At last! I remembered the camera but, doi, forgot the tripod so most of my photos were blurry. But I think these are okay. Here it is, my antique-mall booth, all dressed up for its first full day of school!
I say school because — there's a learning curve here. I'm learning. I'm actually sort of shocked when I realize that we put this booth together in two days. Please take a moment with me here. Two. Da — [sputtering]. That's a steep curve, baby. But I'm so glad it's up sob! I write this from the sofa where I sit with my feet on a pillow. Aaaaaah, done. Goody.
It's five feet by ten feet. I covered the walls (which were dark green) with gray felt and topped it with the yellow ruffle. I used my display units from my first store and they fit perfectly. In fact, the whole thing is a little store-ified, but oh well. It's what I know. We'll see if it works. I'm flexible.
I found out a little more about the events going on at Monticello this weekend — they're having a "Premier Shopper Sale," so almost everything is discounted and there are many special exhibitors set up in the garden salvage room. It should be great. The more time I spend there the more I like the place. I can't tell you how nice everyone who works there is. They've been so kind to me this week. I've really, really appreciated that. Just a great place to be.
Do you recognize some of this stuff? It's a little hard for me to part with my things, I'll admit. Some of the items I'm bringing to the booth have been part of my household and personal collection for a while, but I'm ready to pass them along. How many coffee cups can one girl have, I ask you. There is so much great stuff out there yet to find. I'm enjoying the "hunt" more than the "having" lately. I keep telling myself that. But oh I love have loved those little brown gingham cups!
I will never sell my mannequin head, though! No no. NFS. Isn't she beautiful? She was custom made for me several years ago by the amazing folks at Decoeyes Mannequin Company. They create brand-new replicas of mannequin heads from the '20s through '50s. Each one is a work of art. I love the way hats look on her. Her eyes are pale green. She's been a fixture on the Posie web site for quite a while, so you might recognize her, too.
As soon as I get this booth situated, I'll be updating the Posie site with my new stuff (er, new stuff, right, gotta make some new stuff) and finishing up Calico Balloon, my new web site for only vintage things.
Oh, the Calico Balloon. If you click on that image it will get big and you can actually read it, if you promise not to make fun of me for being such a dork. I can't help it. It was so . . . sweet . . . fun . . . to let myself think this way — I realize that I think this way (dreamy) a lot. I couldn't help it here; it's exactly how I really feel about things. I've been a little coy about this new site, but if I put it on the blog then it's like — it really will get finished, right? The site will get done. Use of passive voice suggesting deflection of responsibility. (You know, "Mistakes were made," etc. instead of "We made mistakes," etc.) Alas, Calico Balloon has only one employee. There is no one else on which to deflect. Active voice then: I will make it happen. Keep going, buttercup. Keep going.
Yipes! Forgot to say thank you, Typepad! And I love you, Typepad!!! And welcome, Typepad Peeps!
wow beautiful! im so excited for you!
I think now is the time for a holiday! All I have to do is convince my husband it really is worth travelling all the way from England just to go and have a look at a very pretty (I was going to say beautiful, but I think pretty describes it better!!) minature shop run by my favourite blogger in America.
*sigh*
I wish I lived closer, your booth looks amazing. Actually I'd probably buy everything so maybe thats not a good idea *giggle* Can't wait to see Calico Balloon!!!
you're booth is gorgeous. i, too, wish i lived closer so i could browse...congratulations!
Sounds like Portland may have a population explosion as word spreads about your lovely little booth. It looks so fresh and inviting. Good Luck!
I wish the antique stores around here were stocked with such loveliness {sigh} Looks like Portland is the place to be...
That is the cutest booth I have ever seen!
Oh, my goodness! It's so lovely. You have such a lovely vision. I love the 3 tables on top of one another like a tea party! Just so sweet.
sooo beautiful! i wish i was close by so i could stop by the antique market to see your booth! it looks fantabulous! have a great weekend! :o)
I love it.. and the booth and the small flowered background-ed web site..
this place has been the kind of shop from where you can't walk out without buying something.. even on your worst shopping day..
and it doesn't need to be a shopping day really.. even passers by.. might collect a piece.. I mean I would if I were near..
I wish you prosperity..
and I really liked the expression.. hunting better then having.. that is exactly how I feel.. for the last years..
the booth looks amazing!
congratulations!
The booth looks amazing!
And I'm really like this new site, too! :)
Looks faaaabulous, daaaahling! How sad that I live on the other side of the country and will not be able to have a look-see for myself. Thanks for the photo-peek. Those brown gingham mugs..I seem to remember that they were give-aways for gas fill-me-ups back in the day. I remember those days..because I am oooooooold! Well, older than you, anyway.
All the best for your success in this new endeavor..and with the new website as well.
Yes, you can!!!!
yippee! i have been looking so forward to seeing your fabulousness put in action at your new space...as always, perfectly alicia! do you have a new name for your new shop space? CAN'T wait for calico balloon!!
perfect
You really have an eye for decorating and setting up your shop. I hope that one day, when I have a shop of my own, I can make it look half as good! I'll probably write you for some tips! :)
I am going to keep coming back to these delicious photos.I want to taste every little crumb and commit to memory.One day I too will have a little antique booth -yes?
Thanks for sharing the photos. I love the booth, its so inviting. I'm also very excited about Calico Balloon.
congratulation alicia. both the new shop and the new site look wonderful.
Your booth looks amazing! Good
luck with your new ventures:)
Can't wait to see your new site.
Alicia - your booth is so lovely, I too wish I was nearby to see it. I wish you the best in your latest endeavors. You deserve it as you have inspired me in so many ways, I could never share them all.
Wishing you much luck with everything! It must be exciting and a little scary starting new things, but I just know everything will be great. The booth is so beautiful and just reading the front page of Calico Balloon made me feel dreamy.
Thanks for sharing your new adventure with us!
oh man, that booth is sweetly rockin'. and yes, i can appreciate the effort it took - 2 days, wow. just unpacking all of the merchandise alone could take 2 days let alone styling it. i do envy the locals who get the first run on your pretty merchandise.
looking forward to the new site and love the sentiments in your writing. get ready for massive orders from all of us here in posie gets cozy land. the post office will be seeing a lot of you that's for sure.
good luck alicia!
Everything looks wonderful! The grey/pale yellow color scheme is a perfect backdrop for all your sweet things, both in the booth and on the website.
I think maybe you should look into setting up a little booth in antique malls across the country. And calico balloon, I'm looking forward to that.