My First Market

I survived my first market and was able to snap a few photos of the booth. It was a great day and something that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned a lot and hope to get better each time.

  I kept telling myself that unexpected things would come up and that I would just have to roll with it. I'm the type that likes to be prepared and know what the plan is... exactly. Therefore I'm not the best "roller" if ya know what I mean. Well, the first curve ball came the day before market when I learned that the ladies in the booth next to me were moving outside. I was told that I could stretch out my booth to fill the space. For most vendors... that is probably a dream come true. For me, who had my booth all planned out and just enough stuff to fill it... this was a tough curve ball. So, I didn't say much. I unloaded my stuff and set up as I had originally planned... knowing I would be back very early in the morning to change it all and finish my pricing. I had the night to figure out what to do with all that space. I came home tired, anxious, and hungry... that's a very bad combination for me. When I told my husband we would need to be there early the next morning to price and make changes to fill the space, he mistakenly asked me what I had done all afternoon. I informed him. I talked to my mom for a bit and she said I could bring an antique iron bed frame to the market that she had painted and wanted to sell. That was very helpful. So, I prayed and finally went to bed around 2 AM with my alarm set for 4:45. Surprisingly I woke up refreshed, got ready and put my brave face on. I was able to enjoy the beautiful sunrise that morning...

Off to the market we went... later then planned (of course). It worked out fine... a little sparse but not too bad and we got the pricing finished up just in time. The great thing about the whole situation was that we were able to set up a check-out area (off to the side) with a table for writing receipts and the cash box. I am sooooo thankful for that and for my husband who got assigned the position of "money man" for the day. (Thanks babe... wouldn't have made it without you!) It was wonderful. People could shop the space and not feel crowded while Brett and I (both introverts) sat in the safety of our little corner. I loved spending the day with him. Thank you Lord for the little blessings that we don't see right away... but yet you work out perfectly for us.

So here's how the booth came together...

 

I sold some furniture and lots of housewares that day. It was great to visit with the customers and get feedback. I loved having friends and family stop by and say hello... funny how comforting that is.

For my first market, I am so glad it was with the Lucky Star Market. The community gets involved and the attention to detail really impressed me. Jody, who directs it, is amazing and so helpful. As a vendor, they fed me a cinnamon roll from Valentino's (of Ames) for breakfast and then at lunch they surprised me with this...

a boxed lunch from The Bistro (of Story City). How sweet is that?!!

Meeting and seeing what the other vendors do was great as well. I collected some cards from the ones around me. I'm inspired by all their work... still have lots of websites and Facebook pages to visit.

So that's my market story. It was good to get home to all my sick kids (thanks so much family for watching and caring for them) and rest.

Thanks for stopping by!

Antique Needlepoint Bench

 I came across this beautiful antique bench and knew she would be a lovely addition for my booth at the Lucky Star Market this Saturday. Here's what she first looked like...

I went to work with some French Linen ASCP...

Here's how she turned out...

  I love the beautiful needlepoint upholstery. She is such a little treasure. This bench has a French Country feel to her and would look pretty in so many different places. I always love a bench placed at the foot of a bed.

If you're local... come see her in person for the Lucky Star Market this Saturday April 26th at the Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, IA. The market will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM. More information and links are posted on my Facebook Page if you want to know more.

Thanks for stopping by!
Linking To:
Knick of Time ~ The Scoop ~
Mod Vintage Life ~

Savvy Southern Style ~ DIY by Design ~ Rooted in Thyme ~
French Country Cottage  ~ The Inspiration Gallery ~ The Shabby Nest ~

Statement Piece: Hutch in French Linen

I finished my statement piece for Lucky Star Market .

Here's what she looked like before...

This vintage hutch is from Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. (circa 1950's/60's). A great piece of furniture but in need of an update. I went to work with some French Linen ASCP for the hutch and then used Old White ASCP for the hardware.

Here's how she turned out...

It's a really charming piece. The hardware and hinges are slightly distressed and chippy. I love how they pop against the grey. The additional charm of this piece comes from simply lining the drawer and cabinet with pink and white striped wallpaper. LOVE the soft pink with this grey... it was the perfect finishing touch!

While hutches traditionally find themselves in the dining room... I love seeing them used in all different rooms now. Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens craft rooms etc... they add character and the storage is fabulous.

This one is going to market... 

and she will need to find a good place to call home, so come and take a look in person. Thanks for stopping by!

Lucky Star Market- Saturday April 26th, 2014

@ Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, IA.

Linking To...
Miss Mustard Seed  ~ French Country Cottage ~ The Shabby Nest ~

Mod Vintage Life ~ Knick of Time ~ DIY by Design ~
Savvy Southern Style  ~

Sneak peek for market with Spring on my mind

Despite the snow we had yesterday (gotta love Iowa weather), I'm busy getting ready for the Lucky Star Market. As I'm washing, organizing, pricing and painting... I've got Spring on my mind. The sunshine and pretty pastel colors that surround me today are helping. I thought this was the perfect time to share a few photos of what is coming to market with me. 

So, here's a little Spring cheer... enjoy!

Planters and floral decorative tins...

Mismatched china and some ironstone...

 

I love collecting pretty plates and layering them with other sets for a unique table setting. If you enjoy that as well... be sure to come and take a look!

Another fun idea with mismatched china is to make a DIY Cake Plate. I did this one awhile back and gave a tutorial on how you can do it too. You can find that here .

Pretty glassware...

Table Linens...

I finished fixing-up this beautiful vintage lamp...

And finally, here's a little peek at the statement piece for my booth. She's coming along beautifully. Lots of work and attention to detail to pull this piece together but it's worth it. She will anchor my booth and hopefully give people an idea of what I love to do. When this piece is done, I will do a complete blog post with the "before and after". Hope to get to that later this week.

 Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday April 26th and come on out to the Lucky Star Market in Ames, IA.