So, yes, I'm still here, having survived that "fine art and antiques" sale. It went as well as could be expected for a sale that was held in an ice rink on a very rainy Saturday.
Here's the booth, and let me tell you, it was quite the challenge to transform a 14- by 7-foot slice of tacky green pseudo-astroturf, but I did the best that I could. Some of the details, moving left to right:
Vintage cameras, ledgers and letter cards. I used these cards, which are from the 1960s game Probe, throughout the booth to spell out words like RETRO and VINTAGE.
In fact, here's an example.
The linens table, which was in the center of the space. Unfortunately I didn't sell a single linen, which was especially disappointing considering a) how much time I spent soaking and washing and drying and ironing, and b) I thought I had sold that really large and oh-so-beautiful chenille spread to the lady running the show even before the doors opened. But a few hours later, she stopped over with another spread, which she admitted was not nearly as pretty as mine, but she thought would fit her bed better, so she bought it instead. Not bitter. Not bitter.
The right side of the booth, which was a mixture of red and white kitchen items and vintage Christmas.
I'm especially fond of this attempt at a funky display, which also allowed me to justify my hoarding of a shabby lampshade I found two years ago. I took "Molly," the dress form, and pinned notions and buttons to her and added the lampshade frame, which held vintage patterns. It attracted a lot of attention and I actually sold some stuff from her.
The bottom line? I covered my costs and made $100. Not bad I guess, but obviously, I wish I had done better. And obviously I wish I didn't haul as much stuff back home.
So it's onto phase two of Operation De-Clutter: The garage sale. Despite how I feel about holding garage sales, I'm probably going to be having one soon. But first there's a much more enjoyable occasion: The graduation of my youngest daughter on Saturday. Be back after that. I promise.
It looks great! Sorry those linens didn't sell, but I'm betting the cameras and ledgers did....
Posted by: Sue | June 16, 2011 at 09:49 PM
did you sell those plastic childrens hangers?
Posted by: Sarah | June 17, 2011 at 06:56 AM
It looks (looked?) just beautiful ... I think hauling a lot of stuff home is just part of the deal.
Posted by: Barbara | June 17, 2011 at 08:39 AM
ooh, love the Last Supper picture...I can't believe it didn't sell!
Posted by: Gina | June 18, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Your items look lovely. I would have snapped up the tablecloths!
Posted by: Ann | June 19, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Sorry it was a disappointment. I have been looking for some ledgers for altered art...did they sell, if not how much and could I buy them?
Posted by: Debbie | June 20, 2011 at 10:28 AM
It's a good thing I live thousands of miles away -- I probably would have gone a little berserk over your 'fine art and antiques.'
Posted by: Into Vintage | June 24, 2011 at 10:24 PM