8.03.2011

vintage finds wednesday...

The auction last weekend.  Oh to say it was hot would not do it justice.  It was over 100 degrees outside and we had some humidity on top of it all.  The auction was in a crowded building with no air conditioning.  People were dripping with heat, it was rolling off us in sticky smelly droplets - double icko.  It was a great auction just bursting with treasures but I was miserable and I only lasted about 4 hours.  The brave warriors who outlasted me reaped their rewards.  I bid higher than I've ever bid at the auction last week - $900 on just one piece.  It was a very special Lalique dish that I knew was worth about $3,000 but I got nervous when it hit $1,000 and I bowed out.  Was exciting for a while though.

Seemed to be a ring day for me.  I was taken with some Native American beauties and the more expensive gold and gemstone variety.  This is what I brought home for my shop...



I often bid on "flats" of things.  A box top filled with various items or a jewelry box brimming with broken pieces mixed in with good finds.  Lots of times I end up with odd bits and bobs just to get a few items on the tray I wanted.  The sorting, sifting, untangling, cleaning etc. is time consuming but fun.  I end up with strange little things like this...


and jewelry boxes like this...


The bulk of items from last week waiting to be tended to and put in my shop...


see those flats on the floor?  Those are way cool padlocks that are going to take some serious time to clean and research but it's all part of my job and at least I can do it at home in my air conditioned studio (and Andrew Henry does lots of the cleaning/repairing for me I must admit).


I really love what I get to do!  I hope you love what you do too.

17 comments:

Annie Wilcox Designs said...

Great finds for sure, love the locks, just lying in a bowl would be great or paperweights maybe.

MJM said...

I can't wait to see all that in person!

shopgirl said...

I've never been to an auction. Sounds exciting Jeanette!

Wishing you a fabulous day! xo
p.s. I just recently opened my etsy shop.

http://rambleswithreese.etsy.com

Stacey said...

love the rings you got and those locks are beautiful!

Bel said...

I love how you love what you do, because that's why I love reading your blog! The padlocks are sooo gorgeous :) Something about them...

Belly B :)

Anonymous said...

Jeanette, come stay w/ me... the weather is perfect here! I love turquoise rings. I bought the most perfect on at the CA missions and love it!! xo

Maria said...

Lovely - all of it!

Not loving what I am "getting" to do today - well, not all of it - but making a game of finding the things to love!

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

those are great finds- I would not have lasted that long either- love the lock collection.

KR said...

Wow! What a haul! The rings are fabulous! I was trying to see the little man at the front of the table, will have to wait to see him. The medical bag is great! Looking at all thos interesting locks I think I know what Andrew Henry will probably be doing this weekend! Hmm, the miscellaneous items in the box also look interesting!

rebecca said...

beautiful rings, oh my!

angryparsnip said...

You find the best stuff. Who knew Phoenix has such a treasure trove of great finds.
Love the green ring in the second photo.... must check out your shop when you post it. The same for the old locks, I saw some copies that I was tempted to buy but didn't and lost the chance to get them and here you are with a whole box of real ones....

cheers, parsnip

Katie said...

Wow! What great finds! xo

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I agree Parsnip, that is my favorite one - 9 ct gold and agate, it's gorgeous. :)

k said...

I am SO jealous of all of those amazing rings...

pamela said...

i would love to rummage through ALL of it. looks like a blast.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh my daughter loves turquoise. I'll have to check out the shop.

Tess Kincaid said...

Oh, how I adore those locks!!!