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Saturday, November 8, 2014

Holiday Haul - Vintage Style

I am a sucker for all things vintage.  I love the history each object holds and the secrets that they have "seen" will keep a curious, silent mystery.  The late 1800's through the 1960's seem to have the biggest draw on me in terms of items I shop.  So much happened during those times - the two World Wars, the Industrial Revolution, the Roaring 20's, Great Depression, the Atomic Age... the list goes on.

I marvel at how much things have changed over the course of just a few generations and sometimes I deeply wish I could live during some of those times.  Not to experience or make light of the obvious hardships, but to experience the arts and music of the time, the changing tone and culture.  Values seemed to be so much different then they are today - or so I hear.  Quality and service also seem to be a thing of the past too.  It's a wonder for sure.

Today I ventured out to the DC Big Flea Antique Show and had a grand time.  

The day started with an early morning rise, a cup of coffee, and lovely bacon and poached egg sandwich at my favorite little breakfast stop Northside Social.  The place has a bit of a hipster feel to it and I love the sounds of coffee being made, soft chatter, and the sun rising in the background.  It feels so nice to witness the day wake up and unfold.  

The drive to Chantilly, Virginia where the show was being held was lovely too- November "Fall Change of Color" around here is AMAZING!  And yes, I've written about it many times before. (Sorry! Can't help it!)

The wait to get in was equally amusing.  I was toward the front of the line that was starting to form at 8:30am even though doors didn't open until 9:00am.  But that's ok- there was an exciting buzz in the air of fellow antique lovers that added to the rush.  When the doors did open, I felt like I was in a cartoon because the people at the front of the line began jogging in and it looked like a miniature stampede.  Where everyone was running to, I'll never know-  there was plenty to go around. 

I found some items I'd been on the lookout for as well as some new treasures I was pleasantly surprised to find.  Here are some of my "New, Old Treasures".


1. One can never have enough ephemera - here are some vintage cards and an old Golden Book - illustrations from the 1930's to 1950's that are just fabulous and darling.









2. Jadeite - a collection I began 10 years ago and am still building.  I think I have about 200 pieces and am still on the hunt for more!  Today I found the Fire King Jadeite "D" mugs - ovenware made for restaurants and known for their lovely mint green color. I found four in perfect condition and got them for a steal!  (I'm still smiling about this find!)


3. A sweet set of wooden buildings, houses, cards, trucks, and trees along with a canvas mat painted with a street grid to place them on.  (Steve and I don't have kids yet, but I sometimes find cute things like this and set them aside for our "someday family".)




4. A vintage Christmas Tree skirt with a rocking' print of Santa and his reindeer.  The colors on this felt piece are very rich and I'm surprised at how well it's kept over the years. 


5. Vintage stockings hand sewn and made from felt.  These are so cool- they have little appliqué patches on them with pretty beadwork.  Whoever made these had some serious time on their hands.  -I'm just glad I get to enjoy their labors of love. Admittedly, the blue angel is a bit creepy and alien-esque, but my husband likes it and argues it's got a Star Trek flair so that will be his stocking for sure.








6. Elf on the (dusty if it's my furniture) Shelf!  Yes! I always see the new ones for sale and think- "Hey! I want a vintage one of those thing-a-ma-bobbers!".  Today I found a box-load of them at one of the stalls.  Some of the little elves, I'm sorry to say had pretty ugly faces, but I found this little guy and we were immediately smitten.






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