Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Retreat Vintage Market

Bon Jour, Mon Amis!
After weeks of planning, painting, stressing and distressing, the Vintage Retreat Market has come and gone!  It was a fun day, full of gorgeous displays and talented vendors.  And, I am exhausted!
The day began rather chilly and quite gloomy, so I was hoping and praying for no rain!  Thankfully, the clouds finally parted, it became warm and sunny, and a large crowd showed up for the show.  
In the photo above you will see my antique Queen Anne dresser, which hubby and I spent many, many hours sanding, painting, distressing and sealing.  I thought she turned out gorgeous!  But, we ended up having to take her home, phooey!  She is very heavy, not an easy dresser to load in the back of hubbies car.  And I have the bruises to prove it!!

Everyone said they loved my color scheme of whites, creams, turquoise and aqua.  It's not showing up well in the photo, but I took an old galvanized bucket, filled it with gravel, and plopped a big tree branch in it.  I hung from the branches my "petite Parisian pails", little metal pails that I decoupaged and glittered.  I think they looked so cute swaying on the branches in the breeze!  I also hung my decoupaged one of a kind collages from the branches, too.
I really was expecting to have more sale, alot more sales!  So while I am very happy with what did sell, I must admit that I am disappointed.  I thought I would go home almost empty handed!!  After working for weeks non stop creating and planning, I had hoped for much more.  But, I am glad that I gave it a try, I really learned alot!  I also met lots of people, and made some connections as well.
I was really happy with how my displays turned out!

My baker's rack came in handy, and I really loved my white and aqua display on it!

So, would I do it again?  Yes!  And I learned what I would and wouldn't do next time!  So, I am glad that as nervous as I was about the whole thing, I pursed it, and faced my fears (ha, ha!!).
The next photos show some of the other vendors and their amazing displays!
Lots of funky industrial chic!
Don't you just love this repurposed headboard?  This was the booth of the show hosts, Deb and Bob. They not only are super talented, they are super warm and inviting people!  It was a pleasure meeting them, and being a part of the event on their beautiful farm!
Here is their amazing tent!
I loved the vintage crocheted lace wrapped vases. So pretty!

And this wine riddling rack, made by Bob, was super cool!
My neighbor at the booth, Julie, was super sweet, and had the best display!  She loves all things Shabby Chic too, so she and I had a blast!  I really love her gorgeous pink tea cart!
Here is another glimpse of her booth.
I'll share with you more photos from the show later this week.  Now I think I am ready for a nap!  
Have a great week!

22 comments:

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna!
I sure wish that I could have been there. I just love your booth and everything in it! It's hard to tell what people will buy and sometimes we guess wrong, or as I have learned, there are so many things for the buyers to see and so many other booths selling similar items, that it's hard to predict. We all learn through trial and error and I'm still learning!

hugs
Sissie

mizdarlin said...

I think that your things looked lovely- a great display..
As for the amount sold, going through the same thing myself, so hang in there..it will happen.

Karen said...

Donna, I wish I had been there to see all this in person! The other booths you pictured were quite nice but I LOVE yours!

Nowadays, a lot of people are more careful spending their money for various reasons....nasty economy for one! Also, there are always lots of lookers who want to "make it myself" or simply get decorating ideas. Probably the next time you do this, you'll sell loads more!

You create such unique things and that alone will draw buyers to you!

Take care!

Love, Karen

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

wish I was there to buy something from your booth! Sorry it was disappointing..but hopefully living in a new place hopefully you made alot of new contacts.

I can't imagine all your hard work that went into it!

Leo said...

I thought alot about you over the weekend...hoping that you did well and also enjoyed yourself. I am sorry that it wasn't as fruitful as you prepared for. I'm wondering if there are other shows you can display at. Anyway - your area looked fabulous.

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh wow, Donna, double SWOON--Your booth was amazing!! And the chalkboards--oh my gosh--perfection!!! Your "store debut" was super sensational.
XOXO
Cindy

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

Your booth really did look great! i'm sorry you were disappointed with the sales though!

Christine said...

I am so very proud of you Donna! Your booth looked inviting and appealing. It's super impressive for a first time--you rock!

NanaDiana said...

Your booth was fabulous! I love it..and your displays turned out beautifully! I feel bad that you didn't do as much in sales as you had hoped but...just think of all the stuff you have for your Etsy shop now AND you will have a good start on your booth for the next show. AND you made a new friend or two! That's the best part!

We'll catch up later- xo Diana

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

All your goodies look wonderful, Donna! I've never done an outdoor show before...it looks so fun!! Just wanted to let you know...you WON my giveaway! Yay!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Donna,
If you get a chance, hop over to my blog!
XO
Cindy

Miranda @ Pressing On said...

Donna, your booth looks so lovely! I adore that dresser/buffet. I wish I could come and visit that market in person. I'm so happy that you're settling into your new location so well!!!

LuLu Kellogg said...

I would been in heaven here!

Your displays were wonderful Donna! Great job!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

ArtfullyJune said...

Donna your booth looks great and it seems like it was a wonderful fit with the other booths at the show.

It's too bad sales weren't what you were hoping for but I'm sure it was great exposure for you and might just lead to future sales and opportunities.

June

Ido said...

Your booth looked amazing! I understand how you feel, sometimes you come back home with all your stuff and don't want to do it again, that happened to me in May at a show that I had, but like you I learned what sells and what not, so I will do it again, have reserved my space for the fall and Christmas show, we will do better Donna, of course we will, hang in there!
Blessings!
XXX Ido

ShabbyESP said...

Donna,
Love your booth!! The aqua really does stand out on your bakers rack.
You have lovely things!!!!
Enjoy your day!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Donna, your displays look wonderful and so inviting. Your color scheme was great and I know you had a good time visiting with everyone!!! Wish I could have been there!!!

Retreat said...

Donna, you did a FABulous job with your booth displays and of course your lovely products... you were such a perfect addition to our show, since no one else did anything like this! Thank you for joining us, for 'facing your fears' and taking such a huge leap into the unknown....

And please know that 'It isn't you, it's THEM' when it comes to selling your goods. We ALL have that item that we haul back home, all the while asking ourselves WHY it didn't sell! This is a tricky business filled with risk - but you are a star! ;0)

Deb @ Retreat

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Everything looked just great! I'm sorry it didn't turn out as you had expected. But you still learned a lot for next time. Taking the plunge the first time is the hardest part. Well done Donna!

Kathy said...

Donna, Donna...so very beautiful it was, you should be so proud. Everything looked so stunning. As were the other vendors, what a place to see and shop.
I know you were disappointed that sales were low, I think that is the way of the world these days. You hear almost every vendor saying the same. It does stink when you have worked so hard, sorry.
But I am sure you are pleased with the way your little spot looked...fabulous!!!
xo

Amanda said...

Hi Donna,
Your display was so pretty! I'm sorry you didn't sell as much as you'd hoped! It is so hard to predict what people will buy...it's a learning experience for sure! I've been there...many times! I'm glad you had fun and would do it again! I really enjoyed all of the photos you shared! I wish I could have been there for the show!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm so proud of you. I've been anxious to get caught on your blog happenings while I was away and unplugged. I was anxious to hear all about your showing. I'm glad you had fun and are willing to try it again.