Spring into the Antiquing season

If you are into antiques, cool retro finds, vintage household items and collectibles now is the time to get out and find it. With flea markets in full swing, antique stores with doors wide open and garage sales right around the neighborhood it is the perfect time to find whatever you are looking for.

We attend estate sales, visit antique stores and the occasional Sunday flea market. We love being outside and going from stall to stall talking with vendors and inspecting their wares at the flea market. People are friendly and happy after a long winter of snow and cold. We find odds and ends we can't live without and the occasional rare find that is offered to our customers.

But this year may be a bit different since gas prices across the U.S. are putting a pinch on traveling around. It can take the wind out of our shopping sails to know that we'll have to take a large portion of our 'spending' cash to put in the tank just to drive to our favorite shopping destinations. We know we are not alone in this dilemma. We'll carefully pick where to go this season and how much we are willing to spend when we get there. But, make no mistake, we will go because it's what we love to do.

We always have a "want" list of items we would love to see at the homestead. But rarely pass up a treasure that would be a good fit for our store. Customers send us pictures or descriptions of what they are searching for and that gets added to our list. We have been successful for many customers in finding items that they haven't been able to encounter near their home. Another aspect of the business that we love.

Feel free to contact us at Victoria’s Curio if you are looking for something specific that you are having trouble finding. We'll add it to our list and cross our fingers that we find it.

Happy Shopping!

Warm Regards,

Vicki Smith-Drysdale

A New Use for Old Furniture

We have a large 19th century house and love old furniture that fits with the architecture and time period. Always looking for a perfect piece to fill a need and very hesitant to buy new, we attend auctions and estate sales with a bit of money and a lot of patience in finding the right piece.

On one of our local estate sale visits we found an old bed that was a bit rough and the price was right at $15 dollars. The decorative areas were all hand carved mahogany and the frame solid oak. My husband knew right away how he would use this bed so we purchased it, loaded it on the truck and brought it home. Once finished, this beautiful old bed would become an entirely different piece of functional furniture.

In between the lawn mowing and window work this summer, Mark worked on cleaning up the holes and cutting down the side rails. He fashioned a bench seat and once ready, it was moved into the kitchen. With an old quilt cushioning the bench and perfectly sized corner ledges to hold a cuppa, I now have a one-of-a-kind spot for reading the paper, watching the sun climb in the sky and getting warmed by our parlor stove.

This is perfect for winter mornings or early evenings. Big enough for two and a great conversation corner which will also give us extra seating when we have a small crowd.

Give us a piece of old furniture any day and if we can't use it for what it was originally made for, then we'll get creative and find a new use for it.

Welcome Back

It seems like just yesterday that I visited here but it has been a bit longer than that. It seems life gets in the way at times and priorities change.

I'm now making it a priority to get posting on how each and every one of us can use, re-use, recycle and reward our homes with items that we find at auctions, estate sales, the side of the road or where ever.

What I'm getting at here is there are so many items that Gramma or Dad held onto are still very usable in today's home. I have to admit that we live in a home that was built in 1850 where older, antique items fit in naturally. But even with a new home pieces of the past can enhance a decor.

We still use lights, have desks to work at, and decorate our walls and mantles. Dishes hold our food and chairs hold our behinds. Does it all need to come from a big box store? Absolutely not!

For Christmas last year we finally broke down and purchased a big screen T.V. Before we brought it home, we asked ourselves what it was going to sit on. Do we buy some particle board, made in China t.v. stand or was there something we already owned that we could use. As it turned out, the second option worked best and our big screen now sits on a vintage buffet.

My desk is a wonderful vintage secretary where my 20" screen sits behind glass when not in use and the drop down front holds my keyboard. Totally classy with a small, compact foot print for my work area.

When we revisit we are going to delve into lighting, lamps and candles. But for now we'll leave you to think about maybe NOT getting rid of that solid wood table, curio cabinet or chair. Find a use for it! I can almost guarantee it's made better than what you will find in today's selection.

My best to you,

Vicki

A New Year with New Shopping Opportunities

Whenever I celebrate a new year I rarely make resolutions I can't keep. This year is no exception. For just a moment let's forget about diets and exercise, dropping old habits just to start new ones, etc.

Instead, take a look around your home and focus on something that is near and dear to you. Have you just acquired this item or is it something that was passed down from generation to generation and it is now yours to enjoy and treasure for a time?

Now imagine this item sitting in someones home 100 years from now. Kind of hard to do isn't it? For all the things that survived burn piles and land fills to decorate homes and preserve history, there are a thousand times more items that did not. I have serious doubts that most of the new products of today will come through unscathed to reach a 100 years old.

What does this say about our current society? We've heard the term "throw away", "newest and greatest" in the same sentence describing our current generations. But it isn't like that for some of us.

I look around my home and see furniture that was handcrafted and designed to last. A beautiful English buffet with curved glass curio on the bottom. A solid oak side board with a mirrored back and hand carved designs. A claw foot chair that hugs you when you sit in it. Hand painted porcelain tankards with matching cups used to serve wine at dinner. A Victorian sofa with a curved back inviting visitors to sit and talk a while.

All of these items are 100+ years old yet are still very functional, very beautiful and deeply cherished. I'm not saying we don't have contemporary furnishings and decorative pieces; we do. What amazes me as how well the antique go with the current. An how well the antique hold up; where the comtemporary fizzles out over a very short period of time.

If you are thinking about sprucing up your surroundings in the new year with paint, paper and maybe some new furniture, please don't discount the old. Take a look around antique stores, local auctions and flea markets. There are hidden treasures everywhere that just may add a focal point to your living space. And just might become that cherished piece to be handed down from generation to generation.

Happy New Year!


Until we meet again,
My Best,
Vicki

Post Christmas Shopping - FOR YOU!

Well, Christmas for this year is right around the bend. I hope you were able to get everything on your list for those you love. Shopping is getting to be very overwhelming and intense right now. Those last minute folks will be hitting the malls since it is a bit late to shop on line. If you haven't gotten all your shopping done, I can sympathize. I haven't either. Hopefully the next few days I can sneak out and get it done early in the morning. I know I am not alone! Here's to the great deals still to be had.

But what about after Christmas? You know - that time when all of us are looking to buy for ourselves. Let's face it, there are always items on our wish lists on Dec. 26th. Keep the faith because the best time of the season for self gift giving is fast approaching.

I personally go out to shop for Christmas decorations that are 50-75% the day after the holiday. It is so much fun tucking these items away and pulling them out next year looking oh-so-brand-new and festive. What will you be looking post-Christmas time as a gift to yourself? Have you a hint of what Santa is bringing?

Let me make a suggestion if I may - There will be many merchants still looking to entice shoppers whether it's last minute or self gifting. I am one of those merchants. If you haven't shopped my store, please do. I have wonderful antique porcelain, jewelry, vintage postcards, antiquarian books, silver and so much more. It is the time of year and into the New Year when we collectors will be looking for the next wonderful item to call our own. Sometimes it's just too hard for others to buy for us so that leaves it in our capable hands.

I hope your holiday season will be filled with joy and laughter, love and kindness, peace into the New Year. Hug your children and pets, give that special someone a kiss and to you and yours, Merry Christmas!

My Best for the Season and New Year!

Vicki
Victoria's Curio

Think about what you are gifting this year....

This little poem needs no explanation. I hope it saves a life!

Last Years Christmas Present

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog outside filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - his eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick,
Last years Christmas present, now thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name.
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all"
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear,
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of giving the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!"

—Author Unknown

Jewelry always makes a great gift!

There hasn't been once in my lifetime that I have turned my nose up at a gift of jewelry. Even if you have eclectic tastes there is a wide variety of jewelry items to fit your personality and fashion style.

I personally love older pieces and I'll tell you why. When my grandmother could no long take care of herself and moved into an assisted living environment; the grandchildren were allowed to come to her house and select special items of her and my grandfather's life together. Among the things that I cherish is the beautiful selection of vintage costume jewelry that Gramma had for her Sunday best outfits.

The brooches are timeless with rhinestones and seed pearls. The earrings are older screw back style with some matching her pins. A seed pearl choker with 20 strands attached to an antiqued clasp still makes a suit look smashing. Whenever I wear one of her pieces, I think of her. Which is, of course, the idea of cherishing vintage items passed down through the family.

Jewelry gifts offer the same feeling of remembrance to the giver and receiver. You will rarely forget a piece of jewelry you've given because it probably was given from the heart and certainly with the recipient in mind. The person receiving the gift will always remember who gave them their piece of jewelry and will think of that person when they wear it.

Jewelry does not have to be expensive nor is it gender specific. For both men and women there is an endless selection to choose from. Watches, chains, tie tacks, rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets. These are all items that can be found for the man or woman, girl or boy on your Holiday shopping list this season. The fun is finding that perfect something that really speaks to the person your buying for.

Take it from me - Jewelry ALWAYS makes a great gift!

Until next time ~
My Best,
Vicki

Shop Victoria’s Curio on Ruby Lane for a wonderful selection of antique and vintage jewelry.

Holiday Shopping for Antiques and Collectibles on Ruby Lane

Let me first say that I am a collector as well as a seller of vintage and antique items. There is satisfaction in owning something that has withstood the test of time and showcases a lifestyle long ago. With all of the recalls from Chinese made products in our current news, collecting items that have been made with thought to detail and craftsmanship from years past is very satisfying.

If you have a collector in your life or you yourself are one, the internet has made this hobby so much easier and gratifying. So many places and people are offering many wonderful items and they are all at your fingertips!

The holiday shopping season is upon us and the internet is the place to shop. No hassles, easy access to millions of items, and all the convenience of having your purchases delivered right to your door. Many retailers are offering discounts to get the season started for shoppers. I am one of those retailers who work with my customers to find the best shipping method and make their shopping experience painless and hassle free.

On that note, you haven't visited Ruby Lane, I invite you to do so. Ruby Lane shops are full to bursting with vintage and antique items that will not leave you lacking in choices for gifts this Holiday season.

Shop Victoria’s Curio on Ruby Lane for a unique selection of antique and vintage items. If you collect silver, tobacciana memorabilia, books, jewelry, porcelain, vanity items, etc., Victoria's Curio aims to please. I also encourage my shoppers to contact me if there is something specific they are looking for. I have many items not listed and may have just what you are looking for.

My Best to you ~

Vicki

Victoria's Curio

Antique Furniture for Today

Sometimes it's easier to let other people show you what is worth collecting simply by paying attention to their purchases. This weekend I had an opportunity to see the other side of buying up close and personal. I was asked to lend a hand at an estate sale by a local prominent company that always have wonderful items to offer. I was still able to shop and was very pleased at what I purchased, but the fun and exciting part was watching others.

This estate had beautiful furniture pieces dating from the mid 1800's to now. One piece that sold the minute the door opened was a leaded glass bookcase. Other pieces had to wait for their new owners to find their way through the door.

A Victorian fainting couch and an Art Deco cedar chest that went to one young lady who was very pleased. Another gentleman decided on gorgeous gate leg table, pine glass door book case, and a beautiful spinet lady's desk. He definitely knew quality when he saw it.

Another item quietly waited in the corner of the dining room for a new home. This was a very large original oak ice box with a lift up top and original hardware. There it waited, as people oohed and ahhed at it but walked away searching for smaller treasures. Finally, a young man in his late 30's walked in and spotted this beautiful old ice chest. He lifted the lid and opened the doors and after his inspection, he said "I'll take it". Another happy collector.

A Victorian Settee and matching chairs also waited patiently in the living room of this old house. Again, buyers walked by commenting on how lovely it was, but were not interested in purchasing such an old set for one reason or another. "No where to put it", "My husband would kill me", the comments were probably true. The right person walked in, struck a deal and was quite happy to take this antique set home to cherish and enjoy.

Other items that made their way to new homes were an old chopping block table that must have weighed 500 pounds, a white enameled table and matching chairs, a flax wheel and yarn wheel, and a child's roll topped desk. These pieces were made with such care and quality, that I personally would pass up a contemporary alternative for one of these old items. That is the mentality of a true collector. You don't scour the Sunday ads for new things, you turn to the auction and estate classifieds to see where you will be shopping that week.

Estate sales and auctions are such a fun experience that everyone should try them out at least once. You never know what you will find and what you will learn. They can certainly be a window to the past of how life was lived long ago.

With all the wonderful things that were for sale, it was hard to walk away with the few items I had and not continue to buy. The Victorian Settee was especially appealing to me but I knew if I was to purchase and then call my husband with the news, it would not have gone well. I can commiserate with the "My husband would kill me" buyer. But this set is on my wish list for sometime in the future. And when I do buy, my husband will be with me (hopefully writing the check)!

Here is hoping your treasure hunting is successful!

Until next time.

My Best,
Vicki
Victoria's Curio

Visit our store to shop our unique selection of antique and vintage items. While you are visiting take a look at our sale items!

Also visit us on Squidoo!

Buying Collectibles On The Internet

The great thing about buying on the internet is that you can sit at your computer in the comfort and privacy of your own home and browse, and browse, and browse..But, what you can't do is hold the item in your hand, inspect it with your own eyes (or someone else's) and get a feel for the item's qualities. There is definitely good and bad about buying on-line. Let's talk about both sides of this issue.

The GOOD about shopping for collectibles on the internet:

1. WWW means Worldwide Wide Web and that is just what it is. There are people literally all over the world selling everything and it is right at your finger tips.

2. Selection is great on the internet. If you are into numerous collectible areas this is a huge time saver. Use anyone of the search engines, type in your key word(s) and you are off shopping.

3. Price comparisons can be instantly done with internet shopping. Bookmark an item and continue shopping the internet until you find another comparable item. Bring up the bookmarked site and you can compare side by side without ever leaving your chair.

4. Internet shopping is a savings in many areas. It can save you time, money, and gas. With the price of gasoline in the U.S., folks are not leaving home as much and discretionary income is dwindling. If you don't want to totally give up your collectible habit, then buying on line can help salvage this. Your time is also money as they say, and with the internet open 24/7, whenever the mood strikes you can shop.

5. Convenience has played a role in all of the above and it is the utmost in this - a delivery of your item right to your door. Yes, we all know postage has gone up, but if you roll all of the other conveniences together with delivery to your door, the postage paid is well worth it. Most likely, you would have paid more in gas and time had you search your local buying area and may have come home empty handed to boot.



The Bad about shopping for collectibles on the internet:


1. As mentioned above, you do not get the thrill of holding your would be collectible in your hand when cyber shopping. This is a drawback. BUT, after the first few purchases on line, you will enjoy the anticipation of receiving your item which will outweigh the instant gratification.

2. Security has (and is at times) been a problem with purchasing on line. It still holds many people back from taking the plunge. Because of this, there are other options rather than giving away your credit card information. Many on-line merchants understand this and will wait to receive a money order or check should you wish to pay that way. If you really want to use the convenience of a charge card, PayPal and Google Checkout are set up so you can use them as a go between for payment of your recent find. No credit card information is given to the merchant directly. Payment is made to them with only a verification of your shipping address. Just make sure that you are buying from a merchant that can offer this, and your apprehension will quickly ease away.

3. Fakes and Forgeries - Alas, this is a huge concern for those that collect "signed" items. There are a great many forgeries and you as a consumer need to understand what to look for concerning your particular area of collectibles. If you are suspicious of an item, as many questions of the seller. Should they hem, haw and hedge no doubt your suspicions are right and you should avoid the transaction.

I guess in my book, the internet really is a great place to shop. Of course I'm a seller too, so I'm going to be a bit biased. But, I hope that what we have discussed here has put your mind at ease about shopping on the World Wide Web. It is a very fun, interesting, and surprising market place. You may not always find a particular item you are looking for right at that moment. But keep trying. I'm sure at some point you'll be surprised and elated that someone has found your treasure. I am also a source of collectibles and let my customers know to contact me if they are looking for something specific. I do their shopping for them as I attend many estate sales and auctions. So let your fingers do the work and enjoy the leisure of internet collectible shopping.

Until next time...

My Best,
Vicki
Victoria's Curio

Visit our store for more details and to shop our unique selection of antique and vintage items.


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