YOUR HEART'S DESIRE

Yes, Valentine's day is just a bit away. To celebrate we have gathered up the coolist jewelry pieces and they're starting at just $2.00ea. Many range from $4.00 to $15.00. Ribbon jewelry is HOT!(Won't your friends and family be impressed that you know that?) If you buy a pendant we'll string it on any color of seam binding you want for free. (Over 60 colors to choose from).

Just mention this blog.

So... Happy V.D. (OMG, Get your mind out of the gutter! Don't even go there!) LOL Gina

To Market--To Market

Dallas' Total Home and Gift Market is held at the Dallas World Trade Center twice a year. However, the January market is the time to go for a preview in home design trends for the year.

Alan and I went this year, as did our friend Portia Maloney (Garden Party ). Dallas is now home to the Internation Floral and Gift Center (translation:KILLER Floral displays!)

Our impressions on Color: the award goes to: Chartreuse, turquoise, and white. Secondary were orange, red and purple. According to Pantone the color for 2010 is turquoise. The Christmas (and floral) scene was dominated by chartreuse - usually mixed with white, silver, glitter and acrylic. Sometimes it was mixed with bright turquoise, purple and hot pink.

I hope burlap doesn't cause cancer because it was everywhere! Like 2009 natural decor was "IN"- even more twigs, branches, tree trunks, vines, and pine cones, but with a modern twist. These materials were seen in stark-like displays with metal, glass, acrylic, fiberglass, etc.

Check out the Two's Company "green" light fixture made with empty laundry soap bottles in every color! Way Cool! We tried to get all the "legal" photos we could while there.

P.S. Vendors we talked to reported an increase in orders (up to 25% increase) over last year, so that's a hopeful sign for the economy. YEAH!

P.P.S. Saw our friend Gina Galvin of Peacock Park Designs at our store and in her temporary booth @ WTC. Just three words for her display "FAB-U-LUST"

More Later, Gina.

New Inventory

An uplifting note of our progress here at Country Garden Antiques. The Estate sale we conducted was a complete success. Considering the deadline we were facing and the amount of inventory involved, we were able to sell 90% by Sunday. Monday we were able to meet with our client and surprise him with the clean and empty house.

Canton seemed to be very slow this month. At least half empty with dealers and few buyers. The forecast was probably the major contributor with freezing temperatures and snow lurking in the West. It's great exercise though!

Between tasks I have been working on an unusual upright antique metal showcase. The poor thing had been painted at least twice and left outside for no telling how long. With glass on all 4 sides and locking door, I decided I wanted to purchase it and tackle this project. So far I've managed to strip off layers of rust but am still not quite happy with the results. It is a lighted piece so I will be rewiring it soon. I can see the gleam in Gina's eyes knowing that her plans for a Vintage Christmas Ornament display is in the making.

We've managed to pick up a few items in the past few weeks. I will post a few of those photos too. Check out the huge and heavy Concrete dog water bowl!

BIZZY BBEEZZ This week ESTATE SALE !!!

So much has been going on that we just haven't had time to stop and smell the roses. This week we were asked to put together an emergency estate sale. The house has sold and needs to be empty by next Tuesday. The owner is now in a nursing home and the family home of 50 years is full. It looks as though the soonest we will be able to open will be 12:00 noon on Friday.
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The location is great. Just 4 doors off Garland road and backing up to the Dallas Arboretum. The first street north of the Arboretum is Timplemore. We will be at 1155 Timplemore and sorry but due to the pressure of getting the sale together we will not be answering the door early. The owner started the Dallas Quilters Guild and was very active in sewing and quilting. We have several nice pieces of furniture including a punched tin pie safe, a Hoosier cabinet, tile back wash stand, decorated Iron and Brass Victorian bed, quilt tops, 4 sets of patio furniture, picnic table, concrete bench, flower pots, great BBQ, glassware, pottery, bedroom furniture, excellent side by side refrig, and also a freezer. Hours will be 12-5 Fri., 9-5 Sat, and 12Sun. I will be posting addition information on last weeks time we spent at the market learning about upcoming trends and ways to use the internet to promote our businesses. There was alot of helpful information. I'm not one for wasting time but this one seemed to have some possibilities

Back in Town-End of the Year SALE!!

Christmas was such a great time, especially for the kids and especially since we had such a wonderful White Christmas. We were able to spend some "away" time, and even got snowed in at the log cabin for a while. After being out of town and ending the year on a positive note, we are getting back to business. We are offering a 30% storewide sale which will run until January 7th. We do have new merchandise we managed to pick up along the way. Just ask for your Bloggers discount.

Christmas Palooza!!! 25%off or More

We're in full swing this Christmas season. We keep hearing from our customers that we have the largest selection of vintage Christmas ornaments they've ever seen. Yeah, we know! It's awesome! We also have a huge selection of vintage jewelry and gift items,, all at great prices! Hey, have you seen all the other shops in our area? (Free shopping maps of the Trinity Antique Area at all stores) Over a dozen cool shops and malls. You could spend a whole day in our area-just a few blocks long, and never have to hunt for a parking space. O!M!G! Have you tried to squeeze a car into Northpark's parking lot lately? Don't forget- mention this Blog for 25% off the original price on whatever you purchase.

-------OUT OF MEXICO------

Over the past few years I have managed to accumulate a few pieces of Mexican art. Pottery and Folk Art have been just a few of my perks but the Silver and even American Indian Jewelry have also been a favorite. One area I have not gotten many photos of is my collection of Pre-Columbian pottery. If you have any interest in checking out the inventory, feel free to click on this link.
http://s1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/cgantiques/Mexican/?albumview=grid

CHRISTMAS - O - RAMA

Christmas is fast approaching and we are ready to help you decorate. Our store is loaded with vintage Christmas ornaments in unusual and unique displays. Take a look at our ideas- come in for inspiration. There are containers galore filled with pastels and silver colors, or brightly colored Shiny Brites. Thousands of ornaments and other Christmas decor.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5

Country Garden Antiques-for Home and Garden : Your vintage Christmas Headquarters!!

December Mondays means DEEP Discounts!!

Back from a quick trip to Kansas City we are exhausted,,, to say the least. Shopping went well but the family did come first. I was able to snap a photo of Ben on our big Green tractor.

If you have never been able to visit Neiman Marcus during the Christmas season, this is the year. You have got to make a special attempt to make it. Windows and the storefronts are now decorated better than ever. The Neiman's attitude is great. Why let the media get you down. Work a little harder and enjoy life a little more. You can see it in their windows!! A salute to a company that is giving back to this town and this year to our childrens education.

Most important matters---Why not make this Christmas a memorable one by hand selecting that special gift for that special person. Not only will this be a memorable year but also one that took some time and thought. Sure we also have gift certificates but if you feel a little more courageous, you can choose anything from an antique Christmas ornament to jewelry, a painting, or an ancient artifact. Country Garden Antiques is offering bloggers 25% discount on all items throughout our store now until Dec. 21st. Come check out our HUGE selection of vintage Christmas ornaments and be sure to mention this ad. A unique way of decorating that is guaranteed to bring back memories of past Christmas childhood.

The Big Monday Morning "Home Run"

This last week was good to us. Ususally, we are able to score a few nice items but this last week turned out to be better than normal. The iron pieces and concrete statuary was only surpassed by the early 19th Century Corner Cabinet and Painted Italian Dresser. We were able to purchase several pieces of jewelry (Ivory, sterling etc.) old mirrors, very fine Victorian lace and clothing, old books, flower pots, paintings and frames, 2 great old plant stands, even an 8' long painted iron chicken feeder. http://s1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/cgantiques/Nov23/?albumview=grid

Monday's Fix

With Christmas just around the corner the pressure is beginning to mount. Whether it's the "Mall" or "the mall", shopping is shopping to me. I love it all! This week we were able to get some wonderful items. Pink was in and so was white. The pink nightstands, pink wreath, pink lamps, pink pedestal, , white table, white shelf, white alabaster lamps(pr), white alabaster French clock, white Mother of Pearl knife and fork set, etc. We managed to pick up a Hermes scarf and several Italian scarves, a great pair of leather barrel chairs, Caucasian rug, Victorian Dome, jewelry, and to top it off.. an old 18 light French Chandalier. Yes, Santa was good to us this last week and he can be good to you too. Naughty or Nice.
For more photos feel free to access the album. http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/alangal/Nov16/?albumview=grid

DOWN BY THE "RIVERFRONT"

Please "LORD" don't let me forget that the name of Industrial Blvd. has now officially been changed to "Riverfront". As my wife can verify, I tend to be (alot) forgetful and I am sure an angry customer will call, upset that I told them to turn left off of I-35 and Continental and drive until you get to Industrial Blvd. The signs have now been changed to Riverfront. I will apologise ahead of time. In about a year and a half the new Suspension Bridge will be completed. Parkhouse/Continental is proposed to be the central station before the new walking bridge and potential Dart/Trolly bridge that will lead to the NEW WEST Dallas shopping area and later to Oakcliff. Yes, this little area is about to be transformed. Riverfront Blvd. will also be experiencing major changes in itself. This all is quite exciting.
Congratulations to the new LuLa B's West that officially opened last night with an incredible blowout. We are always glad to see new shops in the area. For the collectors of Mid-Century collectors there seems to be a big push in the Trinity District Antique area for the look. Just a few months ago John Bacile opened his Antique Shop and Mall on (Riverfront Dr.) and calls it "Antiques Moderne". The place is an experience to say the least!! You will be pleased!!

My apology for not blogging earlier.

1st November Monday ! Christmas??

Yes, we are ready for Christmas with our displays of Vintage Christmas ornaments. Last week was Grueling to say the least!!! Thanks all of you for the kind words regarding my 92 yr old Fathers passing.
Like my wedding day, I was able to channel a little of my anxiety by squeezing in an important antique sale or two. A long walk on my property and photos of one young doe also helped divert anxiety.
Last Saturdays Street Sale was one of our best turnouts ever. The weather was FABULOUS !!! What Fun !!!

SATURDAY"S TRINITY DISTRICT STREET SALE

Good News!!! The Weatherman said the rain is ending today and will be beautiful tomorrow!!!



Here are a few photos of last springs street sale. Vendors will be in the streets on Saturday. Business owners will have items on sale through-out their stores. Feel free to stop by the Design / Trinity district area on Saturday from 9-5. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=147

Mondays Posting

This last week brought in a new load of antiques. My favorite this week was a fabulous and unusual Mid-Century Hans Olsen Danish Modern dining room table and chair set. I also found a wonderful signed Louis C. Tiffany bud vase, an incredible LARGE and Old Shabby Gilt mirror, several old Wedgewood pieces, a great 19th Century slave tintype, chandelier, art pottery, several nice frames, two Florentine pieces, several pieces of fine jewelry and Florentine jewelry box and shabby chic style painted chair.

I wish I could have photos of these items but due to a death in the family I needed to leave town for a few days and hope to be able to return for the coming Saturday's Trinity District Antique Street Sale. I will try and post photos at a later date. Our store will be open this week.