OPEN THE BOX - OR TAKE THE MONEY

I have been really busy with e-mailing all the stall holders for the Winter Fair and decided that I needed a break from the computer as I was getting bug eyed and decided to go foraging for stock for the booth and for Etsy.

It was a day for boxes – what do you think was in them....

My first find was an old leather suitcase which although battered and missing some of its straps was just too good to leave behind especially as it had its original labels on it. I would say it originates from around the 1920’s and I cannot help wondering what tales it could tell of its journeys in the Orient prior to communism.

The next was a wonderful old typewriter, it is a bit like the one I learnt to type on when I was a child - not quite the same as the one I had when I first went to work... but nearly.  Love the old keys.

Finally, last but not least a complete 1950’s picnic set with all its original boxes, plates, cups and saucers. The only things missing were the cup on the flask and a fork. I will possibly keep that back until next Spring as picnics are the last thing on people’s minds at the moment but I could not leave it behind.

You should have seen youngest daughter and myself staggering to the car laden down with them especially as the typewriter weighs an absolute ton.

Now to put them in the booth - Northampton Antique Centre A Most Marvellous Place to Shop is certainly living up to its name and every time I go more items have sold and it is now a constant hunt for new and exciting items to put in there for vintage lovers to snap up. Joe who is now running the place has turned the business around and word is now getting out that it certainly is a MOST MARVELLOUS PLACE TO SHOP.

While I think of it if you pop over to Ted & Bunny's blog she is hosting a fantastic linens giveaway, just give her a hello for a chance to be the lucky winner.

I DECLARE THIS SHOP OPEN

I now pronounce VINTAGE WANTS officially open – cut the ribbon and stand back proudly.


Today was the first official day of the opening of my booth in Northampton Antiques Centre. I started setting up on Sunday but being as it was England v Germany in the world cup (the less said about that the better) we had to rush off to a family BBQ and for hubby to watch the match and I did not get a chance to set it up as I would have liked.  So today I went back added more stock and did a bit of titivating.  I dont have the biggest of areas and don't want to overfill it - although I am sure I will, once I get into the swing of things I won't be able to help myself. 

To try and keep it in some sort of order I have tried to theme my items together

Some red pieces

Some green, and of course the 1930's crinoline lady and cottage pieces.

Lovely Rose themed pieces

Finally the booth itself

On Sunday the Centre is going to decamp to the Fishmarket and they are holding

So if you are at a loose end and looking for something to do why not pop along and meet up with some of the other sellers from the centre.  I won't be there as it is getting close to eldest daughter's wedding and there are lots of last minute jobs to start sorting out and I only have one pair of hands and even though I think I can do miracles - and though I think I am WonderWoman, I really know I am not- and so I am going to sit this one out.

ADVENTURE WITH MY NEW VENTURE

Over time Ann and I have talked about branching out and having a booth in one of our local antique centre, then we have another coffee and decide yes we will - IN THE FUTURE - The opportunity has now presented itself.  Northampton has had an antique centre for many years but I have to say it has been a bit behind the times and not really been a place you would want to spend too much time in or your pennies in.  It is now under new leadership and has new dealers who are selling the kind of items that I want to buy, vintage and retro and everyone is very excited about the new venture and so we decided to see whether we could get on board and luckily Joe the guy that is now running it accepted us and so Vintage Wants will be having a new venue http://www.northamptonantiquescentre.com/Reclamation.html.    As from Sunday 27th June (after setting up) Vintage Wants can be found there.
On Thursday Ann and I went and took photos of the area we will be selling from and decided what the booth should look like, we were like a couple of schoolgirls, giggly with excitement, we had finally done it.  Sadly Ann has a very heavy workload - she is the one with the very responsible job - and after a lot of anguish has decided that at this time she cannot give it the time and effort it needs to make it a success and so I am going to do this  ALONE!!!  We are still going to do our joint venture of the shows and Ann will still sell in the on-line shop and on Etsy but the booth is all mine.

With that in mind I suddenly thought oh my goodness do I have enough stock for a booth on my own and so had a frantic rush around the car boot this morning.  Found some goodies that are going to make their way into the booth and also some for my Etsy shop.

Great old three tier trolley that I will keep, my old one will go for display in the booth - just need to get the paint on it.  Old Pedigree doll and 1950's childrens book.  Sewing basket,

Double string pearl necklace, floral china brooch, pretty art deco glass pot with enamel lid and a pretty little cup and saucer.

A set of handpainted Crinoline lady plates and the most wonderful butterfly wing Crinoline lady picture totally original and untouched.


Anyone who knows me knows I love flowers and Roses are no exception and I found these lovely bits of china that I know will look great in the booth.

Whilst I was doing my wandering I met my new neighbour in the next booth to me who was also on the hunt for stock - talk about its a small world out of all the 100's of people that were there I bumped into him - without even knowing who he was we got chatting at a stallholder that I knows stall and lo and behold - neighbours.

Anyway that is my new venture - my knees are shaking and I am very nervous but sure that things will be OK, if you are in Northampton why not pop in and take a peek.