An Ending and a Beginning - New Adventures on the horizon!

     My son Jonathan and I have had a permanent shop at a monthly trade days now for almost 8 yrs.  It's called Winnie Trade Days in Winnie, Tx and was quite a show in it's hay-day.  I've actually talked about it in one of my previous posts -  Did you know I have a shop?!?! We change it around constantly, moving stuff from one side of the shop to the other.  Here's how it looked a few months ago:

     We've gone through many transformations and locations over the years.  From a small porch location to a full sized 'big' shop, over to a little one-room house and then to our current location, my sweet little 'half-shop'.  We've enjoyed most locations and always loved our 'neighbor vendors/friends' and the joy they brought to us.
     It is with some sadness and great excitement that I announce we are closing our sweet shop next weekend, April 8th - 10th.  It will be our last show at Winnie and we would like to invite everyone to come out, tell us good-bye and maybe find a discounted treasure or two!
    
     We are looking forward to many new, great adventures and we'll be sharing more about those soon---and remember, where there is an ending, there will also be a beginning!

God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com
  

CRAZY Busy Schedule!!

Ok, so for those of you who don't really know me, the following schedule is normal for me:

                                               January 8-10-Winnie Trade Days (just passed this last weekend)
                                               January 16 - Winter Wonderland Fashion Show - (my grandson
                                                                                    Brayden is modeling in this one!)
                                               January 22-24 - Liberty Faux Real Trade Days
                                               January 29th - 30th - TENATIVE - holding an estate sale at my
                                                                                    mom's house

                                             February 5 - 7 - Winnie Trade Days
                                             February 20 - 21 - Antique Elegance Vintage Clothing Show-Dallas, TX

                                             March 3-5 - Gypsy Market, Spring, TX
                                             March 11-13 - Winnie Trade Days
                                             March 19 - Good Oil Days Festival (I actually run this one!)


There's actually more but I got tired just typing it all!!  These are all great events and if you're in the area or there-bout's please come check them out---here are the links to each event.

      Winnie Trade Days - www.larrysoldtimetradedays.com
      Winter Wonderland Fashion Show - www.humblecc.com
       Liberty Faux Real Trade Days - www.facebook.com/FauxRealDesignCo/
       Antique Elegance Vintage Clothing Show -http://antiqueelegance.info/
       Gypsy Market - www.gypsymarket.net
       Good Oil Days Festival - www.goodoildays.com

Lots of this stuff will be packed and taken to other shows--aagggghhhhhh!

Brayden's 'soulful' look--guest he's practicing for his modeling debut!!

As you can see, I've got a VERY full schedule over the next few months!!  But I do sooooo love going to shows and meeting new people--and hopefully making some money too!

Please be sure to check out all these great websites and come by and see me if you're in the neighborhood!  ;)

Until then,
God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com




                                            


                                            

The up's and DOWN'S of being a vendor/seller!

     Wow!  What a difference a few days can make.  A few weeks ago I participated in a wonderful show called "The Gypsy Market" at the Klein Center in Spring, Tx.  It's a large event with hundred's of vendors.  I was selling my wonderful vintage clothing and accessories next to my booth buddy Trisha who sells many great items that she makes herself.

A sweet customer at the Gypsy Market

     It was pouring down rain almost the entire 3-days of the show and, even though this is an indoor show, rain is usually death to an event like this.  HOWEVER, this show not only flourished despite all the wetness going on but was full of great people who were buying, buying, BUYING!!  I did very well at that show. $$$$$$$

    On to the next weekend which was our usual monthly Winnie Trade Days show (see my previous post titled "Did you know I have a shop?")--it was horrible!  It rained for Friday and Saturday at this show and there was almost NO ONE shopping!  Sunday turned into a beautiful day with very cool temps and lots of sunshine---and the people came, HOWEVER they were just not buying!! We barely made rent.   $$$$$$

The very next weekend we had the Flea fest, a 2 day show in Lake Charles, Louisiana.   Talk about a BIG show!!  There had to be at least 10,000 people coming through and they were buying.  We didn't do as well as the Gypsy Market but it was good.  $$$  It's an outside show under a covered pavilion and only twice a year.  And look where we stayed:

L'auberge Casino, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jonathan and I in front of their fabulous fountain

Jonathan learning how to gamble---NOT!

     Yes, we got to stay at a casino!  I've never been to one before and never gambled but I must say it was fun!!  My close friend and her husband took us to dinner and then the casino part of the hotel---I watched mostly while she played. 

     And so, the moral of this story is:  in this type of business it's usually 'feast or famine' and often nothing in between.  You leave some shows smiling and too many others wondering why you where there!  And why am I sharing all this with you?  Not to discourage you, but if you are thinking about breaking away from the 9 to 5 scene, be wise and be prepared!!  Plan, research and PRAY because you must have patience and tons of FAITH!!  Search your heart and again, PRAY--great things happen when you do!!

Ps 121:2 "My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth."

Brayden at our shop--he works VERY hard there!





 

   And so, I leave you with a picture of my precious grandson Brayden resting in our shop (we sold that chair by the way!)

 

 

God Bless all and any who read this,

 

Pat, My Kitschy Closet

www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com



 

Too little time, too much to do!!

     When I first started this blog I made myself a promise NOT to let too much time go by between posts......well, that didn't happen!!

     It's been almost a month since my last post and I can't understand where the time has gone!  Of course, if I take a deep breath and really, really LOOK at my schedule I would definitely see almost minute by minute how I used that time.

     My last post was after my Winnie Trade Days show but before the Gypsy Market sale (which was a phenomenal sale for us!!).   We are going to Winnie again this weekend (it's monthly) and to the Fleafest in Lake Charles, Louisiana the weekend after this.  Then only a few shows after that till Christmas.  Combine this with a full-time job, trying to be creative, helping to raise my grandson Brayden who lives with me AND trying to sell online........well, you can see where all those minutes, hours, DAYS have gone!!

     BUT, this is not what this blog is about (ok, maybe just a little).  It's about priorities and placing the things that are important in our lives first.
   
    In our home and in my life we try to place God first, always looking to him for guidance, substance and pretty much everything!  He is a good Heavenly Father and watches over us with a loving and gracious hand.  And I used the word "try" because we are human after all and don't always succeed in these areas. There are soooooo many times when the stress of just breathing overcomes us and it's much easier to panic then to hold on for that answer from God.  But ultimately, my family and I believe His is the one true path that will eventually direct us to a more peaceful existence.  And I do so need a peaceful existence!!

     Don't mean to get on my soap box or preach... and if you are a non-believer in these matters I certainly don't mean to offend.  But this is who I am, what I am and how I live my life, no apologies for this, just explanation of actions.

     Family is of course highly important and my wonderful grandson Brayden has a very special place in my heart---he is the love of my life!!  We play together, work together and more importantly pray together.  He is very strong willed but has a kind heart......he will often share his candy with me!

 

Brayden at the book store--he LOVES books!!

Brayden in his Capt. American costume

Brayden loves his mommy and went in her room and fell asleep in the floor while waiting for her to come home!

Brayden with his mommy, my daughter Brittany

This is a wonderful young lady who bought this vintage dress from me--she was amazing and rocks that dress!!

Just thought I'd throw this one in the mix---my sisters and me a long time ago!!  Guess which one is me (hint: I'm the baby of the family)

     There are so many things that try to distract us from the important things in our lives.  My hope and prayer for all who read this is that you find the important things in your life, the things that will not only help you rise higher but will also bring positive changes to those around you.  God's intent was for us to enjoy our lives, to move ahead with all throttles open, focused and centered on our 'goal'!!
                                                   "We’ve only got one shot,
                                                       Gonna take it now,
                                                    Goin’ all in, gonna make it count,
                                                        Won’t look back, gonna set my eyes
                                                   ‘Cause there ain’t no practice runs in life
                                                
                                                          This is not a test, it is the real thing!"
                                                                                        Toby Mac - 'This is not a test"

Till next time, God Bless all and any who read this,

Pat
My Kitschy Closet

Did you know I have a shop?!?!

     You may not know, but I've got a brick-n-mortar shop in Winnie TX!!  There is a great monthly trade show in the sweet little town of Winnie Texas called Larry's Old Time Trade Days although the locals just call it "Winnie trade days".  It's been there for YEARS and most months pull a pretty good crowd of customers.   You can check them out here  www.larrysoldtimetradedays.com 

     We (my son and I) have sold everything from vintage toys to lawn décor to barber chairs!!  I always joke that if it stands still long enough, I'll sell it!  You may notice that I don't take my vintage clothing to the shop.  That's because Winnie is one of the windiest places I've ever seen and dirt is always an issue even in the enclosed shops like mine.  It's very hard to keep the shop clean and I just don't want to damage any of the fine clothing I have.  So, we sell a little bit of this and that.

    We've moved to different shops several times in the 8 yrs that we've been there but I think I like the little shop we're in now the best.  It's just the right size since I don't usually have much spare time to go looking for treasures.  AND, it's easier to move stuff around and change the look of the shop---I had a recurring customer tell me this past show that they almost thought they were in the wrong shop 'cause it looked so different!!  NO WAY, my shop is always the right place to be. 

     Here are a few pictures of how my shop looks now:

We've actually changed this corner a little since this picture was taken



I love my turquoise border!

The large bookcase is my son's stuff---he's a picker too!!

Most of those quilts are sold---I've got to go shopping soon for more



This section is 'under construction' as I plan on changing things around again!





     Well, that's it for now.  I've got another BIG show in less than 2-weeks and I'm hustling around getting my clothing ready for it....almost done but there always seems to be 'one more thing' to do!  I will post pictures of some of the wonderful vintage clothing I'll be taking to the show.

     Thanks again for reading my blog and PLEASE be sure to follow me here, on facebook and on pinterest-----and don't forget to leave a comment, I would LOVE to hear from you!!

God Bless all and any who read this

Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/mykitschycloset
www.pinterest.com/mykitschycloset