I forgot how interesting it is to go antique shopping.
There are two giant antique “malls” in this part of Virginia and I joined my niece just before Christmas at one of them. She was on a search for a stunning pill box of yore. No little plain plastic dispenser for Judy. Nope. This one had to be a silent film star’s original gem encrusted stunner.
We didn’t find one but I had forgotten how much fun it is to browse through the old things I actually recognize as relics of my own childhood infancy. And of course there is also the adventure in discovering unique personal gifts for special people.
Dor’s 2015 New Year’s Resolution: Shop for Christmas gifts at antique stores!
To elaborate on this resolution, I have decided the search in 2015 will include rambling visits down Virginia country roads and byways where there may be real one-of-a-kind antique/collectible treasures.
And getting out and around with new camera and zoom lens in tow will only add to the pleasure. These excursions will be charming respites from big box store shopping and holiday chaos.
Oh, how I love anything collectible!
Or is it “Oh, how I love anything antique?”
What’s the difference anyhow?
Several owner/dealers told me this:
It used to be that an object over 100 years old was considered antique. But now, anything from the 1950’s on back is in the antique category.
Uh oh! I wonder if that applies to people too.
Please let it be known that I think I prefer to be designated as a COLLECTIBLE which is defined as a thing that is less than 100 years old and is possibly an antique of the future.
My old friend, Viola (a country woman with guts and bravado) made antique stores her only venues for beloved (or White Elephant) gifts that were never returned or re-gifted since they were usually bowls or plates she expected to see when she visited our homes.
But FYI and if you’re really interested, Per Ye Olde Faithful, Wikipedia:
“An antique is defined as an old collectible item.
It is desirable because of its age, beauty, rarity, condition, utility,
personal emotional connection, and/or other unique features.
It is also an object that represents a previous era or time period in human society.”
For an exceptional listing of various antique stores and antique malls in Virginia, visitwww.antiquemalls.com.
I LOVE to shop in antique stores…and I love to receive gifts bought in them. Perhaps one day, you and I can plan a road trip and meet somewhere in the middle and antique and have lunch!
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Oooooooh!! I can’t wait for this series! I would so love to browse Virginia’s antique stores and am both excited to see this and jealous too!!! How fun…..
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We had a blue Shirley Temple cup (like the one you pictured) when we were growing up. It was my mom’s who grew up in the 20s 30s – I wonder what ever happened to it? My weakness in antique malls are textiles – I love doilies, tablecloths, etc. I have such a collection, but nowhere to display them!
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When we lived in Iowa, we had access to a number of really good antique stores. Richmond, not so much. But we love browsing and looking anyhow. You never know when you’ll find something that just has to come home!
Nancy
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My sister and I love browsing in antique stores, we especially like the ones that are choc a block full of interesting stuff not those that have a few pieces arranged artistically in glass cabinets. We can’t afford to shop at stores like that and they are not as much fun to browse in as there is not a lot to see. We also like Trash and Treasure markets, or as the British call them “Car Boot Sales”. I don’t have enough room to display lots of stuff so I usually try to confine my purchases to doll related items but my sister will buy anything that takes her fancy from a vintage vaccuum cleaner to a sewing machine, typewriter and of course her main love, old toys. We often give each other vintage gifts. I got her a piano insulator, she got me a vintage Barbie and Hubby an old movie screen on a metal stand.
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You can get me that typewriter. 🙂 I like visiting antique stores, too.
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Hi Dora. Now you are talking my language !. Did I tell you at some stage I was once in the antique trade and had a small Antique shop of my own ? This led eventually to me becoming an archaeologist. Anyway, you are quite right about what is termed an antique as it used to be anything l00 years and over. Now its anything 50 yrs and over so if you spot something which looks old and, YOU know IT IS…… grab it if the price is right. Once you get the bug for collecting you never lose it……..I am still collecting. The book I wrote includes some info about collecting antiques. Good luck with your collecting Dora its great fun.
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Nice photos! I learned to type on an Underwood like that!
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This season I unexpectedly found a beautiful antique pin for my mother and I received a set of colored glass cordial glasses as a gift. I don’t care to go antique shopping, but I love when they just sort of fall into my hands.
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You are singing my song, Dor. I love haunting antiques malls for exactly what you describe. I’ve found such lovely gifts in them – things you would never find in a traditional store. A favorite thing I like to go through are the linens. You can usually find monogrammed tea towels or napkins which can make for the nicest hostess gifts. Happy New Year!
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I love going to antique stores and like you, I find items in there that were just normally a part of my childhood…ahem…infancy too. And so, by definition, I guess I’m an antique as well — no, a collectible! I’m with you, Dor, I like that term so much better! 😉
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Every time I see a manual typewriter I wish that I had kept mine. Or, even the portable electric ones I once had. The manuals remind me of Ernest Hemingway and other greats who pounded out their novels on those keyboards.
I guess I’d qualify as a “collectible” by the standards currently applied. Certainly not a creaky antique. Happy New Year, Dor. 😉
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I don’t think I could get out of one of those shops without buying one of those typewriters!
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What a fun resolution! I love antique malls. Thrift stores are fun too as one can often find treasures quite cheaply. Happy shopping!
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Yes! Let’s do it Dianna!
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🙂 🙂 Nothing could compare to your magnificent journeys!
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A lady I know here collects the textiles and refurbishes them with tea stains, etc. Then once a year she has a sale. So interesting.
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I am an amateur antique shopper but love to go anyway. I especially love to go with someone who knows what they’re doing. 🙂
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I love the idea of antique gift giving. What fun you and your sister must have looking for things and then sharing them with each other. 🙂
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I used to love the old manuals but when you think of having to change the ribbon (where would you even find one?) and then correcting typos…. maybe word processing via a computer has it’s benefits. Even so, those old typers recall a whole lot of memories. 🙂
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Wow! I know a real expert. What is the book you wrote? Is it for sale? Where? I am already catching the bug for collecting! 🙂
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I did too Donna. My Mom taught me and I still remember “a; a;sl a;sldk;” etc. etc. etc. And “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the country.” 🙂
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Aha! I will wait for the fall! 🙂
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There is definitely something special about giving and receiving vintage things. I had forgotten that warm pleasure for most of 2014, but there are new plans in the offing.
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So she ‘antiques’ them! I recently bought a small pioneer doll that was made with lacy old textiles. She was made to look old and I just loved her so, I had to have her. It is interesting what people craft from old things.
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It’s fun to know we recognize each other! Must remember to tell Bill I am a collectible. 🙂
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Yes, maybe keeping the old Underwood would have resulted in Dor the Great. I do love having excuses for not completing a masterpiece before becoming a collectible. 🙂
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🙂 I have the urge until I remember the need for a ribbon!
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Yes! I will expand the resolution to include thrift stores. Thanks coastalcrone.
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Yes, I know of someone who makes lovely jewelry from antique shoe buckles.
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I don’t want to use it, the computer is much better, but I like the design element.
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They must be beautiful! Does she have a website? I have a friend who makes jewelry from old buttons. She also is a metal sculptor who recycles metal, old machinery, tools and such. Some of her sculptures are spectacular and her garden if full of them.
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Before the 1950s? You’ve got to be kidding!
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I love antique shopping, but have a heck of a time dragging “Dallas Cowboy Fan” along to carry the big stuff. I’m now looking for old magazines. They take up less space. What a fun New Year’s outting this would be….visiting the past.
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To my dear, collectible friend, 🙂 Happy New Year! What a sweet post, and an equally sweet New Year’s resolution. I’m happy to hear you have a new camera and zoom lens! I couldn’t imagine it in better hands. Can’t wait to see where your adventures take you this year, and what you share with us on the screen. Best wishes for 2015!
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Good thinking! 🙂
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Ditto! I am hoping to see more of you via cyberspace Melissa, and what new books are in the offing. 🙂
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Old magazines make for fabulous collections. Just reading them and looking at the ads make every penny well spent. 🙂
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A scary thought I do agree! 🙂
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I have forgotten if she has a website Eliza, but my blogger friend, Barbara, of Silver in the Barn, wrote a post about Betsy Jones, Glamour Chik, the creator of beautiful jewelry from antiques, and there are lots of photos showing her work. Here is the link: http://silverinthebarn.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/crafts-jewelry/
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Hi Dora. Thanks for your nice comments. You can purchase my book on Amazon and. Its called ” TOFFEE APPLES & TOGA’s “by Rita Roberts.
Its a sort of biography and there are some nice Roman recipes to boot. Its not at all a food book, there are many different subjects which you will see if you look it up on Amazon. Thanks for your interest Dora
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Thanks Dor! I’ll ck it out.
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I’m on my way to Amazon now to take a look at your book. Wow! I know an archaeologist and an author! 🙂 I am truly impressed.
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Well Dora ,If you do purchase it wait till you read what I have been up to in my life. On several occasions my friends and family thought I was nuts. !!
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I will let you know if I am shocked by your craziness. The book is on order and should be here in a week! 🙂
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Thanks Dora , I hope you enjoy it !
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I have a feeling I will enjoy your book Rita. Can’t wait until it gets here! 🙂
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