blue egg brown nest

…road to lucketts: best price

May 15, 2013 By christen 7 Comments

As many of you know, there is a bit of bartering that goes on at a show like this with customers asking “What is your best price on this?” Sometimes it makes sense if you are trying to sell a piece and the customer is ready to take it, but just needs it brought down a few bucks if it’s a tad out of their price range. For example, this gal & her mother really wanted all 6 dining chairs that I was selling last year and asked if I would round out the number. No problem.

I think we all need to keep in mind that these sellers work really hard and look at their craft as art – alot of their lives go into these items. Heart & soul go into finding these pieces & selling them and it’s personal. These are pieces that you will never find in stores and have really, really good prices in comparison! There is value in that.

Also keep in mind that these markets are not box stores. Everything will be priced much lower than even a sale at a catalog store so keep that in mind when you look at price tags. You may see “Firm” on the tag meaning the price is non-negotiable. This will probably be on those real antique items that have a value out there in the marketplace. For example, my dough bowls will be firm because of their value.

If you do do any bartering and the vendor goes down on price do not then think about it or change your mind. Be happy that you’ve adjusted the cost, pick up your item and say your thank-yous. Once you get home with your treasure and out of the bustle of the show you will realize what a prize you have found & brought into you home….and how little you actually paid for it!

Luckett’s Spring Market May 18,19 10-5

42350 Lucketts Road Leesburg, VA

Filed Under: Uncategorized

…road to lucketts: how to shop vintage

May 14, 2013 By christen 4 Comments

I realize that shopping at a flea market or antique shop can be overwelming. Yes, items may look cool & interesting on a chippy table with Blue Grass playing in the background, but how do I translate that look to my family room?

I get it. Again, it takes a sense of adventure to try putting something old, worn & with tons of character into your space that may have brand, spanking-new casegoods. But, that is the fun part. Don’t go overboard by buying 10 rusted rakes and try to hang them in your kitchen. Rather, start small – a vintage clock for your mantel, an old chair for your computer desk, planters are always a good idea for your deck or interior, even on your kitchen table. Think about old suitcases stacked in a corner, burlap pillows for your mudroom, old books for your coffee table. These are examples of how you can place accents of interest into you home.

If you want to get the best pickings, you will want to be there Saturday morning EARLY. Last year there was a line a mile long and once they opened the metal gates people literally ran in! haha! The pace stayed rather busy the entire day. If you want a crowd that is a little less intense come Sunday. It’s a bit more of a relaxed experience.

Here’s a few of the items that I bought last year:

Architectural elements always a good idea. These make great bookends for my bedroom. Be aware that they are not cheap even though they look like they may be. These were about $60 each.

Old maps for wall decor. You can always use more wall decor so keep an eye out for anything cool.

Old rocking horse for interest. Look for pieces for your console tables, foyer tables, coffee tables – all the surfaces in your home.

An upholstered computer chair. I sold out of all my chairs last year. Who doesn’t need an extra few? If you find a cool one or several for a kitchen – get them! They will be very inexpensive compared to stores….and much cooler!

And an urn that I share with Ollie. Urns are great for indoors or out. You can change out the filler based on holidays or seasons of the year. Always a good idea.

Luckett Spring Market May 18,19 10-5

See you there!

Filed Under: building vintage style

…road to luckett’s series: THIS WEEKEND!

May 13, 2013 By christen 5 Comments

Many of you have shopped at Luckett’s as well as the Luckett’s Spring Market. Many of you that I’ve talked to have not. As the lead up to the Market is upon us, I thought I’d do a little series about the ins & outs.

Old Lucketts Store is a shop here in VA that my parents used to take me to when I was little for a little antique shopping. It is an old house & grounds filled with vintage treasure offered by many vendors. They also have a Design House with newer pieces/case goods, replications & upholstered pieces.

It’s a very fun place to drive out to & do some shopping to find items that you cannot find in the catalogs that come to your home. However, it can be a bit intimidating walking in and trying to envision rusted planters, grain sacks, old ladders, shoe forms, etc in your home. Luckett’s has to be approached with a spirit of adventure & curiosity. The same is true for the Market.

May 18, 19 10:00-5:00

Admission: $7 (it’s worth it!)

42350 Lucketts Road Leesburg, VA

I participated in the show last year and had so much fun. The vendors are incredible & are mostly women who have started their own businesses collecting & selling. Many of you know Miss Mustard Seed to whom I have many coincidental connections to, including the market, love for vintage & childhood friends! I’ve talked about the gals from The Vintage Marketplace at Glenwood and my estate sale friend, Janice from Sempter Stylish. Theses are only some of the great tents you will see!

I will be in the Field of Gold again and this year will have 2 tents set up so I can spread out a bit.

I’m still bustling around finishing pieces & tagging items. I love being a part of it and I have to admit I LOVE the shopping! I am able to set up early and it’s so exciting to see the treasure that everyone brings to the event. DH actually had to tell me to stop shopping and come back to my own tent a few times!

I’ll talk a little more about how to shop the Market in tomorrow’s post.

The weather is supposed to be beautiful so mark it on your calender. You will not be disappointed making the trip out.

PS – Thank you to the most amazing DH a gal could ever have. My BFF gave me for Mother’s Day what this mom really needed – time to myself You are the BEST.