The Adventure Continues

Hello dear readers and I hope everyone had a marvelous Christmas and Holiday season.  So glad 2017 is here.  I left Atlanta on December 19th with a trailer attached to my vehicle and a few pieces strapped to the rooftop like the Beverly Hillbillies.

Landed in New Port Richey, Florida and after squatting at a friends house for a days, I found a little place to rent until I find a home to settle in.  Unpacked the trailer and the antiques on the top of my vehicle and spent the next few days becoming a Florida resident.  

In between trying to close on my home in Georgia and finding a new home in Florida, I have been searching out antique and vintage shops in my new area.  It's always interesting to see how different regions set up their shops and the items they sell.  My first observation is that I have never EVER seen so much glassware and pottery in the volumes that each of these shops offer.  I understand that "smalls" reign supreme to meet needs of the tourist seasons but the sheer volume and high prices (book values and even higher in some cases) has been a shock for me.    I'm finding it difficult to believe that all of this high priced glassware and pottery actually sells and the faded price tags may be indicative of my observations.  So my journey continues and as I meet and speak with other dealers I will let you know what I have learned.

First stop was at the Lyons Head Antique Mall in Port Richey.  These dealers offer antiques and lots of mid century pieces and smalls.  

EAPG is priced very high in this area and by the dust I see on the pieces and the faded price tags, I suspect they will continue to sit on the shelves.  However, if you look deep within dealer spaces a gem or two will rise.

Found this stunning, EAPG celery server in daisy button pattern, in the large canoe shape.  It has just the slightest shade of sun purple, which I know is an abomination to serious EAPG collectors, but I don't mind it if it is the natural transition by the sun rather than artificially by man.

Found a pair of EAPG pitchers covered in dust and in marvelous condition.   Right now I am using the big, squatty one to hold my kitchen utensils in the little rental I'm in.  All of my household goods are still in a POD unit until I find permanent digs.

And finally, a low square open compote also gently kissed by the sun.  From Lyons Head it was onto Treasure Trove.

Treasure Trove Mini Mall and Consignments in Hudson, Florida, is also a multi dealer mall with a smattering of antiques and lots of mid century furniture, collectibles and clothing.  I did find this stunning, ABCG bottle for a few dollars because it had a big chip on lip.  

I don't mind damaged pieces like this and this one is a stunner.

Close up of the cut work.

Darling little brown jug (about 8 inches high) from the turn of the century followed me home.  Granny's rheumatism medicine in a travel size.

Always have a weak spot for these sweet little copper clad shoes.  They are a lovely decorative element for Christmas when filled with holiday pics or vintage Christmas balls.

And finally, hidden away at the bottom of a shelf in a back room booth, was a pair of these fantastic EAPG bread plates.   By McKee Bros, 1880, the pattern is scroll with flowers.  There are tiny Stars of David around the plate so I can see this being used in the weekly Shabbat.

Made a trip to the business district of New Port Richey...fell in love with this little town, and met a gal pal for lunch.  But first I visited Antiques on the Main.

Antiques on the Main in New Port Richey is amazing.  Filled with true antiques with a small group of select dealers. 

A truly charming place for the discerning collector.

Found this lovely cast brass pen holder there.  This will be placed on my antique captain's desk and will place an antique ink pen in it.

Mad love for these turn of the century, tie dyed parlor tablecloths.  Lots of fringe, this one is brilliant in color.  The tasseled crochet butterfly antimacassar (doily) looks great on it.

Delighted to find this Victorian milk glass Easter egg.   It is a big one too and just in time for the upcoming Easter holiday.

 Made a trip to Tarpon Springs to visit Pistachio's Antiques & Collectibles and what a joyful place.

A barn building filled to the brim with antiques and American mid century items that will turn your home into a Mad Men set.  

Treasure abounds everywhere inside so check out every nook and cranny.

This was the largest collection of invalid/hospital feeders I have seen in one place.  The English ones were with decorated with pretty flowers.  These were also priced to steal away.

My favorite section was the outdoor wall.  Crazy mad for this bed spring.

Great painting of "Ole Blue Eyes" in a room filled with everything you need for a Mad Men do over.

The Retro Lounge and paper parasols are calling.  

I couldn't leave without this Red Cross feeder.

Fer-Mil-Lac was a milk fermentation process that aided stomach aliments.  This pharmacy,

 flow blue advertising cup is a gem.   

I then took a quick trip to the historical downtown area of Tarpon Springs.  Fell in love with this pretty little community, but unfortunately, the homes that were available were way out of my price range.  Still, a marvelous place to take family and friends when they visit.

Tarpon Springs is home to the historic sponge docks and an industry built by Greeks.  It is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges but some of the best Greek restaurants, markets and bakeries in the country.  

 Fell in love with Mad Hatter General Store. Unique gift items, decor and clothing with a blend of bohemian and steam punk vibe.

Next stop, Finder Keepers, on Tarpon Street.  A lovely antique store with something for everyone.  

Nice selection of vintage reels for the fishing collector.

Lovely furniture and lighting,

I could purchase every piece of this pattern they offered if only my wallet would indulge me.

 A stunning tea set with ebony handles was priced for the taking.  I had to talk myself out of walking out with it as I just don't need anymore tea service sets.

Heck ya, I came home with a sponge from Tarpon Springs.  This big boy is a vase sponge and I will fill it with french lavender soaps.

Bought this lovely mother of pearl and shell handle large serving spoon as well.

Well, I'm off to look at housing again and as I find more places for treasure I will post.  But for now, wishing everyone a great 2017 and blessings to you and those you love. SeaWitch

On to a new adventure

Hello dear readers.  As you have noticed, I have not been posting weekly these days.   The reason is I have been working towards a new adventure, a new direction and it is to be closer to the sea.  I have sold my home and my sweet Gynness and I will be moving to Florida.  We are both excited about the new possibilities of a new home and for me...new booth space.  I have been going through withdrawals, having closed my two spaces to prepare for this move but I have been visiting some of my favorite places for treasure before I left.  I will miss Vintage Village in Snellville.  I first found this marvelous place in July 2000 when I first moved to Atlanta from Flagstaff.  A lovely little place with amazing dealers and hands on owners.  I sold from Vintage Village for 7 years until my late husband had heart surgery and I pulled out of all selling for a year to provide nursing support.   I never stopped buying from Vintage Village as they always had  such marvelous finds.  

They moved to new digs a year ago and the shop has never looked better.  I will miss visiting it first hand, but Debbie keeps her facebook page active with lots of photos and I suspect I will be purchasing on line alot.  Here are a few photos I took with my last visit before I go south.

So many pretty item for holiday decorating.

Vintage Village will always be one of my favorite things.

What a sweet touch to use vintage baby booties as stocking garland.

Crazy about this small doctor's bag.

Always look up at the Village as treasure abounds from the floor to the ceiling.

Lovely vintage Christmas balls from favorite dealers, Paul and Jeanine.

One of my weakness', vintage oil lamps.

What a sweet face.

 A glass full of frozen Charlotte's, another dealer I adore, The Nesting Spot.

 Pretty skate against a vintage frame makes for a pretty door display.

One of the last treasures I took home from Vintage Village, and from one of my favorite dealers...My Vintage Heart, a delightful antique children's book titled, "The Three Emigrants".  Written in prose, it tells the story of three children from Europe who travel to America during the turn of the century.  I will bring this out each Christmas.

Thank you everyone from Vintage Village you have filled my home with lovely things and my heart with marvelous friendships.  I will carry each of you with me always.

Hit my local goodwill one more time as well and found these pretty items.

1940s Japanese evening bag.

I can never pass up a gorgeous sea shell, yes it is the seawitch in me, and this stunning Bull Mouth Helmet is a keeper.

Pretty little gravy boat is a late 1890s piece.  

And finally this lovely little Edwardian biscuit keeper.

One more stop before the weekend ended.  I had to say goodbye to Buford Queen of Hearts folks and interesting enough, one of the first pieces I ever purchased from the Queen was an EAPG goblet by King glass, fine blue diamond cut, circa 1890s.  Imagine my surprise when I discover the matching compote.

So the circle is complete and I carry this beauty with me to my new digs in Florida.

I will most likely be away from blogging until the new year as I locate a place to live and get settled in, so I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a gentle new year.  And always, wishing blessings to you and those you love.  SeaWitch.

Christmas Open Houses and an extraordinary gift

Tis the Season of Holiday/Christmas Open houses at many of my favorite antique stores. 

I had the opportunity to visit "Curious Possessions" in Snellville and it was filled with Christmas delights.

Christmas reds abound.

Nice vintage foil Santa.

Darling child's toy cash register.

Sweet little red longjohn's are an adorable item to decorate with.

Lovely punch bowl set is waiting for your holiday party.

 Delightful pair of Snowman candlesticks.

This dealer offered a stunning, complete set of Currier and Ives dinner ware and serving pieces.

Crazy about this beautiful print.

Boop boop be doop!

Lovely group of mid century vases.  These are hot collectibles right now.

Pretty purple decorative elements.

 Elvis loves a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas.

 Everything you need for your entertaining.

 This is such a warm display.

As I walked from booth space to booth space, something caught my eye on a shelf.  I have a passion for Victorian quadruple plate and I saw this pretty serving bowl had a sea shell theme.  Something I have never seen in my many years of collecting.  I made a fast bee-line to it, hoping that the many others in the shop had not seen it.   

I looked everywhere for the price tag and couldn't find it so I started emptying out the silver balls inside it.  I find a paper tag and instead of finding a price I see a message.  My heart skips a beat and then tears begin to fill my eyes. 

I'm reading the note but I still am in shock and carry this beautiful serving bowl with the note to the front desk for them to confirm what I am reading.  They see the tears in my eyes and after reading the note, they begin to shed a few tears as well.  My friend, Rose, whose spaces are known as Silver Glory, Pink Glory and Gray Glory always have such beautiful pieces and I have purchased many items over the years from her booths.  She had been saving this piece for me since the summer because she knows how much I love the sea and her lovely surprise will always be a Christmas memory for me.  This stunning bowl will be a centerpiece in my home in Florida and I will always think of Rose and smile when I see it. 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and blessings to you and those you love. SeaWitch

Sabbatical over...so here's what's happening

I'm back.   The Sabbatical was exactly what I needed.  Spent the time looking at where I am and where I want to be and to paraphrase Mr. da Vinci, "if I wanna be somewhere else, I need to move on."  Apologies to Mr. da Vinci.

Still his words ring truth and I have decided to prepare for a move from Georgia to Florida.  I'm a few years to retirement and my present employer continues to go through reorganizations every year.  Sooner or later, my number is going to be called and I would rather be in Florida when they decide to call it.

So, I have closed both of my spaces in the Queen of Hearts, sigh, I miss it already.  I have emptied out my home into a POD unit and am now repainting the interior and have new carpets being installed next week in hopes of listing my home around Thanksgiving.  Home sales are still hot in my area so I am hoping it will sell before the end of the year.  Once that happens, I am off on a new adventure.

Of course, once I do finally relocate, I will first look for a place to live and then follow up with searching for a new place to sell my wares.  Anyone who has ever been in the antique biz knows you never really ever leave the business, you just find new digs.  So even though I may not have booth space right now, I am always looking for good inventory.

Marvelous silverplated mint julep cup.

Lovely EAPG green and gold vase is the "Band and Diamond Swirl" pattern made by the U.S. Glass Company. circa 1898.  Love this rich, dark green.

Lovely alexandrite and gold lustre vase changes from ruby red to ice blue in different light.  Mid century piece.  

Large Milk Glass Loganberry Vase by the Imperial Glass Co.  Produced from 1950-70s.  

Be still my heart, I am crazy for antique transferware and this pitcher is a honey.  I suspect this may go into my own display cabinet once I get it out of the POD unit.

Lovely hammered silverplated serving plate.  Circa 1930s. 

Pretty little bucket creamer and sugar bone china first looks like Belleek but it is not.  Royal Worchester made in England.  

In between my treasure hunting, I spent Halloween week with grandchildren in Virginia.  

 My grandson wanted to be Boba Fett this year and his twin sister fit into the Dorothy costume I made Kaitlyn three years ago.  Kaitlyn made her own costume this year and she went as the Mad Hatter.  I love that she tackled her first costume by pulling items from past costumes and repurposing them into a great Mad Hatter.

Conner is Boba Fett.

I had to put together this jetpack after I had put all my craft supplies into the POD.  It's true, duck tape and a little card board can make anything.

Kells Bells is Dorothy right down to the ruby slippers.

Look at those Mad Hatter eyes. LOL

So, there you have it, a new adventure awaits me and as each step unfolds, I will share it with you...because it's "just georgraphy" but ahh, the most intersting unknown beacons me and I desire to bring you along.  For now, it's time to turn the clock back one hour and wish blessings to you and those you love. SeaWitch