CHECKERED PAST

It's probably been now over a year since I stepped foot anywhere other then a dinner or two, last summer, on a deck along the river of a restaurant, or just to get provisions at the farmers market and grocery store. I have had no desire to go shopping at other stores at all, like boutiques or malls. I think to a point , well, I know, I have developed a minor case of PTSD. I think I would have a panic attack in  a store now if I find it getting near crowded. So when  a friend contacted me about paying me to stage his antique booth and that of another,  upon recommendation,  I accepted with trepidation. But this was nice pay to be made quite easily, and in my wheelhouse. So I said yes. Only after did we tell me the antique center was only open by appointment, so it's not like the general public can just walk in...and only then have to be buzzed in to control the number of people. Luckily the place covers four floors too. 

I can't express how refreshing that was, and it felt nice to get out and do something different, and I miss working with what I love doing. So last week I went, and of course took pictures. 

My friend had a ton of new items and furnishings and has not been able to get in. I asked if I could even paint the one wall, when I viewed the space originally. Which was a big yes. I think if you can make a space look like an actual room and not just a booth with dropped treasure in a space, it will bring more people into it and generate interest. It helped to that this friend is on the main floor, where all the real high end antiques and such are. And when you get down to it...it's all about the accessorizing.

Although he was holding out on me with these cock cock-a-tail glasses. You doesn't need glasses with cocks on them? The other space was a wreck, but I too emptied the space and started from scratch.

I was pleased with the results. This took just about all day, especially the wall hangings.

My friend Angela that runs this booth had this neat piece of a wrought iron pedestal with a gear wheel? on top it ? She said it's been there for about two years. So you know me? Always have the libations on the mind. So I turned it into a entertaining piece and suggested using it for a bar. Turned out pretty cool I thought.

She phoned just today to tell me the damn thing sold. Some hipster guy loved it and bought it, and even took the bar set on top. Again, you really do have to suggest things. Most people can't visualize things for multi- purpose, or for other uses. She had these in the booth. Aren't they adorable?

Another barware set. 

And how cool are these chairs for a retro kitchen?

I was most pleased by how both booth spaces turned out. I was in my hayday .

After I was done, I took a spin around to have a look see around the joint. This huge credenza breakfront could be yours for the asking price of  $250,000

I came across these fun bottle holders for a bar. Never seen anything like them before. I don't think my bottles would fit in these. But they could be cute just sitting on a bar for conversation pieces.

This gave me a chuckle. But who wants Reagan Paper Dolls? And I don't think Nancy ever had titties that full and firm looking. Nor did I ever see her smile.

Totally FELL IN LOVE with this side chair. it was only $89. 

I was so thinking of calling and telling the front desk to hold it for me. But Ill wait and go back, If it's still there then it's meant to be. Believe or not, it was actually damn comfortable and hit the back and shoulder just right. 

And how about this most unusual item?

Yes honey. When people traveled to Eastern Europe in the 19th century, people traveled prepared. These are vampire hunting kits allegedly sold to 19th century travelers, and contain much of what you would expect: a wooden stake, Bible, crucifix, pistol with lead bullets, gunpower, garlic, and glass vials that held various concoctions to ward off vampires. Or as I called it... a GQP hunting kit.

I did however fall for this mirror and couldn't pass it up for the whopping asking price of $12. I think I'll work it into my wall collage of mirrors in the living room.

However, till I decide,  it sits with the two pieces of art my friend did of me and then gifted to me, when the exhibit closed. I'm just not sure yet where I want to hang them. Though, I'm not opposed to this composition currently.

On another front, one of the two freelance design projects is a go. My fee was accepted and it will be a full, down to the bare walls of a kitchen and dinning room remodel. So there's that.