Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Back from our Buying Road Trip


Amy and I drove 16 hours on our little road trip. We took Amy's truck and trailer, and the idea was that I would learn to drive on this trip. Wellllll, when I say we had every possible bad weather condition I am not exaggerating! We started out in ice and then moved on to dangerously high winds. Amy was freaking out on the inside, but staying calm for my benefit. She told me later that it was the most difficult weather she had ever driven in! The return trip was no better - slush, ice and driving rain....and then the Pièce de Résistance...a shredded tire! Actually, shredded tire is being a little generous. I really mean we had a rubber band tire. So after un-hitching the trailer, driving to the nearest Pep-Boys for a new tire, waiting for AAA to mount and change the tire...we were on our way again. And then, FOG! Like, the worst fog I have ever seen. This time it was my turn to freak out, but Amy remained cool as a cucumber. We finally made it back alive, and we did get some great stuff. This is not a business for cream-puffs, it's hard, hard, work..back-breaking, nail splitting, budget-busting work....and we love it :)

Cool hide pillows and ottoman.
More hides.
Amy at the hide dealer...her favorite!

I love, love, love the signs in the South. Look at this one from a gas station!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Before-and-After Wine Bar



Today I have an easy before-and-after project for you. I picked up this wine bar at a thrift store. It was in good shape - just a little boring. So I gave the bottom of it two coats of black enamel paint, and sanded and stained the top a natural color. Voila!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Road trip!

I went on a buying trip today and got some fantastic stuff. It's been a while since I've been able to find such good prices on awesome antiques. There is nothing like the rush of finding something really cool at an affordable price; that's why I pass on the good buy to my customers - so they can get the rush too! My favorite find was the cigar box with it's picture of a Tampa Hotel complete with palm trees. The inside label was a great color combo of chartreuse and pink. I also picked up an old "Woodstock" typewriter, a Kodak accordian-style camera, upholstered chair, Rye Whisky bottle, and the best-ever Bingo game - everything intact. I will post some pictures tomorrow when I recover!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Well, those framed maps flew out the door alright - they're all sold. I will be reordering those. The shop was pretty busy again today. We're very grateful for our loyal customers.

We started packing up Christmas today! We really can't stand to look at it for another minute. Christmas starts right after Halloween in retail, so we're been looking at that stuff for a looong time. I've noticed that all the "big box" retailers are putting spring merchandise out already. I may wait a little while longer to stock mine!