I’ve reached that tipping point in my life where I feel like I probably have enough stuff.  No doubt, I passed that point years ago, but hunting for antiques and just the right piece for my house is still so much fun!  I have noticed I walk out of more antique stores empty-handed or with just one thing these days, compared to my piles in the past.  I think this house feels pleasantly full, and I find myself shopping for more art supplies and books than for home decor.  With the Lucketts Spring Market happening in just a few days, though, I can’t help but think about what’s on my wish list.

A few years ago, I had an entire notebook filled with sketches, measurements, swatches, and lists!  I was shopping for my studio, our kitchen, and other areas of our new-to-us house.  I must admit, that was pretty fun.  One of my favorite furniture finds was the antique counter that’s now in our kitchen.  Jeff even loves it, which is saying a lot.  He has already stated that, as perfect as it is as the kitchen island, it will not convey with the house if we move in the future.

I’ve also outfitted our garden with concrete pots and fun statues like this cat…

And my most recent market purchase was a pair of antique oil portraits from the mid-1800s.  I do like hanging my own art in our house, but antique art has my heart.

So, what’s on my list this year?

I am going to look for more frames for future oil paintings.  I still have a pretty decent stash, but I’ve been trying to work my way through it so I don’t have nice frames just sitting around in my basement.  I particularly like ornate gold frames that have a museum feel and deep-set wood Victorian frames.

I am keeping an eye out for art that speaks to me, specifically portraits.  I have a bare wall in my kitchen where shelving used to be, and I think it would be a great spot for a painting.  I spotted this one at the market a few years ago, and I still think about it.  The blue dress and the dog in her lap are just so perfect.  I was so focused on furniture, though, that I didn’t even check the price.

I’m also going to see if they have a concrete dog statue that looks Sebastian-ish.  I think we need one to go along with our concrete cat.

Other than that, I’ll just see what catches my eye.  I’ll be shopping in the morning during the VIP hours, and then I’ll set up in my tent by the wine garden between 1-4 pm on Friday.  I’m going to bring my paints, travel easel, and panels so I can do some live painting while chit-chatting with people who are resting or enjoying a glass of wine.  If you missed it, you can find the pieces I’m bringing to sell at Lucketts HERE.