June 29, 2014

Behind The Polka Dot Flea and Spring Cleaning In June

After all of the craziness leading up to the Polka Dot Flea I am just kicking back and loving it!


I have taken a total break from creative endeavors and turned my attention to doing my very late spring cleaning.  I've washed all of the furniture slip covers and all of the windows in the house.  Then I hand washed and polished all of my wood floors (Hands and Knees washing) and all of the baseboards.......Whew, it feels great to have it all done!



Ok, so lets get to what I did and didn't sell at the Polka Dot Flea.

  The first items to sell were the lace covered lamp shades and this cute vintage suitcase, both of these items I had on FB...So shoppers made a beeline to them


I was surprised that ALL of these shabby candle holders sold throughout the day.....They sure are an easy item to find and transform for all of you that have booths and do shows.....I'm certainly going to keep my eyes open for more!


I sold many tussie mussies, vintage slips, frames, vintage sewing patterns and teacup sets. Cups and saucers were hot then cooled off and are once again in demand.  I also sold all of my chairs.....



Now, what did not sell......My mosaic dress form....She did get a lot of attention though.


I didn't sell any of my stools.....Hum?



I only sold about 1/4 of my jewelry.  I've never made or sold jewelry, I think the prices were right so I am going to give them a another try at the next show.



Right now, even though I am SO EXCITED to do another show..... I am busy running the calculator and working with the fairgrounds to make sure it is financially feasible.  I want to triple the space and do a two day show but, at the same time not compromise on any of the details that made the first show such a huge success! 

Stay tuned....You will be the first to know!



In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying the summer like I am...Kicking back and having fun! 


Happy Creating!
Carol


47 comments:

Into Vintage said...

You are such an inspiration! Seriously. :)

Gina said...

I would have thought someone would snatch the mosaic dress form right up! I guess it's impossible to guess what the people will be looking for. I'm glad to hear your sale was a success though. Well deserved...now sit back & relax a bit!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol,
I just looked through all your posts on the Flea market and WOW!! What an event and what an incredible job you did!!

We do not have things like this here. Even most of the merchandise is not something you would see in this area!!

Loved your tussie mussies and they are always a good seller for me too!

Congrats on such a job well done!!

I am sure that you need a rest though!!

I think i am still recovering from the Fall and Spring shows that I ran. I sure it will be easier when I retire...

Thanks also for taking the time to stop by! I know how busy you were!!

Hugs,
Deb

Mimi Sue said...

So much work! But sounds like it was worth it. I'll be on the lookout for candle holders for my booth! Thanks for the inspiration. Mimi

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your home looks so pretty, Carol! I love your shutters and that you can open them into the room like you have in the picture to allow in more light if you choose. Better late than never on the spring cleaning!

I'm surprised the stools didn't sell. I know they were pretty good sellers in my booth. In fact, the stools would go before the chairs. Love the lace lampshades. Did you show us how you made those? I have a lampshade to recover for my craft/sewing room and I'm looking for something different to do with it. It sounds like you should take a well deserved break right about now!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

You clean on your hands & knees, me too! I forget to do the baseboards!
You certainly should sit down and RELAX! Maybe a spa day is in order!
Thanks for sharing what sold and what didn't! It's interesting to know.
WOW a 2 day event!!!Girlfriend you wear me out!
warmly,
deb

pogonip said...

I hope you plan to lean back after a job well done and a nice clean home to enjoy a lazy summer day or two before you jump into your next venture!

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

OOh how nice to have a clean home!! I can't wait to see what you have in store for the new show. I am sure it will be great.

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Jamie @ Domestically Vintage said...

Carol, Your home is so beautiful! What do you clean your wood floors with. Just curious as I'm always looking for a good way of cleaning our wood floors. Love so many of your items you sold. That dress form will find the right home or shop somewhere, it's so unique and beautiful. Love the blue colored patterned stool. That one really surprised me that it didn't sell. Anyway, have a great week relaxing! ~ Jamie

Mari said...

Wow how great that you got to sell most of your items...
You even got your spring cleaning done! Now sit for a spell and enjoy all of your hard work both inside your home and out ;-)
Your home looks beautiful Carol ;-)

Smiles~
Mari

BECKY said...

Hey Gal,
Love that you're kicking back...yeah right...on your hands and knees! You are the energizer bunny, that's for sure!! And your home looks lovely and I'm sure it feels fantastic to have gotten the cleaning done. My house...well...that's another story!

Maybe we can do lunch after the craziness of this week, and before I'm a pumpkin making machine!! Lol!!

Hugs to you, and again, congrats on such a wonderful event! It was a joy to help!!
Becky

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Carol,
your home looks fabulous. I have to say-- I am impressed with the vision you had for the Polka Dot Flea, and the tenacity to see it through. CONGRATULATIONS!
You deserve a big Ol' pat on the back.
I'm curious...if you had a 2 day event, would you consider a Fri-Sat OR a Sat-Sun SLOT OF THE WEEK?
...and spring cleaning too?!
You are my newest hero!
Pat

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi Carol, It's wonderful that you sold so many items. I'm amazed that the stools weren't among them.
Your home looks lovely.
Have a great week!
Julia

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
I love your beautiful home. It's so inviting and so you!

I cannot believe those cute little stools didn't sell but I guess you never know what will and won't.

hugs,
Sissie

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
I love your beautiful home. It's so inviting and so you!

I cannot believe those cute little stools didn't sell but I guess you never know what will and won't.

hugs,
Sissie

Roxanne Reinhart said...

Carol, the polka dot flea looks amazing. I know that Sherry from no minimalist here said it was successful for her. She was worn out though. Lol. The booths all look amazing. I certainly hope that as hard as you worked on this that it was profitable for you. I think two days would be a great thing based on how many vendors and shoppers you had. Everything you did looked so very cute. I think you did great on your jewelry. Great!!
I am sure it will sell.

Cheryl said...

I clean on my hands and knees too!
Thanks for sharing what did and did not sell at your flea, that's nice to know. Glad your show was a success and the future brings the same. Have fun!

Donna said...

I really love your slipcovered couches, Carol,they are so pretty! I'm glad to hear that you are taking some down time (though you are still busy cleaning!!). I'm so happy that your show was such a hit, that is awesome that you sold so many of your treasures, and all of your candleholders!!

Melody said...

ummmmmmmm... Can I just say that your jewelry creations would've been what I'd look at first? I love all those keys with watch faces!
I hope your calculator is nice to you & gives you the numbers you need to do an even bigger show -- but meantime enjoy your summer!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, your spring cleaned home is gorgeous. I have the same sofa from Pottery Barn and love they can be slipped off and washed.
I am not surprised at what sold at all. Everything was fabulous. I would have purchased a bench for sure. We never know what will or won't sell sometime do we? It's a gamble but you still sold well and worked up a storm. So glad you are taking a much needed break to regroup.
Enjoy and have a great 4th of July!!
Hugs

Becky said...

wow, sounds like you did have a great time, you have so many beautiful things and your floors look amazing. Nothing like hands and knees to get the job done right :)

Heart Vintage Design said...

Wow, you got it going on. My garage cleanup is just dragging along. As for the dress form, she'll find the right home. I'm thinking in a commercial dress shop. Keep us updated on next year!

MONSIEUR LE CHAT ET MOI said...

Carol I couldn't help laughing reading all that you made in your home : in fact you can never stop, as if you were afraid of... ? Wouldn't like to be intrusive, sorry. I don't forget you : I'll try to take my camera to take pictures for you of the flea markets in France. We don't have such beautiful fairs as you have in the states : the hand made is just whispering at the moment and is not really fashionable, but we have something which are called Christmas markets, but usually what is sold there is really ugly and unfashionable (for me). At the end of July I'm going to the south of France and I'll send you pictures I'll take there on the flea markets I'll go.
xoxo
Joëlle

farmhouse-story said...

you deserve some rest, carol:) your home looks so pretty! so glad your show went so well:) have a great week!

Lady Pamela said...

Your home looks so fresh and clean. You deserve to sit down and enjoy it. I don't know where you get all your energy from. When you find out, send a bottle my way.
*Smiles*

Sylvia said...

What a GREAT show!! Robyn and I had so much fun buying AND selling...looking forward to the next one.

Sylvia

Connie said...

Hi Carol, you always have inspiring ideas to share and I for one appreciate them immensely. I have transformed many lovely items because of your tutorials and inspiration. This is the first post that I remember being invited into your home . . . it is absolutely lovely.
It sounds like you relax the way I do . . . cleaning and staying busy at home :)
Stay happy!
Your blogging sister, Connie

Ann said...

Thanks so much for sharing. Wow...Spring cleaning...where do you get all your energy? You are like the Energizer Bunny.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Your house looks beautiful and spotless--feels so good doesn't it?! My house is always clean--but I just love it when it is spotless :) Loved hearing what sold and what didn't--I am glad you are looking forward to your next show. It is so wonderful to be able to do something you love. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Carol!
Your living room is so pretty!

Sorry your stools didn't sell.
I think they're real pretty!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Your home looks so sparkling clean, want to come over and help with mine? It's no surprise you sold so much, but there's always next time for the rest of the jewelry, stools, and your fabulous dress form. Thanks for sharing and I know the next Polka Dot Flea will be even a bigger success.

Ros Crawford said...

What a beautiful home you have ... and what a great success you made of the Flea ... I'm sure any further ventures will be the same ...

Curtains in My Tree said...


you did good Girl !!!!

I have had a fabulous iron french provincial foot stool and took her to 3 sales and no takers ?? I think it's wonderful, guess I'll paint it white and recover the top ,
it has beautiful gold iron scroll legs and black velvet top

I love getting ready for flea market set up , however i'm done selling it all cheap to friends

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Carol, Your home is beautiful! You worked so hard on the flea you deserve a rest. I hope you have a wonderful July 4TH.
xx
Sherry

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

I can't believe the mosaic didn't sell. And your house is so spotless...I can smell the clean from here!

Marlynne said...

Looks like a good job well done! Marlynne Snare Folk Artist

hopeandjoyhome said...

Your living room looks to be the exact shade I have been pondering for my living room! Cool to see it "in place". Your pieces are beautiful. My gramma had those rosebacked chairs..love!

Stampindamour said...

Carol - Your home is so adorable!

So glad that Polka Dot Flea was a HUGE success!!! Woo-hoo! :)

-pamela

Debbie said...

Well, first, I love the white crispness of your home. It has taken me about four years to do it, but at least the downstairs of my house finally has more of that airy look to it. (At least I hope it does. That's my goal. )

It's interesting to see what sold and what didn't. I guess I'm not surprised about the dress form only because it was a work of art and therefore not a bargain basement piece. It's so beautiful, though.

I will be interested to hear what you decided about the next one. In our neck of the woods, we're having surgery number 2 this month so maybe the Duchess will have travel legs sooner rather than later. Hoping so!

Createology said...

I never had any doubts that you and your Polka Dot Flea would be hugefully successful! Congratulations on your job well done. Summer Sparkle and Creative Bliss...
P.S. I am so happy to be home and reading my favorite blogs.

Createology said...

I never had any doubts that you and your Polka Dot Flea would be hugefully successful! Congratulations on your job well done. Summer Sparkle and Creative Bliss...
P.S. I am so happy to be home and reading my favorite blogs.

Nancy said...

Oh Ms. Inspiration I am so happy you are kicking back and enjoying a fresh house and all the things we love to do in the Spring!! I know it won't be long though and the creative bug will hit you like a mosquito!

I hope you have had a Great Week end!!
Huggs, Nancy

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

We all love it when you think out loud! Lol!

I've been cleaning 'n cleaning, too! I'm NEVER home it seems, so I had a blast!!!

Hugs and happy highways,
Kelley~

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

you certainly deserve to kick back !
Hope the money works out, you know Ima hopin' for a two day Flea !!!
(())

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Wow, so happy for you on the success of the show! Would love to hear more about how you executed the whole thing as I have been thinking about doing something here in Central PA.

Loved all of your stuff and why did the dress form not sell? It is awesome!

Little Miss Maggie said...

Funny you should mention your stools did not sell. They have cooled of for me as well and I'm on the other side of the country. However, cups and saucers are making a nice comeback here as well. If you can swing a two-day show, I highly recommend it. It's so much more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of one big day.

The Old Parsonage said...

Your home is lovely! It's does feel wonderful when it is all spic and span doesn't it. That's what I plan on doing this weekend!

Glad that the sale was a success - everything looks fab.

Enjoy your weekend!
Leann