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
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