Last year was the very first Chapel Market in Pike Road, Alabama. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it last year, because of the distance I would need to travel from PA and I had never even thought about hauling my furniture and antiques that far. After mulling it over with Jeff, we decided it just sounded like a fun thing to be a part of and we went for it. It was a huge success in every way, so it was a no-brainer that we would come back this year. And we did. Last Wednesday, we packed up our van and little open trailer with everything from the “green zone” in the studio and left at 4:00 am the next day for Alabama.
Last year, our booth was swarmed, so this year we brought help. Kriste and her husband David followed us in their car and we caravanned over 850 miles to Pike Road. I was fortunate enough to get to sleep a bit when we first headed out. It was a crick-in-my-neck-half-awake kind of sleep, though, but I was thankful for it just the same. Once I woke up, Jeff suggested we listen to an audio book (I called it a “book on tape” and Jeff pointed out how behind the times I was!) Anyway, I was open to the idea, but was’t too enthusiastic. I really wanted to sing my way there with a musical. Well, that changed as soon as we got a few minutes into the story. The book was Unbroken, about the amazing and inspirational life of Louie Zamperini, and we could’ve driven to the Florida Keys as long as I could’ve kept listening to it. The story ended up getting us there and all the way to Greenville, SC on the way back and it was riveting and moving the entire way. My navigation duties deteriorated into “Oh, just stay on this road for another 172 miles. Okay? Can we start the book again, now?” Jeff had created a monster.
We arrived to true southern hospitality. We stayed in the Chapel Hill Loft again, which is just a stone’s throw from the chapel where the market was held. Once we were settled, we were invited to a dinner by the loft & chapel owner, Dale, and his wife. The dinner was delicious and it was great company at the end of a long day in the car. Susie Harris and her husband were at the dinner as well and it was nice to get to know them better.
The next day was filled with setting up our space, getting organized for market day, meeting new vendors and reuniting with the old. I just soaked in the time with friends and the creative energy of all of the talented vendors displaying their wares.
The morning of the market showed off a blue sky, white puffy clouds and long shadows cast by a warm sun. It was gorgeous and I grabbed my camera and snapped some pictures from the loft while still in my jammies.
We were all set up, but there were still a few last minute things to go over, so we were ready when the doors opened. At about 20 ’til 9:00 am, I walked around to snap some pictures of the booths.
A few girls ran the sweetest cocoa and coffee stand…
…and the vintage goods and pretty things were packed in every cranny of the venue.
I also ran outside to snap a picture of the line that had formed at the entrance and to give some hugs to those waiting to get in.
I headed back inside to get “in position” before the doors opened and then it was craziness for about two straight hours!
At one point, we had three people processing sales and things were still at a stand-still in my booth. It’s good problem to have, but waiting in line is never fun. Everyone was so gracious and patient. If someone threw an elbow or grumbled, I didn’t see it. I did a lot of chatting and signed books and look books…
…and a few other things upon request…
…including furniture and a couple of ironstone bowls, even!
Things settled down a bit around lunch time, but sales were still pretty steady and a lot of fluffing needed to be done to the space. At 2:00, I went out to one of the tents to teach a 30 minute “milk paint 101” demo. I was expecting a small crowd, but was pleasantly surprised as I was surrounded. 30 minutes goes by like lightning when you’re trying to teach all about milk paint and all of the different looks and finishing options, so I was talking fast to cover a lot of ground. I fee like it went really well, though.
We were pretty much wiped out by the end of the day. The only large pieces of furniture that didn’t sell were the Bergere dresser and the small farm table. I was going to use the dresser in my sons’ room, but decided to keep it on the market, so it’s still available if anyone is interested. (It’s $425.) We do have some ironstone and other small things left and we’ll list those in the online shop soon.
I’ve already received some pictures of where my pieces ended up, so I know they went to good homes. (I just love it when my creations keep in touch!) I especially loved this instagram pic by Kristen, the girl who bought the bunny pull-toy for her baby’s nursery.
Once the market ended, we packed up what was left along with what I bought (more on that later) and started the trip home. Kriste, David, Jeff and I stopped for a leisurely dinner to unwind and chat about the day. I mentioned how I wish we had a video of everyone rushing in the door. A couple of people made a beeline to specific pieces with impressive intention. Jeff chimed in, “Oh, I did take a video of that!” I wish he kept it running a little bit longer, because the room quickly filled and was bustling, but you get the general idea from this clip…
I just finished Unbroken too. So terrible and yet uplifting at the same time.
These photos are beautiful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
Great recap, and congratulations! Surprised the bergere blue didn’t sell!
Unbroken was by far the best book I read in 2013 – glad you experienced it!! The movie comes out Christmas day! 😉
And your booth looked beautiful! Congrats on another successful market!
THAT STORY… I was essentially reading with one eye closed when the sharks showed up. The book stayed with me for a long time after. (I didn’t know there is going to be a movie!)
Your photos are beautiful as always! That first one in particular.
Thanks for sharing! I couldn’t wait for you to give us a review. Love all the pictures. It’s funny though…even without you narrating…I could tell instantly when your booth entered the photo line up. Not that the other booths weren’t wonderful…but your booths are always so well staged. And your style just shines through…You have an amazing eye for things…I only wish Maine wasn’t so far…I’d follow you around like a lost puppy dog just hoping some of your talent would rub off on me!!!!
Congratulations on another HUGE success. I’m so happy for you.
HaHa…I was thinking the same thing as Shelley…totally could tell when your booth came in. That whole setup in the chapel and the big tent..what a great idea!
The photos are wonderful and I love how you just let them flow one into another.
I just live over the Catoctin Mtns from Lucketts…need to go for another visit and of course I’ll think of you!:)
We were there and had a marvelous time! I was so thrilled to get the ice water pitcher – I am using it for kitchen utensils…I will send a picture – I am thrilled to pieces to see my hubby in your milk paint class photo (blonde guy with glasses in the front) – I saw there for HOURS waiting on the class – it was well worth it! Looking forward to next year!
I cannot believe that you all worked all day and then packed up and drove back to PA ! Your booth looked beautiful, of course. Congratulations on a yet another successful market.
Great update on the show with wonderful photos. Do they have any shows like that in south central PA or northern MD? I heard of a show a few weeks ago in Thurmont, MD, but I never made it there.
I swear I’m going to take my 82 year-old self to Alabama next year for that Market!!! Glad it went so well for you, Marian . . .
Marian, Thank-you for posting so many wonderful pictures. I love to take pictures of the flea markets & vintage shows I attend. I look at them periodically to get inspired to do projects & also to reminisce about the events. It is just like you to share the joy of your passion through your photos. Thank-you. – Ginger
Marian, I kept waiting and waiting for you recap and was so happy to see it today. Everything looked amazing. I anxiously await you postings everyday and feel that we are old friends. Love your Blog and hope you are always as success as your last succes!
Your Friend…….Donna
Your photos were nonstop eye candy. I wish you would come to the city farmhouse pop-up barn show in Franklin, tn. It is the best! Next year I think I might come down to this show, if it is half as good as your pictures, I’m sure it would be a blast
Tami
Tami,
I went to the City Farmhouse barn show this year too….it was amazing! While the Chapel Market is great, the City Farmhouse show is much bigger. I talked with a vendor who was doing both shows and she confirmed this. I wish Marian would do the barn show as well but since she lives so far away and they are back to back shows that might be a little difficult.
I was sooo happy to meet you, get a photo and my look book signed. My ironstone lid is not up yet, but will be soon. Can’t wait for next year’s show!!
You really captured the feeling of the sale beautifully, Marian…I loved all of your beautiful photos and the fun video, too!
Looks wonderful! Have you ever set up at the Brimfield Antiques Fair in Brimfield, MA? They have three shows per year. Huge and amazing. Would love to have you come this way sometime!
Looks like the market was lots of fun… Oh, and the “morning rush” video was funny. It seemed like, once that lady up front pointed at your booth, everybody rushed in. Almost like she was the market tour guide or something. 🙂
I had such a great time at Chapel Market. Great to see you again. Your booth was fabulous. I thought everything was really well planned and laid out. The tent outside really helped divide the crowd and no one had to wait to get in due to capacity like last year. Look forward to next year too.
Hey Miss Mustard Seed!
That’s my daughter (mouse apron) and her best bud selling hot chocolate. What a sweet picture! Thay had so much fun that day. Even if she doesn’t remember it years from now, I always will. Is there any chance that I can have a copy of the picture?
Jennifer
Looks like a great show to go to for antiques. I am very interested in the white child’s mirrored cupboard. Did that sell? It was next to the child’s folding chair. Thanks…
This looks like such a great market! You’re booth was fabulous! I am so excited because I think I may have found my first piece of ironstone! It seems like people in CO don’t even know what it is, but my mom and I were out window shopping for my birthday yesterday and she spotted a cute little creamer and I said, “I wonder if it’s ironstone?” It has “J&G Meakin, England” on the bottom. By further googling, we were able to see that they did make ironstone! Is there any other way to know? I’m am beside myself with excitement and really hope it is! I’m getting new dishes for my birthday (still undecided what ones) which will be white and my little find will go with them so well!
Glad to hear about the reading of Unbroken. They have been making the movie here in Sydney with Angelina Jolie directing. My husband, who incidentally is not an actor by profession, was cast as the leading sports photographer in the movie. He tells everyone about what a pleasure it was to work with Angelina, that’s what he calls her now, and what a down to earth ladylike person she is. The movie is tipped for the Oscars. Watch out for him, in the movie that is not at the Oscars.
Thanks for coming again and making it so much fun for everyone. Great post, Great weekend and,yes, great book!
xoxo
love ya,
Cindy
I totally enjoyed Unbroken last year as an audio-book! Looks like you had a wonderful trip!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time and your booth looks amazing! I do hope you will have some type of Holiday Open House and sale at your new studio. Keep us posted!
Did the “sheep head” sell? If not, will you be listing it? I am a lover of sheep, as you are a lover of cows and I’d love to have one.
Ditto the earlier comments of immediately recognizing YOUR booth when it appeared. Looks like a terrific show tempting me to consider a long drive next autumn. I’m also interested in a Hug A Sheep day in Kentucky just prior to Chapel Market. And I do love road trips Hmmmmmm..
Everything looked fab as always! loved the instagram story! It is so cool that people had you sign ironstone!!! and your furniture!!
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful event! Great shot of our syrup, thanks for sharing! Take care, Laura
Thank you- this was so much fun to read. We will have to try Chapel Market. I always mean to tell you about Round Top, Texas Antiques Week. It happens twice a year, and the gals in our family do “Girls Week” in the fall to attend the Marburger Farm show and see Hill Country. We would love to see you there!!! Also, those “Create the Imperfect” t-shirts are darling. I already clicked into the shop to see if you have any more. When you do, it will be “Merry Christmas to me!”
Have a great week!
Unbroken is one of my favorite reads! I stayed up way too late every night reading that one. I’m looking forward to seeing the movie. Seriously, this Chapel Market looks so idealic and perfect I almost don’t believe it’s a real place! It just seems too good to be true 🙂
I’m so glad the South treated you well again this year 🙂 I would love to come to this market sometime. And I agree, Unbroken is one of the best stories ever, and the best part is that it’s all true! God is awesome.