You know, being a writer I thought I would be better about keeping up with this stuff, but the truth is, with trying to uncover the vast mysteries of how Facebook works, or rather how it can work for your own business, and trying to travel the "Antiques Trail" both in search of new merch and to keep the commitments of our show schedule, I simply haven't had, or made, time. Sorry about that. I am hereby making a resolution to do better.
Summer is essentially over in Michigan; in many counties the kids are already back to school, making up for days missed last winter in the record-breaking cold and snow. There will come a slight lull now, as parents juggle with decisions: what's more important, the kids' school clothes or that cupboard they really liked in my booth last week? hmmmm I wonder what they will decide...Oh well, this is just one of the ups and downs of the business, right up there with mid-April's tax crunch, and the odd concept many people share that antiques somehow don't make good Christmas presents. We get through it.
This summer has been so cold up here that I'm actually already itching to get into Autumn decor in our booths. Mums are already out at most northern nurseries, and if I knew where to buy white pumpkins right now I might give it a go.
I can start in subtle ways by working in the dried hydrangeas, sweet annie, white mums and anything else that's already plentiful. The Chinese lanterns, bittersweet, purple asters, the dried sunflowers and weathered grapevine will have to wait awhile yet.
Just like the plants change in our booths, so does the merchandise. We introduce more black and grey; add in a few weathered old barn red or mustard cupboards, benches and tables to temper all the white pieces; layer it thickly with pillows, quilts and rugs, and focus far more on how to give the crusty rusty garden decor we love pride of place in winter interiors, as statement pieces on tabletops, and as focal points above mantels, in corners, etc. Urns, statues, rusty side tables and etageres, birdhouses, all look beautiful when brought indoors for winter use.
Lately, I've been experimenting with using rusty automotive and other farm or industrial "junque" in repurposed ways, as seating, vases for dried plant material, wall art, framing for mirrors, etc.  As soon as we set up the next booth or do some staging at home, I'll get some pictures taken to include here.
 Last great trip for buying? our local scrapyard!
Last great trip for selling? Last Sunday in Grand Rapids Michigan at the Downtown Vintage Market!
Next great trip for selling? This Sunday at the Royal Oak Farmers and Flea Market at 316 E. Eleven Mile, in Downtown Royal Oak, that Artsiest of Detroit suburbs. The famous Dream Cruise Vintage Auto Extravaganza will be happening the same weekend, so come to the Flea early, find your treasures and make a clean getaway before those engines get revved up for the day...or stay in town for the day and revel in all things vintage