My shop officially opened on July 10th. My apologies, I have been trying to post since the 11th. Between life in general and still working 40 hours at my "real job" and then all the hours at the shop, or spent getting things ready for the shop, it has been a bit hectic. I finally have gotten caught up on everything and now can go forward, that is until the holiday season. As tired and busy that I am, I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!! Thank you for your patience.
Welcome to my Shop. (Sorry Bad Hair Day, curse this humidity!) Please let me show you around.
Doorway view of the shop. I made the curtains out of scraps of fabric and trim. I wanted them to look like aprons. What can be more vintage fun than red pom poms!
I am so very happy! So very, very, very HAPPY!!! I had customers. I had paying customers. I had paying customers with lovely comments!!!! Can you tell that I am happy? Last Saturday, not even pouring rain or having to walk up a flight of stairs kept people away. Of course I expected friends and family, but was so happy to meet and greet new folks. It was a pleasure to meet fellow blogger Julie of Dog Trot Farm who knew of my open house through A Conversation at Goodwill. Several other local bloggers have commented that they will be stopping by this summer and I so look forward to meeting them all.
It was interesting to see what items sold and was surprised in some cases. My Moose leg lamp (yes a real Moose leg) sold to a college student attending the Maine Maritime Academy. She couldn't wait to take it to her dorm room. After all, nothing says Maine more than a Moose leg lamp. A 10 year old girl bought my old Royal Typewriter. She just loved the sound that the keys made. The jewelry and clothing have been huge sellers along with Pyrex and cookbooks. I never get tired of hearing my customers say "My Nana or Aunt or Mom had that same vase, dish or apron. The shop has generated some happy childhood recollections for the folks that have stopped by to visit. I already feel like a success with just those comments. It means that I am finding desirable pieces for the shop.
Having such a small space 14x15, I wanted to make use of the whole space but did not want it to look too busy or topple heavy. You know what I mean, when you go to shops that have so much stacked that you are afraid to pick something up for fear of causing an avalanche of plates, pottery and assorted glassware, all very breakable. So I created "rooms" cozy little vignettes as if you were visiting someone's home. I used old photos to identify each space. I have Mama's Kitsch'n full of Pyrex and aprons, Aunt Lu-Lu's Closet with jewelry and fashions, Road Trip featuring Vintage Souvenir pieces from Maine and around the country, and Papa's Study with old maps, photos and of course that 1930 Philco Radio I recently found at a lawn sale. In addition to these cornerstone vignettes, I have several displays that will totally change out at the start of each month.
I have created a new blog titled 2nd fl Thriftiques just for the store. It is there that I will be showing detailed photos of each of the displays and when new things hit the shop. Please click here to see detailed photos of Mama's Kitsch'n. I will next be sharing photos of Aunt Lu-Lu's Closet. Please be sure to stop by for a visit.
This is a little step stool that houses some light green pottery pieces. On top is my favorite color green egg basket. Sitting on the floor is a metal tray that I have had for years. Love the color but the center of the tray had a bit too much rust. Problem solved with a little bit of sanding, primer and chalkboard paint.
I have had this little grasshopper for years, and am ready, although still sad, to part with it. I must ask, how do you collectors/shop owners part with any treasure? That is the hard part for me.
I have a children's area. This little doll's crib needed a little TLC. I made the mattress from an old curtain and the pillow is from an old pillowcase that had seen better days.
This is my vintage wedding display. I have wedding cake toppers, beautiful hats in white and ivory along with gloves and pearls. I have it all displayed on my ashtray turned display stand that I previously showed. The whole display feels like a 3 tiered wedding cake. Come the start of August, this display will be changed out for a new collection.
This area is Nana's Pantry with crocks and jugs and blue & white dishes. Hanging on the wall above this display are 4 unused Ford 1986 wheel covers. I think they look great as artwork. The license plates are from a World War II London. They also make great artwork.
Above Nana's Pantry are shelves filled with McCoy, Haeger, Shawnee and Hull, all dark green.
This jelly cupboard houses my pastels. I especially love the aqua pieces on top.
A 1960's dress and pillbox hat.
Part of Aunt Lu-Lu's Closet.
In the center of the room, I have this fabulous table with 4 chairs. It may be sold any moment as I have 2 customers vying for it. For the moment it houses barware and glasses. I added a man's tuxedo cummerbund and tie along with ladies hat, gloves and evening bag, to set the tone for a "Night of Cocktails" for this display.
More photos to come, quickly, I promise.
I still can't believe that my dream to own a shop has become a reality. Honestly it was a lot of hard work but at the end of the day, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Thank you , Thank you, Thank You, to all of you who took the time to leave such wonderful comments in showing your support. Whether it was seeing your successful booths or shops for ideas, or just receiving your words of encouragement, you gave me the courage to try. I am grateful for your support.
Sherrie
I love the color Blue ....... dark blue & white of flow blue china, cornflower blue paired with yellow for a French Provencal look, or shades of aqua and red for a retro diner feel. Whether you spell it blue or bleu. I love this color.
This aqua bowl with white squiggles was a giddy moment lawnsale find. To see past aqua thrifty finds, Please click here.
This Carol Brady dress is shades of aqua, turquoise and avocado and is a 1970's delight.
Love the graphics and color of this Pretzel Tin. Another lawnsale find, it was thrown in for free as I was buying the Christmas ornaments that were inside.
Beautiful McCoy planters against a backdrop of aqua/turquoise flowers of the simply divine metal tray.
This shade of blue works really well paired with tan. These 2 plates are made by different companies, yet match perfectly with their similar colors and design.
Large gorgeous platter, need I say more.
The swan planter is marked Conder. The square planter in the back with the 24 kt gold is by Shaefer. The duck in the middle is a similar in color/glaze as my McCoy pieces but is not marked. It cost me a dime at a fall church sale.
Pyrex bowl (butterprint pattern) and Pyrex plate (blue grass restaurant ware).
Why not decorate with a license plate, especially when it is vintage, a cowboy, and turquoise.
I am in heaven with this Blue Heaven plate and pair of fabulous clip-on earrings.
The patterns are from the 1950's and regrettably not my size, but make me drool. The bowl on the left front is Haeger (still with its original sticker) and the pitcher in the back reminds me of Shaefer and is only marked 24 kt gold.
A recent thrift store find, this set is absolutely stunning. It would be oh so fabulous with the dresses shown on the patterns above. Still in their original jewelry box with handwriting noting that they were a birthday gift July 17, 1947 for a very lucky woman.
Of course, if you have the 1940's necklace and the 1950's dress, you need the 1960's Jackie-O pill box hat. It has two tags that read: Mr. John Classic, New York & Paris as well as another one, Cherry & Webb.
So whether you spell Blue or Bleu, how can you not love this color?
