Lessons Learned

I am just coming up for air in this very busy life I have created for myself these days. The Ft. Lauderdale show has come and gone, my two design projects are in full swing, and we are planning a quick get-away weekend in Georgia beginning tomorrow.

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I was very proud of how my booth turned out. As you can guess, it is a lot of work to pack up items, only to unpack them at the show, then take it all down in a day or so. My husband and son are troopers. What would I do without them? I don't travel lightly. This show included two very large china cabinets. They looked great, but, WOW!!

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I really felt like I had some great things to offer collectors of vintage......both old and new. I had many, many compliments. However, I learned a few valuable lessons last weekend. The first one: Know Your Market. I do know my market, they just weren't shopping in Fort Lauderdale. Actually, as one customer said, "You just don't find this stuff down here." She was pleased to see it, but was in the minority. My second lesson: Do not do shows in HOT, HOT South Florida during the summer. Most of my clients have gone north and next summer I will too.

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So yes, sales were much less than expected, but so it goes in the world of retail. Every show is not going to be a success. I was dissappointed, but not defeated. Like I said earlier, I was (and am) very proud of what I brought to the party. I will continue to persevere and look for the perfect item to bring forward in my own way. I will research the demographics of the next show a little more thoroughly and carry on!

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Please enjoy a few more pictures. Everything was beautiful!!! Thanks to all my vendors for providing me with the upmost in quality. I will continue to search out the right venue so I can do your products proud. And I will continue finding just the right piece of furniture that I can add the perfect "A Bird in Hand" touch to.

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I appreciated seeing a few of my old friends who came by just to see me. That means the world to me!! I will continue to keep you posted of my happenings. I will most likely be in West Palm Beach again in November, but will let you know for sure very soon. Meanwhile, I will be happy to ship or deliver any items you see here that you may be interested in. I am considering a private show for invited guests sometime between now and November. If that develops, you'll be the first to know!!!

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In my next post, I will share some pictures of the O'Rourke master bathroom that is coming together beautifully!

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Until then, I wish you.....

Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.

Carol

Keep Those Shipments Coming!!!

I have been steadily receiving shipments for the August 4 & 5 show at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm anxious to share some pictures with you. Keep in mind, please, that I am trying to get familiar with my husband's digital camera and have not gotten the lighting down, among other things. I think I prefer natural light to artificial, however, it was late and I wanted to get something going.........so........here goes.......
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This picture and the next are just a sampling of the lovely charms from Cathy Penton Designs. She has truly outdone herself this time. My photography is not doing them justice, but I will keep working at it.

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The second picture shows a couple of offerings for Halloween....a holiday not even celebrated in Australia (did you know that??), but she made two adorable charms to help us celebrate just the same. I think they turned out great. Flanking those two charms is a card from Barbara Schriber. Her cards and other offerings never disappoint.

I am pleased to say both these items (charms and cards) sold very well at the last show, so I'm excited to be bringing more to you.
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My calico kitty, Gracie, would like to present some incredible items from Secret Leaves. Their offerings surpassed even my wildest expectations. Sharon and Ann.....you are both quite talented and I am very proud to show your work to the masses.

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What you see here are two photo albums (on top shelf) the old fashioned way. The covers are actual covers from vintage books. Pictures are to be applied via corner tabs. I will have some of those available also.

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Also included here are incredibly unique "Take Cover" journals. They are also made from old book covers with blank pages for all your secret, and not so secret, thoughts. You'll also find other assorted journals, mini notebooks, note cards, and gift enclosures.

Now, do you see that small book in the center. That is truly the cream of the crop. It is called a "Scrap Journal." It is a small book of old pages of all sorts. And I do mean old. A few pages show a date of 1941. It is SO COOL. They are one of a kind in every detail. I will admit, I didn't "get it" at first. When I read the description, I couldn't picture it, but let me tell you......it's gorgeous. My husband and I truly enjoyed turning each page for the next discovery. There are places for your own thoughts throughout as well. Here are two other close-ups of this little beauty.

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Please join me in August for an up close & personal. I really think you will love these items.

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By the way, the mustard colored table in the background was quite a find. It is solid mahogany under that paint and I am getting ready to make the big reveal in time for the show. I will keep a bit of the color and maybe add some other touches, but I have high hopes for this piece that, when seen from the side, actually has a bit of an Asian flare. I'll include pictures when it's done.

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I also received my shipment from These Flowers, This Moon. These are beautiful, handmade jewelry items made from vintage findings and often times, genuine stones. What I think is so interesting is that the artist, Kelly McGreal, has designed the most unique tags for her work. On each one is a Haiku poem indicative of the piece displayed. Take a look below.

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These are one of my favorite pair of earrings. They are called Honeycomb Earrings. They have a brass honeycomb combined with a citrine on a long chain behind it that makes it look like

a drop of honey dripping from the comb. Two little bees finish it off. I am wearing my pair today and LOVE them.

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To the right is the Charm of the Sea bracelet and Sea Salt earrings....very appropriate for these here parts..... I expect them to be very popular. I really love the way they look with my beach findings and star fish.

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I think that is it for now. Enough already, right??? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed these pictures and that it has wetted your appetite enough to join me in Ft. Lauderdale. Of course, pre-sales are always available on anything you see and so much more. Please let me know.....

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For now I wish you......

Warm wishes.....Sweet dreams.....

Carol

I've Been Tagged!!!

Wow!! I am always so surprised when I hear from someone from somewhere out there that has visited my humble little blog. I have been tagged by Deena from Sweet Annee. She has a lovely blog. You can sure tell she is in the Midwest. Her woods are so different from ours. We really don't have much in the way of woods actually. Anyway, please check her out.

Here are 8 Random Things about me:

1. I was a "Lancerette" in high school.(drill team)

2. I played the violin from 4th grade to 8th grade and wished I had never given it up.

3. I could easily become a recluse (but think I would miss people after a while).

4. I have always wanted to live on a large piece of property....multiple acres.

5. I love the ocean more than lakes. I think I will always have to live where the ocean is within a few hours drive time, even though I rarely go in the water.

6. My husband is truly my best friend. I would miss him terribly if I became a recluse.

7. Together, my husband and I have four children (he has 3 and I have 1) and we have 5 grandchildren with one more on the way.

8. I have a major desire to become a major yoga follower, although I do not take yoga or do yoga at home. What does that say about me??? I love what I believe it could do for my body, but have not made the commitment.

Well....there you have it. Some things that some may know about me and then again, maybe they don't. I won't tag anyone else right now, as I really don't feel I know enough other bloggers. The blogs I read on a regular basis have all been tagged recently. When I find a new one, I will pass on my tag and say "You're It!!" Thanks all for reading.

Warm wishes....Sweet dreams....
Carol

P.S. Aren't the shells above beautiful? I ordered them from LunaGirl.com. It's a great site. I thought I was getting clipart, but got this sheet instead. Oh well. I still think they are beautiful. I'll stir the creative juices so I can put them to good use.

New Favorites...

I have just added two new "Favorite Places to Visit." I wish I could tell you from where they come, however, I don't speak/read German, Danish, Finnish, etc. I really don't know where they originate, but the pictures are INCREDIBLE!! I found it kind of fun to try to pick out a word here or there and I find it interesting how English is interspersed throughout. Anyway...enjoy the view!!!

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The first one is called Blomsterverkstad. It looks like three women have a business of making wreaths and other beautiful creations. Check out all the old posts also. Great pictures!! This picture is from their site.

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The second is: Min Lilla Veranda. Here is a little picture from (her?) blog. Maybe this woman is a photographer or stylist. She puts some beautiful things together.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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Warm wishes....Sweet dreams....

Carol

SHOW TIME!!

My next show is on the near horizon. For some reason, I found myself dragging my feet a bit. I tend to get in over my head at times, but it feels good to start directing my every waking hour to this next project.
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Another part of my little business is decorating. I am currently working on two fairly large projects (one a master bathroom renovation and the other a kitchen [and other rooms]). I will share some pictures as the projects start coming together. I have been very blessed to have made connections with some great people. My clients are truly my friends. I guess that is when you know it's going to work.
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Anyway, back to the show prep..... I will be at the War Memorial Auditorium on August 4 and 5 for the Ft. Lauderdale Antiques and Collector Fair. I am really looking forward to this show as it is kind of a cozy atmosphere with about 60 vendors.....much smaller than the WPB shows, but just as interesting. The Fair opens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The $5 entrance fee is good for the entire weekend. Not bad....

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I am really excited to be offering some new items. The orders are in. I'll just be sweating the arrival like always. It seems to work out though. I'm still in the hunt for some cool old stuff. I have one really neat secretary top that is sitting on an old iron stand that I keep debating upon keeping for myself. I think that defeats the purpose though, right? It is truly one of the most interesting pieces I have seen in a long time. I'm sure it will be with me at the show. I'm going to tweak it a bit with my own custom look and will share some pictures prior to the show.

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Well, back to work for me. I'll be back soon with more news.......
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"Be the flower that blooms...butterflies will come."
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Warm wishes. Sweet dreams. Carol

Liberty and Justice for All....

This is coming to you a day early as I will be away from my computer tomorrow celebrating my freedom. I am sure I am not the only person who reflects over the last six or so years and thinks, "my, how times have changed." Our safe cocoon was shaken and we came together as a great nation. It is interesting how common place it is now to know we have to pack differently when we travel by air and we might have our car checked a time or two before we even get in. I am proud to say that we follow those directions quietly and humbly as we know what could happen, and we're thankful for those who are looking for the "what ifs." It's okay with me.....look all you want. I want to keep enjoying my freedom.

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I pray you all enjoy the freedom of a day off, time with friends and family, good food, good times, and fantastic fireworks!!

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Raise your flag in honor of those who will not be with family tomorrow, but who will be fighting for us so we may. May God bless you all and keep you safe.

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Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol

Rainy Days and Thursdays

It's a rainy day here in South Florida today. We need it so badly, I really cannot complain. I know my garden and garden friends are enjoying it immensely.

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Last weekend we had the sprinkler on and it was creating a mist that a Cardinal couple was enjoying so much it made me think they hadn't seen water in awhile. I am sorry I did not have my camera at the ready to take pictures to share. They sat on the edge of the green fencing we have to put around the beds to keep Jasper (our German Shorthair Pointer) from stampeding through everything, and fluttered their wings in pure enjoyment for about 5 minutes. The way the sun peeked through the branches and such, it was incredible. You almost couldn't look away.

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Like when we were in Camden, Maine....if you've ever been to the Camden Deli and sat in the back overlooking the harbor with the mallard ducks floating just below the window, perhaps you have found, like me, that you really can't take your eyes off them. It's like watching another part of the world that carries on while we are carrying on in our own. When you think of it, there really is a lot going on that we don't really notice. When I actually do notice it, it stops me in my tracks for a few minutes. It's a good reprieve from the day, really.

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Please enjoy the day with Warm Wishes and Sweet Dreams........Carol