More ANTIQUE Shopping Tips w/ Personal RANTS about What I SEE

 Let's continue our tour through Sleepy Poet Antique mall in Charlotte, NC with me....just walking about and giving you some tips and pointers , and of course random rants....about what I see. Let me do a small personal rant about what designers, or people,  like to do with perfectly nice furniture to mess it up for future generations. Case in point above. Someone took a perfectly nice 1950-60's dining room set and painted it a lime green and white. Now I know that this look is in  the magazines, that it is considered very ' hip ' by many people. the problem, down through the years, when it is no longer ' hip ', then you are left with some goofy looking furniture . That happened starting in the 1960's when so many people ( including my mom ), painted oak and hardwoods sage green, avocado green, yellow, lime, orange ...lots of fruit colors. Then in the last 20 years, many people do the faux white finish , shabby-chic. That phase of decorating will pass too. Then your grandkids and great-grandkids are left with a bunch of painted white or painted lime green wood. I am not a 1960-70's furniture lover, I know some awful furniture for the general public was produced then...so if you want to destroy or change furniture from that time frame...that would be better than doing it to pre-1960's furniture. Wood is so beautiful , simply stained a natural color. It truly makes your surroundings calmer and more conducive for your artwork to display without competing with colored furniture.

I say, " Save natural wood furniture !!"

Rant over, for now..let's keep moving...I really liked this display of the old mannequin and her cap and earmuffs.

 This dealer, below, is moving to Manhattan, per her sign. In her booth is many 1940-50's Rococo inspired furniture that she or someone she bought it from...

PAINTED OVER WITH SILVER AND BEIGE PAINTS !!!!! 

 

 From what I have seen at antique shows, and shops, this is a big no-no, if it had been left the original finish, whether that be natural wood color or the original faux beige, it would be worth twice as much or more of whatever it would be priced.

Look what I saw, a little 1950-60's cardboard snow village house. Only 4.00. I did not get it as I have enough. I did buy a large church in Charleston a few weeks back though to go with my village.My youngest son was very pleased with that.

I liked these two religious prints, housed in homemade horseshoe glitter encrusted frames. Do not know if this was prison art ( men in penitentiaries made a lot of folk-art when they were confined 1930-60's ), and it is collectible now. Lots was religious ( Christian typically, lots specifically Catholic ), or if these were made from a person who was religious for their home back in the 1940-50's time frame. I was amused that someone was hedging all their bets by displaying religious images AND the ' lucky ' horseshoe frame to give them extra protection .

You don't need luck if you have God on your side.

They were not expensive, I grabbed them up.

 A nice picture frame below that someone repainted with too garish a gold color. Please try to use antique gold and painting it on instead of spraying the frame, is advisable.

I believe the outer molding of this frame is original finish, while the decorative gesso has been touched up with too bright a gold.

It appears someone touched up the center decorative gesso and the surround is the original gold finish, or re-painted in the last 10-15 years. NO SPRAY PAINTING antique picture frames. It destroys their value. ( and by the way, Ms. Smarty-pants here has done that a few times in the past and learned that lesson the hard way ). Either touch them up with antique gold paint by hand , or leave them as is.

Aha! Case in point to show the difference in painted or left with original antique finish picture frames. All are 1920-30's frames. to the left , original finish, to the right painted white and for the future, value declines exponentially.

Again, I do know it is a personal choice...just trying to help all the furniture I can for future generations here.
Let me show you a new  decorator painting, they sell these in stores like Pier One, target, Bed bath and Beyond, etc. They are machine painted on canvas...

 You can see that , by no roughness to the canvas at the front, and the sides here, a STRAIGHT line across, and original painting would have little uneven lines, and stray brush strokes. If you turn there , unframed paintings and examine the edges, you can see this. Perfectly straight all around. That means it is machine produced.

 Now by the way, these are fine, alot of people like these in their homes, and the price was 40.00, so fair. Young people, particularly like these, and they use them to decorate their new homes and apartments. Hopefully, they will be able to buy original paintings, produced by actual people...for a bit more in price, down the road.

Remember, the backs of anything ( art ) new is usually a bright white, or may have a fake-looking tan or brown paint wash.

 This little PRINT almost fooled me,as it is printed on textured canvas, but the sides , when you flip it, are a straight line across and no raised paint on front. I could not get a good enough picture of the sides, always came out totally white, thanks to my pesky flash.

I smiled when I saw this flimsy, sheer, 1960-70's short negligee...as it made me immediately remember that my grandmother always gave my mom one of these, all colors...always flirty and short...for her anniversaries or Christmas.  My mother was always embarrassed and did not like them. My mom had drawers full of these, and you know what she did with them ? For some reason, she gave them to me and my sister when we went to college. I thought they were very fun, my sister never liked them...but I would not recommend any mom give their daughters negligees when they go to college !!!!

Negligee plus mom rant.

Moving on...

Below is a chalkware ( plaster ) Art Nouveau statue or bust that is in terrible condition. I have bought many of these, they are copies of the bronze statues, and usually have the signature of the artist , molded into the base at the sides. They are not signed by the artist, simply the manufacturer is showing they are really a copy of that artist work. I am showing you this one, because it would be crazy to buy one in this condition. They are made of plaster, breaks when you glance at it, and cannot be repaired , some areas can be painted over...but not repaired. I would say pass on one of these, late 1800's-early 1900's statues unless they are less damaged. Oh ! Some people also spray paint these over , all one color, that decreases their value tremendously. I recall paying around 45.-95.00 for one of these in good condition ( minor chips and breaks ). They will never be in very good or perfection condition, due to the fragile nature of chalkware. If you want one  in perfect or excellent condition, then go find one of the original bronze statues these were copied from and pay 450.-600.  or so.

eBay probably has some, just type in Art Nouveau busts or Art Nouveau original statues. Ask the dealer if they are repro or originals, and check the seller's feedback before you buy.

Or go hunting in antique malls like me.

 Lots of shabby chic booths in this great antique mall. I will not say one word about the two benches on the table below, painted white.

I couldn't say one word anyway, it would be more like 10 or 20 words.

 Now lookee here folks. Down below, I found a beautiful original 1920-30's art deco bedroom set that has it's ORIGINAL finish with carved  accents. No new white paint on this,no painted over pink or lavender either. I have seen this set before in plain wood finish with the carved accents ( the flowers, swags, fruit in the front and center areas ) painted colors. These accents are called barbola when they are made of plaster to mimic the carved-wood look here. Barbola is mainly on mirrors, and home accents pieces, not so much on furniture as it is easily broken and chipped. I am telling you that as often this French style of furniture, is called a bedroom set with barbola. That is very popular , people who decorate with the Victorian style particularity love anything that has barbola accents.

This is a great find for someone. Dresser,  two beds and nightstand. I forgot to look at the price as I had the cutest young girl, about 11 years old, blond hair.... watching me take these pictures. She was shopping with her mom, and when I smiled at her and passed them, her mom hugged her and spoke to her, she absentmindedly stroked her daughter's hair. 
I kept walking, wondering if the mother understands how precious that moment was between the two.
To be able to physically hug or hold your children is one of the biggest gifts God affords us.

This is too long, I have more pictures, mainly art to show in my last installment of this trip,

many blessings,

Gina

More ANTIQUE Shopping at Sleepy Poet--Antique Shopping Tips

I ended up going to Sleepy Poet Antique Mall ( located in Charlotte, NC ) again last week, and as you can see...someone was unhappy about being thrown out in the yard for most of the day when I left. Here's a closer look at the black spot through the fence to the bottom right...

Maxine, looking forlorn. She'll be fine, left her food and water and dragged her big dog bed out for her to snooze on for the day. Ok, let's go to the antique mall.

I arrived about 10:30, was glad to see Jason,  the owner's son who I think is the manager, who is such a very nice young man. I like everyone who works here. I had spent most of my moohla for art in Charleston a few weeks ago, so I had to be very thrifty with my shopping. I saw many paintings I could not afford to get for resale . Darn. That's alright, I found a few things. I will say again, I am NOT an art expert, there are so many art history majors , historians, museum curators who would stick their nose up at my limited knowledge here. I am just an art lover,and I try to sell paintings online . But...I know more than the average antique art shopper, and I like to share what I know if it may help you in any way.

 I liked this western themed frontier style painting , but it was bit high for resale. Would consider this one again though. Let's look at a tapestry...

This was a nice larger, maybe 3 or 4 feet long machine loomed tapestry, 1920-40's time frame. She had over 400.00 on it, too high for what they normally sell for. Most of these go for between 75.00-150.00 in good condition. When you look at these, check them out carefully for holes, tears, stains, etc. All defects are big deals in linens and tapestries. Also check that it is not too faded . Machine loomed are a uniform weave throughout, hand-loomed, much more  valuable, have a nubby appearance on the back and front. Hand-loomed , or weaved, can cost thousands of dollars.
Any machine-loomed tapestry with holes, tears, satins, and excess fading will be worth maybe 25%-50%( or less ) of it's value if it was in very good condition. 


Look at this little frame....

I almost bought this, but am being thrifty today. Wanted to show you that it is a newer frame, last 1-10 years, but is hand-signed by the artist on the back. That makes ANY item, that is handmade, more valuable. Support hand-crafted items at all times , when you can.

Decorators and homeowners have been using old fencing to decorate their walls at home. Neat idea , old fencing can be found at antique shops, salvage places , and large antique shows. 

 Gorgeous 1800's gold gilt mirror. I would say always buy an original old mirror instead of spending 100's on a new one that they make look old. Old antique ones will increase in value as well.

1800's gold gilt mirror

Metal decorative touches.

New reproduction painting of an old masters art. I could not get a good enough picture to show you that these are new. These are sold in home decorator stores, malls, ect. I would encourage each one of you to buy ORIGINAL antique or vintage or even new original art , instead of these mass-produced paintings that sell for 300. and up. Most are machine painted , mimiced to look old. They all have brand new frames as well.

Liked this old , probably English...1800's, wood panel painting. It had damage to the bottom left, and still a tad to high for resale...this time. This is another type of painting that has been faked by importers and sold in designer shops.

The original old wood back, shows you this is truly old.

This is another item that has been reproduced. These were mirrors for the 1800's, brass frames, but if you look at the back of this one...you see it has a new stand, and the backing is new. So a nice repro ' antique ' mirror. The original stands broke on many of these, and they look different from this one.

Wish we could turn people around and look at them from behind and see if they are genuine. I think God does that by looking at us when we are alone, no show, no audience. He knows what's ' behind ' are motives and actions.
Antique-religious-philosophy 101.

 Killer gorgeous pastel antique painting. Many problems for me with this one, foremost, pastels sell for less, usually than oil paintings. No 2 : It is large, covered with glass, a absolute nightmare-stressor to ship. And lastly, too expensive, even with his sale to make it worth my while. For re-sale .

Beautiful.

 Here I will frustrate myself, but try again to show the difference between a PAINTING and a PRINT of a painting. This is a copy or an antique painting, It is completely smooth to the touch, housed in a newer frame. Original paintings, the paint can be felt , unevenly over the surface.

 Completely flat and smooth.

Look at her fingers , no paint is seen or felt. This is a PRINT of a painting. Also , try not to call PRINTS of paintings, PAINTINGS. Even if they are a print of a painting, they are correctly called PRINTS.
Sound like a stern school teacher don't I ?
Sorry, pet peeve of mine...
I did find two nice items in the same booth as that PRINT above. This pretty pink chenille bedspread in very good condition. 
Look at the sparkle silver thread in the middle section , loved that.

And this early 1900's original PRINT ( do you feel as if I am trying to make a point ), of a grouping of pink and yellow roses in its original old frame. 

 Let's flip it around,see the dark cardboard backing ?

 Scored with these two, as they were in a 50 % off booth.
I see I am getting too long , I will continue our shopping tomorrow or the next day.

 Wishing you all love in the New Year,


Gina

TRUTH Challenge

I have many small inspirational books lying about, and one I read recently from Charles R. Swindoll titled, The Strength of Character  inspired me about a concept I have been striving for,

Truth.

Truth in all you do ,in all you say, in all you face , in all you pursue, in all you share. Now maybe you are more righteous than me, more truthful at all times than me, but living truth is hard. That means having high ethical, moral , spiritual and even love standards. Because there is an ultimate truth. There is right and wrong, and even certain ' gray ' areas of right and wrong...we all lean one way or the other on whatever the topic is usually. And we usually know deep inside the correct response to temptations , urges , solicitations , opportunities , etc. This means living a life that you don't ever need to lie, be deceitful, be secretive or live in public one way, and behind closed doors when you are alone...another way completely.
Truth is more than right and wrong, it is also simply what is real. What your life is really like, what you are really like, what your job is really like, what your spouse is really like. Facing the truth of your life.
Facing happy truth and most especially painful truths in your own life. No more ignoring, no more covering up or sugar-coating real truth.


When you live truth....you will end up with peace inside. That's what I believe will happen.
I hope so.

Here are Charles Swindoll's suggestions:


Think truth.

Confess truth.


Face truth .

Love truth.


Pursue truth.

 Walk truth.

Talk truth.

He suggest starting with the last one," talk truth...to deliberately, consciously, and conscientiously speak the truth . Start practicing gut-level authenticity."
To me that means not saying anything to anyone directly OR behind their back that you would not say if your spouse was there , your child was there, your pastor was there, or your boss. God is always there. I think we don't speak the truth for many reasons, we don't want to be inconvenienced, we don't want to be imposed on, we don't want someone to know what we really think or feel. We also don't want to hurt someone with the truth. Truth can be gently delivered...need to work on that one bigtime.
Take the time, to listen to yourself speak. Take the extra time, to think and then speak the truth.
By the way, I have not spoken the truth  three times already today.
Gotta long way to go.


Striving and reaching,
Gina

 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."-- John 8:32

Window Views of a ANTIQUE Shop in Charleston, SC & Christmas Sights

 

One of my favorite things to do , or really I should say one of the things that I do that can actually be torturous for me, in a mild torture way...is looking in windows of antique ships that Are CLOSED. Like this one on Meeting St., across from the Mills House Hotel . I have not seen this shop open as much or I may have just been around on days he was closed. I did meet the man that owned it , probably 10 or more years ago, one day when he was there. He was nice and welcoming , unfortunately I could not afford anything there, as downtown antique prices, especially on King St., are higher than out skirting mall prices, such as in neighboring Mount Pleasant. But....the quality is very high in many of these shops on the historic street.

It was a dreary, overcast , chilly Sunday when I took these pictures...but I like that you can see the reflection of Charleston in the windows of the antique store. Plus you can see the antiques. I made the mistake, of asking my husband to turn down a street past the Mills Hotel to get here, a cobblestone street...

We bounced slowly, really were shaken for a good 5 minutes to drive over this bumpy road. Would tell each of you to not turn down one of these streets with a cup of coffee in your hands.

We did laugh though as it feels like a ride at the fair...and it was a dumb idea ( mine).

Let me show you some shots from the outside looking in...

 Antique Watercolor.

 My favorite shot here as those paintings are calling to me to come inside for a closer look. Only some one who really loves antique oils and artwork can understand.

Magnetic.

But it was cold and windy, so I moved from window to window...to take more shots.

 Outside he has some heavy Asian statuary.

 More torture, but mild as I had already bought 4 paintings the day before.

 Italian large art glass vases. I like his handwritten signs with info on the piece. Much better than walking in a shop with no prices on anything. I would tell you to be leery of shops that do not put prices on their antiques...they are usually sizing you up to see what they think you can pay before they tell you the price. I have heard some dealers say they do that to not dissuade you from asking or buying, but I prefer the price to be prominently displayed.

 Remember I am taking all these pictures through heavy lead glass windows , it is windy cold and I am going from window to window, quickly. I look back at the car towards my husband and smile, and he waves to me...we both can hear the church bells start ringing over the city.

 I'm also quite sure, though I did not bother to look...that the bellmen over at the hotel across the street thought I was some goofy tourist taking pictures through windows of a closed , dark antique shop.

They were correct if they were thinking that.

Didn't care.

 Here was his closed sign on the front. Nice of him to let people ( serious buyers), be able to contact someone to get in.

Dresden compote vase.

Here you see condensation through the glass, as in Charleston the historic committees do not let anyone use storm windows on their businesses or residences.

This is how I feel lately anyway...always looking in at life, through a barrier...this was glass , mine is thicker and more opaque inside.

Okay, let me show you a few Christmas sightings. Charleston mainly has very simple natural wreaths and garlands made of pine branches , berries and fruit and then  some ribbons. I will just let the pictures speak...except for a few. It was so cold that mid-morning windy and cold, I would just jump out the car , snap a shot and jump back in. Here you are...

 As you know my very favorite garden in Charleston, and they put a lovely red berry wreath on the handsome statue.

 Homemade wreaths for sale.

These are made with berries, magnolia leaves, pine branches and whatever those white branches are. I don't know , but they are beautiful. Enjoy your families, many blessings, Merry Christmas,

love very strong,

Gina