http://www.brimfieldexchange.com/index.html

BRIMFIELD 2012 MAY 8 – 13

It’s that time of year, when antique lovers and flea market junkies from around the world begin to prepare for their trip to Brimfield. Brimfiled is considered to be the largest antiques show east of the Mississippi – some say the largest in the country. If you have never been to Brimfield, but have always wanted to attend, then make this the year! Here are some of my past Brimfield posts; my tips, tricks and insider secrets to make your trip a great success!

http://www.brimfieldshow.com/

GETTING THERE; TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE BRIMFIELD ANTIQUE SHOW

PICK THE DAY

The Brimfield Show is a mile long stretch of road flanked by fields of individual antique shows. Brimfield runs three times a year, May, July and September. The shows are open for 6 days, Tuesday through Sunday.

The May show is my favorite. The weather is usually pleasant  (the July show can be extremely hot) and the May show seems to draw the greatest number of dealers.

The weekends tend to be very busy while generally Tuesdays have less traffic.

Not all of the shows are open from Tuesday through Sunday.  Some shows are only open on certain days, such as J & J, which runs Friday and Saturday.  If you are a first timer it really doesn’t matter what day you go, there will be more than enough to see and shop. For those who like a particular show be sure to check what fields are open on what days.

I have always found that Brimfield is an easy drive and a day trip for me, though there are several hotels and inns located nearby. For directions go to www.brimfieldshow.com

TIP: I take the Mass Pike  (Rte. 90) to exit 9, onto Rte. 20 West. Right off this exit is a McDonalds, a nice place to stop after a long drive to get a coffee and freshen up, and the show is only about 7 miles down the road!

Parking

Leave early, parking lots fill up fast. Once you hit the Brimfield Show you will see plenty of parking signs. I like to travel to the heart of the fair and then find parking. Parking in the middle of the show makes it more convenient for trips back to the car to unload my treasures. Parking can cost between $5.00 and $10.00 depending on how far you want to walk.  I find that parking in a central location is well worth the extra cost.

OFF TO BRIMFIELD – BE PREPARED!

Brimfield is big and the weather can be unpredictable, so planning what to bring and wear is a must.

MY GOLDEN RULE; wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and bring a cart or wagon.

A cart is the best way to haul my treasures. Most dealers will allow you to leave larger items with them until the day’s end and, under most circumstance, you can drive right up to the dealer’s booth to load larger pieces.  Several delivery and shipping companies are also set up at the show.

TAPE MEASURE – Don’t forget any measurements from home.

PAPER & PEN – Remember to note where and what items need to be picked up.

WATER – There are a vast array of food and beverage vendors.

TISSUE PACKS – Porta-Potties are readily available, but may run of tissue.

CASH & CHECKS – ATMs are available.

HAT, SUNGLASSES, SUNBLOCK

PACKING SUPPLIES – Blankets to protect furniture on the ride home and a box to contain smaller items.

CELL PHONE – So that you can regroup if you get separated from your shopping buddies.

TIP: There is a wonderful Italian restaurant, Francesco’s, at the north end of the fair. We always stop for lunch. It’s inexpensive, has great pizza, and is comfortable and clean (restrooms too!)  Lunch here is a must for us, a great way to freshen-up and rest-up before another round of shopping!

YOU’VE ARRIVED AND ARE READY TO SHOP- LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

I have bought and sold at many shows over the years, including Brimfield. Here is my best advice for negotiating a deal.

Two GOLDEN rules of Antiquing

** IF YOU SNOOZE YOU LOOSE – If you see it, love it, can’t live without it and it’s in your budget – buy it!  You will not be the only one to notice a great deal.  If you decide to think on it, it may not be there later.

** BE POLITE - Dealers are willing to negotiate a price. Just ask, “Are you firm on this price?” or “Can you do any better on the price?”

It’s best not to make an initial offer, such as  “I’ll give you  $75.00 for this item.”  This can backfire on you in two ways; the dealer may have had a lower price in mind than the one you’ve offered or if the price you offer is too low you might insult the dealer and destroy any further negotiations. If you feel the

price the dealer quotes is still too high then you can make a reasonable counter offer.

INSIDER TIP: It’s best not to point out flaws on a piece in an attempt to lower the price.  The dealer has purchased, researched, cleaned, packed and unpacked the piece. He/She usually knows the items flaws quite well and has priced it accordingly.

You are off to Brimfield!  Have fun and enjoy the hunt!

All I wanted to find this holiday season were simple, white, bottle-brush trees. It is easy enough to find white and colored bottle brush trees all glittered up and blinged out, but try to find them in a plain, unadorned, white state.   The craft stores do sell bottle brush trees but they seem to only carry  trees that are very  dark green; almost black – not a very festive option. And then I came across something. Did you know that you can  easily bleach those ugly black bottle brush trees?

How to do it: Fill a sink or bucket with water and bleach and toss in the trees; leave until they are white.         Drain and refill with clean water, put the trees back in to rinse. Stand trees upright on a towel until dry.

Hint: Only handle the trees by the base when they are wet, otherwise the brushes seem to loose their fluffy shape. Once dry you can add glitter; brush or spray on a craft glue or adhesive and sprinkle on glitter.         White trees can be dyed fun colors using Rit dye.

 Dovetales has always worked with decorators, designers, builders and a wholesale client. We are expanding our to-the-trade business.  Please  contact us for trade pricing and account information.

We will be adding a line of lamps and framed prints this fall and be sure to visit us at the NORTHEAST MARKET CENTER GRAND OPENING SHOW, September 11-14 from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A TO-THE-TRADE ONLY SHOW. For more information visit  www.northeastmarketcenter.com

Good friend, artist, decorator and author, Jo-Anne Coletti has finished her second book!!

THE FEMININE HOME; WHERE THE HEART IS   is the  second book in Jo-Anne’s series that embraces  all that is beautiful, feminine and romantic in home decor.  WHERE THE HEART IS   is a beautiful publication that  showcase homes from across the world. If rooms dressed all in white are your passion then this is the book for you.  And for all of us that love the classic and clean simplicity of Scandinavian country design  then  this magazine/book will not disappoint.

For more information:

http://www.vintagerosecollection.com/Feminine%20Home%20Magazine2.html

It is relatively easy to turn a fun found object, such as a vase, or these rattan lanterns into a lamp.  All you need is a wiring kit, found at any large home supply store and a screwdriver.  Simply follow the directions on the back of the package to create your own unique lighting accent. For  projects that require  vase capes and  more specific wiring parts check out electrical supply companies on line.

Have you seen our mermaids?  They are very elusive creatures and can be difficult to catch and hold. I try to go mermaid fishing every week or so and am lucky if I catch two. Only once have I caught the rare shimmering mermaid (shown).  The quickest of them all, she managed to swim away after only a one hour visit to the shop. This darker green mermaid, more common in the cold waters to the North, tends to be a bit feisty, she swam away quickly and took the white whale with her.

Each mermaid is handcrafted by a local artisan using a chain saw.  Large planks of pine are carved and shaped until the beautiful silhouette  of a lovely mermaid appears. Each mermaid comes with a hanging slot so that she can  hang flat against  a wall.  She is a hardy creature and can be placed either inside or outside. Colors are by chance and have been seen in blues, greens, shimmering aqua and white.

The first bureau done in our new technique  didn’t last long. A young customer  picked it out for her new bedroom.  Since she was the first to discover  our new finish we asked her if she would like to name it for us.  So we would like to present  our new finish – Mermaid Tides. And what a fitting name it is.  Specks of white  glisten through our Ocean , as if  mermaids’  tails splash  in the sea.

We tried something a bit different with this chest of drawers and the results are stunning!  First we gave this bureau a finish in our Cottage White. We then applied a top coat of our Ocean and finally we finished it off with a hand distressing and rubbing that allows the Cottage White to peek through the Ocean.

The result is a softly-distressed finish that is reminiscent of  lovingly-aged, beach cottage furniture.

I must say that the computer does not do justice to this finish, it reminds me of a beach stone that has been tumbled in the sea.  And like a beautiful  beach stone this dresser rolled in last night and rolled back out, with its new owner, this morning.

This is a technique that we will definitely be adding to our  selection of signature finishes!

One question we commonly hear in regards to antique and vintage furniture, “ is this piece veneered?” Generally customers will ask this as a way to determine the quality of a piece, with the belief that a veneered piece of furniture is somehow a lesser quality item.

When most people hear the word veneer they think of 1970s photo-wood over particleboard or today’s thin wood laminate over compressed composition products. Both methods are generally a lesser quality production method.

But, back when wood was actually wood, the process of veneering was considered the mark of a good quality, or even fine, piece of furniture. Veneering goes as far back as the Egyptians and high-end period antiques are valued for their veneers.

When a furniture company found a piece of wood, lets say mahogany, with nice graining and figuring, they would make a veneer out it. This way they could use the attractive graining on many pieces.  The makers would also use these veneers on their better quality furniture. A furniture company wouldn’t waste the mahogany, or their time and expense, using a fine mahogany veneer on a cheaper product.

*Generally the only pieces that were not commonly veneered were oak and pine.  Both were                                                                                                   abundant in America and veneering was not necessary.

The veneered pieces that we reclaim are solid wood contraction, meaning the veneers were applied over solid wood, usually mahogany. In addition many pieces would have secondary hard woods, referring to the wood used in the drawers sides and backs, and the cases.

The issue one can find with older veneers is chipping and buckling. Part of our restoration process is to remove or re-glue any loose veneers and fill any chips so that our final finish is consistently smooth throughout the entire piece.

Well, she is doing it again and I for one can’t wait! Jo-Anne  Coletti is writing another book.  Due to the overwhelming success of her first issue, The Feminine Home, Jo-Anne has decided to produce a second edition. I can’t go into too much detail, but having had the honor of  working on the first and now the second I will only say that it is JUST as beautiful and if  decorating with white is your passion, then this is a must see!  http://vintagerosecollection.blogspot.com/

Be sure to visit our facebook page.  See what’s new;  including  fun crafts, home decor items, great ideas and  new home decor arrivals.

http://www.facebook.com/dovetales

We just pulled this pretty little mermaid from the sea. She is beautiful in her blue/green shimmering paint. But mermaids are  an elusive creature and she swam back out the door.

While the great majority of antique and vintage items don’t have an illustrious history; such as the stool that a young George Washington used to milk the cows — right before the cherry tree incident, most pieces do have a story. With a little knowledge of American history many older items can tell us about our country and ourselves.

Take, for example, this mahogany chest. The design, especially the legs, is more indicative of 1930s style and the case and top lean more towards the 1940s.  We would call this a transitional piece. Simply put, it was caught between the shift from 1930s depression-era style and the more traditional, cleaner-lined aesthetic of the 1940s and therefore shows elements of both decades. But the real story here, uncovered by a bit of detective work and a basic understanding of American history, is that this piece most certainly dates from 1939 or 1940. We can conclude this because of the transitional style of the chest, but more importantly from the metal drawer guides found inside. The case design brings us up to 1940, but the use of metal drawer guides stops us there. Once America became involved in World War II metal would no longer be used as drawer guides, metal would have been reserved for the war effort.

This dresser, with its conflicting design styles and metal drawer guides, tells us a story. The manufacturer, coming out of a severe economic depression, was changing the design of his furniture to meet a new, and hopefully more abundant, period.  But, very soon after its construction, the country would go to war.

A study sponsored by the British Antique Dealers Association demonstrates a new chest of draws emits 16x more greenhouse gases than an 1830s one of the same price. http://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/7508.aspx

I guess I am not alone in my  desire for a purple couch  in my home, maybe we all harbor the need to add a touch of vibrant color to our lives. I just received an email from a customer, and it seems, fellow secret purple lover.  Purple Doors — How great is that!!

“I also have the secret wish for a purple sofa (as in your blog)! I have a beige house with dark purple doors, because one of my favorite books from my childhood is “Mr. Pine’s Purple House.” And my downstairs little bathroom is a dark purple. I stop there in order to limit myself and not overwhelm people.”  R.

I have always fantasised about having a purple sofa.  But let’s face it a sofa is a true furniture commitment, we usually have them for years, and well, looking at a purple sofa for  10 years, or possibly 20,   is more of an obligation than I am willing to  take on.  And then I saw it, A room by interior designer Megan McClure  http://www.meganmcclureinteriors.com/ with a beautiful purple sofa. Now, this is a room I could look at and live in for many, many years!   So next time around I will consider a purple sofa,  I will embrace my secret desire for color, and then again, there is my longing for a pure white couch and white rug.

Have you ever fallen in love with a color and not even realized it?  I believe that is just what happened  here at Dovetales. First there was a pillow in a pretty coral and cream pattern, then there was a bag, by Full Swing Textiles, in their Tide Pool Coral, next came a little journal with  coral/red  peppers, and  then last week we decided to try a new color.  So, with a bit of trial and error we found a vibrant  tomato/red/coral.

As I posted our new color, debuting on an oriental styled dresser, I began reviewing past posts, facebook feeds and tweets.  And then it all seemed to come together.  It seems Dovetales  has something of a crush on coral!

South Shore artist, designer and publisher of The Feminine Home , Jo-Anne Coletti,  has been featured in the April 2011 issue of Jeanne d’Arc Living.  This is a beautiful publication out of Denmark. http://vintagerosecollection.blogspot.com/2011/03/jeanne-dark-living-magazine.html

We always love to see what our customers and designers  are up to.  The Woods Hole Inn is home to several of our pieces including  an antique dresser in our Cottage White. (shown in pic 1)

Located in beautiful Woods Hole MA, the  inn  embraces  coastal  chic   design. The rooms are an enticing  mixture of modern, yet cottage comfortable, seaside decor.  Best of all they are an eco-destination Inn.  Going Green and looking good!

See more of their lovely rooms  at http://www.woodsholeinn.com/rooms.html

Sometimes a piece of furniture is far too damaged to reclaim and refurbish. But, that doesn’t mean that its components can’t find a new purpose.

One unique idea for the salvaged parts of old furniture is to recycle them into jewelry. Many jewelry artists are using antique keys and clock parts in their projects. This funky bracelet was created using repurposed elements; an old batwing pull and a leather strap from a vintage watch.  Take new look at your discarded furniture. Is there a necklace or bracelet  waiting to be  reclaimed?

It’s always fun to come across a piece that is just a bit different. Something that makes you dream and ponder. “Where could I put that? How could I use it in my home?”

A piece like that came into the shop the other day.  A very large, and may I add, rather heavy, sideboard.  This 1930s buffet, recently painted in our Cottage White, had it all, large cabinets, great legs and fanciful decorations.  And so I pondered.  Designed and destined to be in a dining room could something so iconic, as a sideboard, be reborn and given a new identity?

Kitchen Help.

A large sideboard in a kitchen can add extra storage and counter space.  Placed in the center of the room it becomes an island.  Add casters and it’s a rolling island.  Sideboards tend to be higher than standard dining tables, which makes them perfect as workstations.

Into The Bedroom We Go.

Usually outfitted with cabinets, think sweater storage, and extra-large drawers, a sideboard can handle any fashion diva’s stash. Some pieces come with divided drawers, traditionally used to separate napkins or silverware, can now organize your socks, jewelry and accessories.

In A Family Room.

Sideboard dimensions are generally long and narrow, very accommodating for your flat screen T.V. A simple trick; remove a drawer front and piano hinge it back in place, creating a flip-down door for all of your electronics. Drill holes in the back for the wires.

Bath Time.

Not a new idea but still a good idea. Turn a sideboard into a custom vanity for the bath. Add a sink; or two, if the piece is extra long. A plumber and carpenter can easily set up the required plumbing

I have a friend that has a wonderful obsession.  By her own admission she craves pillows; pillows for spring, pillows for summer, fall, and winter.  Her closet is full of 18-inch pillows ready to be tossed about, sending her family room on an African safari or landing with splashes of fresh vibrant color.

Pillows are a great way to infuse a new attitude into an existing décor. Pillows can change the tone of a room and offer instant design gratification; rich warm velvets in fall, something with a bit of glitz for the holidays, a cheery pop of color to welcome spring, maybe a dash of whimsy in summer.  Do you daydream about life in an urban loft? A few pillows, in fabulously textured neutrals, can add a touch of cool sophistication. Go modern with bold graphics. Feeling a bit traditional? Try a toile. There are so many beautiful fabrics available that you are sure to find several designs that will coordinate with your room and your moods.

Save space and money by using standard pillow inserts. Now all you need is a collection of seasonal pillow covers.

Shown: Calico Corners- Elephants & Calico Corners- Seaside Scuba http://www.calicocorners.com

SEW A SIMPLE 18” PILLOW COVER

Cut a piece of fabric 19” x 44”

Sew a 2” hem on each 19” end.

With right sides together fold up one end 12”

Fold down the other end 10”

Overlapping the hemmed ends.

You will now have an 18” x 19” square.

Using a ½” seam allowance, sew each side (raw edges) through all thicknesses.

Turn right side out. You now have an envelope pillowcase.

http://www.thumbtack.com/ma/kingston/painting/custom-painted-furniture