What's your theme?

Do you do themes?

 Every year our family agrees on a Christmas "theme." A couple of years ago it was "Christmas at Hogwarts." I went over the top and also did our youngest's birthday in the same theme. It turned out really well I must say, (patting my own back.)



This was before I COMPLETELY changed our decor.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the refereshments our holiday guests enjoyed...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I even had the Hogwarts enchanted ceiling with "floating candles." So cool!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last year's theme was simple, "vintage Christmas."

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt as though I had found my footing toward the vintage look I had always wanted. It was a large leap from the "lodge look" that Mr. Romantic Treasures and I had adopted many many years ago. I was so sick of the dark masculine feel that my house had. White paint does wonders!

 

This years theme is...

 

"Vintage Candy Shoppe"

 

The little ones picked that out. Can you imagine? We'll see what we come up with...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changing Thymes sales event!

This cute vintage wall cubby features 2 small drawers and a chalkboard backdrop!

Changing Thymes is hosting a "SURVIVE THE DRIVE" sales event. Check them out Tuesday and Wednesday. Construction has made getting into the store a challenge, so they are offering store-wide discounts and refreshments. I will be offering 20% off booth-wide, with the exception of items marked "firm." Beat the heat with some super COOL savings!

Lake Odessa, My First Antique Show!

I had a blast at the Lake Odessa Show! It was my first time setting up a booth, of course it had to be 90+ degrees in the shade that day. Big props to all who helped...my family... a BIG thank you! It was quite an experience, hopefully next time, not so HOT. I love setting up displays and I seem to have been in a country girl mood lately. Y'all understand. Enjoy the pictures, hopefully next time you will join me.

Horses and farm animals were big for me, especially growing up showing horses. I snatched up all the silver cups I could find for the show. I saved the best one for me for the show. You know how that goes...

Aren't these vintage pink and yellow garden gnomes a hoot? I had five of them in all, each one different. I loved them, everyone else I live with...HATED them! What's wrong with five small pink and yellow  tight wearing guys that hang out in a garden together all day? Nothing I tell you. I don't judge. I am sad they are gone. I sold them to two sisters who promised to love and cherish them. Enjoy ladies. I miss those guys.

These great cubbies are now available in my booth, #1560, upstairs, inside CHANGING THYMES of Grandville, Michigan.

~ Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie

Wow...has it been that long?

Hello!

It's been far too long since my last post! I have been busy... trying to be more selective about my booth purchases this year. I have to ask myself certain questions before I commit to buying something to resell. Sometimes I have to do this in a split second when I am rushing around at an estate sale.

Here are my questions:

1. Will I have to alter this item? How much is it going to cost? (paint, imbelishments, etc.)
2. Am I going to be able to double my money on the item, even after I alter it?
3. Would I have this item in my home?
4. Should I paint the item and sell it now or leave it as is and keep it for a later month/theme?

I must also have some new rules for myself this year, considering rising gas/travel costs:

1. I will research a sale before I invest any time or money. Sometimes you can look at sale photos online. Sometimes you just have to take a chance.
2. Am I going to a sale for just one or two items? Is it worth the trip adding gas money for the journey there and home? Will I still be able to double my money on the items? Again, sometimes you have to take a chance.
3. If the item needs some repair, can my husband do it? Again, what's the repair cost?
4. Am I going to be able to get the items home? I don't want to make a trip back to the sale later to pick it up. Again, saving gas money...$5.00 a gallon people!
5. I will spend less on booth decor that is not-for-sale. I will try and re-use items from last year and re-use what I have. * This is a biggie for me as I usually go overboard with seasonal/theme elements.
6. How fast can I sell the item? Am I going to be stuck with it awhile until I find the right seller? Yes, sometimes items so special present themselves and you feel compelled to buy them for the thrill...then you end up having things like a 100 year old antique mannekin of a little boy in your garage...remind me to tell you that story later...

So as I have some new guidelines for my treasure hunting, let me be honest and say I have fallen off the wagon recently, no not the wagon, let's just say I fell off the trailer. A semi trailer. Yes folks, I had the extreme honor of "picking" a delapidated 50' trailer that had been sitting forgotten, for 40+ years. OH YEAH! All new rules out the window.

BUT, I came home with a mini van full of new treasures! I can't wait to show y'all what I bought!

Happy treasure hunting,

Stephanie

30% Off in my booth!

Yes, I am having a HUGE 30% off sale, boothwide, except items marked firm! This adorable red bench is up for grabs. I may have to go in and take this faux vintage tree sign for myself...

I just LOVE vintage clocks and scales. This antique version of brass pocket watch clock is selling for A LOT of money on some retail sites! You know who you are!

The wood clock works beautifully and if you open the case, it reveals a little cubby shelf inside! I am not sure what you would put inside it, but there you go...


I can't have enough vintage wooden ladders in my booth, they always sell really well and they are a dream to display. This one is from an old farm in Holland, Michigan. I love it, paint splatters and all. That's splatters of personality y'all.
I hope you can come out to my booth on Saturday and join me from 10 am to 1 pm. I will be in my booth to pass out some yummy holiday treats and I will offer free gift wrapping if you buy something from my booth! I am also having a drawing for an exciting giveaway in my booth!
I'll see you there!
-Stephanie

The Thymes: they are a changin'

It's definitely feeling like Christmas in my booth. Last year I had decorated my booth with a Shabby Chic pink and white interpretation of the Holidays. This year, I went a little more traditional and went with a red, white, and woody neutral theme on one side of my booth. The other side is a wintery mix of egg nog creams and whites. A little less girly and little more farmhouse vintage. I guess that's just what I seem to be drawn to these days. -I also think it's a nice compromise for Mr. Romantic Treasures, less frills and lace. OK. OK.

I used a salvaged window, a discarded thrift store bell ornament, some burlap ribbon, and a quick reusable cling transfer and wa-la! Cuteness on the mantle! PS: it sold the first weekend!

I love finding vintage books that not only fit my color scheme, but when they just seem to set the mood. Sometimes, it's a title, the cover color, the graphics, or the binding. I love it when it just fits. -By the way, where is Santa Land? Did he leave the North Pole? Is this where he now resides? I must have missed that episode of House Hunters International. *cue door bell noise
~Stephanie

Happy Halloween!

Yippee! Today is one of my very favorite holidays! Not just because I may "sample" some candy while the kids are at school. You know, I may have to try it to make sure it's SAFE. Just a few pieces...

No, the best part about Halloween are the costumes, the decorations, and the overall spooky feeling. I love adding creepy touches throughout my home. The dining room hutch was no exception...

This may or may not have scared my kiddos for a few days. Don't worry. They got over it. They are eating again. Well I hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!

~Stephanie