The “Dog Days of Summer” sale starts Friday, July 24th and continues through the weekend.  Vera’s Vintage offers 10% off on cash/check purchases and 5% off credit card purchases.  This includes all linens and quilts ~  which typically never go on sale.  Hope to see you there!

Vera’s Vintage is Located at Stevensville Antiques on Kent Island in Stevensville, Maryland

I’m sitting here thinking about what a great time I had during the Kent Island Days festivities.  The day started out overcast and grey, with a threat of rain.  But it did not rain, and in fact it turned out to be a pretty nice day.  It was wonderful to see all the familiar faces, welcome new comers, and think about friends who are no longer with us…..in particular, Sonny Jones the previous owner of Stevensville Antiques.  Every year, Sonny and I used to sit out front of the shop on a barn-red wooden bench with wrought iron sides watching the local parade enroute.  That bench is gone now, I believe it sold some time ago, and now a new bench sits outside.  Things change, life goes on, good memories fuel the soul….thinking of you fondly Mr. Jones.

Kent Island Days is quickly approaching, and as the quaint historic town of Stevensville prepares for this annual event, I too begin putting together an eclectic mix of items for sale. 

This yearly event commemorates the founding of Kent Island in 1631.  The celebration begins @ 10:00 a.m. with the local parade, followed by displays and activities that demonstrate Kent Island’s heritage.  Stevensville Antiques and local artists have store front displays. 

Vera’s Vintage has participated in this yearly event for the past 10 years.  Stop by and say hello ~ looking forward to seeing you!

It was a beautiful day today.  The tree below is in full bloom in front of Stevensville Antiques.

Found this great old Heywood Wakefield wicker rocker.  I just love the look of old wicker, chippy paint and all.  The old spring-filled cushion was in pretty poor shape and needed a little work.  I had this burlap grain bag with the word “Manhattan” printed on it in big bold black letters.  Perfect and eco-friendly too.  Just one dilemma…..should I paint the chair black?  I know it would look good….should I or shouldn’t I?  I’m just too tired to think about it, guess I’ll sleep on it.  Sweet Dreams.

Black or Green?

Found this sweet little Victorian Childs Chair at auction, and re-upholstered the seat with a vintage dresser scarf.  Turned out kinda of cute, don’t you think?

 

Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Buongiorno, Gueten Tag…..well you get the picture.  Hello everyone and welcome to the first Vera’s Vintage journal entry.

Here is where I plan on communicating with you about my retail shop, letting you know about up-coming sales and any special events being planned.  I’ll also share with you the many stories that come from the thrill of the hunt.  Since my passion leads me to many interesting places and people. 

First, I would like to give you a little background about my shop, Vera’s Vintage.  It is located in the historic district of Stevensville, Maryland.  It’s a small, quaint, retail shop situated in a larger co-op shop, Stevensville Antiques.   Only accessible by bridge, Stevensville Maryland is located on Kent Island and is surrounded by many waterways (i.e., Chesapeake Bay, Chester River). 

I’ve been selling antiques and decorator items for the past 12 years.  I generally specialize in linens, shabby cottage furnishings, and a eclectic mix of home décor.  I enjoy creating many of the items that I sell, and always try to make things that you can’t find in retail stores.  I love being unique and making one-of-a-kind gifts.  My mind is constantly creating….if I just had more time.  I love making pillows from vintage linens and cutter quilts.  I enjoy painting furniture and finding use in items that most people would throw away. 

My business has continued to change and grow.   After giving it some thought, I decided that I’d like to sell on-line.  Now I say to you “What in the world was I thinking?”  I must be (1) really brave or (2) really stupid since I don’t know a thing about on-line sales, e-commerce, setting up a web site, and the list goes on and on.  But with the help of a few very special people in my life (namely, my son Ken) and a lot of hard work, my dream of selling my treasures on-line is in progress.  

As I continue to learn about e-commerce and e-business, I realize that perhaps naivety is a blessing.  Not knowing everything let’s you look to the future with a bit more optimism, helps you to only expect the best, and allows you to fear not.  I say to myself “Yes, it is comforting not knowing everything this venture will entail.”  Now, please don’t get me wrong, I take my business very seriously and want my customers to be completely happy and satisfied with the items purchased from me.  After all, if not for you, where would I be?  To share my passion with others, and have you appreciate what I do is truly a rewarding experience.

In the near future, I will open my wares to the world of on-line shoppers…..please check back for updates.  Until next time…I shout…..

“It’s Spring, it’s Spring……and the marché aux puces are in abundance!  Dive away fellow entrepreneurs.” 

vv