YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Heavens to Etsy!

My poor sad little Etsy.  When I put it on vaca this summer...it withered and almost died.  LOL.  Poor little thing!

But, I did get to do some Estate Sale shopping over the summer, so I'm slowly stocking the shop back up. If you want to see anything, check it out here!

Have I told you about our Estate Sales?  My friends,  Sandra and Pat, have the BEST ones.  The only problem is...everyone knows it.  And believe you me, crowds gather. 

Their sales always start at 8 am.  And just like a ride at Disney, there is always a line of people, waiting.  Yes, waiting.   

And when the door opens...the MAD rush begins.  I'm not kidding.  You would think there where free gold bars inside the way everyone scrambles and pushes to get in.  An Estate Sale.  It ain't Filene's Basement people...its an Estate Sale.    

Granted there are good deals to be had.  Yes, indeedie!  But, that by no means should justify the  frenzied grabbing of goods and foot stomping.  Foot stomping you say?  YES.  I've had to announce loudly, "if one more person stomps my foot...I'm gonna start kicking shins people!".  And thats just amongst the peeps that I know (usually other dealers).  There were giggles...but I was serious.

Given that most of the house are small, I guess its bound to happen, once, maybe twice...but five times?  Hmmm. 

And grabbing of goods?  Count yours truly amongst that action at the last sale.  Sandra pointed me in the direction of a area of vintage sewing notions (my personal fave), as another shopper approached, I whipped out a plastic bag and just started showing things into.  No matter what.  If it was vintage and sewing, it was MINE.  Hey, at least I did'nt stomp his foot. 

But all in all, most are nice.  One lady graciously pointed out that there were two of the Milady tins, when I complimented the one she had in her hand.  

Most of the people these sales are usually friends and other dealers, but the majority of folks are "ahem" older.  Much older.  And I don't mean that to be offensive, I just find it intriguing.

Cause personally, at some point in my much later life, I plan to start jettisoning stuff out of my house, faster than a Sea Captain throwing cannonballs off of a sinking ship.  At that point, I'm don't think I'll be shopping for more old junk.

And maybe I'll have my own Estate Sale.

And hopefully, lots of really older people will come and shop. 

And we will hold the foot stomping to a minimum!  :)

-c

Visually Seeking

Let me start off by saying, I'm NOT an "impulse" kinda girl. 

As much as I like to think that I fly by the seat of my baggy pants (and sometimes I do), I'm not really a do-something-on-impulse kinda gal.  Its just not me. 

 

But yesterday I did.

And it was FUN! 

Prior plans for my Tuesday fell through. 

So, on a total whim (and with a little nudge by a friend), I kidnapped Ang and we FLEW to McKinney (OK, that's an overstatement!  We got a little lost, and hit construction work and holy crap I think it took us two hours to get there).  From Mansfield, for the love of Pete.

Finally DID get there and met Lis at Antique Company Mall and made the most of the handful of hours left in the day.  Lis has already pre-shopped.  But there were still great things left.  LOL.   

At Antique Company Mall we saw Carolyn (who was one of our great dealers at the June, Paper Cowgirl Vendor Show.  And Nancy.  And she showed us all the great booths (as well as her own wonderful spot) that she had highlighted in this post.   Saw Theresa's new booth (although I head most of the "good stuff" was gone), it was still adorable! 

And food!  Made a mad dash for a late lunch at Patina Green!  The shop is wonderful!  And Chef Robert made me the most delish salad (to fit my current diet needs) that truly, felt like I was cheating.  You cannot beat fresh out of the garden toms and squash.  But lemme tell ya, the bread and scones were looking pretty dang amazing too!  I can't wait to take Sweet Hub there.

A quick dash over to Smitten filled our velvet ribbon needs, as well as a great chat with Karen!  As she rung up my total bill, I had to comment that being a "visual girl" was really hard on the pocket book.  And she agreed.  And added that yes, and then you have to keep adding new visual elements all the time.  LOL.  And its so true!  But her shop is a GREAT source for that.  We did not leave empty handed. 

There was also a discussion about toe hair.  Shaving versus other forms of dealing with.  I'll spare you the details. As well as other silly topics.  And then, too soon, it was 5:30.  And time to race back home.

But those few hours, done on a whim... it was just what I needed.  Visual stimulation and the laughter and friendship of great buds. And wonderful food!  And being silly.  Sometimes silly is just what you need. 

I could learn to like being a little impulsive!

-c

More Red White and Blue

And what's the fourth without some Vintage fun? 

Not sure what I'll do with this yet, but I could not pass up this great pile of goodies from my best Etsy gal Lisa Cook!  Lisa always has the coolest stuff in her shop.  I'm thinking maybe some sort of centerpiece or something...not sure yet.

But this guy just might have to be in there.  Yep, the crazy Dickies man.  When my bud took me out for my Bday, we found him while scavenging in a shop in Ft. Worth.  I just thought he was wicked cool.  And for some reason he makes me think of Fourth of July.

Look at these Vintage babies!  Suh-weet!  I'm such a honeycomb freak.  Yep, I grabbed this bag (at an Estate Sale) so fast, I almost pulled a muscle.  And those wee Uncle Sams!  How cute! 

I'm a patriotic girl...what can I say. Three cheers for the red, white and blue!  ;D

Fun Finds

While out doing a little leg work for Paper Cowgirl I was forced to purchase several things at one of the local antique malls.  OK...maybe forced is the wrong word to use. 

But seriously, how cute is all of this? 

How could I walk away empty handed?

Turning down free kittens in a card board box?  Easy!  But this hand-painted tray that looks like a clock?  C'mon, only the most hard hearted would have left it there.

Look at that face?  How cute is that?

Its pink and shabby!  It just had to come home with me.  Had too.

Honey, can I keep em?  *sigh* What's not to love?  I tell ya. 

And speaking of PC, I've updated the blog over there, so you can see just WHERE these great goodies followed me home from.  And Registration on PC is going to close soon, so if you are thinking about signing up, please do so. 

Its been a wild afternoon here, as we had a tornado scare.  A close one.  Yeah, nothing says "Spring in Texas" like sitting in a laundry room with two pissed off cats in carriers.  Ya gotta love it.

-c

What the Junk?

What a gorgeous day for a flea market shopping spree!  I've certainly gotten my Vitamin D quota these past two days, thanks to all the gorgeous sunshine! 

But, oh how those March winds did blow today.  But they did not muss her.  Alas, she was already sold, and for a pretty penny...$135.00. 

Take a seat.

Pretty little porcelain shoes.  No bigger than 2" in size.  But big in price, $15.00. 

And the cutest doll house.  Quite large and a deal at just $45.00.

Silverware shining in the sun.

Along with lots of rainbow colored bling.

These too, were a little out of my price rang today, as most prices began at $30.00.  Pity, great pieces.

And lots of gorgeous blooms were in rolling carts everywhere.  And what caught my cash as well as my eye?

This awesome pile of magazines from the early 1900's called, "The Camera".

Lots of cool vintage photo's.

and ads.

And I loved the covers. 

Vintage pot holders (the stitched one was very unusual), as well as a sweet little red and white creamer.

She was most unusual find.  Its all one piece, this hen/doily/chicks.  Vintage and someone, no doubt, put allot of work into this most unusual but very cute doily.  She has some stains and worn places, but overall, still in good shape. 

I'm such a sucker for gingham.  And was disappointed when this tray had that odd fern in the center.  So image my delight when it scrubbed right off!  Now, its perfect.

Little plaid creamer, old bank book and wee silver tray.  I think these all want to stay with me. 

A funky little table and chair set.  (And yes, that is my Christmas garland up in the back ground). 

But the steal of the day, this great quilt for $5.00.  Yes, $5.00.  I almost felt guilty. 

Almost.

Thanks for going to Canton with me and finding loads of cool "junk".

-c

Shades of Cream

Isn't funny how some days you are just drawn to certain colors? 

Last week at an estate sale, I was drawn to neutrals.  And believe me, that rarely happens to me.  But old ironstone, a funky spool of thread, a wee whisk broom, all seemed to be saying my name.

In our antique malls here, one of the huge color combo's is Taupe, Cream and Black.  I think it is very elegant to look at, but in my own home, well it would probably drive me crazy.

But last week it was all "speakin to me".  Loved this Carpenter's Thread.

Grotty old ironstone.

Vintage Pearl Collar.

Lacie hankie.

And these funny little white birds.  They all found their way home with me.  I know Sweet Hub was beyond thrilled to see me drag in two bags.  With him home, I can't sneak it in like I used too.  Drats. 

Actually the little birds, I've had fun coffee staining some of those today. 

A little coffee, a little glitter, a little rock candy and they end up like this.  Oops.  Except their poor little eyes get washed off in the coffee.  Sorry wee birdie.

Well, its past my bedtime.  ttyt.

OH and these things are on my Etsy, just in case they are speaking to you too! 

Ice? Only in Tea please!

Today we are bracing for colder weather to move in.  The skies are dark and cloudy and it is thundering, as a huge line of storms move our way.  That's not so bad.  'Cept it is supposed to turn to ice later tonight.  Possibly.  I like ice.  In my tea.  But NOT to drive on.  Specially Texans.  We don't get that you can't do 70 mph on it.  And I'm not really in the mood to have a car smoosh at this point and time.  But as usual, I digress.

 

Yesterday was NOT icy, or as chilly.  And Sweet Hub and I took a little field trip to McKinney.  Was so much fun to get to meet Cindy for lunch (we met at Spoons, best bacon sandwich I've had in ages!) and putz around the town.

These images are all from Carolyn's booth at the Antique Company Mall.   Lots of great shopping and cute booths there.  Carolyn's booth is filled to the brim with lots of great funky, junk at awesome prices.

Lots of lovely, beckoning spots here and there to dig through.  She really has some beautiful display work and she told us that her hubby does it all!  How cool is that?

He is very good.  Lots of layers and nooks and crannies that draw your eyes in.  LOVE that wonderful, floral door stop.

Carolyn has a great mix of vintage and paper goods that inspire one to run home and create.  Which I did.  I'm going to try and convince her to be a vendor at Paper Cowgirl (Carolyn!  Hint! Hint!  :D ). 

Ella Elaine is there as well.  But I stupidly forgot to ask her if I could take any pics.  Her booth up front was done in taupe with the sweetest touches of Robin's Egg blue.  Perfect for Spring.  I was in heaven, I tell ya.

And Cindy's booth is a confection colored spot of vintageie goodness too!  Loved these sweet hangers.  My gran used to sit and do those all the time.

Sweet little stamped muslin bags tied with strips of fabric. 

It was very much like her, happy and bright and cheerful!

Loved this typewriter.  So awesome.

We were disappointed that Smitten was closed.  But that just gives me an excuse to head back up that way another time soon. 

Always fun to get together with bloggie friends.  Ang and her delightful daughter came to see me on Tuesday and hang out in my town.  And that is something I rarely get to do...shop in my own town.  LOL.  And always great to hang with other bloggies. 

Well, here's hoping there will be no ice tonight 'cept in my Diet Coke or Tea.  Hope it is toasty warm where you are.  I'm off to turn on the Christmas Lights and make a pot of veggie soup.

Vintage Valentines touch the Heart

There is something about vintage Valentine cards that are just so sweet and happy!

Maybe it is the fond memories of grade school.  With your decorated paper sack (which was what we used) or shoe box.  Anticipating how many you would receive.  Of if that special someone would give you a Valentine.  And cupcakes.  We always got to have a cupcake party on Valentines day. 

At one of the last Estate Sales I went too, a woman had several bags, obviously vintage and I thought I would share a few.  Above is a classic of course!  Especially for me, Charlie Brown was a biggie as we were growing up.  As we will see, the themes of old vary greatly from today's product tie-in themes. 

Something about this little weenie dude just cracks me up!  I think its the fork.  Or the scowl on his face.  Or both. 

OK.  This one was just scary.  WHAT is she supposed to be?  I found this more creepy than sweet!  LOL.

Hmmmmm. 

Clowns also kinda fall under the creepy category.  Ewww.

Cards with girls.

Bears and Bunnies (which must have been a big theme).

And cards with glitter.  I don't know about you, but I always felt extra special if I got a card with glitter.  Much like Hallmark cards today, a card with glitter to me, meant someone cared to send the very best.  Ah, the mind of a 9 year old.  LOL.

But now, my adult mind likes these the best.  Something sweet about that wee owl with the big eyes.  The sweet chicken, the winsome donkey.  The drawings were just so sweet and innocent.  These are my faves now.  Will the kidlets of today or even 50 years from today, look back at Hannah Montannah Valentines with such fond memories?  I wonder.

If anyone is interested, I have TONS to sell.  They are on my Etsy.  I may take a few and make a banner...would be bright and cheerful for such a dreary, chill day.  

The Veranda at Canton

OK, so I did not take many pics at Canton last week, cause I just could not get my fingers to work.  Yeah.  They were frozen.  But I did manage to squeeze out a few at The Veranda.  

Maggie always does the coolest displays and has the neatest merchandise (any wonder why she is one of our favorite Paper Cowgirl dealers?).  Ang had a fit over this Christmas tree.  Maggie said that her Mom had tied each of the ornaments on by hand.  Are Mom's not the best?

All of the ornies are vintage and just beautiful.  I fell in love with the jumbled look of all the goodies in this cabinet (pictured below).

Maggie always has a cool sense of style.  A suitcase full of silver, why yes, I'm stealing the hotel blind...

All kidding aside, this was my favorite piece in her shop. 

Is it not wicked cool?  (Click on to see the details).  Drool worthy indeed.

This one was pretty too! 

So if you get the chance at the next Canton show, stop in and tell Maggie hey and see for yourself the wonderful goodies and cool displays that she does. You won't be disappointed.

Flea-ing @ Camp Round Top

Camp Round Top.  As my boss likes to call it.  And its sorta like camp, in fun way. 

For those that don't know, "Round Top" refers to not only the name of the small town that this Antique-slash-Flea Fest is held in, but the event itself.  Round Top is a Texas-sized show that is truly, well, big.  And fun.  One can find anything from fine, European antiques, to monogrammed Burlap pillows (for a mere $650.00) to hand-made goods and jewelry and clothing.  It is a junker's dream and it happens twice a year, every Fall and every Spring.

I was fortunate to get to tag along with my boss, CB as she shopped for the shop.  We had our eyes peeled for cool things and fantastic finds.  So much eye candy and tons of inspiration.  And one of the best parts, finding fellow (or rather gal) bloggers. 

The first one I spied with my little eye...why it was Deb and Cat Daddy! at Talking White Trash.  What an awesomely, beautiful booth they had. 

Deb puts together a great vignette.  And of course, I loved the touches of Fall with bittersweet and white pumpkins.   You are a true artist Deb! 

Great pile of old silverware.

Just loved the way this all looked together.  The weather beaten door, art, fabric and that great branch of bittersweet.  Did I mention artist?

CB loved this old scale.  It was truly a cool find and I think it actually worked.

And while the outdoor temps felt like anything BUT Fall (can you say, "sweat fest"), it was fun to pretend.  And we did have some cooler temps roll through for a short time on Tuesday morning, after the rain storm.

Finally got to see what Zapp Hall was all about.  Have I mentioned fun?  Even more fun was FINALLY getting to meet Theresa.  I think we've only been trying to meet for about two years now.  LOL.  Her booth was just amazing.  Agan, an artist.  In the photo above, I just loved the suit case full of wonderful finds.

Sweet, little, shabby child-sized chair.

Loved the "tumbling" look of the set of tables. 

And thought about carrying all of these little guys home.  Garden finds are a favorite of mine.  And I stupidly did not take any pics of people, probably cause we were all melting in the heat.  And does anyone really want to see that? 

After hearing so much about the shop called Leftovers, from the other gals that I work with, I finally got to see it for myself.  Wonderful.  The lay-outs and displays and merchandise are very pretty and nicely detailed.

The thing that tugged at my heart most was this kitchen.  The bead board, cabinets and counter top are what I would like to have in my own home.  But I especially admired the artwork on the wall.  It is a rusty wire, under which are tucked all sorts of tempting little goodies and whimsies.

Here are some close-ups.  Old plates, books, photo's...

...even a couple of small, ironstone creamers hangs from the wire. 

Of course, I especially loved the waded up paper and the wee nest. 

And I also loved this great wall treatment.  Painted, glazed and stamped. 

But the trip was not complete without a visit to Royers.  And as always, it's well, fun and loud.  The host (Bud) is snarky (but sweet at heart with a great smile) and the food is fabulous.  Two words - Cilantro Ranch Dressing.  Ok, that's three words.  And steak that melts in your mouth.  Awesome.

Great atmosphere.  But pooh, no one danced on the tables.  Well, on the floor, but no tables.

This is the ceiling.

And often times, you will get "community" seating.  There were our dining companions for the evening.  And they were fun.  Because they were British.  OK, the two on the left are British, the one on the right is American.  But he's from New England, so there ya go.  LOL.  All were shop owners, looking for goods, except Daniel (center) who I think was along for the wild ride.  Chauffer I think he said.  :D

Conversation intially centered on shop talk, of course.  But soon bits of speak on topics that ranged from Harry Potter to "Bubbles and Squeak" (which is an English dish which consists of leftover Pot Roast and Cabbage) soon made their way into the convo.  They were delightful gentlemen (of course, they were British) and we very much enjoyed their company and conversation (and cool accents) for the evening. 

Except for, did I mention the downpour?  Yes, this was our dinner attire as we made the dash out to Royer's.  Tres Chic. 

We stayed at the most lovely location.  The Outpost at Cedar Creek is Texas charm from one end to the other.  Lenore was a great hostess (and such a cutie), delightful accommodations and fantastic food, had me wishing I could stay longer.  Not once did my hiney hit the hammock, but it sure did want too.  I will for sure go back and drag Sweet Hubs along next time.  And hey, now only 999 places left to visit before I die.  Sounds like a plan to me. 

Lovely club room.

The little Casi-ta we stayed in.

It was a grand adventure and with so much inspiration and eye candy, British talk and great food.  My creativity is on overload and I'm ready to git to work.  So I'll git to it!

Happy Wednesday!