Randomness from Metrolina!

My finds!

Yesterday I was lucky enought  to steal away to Charlotte with my friend Sandy...to the Metrolina Spring Extravagaza! (for those of you that don't know it is a huge antique market, that they have on the first weekend of every month,  and 2X a year they have an extravaganza where there are tons more vendors)   The weather was beautiful and there was inspiration around every corner.

I woke up this morning still thinking about a couple things that I was like "I will be back to get that"!  But before I knew it it was 4:00 and time to leave.  I don't even think we scratched the surface.  But it was a so much fun, and something I REALLY want to try  to do every 1st weekend.

Anyway, for those of you within driving distance I HIGHLY reccommend it.

Here are some random shots I took of things that struck my fancy.

such a pretty blue...ya'll know how much I love dishes!

For the Biology and flower lover...flower lover I am, biologist I am NOT, but I could pretend for this beauty...
This is one that got away!  I love all of the colors!

They just don't transport things like they used to...I could think of lots of uses for these.

More on this later.....

This wedgewood china had the prettiest color yellow...

A beautiful vinyette of paintings...From The Pink Party Dress.  Turns out the owner, Cameron, and I have bid against each other in a couple of auctions....she has a few pieces that just slipped thru my fingers:)  She is from Columbia too.  Amazing style, you must check her out.

I couldn't resist this shot..that said.....these tables TOTALLY stress me out. ...but I bet there are thousands of things ready to be recreated from all of this jumble of beads...there might even be a diamond...so, dig, dig, dig!

These industrial beauties.  There is just something about them...

accidently chopped off the nose...but can't you just see this in some lucky girls bedroom?
The paint and patina are so pretty.

My friend and I both spotted these behind a table at the same time....looked at each other and said
"Do you see what I see????" and ran to fondle the corbels.  Something about them just strewn on the straw was so cool.  They were GORG!

Turns out there was a moment when we thought we needed a truck!

those flecks of paint...to Die for...oh, and I think we snapped this photo because the door was FINALLY shut!

because trying to get this into the back of my friend, Sandy's car, was well...comical!  She pushed while I pulled, no mas....we pulled it back out....we tried different angles, we thought, and we we thought, we manauvered...20 Minutes later....the frame and  I were wedged in the car...and this girl is not as limber as she used to be:)  But it all worked out.....we will just keep that little scrape on the top of the cloth ceiling to ourselves:)

Did anyone else find any goodies this weekend????

Happy MOnday...Spring Break 2011  Whoo, Hoo!  I will be spending mine...restyling, re-furbished, re-doing, and entertaining my kids....my how things have changed!

Metrolina Shopping Recap...

My finds at the Metrolina Antique Fair

Okay, so here we go.  The day with E&J started a bit cool, which I was fine with, I got to wear one of my favorite scarves,  new jacket, AND nice vintage leather gloves that my mother in law gifted me.  Anyway, our cruise director, Jaithan, checked us all in and we were off to learn an amazing amount of information from Mr. Eddie Ross himself.  I thought I had a bit of information in my head, but WOW, he has so  many different ideas for absolutely EVERYTHING we saw.  A treasure trove, and he is so gracious to share it all with us. I especially loved all of his stylist secrets and how he updates otherwise dowdy things.

photo via Megan at pinktogreen

First stop was a booth with lots of old Ball Jars...but there was a little something different about these jars...many of them are purple...purple glass you say, well not exactly...turns out they started out clear but the chemical reaction in the glass with the magnesium and the light makes purple...cool huh???  My dad has a little collection  of Jars so we got him one.  Eddie had a ton of suggestions on how to use them.

via moi,  loving the ball trim...

photo via Diana at Please Sir

Next stop was a Vintage Button, fabric, and trim booth.  WOW! My mom has been using buttons for projects forever and really liked this booth.  She scored a bag of buttons for $12 and I got a few yards of trim that just spoke to me, I DO have a project in mind.

via moi, kind of liking the antlers in the background.

 On to another booth where Eddie showed us more purple glass....he also talked about his obsession with Compotes (I am with him on that one) and the many uses for them.  Flower arrangements, trifles, crudites, centerpieces galore!  Everyone NEEDS at least one compote in their decorating arsenal.

via Amanda at Casabrasi

And then on to linens...Oh linens...a few days ago I wrote a whole post on vintage linens. A friend of mine said something like "when they are gone, they are gone...." so true. There sure was a whole lot to choose from here.  So you can still get them while the getting is good.  The monogramming is just exquisite. Eddie suggested using a product called Laundress...I will have to check that out too!  ( I must say their packaging is very nice)
Then we checked out a few other booths outside, where Eddie talked about Majolica (that beautiful green ceramic dishware) and why antiques can cost what they do, collectibles vs. antiques etc.  There was so much information I needed a tape recorder!

And then we made our way inside.  (we were thankful for that because it was C-O-L-D)!!!!!

Here there was an amazing amount of silver and beautiful fine antiques.  He spoke about making friends with dealers as they are the ones that can help complete sets of tableware, flatware, silver, etc.for you.  So if you find 2 plates that you are in love with BUY THEM, there is always someone who can help source others for you.

I also learned a bit about the mother of pearl flatware that he has used many times.  I am in love with it and hope to start my collection soon.

via Diana at Please Sir

But all good things must come to an end....but the end happened to be a new beginning with new friendships.  I met a couple of bloggers Diana of Please Sir and Megan of PinktoGreen.  You must check them out.  I missed meeting Amanda from Casabrisi TWICE.  But we have connected via email and hope to meet soon.  It was so much fun meeting like minded people who "GET" why I was so excited to meet Eddie and Jaithan.  My mom had fun too!

And then we got to SHOP, we hit a couple of the places that Eddie had shown us and then we went out on our own.  By that time it was 4:30 and time to go.  SIGH:) Believe me, when my head hit the pillow Saturday night I was fast asleep, dreaming of tablescapes, and antiques, and sitting down with Eddie and Jaithan and my new friends at an amazing outdoor fete.

Maybe someday!

E&J Day!

E&J on Vintage Linens (shhhh)

Shopping with E&J Day! My Mom and I will be searching for the great finds at the Metrolina Antique Fair.

Have a wonderful Saturday.  I know I will!