Howl-O-Ween at the Local Pet Store

Last week, the boy and I took the beagle to our local big box pet store for their annual Halloween party and parade. We walked the 5 blocks. He was wearing his father's Halloween costume from 1992 and I, well, I wore a pair of really comfortable shoes.

The boy with the beagle

The boy's father with his sister on Halloween in 1992. He is wearing a costume made by his grandmother.

The boy met a chocolate lab who was going to the party. She was dressed as an out-of-work college student from Notre Dame.

There were lots of treats, for dogs, cats and kids.

Another boy was interested in the treats.

This greyhound happily wore the pirate hat for the entire party.

 

Greyhounds always remind me of deer.

So pretty.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Cute little devil!

Brothers

The beage barked for 2 hours. I'm surprised they didn't kick us out.

Patriotism was a big theme this year.

This little patriotic princess was escorted by an owner dressed head-to-toe in "Hello Kitty."  

She also brought a cat.

Really cute puppy.

Another cute puppy.

This one just got a new collar.

This dog was so tolerant--note the little legs.

He was miserable.

The great pumpkin.

Are those goggles?

She loved her grass skirt!

Dignity

The beagle back at home.

Happy Halloween!

The Antiquer

All photographs by the author

Chicago's Broadway Antique Market

I just returned from visiting my daughter in Chicago and while there I discovered a fabulous antique emporium--Broadway Antique Market. It is packed-full of mid-century modern treasures. My sister contemplated purchasing a lucite sculpture until she realized she had no way of getting it home. The Broadway Antique Market has everything from the most amazing costume and sterling silver jewelry to furniture designed by some of the icons of the 20th century.

A section of the window display-very sophisticated. I adore the floor lamp.

The wall shelf on the left and the pair of prints on the right would look great in my living room.

I really wanted this wire poodle magazine rack. Very cool!

And how about this fabulous chair?

I picked up a small 1950s cat wire mail sorter--I have been looking for one of these for years. It is adorable--I want more!

The staff is helpful and all seem to have expertise in a wide variety of 20th century decorative arts. Also, they are funny and seem to really enjoy their jobs. If you are in Chicago, check it out. You won't be disappointed. 6130 N. Broadway, Chicago, Illinois, 60660, 773-743-5444

 

Chevy Chase Women's Club Antiques Show or A Fellini Movie?

I felt like I was in a Fellini movie this past weekend when I exhibited my country antiques, folk art,  a few French things and a couple of mid-century chandeliers that are to-die-for-marvelous at the 49th Annual Women's Club of Chevy Chase Antiques Show. 

For the back story:
As a result of the economy,  many dealers are in a very bad mood, and the 96 year-old Chevy Chase Women's Club has definitely seen better days. 


Disregarding what they actually tell you, many antiques dealers are not doing well and some are barely hanging on. Prices are all over the place and the smart ones (the ones that are selling) have adjusted to the new economy. Others are hanging on to those old inflated prices and their inventory is barely moving. I have seen some dealers go home from a show having sold nothing. Items that were purchased prior to the recession are at prices they cannot sustain now. On the other hand, customers are holding on to their pocketbooks and buying with more caution than many dealers are accustomed to seeing. Thus, the dealers are a grouchy bunch!


The Federation of Women's Clubs is a typical example of an organization that has not kept up with the times. Some clubs in the Federation own costly properties that cannot be maintained and have become a drain on club finances. Also, membership is dwindling in most clubs. One wonders if these once relevant clubs will find a way to reinvent themselves and grow a new membership. Since, most club activities are charitable, one hopes they can do it and do it quickly. 


I was amazed at the Chevy Chase Club members--the member volunteer who made the fabulous chicken salad and finger sandwiches for lunch was 94-years-old!  She had no help in the kitchen and was working all day for 2 days. The food was delicious, but where was her help? 


I sat at lunch with another charming member who described herself to me this way, "I am 85-years-old, have had 9 boyfriends in the past 20 years. They all died." She went on to say, "Men just don't take care of themselves." This little ball-of-fire  worked the show both days, all day, and opening night, wore a leather mini skirt and had a smile on her face the entire weekend, even when encountering more than one really grouchy dealer. I was awestruck. 


Following are some pictures of the show.

 Hearthside Antiques, Poolesville, Maryland

Hearthsideantiques@verizon.net

My space

Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts, Germantown, Maryland

www.gabrielgibson.com

Coming soon to www.vandm.com

I sold some this weekend. 

Sold this tool chest. 

Hooked rug from Indiana-I came so close to selling this. Part of me was disappointed, the other was relieved that I can use it in my bedroom for a little while longer.

A dealer wanted this iconic tinsel painting, but couldn't afford it. She was grouchy about not being able to afford it---I think she wanted me to give it to her. 

My smalls always attract much interest, especially the sewing manual from Reading, PA (bottom). The 1840s huswife (center right) was ignored this show, but was studied by all at the Oatlands show. Chevy Chase was a very different audience than Oatlands.

From the balcony looking down on the crowd.

Gold Leaf Antiques, Atlanta, Georgia

Donald and Duane

Donald gave me many tips on setting up the space. 

These guys had a $98,000 diamond ring!

Loved these chairs-they are in peach suede and are $2500 each.

A Room With A View, Middleburg, Virginia

My French sunburst mirror-this is the real thing!

Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts

The Brills have been doing this show for 30 years. They sold the beautiful chest at the end of the room. 

Brill's Antiques

Judy and Jerry Brill in Newport News, Virginia

Donna Radner is a Chevy Chase fiber artist working in quilts for the bed and the wall. Here she is admiring my antique "Flying Geese" quilt from Pennsylvania. It was made by a member of the Swartz family.

Here is my assistant packing up the Lucite chandelier. I did well at this show and had fun, too.

This was my favorite object in the show. How pretty!

Promoter Dordy Fontinel on the phone. 

She is an amazing and sweet woman who works very hard to make the show profitable for the club, dealers, and customers.

 

A list of Dordy's upcoming shows from the Chevy Chase catalogue.