This is not a book… but a photo album

- simplyreddesigns

One of my favorite things to do when I go on a trip or passing through a small town is to check out antique markets and shops near by. I have found some of the coolest most unique junk(treasures) that way. Here are a few of my finds.

The Worlds Longest Yardsale

Every August, The Worlds Longest 127-Yardsale takes place with miles and miles of unique finds, starting from Gadsden, AL going on up to Ohio and Michigan. For more information check it out HERE!

This year my most priceless find was in Trenton, GA at a quaint little barn and shed on the side of the road. I have always loved old books, frames, photo albums and especially hand written material. In the shed, I came upon a shelf with tons of old books, I was immediately drawn over and sitting on the top of the shelf was an old book on a stand, or I thought.

This book was one that I had never seen before. At first, I was not sure what this was, a book, up on a stand, covered in velvet material with a gold latch on the side. Of course, I had to get this book down to open it. To my surprise the book folded toward me and then opened, this is not a book but a photo album, filled with old family portraits.

I walked away with this album proudly tucked under my arm. I was not able to get much history on this piece other than it was purchased at an estate sale and was the Victorian era.

Open for business

- simplyreddesigns

The Antique market has now been open for business for a few months.  Here are a few things that I have learned along the way.

  1. Rearrange: Rearrange your booth often. Whether you change the way something is hanging or add seasonal decor, it has always improved my sales when I go and spruce up and add a few new items.
  2. Too Crowded: Try not to over stack tables. I have found this out the hard way. If you have a lot of items on a table and it sales, well now you have a bunch of items in the floor and nowhere to put them. Also customers are more likely to purchase a big item like that if it’s not covered with stuff they have to move.
  3.  Experiment: If it’s not selling, its ok to take it out and replace it with something else. Add the item back in later.  Try to get a feel for what items are selling.
  4.  History: Attach any history that you have on an item. When out looking and purchasing, always ask do you know anything about this piece, always fun to learn more about your finds.