Antique Trader Blog - green living

Preserving the relics of our collective past

Karen — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:07:53 GMT

Everyone has a few items in their house they are saving for reasons only they know. Over the past few years I’ve worked hard to keep my pack-rat habits in check. However, there’s always one or two boxes full of newspaper clippings, magazines and assorted snapshots of our lives that seems to accompany us in every move.

This week’s cover feature offers a new look at what you can do to preserve the items dear to your collection or dear to your heart. Many people look at their collections as a personal, intellectual pursuit – one that their children may not be excited to inherit.

But the old quilts, jewelry, books and pocket watch in use every day is often the most cherished items passed down from one generation to another.

Congratulations!

A hearty congrats goes out to Sherri Jones of Tampa, Fla. As the lucky winner of the July Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes, Jones will get a two-volume set of jewelry reference books by Kathy Flood, as well as a blue and green crystal Christmas tree brooch featured on the cover of “Warman’s Costume Jewelry Figurals.”

August Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes

Make sure you visit the Antique Trader website each day to enter the August Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of four Noritake British Airways pickle plates. Enter at http://sweepstakes.antiquetrader.com.

— Eric Bradley

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This issue made it all worthwhile

Karen — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:08:18 GMT

It has been a crazy-busy week this week.

We've had two publication deadlines: the June 16 edition of Antique Trader and the Summer edition of the Antique Trader Traveler. The Traveler will be available soon as a free PDF download, so you'll want to watch for that. We'll announce when it's ready and where you can get it.

And, of course, we had the Auction Extra on Tuesday, and our regular e-newsletter that went out today. Plus, we had to produce next Tuesday's Auction Exra early because of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday. [You can sign up to receive your free Antique Trader e-newsletters at www.antiquetrader.com.]

Also, the office has been abuzz with preparations for the Randolph St. Market's Chicago Antique Market. Editor Eric Bradley will be out the door shortly to hop on down to Chicago and make final preparations there.

Whew! That's a lot of commotion!

But, I tell you what: Seeing this week's issue come together really made it all worthwhile. This may be our best issue yet! Here's a look at the cover. We've got a really fascinating piece on industrial antiques as our cover feature, and Eric had the chance to speak with American Pickers' Frank Wolfe on just that, industrial antiques.

I have to admit, when Eric told me about the industrial antiques feature, I had my doubts. But I have been completely won over.

We here at Antique Trader wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. We're planning on sharing our weekend antiquing experiences with you — and we hope you'll do the same.

... and if you're in the area, drop by the Chicago Antique Market and experience the excitement! Eric will be at the Antique Trader Appraisal Fair.

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Antique Trader is giving a free antique appraisal to attendees of the Chicago Antique Market

Karen — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:59:13 GMT

Own an antique or collectible?
Of course you do!

Want to know its value?
Absolutely!

Come meet Antique Trader at Chicago's largest antiques and collectibles festival May 29-30! Every attendee to the Chicago Antique Market at the Randolph Street Market Festival will giving free antique appraisals at the inaugural Antique Trader Appraisal Fair. After shopping from aisles and aisles of more than 300 vendors inside and outside Chicago’s historic Plumbers Hall, regional and nationally-known antiques experts will answer your questions on family heirlooms and rare items from your collection.

Situated under the big top tent, every attendee is eligible for a free appraisal of an antique or collectible with additional appraisals (as time allows) available at $10 each. Appraisal fair hours are limited to 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 29 and from 11 to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30.

Among the experts scheduled to appear:

* Mark Moran, appraiser and senior editor of Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide, 44th Edition antiques and collectibles books for Krause Publications and an appraiser for PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow.”

* Brett Benson owner of Jewel Sphinx Extraordinary Objects and Jewels

* Daryle Lambert, founder of the 31 Corp., and author of the book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles.

Among the unique “show within a show” features at the Chicago Antique Market include:

* The Indie Designer Market, the lower level of Plumber’s Hall, features the hottest young designers creating avant garde and one-of-a-kind fashion, art and jewelry.

* The Vinyl Swap Meet, where thousands of collectible records from 45’s to LP’s, jazz to rock and show tunes are availabel to buy, swap or sell.

* The Fancy Food Market, offering all types of chocolates, cakes, breads, spices, olive oils, salsa to bring home or enjoy during the event.

More Info:

Chicago Antique Market at the Randolph Street Market Festival Saturday & Sunday, May 29-30, 2010

1350 Block W. Randolph Street & inside Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Street, Chicago.

Free pickup and drop off from Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave.

Show hours

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 30

Antique Appraisal Fair Hours

1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 29
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30

Tickets

$10, available at the gate or in advance online

Chicago Antique Market
312-666-1200
info@chicagoantiquemarket.com
www.chicagoantiquemarket.com

-Posted by Eric Bradley

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To restore, or not to restore?

Karen — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:35:26 GMT

While reading through the March 3 galleys, I was surprised to find that Restor-A-Finish has been around for 40 years. Four decades. Wow. Just think of all the pieces this product has touched.

[CLICK HERE to read Restor-A-Finish relaunched for 40th anniversary]

Notice I didn't say "improved," as I believe that word is subjective.

Personally, I have used Restor-A-Finish and have been very happy with the results. No, they didn't pay me to say that. But I will disclose that the Howard Company, the maker of the product, is a frequent advertiser in Antique Trader.

But I got to thinking and wondering about the Antique Trader readers' views of re-touching and restoring, which led to this week's Antique Trader Question of the Week:

What are your personal views on antique restoration? Do you feel a touch-up here and there makes a piece all the better? Or should antiques be left all-original, all the time?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Enter the Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes HERE.

Question of the Week: Used gifts?

Karen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:07:36 GMT

This week's Antique Trader question of the week ... what do you think?

Do you think it is tasteful and appropriate to give an antique or collectible as a gift or does the holiday season encourage you to purchase new items?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

Or you can post a reply here on the Antique Trader blog, or HERE on the Antique Trader message boards.

If you love unique then you'll love Chicago's Modern Vintage Holiday Market

Karen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:24:20 GMT

Image Pilots, the producers of the Randolph Street Market Festival featuring the Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market, is returning this year with the 3rd annual Modern Vintage Holiday Market.

This year, the Modern Vintage Holiday Market will be held indoors at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington St for two days only Nov. 21 – 22.

Shoppers can kick their holiday shopping off to the right start with gifts in all price ranges, from pennies to thousands, available in a one-stop-shopping experience. Keepsakes range from embroidered hankies, sterling spoons and festive aprons, to estate jewelry, couture formal wear and crystal goblets. Independently designed handmade and preserved vintage ornaments round out the mix. This unique and beautifully-crafted mix of smartly priced vintage and modern goods makes for a unique one-stop shopping experience for seasonal shoppers looking for memorable and custom-made gifts.

The Sunday market hours have been extended and will now begin at 10 a.m. Regular market hours will be Saturday, Nov. 21 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $10 ($8 in advance online), which includes a $10 shopping voucher if you spend $50 or more with any vendor. Student admission with valid ID is $5 and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.randolphstreetmarket.com. Free parking will be available in the Plumbers Hall parking lot and free gift wrapping and packaging will also be offered throughout the weekend. For additional information call 312-666-1200 or visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com.

-Posted by Eric Bradley

How America lost its $50B furniture industry

Karen — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:55:09 GMT

Check out this fascinating report on the future, or lack thereof, of the American furniture industry. The report asks, "do American furniture companies have a leg to stand on?"

The release on the report reads as follows: Baby Boomers don't care about owning fine furniture. Department stores aren't interested in stocking furniture. Design piracy flourishes. And marketing savvy is in short supply.

What's going on here?

It's another sad chapter in the history of the American furniture companies, a perfect storm of consumer trends, market forces and industry intransigence. A detailed report, The American Furniture Industry: What Will It Take to Survive?, has just been published.

Compiled by Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos, a leading turnaround management firm, in collaboration with Michael K. Dugan, author of The Furniture Wars: How America Lost a Fifty Billion Dollar Industry, the report is based on research conducted over the past two months.

Of the furniture manufacturing companies surveyed, sales dropped over 10% on average last year, with some of the best known brands taking the biggest hits. Retailers were similarly afflicted as housing construction came to a standstill and consumers made do with the furniture they owned.

The economic downturn exacerbated long-standing trends. The industry as a whole has been slow to adopt cost-saving tactics, such as Lean Manufacturing. Nor have there been serious attempts to penetrate the export market, even as production moved offshore. And unlike other consumer goods industries, furniture companies have not become adept at marketing and distributing their products.

The industry has some unusual challenges, such as the fact that well-made wood furniture doesn't wear out, and only goes out of style at a glacial pace. And then there's the truth that price discounts don't work the way they do in other industries where style counts. If the price of dresses goes down, the report notes, women may feel the need to buy more dresses. If sofas are marked down, the customer just needs one, if any.

As manufacturing companies and furniture stores fall by the wayside, some companies will have a chance of surviving.

"Those will be the companies that are open to change," said Peter Tourtellot, managing director of Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos. "The industry needs fresh thinking about marketing and branding, information technology, and manufacturing and distribution."

The PDF report can be reached here (safe to download).

Skinner Discovery Auction Sept. 16-17 in Marlborough

Karen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:54:20 GMT

What's more exciting than a discovery auction? Where you never know what you'll have the opportunity to buy?

Skinner's upcoming Sept. 16-17 sale will offer silver, jewelry, toys, dolls, American Indian arts and more. You can view an online auction preview at www.skinnerinc.com.

Here's a breakdown of the sessions:

Session I

Wednesday’s session offers over 200 lots of silver and silver plated flatware, hollowware and domestic accessories with work representing many of America’s leading silver manufacturers including Tiffany, Gorham, Dominick & Haff, Whiting, Arthur Stone as well as a selection of European 18th, 19th and 20th century articles. Immediately following the silver portion of the auction are over 300 lots of vintage and estate jewelry and accessories featuring gold, silver, and gem-stone jewelry as well as period eclectic, signed & designed costume jewelry, and examples of international wares from the British Isles to Thailand. Skinner’s silver and estate jewelry auctions provide a wonderful buying opportunity for quality and design at surprisingly affordable prices. Preview now at http://tinyurl.com/l3n6pd.

Session II

Thursday morning’s auction features Discovery's usual fare: a wide and varied offering of estate furnishings, decorative accessories, carpets & rugs, and artwork from the 18th - 20th century. A particularly strong group of furniture by the Boston area firm of A.H. Davenport/Irving & Cassons is included. Known for good design and impeccable workmanship, Kerry Shrives, VP, Director, Discovery Auctions, notes that “manufactured custom furniture by this firm continues to see strong demand, is affordable and is predicted to be desirable well into the future.” Rounding out the 800 lot session are interesting collections of vintage toys, dolls, bears and accessories. Closing the sale is more than 100 lots of American Indian and Ethnographic art featuring textiles, beadwork, Native American & Southwest jewelry, pre-Colombian artifacts and more.

You can participate at www.skinnerinc.com:

Skinner’s Web site now features real-time online bidding via the Skinner-Live! bid applet. Visit www.skinnerinc.com and click on the blue Skinner-Live! bidding button for full instructions prior to the auction. Once pre-registered on their Web site, you can join in the live bidding as soon as the auction begins and listen along with the real-time live audio feed of the auction from the comfort of your home or workplace.

Visit www.skinnerinc.com to sign up for their free eZine of upcoming arts & antiques auctions and events. ... free is good!

— Posted by Karen

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From the Editor: Haggling shouldn't end badly

Karen — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:41:01 GMT

Where has our summer gone? Too quickly our sand beaches have given way to the first glimpses of red leaves.

I certainly hope you enjoyed your summer. Here in Wisconsin where Antique Trader is produced our summers seem relatively short due to our three distinct seasons and bitter winters. The summer was packed with all the best the outdoor show and auction season has to offer.

It is always a good day when you can spend it walking and chatting with vendors and fellow collectors.

However, sometimes things overheard in a vendor’s booth don’t always put you in a buying mood. One instance in particular happened early in the summer and I have thought about it often on the trail.

A young couple was standing in a lovely flea market booth filled with a pleasing mix of both expensive and common glassware and porcelain. The lady spied a pair of candlesticks and picked one up. She motioned for her partner to move closer and check them out. The way they were chatting about the sticks and how they were looking at the details gave away the fact that they were not dealers. The way they were dressed indicated they had probably stopped by the flea after attending a Sunday service.

“What is your best price on these?” the young lady said holding the sticks up.
The vendor responded simply: “$40.”

“Would you take $35?” was the young lady’s response.

The vendor looked her in the eye and said loudly, “How do you expect me to make my rent if all you customers keep asking for more and more discounts? This business is hard enough.”

More than one pair of eyebrows was raised. Perhaps it was a rare bit of weakness on the vendor’s part, however the response was not what I’d expect from any business owner addressing a counter offer. Regrettably, the response is not rare.

More and more as I visit shops and shows, the rate of dealers and sellers complaining to customers about the current economic climate is reaching a fevered pitch. It’s as though shop owners feel obligated to inform their customers that they are no longer making any money at buying and selling antiques.

As we head into the fall and winter indoor show season, all buyers and sellers should understand the economic hardship is affecting both sides of a transaction. Buyers as well as sellers are feeling the pinch.

The flea market vendor insulted by the young lady’s counter offer could have politely responded: “Sorry, I’m going to try to get $40.” That would have sufficed.

We need every new collector or casual buyer we can get. Turning them off when they are young may eliminate a lifelong buyer from the marketplace.
And what fun would our summers be without flea markets?

— Posted by Eric Bradley

Feel free to send your comments to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

Question of the Week

Karen — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:37:44 GMT

A comment from an article in our new regional section struck me this week. It was originally printed in an article from The Press Tribune:

“The resources have already been used to make (antique pieces),” said Deborah Candlish customer service representative at Roseville’s (Calif.) Antique Trove. “So you’re really being ‘green’ and saving resources when you shop antiques.”

According to a Carbon Footprint Analysis by Carbon Footprint Ltd. it takes 1,000 times more Carbon Dioxide to manufacture a new piece of furniture as opposed to reusing an older piece.

“Why would I buy something new when I can get the same look and reduce my impact,” said shopper Mindy Kruse of Lincoln, Calif.

Candlish's observation inspired this issue's Question of the Week:

What do you think our trade can do to better promote antiques to younger collectors seeking ways to reduce, reuse and recycle?

We want to know what you think! Send a quick comment here or via Twitter to @AntiqueTrader.

-posted by Eric Bradley

Quick links to Antique Trader articles

Karen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:55:42 GMT

For your convenience:

Sunny skies greet shoppers at Centreville, Mich., market
Going green with antiques at Marin County Antique Show
Barnes & Noble outlet hosts vintage book fair
Jackson’s death sparks surge in collectibles prices
Collect.com Auctions scores strong debut
Antique advertising association schedules annual convention
Third Reich rarities highlight July Affiliated auction

We have a lot of great information that's new on AntiqueTrader.com this week. There's even more information in the magazine.

You can subscribe to the print version for just 63 cents an issue! http://tinyurl.com/lsl677

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

I'll make that bid!

Karen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:37:33 GMT

As many of you know (at least those of you who follow Antique Trader on Twitter and Facebook), editor Eric Bradley and I showed up at the same auction last Saturday.

It was a multiple-estate and consignment auction held in Weyauwega, Wis., at the Liebe auction facility. There were crocks galore (some in "barn found" condition: dirty but in great shape), Fiesta ware, carnival glass, Depression glass - all going for bargain basement prices.

There was even an absolutely gorgeous walnut cylinder desk. It went for only $595.

But then there was a pizza oven that went for almost $40; that left Eric and me scratching our heads.

I didn't have a child in tow that I had to entertain or keep busy so I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself. Of course, if my daughter were there to distract me, I probably wouldn't have ended up with a truckload (literally - not figuratively) of treasures to haul home. ... I still haven't sorted it, by the way. There's soooo much!

I did score a beautiful painted green chest that will go great with my dining room cupboard (CLICK HERE to see the post about the cupboard: Falling in love with old paint) I'll try and get a picture posted.

As I was soaking up the whole auction experience, I was watching around the room and watching the crowd. I can't help but smile when I think about all the different bidding styles bidders use.

Some bidders make a show of it: they raise their cards with flourish and they drop out of the bidding with just as much theatrics: with a disgusted shake of the head and turn their bodies away.

Some are sneaky; they signal the auctioneer with an almost imperceptible nod of the head or flick of the card.

Some use intimidation; they hold their card up and keep it there, signaling the crowd that the item will be theirs at any cost.

What style do I use? I'm all business. I keep steady eye contact and raise my card confidently and clearly. I don't bid just to run the price up. I bid because I want something. Don't get me wrong; I've got a set price in my head what I will go up to ... and usually I stick with it.

Ah, good times! So, where's the auction next weekend?

What is your bidding strategy? Or maybe that's a secret ...

We'd love to hear your auction stories. Post a reply here or e-mail them to Eric.Bradley@fwmedia.com or Karen.Knapstein@fwmedia.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
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Feature articles from the latest issue of Antique Trader

Karen — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:21:58 GMT

Check it out all:

Ask Antique Trader: Shedding light on dolphin lamp

Light My Fire! Zippo the first name in lighters

Chair tourist attraction opening in Stone Mountain Village

Hey buddy, got a light? (collectible vintage lighters)

Life down on the farm—Farm collectibles (share your farm memories with us ... and if you collect anything farm related)

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
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60s & sunny: perfect flea market weather

Karen — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:51:01 GMT

I just got back from my first trip of the season to the Shawano, Wis., flea market, which is held each Sunday through the summer at the Shawano County Fairgrounds. This is their 39th season, by the way.) The weather is beautiful, the vendors friendly and upbeat, and the crowd courteous and eager for finds.

I didn't find much that said "Take me home," by I did pick up several VHS movies for my daughter. (Come on, I know I'm not the only one who still has a VHS player or two in my home ...)

And we picked up a bunch of tomato plants. I don't know about any of you, but my autumn plans include canning and preserving as much harvest from my garden as possible.

We saw a Knapstein brewery case and bottle, too. But they didn't find their way home with us as we've already got stacks of cases and I don't know how many bottles.

When we went to the Lions Club food stand to get my daughter a shake for the ride home, they said they don't have those until summer. My daughter wasn't disappointed (she got some cheesy poofs instead), but I was. And my husband was ... he thought a shake sounded pretty good on this beautiful, sunny, summerlike day.

I told the young lady at the food stand we'd be back for that ice cream later in the season ... so you see, I take my word seriously, and we'll just have to go back and get that ice cream. And while we're at it, we'll have to check out the flea market stalls too.

If you're interested, this year the Shawano flea market is open Sundays from April 5 through Sept. 20 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, children under 16 get in free. They have a 2-day market Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24; and a 3-day market Independence Day weekend, July 3-5.

Their final multi-day flea is Sept. 5-6 (Labor Day weekend), but this event has been moved from the Shawano Co. Fairgrounds to the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wis.

For more information on this event, contact Zurko's Promotions at 715-526-9769 or visit www.zurkospromotions.com.

Now if I can just get myself to the Princeton market ...

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Bonanzle passes 1.7 million items & 50,000 users

Karen — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:20:31 GMT

A few weeks ago, Antique Trader signed up on Twitter. You can follow us at http://twitter.com/antiquetrader and see "the man behind the curtain" and check out what we're up to ;)

Many of our followers and followees, if you will, list in the Bonanzle (www.bonanzle.com) marketplace.

Bonanzle published a press release on April 26 touting excellent growth and success (considering it's going head-to-head with the ever-present 700-pound online marketplace gorilla eBay):

BONANZLE GOING VIRAL

Seven months out of Beta, Bonanzle surges past 50,000 registered users and becomes the second largest eBay alternative marketplace – in the same week

Kirkland, WA, April 26, 2009 – Just seven months out of beta, Bonanzle has continued to climb the ranks as one of the brightest stars of ecommerce, surpassing 50,000 registered users and 1.7 million unique items in the same week.

Innovative tools, simplicity, and an emphasis on non-generic inventory have attracted over 13,000 sellers to Bonanzle since its September 2008 launch. These sellers have taken it upon themselves to spread the word about Bonanzle amongst their friends and fellow sellers, intent on building Bonanzle into the largest marketplace for finding “everything but the ordinary.” Thanks to their efforts, Powersellersunite now shows Bonanzle to be the second largest eBay alternative marketplace, with more than 1.7 million unique items available for purchase.

Despite the success of the site in building out inventory, Bonanzle’s team insists that the focus of the site remains on providing the best experience for buyers looking to purchase non-generic items. Says Founder Bill Harding:

“We continue to be stunned at the support our selling community has given us, and what they continue to achieve in terms of building inventory and traffic. For our part, we’re intent on reciprocating their efforts by adding new features to the site every week, many of which are aimed at improving the buying experience so buyers remember Bonanzle as the easiest site to find the rare, unique, or otherwise non-generic item they’re looking for.”

“Our latest effort on this front will debut at the end of this week, and will allow buyers to browse our 1.7 million item inventory on a variety of new dimensions. For example, if you were shopping for soccer shin guards, and you wanted to see only those made with fiberglass protection, we would provide that option. When combined with our site-wide chat system, which facilitates real time answers to buyer questions, we believe our reputation as the best marketplace to find everything but the ordinary will continue to grow.”

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Bill Harding, please call Mark Dorsey at 206-396-7321 or email Mark at mark@bonanzle.com.

How about you readers? Have you experience buying and/or selling on Bonanzle? Has it been a good experience?

Falling in love with old paint

Karen — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:49:49 GMT

A few years ago I had the chance to pick up a set of three painted cupboards. I remember thinking $400 was a lot to spend on these three less-than-perfect pieces. But I thought about it for a few days and ended up buying them.

Two of the cupboards (I know some of you will cringe at this ... I do myself!) I repainted. They were painted a light green color and they had the original green glass pulls. I simply cleaned the two smaller cupboards up, sanded them, and painted them white. They are striking with the green glass knobs too.

They look nice, and they're very functional. But sometimes I think I should have left them wearing their green paint.

The largest piece is a Hoosier-type cupboard with a base cabinet and a hutch. I didn't do anything with that one right away because I didn't have a place for it in my house. Recently we finished our dining room, which is the room I earmarked as the home for this cupboard. All I did with this piece was clean it with a weak detergent/bleach solution and painted the insides of the drawers in the base cabinet. I couldn't bring myself to paint over the green paint with the scrapes and character marks.

And I'm glad I did.

I think it lends my dining room charm and warmth. Granted, the room is still quite empty - I have to go through my treasure storage to properly fill it - but I like my cupboard in its "as-found" state.

What do you think?

I even found my 5-gallon Red Wing sippin' jug!

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

FREE online classified ads

Karen — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:52:03 GMT

Collect.com offers free classified ads

Everyone wants to get something for nothing, and now that's possible, thanks to Collect.com’s free classified ads.

“The classified ads are completely free — no gimmicks, no strings attached and no limit to the number of classified ads that can be placed,” said Dianne Wheeler, the community leader for collect.com. “This is a great way for collectors to sell the items that they don’t love anymore — and shop for new ones that they will — without pricey consignment fees or drawn-out bidding wars.”

Placing an ad is easy. Just visit www.collect.com, click on the collectibles area that applies to your item (Comics, Music, Sports, Militaria or Antiques and Collectibles), and add in the details. The Ad Wizard walks you through every step of the process, including writing the description and adding a photo of the piece that’s for sale.

The free classified ads are the first of numerous improvements that are scheduled to come to collect.com this year, Wheeler said.

Produced by F+W Media, the world’s largest hobby and collectible publisher, Collect.com is an online community where collectors can discuss and display their finds, keep tabs on the value of their collections, connect with buyers and sellers, read about the latest hobby news and more.

CLICK HERE to sell your collectibles (or post a wanted ad) with Collect.com free classified ads.

7 Mile Fair

Karen — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:38:32 GMT

On my way back north from Kenosha, Wis., yesterday, we passed the 7 Mile Fair site between Racine and Milwaukee. Of course, "field trip" popped into my head.

After a little checking on their Web site, I found out the 7 Mile Fair flea market is open Saturdays & Sundays, April through October, 7am-5pm, and November through March 9am-5pm. Admission is $1.50; seniors $1; children under 11 free with paid adult. And parking is free.

I'll wait until it gets a bit warmer, but then I'm heading back south for what promises to be an exciting day.

If you would like to learn more about the 7 Mile Fair, visit http://www.7milefair.com/

Have you been there? What has your experience been?

Chicago Antique Market schedule

Karen — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:36:57 GMT

Visited their site this morning. Looks fabulous! Another way to enjoy the weekends during the summer:

Chicago Antique Market schedule:

Show dates:
Saturdays & Sundays:
Opening weekend: May 23-24, 2009 Memorial Day
June 27-28, 2009
July 25-26, 2009
August 29-30, 2009
September 26-27, 2009

Show hours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $10; students $5; children free.

For more information: http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com

So many shows ...

Karen — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:47:25 GMT

... and so few pages.

Here are some new show previews for your perusal:

Antiques street fair is the place to discover treasures

Black cloth doll exhibit to be featured at California Country Antique Show

New train service makes getting to Atlantique City easier

Ocean Grove, N.J., Postcards, Books & Paper Show

59th Oregon, Ill., Antique Show

Postcard and paper show has new look, new manager

Earth Day

Karen — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:01:38 GMT

Earth Day is April 22
Celebrate!
Buy old, not new!

Share your green living poem here!

Long Beach flea market, March 15

Karen — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:55:08 GMT

The Long Beach flea market is touted as "the largest antique & collectible market in California." It's held at Long Beach Veterans Stadium and will feature over 800 dealers. The next event is March 15, but it is held the third Sunday of each month.

The specifics: General admission is $5 (6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.), children under 12 are free. Early bird entry is $10 (5:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m.). Free parking.
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For more information, discount coupons, and more, visit www.LongBeachAntiqueMarket.com.

Have any of you ever attended this flea market? If so, what is your take?

I've been to many flea markets, and you have to sift through the trash to get to the treasure, but there definitely IS treasure to be had.

I can hardly wait for the outdoor flea market season to start in Wisconsin!

I don't really mind cabin fever

Karen — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:56:52 GMT

as long as I'm someplace surrounded by books or interesting old things.

But this past weekend it actually got up near 30 degrees, and I find myself wanting to get out & visit some of the shops I haven't been to in what seems like ages.

I'm going to make a list of shops to visit before the end of the summer. One of the first stops will be the Dane's Home in Waupaca, Wis. We've always had good luck finding great old antiques there. Antique finds abound! Even if we don't walk out with anything, it's time well spent. And it's a fantastic old three-story building, too!

Years ago (I think way back when he still put some effort into impressing me), my husband bought a gorgeous cut crystal vase for me for Valentine's Day. I think they even wrapped it for him. No one thought to take the price tag off the bottom of the vase though. I still can't believe he spent that much on a Valentine for me.

I have to say that's by far my favorite Valentine ever!

By the way, do any of you participate in picking up vintage Valentines and passing them along for Valentine's Day? Or any other greeting cards for that matter?

Let us know. What a great way to go green!

I think next year I'm going to turn the Christmas cards I've received in the past into postcards and recycle them by sending them on their way to new recipients. After all, many cards are just too beautiful to stash away in a drawer. I'd feel better about sharing them with at least one more recipient.

— Karen

Brooklyn Flea is expanding - already!

Karen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:05:50 GMT

Check this out:

Following a successful opening month of its Antiques Market in Dumbo, Brooklyn Flea (www.brooklynflea.com) is expanding its Winter Pop-Up to a second empty storefront directly across the street, at 81 Front St. The details are the same as the antiques market: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., through March 29.

The 6,100-square-foot loft-like space will feature 35 (mostly) non-vintage vendors of clothes, jewelry, art, handmade/crafts, and best of all, food! This weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, will be a soft launch for the new space, with the full grand opening Feb. 7-8.

Onboard so fare are silkscreeners Loyalty + Blood, Brooklyn Junior, and Flux Productions. Jewelers Birdhouse, Bonbon Oiseau, Jessica De Carlo, and Blint Design. Upcyclers Reclaimed Home and Un Jour, Georges. Handmade mavens Heartisans, Perch Design, A.S.I.S., and Hortensia Handmade. Vintage finds from FDR to JFK and Sew Moni. Fabulous greenery and garden design from Groundworks. Plus guest DJs including the Dumbo record shop Halcyon, special guest curators, and more.

Flea food-vendor staples Kumquat Cupcakery, McClure's Pickles, Hot Blondies Bakery, and Choice Market will all be at 81 Front St. Fine + Raw Chocolate will debut their insane raw hot cocoa. Consider Bardwell, the 140-year-old Vermont cheese farm, will be selling their award-winning goat and cow cheeses starting Feb. 8. For the 81 Front launch this weekend, Chris and his Kings County BBQ truck will be parked out front.

Did we mention pupusas? They're back too! Red Hook and Brooklyn Flea Food Vendor Rafael Soler will have his renowned pupusas available at 81 Front St. starting this weekend.

Winter Pop-Up will also feature the debut of the "Curated Corner," where the Flea will partner with guest curators to bring in their favorite designer/shop/artist/dealer to hold a one-time-only show/sample sale/trunk show. Curators include: Daily Candy (Feb. 7-8, Feb. 28/March 1, March 28-29), Refinery29 (Feb. 21-22), Cool Hunting (March 7-8), and Fred Flare (date TBA). (More curators to be announced soon.) Guest curators will create their own environments inside the market where visitors can shop and meet the creatives behind their favorite brands.

Pulled pork, a handmade t-shirt, some earrings, a vintage side table, and some classic Dior sunglasses—the Winter Pop-Up is a Brooklyn winter wonderland.

Makes me hungry, though!

I had to look up what a pupusa was. I'll save you the trouble. It's a thick, hand-made corn tortilla. According to whats4eats.com, it's "El Salvador's version of the tortilla, only thicker and often stuffed with cheese, beans or meat." Sounds great, doesn't it?

— Karen

HADA Spring Antiques Show & Sale

Karen — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:46:06 GMT

The Houston Antiques Dealers Association is gearing up for their Spring '09 show. This will be their 45th semi-annual show.

According to the HADA press release, more than 150 dealers will be showing antiques from the 1750s through Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern items.

The show will take place Feb. 13-15, 2009. (Friday and Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-7 pm.; Sunday hours 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.) at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall B, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX.

Tickets are $10 and are good for all three days. Valet parking will be available.

If you're in the area, don't miss the 27th Annual HADA Lecture, Thursday, Feb. 12, by Maureen Cassidy Geiger, an independent scholar and curator of the Arnhold Collection. The subject is “Meissen, a Fragile Diplomacy,” and it will take place at Brown Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet, at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by Houston Antiques Dealers Association. The lecture is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

For more information, visit http://www.hadaantiques.com