Transatlantique at Marburger Farms

to 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxVi-UVrDI/AAAAAAAAFI0/2MvaOJbY0hM/s400/Transatlantique+Antiques.jpg” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… you meet the nicest people on the internet. Last year when I began tweeting, one of my first twitter connections was @TopBrokerOC, a charming man named Robert Watson who lives in California and shares my passion for antiques and European Travel. Needless to say, we were fast friends! When I found out that Robert’s company Transantlantique would have a booth at the Marburger Farms Antique Fair in Round Top, Texas I knew I had to tell you about him and Kathy Klingaman, his wife and life partner!

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxViOkeVxI/AAAAAAAAFIk/kWASaLW5lI4/s400/Transatlantique.jpg” border=”0″ /> to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxVh4aADSI/AAAAAAAAFIU/a-FtZCFIQsk/s400/Round+Top+Texas.png” border=”0″ />As you can see, their inven tory is simply Diva Worthy!

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxVmBU_U8I/AAAAAAAAFI8/BHRg-YT8CXQ/s400/Transatlantique+Antiques+2.jpg” border=”0″ />Born in Paris, Robert spent a good part of his life living overseas and collecting his own treasures. He lived in London and Wiesbaden, trolling the local markets for antiques and learning quickly that some of the best pieces are found at the source; boot sales in England as well as braderrie and removal sales on the continent. He’d pick up the latest copy of “Aladin” or “Troddler” magazines and hit the road for his next shopping adventure. One of his and Kathy’s favorite places to shop is Arezzo with the small brocantes all over the place. It wasn’t hard to decorate a home with some great finds and some very inexpensive prices.

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxViZcr5OI/AAAAAAAAFIs/inF5hKES3zY/s400/Transatlantique3.jpg” border=”0″ />Flash forward a few years – he moved to the USA to a large home on the East Coast and then later to a 2- bedroom condominium in California. Needless to say, with down-sizing properties he and Kathy had an excess of antiques that either needed to be s tored or sold! And the rest is his tory, or rather, that was only the beginning of the beginning of Transatlantique Antiques over a decade ago.

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TJxVh3TVF_I/AAAAAAAAFIc/RQrB5I8ORL4/s400/Transatlanique2.jpg” border=”0″ />A fixture at the Marburger Show, he and Kathy maintain a warehouse in California with 70% of their sales to the trade. Designers and decora tors come to Transatlantique for their selection of unique European pieces. Their European Country look is to die for… and clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks so: a few years ago the buyers from Ralph Lauren swarmed Transatlantique’s booth and spent nearly $20,000 in 20 minutes, mostly on tables and trunks!

S top by The Transatlantique Antiques booth at Marburger Farms! Tent C, Row A, Booth 4-5

Happy Shopping,

The Antiques Diva™
(seen right with my cowboy boots in honor of Round Top, Texas!)

Antique Shopping in Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TE6EgfqgT8I/AAAAAAAAFBk/hi8_FlUyTIc/s400/037.JPG” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>Antique shopping in Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier is a destination in itself. Its streets are lined with gabled houses that are home to art galleries, antiques shops and cafés. Popping inside one of the stores in this neighborhood, you might discover a canal house converted into an antique shop or atelier with the front door facing the Spiegelstraat and the back door leading to a quiet oasis, where on sunny Dutch days you’ll find the shopkeeper reading in the garden.

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TE6EglidKSI/AAAAAAAAFBs/4DoSgOMc3Dk/s400/043.JPG” border=”0″ />Walking into these antique shops in the Spiegelkwartier you are given a glimpse of what lies beyond the doors of some of the private residences and canal houses. You can imagine Empire porcelain sets clinking as Grand Dames serve afternoon tea on long wooden oak tables. And you can picture how life used to be lived with Dutch style in the days of yore.

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TE6EhAqNRKI/AAAAAAAAFB8/TOI_iNBrtNM/s400/052.JPG” border=”0″ />If you’ve only one day to dedicate to antique shopping while in Amsterdam – this is it.
The Spiegelkwartier houses over 100 specialized art and antique dealers whose wide variety of objects for sale range from archeological finds to 17th century furniture, glass and Dutch Delftware, from oriental art to Art Nouveau, from tribal art to contemporary art, from old medical instruments and clocks to jewelry and, last but not least, icons, paintings and old master prints.

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TE6EhjGj2LI/AAAAAAAAFCE/YYELo9h3USg/s400/063.JPG” border=”0″ />This is my favorite place to spend any day in Amsterdam – the best days to go are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when you’ll find the greatest numbers of shops are open! Mark your agenda’s for the Spiegelkwartier’s Open House this September 25 – 26 and consider booking an Antiques Diva Tour of Amsterdam to find your way into hidden courtyards, past countless canals and to antique shops spotting both the Spiegelkwartier and further afield in Jordaan and Old South!

Before I dash, I have 3 last words of travel advice before you go:

Firstly, remember that in Holland cash is king. Normally when you hear me utter this word of advice it’s because cash allows for better negotiation, but in the Spiegelkwartier where not many of the vendors will bargain significantly, that’s not my primary reason for warning you of this. In Holland, due to the high transaction fees for credit cards, not many small shops and vendors accept credit cards. Though an annoyance, you can do bank transfers should you find something you can’t live without. And by the way, even though you shouldn’t expect a major discount on Dutch antique negotiations, it is always worth asking for one! In general, in Holland, you can expect a courtesy 10% discount, but not much more.

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TE6Eg502wJI/AAAAAAAAFB0/ourrAavHWuQ/s400/048.JPG” border=”0″ />Secondly, watch out for the bicycles. The small road width of the Spiegelstraat with its charming brick lane feel can lull you into thinking this is a pedestrian street – but it’s not! It is a main thoroughfare with bicyclists peddling past you. Crossing the streets always reminds me of playing Frogger as a child!

And lastly, don’t wear kitten heels. Amsterdam streets are killer on my shoes and a day out antiquing inevitably results in a trip to the shoe cobbler if I forget to wear my loafers. Of course, maybe I’m going a little “too far” with the comfortable shoe option in the picture on the right?

Until next time, Happy Shopping.

The Antiques Diva™

(photo credit right: The English Rose)

Ask The Antiques Diva™ – Bonjour Paris

to 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TChKPq_1T-I/AAAAAAAAE7g/N0scs02zvfE/s400/The+Antiques+Diva+-+Toma+Clark+Haines.jpg” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>Each month I write a column for Bonjour Paris Newsletter titled “Ask The Antiques Diva™”. In this month’s column a Parisian party planner takes time off from the hectic world of weddings to plan her own vacation in the Paris of the East. I dish out advice, giving her best bets for buying antiques in Budapest. From the Ecseri Flea Market to Falk Miksa utca, I explain why I think Budapest is called the Paris of the East!

to 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TChKPGJssUI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/21l8xpQecJk/s400/BonjourParis.gif” border=”0″ />tory/ask-antiques-diva-flea-marketing-paris-east/”>Read the Article about Flea Marketing in the Paris of the East!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

The Antiques Diva™

June Open Door Dates – Dutch Dates

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TAdoBZlHI-I/AAAAAAAAE2g/KojQ9I8xgno/s400/Herschaalde_kopie_van_IMG_6956%5B1%5D.jpg” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

Get ready, get set, mark your calendars – some of my favorite Dutch antique dealers are opening their doors for special fetes this June and you’re invited to shop your heart out diva-style all around Amsterdam!

June 4 – 6 June and 11-13 June from 12-8pm

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TAdoBtZ1d6I/AAAAAAAAE2o/JZMRDjtrLfY/s400/Herschaalde_kopie_van_IMG_6976%5B1%5D.jpg” border=”0″ />Join Johan de Feijter for his special theme “Viva La France” at his shop Chambre des Amies! While I’ve written frequently about de Feijters sensational shop, I recently discovered that he’s also been in Travel+Leisure magazine and I simply have to share what T+L had to say about Chambre des Amies:

Owner Johan de Feijter founded Chambre d’Amis by accident. “I used to fill my house with things I’d find at flea and Belgium,” he says. “A few years ago there was an art fair in my neighborhood, and someone asked if she could show her paintings in my house. As they walked through, people kept asking to buy my things, and I thought, Maybe I should go into business.” These days, in his front room, kitchen, and courtyard garden, you’ll find all the flea-market treasures you’ve been too impatient to hunt for — vintage mercury-glass bowls ($190) and candlesticks ($125), creamy ceramic French, Belgian, and Dutch tableware from the 1800’s, turn-of-the-century photographs. Since the exquisitely edited store is a sideline for de Feijter (he’s a sexologist), he keeps eccentric hours — usually Thursday through Saturday, noon to six.

Chambre d’Amis
58 Bloemgracht
Amsterdam
By appt +31-20 623 6204.
June 4-6, 2010 from 11am – 6pm

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TAdoA2tACEI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/x0q7BwZFwe0/s400/an+brederode.jpg” border=”0″ />Next up, is another all-time Amsterdam favorite – Brederode Kunst & Antiek – ran by the effervescent Annette Brederode in her own home! When you arrive at the address Lijnbaansgracht 56 D in Amsterdam’s Jordaan you might think I’ve lead you astray for you’ll find yourself standing in front of an apartment building rather than a typical antique shop. Never fear, ring the buzzer marked Brederode and mount the stairs to step into a typical French brocante! You must click around my blog to read more about this sensational shop and to see more pics of the type of inventory Brederode specializes in! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Brederode Kunst Antiek
Lijnbaansgracht 56D
Amsterdam
By appt + 31 20 6236 236

June 12-13, 19-20 from 11am-19:00

to 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/TAdoCPX05aI/AAAAAAAAE2w/hEYP4fm0yHQ/s400/robert+schreuder2.jpg” border=”0″ />Speaking of things guaranteed to impress, I can’t gush enough about Robert Schreuder AntiquairRobert hosts a fascinating collection of antiques that are not only of special artistic or art-historical value but also very decorative, gracing modern as well as classical interiors. One of his specialties is Grand Tour souvenirs, with their echoes of the journeys of travelers from the 18th & 19th C. Meanwhile his collection of library accessories is down-right diva worthy dotted with a variety of writing boxes, inkwells and paperweights. Throw in tea caddies and tea boxes, sewing boxes, specially shaped thermometers and miniature portraits as well as an interesting period perfect collection of furniture and you might never want to leave chez lui! Join Robert’s Open Door Days June 12 & 13 and June 19 & 20 from 11am – 7pm or make an appointment to view his collection!

Robert Schreduer Antiquair
Ceintuurbaan 368
Amsterdam
By Appt + 31 6 2428 9550

Happy Shopping!

The Antiques Diva

Bonjour Paris – Ask The Antiques Diva™

to 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S_LAmLzvNzI/AAAAAAAAEzA/2u7uyFrzUEk/s320/In+House+Antiques+Expert.jpg” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>In my tory/ask-antiques-provence/”>“Ask The Antiques Diva™” column from this month’s Bonjour Paris Newsletter, a reader writes in to ask about “Antiquing in Provence”. I discuss my favorite flea markets in Provence and recommend an essential book for travelers in France. Plus, I share tips on why you should and why you should not shop in l’Isle sur la Sorgue!

tory/ask-antiques-provence/”>Click Here to read the article at Bonjour Paris – the definitive guide to France!

Until Next Time,

The Antiques Diva™

P.S. Email me at to:toma@antiquesdiva.com”>toma@antiquesdiva.com to find out how you can get a FREE Bonjour Paris Premium Membership (a $39 value)!

Photo Credits:
Angelica Arbulu Photography

One Minute Diva: Easter Flea Market in Paris

to 10px; width: 277px; cursor: hand; height: 400px; text-align: center;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S55Gu26ww6I/AAAAAAAAEaM/ZWcvMyc8_zY/s400/affiche+aligre.jpg” alt=”Easter Flea Market in Paris” width=”277″ height=”400″ border=”0″ />top: 2px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>If you’re looking for something to do in Paris on Monday, April 5 when the rest of the city is closed for the Easter holiday, the vendors at the Place d’ Aligre have provided a flea market outing to fill the shopping gap. This is the 4th year running that this brocante has been held on the Place d’Aligre – a square more known for its lively North African-influenced market each weekday (except Monday), selling everything from old gramophone players to odd bits of crockery alongside fromageries and charcuteries.
to 10px; width: 400px; cursor: hand; height: 300px; text-align: center;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S55GvCShk6I/AAAAAAAAEaU/OgjE–rX_xk/s400/2007+03+14+-+Place+d%27Aligre+(12).jpg” alt=”Easter Flea Market in Paris” width=”400″ height=”300″ border=”0″ />As the neighborhood can be a tad rough I wouldn’t recommend wearing your best Easter dress to this locale… instead dress casual and as always when attending flea markets, watch for pick-pockets in the crowds when scoring big-time bargains on bric-a-bracs, antiques and collectibles!

When: Monday, April 5 2010

Time: 8am-6pm

Where: Place d’Aligre near Metro: Ledru-Rollin

What: 100 vendors selling antiques, collectibles and bric-a-brac

Bonne Shopping!

The Antiques Diva ™

Spring Parisian Flea Market Calendar

to 10px; width: 400px; cursor: hand; height: 300px; text-align: center;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S50wwXjQtCI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/KbJ_beB6sI4/s400/Paris+Flea+Market.JPG” alt=”Spring Paris flea market calendar: find out where the best brocantes are in Paris this March, April, and May” width=”400″ height=”300″ border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top: 2px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>The Antiques Diva™ is going Double-Diva on you… not only will you find me writing here on The Antiques Diva™ blog as normal, but twice a month you can also read my column as the In-House Antiques Expert in the Bonjour Paris newsletter – the definitive guide to Paris! I’ll be writing about everything from my favorite flea market towns in France to giving tips on how to bargain in France, what to buy and where and when to buy it.

to 10px; width: 178px; cursor: hand; height: 93px; text-align: center;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S50wwKwVl1I/AAAAAAAAEZ0/PN4Dptj2Tio/s400/bonjourparis.gif” alt=”” border=”0″ />To find out where the best brocantes are in Paris this March, April, and May see the tory/spring-parisian-flea-market-calendar/” target=”_blank”>Spring Parisian Flea Market Calendar in the Bonjour Paris newsletter!

Make sure to subscribe for free to the Bonjour Paris newsletter by clicking here!

Spring Paris flea market calendarBonne Shopping,

The Antiques Diva™

Last Minute Diva – UK Edition: Bath Decorative & Antiques Fair

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVtkiMv0I/AAAAAAAAETw/TGNDhdBIqdw/s400/The+Antiques+Diva+-+Bath.jpg” border=”0″ />The English Rose, La Reine & The Antiques Diva in the World Heritage City of Bath

Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>It’s time to go to Bath – but please, darlings, don’t pronounce this town as if it were a hygene term. Try as you might to drawl a proper vowel in the centre of the word to give this world heritage city the proper homage! Oprah voted Bath to be on her top 10 list of must see places in the world”… so what better time to go than during the 21st annual Bath Decorative & Antiques Fair going on March 4, 5 & 6th, 2010. Of course, if this late notice means you can’t make the fair, no worries, for a visit to Bath is good anytime of year – I consider it a staple in my list of Diva-Must Do (and Repeat) Places on Earth!

Here are a few pictures from my most recent visit to Bath!

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVd_M6OYI/AAAAAAAAETg/ByrfA2oidfw/s400/bath9.jpg” border=”0″ />The English Rose & La Reine in Bath

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVdgZG6tI/AAAAAAAAETY/jI9O886Cozo/s400/bath8.jpg” border=”0″ />The Roman Baths

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVdy88_EI/AAAAAAAAETo/_ufKHe4qZOo/s400/bath12.jpg” border=”0″ />The Royal Crescent

The Bath Decorative & Antiques Fair is a premier provincial event and is now in its 21st year! And if the site is any indication, it’s promising to uphold the standard it has become famous for. Once dubbed “a mini Olympia” (after London’s famed Olympia Fine Arts Fair) there will be plenty for both the trade and the collector to feast their eyes upon with painted English and Continental furniture, period and country oak furniture, homely English Staffordshire, decorative accessories, garden items, textiles and much more on display from exhibitors from across the UK. Many of the 45 exhibitor’s only stand at this annual event and so save fresh stock for the occasion. The queue winds around the building and up the steps from early in the morning with a mixture of both local and international trade and private buyers keen to visit a concentrated exhibition of the best in decorative antiques and accessories outside London.

to 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVS74qU2I/AAAAAAAAES4/A2ZxMyy8YEM/s400/bath4.jpg” border=”0″ />to 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVSwpOGII/AAAAAAAAETA/FUlFRE2aABE/s400/bath5.jpg” border=”0″ />Robin Coleman, founder of the Fair and exhibitor of folk art and country and painted furniture and decorative accessories will host the launch of the West of England Antique Dealers’ Association’s new Guide to Buying Antiques 2010/11 on the opening night of the Fair and the Chairman of the Association, Patrick Macintosh will be one of the regular exhibitors showing his range of Country House furniture.

to 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S4qVSrtaNTI/AAAAAAAAESw/D0Ff6Vo9Suc/s400/bath3.jpg” border=”0″ />A visit to the Fair may also be easy on the pocket – exhibitors donate £25 to the Fair’s chosen charity, Rowdeford School for Children with Special Needs, and as a non-profit making event prices are kept to a friendly level to encourage trade and public alike to visit the splendid Georgian city of Bath each year.

All told it promises to be an exciting event, retaining its position as a premier Fair in the antiques calendar.

BATH DECORATIVE & ANTIQUES FAIR
The Pavilion
North Parade Road
Bath BA2 4EU
* Planning restrictions in the World Heritage City of Bath prevent road signs, so please follow signs for the Sports Centre

Following you’ll find a sneak peek at some of the inventory on offer!


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Have a Jolly Good Time!

The Antiques Diva™
(seen right dipping my toe in the famed Roman baths)

Diva-scovery: Bliss Farm Antiques

A Letter from an Antiques Diva Reader:
to 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S22p6bOONAI/AAAAAAAAEJg/PGhaFH6aFsA/s400/mail+call.jpg” border=”0″ />tomoments.com/gallery.htm” target=”_blank”>Robert Frost’s Mail Box: Photo courtesy of America Foto Moments
Dear Antiques Diva,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>You had given me advice and-much welcomed-encouragement for my trip to shop the flea markets of Paris. I thank you so much for your tips! The trip was wonderful! I went to the Place de la Bastille antiques show and to the Porte de Vanves flea market among other markets.

The Paris flea market I found most disappointing (I had read about it in a book – it wasn’t on your advice list) was Montreuil… Beggars lined the streets getting to the market (it was a very sad sight) and most of the market was new, junky stuff. Icky! To top it off, it’s a long metro ride. I think I spent more money giving handouts to the poor than at that particular market!

The Brocante at the Place de la Bastille was expensive, but what a site to behold! Gorgeous! I got great decorating ideas for my shop and a few trinkets. My fav Paris flea market was the Porte de Vanves where I got many good deals and the atmosphere was grand!

Thanks again for the information and encouragement, it was truly appreciated.

Jackie Lantry
Bliss Farm Antiques

PS. I’m happy to say I felt right at home in Paris! I was nervous before going that as a sensibly dressed American I wouldn’t fit it and that everyone would be wearing black!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Jackie,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>What an absolute delight to receive feedback on your Paris antiques shopping trip! It sounds like you had a ball and it was so wonderful to tour the Paris flea markets thru your eyes! I agree with you regarding both Montreuil and Porte de Vanves. Indeed, Bastille can be expensive, but isn’t it oh-so swoon worthy! In addition to your great feedback on the markets, I was delighted to see pictures of your shop in Rehoboth, Massachusetts – it looks like you scored some delicious inventory for your clients!

Today on my blog I’d like to feature YOU – Jackie Lantry of Bliss Farm Antiques – as The Diva of The Day!!!

Sincerely Yours,

The Antiques Diva™

(this crown seen right is just for you!)

Diva-scovery: Bliss Farm Antiques:

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S22p6l1WyaI/AAAAAAAAEJo/hlKx7GzzV2c/s400/bliss+farm+antiques+(2).jpg” border=”0″ />to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S22p63GvdlI/AAAAAAAAEJw/2vZpeQxNSDk/s400/Bliss+Farm+Antiques.jpg” border=”0″ />Bliss Farm Antiques has a beautiful inventory of antique, vintage and artisan finds. On a mission to sell only green and artisan made items, everything in their shop has been re-cycled, re-configured or up-cycle! In other words – nothing from Bliss Farm Antiques is factory made. Owner Jackie Lantry lives on “the farm,” a few acres of land in Southeastern Massachusetts, where she not only sells antiques and vintage treasures, but she grows peonies for wholesale! Last year she cut over 6,000 flowers in 10 days of harvest!

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/S22p7Dt7GkI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/ELkagIiro8c/s400/bliss+farm+antiqus+4.jpg” border=”0″ />While her shop also sells online at Etsy, if you visit the shop – it’s a sight to behold – you can walk a labyrinth built with “found” materials or sit in the garden and listen to the birds.

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES
417 Tremont Street
Rehoboth, Massachusetts – USA

HOURS Thursday–Sunday open from 10am–6pm (and by appointment)

Make sure to visit The Bliss Farm Antiques Blog!

2010 Bliss Farm Antiques Show Schedule:

MARCH 2010
28TH ANNUAL DUXBURY ANTIQUES SHOW
DUXBURY HIGH SCHOOL
130 ST. GEORGE ST., DUXBURY, MASS.
3/27/10 and 3/28/10 from 10am-4pm

MAY 2010
BRIMFIELD!
5/12/10 THRU 5/15/10/
NEW ENGLAND MOTEL
THIRD PAVILLION, FRONT BOOTH
OPENS AT 6AM

JULY 2010
BRIMFIELD!
7/14/10 THRU 7/18/10
THIRD PAVILLION, FRONT BOOTH
OPENS AT 6AM

SEPTEMBER 2010
BRIMFIELD!
9/8/10 THRU 9/12/10
THIRD PAVILLION, FRONT BOOTH
OPENS AT 6AM

DECEMBER 2010
*ANNUAL OPEN HO– USE*
*ALWAYS THE FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER*
Fri-Sun, 12/3rd, 4th & 5th. Stop by for yummy treats, special sales, and a big GIVEAWAY. Register to win a custom wreath (value $75) or a surprise gift! 10AM-5PM

Think Outside the Decorating Box

to 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/SvbgG33l7ZI/AAAAAAAADxQ/L3s89WeP6wg/s400/urbanmarketwagon.jpg” border=”0″ />Dear Diva Readers,

top:2px;padding-right:5px;font-family:times;”>You might remember a couple months ago I did a blog post on ton-usa-edition.html” target=”_blank”>The Urban Market’s November 8 antiques fair in Houston. On that post I included a picture of a darling wagon, calling it “the Find of the Day” and claiming it would make a sensational, eclectic coffee table for those who are interested in using fun finds in unique and interesting ways as home décor!

to 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/SvbgGRbdOSI/AAAAAAAADxA/9uf0bJvqBTY/s400/antiques+diva+elle+decor+aug+july+2009.jpg” border=”0″ />Just a few days after posting that picture I stumbled upon a picture in the July/August 2009 Elle Décor magazine featuring a similar wagon just as I described this one’s potential! Needless to say, I had to share it with you to help you visualize how one might turn a wagon into a coffee table!

The text on the feature photo reads:

to 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/SvbgG5OqZjI/AAAAAAAADxI/zZpEHc0wBQM/s400/scan0117.jpg” border=”0″ />“The living area of the barn turned guest cottage of Dan MacDonald and Gregg Kaminsky’s Long Island New York retreat, Cow Pond Farm, which was decorated by Kathleen Clements, has vintage photographs and subway sign displayed above a Chesterfield sofa from Mecox Gardens. The pillows are made from old grain sacks and an antique bellman’s car serves as a cocktail table. The rug is by Lauren, Ralph Lauren Home.”

to 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/SvbgHX67ldI/AAAAAAAADxg/LXCySWPmEJ8/s400/Diva+Tours+-+Chatou.JPG” border=”0″ />Recently, while at Antiek d’ Eglantier Amsterdam, I stumbled upon these charming potato sacks and think they would go perfect with the décor in the room above!

to 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kcTb8DnPVW4/SvbgHNIFAyI/AAAAAAAADxY/zix2ZtJF4sE/s400/Diva+Tours.JPG” border=”0″ />Meanwhile I might just use them for a “Do-It-Yourself-Diva” project to make footstools similar to this pair of footstools recovered with La Post bags which I found on my to-join-two-special-antiques.html” target=”_blank”>Fall French Flea Market Extravaganza!

Until next time, think outside the decorating box!

The Antiques Diva ™