Monday, May 23, 2011

Project Done!

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Another project bites the dust

So what if my ironing isn't done...

Or - there is a load of laundry sitting in the dryer waiting to be folded...

Or - There are dishes sitting in my sink waiting to be put into the dishwasher -- have to unload the dishwasher first...

Or - I haven't vacuumed in a week...

Or - the list goes on and on...

When I have a project in the works, I have a hard time letting it go and doing the mundane things that need to be done day after day.

But

The project --

A baby quilt - finished, going to a shower this weekend.

Now I can go the grocery store, do the laundry, and focus on packing the trailer for an out-of-town trip. My mind won't be darting here and there.... on this project anyway.

By the way, its a girl...

Saturday, May 21, 2011

I Am So Behind...

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I keep on getting behind,

perhaps it is because I keep making new projects on top of the ones that are already on the table,

whatever,

I am behind, or so I think.


A couple of weeks ago (has it been that long?) I shared a picture of a really ugly - in my opinion - chest that someone had wall papered over the drawers
It was my self-imposed task to remove the wall paper. After many long hours, Mr repaired, repainted and attached little "feet" to the bottom of the corners. Here is that chest now, ready for the next sale.

I have also been diligently quilting on a project for one of my younger friends. This quilt grew and grew. It didn't start out being this large, but it could now almost be used as a bedspread :) If you are the sister to the recipient, please DO NOT share this photo... you know who you are...
It is supposed to represent "sea glass" colors.
I am now in the process of cutting for a baby quilt - pinks and greens. Pictures will eventually follow.
*******

I found out that I won a prize at All Things Vintage and I eagerly await to see it. I know that Rachel at Van Hook and Company will do a fantastic job. She looks like she is in the middle of many projects herself, so I hope she doesn't feel pressured about finishing my new necklace...
*******
We did go to the Granite Bay "Flea Affaire" show and it was a lovely day. The owner of the property - Julie is an unselfish person who gives of her beautiful yard and time to benefit the local arts program at the college. Now, I like the arts and all, but this person gives up her time to organize, plan, invite vendors and pull off this show, and at the expense of her yard. It is a tremendous amount of work and I take off my hat to her -- oh wait, I'm not wearing a hat -- you know what I mean.
Here she is with a niece
Mr and some of the junior bricoleurs (in training...)

There were plenty of shoppers

A rather uninspiring view of our selling area.


 The hardest part of this selling at shows is not the preparing the items to be sold (like repair, paint, - just like I do that...) or the loading, unloading in the wee hours of the morning, setting up so that it doesn't look like you just dumped it out of a box... (although I bet some do think that) but

figuring out what will sell...

Sometimes it will be furniture (much to Mr's delight!) Sometimes it will be a unique item that is a "one-of-a-kind", and sometimes it is jewelry (costume bling that women can't seem to resist). If we knew what they wanted, then we would only have to bring that, but it changes each time! It sure keeps us on our toes. The last show we sold one nightstand and a couple of "baker's racks" that they planned on using for plants outside -- in other words, no furniture to speak of. Little things, like necklaces, pins, knives, a watch or two... that is what catch their attention that time. Next time, who knows.

Well, that catches me up for a little while... Talk with you all later.



Thursday, May 12, 2011

A Flea Affaire... Like She Said...

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We are going to sell this Saturday at "The Flea Affaire" in Granite Bay, an exclusive community, and on a private estate.

The Vintage Bricoleur has described it well -- see:

http://thevintagebricoleur.blogspot.com

We will be there also, but we will be selling down on the "flat", near the entrance. If I can get my act together, I will take pictures and post them.

Come on by, take in the sights, have lunch in the "conservatory" and say hi...

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My Daughter (and son-in-law) featured in a Magazine!

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Did I mention that I am the mother of one of the "Vintage Bricoleurs" ?

Did I mention that they were "featured" in a local magazine?

Did I mention that I have nothing to do with this? Although they would get my vote every time...

At our visit to "our" antique mall, the customer service rep directed me to an article that "featured" (well, a picture of their space is a feature isn't it?) the Vintage Bricoleur. I have to say that they do an amazing job at marketing their wares. It just makes you want to go home and put something together - but sadly, when I get home I can't, for the life of me, figure out how to do it... You just have to have the talent and they do have it.  So, for now, I am going to rest on their coat-tails and say -- I'm the mom...

You may be able to find it in:

Sacramento Magazine

Sacmag.com  Dwelling: Some Things Old, Some Thngs New -- The Antique Trove

Terry - One of the Bricoleurs

Mother's Day Downtown Weekend

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Once a month we go to a show that is held in downtown Sacramento.

This month, it fell on Mother's Day. We arrive at 3am. Unpack, set-up, hopefully sell some of our stuff, pack up and are on the road to go home by around 4pm. It is a long day, but it is our job.

Here are a few photos from the show, wish you could have been there. The weather was very pleasant and very "May".

One side of our space, notice the concrete freeway overhead. It provides both shade in the summer and shelter when it rains, but it does also provide lots of roadway dust that I don't notice until I clean up.
We had lots of "smalls".

Ladies love the jewelry. I pick it up at yard sales to resell. I also have knives, cuff links, and some belt buckles for the masculine interest, although there are men that go through the "jewels" looking for a looked-over piece of gold or sterling silver. (I have already looked...:-)

Here is a view to the other side. We have nightstands, chests, planter boxes, patio table with chairs and an unique coffee table that Mr dreamed up.


In the early morning, Mr bought this bin table (which he wants to fix up), but we put a price on it and it was a hit for people to reminisce with.

Here is one of the fabulous farm style tables that Mr has redone.

We had several items that could be called "children's" things. There was a cradle/rocking chair, a table with two chairs and a rocking chair. I made a few cushions for the areas that needed them.

Here is a shot of Mr's coffee table. It originally had a glass top, but after it broke, someone sold it to us. He put a piece of metal on top, added casters and knobs to match. A happy family took this home to use.

This is what we call a kitchen island. One this particular one, the sides hang over and a bar stool could be used for seating, beside being used for food preparation and storage. I think it is rather unique. Notice the "picker bucket" on its side. These were used by fruit pickers. They hung over the shoulder with a strap and the shape fits into the hip.


Here is a garden/potting/plant table.

Another view of the farm table

Here is another "picker bucket" on the patio table.

Our children's items with a cute little desk and chair.

There are two metal signs here, one behind the other.

Some chests and nightstands.


This space belongs to my daughter/friend and decorator extraordinaire, of the "Vintage Bricoleur". They have space at the same antique mall we do and their space is a showcase for advertising the mall. Whatever decorator skills Terry has, she did not get from me! I can only copy...


Danny (just a side of his head), Terry and Don are talking this customer into buying this chandelier. They seem to be pretty persuasive.

Danny, in the black sweatshirt, is checking out how to best help this customer.

*********************88
Well, another day in the life at Wildberry Ranch. Hope you can come next time...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

100 Followers - Now that's something

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To have 100 followers... I can only hope to achieve that someday.

You could also become a follower of this talented young lady

Just go to http://allthingsvintage88.blogspot.com  to join in the fun -- she has a great giveaway going on to reward those that follow and you can be a part also.

Another great site to visit is http://vanhookandco.blogspot.com  She is supplying the great necklace for the giveaway... Get going and stop reading this...

Now Go! Shoo!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

I Ran Away With My Friend

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It's true.
Mr and I went for 6 days to Tahoe.
We really are old folks, just young at heart.

We stayed in the South Lake Tahoe area and enjoyed it immensely. The weather was cold and windy at times.  There was still snow on the ground in areas. The wind made the water on the lake into high waves. My skin turned dry and cracked.

I loved every minute.

We had been preparing for this for some time. We had two shows to go to, then a weekend off and then a show the day after we were to return to town. We headed up the hill after lunch at K & J's on Sunday afternoon.

We hit all of the town thrift stores, no great scores. But... we did some yard sales and got a few items of jewelry that I will add to my collection that I take to shows. Another highlight of the trip was that I purchased a new camera. It is a panasonic Lumix and it is a basic point and shoot, but so much more than I had before. I am still learning all about what it can do. I am very happy with it.

Our niece joined us for two days to share our condo.
These were in front of some shops, made from cans, springs, etc. You would really need to see them in person to appreciate them.
More, even flying pigs!

On the way home on Saturday, we hit a part of town that we normally don't frequent -- jackpot! We had to go home, unload and return to get more!

One item was a chest. Someone had lovingly painted it black and then wall-papered the drawers in a leopard print... We will just remove the wallpaper and then we will have a chest to paint. 

Well, 2 hours after soaking, scraping, etc,

I had two drawers done. Only 4 more to go! I am spending way to much time on this. Mr thinks that some weather (ie: garden hose and sun) will loosen the paper up so that I can pull it off. Some did come off, but more work will need to be done before we can paint. Mr has added little legs to the bottom to add interest and eye appeal.
Well, I have been missing as far as blogging and all. But with the warmer weather, we seem to be spending more time outside doing projects, so for now, have a great day.