Well, I am in serious need of an epsom salt bath, but Kriste and I got the trailer all packed up today and we’re ready to head to Alabama for The Market on Chapel Hill this Saturday (October 3, 2015). Just to clarify, it’s in Pike Road, Alabama, NOT Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It’s called “The Market on Chapel Hill”, because the market is in and around a chapel/meeting house on a hill.
We stay in the Chapel Loft, which is just a stone’s throw from the chapel on the hill. I took this picture from the door, the morning of the market last year.
Anyway, I am really excited about my space this year. It’s my third year selling at this market and I feel like I’m bringing really special pieces this time. I was very particular when I was shopping, more than usual, and tried to find pieces that made my heart flutter. Pieces that were unique and visually striking. Pieces that I won’t mind hauling home if they don’t sell.
The thing that is really fun about this year is that I had the big pieces in place early last week, so I have been able to spend the last few days on the details – like wrapping little succulents and kale in brown paper and blue & white twine to nestle around the booth.
I was able to arrange and rearrange until the space felt full, yet accessible, and impact pieces looked good from different vantage points. I thought through the symmetry, traffic flow and how color was spaced throughout the booth.
I might do a bit of tweaking when we set up at the market, but I’m really happy with how it is. I feel like each piece is featured.
Because some of the displays are stacked, just pull the tag if there is something you want that has stuff on or in it and we’ll help you get it out. We have tons of “sold” tags, so you can leave bulky items and furniture with us and pick it up when you’re ready to leave. I’ll share more tips on shopping my space later this week.
Just an FYI…the channel back chair is already sold.
I did throw in French caned-back chair at the last minute, though. It’s the one I used as my desk chair for years. You can see the back of it here…
I love the little doll bed with the ironstone stacked on top. I was tempted to keep it, but decided I would bring it and, if it doesn’t sell, it was meant to be. I think it would make a great centerpiece for a table.
And, believe it or not, most of the ironstone I’m bringing to sell came out of my house! I decided to whittle down my personal collection a bit. I filled my dining table with pieces that were in cabinets or large stacks or crowded in a cupboard. And I didn’t even make a dent. I’m not sure I would’ve even noticed pieces were missing, so clearly, I have enough!
We are bringing paint, finishes, brushes, look books, Inspired You, German Glass Glitter and even a few t-shirts leftover from our sale at Lucketts.
In addition to the live plants, I have a few preserved cypress topiaries and wreaths and some preserved boxwood wreaths as well.
The live plants add so much to the space and the paper & twine makes them feel like little presents.
This guy needs a little fluffing, I think. He’s looking a bit like something out of a Dr. Seuss illustration…
We leave in the wee hours of Thursday morning and I would appreciate your prayers for safe travel. It’s a long drive with a full trailer!
(Expertly packed, if I might add. Kriste and I were pretty impressed with ourselves.)
I hope to get to meet a bunch of you at the event. It is always a wonderful time and I’m sure this year will be no exception.
For those who can’t make it, I will sell the leftovers online or make them available for pick-up at the studio. Also, I have a special giveaway coming up to bring a little Miss Mustard Seed to the door of one of my readers.
You won’t want to miss that one…
44 Responses
Dear MMS, It’s so exciting … I’ll be there on Saturday to see your lovely things in person. Safe travels and see you soon. Hugs, Anne Boykin
Thanks for sharing your booth with all of us, every thing looks great. Best of luck, and safe travels.
Your space is going to be beautiful. I could just sit and just look and look at your photos. Praying the weather cooperates for you with all the rain along the coast. Also praying for your safe travel. Thanks for sharing photos for those of us who can’t be there.
Cindy
Marian and Kriste, ladies you have an unbelievable gift of staging! The natural elements puts it over the top! Safe travels to you. Good luck and have fun!
Pretty things! Each year I wish I was a bit closer to the market. Just a heads up on the plants. You might want to leave them home. To legally bring them into (or through) Alabama they need to be inspected and certified. If you get stopped, it could be a bad situation.
What? I have never ever heard of not being able to take plants across state lines…
I live in California and you can’t take plants or fruits or vegetables into CA because they can harbor pests that go wild here and destroy agriculture. Don’t know the rules about where you are going though.
It’s true! We live in Geogia near the Georgia/ Florida line & plants purchased in Florida must be inspected before bringing them home. We love to look at all the beautiful plants, but never buy any for that reason. It’s about bringing in bugs & disease.
I live in NY. I’m not sure about the movement of plants but if you choose to transport firewood within New York State (ie: camp grounds/parks) it must have a receipt or label that has the firewood’s source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source. The concern is the spreading of diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees.
Love it all! Everything is so beautiful. I hope you and Kristen have the best time. Safe travels and prayers, CoCo
I am Super Excited! Can’t wait to meet you both! Its going to be a beautiful day!! Praying Safe Travels!
Cathy
Wow, job well done! Wish I could be there to see your beautiful booth in person. You girls have lots of fun and a successful sale. I’ll be praying for safe traveling mercies for you and Kriste.
I’m sure it’s going to be huge success…rain or not. Travel Safe.
A little part of me wants it to rain just enough to give the rest of us, who can’t attend, a chance to buy online… 🙂
Sure wish I could come to this market! Have fun and good luck!
I so wish I could be there. Your booth is scrumptious!!
I want that little blue horse trailer sooo bad… I’m going to try and get there early so I can grab it! This will be my third year seeing you at the market! This year I’ve even snagged a whole day off so we can stay for your milk paint class! I was sooo bummed to miss it last year.
i won’t be able to buy it, but i am wondering how much you are asking for the little toy sized white dresser with mirror? so adorable! everything is inspiring and festive, thanks for sharing, karen
Your booth is going to be beautiful. Safe travels to you. Also, in regard to the comment about transporting plants across state lines, there are some regulations about that. It is to prevent the spread of disease. Here in my state it even includes the transport of firewood. I’m not sure it includes house plants, but you might want to check it out before you leave. Have a great time.
I am so excited I get to come meet you Sat.!!! My sister and I will be coming from Nashville, Tn, and we can’t wait. You have been such an inspiration to me, and I love, love, love everything you do. Safe travels!
How I wish I was going! Maybe if I do my bewitched blink on Saturday morning, like magic I’ll be with you all!
Travel safe . . .sending prayers and blessings to you all!
XO
Or Chapel Hill , Texas…. I love your things and good luck and hope you sell out.
Marian, i just love your things and style! Is that pine cupboard for sale? I wish i could get diwn there fir Saturday. I live in Mi so a very long drive!
Oh, your space looks so wonderful, as always. Full of treasures! I hope your travels are safe, and the sale goes well!
A feast for the eyes! So wish I lived closer. Enjoy, and yes, Epsom Salt does wonders!
Safe travels~
I’m so excited. I plan on being there Saturday. This will be my third year in a row and you are always my first stop. Are you bringing any ironstone lids only this year? I need three and have been waiting for months to get some of yours! Looking forward to seeing you there.
I’m all the way up in Washington State, but would love to come next year maybe!! Have fun and safe trip to you.
Marian, it all looks lovely! And I am SO jealous of the folks who get to see it in person! I just wish I could hook you up with SOMEbody from Michigan whose show you would just love to sell at! THAT would be a long drive! I am sending prayers and good energy for safe travel and a prosperous and fun weekend.
So excited! We plan to be there Saturday! Leaving 5:00 am from north Al. Cannot wait to meet you and buy great things. I’ll be reading your tips this week for how to shop your space. My sister-in-law plans to drive her truck in case we want to buy a large item.
Judith
Marian, Have you ever considered do the same “getting ready for an event” but selling it online in a 1-2 event through your readership? You could even do some pieces as auction items. I know you had an online shop but since you haven’t mentioned it in a long time I don’t know if you have much for sale there. Because your prices on furniture are not astronomical I think many people would be willing to pay the crating and shipping charges. Check out what some furniture sellers on eBay charge and how they handle it. We, your loyal readership, would like to be able to purchase from you too!
gorgeous….but you are so ===far–far–away. Have a great weekend, you are sure set for it!..
Thanks for the tour, Sandi
Marian, I want to second Laurie’s suggestion. It would be wonderful to be able to purchase pieces that have been tantalizing us. I’d wish you good luck this weekend, but I’m sure you won’t need it! 😉
I am pretend shopping since I won’t be able to make it to Alabama and my favorites are the zinc topped table and the topiaries. Love it all!
I love so many things you are selling. I will have to try to make a point of making it to this area next year. The doll dresser as well as the green flatware holder are my favorites! I would also squeeze in the yellow watering can. Safe journey and a light load on your return home….
Im dying…why do I live in washington and all these beauties are clear across the country and I can’t have any of them! torture…
You’re taking so many beautiful things — I so wish I lived closer and could attend! I hope it’s a great success for you! Safe travels.
hello! What a fantastic time you and your team will have! Prayed for safe travels, great weather, excellent profit and a fun time and stress free time! Can’t wait to see the pics. I would love to see (maybe you have one already) a tutorial on staging vignettes! I have a space in the cutest shop and would love to learn how you make it all look so sweet!
Blessings,
aimee
So many things I would buy…Drive careful! May it be a safe, profitable, successful, fun trip!
I wish you were in Chapel Hill, NC! Everything looks wonderful. That little truck and trailer is fantastic….I’ve been looking for one to put on my Christmas mantel with a tree in the back. 🙂
Love the way the space will look! Such gorgeous finds! We need a “Chapel Hill” right here in south central PA. 🙂 Safe travels!
Is that a metal ironing board holding up some things? What is the price on it, please. Also, the pine cabinet with the baker’s twine laying in it, and what would a lidded tureen go for? I am headed to my daughter’s house in Pike Road Friday evening, and will be at the Market by 7 am!!!
Oh, I wish I could be there! Here’s wishing you a safe and successful trip! I look forward to your return so that I can check out the “leftovers”!!
Hi! I hope your sale went great! Beautiful display! What is the name of the ironstone piece right next to the scale in your pictures?
I am sure it is sold but the shape of that piece really is amazing to me.
Thanks!
Gorgeous displays and fantastic items. I’m in California. Always searching for brimstone.
Looks great!! I hope you had a wonderful time as I am sure you did 🙂
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
xx