Blooming in Lucketts

The shop is in bloom.  We were supposed to get rain today, but it actually held off until late in the day after we closed.

Everyone has been working extra hard to get their spaces ready for the fair next weekend (May 21st & 22nd).  We had loads of mulch delivered last week.  Heather has added a few more tents outside of her pavilion.  Henry and Matt were busy cutting the grass today.  Many of the dealers inside the main shop and pavilions are making extra trips this week to drop off more goodies.  I think what stands out the most for me are the beautiful hanging baskets and garden statues outside. 

Here are some pics from the shop this past weekend.

As you wander outside around the pavilions, you start to get lost in the oversized ferns.

There are pops of color like these gerbera daisies on a red wagon.

There are several types of petunias to choose from including this cheerful shade.

I love this deep purple basket hanging from our pergola.

The shop is blooming inside too.

2011 Lucketts Spring Market Vendor - Mustard Seed Interiors

Since we have a record 170 vendors this year, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to some of the exciting vendors we will be featuring at the May Spring Market.   
 

Mustard Seed Interiors is a small business that was born out of a love for antiques, decorating on a budget, and giving old pieces of furniture new life. For over ten years Marian Parsons, the owner, has transformed second hand finds, hunted for unique antiques, and designed functional and beautiful spaces in her home and the homes of friends and family. In 2008, this passion for DIY and home décor became Mustard Seed Interiors and eventually the blog, Miss Mustard Seed in August of 2009. 

Marian is also a freelance writer for HGTV.com and a contributor to Cottages and Bungalows magazine. Most recently, her work has been featured in Romantic Homes magazine (January 2011), Flea Market Style (Spring 2011), Cottages and Bungalows (April 2011, May 2011) and online at houzz.com, apartmenttherapy.com, designspongeonline.com, about.com and many DIY/home decorating blogs.

When Marian isn't showing at the Lucketts Spring Market or working on her blog, she is busy finding antiques and refurbishing furniture for her vendor space at our very own, Old Lucketts Store.

Marian rescued this chair, then painted, distressed, and reupholstered it in a vintage feed sack.  Awesome!

One of Marian's hand painted signs based on vintage graphics.  She uses old wood, sometimes rescued from barns and uses antique hardware to complete the look.

This hand painted dresser made quite a stir at the shop when it was offered back in February.

Marian is always trying out new projects on her blog, Miss Mustard Seed.  There you'll find refinishing tips and before and afters of her creations.

The 2011 Lucketts Spring Antiques Market will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd.  The fair is located on the grounds surrounding the The Old Lucketts Store, 42350 Lucketts Road, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Gates open at 10am each day and remain open until 5pm.  Admission is $7.  Pack up your best friends and get ready for a day of fun and excitement.  This is an event you WON'T WANNA MISS!

2011 Lucketts Spring Market Vendor - Chartreuse & Co.

Since we have a record 170 vendors this year, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to some of the exciting vendors we will be featuring at the May Spring Market.   
 

What does one do with a collection of large, vintage barns, resting on the remains of your grandparents’ farm?  Why you load them with fabulous vintage treasures, decorate them, and invite enthusiastic, like-minded people to enjoy.   That’s exactly what Virginia Crum, owner of Chartreuse & Co, did.  Joined by a dozen other dealers with over-the-top energy levels and creative talents, Crum opens her barns in Buckeystown, Maryland one weekend a month.

“You can just feel the energy building throughout the week just before we open,” gushes Crum.  “It’s such a thrill to see all the great finds everyone has collected through the month; I find it way too distracting!”  Virginia and her team scour the country – literally from Texas to Florida to the Mid-Atlantic and New England – seeking those unique and inspiring pieces that set Chartreuse & Co apart. 

The goal of Chartreuse & co is to display their ever-changing vintage offerings in a way that inspires and demonstrates to customers how to decorate with these extraordinary pieces.  And to price things so that anyone can afford the great items they’ve discovered.  Virginia's barn sales were recently featured a Washington Post article and she will be in the May issue of Southern Living magazine.

Viringia's barns are piled high with treasures, ready for the Spring Market!  I want these old riding boots.

A great collection of vintage clocks.

These curvy chairs have so much character!

The 2011 Lucketts Spring Antiques Market will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd.  The fair is located on the grounds surrounding the The Old Lucketts Store, 42350 Lucketts Road, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Gates open at 10am each day and remain open until 5pm.  Admission is $7.  Pack up your best friends and get ready for a day of fun and excitement.  This is an event you WON'T WANNA MISS!

2011 Lucketts Spring Market Vendor - Tuscany Designs

Since we have a record 170 vendors this year, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to some of the exciting vendors we will be featuring at the May Spring Market.

Tuscany Designs Inc. was started by Chad McDaniel over 17 years ago. While buying and selling antiques, he started experimenting with different painting techniques and has perfected the process that has given him his signature look. Chad's attention to the smallest detail ensures that every painted piece of furniture has his special Tuscany Design.  Dealers and designers alike constantly inquire about his exclusive, proprietary  process by which he refinishes.  Every piece of furniture that he “refreshes” is completely hand finished from beginning to completion.

For more than 14 years, Chad has been showing his furniture at Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta, Ga.  This show has offered him the opportunity to sell his wares to several famous designers, including Michael Moloney of Extreme Makeover Home Edition fame, buyers for Ralph Lauren, and Paula Dean.

Chad's business expanded into his new exclusive Tuscany Collections line.  Chad's work has been seen in Frederick Magazine, Country Living, and Veranda.  He will be featured and seen in the May issue of Southern Living magazine.  His furniture has been shipped from California to Maine and continues to have a huge following everywhere it's displayed.

Chad's painting techniques highlight the details on each piece.

Chad's lines include mirrors, dressers, ottomans and side tables.

Burlap covered chairs and pillows made from feed sacks are best sellers.

The 2011 Lucketts Spring Antiques Market will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd.  The fair is located on the grounds surrounding the The Old Lucketts Store, 42350 Lucketts Road, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Gates open at 10am each day and remain open until 5pm.  Admission is $7.  Pack up your best friends and get ready for a day of fun and excitement.  This is an event you WON'T WANNA MISS!

2011 Lucketts Spring Market Vendor - Findings at Summerhouse

Since we have a record 170 vendors this year, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to some of the exciting vendors we will be featuring at the May Spring Market.

Summerhouse is a brick and mortar shop located in New Jersey operated by a mother and daughter team, Kathe Van Harte and daughter Joanna Madden.  These bargain hunters and collectors have worked together since the 90's.  Their shop in Point Pleasant, NJ is made up of the things they love --- vintage, funky, industrial, great paper and a little bit of new.  


Five years ago, Joanna, a former merchandiser for Banana Republic and J Crew, started a one of a kind jewelry line from recycled and reused pieces. Joanna's Findings line has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Boho, Best of Philly, and Family Circle.  Over the past ten years both of their homes have been featured in Country Living and Hearst shelter books.  They have been doing the Country Living Fairs for the past four years and Kathe said she loves outdoor venues and is looking forward to the Lucketts Spring Market!
        

I'm loving these bracelets made from old pins and brooches.

Gorgeous rings --- I'll take one of each please.

Kathe and Joanna display their necklaces on reverse canvases, which creates a shadow box effect.  This is a great idea you can easily copy to showcase your jewelry at home too!

              
The 2011 Lucketts Spring Antiques Market will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd.  The fair is located on the grounds surrounding the The Old Lucketts Store, 42350 Lucketts Road, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Gates open at 10am each day and remain open until 5pm.  Admission is $7.  Pack up your best friends and get ready for a day of fun and excitement.  This is an event you WON'T WANNA MISS!

2011 Lucketts Spring Market Vendor - Alice & Jay

Since we have a record 170 vendors this year, we wanted to take some time to introduce you to some of the exciting vendors we will be featuring at the May Spring Market.

Alice Durham and Jay Redmond of Alice and Jay, LLC, are two self-proclaimed "clueless shopkeepers and fellow junk lovers" who adore traveling the backroads of America looking for hidden treasures.  They thrive on taking discarded items and turning them into art of all kinds.  Alice & Jay specialize in lamps and chandeliers but the madness never stops there!  They turn old bathtubs into chaise lounges, heart pine flooring into tables,  tin cans into flowers, and old car parts into benches.  They never throw anything away! 

Alice and Jay have a store in three historic buildings in the small (very small) Southern Georgia town of Sasser. They travel to Marburger Farms in Round Top, Texas twice a year and the Lucketts Spring Market in May.  They have had feature articles in Southwest Georgia Living and Wiregrass Living.

I just love this quote from Alice and Jay, which sums up their company and outlook on life:  "We never, ever, take ourselves too seriously, for life is way too short!  We believe in pink flamingos, mermaids, and hope to take a magic carpet ride with each and every one of you."

Alice & Jay offer unique lighting options made from architectural elements.

Look closely.  Yes, that chaise is made from a BATH TUB!

Check out these lamps made from old gears.

The 2011 Lucketts Spring Antiques Market will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and 22nd.  The fair is located on the grounds surrounding the The Old Lucketts Store, 42350 Lucketts Road, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Gates open at 10am each day and remain open until 5pm.  Admission is $7.  Pack up your best friends and get ready for a day of fun and excitement.  This is an event you WON'T WANNA MISS!

Private Preview Party at the Design House

Last night, we had a private party for our April Design House contest winner, Desi Campbell.  Desi and a group of friends were treated to yummy food and drinks and a preview of our May Design House before it opened officially for the weekend (this Friday through Sunday, May 6, 7 & 8th).

Desi is from Lorton, VA and works with her friends at NVR Homes in Fairfax, VA.  It's almost her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DESI!), and she said she's never won anything --- which I don't really believe.  You see, Desi has some sort of luck going and she was meant to win this party.  She entered in our drawing at the April Design House.  Before the weekend was over, Lisa thought it would be a good idea to practice picking a winner before the contest was over (always be prepared!).  She mixed up the entries and pulled Desi's name.  Now Lisa felt comfortable she had enough practice for the real drawing a few days later, which was waaaay more official --- it took place in the car on the way to a buying trip in High Point, NC last month.  All the entries were put in a bird cage, mixed around, and guess what --- Desi's name was pulled again!

The gals arrived last night around 7pm.  After the traditional hellos and a round of Charlie Sheen "winning" jokes, the ladies got down to business.  The Design House was in full swing, candles were lit, the food and drinks were out, and we were ready to get to some serious shopping.

The spread included salmon cakes with capers, crab cakes, baked brie, focaccia (or FO-KAY-SHA bread as Lisa calls it), & roasted veggies.  For desert we had lemon meringue cupcakes and chocolate truffles.  To drink, we had limeade, Sangria, and Suzanne's new favorite, as seen on Oprah, Moscow Mules.

Queen for a day!  Winner Desi Campbell in our Cinderella coach out in the garden.

"The Damage"

Desi and friends found some great scarves, necklaces, an oversized garden pinwheel, and glass accessories, among other things...

Desi and friends enjoying the spread and chatting it up in the Design House.

The Lucketts crew - Kim, Lisa, Amy, Suzanne & Gina enjoying Moscow Mules in the kitchen with our new friends.

"Okay everyone, now do something silly"

A much nicer version of this picture exists, but who can resist a goofy picture with Mother's Day props?

So, all good things must come to an end.  Desi and crew deparated about 8:30 and we were left with lots of empty glasses and some yummy leftovers.  As we cleaned up, the night quickly regressed with another round of Moscow Mules....     .....a quick poll to see if anyone had Twister in their car and was ready to play  ....sharing stories about meeting in the parking lot of our yoga studio and skipping class in favor of a Bob Evans breakfast   .....a reinactment of our last buying trip where we stopped in a bar in Nowhere, VA and belted out karaoke tunes for a couple of barflies and a toothless man in the corner.

   

What a night.  Congrats Desi!

March 2011 Design House Sneak Peek

I snuck into the Design House today and took some pictures for you all.  The full preview is on our website, but here are a few of my favorites. 

Remember the Design House IS open for Mother's Day weekend, May 6, 7 & 8th.  Stop by for some drinks, munchies, and of course, wonderful shopping.

The Old Lucketts Store Design House is about a shopping experience that tempts all of your senses.  And the May Design House surely does that.  Great products and original design ideas to tempt your eyes, handpicked scents that will transport you to a blooming spring meadow, fabulous textiles you'll want to run your fingers over, mimosas and tasty eats to tempt your taste buds, and great music to round out your shopping experience.

As you flow from room to room, our vignettes showcase our fabulous finds in a house-like setting to tempt your eyes.  I loved this bar setup on the first floor, with unusual metal light fixtures.

We're tempting your sense of smell with wonderful candles in fresh, springy scents...

For our horse lovers and lovers of great art, there are several over sized abstract horse canvases.  Make a statement for the entire room with just one great piece.

 You'll see lots of owl accents this month; in artwork, in pillows, and tableware (shown here).  Native Americans associated the owl with wisdom, foresight, and the keeper of sacred knowledge.  Hmmm, sounds like most of the moms I know!

These delicate necklaces with beads and findings are a feast for the eyes...

...while this sideboard with its delicate scroll motif houses curtain panels made of luxurious fabrics...so serene

Go ahead, try on our comfy slippers or touch one of our luxurious scarves. 

They add an instant touch of elegance to any outfit.

And of course, what is shopping without some drinks and food for your taste buds?

We'll have all of the five senses covered at the May Design House...we've even downloaded some great new 'tunes for your ears to listen to while you're shopping.

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Oh, guess what?  This Thursday, we are hosting a private party for the winner of last month's Design House give away.  The winner of the April contest and 10 of her closest friends are going to have quite the Cinco de Mayo treat - a private shopping party at the Design House before it opens this Friday.  Lucky girl!  More pics to come...

Happy Mother's Day to all of our favorite moms!  Please visit us May 6th, 7th, and 8th, at the Design House.

Pamper Mom at The Design House

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We know what Mom wants for Mother's Day.

She wants a  peaceful afternoon sipping mimosas while taking in the beautiful, serene Design House at Lucketts!  She wants to pick up something for herself...maybe a new pair of flip flops or a scarf ... but most of all she wants time to relax and be inspired.  

The Design House WILL be open for you and your favorite mom on Mother's Day weekend.  Friday, Saturday, & Sunday - May 6th, 7th & 8th    10am to 5pm all three days.

Take a seat and relax on the sunlit porch.

These romantic iron remnants remind us of years past.

  

Whimsical, moving garden sculptures.

Comfy footwear to pamper your feet.

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Click here to join our email list and learn about special events, sales, and our Design House weekends.

$100 gift card give away - and the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who entered our gift card give away by commenting on our blog, signing up to follow our blog, or posting information about our Spring Market on their blogs.  It was so nice to read all of the comments each day!

We have randomly selected a winner for the $100 gift certificate, and the winner is Rachel F.  Congratulations!  We will be mailing out your gift certificate this week so you can enjoy it on your next visit.  Rachel F - can you please email the shop (luckettstore@gmail.com) and send us your address?  Your profile does not include your email address details.

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We had such a great time moving our blog over to blogger.  This new format gives us so much more freedom to post and interact with you all.  So from now on, look for more frequent posts.  We already have several posts in the works, including:

• Profiles on our favorite vendors appearing at our Spring Market May 21st and 22nd
• DIYs so you can learn the tricks we use to refinish some of our pieces
• Travel behind the scenes with us on some of our famous buying trips
• Insider looks at items arriving Fresh Off the Wagon each week at our store in Leesburg
• And a lot more!