Meet Carolina Fuguet of Up Owl Night!

First of owl, er...I mean ALL...I love Carolina's business name! I am a night owl, so I thought it was adorable. And speaking of ADORABLE, take a look at all the fabrics and designs she has created! Carolina makes purses, totes, hair accessories, home decor, pouches, wristlets, and Ipad/device holders. You can visit her online store to see some more of her goodies. Here are two of my favorites. Welcome to the show, Carolina!

Meet Luanne Keen!

Today's featured vendor is Luanne Keen, who makes hand cut and etched copper pieces, sun catchers, brooches, mobiles, magnets, bookmarks, and more. She is a local artisan from the Treasure Coast. I love the detail on this bunny brooch! Super cute! Welcome to the show Luanne...we are looking forward to seeing all you have to offer!

Another fun & funky vendor...Pat Long from the Pink Bird Thrift Shoppe

I met Pat a while ago, while shopping at a local flea market, and was attracted to her cute little shop by all the shabby chic decor, vintage pieces, and a cute white birdcage that went home with me that day. In fact, she has a few other awesome bird cages at her store right now, that I was drooling over recently. I had to cute myself off....I have a strange addiction to birdcages and old trunks! I am happy she is joining us, and am sure she will bring some great items for your shopping pleasure. You might have to fight me for the big bird cage though!  Here is a sneak peak!

Introducing...Sharon Raulerson of Beach Chic!

If coastal inspired shabby chic pieces are your style, then make sure to stop by Sharon Raulerson's booth at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart. She paints home decor pieces is soft shades of ivory, soft blues, and sand and also creates handcrafted jewelry. Bring a little of the beach into your home! Here are a few samples of her offerings. I really like the pegged wooden wall hanging. It's the perfect place to hang your keys, umbrella, and your farmer's market tote. Welcome to the show Sharon!

Meet Lisa Lugo of Lilu Arts!

Of all the art classes I took in college ( I was an art major), I was never successful in any creations in clay. I just didn't have the touch, and attempting anything on the potter's wheel made me want to curse! So, I have great respect for those who create in this medium. I have always loved the effect of raku firing (and I am a sucker for anything involving animals!) so I really enjoy Lisa Lugo's artwork. She has worked in clay for over 25 years. She enjoys making animal characters, boxes, jars, and hearts, to name a few. Below are some examples of her work. Welcome to the show, Lisa!

Today's featured vendor at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart is Hannah Long Jewelry!

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is here, and we have one more week of April left. Goodness time has flew by!  The countdown to the Funky Art & Vintage Mart has begun...just a little over a month until the big day arrives.
Today's featured vendor is Hannah Long of Hannah Long Jewelry. She makes totally original handmade jewelry and also makes some bath & body products. She was recently awarded the Boca Museum of Art's Lila Lewenthal Grant. She works in sterling silver, gold, and brass, combining her earthy designs with drool-worthy gemstones. Here are a few of my favorites from her Etsy store! Welcome to the show Hannah!

 

Today's featured vendor is Rebecca Betancourt of Evelyn & Dot

For those of you who collect and go ga-ga for beautiful vintage china and unique vintage clothing, make sure you look for Rebecca Betancourt's booth at the show! I found her shop, Evelyn & Dot, on Etsy, and was amazed by all the beautiful finds she has. Her collection of tea cup sets caught my eye, and I look forward to seeing them in person. They would make beautiful hostess or housewarming gifts, along with an herbal tea packet.  She will also be selling vintage accessories, jewelry and vintage home decor. Let's give Rebecca a big welcome! Here are some pics of my favorites...

Today's featured vendors are the mother & daughter team of Carole DiTerlizzi & Jennifer Basing

Happy Friday everyone! We've had cooler weather this week, perfect for painting and sanding furniture in the garage. I've been busily working on projects for the show, as are all of our other vendors! I have many more vendors to showcase. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Carole DiTerlizzi and her daughter Jennifer Basing. I found them both on Etsy and had invited them to the show, not even realizing that they knew each other, let alone were mother/daughter! I fell in love with both of their artistic styles and am so happy they will be joining us for the show. Carol creates spectacular paintings with an ethereal, other-wordly beauty. It's as if she found a new galaxy, far, far away, and is giving you an awe-inspiring glimpse into it. Jennifer creates original paintings, dolls, and jewelry objects featuring her art, in the low-brow style. Her work is fun, youthful, and full of character (and candy!). I am a huge fan!
Here are some pictures of some of their work. Let's all give them a big welcome to the show! I am sure they will bring some fabulous creations to the show, and I am excited to see their art in person. Thanks for joining us Carole & Jennifer!

Today's featured vendor at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart is Barbara Lackey of Thriftique Fabulous Finds

Barbara's pictures she sent me of her booth in a local Melbourne antique shop have me excited to see the fun finds she brings to the show! I am especially digging that turquoise vintage luggage piece that is made into a side table. Barbara will be bringing Shabby Chic style furniture that she hand paints and finishes, re-purposed items, accessories, spoon jewelry, vintage original artwork, and lots more exciting goodies! I love looking at pictures of antique & vintage store booths from different vendors. Each has a unique look to them, and sometimes I imagine it as a room I wish I could just "hang out" in, read a book, and enjoy looking at all the textures, colors, & memories. There is one booth at a local antique store that reminds me very much of my grandmother's kitchen. She loved to cook, and I have seen many of the dishes, utensils, & cookware she used. It is like a little trip down memory lane. Barbara's booth is one of those that draws you in. Make sure you check out the cool things she brings to the show! Welcome aboard, Barbara!                                                                                                                                                             

Planning a shopping trip to an antique and/or art show? What to bring....

   So....are you planning on coming to shop at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart?  Great! I know you will have fun and find something (or someTHINGS) fabulous!
   I am a huge fan of planning.  After attending many of the huge antique shows in Mount Dora, thrifting for hidden treasures, and picking at local architectural salvage stores, I've learned that there are certain things I need to plan ahead for.  By doing these things, my shopping trips are more enjoyable, and I am less likely to have to leave behind treasures that I later regret not snagging.
   So, with that said, here are just a few tips that I think will come in handy when you shop at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart, and any other similar shows in the future.
1. Dress appropriately.  That lovely, rusty old garden gate,  that will look gorgeous displayed on your front porch, will possible leave behind a not-so-lovely rust stain on the favorite shirt you are wearing.  Don't wear your favorite shirt, or things that could snag or catch on pointy parts, metal, etc.  Wear comfy shoes that you won't trip with, and you can easily carry furniture in.

2. Bring wet wipes for your hands.  Keep some in your handbag and your car.  Also, bring a measuring tape (see # 5) and some old bed sheets or towels to protect your car and your treasures on your way back home.  I also keep tissue paper and/or some bubble wrap for securing smaller treasures. Newspapers work too, but may leave behind toner/ink residue on some surfaces.

3.  Bring something to drink, & snacks if you need them. You don't REALLY want to shop until you drop! Our show will have food vendors, thankfully, but I always keep a stash of granola bars or nuts on hand to snack on.

4.  A metal hand-pulled shopping cart....I am torn on these. Sometimes I love having one with me, especially if I am not parked particularly close enough to make trips to the car with my treasures.  Be aware though, that these make it harder to maneuver in and out of booths and the crowd.  Be kind and make sure you aren't blocking other shoppers from looking at something or entering a seller's booth. While we are talking about kindness, please don't stand in a booth and gab on your phone or text a novel to a friend. Other's want to look at the offerings in the booth, and you are blocking them from doing so. Take your conversation out of the booth and off to the side.

5.  Measure the wall space or floor space you are shopping for. Also, know the size of your trunk space in your vehicle.  If you know what size of side tables would fit on either side of your bed, or what size of painting you want to hang over your couch, this will be VERY HELPFUL.  Also take pictures of your rooms with your phone's camera for reference.  Bring fabric or paint samples along with you to match your color palette.

6. Make a list of specific items you are looking for. I know that I am easily distracted, and sometimes need a reminder of my shopping "goal." This way, you don't drive all the way home and realize that, while that garden decoration you bought is super cool, you totally forgot to look for some antique drawer knobs for a dresser you've been planning to refresh.

7. If you REALLY LOVE something, GET IT!  Otherwise, someone else will. I say this from experience.  I still have regrets over pieces I should have just bought....a rusty metal Christmas tree, a robin egg blue metal cake holder, a large vintage advertising sign, a gorgeous antique Victorian era baby dress....you get the point.

I hope these words of advice come in handy! I want everyone to have a great time at the show, and take home something special! Have a great weekend, and stop back soon for another vendor showcase!

Today's featured vendor at the Funky Art & Vintage Mart, is Deb Taylor of "Deb Did It!"

Deb Taylor of "Deb Did It" is a mixed media artist, and like myself, dabbles in a little bit of everything! She puts the "fun" in "funky" and her booth will surely catch your eye at the show! Some of the items she will be offering include colorful aprons, art dolls, mixed media paintings & photography, kits, and Gypsy flags. Be sure to stop in at her booth and say "hello!"  Her pieces are sure to inspire you and make you smile. Welcome to the show, Deb! Here are some pics of her work...

                 SUPER FUN     
           APRONS!









     AWESOME ART
            DOLLS!