Soggy Water Dogs
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
I found this picture about six weeks ago. I am trying to do some research on it before I offer it up for sale. Thus far it has proven difficult to find anything on it. It is interesting though isn't it?
How is the economy affecting antique sales?
I recently down sized from two antique malls back down to the one older established mall. I have always made my rent at this mall and have come to respect the way they have done business over the years.
It is my opinion that the present economy has hurt antique sales. Not many dealers want to admit it because we don't want to blow more holes in an already sinking ship.
On TV, I heard an antique store owner that was closing up shop, (after many years), say he was having to go out of business because people are down to buying necessities. He went on to say that there is not one thing in an antique shop that some one just cannot do with out.
Now- the up side to this is, that prices are remarkably good right now. If you have the money to invest now might be a good time to make that offer on that nice piece you have had your heart set on! Dealers just might be ready to negotiate with you. It sure can't hurt to ask....
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Knowing When to Buy Your Trash or Treasure
Sometimes when we are out antiquing there will be that something that intrigues us and catches our eye.
We just can’t seem to be able to walk away from it. It reminds of us something in our past or somehow just really appeals to some part of us.
Depending on where you are – you might ask yourself some of the following questions.
The most obvious is-‘ Can I afford it?’
Next- ‘Where will I put it?’
‘ Is it worth what they are asking?’
‘ Will it increase in value?’
‘ If I grow tired of it –could I resale it easily?’
The one I really hate to ask myself is-‘ Do I really need it?’ Most of the times the answer to that one is no, but then I counter that one with-
‘ How bad do I really want it?’
After many years of shopping I have learned to listen to the answers I give myself to those questions and also to the initial ‘gut feeling’ I get. It seems like more often than not I have been fairly successful on my purchases. One thing I keep in mind is an old saying my grandfather taught me, “When in doubt – do nothing.” So, if I’m not pretty sure about something- I do nothing.
If you are shopping at an antique mall or store, you may have the luxury of asking if the shopkeeper will hold your item while you continue to shop. This way you can think about it a bit.
On the other hand if you are at a yard sale or flea market you probably should pick up and pay for the item rather quickly before someone else takes it, or the seller changes his or her mind!
There have been many a treasure lost when the ‘would be’ purchaser walked off to think about it, only to return to find it gone!
In cases like these it may pay to remember another old saying- “He who hesitates loses”.
In any case what we purchase should be something that we like, that brings us pleasure to look at, and gives us a sense of enjoyment. After all - antiques and collectibles are meant for us to enjoy.
Happy Treasure Hunting!
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Soggy Water Dogs Antiques and interesting items.
We can be found at the Landrum Antique Mall on the main street in Landrum, SC
Our booth is booth six on the back wall of the farthest left building when you enter the front door. We are convienantly located beside the older rest room.
This is my Ebay link to the 'about me' page:
http://members.aol.ebay.com/aboutme/luvoldstuff1/.
It will help you find my auctions more easily. You can also add my seller name to your list of favorites and check back to see the different things I am auctioning from time to time. You never know what will turn up!
Monday, July 21, 2003
Collectors
Why do we collect?
I have so many different 'collections' that I could not count them all!
Let's see......there is the cobalt blue glass, blue willow pottery, fishing items, teddy bears, and the list goes on.
I think we collect because the pieces we like to have around us bring back the 'warm fuzzies' of our childhood. A time when all was innocence, we were loved, protected, fed, and decisions were made for us.
The cobalt blue glass reminds me of a blue vase that my aunt had given my mother when she was married.
The blue willow was started when my mother gave me our old dogs cracked blue willow bowl. I can still see it sitting on the back porch, and remember my younger sister and I wondering what dog food tasted like. There is a reason dogs would rather eat people food, trust me on this!
I remember my Grandfather fishing on the river behind our house. One time he took me. He caught a fish and we saved it in the sink all night, only to smell fish frying the next morning. Hence my love of trout fishing and certain fishing items.
Teddy Bears- were not easily obtained when I was growing up. Not like they are now. They were expensive and I never really had a true 'Teady Bear'. I took a pattern from a McCall's magazine, cut out the cloth pieces, sewed them together and stuffed them and handed them over to my Grandmother. Over night she created my first Teddy Bear, which I still have to this day. So I think I try to make it up to myself by buying the bears. My first adult purchase of a teddy bear is in the picture below. He truely is a 'treasure' to me!
So collecting seems to be good for our souls. Everyone needs to be reminded of happy, carefree days, and loved ones now gone. Collect what you love. Love what you collect.
Thursday, July 17, 2003
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Here is an interesting appraisal site-
I just recently used it for a chair that I had bought.
http://www.wiw2u.com/
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
