If you make your first left upon entering the Flowood Flea Market and walk towards the back, you will meet the Hilderbrands of Booth 5, 6 and 7. Veterans of the Flea Market after three years of developing a strong following for their wares, Buddy, himself, is retired Air Force and Pam is his wife and business partner. Their amiable and relaxed personal style is as striking as their merchandise and the eclectic mix of vintage, antique and primitive furniture is only a hint of what the couple have to offer.
Glassware, unique and vintage items fill the cases, soft lighting warms the booth along with a large selection of the sort of things that would make any room a place you want to be. "We rented space temporarily, so that we could get rid of some things," Buddy quips incredulously. "It just turned into a business." The conversation continued as he and Pam stood behind one of the three pieces that he handcrafted specifically for "The Sound and the Fury," which should be coming out by 2014, starring James Franco and Jon Hamm.
Looking around the three booths, one can find just about anything in an eye catching array of furniture styles. Buddy specializes in furniture restoration, primitive styling and building to specifications. Just like the pie safe, dry sink and kitchen table replicas of pieces from 1870, the Hilderbrands pride themselves in the art of creating for you, the furniture, literally of your dreams. "If you bring me a picture or a drawing, I can make it for you," Buddy says, running his hand on the edge of one of the pieces which will grace the silver screen.
"If you purchase a piece of furniture that I didn't build, I can guarantee you that it has the original finish. I only paint them, if there is no other way to restore it." Pride in their work and genuine care are what stands out about the couple and what they sell. As we spoke on Saturday, a dealer walked by and Pam thanked him for his help. His response to her, "No, thank you...for everything you do."
So, as the holidays get closer, and you are thinking...I want something different...or I want a cupboard just like my grandmother's...you might want to give your significant other Buddy and Pam's information. Second hand furniture can be many things, but if nothing else, it is unique, as are the Hilderbrands. Heck...forget sending someone else down to meet with them. Maybe you should just go yourself or give them a call 601-951-8490. Buddy and Pam can't wait to meet you...
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Hottest Trend in Antiques for 2014
Trends come and go. This year's "go to" clothing can find itself blacklisted next year. Bikes, rackets, lamps, tablecloths...Let's face it, we all have one room that has items we just had to have and are still scratching because of the decision. When we go to the flea market or antique mall, we hope that today's prize will not eventually become added weight in an already bulging closet or the spare room that no longer has...well...spare room. Consider, this time, investing in an item that has been around longer than you and is in the spotlight for 2014 amongst antiquers and designers alike...furniture.
The thought of adding one or two pieces of vintage or antique furniture can be intimidating and foreign. You may have already filled your house with a modern look, or southwestern, or IKEA. No matter. According to some of the hottest interior designers, antique furniture is a must have for homes of every size, shape and taste.
Beautiful Homes and Designs suggests that the mixing of antique wood and other mediums gives an added depth and warmth that new furniture alone cannot offer. It's been lived with, loved and is waiting for you to revive it with your ideas.
Don't be afraid of mixing woods, the tones, the grains and varnish, all have the ability to soften a corner, become the focal point or pull together your already fabulous and discerning eye.
Here are some things to look for in your furniture. Dovetailed drawers tell you that the dresser is built to last. Pay close attention to veneers or pressed wood items that might be used in the laundry room or bathroom. They may not survive all the impending moisture but, would be a perfect fit for entry way, a landing, or as an unconventional buffet. A dresser doesn't have to be used as one. An armoire works in so many locations...bedroom, hallway, even the living room. Whether you are storing sweaters, linens or the family TV, an antique armoire offers space, efficiency and conversation to any room.
Don't let yourself be trapped by tradition. Make your own. It's your house...your apartment and your taste. There's antique furniture to match any budget and idea. My houses have always been filled with an eclectic mix. Some of it has been pricey and some started as a downright bargain. In the end, all of the pieces became priceless and my guests never cease to comment on the blending I do of old and new.
Fortunately, this trend is on the rise...it's fun, it's hot and 2014 is just around the corner. If you hurry, you can move some of that packed closet into your new antique chest before your holiday guests arrive with the new year.
The thought of adding one or two pieces of vintage or antique furniture can be intimidating and foreign. You may have already filled your house with a modern look, or southwestern, or IKEA. No matter. According to some of the hottest interior designers, antique furniture is a must have for homes of every size, shape and taste.
Beautiful Homes and Designs suggests that the mixing of antique wood and other mediums gives an added depth and warmth that new furniture alone cannot offer. It's been lived with, loved and is waiting for you to revive it with your ideas.
Don't be afraid of mixing woods, the tones, the grains and varnish, all have the ability to soften a corner, become the focal point or pull together your already fabulous and discerning eye.
Here are some things to look for in your furniture. Dovetailed drawers tell you that the dresser is built to last. Pay close attention to veneers or pressed wood items that might be used in the laundry room or bathroom. They may not survive all the impending moisture but, would be a perfect fit for entry way, a landing, or as an unconventional buffet. A dresser doesn't have to be used as one. An armoire works in so many locations...bedroom, hallway, even the living room. Whether you are storing sweaters, linens or the family TV, an antique armoire offers space, efficiency and conversation to any room.
Don't let yourself be trapped by tradition. Make your own. It's your house...your apartment and your taste. There's antique furniture to match any budget and idea. My houses have always been filled with an eclectic mix. Some of it has been pricey and some started as a downright bargain. In the end, all of the pieces became priceless and my guests never cease to comment on the blending I do of old and new.
Fortunately, this trend is on the rise...it's fun, it's hot and 2014 is just around the corner. If you hurry, you can move some of that packed closet into your new antique chest before your holiday guests arrive with the new year.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Words...Words...Words...
For most of us, pictures, paintings or prints are what we hang on our walls. We decorate our surroundings with expected expressions of who we are and what we want others to think about us. As a writer, I look to words as a definition of me. You may be wondering what this has to do with flea markets or second hand items...a lot. You can walk down the aisles of any flea market or antique mall and find thousands of items that can express your thoughts about yourself, your home or simply a room. Instead of feeling intimidated by the possibilities of such an item, consider these ideas:
1. Signs-
Probably the easiest of items to work with, you can find these everywhere in all shapes and sizes. The larger your home, the more fun you can have with them. For example, you can find a sign that expresses your sentiment or thought, or you can combine several small signs to express your thought, such as "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"...perfect for your bedroom or your child's. A simple arrow can be used to direct guests upstairs. A sign that says "Stop" is a wonderful for a mud room and if you can capture the "boy" and "girl" signs for a restroom, they can be used on your children's bedroom doors. You know your own style or the look you are aiming to achieve. Once your start looking for signs, you'll find them everywhere and at prices that meet your budget and creative ideas.
2. Books-
I love books, but there is no doubt that there are unused millions everywhere you go. So, if you feel that books define you, then here's a few ways you can use them. The easiest way to use large bulky books is for an eclectic bedside table. You can top it with a glass topper, found in Wal-Mart and Target, or you can forgo the glass top and use a book itself as the resting place for your coffee mug. Both sides of my bed have these tables. One side is coffee table books about Feng Shui and the other about gardening. It's a winner no matter how you look at it. I've made room on my bookshelf and I didn't have to buy nightstands.
The themes are endless and multipurpose. If you don't have books and want to try this, there isn't a booth out there that doesn't have books you can get for a song. I have a friend who uses the pages of books to paper lamp bases and cheap glass vases. Talk about an inexpensive gift or addition to a room that is sure to become a conversation piece. If you really want push the envelope, try wallpapering an accent wall with book pages. Once again, let your imagination take you. Use a cornstarch paste for easy removal or wallpaper paste for something more permanent. All you need is one of those credit cards you've hidden in that drawer to ensure there are no bubbles under the pages and each page will lay flat, in any direction.
3. Individual Letters-
There isn't an idea book or magazine that doesn't showcase at least one page with a word wall art piece made of different items brought together. Consider industrial letters or old tools for a "man cave". What about buttons sewn on burlap and framed, or not framed, to express your thought. Throw pillows, bed spreads, clothing suddenly become a mouthpiece for your ideas. A frame is a frame, until you use Scrabble letters to theme it as "Friends," "Love" or "Puppy". All you need is a glue gun and an idea.
I could go on and on; but, I'd rather leave it up to you to discover what it is you want to say and how you want to say it. The internet can offer even more ideas and the tutorials to accomplish your project. Don't be afraid to ask dealers if they would be willing to offer you a greater deal, if you are buying in bulk. Dealers want to sell and a lot of the items you would use for this type of project are plentiful. If a dealer believes they will sell all of their books collecting dust, I'll bet they can work out something that pleases you both.
My guess is that once you start using your words, you won't be able to stop. Get your kids involved. What's the worst thing that can happen? They might read the pages, practice spelling or give you the best idea ever. Words give us direction, tell us where we are and bring people together. Where better to use them than in your home. Express yourself and the theme of your haven with words...words...words...
1. Signs-
Probably the easiest of items to work with, you can find these everywhere in all shapes and sizes. The larger your home, the more fun you can have with them. For example, you can find a sign that expresses your sentiment or thought, or you can combine several small signs to express your thought, such as "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"...perfect for your bedroom or your child's. A simple arrow can be used to direct guests upstairs. A sign that says "Stop" is a wonderful for a mud room and if you can capture the "boy" and "girl" signs for a restroom, they can be used on your children's bedroom doors. You know your own style or the look you are aiming to achieve. Once your start looking for signs, you'll find them everywhere and at prices that meet your budget and creative ideas.
2. Books-
I love books, but there is no doubt that there are unused millions everywhere you go. So, if you feel that books define you, then here's a few ways you can use them. The easiest way to use large bulky books is for an eclectic bedside table. You can top it with a glass topper, found in Wal-Mart and Target, or you can forgo the glass top and use a book itself as the resting place for your coffee mug. Both sides of my bed have these tables. One side is coffee table books about Feng Shui and the other about gardening. It's a winner no matter how you look at it. I've made room on my bookshelf and I didn't have to buy nightstands.
The themes are endless and multipurpose. If you don't have books and want to try this, there isn't a booth out there that doesn't have books you can get for a song. I have a friend who uses the pages of books to paper lamp bases and cheap glass vases. Talk about an inexpensive gift or addition to a room that is sure to become a conversation piece. If you really want push the envelope, try wallpapering an accent wall with book pages. Once again, let your imagination take you. Use a cornstarch paste for easy removal or wallpaper paste for something more permanent. All you need is one of those credit cards you've hidden in that drawer to ensure there are no bubbles under the pages and each page will lay flat, in any direction.
3. Individual Letters-
There isn't an idea book or magazine that doesn't showcase at least one page with a word wall art piece made of different items brought together. Consider industrial letters or old tools for a "man cave". What about buttons sewn on burlap and framed, or not framed, to express your thought. Throw pillows, bed spreads, clothing suddenly become a mouthpiece for your ideas. A frame is a frame, until you use Scrabble letters to theme it as "Friends," "Love" or "Puppy". All you need is a glue gun and an idea.
I could go on and on; but, I'd rather leave it up to you to discover what it is you want to say and how you want to say it. The internet can offer even more ideas and the tutorials to accomplish your project. Don't be afraid to ask dealers if they would be willing to offer you a greater deal, if you are buying in bulk. Dealers want to sell and a lot of the items you would use for this type of project are plentiful. If a dealer believes they will sell all of their books collecting dust, I'll bet they can work out something that pleases you both.
My guess is that once you start using your words, you won't be able to stop. Get your kids involved. What's the worst thing that can happen? They might read the pages, practice spelling or give you the best idea ever. Words give us direction, tell us where we are and bring people together. Where better to use them than in your home. Express yourself and the theme of your haven with words...words...words...
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