The estate sale I was liquidating is over and now onto Warrenton for the big show.  I have found wonderful items to sell and I think I am going to have a fab show.  Hopefully this cool weather will hang on.  Hasn't it been wonderful? 

Things are going great in my space at Dolly Python Vintage.  You should stop in and see this unique and unusual store.  

My garden is being trimmed back for winter, but I still have a few blooms, hummingbirds, and butterflies.  Never get tired of my garden surprises.

Take care and I will be blogging from the show when I get the time.  Blessings.

In the Garden Today

I can't believe I haven't posted since June 18. I have been busy.  I am liquidating a fabulous estate in the TCU area and am working feverishly to get it ready.  While I was catching my breath, I decided to relax in the garden.  I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of what I saw.  Enjoy!

Went to Austin on Thursday to sell at the City Wide Garage Sale (which is not really a garage sale at all).  Sold great and bought great vintage clothing and hats.  Saw old friends, ate at funky restaurants, saw The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance at an old theatre, and truly realized why Austin should stay weird. 

Buchanan Antique Show in Oklahoma City

Hope all is well with you.  Thursday I left for Oklahoma City to sell at a show on the fairgrounds.  I went to estate sales Friday and Saturday before I opened at the antique show.  I found sterling silver tea strainers that were old and in the shape of flowers.  I also found 3 pieces of art (oils), 6 yds. of great ocre colored linen, garden chairs, jewelry, and a lot more. 

My sales were really good at the show.  It was well worth my while.

Have a great week and happy shopping.

Springfield Extravaganza in Ohio

     Just got back from a buying trip to Springfield, Ohio.  It was great.  Went there for the Springfield Extravaganza.  It is held on the Fairgrounds.  We parked our toybox rv there and shopped everyday until we dropped.  There was probably 2000 vendors there.  Those Ohians are proud of their advertising memorabilia and vintage clothing, which were two major things we were looking for.  I bought lots of oak boxes, oak money drawers, animal traps, trellis, concrete statuary, oak money boxes, religious icons, dolls, textiles, and so much more.  Some of it I have already taken over to Dolly Python Vintage.  The temp. was 80 most days and 50 at night.  No rain.

     I can't believe I am already shopping for the Fall Warrenton show.  The show is so long, though, you have to have lots of merchandise.  Lots of things sell better down there in the Fall so I hold on to them until then.

     I couldn't wait to get back to my backyard garden.  My gardener was taking care of it for me, but that is not the same.  So much was blooming that wasn't blooming before I left.  This morning I saw two baby hummingbirds and several species of butterflies.

     Had a great holiday.  Went to my friends Patty's and hung out by the pool.  I try not to get in the sun much anymore, but the water was very refreshing.

     Talk to you again soon.

OUT AND ABOUT...SHOPPING

Completely re-did my space at Dolly Python Vintage today.  What a chore.  I took  two big pieces of furniture out (well I pointed while men did the work) and put in a great big cubby make of oak that has maybe 30 slots 12"x12"  for smalls.  It looks good.  Changed my glass showcase to another wall.  Worked all day!

I think I did good at the estate sales and markets I went to this weekend.  I bought a tote of snake skins (this was my favorite thing), hats, vintage clothing, pictures, and jewelry at the Cattle Barn here in Ft. Worth.  At estate sales I bought hats, jewelry, furniture, concrete statuary, plus much more.  Made a haul. Took most of it right on over to Dolly Python Vintage http://www.dollypythonvintage.com/ .

I meant to take pictures of it all, but just got busy pricing and packing it and forgot all about it. 

Yall have a great week and we will talk soon. xoxo

Rested Revived and Ready to Rock

Greetings from the land of the Serenity Garden.  I have so been enjoying myself in the garden since I returned from Warrenton.  Of course it was a success and I had lots of great fun.  When down there doing a show under a tent and "on the dirt" so to speak, we tend to party a little more hardy at the end of the day.  My friend Margarita (that is a real person) always has a blender and and full bar.  As you probably know, the customers start to feel relaxed about 11:00 and you will then see them carrying their favorite beverage around and it goes on from there.  I am really glad to be back though.

Although I haven't posted anything to this page since April 16, I have posted pictures to my new pages that you can view at the top of the page.  I have posted new pictures of my backyard serenity garden and pictures of the Dolly Python Vintage where I have a space now.  You really should have a visit.  The eclectic store is at 1916 N. Haskell, Dallas, 75223.  I also have a few images that are the beginning of a page where you can take an image that I have posted.  I have some really interesting images to get posted.  Hope you enjoy.

Gotta get going.  The store is having a daylong party and I intend to display my jewelry outside the cases so you can touch and feel and try on.  Maybe I will see you there. xo

The Altered Muse - A Shopping Experience at Robin Brown's Magnolia Pearl store at Marburger Farm

My semi annual trip to sweet Robin Brown's Magnolia Pearl store at Marburger Farm.  If you can imagine 500 square feet of vintage crochet made to look like Spanish moss hanging high above your head accented with old wire wrapped bottles and jars, wasp nests, huge sunflower pods, bird nests, all hanging from old tree branches, then you have a little idea of what it is like hanging just over your head.  Oh, there is also an old bicycle up there too.  Now on the ground there are two more old  bicycles covered in the same plus a huge wire dress form that I have tried to capture in a picture.  Just OVER THE TOP.  Great music playing, cookies being passed around, ladies fighting to get in front of the mirrors, clothes being tried on everywhere, and just beautiful mayhem in general, then you have a little idea of what it is like to shop with Robin and John.  They are always there, admiring and talking to all of the regulars and the newbies.  When you walk in, you get caught up in the beautiful buying frenzy.  I am hooked! http://www.magnoliapearl.com/.  You really should take a look at the website.  Their farm is for sale and it is awesome.

Well here I am back from Warrenton.  The Warrenton/Round Top show was a great success.  I moved to a better spot in the Rose of Texas field.  I had lots of garden eye candy to feast upon, as well as vintage textiles, 1930's Easter, books, jewelry, garden tools and totes and lots of garden furniture. 

I did some shopping and bought more grain bags, early 1900's wheel barrow, porcelain lavatories to hang on the fence with flowers, about 35 pieces of vintage clothing (perfect for Dolly Python Vintage) http://www.dollypythonvintage.com/, and many beautiful saris for the store.  

There were lots of early shoppers this time, more than usual.  I don't know what the jig was, but we had lots.  They were welcome!  You know the early bird gets the worm and the early shoppers get the good buys.

Had to go see Robin Brown at Magnolia Pearl http://www.magnoliapearl.com/ this time.  Her space was beautiful.  You would have to see it to believe it.  I bought 3 jackets, a skirt, and a vest.  Set me back a little over a grand.  My reward for enduring a show that long.  I thought I deserved it!

Went to the Junk Gypsy prom.  It was wild and crazy.  It has gotten a little to big and far out for me.  Too many youngsters drinking and carrying on.  Cars line up for miles to get into the grounds for the prom.  It has turned out to be kind of like a promapalooza.  I still went, but strolled with caution.  Didn't take my camera either.

Rumor had it that Matthew McConnahey (spelling?) was shopping in the area next to mine.  What I wouldn't give for a smile and a hug from that fine man.  I think he is very sexy.  Every show a celebrity is spotted. 

Well that's my report from Warrenton/ Round Top, Texas.  Glad to be back and out shopping for more to put at Dolly Python Vintage and next show in the fall. 

I love comments.

Warrenton/Round Top Time Again

Whew!  Just made a turn-around trip to Warrenton.  Me and three other friends took three trailers down.  It was raining hard the entire time.  My shoulder blades were pressed together in tension so bad, it was painful.  Driving on I-35 in rain is awful.  Thank God, we made it back okay.  Just the beginning of that thing called "Warrenton/Round Top".  The show starts March 29 and goes thru April 8.  Hope to see you in downtown Warrenton in the Rose of Texas show.  I will keep you posted.

Sunday Greetings

Greetings... on this beautiful Sunday evening.  The day could not have been more beautiful.  I spent several hours in my backyard place of serenity.  I pruned a little, listened to the birds alot, spotted new little yellow butterflies, and soaked up the sun.  One of the most special things I enjoy in my serenity garden is, on Sunday, a little church across several acres from me, plays inspiring hymns on their bells.  They play "Count Your Blessings" almost every time.  How could I not count all my blessings sitting in the soft sun in my beautiful backyard listening to sweet music echoing thru the blue sky.  It don't get any better my darlings.

My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones and their homes due to the tornadoes north and east of Texas.  May God give them strength to face the days ahead. 

I was planning on taking some new items over to Dolly Python Vintage today to add to my space, but just couldn't seem to leave the house.  It just seemed the perfect day to chill and enjoy the day here.  I will be going on Tuesday.  It is such a fun store to have my offerings in. 

Take care and warm wishes of blue sky and sunshine.

Great Saturday at Antique Elegance

I had a wonderful time in Richardson on Saturday at the Antique Elegance Show.  It was formerly the Victorian  Elegance Show.  Scrumptious, museum quality vintage clothing, absolutely breathtaking antique jewelry, Victorian lace, trim, velvet, and buttons, were in abundance. The whole show was very tastefully done.  The show is twice a year and if you love pre-1940's anything, you will love the show. I had a such a great time.

Today, Sunday, I went to change a few things around in my space at Dolly Python.  It turned into an all day job.  I put up heavy, burgandy colored drapes from the 1920's to shield my space from the sun.  I brought in about 15 pieces of pre-1950's clothing, and Mike put up another chandelier for me. I love my space and I love that store.  Today a camera crew from L.A. came in to do a photo shoot of the store and film Allyson in vintage fashion.  Very different day!  They also bought alot of vintage clothing including a vintage two piece swimsuit and cover-up and two little cotton dresses from the 1940's, that I had for sale.  Great Sunday! http://www.dollypythonvintage.com/

Robin Brown of Magnolia Pearl had a runway fashion "Imaginarium" show yesterday (Sat.), in Fredricksburg, Texas.  I love her clothing and buy as much as my pocketbook will allow.  I would have loved to gone to her fashion show, but the drive was a little to far, especially with it raining so hard.  Her clothing is so totally awesome. http://www.magnoliapearl.com/.

Have a great week you all.

WORKSHOPS

SOLDERING WORKSHOPS - Here are the pictures of the Basic Soldering Workshop. This was the first time for most to hold a soldering iron. They learned safety, components, technique, application and completion. I laid out a tray of wildflowers, beads, ephemera, vials, prayer cards, feathers, dyed moss, and dresden for them to choose from for their creation. 

WET FELTING - Wet felting is the process of using wool locks, carded or uncarded, sometimes dyed,  to make a solid piece textile. It can be dyed in beautiful colors.  When wool is worked by agitation and soapy hot water it tends to grab onto the tiny barbs that make up its texture and gradually become a tightly knitted solid piece of fabric.  Once it is felted, it is strong and can be made into anything you want.  It is a wonderful experience to pick and choose your strands of wool to put your creation together. 

2012 HERE WE COME

Happy New Year!!!!

Christmas Past and New Year on the Horizon

Hi. I hope everyone had a great Christmas filled with family and fun. Mine was great. Had a house full of family and friends. I served Mexican food for Christmas dinner. We are a Tex-Mex eating family.

I am looking forward to the new year. I am doing great in my new space at Dolly Python Vintage http://www.dollypythonvintage.com For you local followers, owner Gretchen Bell was in the latest "D" magazine in Dallas. Her picture and info about the store was pictured under John Paul Gaultier's visit to Dallas for his new installation "From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. He visited the store and raved about it in D magazine.

I have a full class for soldering on Jan. 7. My creative juices are flowing. I am blessed! Great way to start the new year.

Thinking of all of you and hoping you have a great, healthy, happy, and prosperous new year.

Christmas With The Altered Muse

THE MANTLE GREETING "NOEL".

HERE IS ANOTHER SWEET COLLECTIBLE I RECENTLY ACQUIRED FROM MY AUNT. IT IS A 30 PIECE SET OF A SNOWMAN BAND, THE NORTH POLE AND ITS ELVES, AND SANTA AND MRS. CLAUSE AND ALL OF THE REINDEER. THE PIECES ARE ABOUT 2" TALL AND ARE MADE IN GERMANY. NOW YOUR TALKIN' RARE.

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS (MINE) FROM MY GRANDPARENTS AND I WON'T TELL YOU HOW OLD IT IS!

GOTTA HAVE MY ANTIQUE SANTAS!

FOR YEARS I HAVE COLLECTED OLD BRUSH TREES AND FROSTED HOUSES.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED A PEEK INTO MY CHRISTMAS AND A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

DOLLY PYTHON BOOTH

Gretchen and Rob

Me and beautiful Allyson

Rob and Allyson

Beautiful Gretchen and me

I have now moved into a bigger booth at Dolly Python Vintage and will have new pictures posted soon.  I love it there.

Here are a few older pictures of my space at Dolly Python in Dallas, Texas. I am so excited about being there. I have vintage clothes, hand crafted jewelry I make, old books, men's fashion book, chandeliers, and of course, my hand painted suitcase with my business card painted on it. Come visit.