Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Three Summer Day Trips for the Antique and Flea Market Collector
The calendar and the weather in New England has announced the beginning of summer. It is time to pack up the family, load the family van and head north, in search of cool breezes and super bargains.
The challenge of a fun vacation time for all is being sure to include destinations that have activities and events for all family members.
Finding such destinations is not as difficult as I originally thought as I looked to plan 3 day trips that would provide lots of antique and flea markets to explore.
June Withington Auction
The first stop on the trip will be in Nashua, New Hampshire. Nashua is the location of Withington Auctions for more than 30 years. Although Dick Withington is recently deceased the fine tradition of his auctions continue. Since the auction is held in a major hotel chain there is an on site pool and gym the kids can enjoy. Within walking distance is fast food. The hotel includes room service with wifi and cable. The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
July Brimfield Antique Show
August New Hampshire Antiques Dealer Association
August is time to head to Manchester, NH for the 58th annual antique dealers show. This year the show runs from August 7 to August 9. Exhibitors as far away as Michigan will display the finest antiques for our buying pleasure.
Till next time stay well, stay happy
http://www.antiquestattheirongate
auctionmom80@gmail.com
Vintage and retro clothing at affordable pricing
http://www.threadflip.com/Threads
Monday, June 1, 2015
Caring for Antique Textiles
How to care for your treasured pieces depends on many factors, including
size, age, material, and whether you want to display or store the piece for long periods of time. My upholstered chairs remain on duty for sitting all year whereas my antique table linens are used occasionally and mostly stored throughout the year.
Whether you use or store your antique textiles there are a few basics you must follow to preserve your pieces.
Before handling antique textiles tell yourself the piece is fragile, exactly how fragile the piece is will become known when you handle it. Know that silk textiles "melt" and if you see melted silk immediately know to handle with care.
The 3 Basics of Handling Antique Textiles
1. Wash you hands before handling antique fabrics and textiles. Natural oils from our hands can stain delicate textiles. The use of hand lotions gives dust a surface to collect and the piece will get stained and require cleaning quicker2. Keep your food and drinks away for from antique textiles. The obvious reason is the danger of spilling. Water can create as much damage to a piece as coffee or tea.
3. Remove jewelry especially rings and bracelets that can catch on delicate fabrics leaving torn threads and pulls. Even a long necklace can create damage to a textile if it catches and pulls on the piece.
Storing Antique Textiles
1. Keep antique textiles out of direct sunlight, rain, and any dampness.2. Store in acid free containers using acid free paper, polyester batting. Cotton sheeting may be used if available.
3. Do not store antique textiles in cardboard boxes, directly in wooden trunks, or in plastic.
Preserving our clothing and textile heritage
When to Seek Expert Advice
1. Identify the type of material the item is made from, date the item
2. Before removing a stain
3. Precautions to take if you want to wear or use the item
4. Restoring or mending an item
5. When you suspect insect damage
Till Next Time Stay Well Stay Happy
auctionmom80@gmail.com
www.antiquesattheirongate.com
http://www.threadflip.com/Threads
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Collecting English Staffordshire Dogs
Attending the Holliston Antique Show in Massachusetts was the perfect cure for what seemed like endless weeks of snow. The sun was shining, the roads were clear. I was ready to enjoy the company of good friends while hunting for formerly loved treasures.
Collecting Staffordshire Dogs was a natural progression from my love of animals and my life of incorporating canines into our human family lifestyle.
Staffordshire Dogs, like real dogs come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The most recognized is the brown and white spaniels complete with gold leash and locket. These were produced in the Staffordshire area of England and were most popular during the 19th Century.
The dogs came in pairs that faced in opposite directions. No Victorian home was complete with a pair of Staffordshire dogs gracing the mantle.
The expressions of the Staffordshire dogs differ, as they were all hand painted. Some carry baskets of flowers. I find these to be exceptionally charming.
While most dogs were made to stand guard on the mantle some dogs were made to be used as pitchers.
The spaniel is most popular, due to the popularity of the breed with English royalty. In the 1600s King Charles owned a spaniel. Queen Victoria had her spaniel "Dash."
Staffordshire dogs were also produced to represent other breeds, including boxers, pugs, greyhounds, and poodles.
This adorable set of English Stafordshire poodles is one of my favorites. They sport a coat of confetti fur, similar to the spaghetti poodles of the 1900s.
Collecting Staffordshire dogs opens a world of canine delights. The variation in painting and expression of the dogs will make collecting these dogs a very special experience.
Till Next Time, Stay Well, Stay Happy
auctionmom80@gmail.com
www.antiquesattheirongate.com
http://www.threadflip.com/Threads
Thursday, February 19, 2015
5 Low Cost Ways To Cure Cabin Fever
Winter in the Northeast can be beautiful. When the snow falls there is a calm quiet across the landscape. Even a storm with blizzard conditions can be beautiful, as long as you are prepared with whatever you need to make life comfortable for you should the power go out and the roads become impassable.
This winter has had its share of storms and blizzards. The day after a storm is often sunny, a blessing in that sunshine is a known mood booster and it also helps to melt the snow.
Even so, there are times when even the most enthusiastic lover of winter gets cabin fever. When I feel a bout of cabin fever I choose from one of my five favorite cures.
Shop the Garden Catalogues
Search Back Issues of Favorite Magazines
As I search through my back issues as sometimes I look for articles on specific topics. This year I am determined to make a formal herb garden so I am searching and marking articles about how to plan an early American herb garden.
Tune into the Internet
Chat with friends on Skype, make new friends by exploring new sites and joining in the discussion of topics dear to you. Update your Face Book page, send those messages to friends that you just never seem to have the time to send. Browse vacation spots and find new activities and places for the family to enjoy during spring and summer.
Move the Picnic Inside
Gather the family together and develop a menu for a family picnic. Include favorite summertime foods and beverages. Be sure to use a summer cloth on the floor and remember to bring the beach ball. Add some summertime tunes for a lively sing-a-long and you will quickly find yourself transported to a warm and happy place. Using summertime candles like coconut will add to the summertime fun.
Turn Your Family Room Into an Art Gallery
Gather newsprint, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, and old magazines. Have each family member make a collage of their favorite season. Include in the collage, favorite activities, foods, places, clothes, and whatever else expresses why that season is their favorite. Older children can help the younger ones. Share the collage with the family. Leave the family art work on display for the next day or so. You will be surprised at the continuing interest in the art work of other family members!
Till Next Time, Stay Well, Stay Happy
www.antiquesattheirongate.com
auctionmom80@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Celebrate Mardi Gras with This Easy French Recipe for Kings Cake
The tradition of preparing King Cake originated with the French in the 12 century. In the 1800s French settlers in Louisiana continued their tradition of King Cake.
Today the tradition extends well beyond the New Orleans, Louisiana borders.
King Cake may be ordered from one of the many bakers in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they will ship directly to your house. This is a fabulous option for those of us who cannot attend Mardi Gras.
A second option, one which I am trying this year, is to make your own King Cake using one of the many recipes available online and in Southern cookbooks.
This is the recipe I selected. Looks simple enough and traditional, as well.
A small baby made of porcelain or plastic is often baked inside the cake or place on top. According to tradition, the person who finds the baby will enjoy good luck and is responsible for hosting the next party.
Cakes are decorated in purple, green, and gold according to tradition. The colors represent the royal colors on the crowns of the Wise Men.
Purple signifies Justice
Green signifies Faith
Gold signifies Power
King Cake represents the three kings who brought gifts to the Christ child. The Mardi Gras season
begins January 6. Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, is always 47 days prior to Easter Sunday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
So even if you can not attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans, hosting a King Cake gathering in fine Southern tradition can be just as fun. Bring out your treasured china and stemware.
Host your first King Party and enjoy!
Till Next Time, Stay Well, Stay Happy
auctionmom80@gmail.com
www.antiquesattheirongate.com
http://www.threadflip.com/Threads
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Mardi Gras Traditions and Collectibles
Mardi Gras, the name itself sounds festive and fun. A festive air has always been associated with Mardi Gras, though through the years the fun and frolic have surpassed the founders early plans.
This year Mardi Gras begins on Tuesday February 17, a date worth noting on your calendar.
Parades have already started in January and continue through February 16. One of the most informative sites for daily happenings at Mardi Gras is found at Mardi Gras Events
The history of Mardi Gras dates to the early Medieval Europe. When a group of French-Canadian explorers led by Bienville, arrived miles south at what is now New Orleans, When the explorers realized the date was the eve of the festive holiday, they named the spot Pointe du Mardi Gras.
Bienville also established Fort Louis de la Louisiane, now known as Mobile. The 1st Mardis Gras was celebrated at Fort Louis de la Louisiane in 1703.
Secret societies were formed and parades were held to signal the coming Fat Tuesday,which marked the beginning of lenten meat fast.
By the 1830s processions of masked celebrators were accompanied by elaborately decorated carriages and horseback riders. It was shortly after that masked balls were introduced.
What to Collect at Mardi Gras
Beads and Throws
During the parade krewe members on decorated floats throw trinkets to the parade watchers. These trows have become quite collectible and include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, and toys. What is thrown is up to the imagination, creativity, and historical roots of the krewe members.
Learn about the various krewes and their beliefs at Mardi Gras Krewes
Masks
Everyone wears a mask on Fat Tuesday. Float riders are required by law to wear masks.
Masks originally allowed differences between class cultures to be disguised.
Ephemera
Mardi Gras creates an abundance of paper, Ephemera that can be collected and valued for its significance to a particular Mardi Gras event.
Till Next Time, Stay Well, Stay Happy
auctionmom80@gmail.com
antiquesattheirongate.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)