Ann Arbor Antiques Market

This morning I got up and drove to Ann Arbor to go to the antique market. I have been going to this show with my mom for the last 4 years.  It wasn't quite the same to go alone, but I still had a grand ol' time. Going to Saline is one of my favorite activities during the spring and summer months. There is always such a fabulous array of pieces at a variety of prices ranges.  Lately, as we have all seen, there is this Industrial/Americana look that is taking off with amazing collections from national chain retailers (i.e. Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn).  I am the first to admit that I love these looks that are being made accessible to the masses.  I love looking through the nicely stylized catalogs and noting certian styles and trends.  This being said, my first inkling would be never to go out and buy a modern reproduction of an antique piece of furniture or accessory.... especially not when the real things can be so easily found at antique markets, many times for less than their contemporary counterparts!  There were so many items in Ann Arbor today that are gracing the covers of our national retailers. The thing is that what you see at the antique market is not "inspired" from the past... it IS the past. I have always loved things with a history and being at the market today was no exception.  I was giddy with excitement and while I could have packed my car to the brim, both my wallet and my sensibility did not allow me to do so. I think anyone who is looking to jazz up their home should go to their local antique market as antiques immediatley add personality, character and a little bit of whimsy. Not to mention, who doesn't love a piece with a story... and I bet the story of how you obatained the piece will beat they now typical "online shopping" or "picked it up at the mall".

This vendor has all sorts of antique books.  I bought some for myself last year.  For about $15 a pop you can create a rich and aesthetically looking collection that looks like it came right out of an old mahogany library.

 This vendor is also something out of the usual.  I found them up in Petoskey, but they made a stop today in Ann Arbor.  These are all different types of paper mache molds. They are so intriquing and beautiful in their own unconventional way. 

I chose to display mine in an antique wooden bowl.  Sometimes they sit on my coffee table or sometimes on my kitchen "island". Regardless, they always spark a commentary.

And... here are my purchases today!

I have been looking for a head/bust for my living room.  Currently it is sitting on my new chest, but I am sure he will have very many different locations over time!

My other purchase was this french container from around 1910.  I have seen this booth before but have never really known how I would use them.  I decided to bit the bullet today and just figure it out.  This label means "salt". Guess I now have a snazzy salt container!

Here are a few other photos from the market.  I should have taken more, but I always feel a little awkward snapping photos of vendor's booths.  I always ask, but it is usually kinda awkward.... mostly just a confused look and a shrug.  Today one vendor kept asking me if I was sure I didn't want to photograph him.  I was sure.

All in all it was a great day.  I cannot wait to go to the show next May... and to have my mom back as my partner in scouting!

Spring-a-fling!

I arrived a little early for my meeting at Kingswood today and enjoyed a lengthier walk around to the back door to soak in a little of this spring fever! I think we've made it!

 

Masters Sunday

Sunday at the Masters only rolls around once a year and it makes for the best way to end a weekend.  I love relaxing and snoozing with  sun streaming through the open windows and the voice of Jim Nantz chiming in the background.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends and way to go Phil!

Easter

I hope you all enjoyed a beautiful weekend.  Finally, we have opened the windows in our house and let in the spring air.  The house smells fresh and it feels great!  Hogan is also enjoying all these spring scents.  From his post at the front window he is basically going bonkers with every breeze.  He doesn't know what to make of new blooms and critters awakening from hibernation.  There should be caution tape around our yard for for any passing, bird, squirrel and bunny.  Anywhoo, I posted a few pictures of our Easter dinner.  Nancy did such a beautiful job setting the table and making a fabulous meal. (Thank You!) I think these shots communicate nicely her impeccable style. Their home provided beautiful backdrop for yet another memorable holiday. It was such a great, relaxing day- the perfect Easter! 

Happy Weekend!

Today is a good day.  It's Friday. It's 80 degrees. Being that it is the beginning of April, and living in Michigan, this is something we should all celebrate. Also, for some of us, it is a holiday weekend! Good things ahead.  

 

Tinkering around on the internet this week I stumbled upon Judith Miller Inc. This site has eaten away at minutes of my day because I just cannot tear myself away. Previously, I have not been really aware that being a photographer's representative is an actual job, but now I am aware...aware that this job is super cool. This firm matches extremely talented photographers with projects, clients and campaigns to create the finest and most efficient working relationship. There are about 18 photographers who all have their own portfolios on web display equaling a multitude of moving photos, each one seeming to outdo the next. This competition for fundamental artistic beauty leaves the viewer with an array of inspiring images.

While it is hard to select one artist being superior to the next, I have chosen to showcase some of my favorite images from photographer, James Merrell. His pieces have a voice and tell a story. While I did not include many of his portraits, I enjoyed how they visually told stories about the subjects. I highlighted mostly interior shots here, because I loved how they all had a dash of the unexpected. From the colors to the objects of curiosity, they are truly an array of eye catching moments. My suggestion would be that you set aside some time and view his portfolio, as well as all the other photographers. Just don't do this if you have something that needs your immediate attention, because you are bound to get carried away.

 

All photos via James Merrell

Columbust

That's right. Scott's Columbus was a bust. Delaware is the place to be.  Delaware, Ohio that is. 

I'll start from the beginning. Good time or bad, my mom and I would have fun no matter what the outcome of our antiquing adventure.  We got on the road right after work and drove off into the sunset with America's rust belt providing the backdrop.  We checked into our hotel, had some vino and cheered on the Spartans.

With anticipation we had an early morning wake up call, breakfast and headed to the Columbus Expo Center.  We were so surprised to find out that admission is free!  What a steal! When got into the center we saw rows of vendors spread before our eyes!  Oh, the promise! We held onto promise as we perused the tricket vendors... and we held on... and we held on. About the time we had walked through half of the market, we were starting to feel a little hopeless.  This was not really what we imagined. So much so, that it was almost comical. We were just cracking up.  She has always said you begin to feel old when you go to these markets and see items that you had during your childhood.  This should also not be the case for someone at the ripe younge age of twenty five. There were vendors selling beenie babies and barbie dolls.  Not quite what I had pictured. My mom said we couldn't leave without buying at least one thing, so I got some snazzy, costume clip on earrings. That proceeded to break in the car.  Icing on the cake.  I don't want to sound too cynical.  The people at the market could not have been nicer.  I real dose of Midwestern hospitality.  There may have been more treasures in the show then seen by my naked eye, but I had only one mission and that is to stop buying the accessories and to start buying furniture.  Furniture only!

We took the unexpected free morning and gave ourselves a self guided driving tour around Ohio State.  It was a pretty campus that kind of reminded me of Michigan State.  I am obviously bias, but I do think Michigan State is much more beautiful!  Having used our morning to see the Columbus "tourist" attraction we proceeded to get on our way home.  We made one more detour at trusty Home Goods. Continuing to laugh that we had driven all the way to Columbus only to leave with some broken clip on earrings, pot holders and a new travel coffee mug (the two latter our Home Goods pick ups).

It is about 30 more minutes along our drive that we spot a huge red barn with a nice sign outside stating "Garth's, Auctioneers and Apraisers". We give each other glances, asked if we were crazy enough to stop and with a promising, swift search on the blackberry, we decided it was a good idea and had nothing to loose. 

We happened to walk into an auction house cloud nine.  Trailers were parked outside from New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky. Had we stumbled upon a hidden gem? We walked inside to see a packed barn and an amazing "Early American" auction taking place.  There was a remarkable array of period furniture and folk art, all being taken home by some serious bidders.  Talk about good luck!  We were not serious bidders, but bidders none the less. My mom spotted three beautiful chests, all above my price range.  With many of the items going for over their estimates, I was a little skeptical of being able to leave with anything.  I have bought a few things from auctions, but they have all been absentee bids.  The  process has always been a little intimidating! Armed with my paddle, the first of the three chests came up on the block.  I may have been a little antsy- and I kinda feel like I was bidding against myself- but after about a minute of confusion the auctioneer slammed down his gravel and proclaimed "sold to the lady in the back!".  I looked around... turns out that lady in the back was me!  My mom and I gave each other a little high five, I was not even sure what the final number was, but it turned out to be less than what I had allotted myself to spend.   Knowing we had to get on the road, we loaded up our new purchase and continued on our way, dying laughing about our crazy good fortune. It is days like these I should probably go out and buy a lottery ticket. 

Check it out.  My new Federal chest nestled into the corner of my living room.  This corner had been screaming for a piece of furniture.  It had been dark and awkward... but now, volià!   This is my first antique furniture purchase at an auction, but not for my lack of trying.  I just never get lucky enough!  The nude that is hanging above the chest was another auction purchse, back in 2008 from a "Marketplace" auction at Leslie Hindman in Chicago.

Not to mention, this piece also has great hardware!  I have never seen this beehive deatil, but then again, there are many things I have not seen. Each drawer has an inlaid wood border.  I didn't photograph it very well, but you can see a bit of the border in this photo, under the hardware.

I could have spent the remainder of the afternoon observing and educating myself at the auction (and eating gyro's from the deli cart parked outside). I will definitly be stalking Garth's online and if the opportunity presents itself I would drive down for another fun filled afternoon in a second. It looks like they are having an "Early American & Ohio Valley" auction this May.  I am sure there will be more treasures to find!

Wedding Road Block

I am having a little trouble finding the rental linens and chargers I want for June 26th. It is amazing how limiting the options can be.  This has induced my first "wedding anxiety dream".  This dream had nothing to do with party rentals, but more along the lines of being overly bronzed, rain inside the church, no music, everyone in perfectly schemed blue yamakas (I'm not Jewish) and a slew of drunk bridesmaids.  Funny how the mind works. Anyway, back to rentals. I feel like every company has the same thing... until I came across Party Rental LTD. Holy options!  The skies are parting and I am finally witnessing, with my very own eyes, wedding rental bliss. Where have you been all my life?  From rattan to pewter, leather to stripes,copper to mother of pearl... this place has it all. Only one smallllll problemo. They have a few locations, all on the east coast.  Upon calling we were told they do not ship, but their website states otherwise.  I must investigate!  I have selected a few photos from the "lookes we love section". I am just hoping these lovely looks could help amp up a wedding in Metro Detroit.

Oh, and speaking of roads, my mom and I are hitting the highway at 5:30 tomorrow (wine, crackers and cheese packed) to go to the Columbus Scott's Antique Market.  I have only heard raving reviews on the Atlanta Scott's and am hoping that this one can hold flame everything I have heard about ol' Hotlanta. I am so excited to see what treasures we uncover.  I am ready for a big hunt!