Antiques can be found amost anywhere, if you have the eye to find them. Some of my most favorite pieces where not found at an antique fair or shop. I love telling the story of finding a full set of crystal 1800s wine glasses at a bicycle repair shop, for the price of putting air in my tires.
Do not be surprised to find things in unusual places.
Look- under a vendor’s table. Peek into their trunk, ask if they have what you are looking for, ask if they have more, If something is under the table, or set askde ask if it is sold, don’t assume.
More than anything be curious.
Ask questions. Don’t assume that because something is put aside or looks nice, it is either sold or too expensive.
It truly doesn’t hurt to ask, “How much?”
Use your antiques; don’t buy them to put them away for a special day. My mom would say, “Use your things, because if you keep saving them one day when you die your children will have a garage sale, and ask 10 cents for the items you guared all your life.” Obviously, she wasn’t thinking about me.
Enjoy your antiques, daily.
How many of us have room, or need anything more? Very few of us. Though many or us like collecting, furnishing our homes, setting a pretty table for company, even decorating packages with old ribbons, and bits & bobs. Or if you are like me, start a business from your passionate collecting.
Use things in different ways. Experiment with texture and design.
Every scratch, dent, chip, and patina layer holds a piece of history. Try to see imperfections differently. In a land of polished, new, not hand-made, or lived- Antiques carry stories, they add personal style to your home, they spark conversations, and they do not have harsh chemical glue and toxins holding them together.
Antiques tell a story, and your story is added to them.
In France the most important part about antiquing is respecting the dealer. Be polite, a simple bonjour can open doors. Ask before taking a photo. When bargaining, respect their pricing, don’t start with this is too expensive, or I have one of these and I paid far less. I cringe when I hear that sort of thing. Bundling items allows room to negotiate, but a smile and politness go further.
Good manners, bring good deals
Social media sells trends, but orginality comes from the heart. Create your space/home that spark your own appreciation. Be bold, build a sanctuary meant to tell your story, the way you see beauty. Or practicality- which rarely scores high in my creating. (Photo of my friend, Lizzie’s home. Pure happiness.)
Your home, your rules, buy what you love, what makes you sing out loud.
I could go on and on and bore you silly. Instead, let me say that when it comes to antiquing… As Nike says,
“Just do it!”
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