THE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK - Finding Antiques at (Stores and) Flea Markets

via Laurie Gaines of the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival and Victorian Homes Magazine

Planning: 
Focus your efforts on specific items, like things you collect or something for  a particular spot in your home.  If you are looking for a painting or piece of furniture, be sure to measure the area beforehand.  Bring color swatches to match fabrics.  Carry pictures of what you want; sometimes a dealer will have just what you're looking for back in his shop, or even out in his truck.

Things you will need:
- List of measurements
- A tape measure
- Photos of where the item will go
- A shopping trolley (to help you get merchandise back to your car)
- Packing blanket or old sleeping bag to wrap items
- Bubble wrap for china
- A hat, sunscreen or umbrella for outdoor fairs
- Comfortable shoes

(Victorian) Items to look for:
Lamps, silver and jewelry are fairly easy to find.  Look for Victorian furniture in the South and Midwest regions.  Linens, clothing and quilts are increasing in rarity, as they get more fragile every day.  Most shows will have English china from the Staffordshire region or various types of Flow Blue.

To Negotiate or Not to Negotiate:
Dealers are often open to negotiation, but don't insult them by offering half their best price.  Remember, they have to find the merchandise, clean it, repair it and often carry it to several shows - they deserve a fair profit.

How to Determine Authenticity on the Spot:
Look for wear in the right places.  Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good dealers will willingly share their expertise with you, making you a more knowledgeable buyer.  Establish a relationship and tell them what you are looking for, in case they come across it later.

The ANTIQUE MILE invites you to Albuquerque's North Valley for the Lavender Festival

Enjoy some fun in the Sun and then

 visit the Antique Mile on 4th street for lots of shopping.

  Our stores will be offering sales, refreshments and expert advice in decor & design, lighting and porcelain repair, faux and decorative painting, and lots more.

Visit http://www.lavenderinthevillage.com/ for more info.

Decorating DO’s and DON’Ts

an article from Victoria Magazine

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Dr. William A. Ward

Decorating a living space is among the most satisfying endeavors we can undertake.  Every step throughout the process has its own rewards, and often the crowning achievement is realizing what is most important to our sense of well-being.

DON’T purchase small scale furniture and accessories because you feel your rooms are small.  This often results in a dollhouse look.

DO invest in larger-scale pieces to fool the room into feeling bigger.

DON’T overdo the window treatments.  Overly fussy swags, jabots, ruffles, and trims can end up looking theatrical.

DO remember less is more when it comes to window dressing.  The treatment should not distract from a beautiful view outdoors, treatments are meant to soften the transition from indoors to out.

DON’T hang mirrors in places where they DON’T reflect anything worth showcasing.  For example, a mirror hung high over a fireplace mantel reflecting a ceiling fan is dizzying.

DO hang mirrors where they reflect light, expand a small space, or reflect a treasured arrangement or collection.

DON’T purchase art solely to match a room’s colors and style.  A contemporary, colorful abstract can be unexpectedly beautiful in muted tones of a traditional space. 

DO make your purchasing decisions based on art you love.  Select pieces that make you feel serene or happy. Whether it’s a grand oil painting or small pencil sketch, hang it and enjoy it.