Mom and Dad are serial antiquers. As a kid I remember spending hours in antique shops, wandering the aisles finding all the depression glass Grandma had in her china cabinet and the rusty metal traps Granddad had in the barn. From time to time there would even be a Garfield mug – the very same mug I had sitting in the kitchen cupboard at home. Someday that $8 mug would be worth millions!
During lonely Saturdays in college, 5 hours away from Mom and Dad, I’d make the trek downtown to the only antique shop in town and spend hours walking from booth to booth. The shop wasn’t big by anyone’s standard, but it let me escape to Northern Wisconsin, wandering the aisles of Mom’s favorite shop.
Present day, antiques are both a reminder of my wonderful folks and an addiction that might just need a 12-step program! I’ve even managed to evangelize antiques to my childhood friend who, after going to Junk Bonanza with me this past October, is now completely hooked!
Today’s trip was great! I visited 3 shops in Sandwich, IL: Sandwich Antique Mart, Olde Timers Antique Centre, and Prindi’s Antique Mall. Had to share with you the photos...
The floral design instructor in me had to take a photo of this Pave-esque arrangement.
Cast iron "Steer Barn"
Children's beaded mukluks - I love all things Native American!
Paper mache Christmas houses - adorable!
A new find - canvas water bags.
Beautiful airplane quilt - if I had $450 it would have been mine!
Another new find - an over-the-fire popcorn popper.
I love the finds that bring to light an old memory.
Grandma kept one of these in her closet.
For my close friend, the copper kettle she was looking for at Junk Bonanza!
For Mom, a Norwegian pewter necklace.
For me, a pair of $3 "feather" earrings.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, happily at home surrounded by the warmth and love of the season!
