The Occasional Saler

There’s lots of unique jewelry made from various old relics (some with added bling from new crystals). Note the sign on the bust: LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO WEAR DEPARTMENT STORE JEWELRY. That pretty much sums up the allure of buying one-of-kind pieces. You’ll also like the original scarves, purses, boot toppers, tops, and fancy lingerie. For your home, you’ll find original art, desk accessories, pillows, and oodles of small decor items – plus a few window frames and chalk boards – repurposed, of course. The show continues until 4 PM today at Otten Bros. Garden Center on Wayzata Blvd in Long Lake. You can pick up a green plant while you’re there too.

This weekend feels like it’s sort of between January and February in terms of which month’s sales listing is best so I want to draw your attention to these three sales.

Spicy & Sweet Boutique is open Thu-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-4 at 6532 W Lake St, St Louis Park with art featured.
Your Lucky Day! is open Thu-Sun 9-6 at 4159 Grand Ave South, Minneapolis, with special Valentine gifts.
Junkmarket’s Pamper Yourself Trunk Show is on Saturday only 9-4 at Otten Bros. Garden Center on Wayzata Blvd in Long Lake with many creative vendors.

The Brass Peacock is home to elegant, historic charm. Antiques of Victorian or Downton Abbey era are abundant. All very proper and lovely. How Quaint mixes cottage charm with vintage pieces. Both stores are open this weekend. The Brass Peacock at 4740 W 124th is 2 blocks south of Hwy 13 and west of Lynn. How Quaint is at 714 1st Ave E in downtown Shakopee. Happy saling!

Chaska and Carver are historic towns situated fairly close to each other in the Minnesota River Valley. The charming old buildings, many built with local brick, create the perfect setting for antique treasure hunting. There’s an ebb and flow of vendors, but plenty of shops to visit this weekend. In Chaska, there’s Linda’s Cellar at 110 East 2nd and Shop 501 at 501 Chestnut. Carver is home to Ms. Mac’s Too, Carver Junk Company, The Nature of It, The Vintage Cottage, and Not So Shabby which are all on N. Broadway (the main street). Retro Revival and Homestead Antiques (inside Carver Country Flowers & Gifts) and the Good Junk Garage are on East 3rd (across Broadway). These occasional shops are more about traditional, rustic, shabby and quality whether in “as is” condition or repurposed. All shops are open Thu 10-5 and Fri-Sat 10-4. Click on This Month’s Sales for more specific information. Happy Saling!

These captions correctly identify the photos from my recent South Minneapolis post. Sorry for the confusion!

Tired of clutter and ready to be inspired? The shops I visited today really felt fresh and spacious. I was able to buy birthday cards for friends (shhh!) and a darling vintage shrug for myself. The growth chart of old (to measure how tall a child is on birthdays) has been redesigned as a decor item at Amour Sophie. And the items shown at Laurie’s Trunk probably will be gone before you arrive since everything in the store is AT LEAST 10% off this weekend. These shops are relatively close so you can make the circuit, add a couple more and stop for refreshments along the way.

The bright sun more than compensated for the cool temps outside today. I wandered amongst silver, glassware, and chandeliers which all sparkled in the elegant atmosphere of the Bee Cottage. There’s a good selection of china, not all of it my favorite blue (pictured). Handsomely refinished furniture looked good next to gilded mirrors. There’s lots of fancy jewelry to like – some old, some repurposed. The cozy cabin corner offered classic kids’ Valentine’s. All this and more awaits you at the Bee Cottage, 441 2nd St, in Excelsior. Hours are Wed-Sat 10 – 5. 612-787-2233

Chloe’s Attic provided a warm welcome this morning after a shorter than expected drive. Several handsome pieces of mahogany furniture mingled with more painted furniture such as the cabinet repurposed as a drinks or storage cabinet. Traditional and western pieces sit comfortably side by side demonstrating the many possibilities for creative decor. Hours are Fri-Sat 9-7, Sun 9-4 at 155 Hamel Rd. (just west of Plymouth off Hwy 55). 612-703-5402

Dear Salers ~
It’s been a great year of shopping all over the Twin Cities and out into greater Minnesota. Thank you for reading our posts and checking our Monthly Sales listings! Many new shops opened in 2013. Our policy has been to only list a shop after we have personally visited it so we can share a photo and short description. This is becoming more time consuming, but we will try to keep up. Please feel free to add a comment if you find a new shop you’d like us to visit. The list for this month is still in progress as some shops haven’t announced 2014 dates. As always, please verify open dates before you make a special trip.

Dear Shop Owners ~
Thank you for providing so much hospitality and (might I even say) entertainment throughout the year! You are a fabulous group of individuals. It’s always a pleasure to visit you and see what unique treasures you have to offer. I just have one favor to ask: please publish your dates and times well in advance. (Sometimes it’s hard to guess which weekend is your regular open weekend especially when there’s a holiday). And if you see an error in This Month’s Sales, please comment so it can be corrected.
Thank you! Hope to see you soon!

Your Lucky Day! at 42nd and Grand Avenue South is open this weekend with a Downton Abbey ambiance. The silver is gleaming, the linens are pressed, and Major Biddle’s portrait commands your attention from above the buffet. Of course, there’s lovely jewelry, an elegant dress and coat plus decor items with a formal, English look. Stop by Thursday – Sunday, 9 – 6 each day for a relaxed shopping experience.