Doing Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta

Normally if I am "doing" Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta, or Lakewood 400, I am referring to going and shopping, however, this weekend I turned the tables. I was a dealer for the "extravaganza" weekend!

There were many of those "what have I gotten myself into" moments, like when they told me to arrive at 4:00 in the morning to set up. Or, when I drove up, long before dawn, in my loaded-up Prius and got in line with all box trucks and huge trailers on trucks.

This was somewhere between the little engine that could, and that terrible sinking feeling.

Then, there was the actually loading in with huge diesel trucks, diesel fumes, and tons of glorious furniture wheeling off the trucks. Not to mention the beautiful rugs, hides and tapestries. I love seeing all the action, breathing the fumes for 4 hours, I can do without.

Then there was the lovely, rich displays that I didn't feel like I pulled off.

Their display- rich and riotous

Their display- beach-tastic

My display- clutter and contemporary, not to mention overwhelmed by the giant furniture behind me.



However, I learned more than I could have possibly imagined! The dealers around me were gracious, funny, and generous with tips and suggestions. I understand the market better, which will guide my buying in the future. I learning that these folks are successful because of years of building a base of people that come to them regularly. They have a clientele just like interior designers and I plan to count myself among their followers! This is not about showing up with the latest trend and assuming people know the trend, want to adopt it, and will buy. This is about educating the buyer, and yourself, about trends, makers, product components, furniture construction, etc. This is an "always learning, always moving" business and as one dealer told me, "we are gypsies" referring to the always picking for shows and going to them across the country lifestyle.

There is a good chance I will not be back as a dealer any time soon. I have to do some deep thought about it and make good plans. Best of the show was that I made some excellent connections that would have taken years to develop, as just a buyer. Also, I have a new outlook on my space at Interiors and Antiques.

I look forward to going back next month, or maybe January, to shop and see my new friends.

The lighter side of Scott's Antique Market

Today was a run to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta. A wild ride where I was left in no doubt of Atlanta driver's death wish! I only screamed once- when a convertible tried to... well achieved... to squeeze between me and a big truck.

So, here are a couple of images from the lighter side of Scott's Market to balance the lunacy of the drive to get there!

A great collection of vintage holiday. 

love this! I found in "behinds the scenes" i think this might have been in a sold area... maybe I was not even supposed to be here. Either way, this is stellar and destine to be copied, by me!

Furniture flip- The mid century modern side tables

I found a pair of these  gems at Scott's in Atlanta- diamonds in the rough really. They were painted with a gold kind of glaze and someone had added fussy drawer pulls, even though there is an finger pull ledge on the drawer. I might also add that they could not use the proper screws for the pulls, so they glued the pulls screws into the holes.








I cleaned the tables, removed the hardware,  and gave them a couple of coats of paint. Them added a cream detail line to the top and applied a wax and dark wax coat (see my post of faux chalk painting here with tips on distressing furniture).

I found these pretty little handles at Restoration Hardware and counter drilled the holes so that I could use the right screws.

And here is it a true flip!



For easy pinning.... Click here!

antiquing adventrues- the trip

These spools I had to have!

I posted last night that I was headed to the Lakewood 400 today. I accomplished both goals- on to see what's there (the easy one). The second was to compare Scott's to Lakewood 400. This is a goal that takes reflection and I do wish I had had my partner-in-crime for both. The upshot of both goals was to see if I think one is "better" i.e. suits my needs, than the other; if the same vendors go to both; and if it is worth taking two days out of each month to go to these.

So, here are a few things that I found at Lakewood today.... reflections to come!

 

antiquing adventures

Tomorrow I will be going to Lakewood 400 for two reasons- one to see what they have and two to do a direct comparison with Scott's from last weekend! Long days of driving and walking... and coffee!


Photo lifted from Lakewoodantiques.com