giving needs.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

 

Vintage Hot Spot - Schimpff's Confectionery Jeffersonville, IN - Sweet Taste of Nostalgia by guest reporter Elizabeth Young

Walking along a quaint street in downtown Jeffersonville, IN, I was drawn into Schimpff’s Confectionery by the sweet scent of chocolate.  Once inside, I was delighted to find glass display cases stocked full of decadent homemade chocolates, hard candies and other such fanciful creations.  An old fashioned 1950s soda fountain offered cold ice cream treats and fountain drinks.  At lunchtime, a hungry shopper can sit down at one of the many tables and enjoy lunch counter fare.

In the connecting building, I found the most wonderful display of artifacts, candy making equipment, metal tins, candy boxes and advertising in the Schimpff’s Candy Museum.  Housed in beautiful antique wooden display cases, memorabilia and candy containers reflect American candy production and packaging for over 100 years.

Customers and tour groups can view candy being made in the large candy demonstration area.  Onlookers can watch the Schimpffs use turn of the century equipment and molds to churn out their famous Cinnamon Red Hots, Traditional Fish Candy and Candy Canes.   

Hours:  Monday through Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-3

Address:  347 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130

(812) 283-8367

I also had a chance to ask owners Jill and Warren a few questions about their lovely store and museum. 

Do you hold any special events at Schimpff's?

Every year on April 11th, Schimpff’s holds an anniversary party.  Enjoy cake and treat yourself to Red Hots for 2 cents per 1/4 lb, the original price they sold for when the store opened in 1891.  In July, celebrate Fabulous 50s at the Fountain and enjoy 50% off all fountain items served by employees wearing poodle skirts and bobby socks.  On the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving come watch Ribbon Candy and the Striping of the Candy Canes.  It’s an annual tradition at Schimpffs.  Traditional Fish Candy is made on a regular basis from the end of September through October.

Is shopping independent stores and businesses important to you? 

“Absolutely,” say fourth generation owners Warren and Jill Schimpff.  They personally know the sacrifice that is made to keep a family business running.  They ran the Confectionery while still living in California for over ten years before retiring to Jeffersonville and moving above the business.  When the family is involved and visible, customers can ask questions and often relate to the history of the business.  Whenever possible, Warren and Jill visit family run bakeries, drug stores, movie houses and soda fountains across the United States.  “Everyone is so supportive of one another in small business,” says Jill.

While visiting Schimpff’s Confectionery in person will provide the best eye candy, there is always the option of mail order.  Visit Schimpff's Online for a complete list of available items.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each! 

Welcome Elizabeth Young - Vintage Indie's newest reporter

Vintage Indie is excited to welcome Elizabeth Young to the the Vintage Indie family. She'll be joining us a couple of times a month when she goes " on the road again". Bringing you the inside scoop on small businesses and more.  I hope you will help me in sending her a warm welcome in the next coming weeks. If you haven't got a chance to check out her previous two features including her home tour as well as her 127 Yard Sale trip then you need head over to those for a special treat.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!

On the Road Again 127 Yard Sale 2008 - Guest Reporter Elizabeth Young

Vintage Indie would like to welcome Elizabeth Young as our recent guest reporter. You may remember Elizabeth from a very fun "My Vintage Pad" tour of her Victorian home. She recently went on the road to the 127 Yard Sale and took a ton of pictures to share with us!  (Click Photos to enlarge)






Pictures from the Frankfort, Ky to Junction City, KY area!

It was a blast!  These were all taken at the first field sale we stumbled upon...

















We made it to Junction City, KY with one hour to go before dark.

 

As the sun sets she loads one last heavy box of books...

 

And the very last purchase, an old children's bed tray unused and mint in the original box...and the sun goes down....

 

It took us 12 1/2 hours to go 1 hour and 45 minutes down the 127 corridor!

 

What a BLAST!!! 

 

Perfect weather, lots of vintage treasures, good deals and yes, we'd do it again!


Vintage Indie would like to thank Elizabeth and her husband for a fabulous photo tour of the 127 Yard Sale. Please stop by Elizabeth's fabulous vintage shop Grandmother's Attic for a ton of wonderful vintage and found treasures.

Guest Reporter Kelly Jones on Location - The Farm Chicks Antique Show -

Please welcome Kelly Jones to Vintage Indie. Just back from The Farm Chicks antique show, she's brought some serious eye candy with her. I hope you enjoy her report.

 
   
Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards are the crafty minds behind The Farm Chicks. This duo’s love for junking’, has gone from selling antiques out of a friend’s barn, to a much, much larger yearly event that has many die hard lovers of junk lining up for some of their good old-fashioned fun. This year the Farm Chicks Antique show, held in Spokane Washington (July 7-8^th) held up to it’s reputation!

I have been a fan of the duo for some time now, especially since becoming contributors for one of my favorite magazines, Country Living. When my husband gave me the OK to attend this year’s event, I booked my flight from California, to Washington faster than you could say “Junk in my trunk!” All the anticipation, the waiting in the cold and rain along with the other hundreds of other serial Junkers, was well worth it!

(Pictured Above Present Past by Heather Bullard)

Gorgeous booths of every imaginable vintage, antique and handmade goodie, as far as the eye could see! It was a little overwhelming the first day of the event, so many things to see and everyone and their mother were there to see it! It was almost impossible to make your way through the crowds and into the amazing booths.

(Pictured Left The Vintage Empire)

The second day was much calmer. The feeding frenzy had died down, and the crowd was much more subdued. I was finally able to really dig in to those booths!

The Farm Chicks booth was the first thing you saw upon entering the venue. Their featured items were new, old stock, enamel ware from a warehouse in India. Gorgeous colors of red, blue, green and white. I’m not kidding when I say there was maybe 8 pieces left from the first day! Those ladies went nuts for this! And who could blame them really! The booth also featured their handmade vintage wallpaper pendants, and adorable soldered charms displayed in vintage cupcake tins (both pictured above)!

                

                  

                  

The rest of the show was filled with some of the most extravagant and well thought out booths I have ever witnessed! The vignettes these vendors put together were so breathtaking, that it was nearly impossible to walk away with out a purchase! The event was fabulous, and was such a hit that they have plans to expand even more next year! If you are a little “Farm girl meets Fifth   Avenue”, then hitch up your horse, grab your cowgirl finery, and visit their next event! Or you could just hop on a plane like I did!

A Special thanks to Kelly Jones for her wonderful reporting and great photos. Please be sure to stop by her fantastic vintage shop on Etsy Sweet Addie and her beautiful blog Sweet Addie Vintage.

 

Guest Reporter Timi on The Farm Chicks Antique Show

 

Farm Chicks…….Those Ladies Know What They are Doin!

What a fantastic fun inspiring show!  Despite the pouring down rain and waiting in a line out in that pouring rain for about 30 minutes, this show was well worth it.

The Farm Chicks know what they are doing! This show was well organized, had great items, everything was reasonably priced, and all of the vendors were there because this is their passion. Even the ladies whose booths got stuck out in the rain were trying to make the best of it.

(Pictured left,line in the rain)

Cool Chicks not so cool……..Don't you know about this new thing called an umbrella?????

This was the first time me and my Cool Chick Posse had ever attended a Farm Chick Show. I don't think anyone there anticipated the turn out they had, I know we didn't.

The first few hours of this show were INSANE!  You couldn't move, you couldn't look at anything, and you certainly didn't want to "think about" something before you bought it.  It would have been gone as soon as you set it down.

I had nothing in mind that I wanted or needed when I got there.  I really just wanted to experience this show and The Farm Chick phenomenon.  Well, it wasn't long after entering the show that I and my Cool Chick Posse caught Farm Chick Fever.  We all had initial necklaces, and were searching for cute skirts, aprons, and cowboy boots. You couldn't help but get caught up in the energy and fun happening around you.

The vendors in this show were fantastic! There was such a huge variety of items from beautiful hand crafted things to wonderful unique vintage items. All the vendors had great booths, with lovely displays, plenty of help in their booth, and despite the overwhelming crowds they all had smiles on their faces. These ladies truly love what they are doing.  I left inspired to get home and start makin' things happen! Not sure what that is yet but I'm feelin' it!

Some of my favorite vendors there;

Tickled Pink

The Vintage Empire

The Cat's Pajamas

Bari J.

There wasn't one booth in this show that we walked by because it didn't look interesting to us. We stopped at every booth and shopped every booth.  As usual…………I found items I didn't even know I needed!

These are some of my finds.

The cutest shopping cart in the world!  Purchased from Tickled Pink…..Look for her in Portland

Pink vintage sweater with my Farm Chicks pendent necklace.  It's fabulous!

 

I decided I needed something to drink, so I made my way through the crowds to the back of the building, once back there, back by the concession stand where there was NOBODY  I looked to my left and amongst the cute banquet tables covered in cute table clothes I saw a sight that made me laugh so hard, yet it should serve as a lesson to all women.

There they were….MEN!.........Sitting at the tables bored out of their minds! Staring in to space, trying to make small talk with the other men, and drinking endless cups of coffee.  These men where all great sports when I asked to take their picture. I wanted to e-mail it home to my husband to show him what he was missing! These men are my heroes! I hope their wives made them a fancy dinner and showed their appreciation when they got home.

Ladies……..let this photo be lessons to you……………..If they aren't interested don't drag them there!  It's just cruel! 

On Sunday morning over coffee my Cool Chick Posse decided that we would be making our reservations again as soon as the next Farm Chicks show was announced.  This was so much fun. We saw beautiful things, met some wonderful ladies, and had a girl's weekend we will be talking about for months!  If you love junkin, and everything that encompasses that, sign up for the Farm Chicks Mailing list and attend their next show!  Gather up your best junkin girlfriends and make your plans. I guarantee this trip will leave you inspired as well as be in your top 5 of BEST TRIPS EVER!

Have fun!

A special thanks to Timi Weathers for her fabulous guest reporting for Vintage Indie. She runs the Cool Chick Club and writes her own blog A Girl Named Timi. If you can, head over there and thank her for bringing The Farm Chicks excitement to Vintage Indie Mag.

Guest Reporter On Location - Stormville Airport Antique Show & Market Stormville, NY

Come along with Janet McCaffrey of Primrose Design to her recent visit to a vintage Hot Spot the, Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market (Stormville, NY).

I missed the opening weekend of the Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market in April but I’d heard that the Memorial Day weekend dates were even better. So, this past Saturday I made the 1.5 hour drive to Stormville (located halfway between New York City and Albany off the Taconic Parkway; exit 16N off I84 if you’re arriving from the east or west). First off, let me say that I wish they had better traffic control. It took nearly as long for me to drive the 3 miles from the I84 exit to the show than it did to drive there from Pennsylvania (seriously!) Several people in front of me ran out of patience and bailed, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to attend. Or plan your trip so you arrive when they open at 7 am.

Parking, however, was not a problem. Don’t bother to look in the front rows—there will be tons of spots at the back. And if you do park in the back don’t be discouraged when you enter the show and find nothing but food stands and tables of new merchandise. The good stuff is in the back!

Expect to do a lot of walking—it’s a huge space (there’s an aerial shot on their website if you want to check it out). This flea market began in 1970 with just two dozen booths and has grown into one of the region’s largest shows with 500+ vendors!

Enough with the details—you want to hear about what I found. With the economy the way it is these days I’m making a conscious effort to be more picky than I usually am with my purchases for my business and I didn’t find quite as much stuff as I would have liked. There were several vendors selling linens and textiles but I found most of their prices to be too high—what I would call “cutter” quality for antique store prices. I found some vintage fabric scraps, lots of $1 hankies, a batch of vintage needlework books, and a very cute apron. Mostly I found cool things to add to my personal collections (and that’s why most of us shop at flea markets anyway).

A booth I absolutely loved was one that sold vintage paper goods—tables full of them. Old prints (botanicals, fish, birds, and animals), advertising posters, soap labels, and seed packets. In fact, their stunning display of 1920s seed packets in the original wooden display rack was what caught my eye in the first place. I bought a 1929 cover from a seed catalog with a lovely illustration of delphiniums for $19. Expect high prices for these original prints but they're truly gorgeous.

I fell in love with this vintage honey pot with a bear perched on top and got it for $5. I'll add it to the one with three-dimensional bees that I bought last year. That makes two so I think that qualifies as a collection!
















I already have a collection of vintage purses—both silver mesh and art deco beaded—and found a white beaded clutch purse for $5 from a vendor who had a very pretty booth with lots of vintage clothing and textiles.

My best deal of the day was a pair of white cotton pillowcases trimmed with eyelet for $6. They were a bit dusty and yellowed but a quick soak cleaned them up perfectly. I love that these aren't too frilly so I'm going to use them on my bed.

Would I attend this show again? Maybe, if I lived closer. The combination of a long drive, sitting in traffic for...ever, and not spending even half of the cash I brought, I'm not sure. It's a gorgeous area with lots of beautiful scenery, very old houses with cool architectural details, and other antiquing possibilities, so it might be worth further exploration with a weekend trip.

There are five more weekend events for 2008 if you want to try your luck—July 5-6, August 3, August 30-31, October 11-12, and November 2.

Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market, Rte. 216, Stormville, NY 12582.

Janet also runs a delightful blog Primrose Design Blog. Stop by and see what else she snatched up at the show.

Vintage Hot Spots - Athens Schoolhouse Antique Show Lexington, KY

Recently my husband and I took a trip south towards the Lexington Kentucky area for our anniversary. We made many stops along the way and this was one of my favorites.

Isn't this this old schoolhouse a shoppers dream? The building was one of my favorite parts about the trip The character in the school itself is so much fun. I just couldn't wait to get inside of the Athens Schoolhouse Antique Show. The show recently made a move from the Lexington Loose Leaf Tobacco Warehouse.

As you take a trip down through the long hallways, you feel like a little kid again. The show is extremely organized with each vendor in a schoolroom or participating in the booths of the large gym.

 

There is plenty of glassware, furniture and art to look at and just when you think it's over you find another hallway!

The old lunchroom is a great place to rest your feet and grab a bite to eat with large picnic tables and an eating area with even more antiques.

While you are there you'll want to be sure and visit the old school gym and stage for a host of fabulous booths.

That's it for this trip to the Athens Schoolhouse Antique Show, but mark your calendars the next show is May 9th-11th.

You can find them at
Athens School Property
6270 Walnut Hill Rd.
Lexington, KY 40515
Directions  - I-75, Exit 104 1 mile east on Athens - Boonesboro Rd.
Visit their website for even more information www.bigblueantiques.com

Vintage Hot Spot - Guest Reporter Feature - Annual Mother of All Garage Sale on Saturday, April 5, (Lincoln, Nebraska)

With caffeine in hand,  sugar in our systems and empty canvas bags over each shoulder, mom and I arrived at the 5^th Annual Mother of All Garage Sale on Saturday, April 5, (Lincoln, Nebraska) about 25 minutes early. It proved to be a very brisk stand for the couple hundred hunters arriving early to get a jump on the steals and deals.

It was quite overwhelming once we were actually allowed to go in and…well, get after it. It was hard to grasp the concept of an entire room full of garage sales and a room full of potential goodies. We soon found the way to be able to cover all, or most, of the huge event center before we had to a)stop to use the ladies room, b)stop to eat or c)sit down because our feet were screaming at us. Most booths were small (10x10), so if the booth was mostly clothes, adult or baby, we did a pass by. No time to clothes shop today. It took me only a short time to realize that negotiating was allowed, and encouraged {“don’t like our price? lets talk, we love the challenge”}. Giddy up. I ended up saving a nice amount on these non-essentials.

 

There were true blue garage sale items {pull out a drawer, dump into a flat, slap a “10 cents each” sign on it} all the way up to antique dealers with store fronts and a wealth of knowledge. I made three trips to my car to unload, and only the thread of self control I was able to hold onto made it to not 4 or more…that, and the fact that we are moving in 2 weeks, I would have to bring it home, pack it up, then move it again. Not very alluring.

My favorite item, hands down, the photograph of a green kitchen, vintage sink and fruit. It was $1. The artist signed her work, and I am so in love with the work I plan to seek out more of it. I simply love it.

 

The time with my mom was most wonderful, the haggling over goods was loads of fun, the loot I came home with is completely exhilarating.

 

Thanks again to Leah from Moxie Photo and Design for sharing this fun trip with us. Be sure to check out Leah's website for a host of fabulous vintage, art and photography.

Vintage Hot Spots - On Location with Guest Reporter Gina Smith Saluda, N.C

Just off I-26 in the mountains of western North Carolina, just north of the South Carolina border is a charming town that beckons for much more than just a highway break. Vintage lovers will find the downtown of Saluda, N.C. calling them to stay for a weekend or more to explore the colorful shops, whether at the peak of autumn color or in the first blush of spring.

Summer and winter are equally pleasant here, too, depending on your interests, but I favor “walking-around” weather, so you can get a little workout while exploring this neat-as-a-pin and thriving town. The steepest standard gauge mainline railway grade in the US crests here, having opened in 1878. It runs right through downtown, but alongside, not across, so you can walk up and down the shop-lined streets without interruption.

Besides the well-maintained buildings themselves, possibly the best homage to vintage is found in M.A. Pace General Store. Set up just as it was nearly 100 years ago, this is a “general” store in the truest sense of the word. The necessities of daily life are crowded in with hardware sundries, garden implements, paint supplies and more-and the owner here will be glad to have you “sit a spell” and chat.

There are a fair number of antiques shops and gift stores, but the most pleasant surprise for me was Random Arts and proprietress Jane Powell. Random Arts has already received a fair share of publicity, having been featured in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, (Sept.-Oct. 2007), and it was this which made me choose exit 59 off of I-26 rather than your run-of-the-mill rest stop.

A couple of hours and a couple of bags later, surprisingly, even my husband was pleased with our “delay.” Random Arts is a treasure trove for the altered artist, but in being so, it contains plenty of vintage finds, such as old books, postcards and stamps as well as beautiful vintage wood bobbins of all shapes and sizes, full of colorful ribbons.

More vintage goodness can be found in pieces of old folding wooden rulers, metal bins and rusty locker baskets, rusty “things,” and just general eye candy and inspiration for any creative soul.

Some of the names of other shops will conjure up more beckoning images. Try out A Gardener’s Cottage, The Brass Latch, Biddie’s Antiques, Duck Alley, Salamander, Somewhere in Time or The Frozen Clock.

Saluda also has a hip, modern vibe which can be found especially in their eateries, such as Saluda Grade Café, The Whistle Stop Café, Wildflour Bakery and our lunch stop of choice, The Purple Onion.

Beside exquisite soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts, The Purple Onion has a full dinner menu and a notable wine list as well as original artwork hung gallery style within the high-ceiling, historic interior.

Saluda boasts actual art galleries as well, with Saluda Fine Arts and Your Art’s Desire as well as a day spa and 10 or more lodges, B&Bs and inns. The third Saturday in May is the Saluda Arts Festival, while the first Saturday after July 4 is Corn Dog Day. Learn more about this delightful town at www.saluda.com.

- Guest Reporter, Gina Smith

{All contributed content Gina Smith © Lilly*s of London*ish}

 

Vintage Hot Spots - New Guest Reporter Feature - Long Beach CA Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market

Guest Reporters show off their favorite vintage, antiques & collectibles places & events to shop. From little hidden gems in small towns to huge shows around the world. Discover new places, find out what others look for when they shop, and mark them on your map of "must visit" places.

Do you have a local "Vintage Hot Spot" to shop, that you want to share with Vintage Indie readers? Send me your ideas/submissions along with 3 or more photos with the subject Vintage Hot Spot for consideration.
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First up we head to Long Beach California Outdoor Antiques and Collectible Market with our  guest reporter Valerie M.  of  Wonderlust & Pixie Dust.

"This was my first visit to the Long Beach Antique and Collectibles Market in a very long time.  In the good old days it used to be a monthly ritual along with the wonderful Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena California. I could feel myself getting all giddy as I walked up to pluck down my $5.  There was so much to see I didn't know where to run first.  This was also my first time attempting to take pictures with a purpose in mind and I wasn't sure how they were going to come out. Let me share with you some of the treasures that I wish I could have dragged home with me."

Come back tomorrow for part 2 of Valerie's trip to the Long Beach Outdoor Antique and Collectibles Market and mark your calendar to shop rain or shine for February 17th.

In the meantime head over to Wanderlust & Pixie Dust for your fix a vintage, altered art & supplies.

Got a Secret? VI is looking for your favorite hidden Shop Spot!

Do you shop at a local indie or vintage hot spot? I'm launching a new feature in the next couple of weeks and I've already got a few fabulous hidden gems to show off that I can't wait to share! In the meantime I'm looking for guest reporters to show off your favorite vintage shops, antique shows, indie shops & more.

If you are interested, please send me an email Subject: Shop Spot Guest Reporter and if you share your favorite hot spot, we'll share your business or blog with our readers!

Thank you,
Gabreial 

Shop Vintage - Featuring Glitter Workshop

If you love vintage & vintage-inspired kitsch, you're sure to love Glitter Workshop . I've been meaning to go & visit Naomi and the gang up in Madison, WI (about 2 hours from me) but have not made it there so far this summer. I'm hopeful for the fall. Don't worry if you aren't close to Madison as you can simply do your shopping online.

I think one of the coolest things that Glitter Workshop offers is their ephemera packets. Each packet contains a slew of vintage print items..perfect for making fun collages. These packets will set you back a mere 5 dollars & give you pleasure way beyond that.

If kitchen & household items are your thing, Glitter Workshop always has a number of must-haves for your home. This adorable squirrel nut holder may be the item that's missing from your living room.

That's a piece of the fun at GW. You never know what you'll find, everything is cool & with amazingly low prices, you might even find yourself shopping there every week!

~Liz

A Special thanks to Liz, the editor over at Wickedly Chic for this special guest feature What a great place to shop for vintage, thanks for the write up! Don't forget to check out my column Beautify Me on Wickedly Chick every week. ~ Gabreial

technorati tags: VintageIndie, ShopVintage, GlitterWorkshop, MadisionWisconsin, Vintage, Thrifting,
WickedlyChic, BeautifyMe