What is more seductive then a new year?

Wow I haven't posted since July???? How did that happen?

Well my wholesale business with Molly; Images Stitchery Design is going well and takes much of my free time, (that is good I know), we moved our home twice this year, our shop twice, we had a much loved dog die, several months later we rescued a new one (did I mention he is a LARGE puppy?), we listed our house, looked for new ones, had it sold (which would have had us move right before Christmas) and then it fell through, and we hosted Thanksgiving for 25 and Christmas for 8 and had another party in there somewhere....Wow. So I guess that is why I am tired....

But now I am ready to start fresh. Take care of me, my home and family, and these 2 great businesses.

Molly and I are still trying to figure out how to work Retromantic into the Images mix. I will basically be handling Retro in my free time. Right now that means ETSY. I am going to try and add lots more items there and really dig into it. We were in a Flea Market space for awhile and that just didn't seem right. We did the NaDa sale last Spring and were planning on doing the fall one and then Spring again but they canceled the fall and are selling the farm so that is out. We really want to do something local.

Something fun but worth it. Something pretty. Not so sure about having the events here at my home. So as you can see we have lots to think about. But in the mean time watch our ETSY site. Oh as usual if you are looking for something let me know and I'll see if we have it.

Here are just some pretty things that are getting me through this crazy cold weather. Some are mine and some inspiration. Enjoy

kath

Getting it all together

So we are finally moved back to Mineral Point where we belong! The new business Images Stitchery Design is up and flourishing, the houses (Molly and Kath's) are getting put together and now it is time to get Retromantic Antiques up and running. Well over half of the inventory is now in Kath's basement where we will be holding pop - up events hopefully starting in August. While the pictures just show a disaster you know us...we can create fun and beauty from almost anything:).

We will still need to do one more trip with our trusty trailer to storage to get the rest and then full speed ahead. Watch Facebook and here for details and sneak peaks coming soon.

Oh and by the way has anyone seen our crock pot???Obviously at least one personal box is hiding among the inventory.

kath

Na Da Sale

Well that was fun.....I just posted about our event at Na Da and then deleted it by mistake. Sure can tell I  haven't used Blogger for awhile. Ok so here we go again....

Well we finally did it! We participated in our first juried Fancy Flea. We have been talking about it for a couple of years now. I have been following them across the country via blogs and facebook and thinking it looks like so much fun, would we fit in, would the customer "get" us, and of course buy what we have to offer? Well the answer is YES to all. Friday morning bright and early Molly and I picked up our van, headed to our temporary storage area in a near by town and loaded up. Earlier in the week we had done a dry run and then did some last minute refining and even painting a few things. 

our initial set up

Our fav dress form with a flapper bra and apron

The 2 hour trip went well and soon we were pulling into the beautiful Na Da farm. It was all we hoped, picturesque, and teaming with vendors, trucks and trailers, kids and animals. We had 5 hours before the gates would open so we were feeling good. We had chosen a space in the barn thinking it might still be cold and rainy in May. The days were actually fairly nice but very windy so we were happy with our decision. Our space was perfect for us.

our space friday night

We proceeded to unload and set up while sneaking peaks at all of the beautiful booths around us. So many of the names we admire and read about on blogs. How exciting! While we found we needed everyone of those 5 hours we ended up happy with our space.

Ladies having fun

The gates were opened at 5 and instantly the barn was mobbed! It was so fun and exciting. The shoppers were all so great and loved everything. We think we found our people:) After a crazy 3 hours it was a quick but great Mexican dinner and back to the hotel. 

We loved the painted galvanize containers

Our friend Jeanine's booth

We were back at Na Da by 8 the next morning. We had lots of reworking to do (thank you ladies) we had sold a cupboard and lots of smalls. While we were able to fill in and had brought extra things for this we were a little sparse on Saturday. We still had a great day. The crowds was still great but a little more relaxed. We learned so much and had so much fun. 

Color was everywhere

cottage industry

Everyone was so great and sweet. We can't wait to go back this fall! 

Watch for our next event in July. We head north to Door County. 

our neighbor booth

Thanks to all the Vendors that were so welcoming, to all the great shoppers and mostly to Anne Marie and her family for hosting such a great event! See you soon.

kath and molly

Keep on Dreaming

I have been a long time believer in the Secret, positive thoughts, thoughts become things,etc. I am here to tell you it is all true. I am living a life I have long dreamed of, but for years didn't really think I would ever get to. After my change of employment I really started focusing on those long held dreams. Without knowing how, where, or with whom, I just put it all out there and out of the blue it has all come true....Ok, ok enough with my deep ramblings, on to shopping for the Holidays!

Molly and I have been working day and night (ok not night, we are both early birds) getting La Bella Vita/Retromantics ready for the Holidays. If I say so myself it is looking outstanding. There are gift ideas for all of your lovers of fibres and fripperies, and looks we can help you replicate at home.

We are holding classes every Sunday afternoon, 1 to 4, starting the 28 and continuing until Dec 19 to help you have a Homespun Upcycled Holiday season. Think English styled crackers, felted ornaments, vintage paper wrapped ornaments, recycled cuffs; cute, easy to do in one afternoon, and will add that personal touch to your gifts and decorations, that we are all wanting to add at the Holidays.

We have also added a couple of great lines of bath indulgences and amazing smelling candles. Fabulous holiday presents or hostess gifts.

Not to forget...Dec 4 is Mineral Point's Candlelight shopping evening. Galleries and Shops are open late and will greet you with festive food and drink. The town is lined with luminaries, chestnuts roasting, carolers, and just an amazing feeling of history, holidays gone by, and good will to men,(and of course women;).

So in this season of magic, keep on dreaming.

Kath

Life after Corporations

Just a short post to catch up....After what was basically 3 months of watching TV, grieving, and healing, life just flung open a door, shut off the TV and said GET GOING!

So much has happened in the last 2 weeks my head is still spinning. I think most of you know about how the talented and lovely Molly invited me to grow the Vintage business with her at her shop and gave me her back room to play in; however with her help, and boundless enthusiasm I am now expanding to her next door neighbor.

Starting this weekend I am opening the doors of Arkiteks Salvage most weekends until the end of the year. The equally lovely Arlene (and Frank) have graciously asked me to join them in the operating of their Amazing architectural salvage business! Retromantic Antiques will moving there bit by bit over the next few months. We are still working out the details but the building will be a meld of all 3 businesses. A full roll out will happen in the spring.

We have been working our butts off this last couple of weeks to get ready for the Fall Art Tour this weekend so if you get a chance come on by and say hi. Pics and more details later.

My Surprise

So I am VERY happy to announce I now have a presence in Downtown Mineral Point! Lovely M0lly Walz from the always cool and fun La Bella Vita Fibre Gallery http://www.labellavitamp.com/ has invited me to join her. I will be in the back room with a some contributions from other Vintage lovers. Retromantic will be the main inventory there and I get to style/design the room to my hearts content.

I will still have my cozy little shop at my home and be open Thursdays through Sundays but I get to help Molly out down at her shop too! So there may be times that you will see a sign at my home that reads "at La Bella Vita". Head on down the hill if you do.

I am also adding some bath and beauty items so watch for those in the next week or so. I am really excited about all of this and hope to see all of you soon. Check out the pics from the space at La Bella Vita. I took them really quick not wanting to disturb all the customers so watch for more pics later.

kath

Renewel of Spirit

I don't know about you, but the summer here this year has been draining. The heat and humidity that we have had virtually all summer along with my extreme change of lifestyle has been challenging. I HATE heat and have never been home all day every day.....

While my time home has been healing it has still been, (and still is) a huge change. But...along with the cooler temperature, and beautiful fall light, comes a lightness of spirit I have been waiting for. I am ready to redecorate my home and of course my shop RETROMANTIC ANTIQUES.

I have been gradually editing my home. As I let go of the negative energy I had been inundated with for so long at work, I am finding I want to also let go of some of the fussiness in my home. It is becoming lighter, cleaner, more focused. Pics to come in the coming weeks. I have also been working on a HUGE project in my kitchen. I am now on floor excavation part II. It is slow going and very hard on my hands and arms. Again pics to come. I know the project and aching knuckles will be worth it.

But back to the shop. I have been refining some ideas I've had for the shop this morning and the pics are just the beginning. Ideas and great stuff to cosy up your nest are being designed and set up.

I know I have been open a little haphazardly the last couple of weeks and I apologize if you have stopped by only to find me closed. To tell the truth that will be happening again this weekend. I am spending time with family before everyone gets so busy with School, and life.

Sorry this has been so rambling but welcome to my brain! lol. Back to the shop and to enjoy this GREAT weather. I will be open all day today(friday) Saturday morning, Sunday by chance. Regular hours starting again next week.

kath

Our trip to Iowa

Yesterday BE and I took a day trip to Iowa.

It was our anniversary and we decided Iowa was the most romantic place we could go...we're crazy like that. lol Anywho, we drove to Kalona. A cute little Mennonite town with a great sophisticated bistro, Tuscan Moon. We sat outside and had amazing sandwiches on cibatta bread and really great wine. Their wine list was pages long. Sorry no link I was sure they would have a web site....but if you are in that part of the country go.

But what really took us to this sweet little part of Iowa was my long desire to visit Sister's Garden and Bloom http://sistersgardeniowa.blogspot.com/. It was worth waiting for and definitely worth the drive.

It is right on hwy 1, two old buildings that are charming on their own but filled with goodies! The garden has treasures everywhere too from chairs hanging on wire to great old motel chairs. All the poor husbands hung out out there.

I however wanted to wander the 2 buildings forever. Every kind of shabby, chippy, rusty, goodie you can think of was creatively and charmingly arranged in multiple floor displays. Mixed in were lots of great smelling candles and soaps.

Can you tell I LOVED it? I am so inspired! Sometimes having my little shop in my home can kind of feel like a vacuum so it was great to see such creativity in work.

I hope to get back yet this fall. I wish I could go visit every week!

After that we wandered around Iowa City. What a great little city. Cute shops and pubs. I'm sure in a couple of weeks when the students are all back it will be hopping.

Dinner was at CiboFusion http://www.cibofusion.com/ in Cedar Rapids. Again amazing fresh interesting menu and a great atmosphere. All in all a very enjoyable day. Day trips can be the most fun we find. Discover some new spots and still be home to sleep in your own bed. So goes another glamorous day in the life of Kath and Brad....Glamour is so over rated.

k

p.s. all images are from the Sisters Bloom blog.

And the Winner is......

On my last post I mentioned a give away for those coming to my shopping and cocktails night. It was a lot of fun and I had a great turn out. I just picked a winner for this great vintage picnic basket filled with melmac dishes and cute table cloth from the 50's. Really cute and "green" right?

So the moment you have all been waiting for (lol)......

The winner is SANDY JONES!

Sandy I will contact you today and we can schedule a time to get your goodies!

New goodies being put in the shop and new staging ideas. Check us out.

New Hours: Thurs-Sun 11-6

I realize I haven't shared any shots of the shop for a while. Here's a peak of what you will see when you stop by now.

I included a couple of shots of my hanging baskets on my porch. They started out as the stack of great rusty baskets you'll see in the shots. Just add moss and lots of flowers and Voila! a very impressive statement for your garden.

I will be closed this Friday at 4 and all day Saturday. Off to a work event with the Hubbs. Back open Sunday.

Please join me if you can this coming Wed night for an evening of Shopping and Cocktails! 5 - 7 July 14th.

Enjoy the Sunshine!

kath

Flower Deals for the Weekend

This weekend is Mineral Point's Garden Tour. http://www.shakeragalley.com/shake-rag-alley-classes/garden-workshops-madison-wi.html.

In honour of this everything FLORAL at Retromantic Antiques is 25 % off all weekend! The pics are just a very small amount of the pretties I have with flowers on them.

Check out some amazing gardens, hang in my (some day to be amazing lol) garden, and take home some of that Retromantic feel to your home and garden for a great price.

Remember Retromantic Antiques is now open every week Thursday - Sunday 11 - 6.

See you this weekend.

Kath

Shiny and Silver

Haven't done the linky thing before so home I am doing it right. My silver in my shop tends to mostly 1950's Aluminum. I love the patterns and variety of pieces and that I can pass them on at such a great price. Galvanized is always great too. The planter is from my yard. It's an old animal feeder bin. Enjoy and if anything is saying "take me home" let me know and I'll gladly send it on its way. kath