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January 30, 2014

My New Adventure...The Polka Dot FLEA!

I can finally tell you about my NEW adventure!

I am Organizing and Promoting (drum roll please)
...


Orlandos first INDOOR (Air conditioned) Vintage Show!
at 
The Central Florida Fairgrounds
JUNE 7, 2014
9am-4pm

I'm so excited about this venture and I was dying to share it with you all!

Here's how it all started...

The last show I was a vendor at was totally rained out and I thought to myself... "I'm never doing another outdoor show". 


 Yes, Orlando is in the Sunshine State, but...we still have rain. 


 Most shows are at least an hour drive in any direction out of Orlando and very few of them are indoors.  Local bloggers, junkers, and FB friends have tossed around doing an Orlando show for a couple years, but it never got off the ground.  So, I thought: "Why don't I start a show?"  The more I thought about it, the less I could convince myself not to.  Why not?  Orlando is the perfect location!

What is the POLKA DOT FLEA ?


The Polka Dot Flea will be Orlando's first indoor (Air conditioned) vintage show selling the best of vintage, funky, shabby, refurbished, antique, rusty, repurposed, quirky, industrial, and well-loved, home and garden goods.  

It will feature the "Best of the Best" in friendly vendors with attractive, well thought out booths.  Since vendors are the heart of the show I want them to feel pampered, supported, and know they are appreciated.  This will be a well organized event with plenty of Polka Dot Flea support staff.

The show will be held in the heart of Orlando at the Central Florida Fairgrounds just three miles from downtown Orlando.  



The space I have rented is Craft Hall, a 7000 sq feet building on the Fairgrounds.  I have all sorts of plans for dressing up the front and inside (stay tuned for those).


  The beauty of holding the Polka Dot Flea at the fairgrounds is that there is plenty of space to grow and it has virtually unlimited free parking.  I have tentatively scheduled the second show for the first weekend of December...Yep, I am thinking big...Two shows a year....Maybe two day shows!?

A huge motivation for starting the Polka Dot Flea was the unbelievable local support I have received from other vendors, customers and businesses.  

When I was telling my friends at Barr Display about the Flea


They said "We want to sponsor you!"
They are the store I have been working with aging and transforming their dress forms.  They have a huge Orlando show room where they sell store displays and fixtures along with everything a show vendor would need for displaying their products.  What an honor that was!


BUT WAIT!!!!  
Then Adjectives Market said we'd like to sponsor you too!!!  What? really?!  

Adjectives is a cool vintage market with 93 vendors in 12,000 sq ft. space.  The store is open 7 days a week and located in Altamonte Springs, a suburb just north or Orlando.   ...AND  OMG!!! ...They are going to host a private after party at their store the evening of the Flea.  The party will be for vendors and shoppers from the Polka Dot Flea.  Admission to the party will be vendor lanyards or wrist bands from the show.  This will be a fun way for everyone to kick back and socialize in a relaxed environment with music, drink, food, and fun! 

YEP...June 7th, 2014 is going to be a...full, fun-filled Saturday!

  The best part for me is that I am going to be a vendor...That's how this all started after all.  I wanted a place indoors to sell my wares. Of course, I will still be blogging about my DIY and craft projects.

I am so excited to take you along on this adventure and I have so much to share with you! 

Stay tuned for my next post and I will let you in on everything it takes to start a show...there were so many times in this process that I thought "Forget it...I can't do this".  But...I just could not give up and now I am ready to make it happen!

I would LOVE for you to check out the...  

Polka Dot Flea website
AND 
Polka Dot Flea FB page

  I am just starting my search for vendors, If you are interested be sure to check out the 
Vendor Application page

OK, I'm holding my breath... I can't wait to hear what you all think of this new adventure!

Happy Crafting
Carol  


at

66 comments:

  1. Jan CohenJanuary 30, 2014 at 12:53 AM

    guess I'm the first to read about this!! But congrats and I wish I lived closer or I would definitely apply to be a vendor. Good luck with all you do. I'm sure you are thinking about food vendors too but the big thing up north here is food trucks stationed outside.......love all you posts, jan

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  2. CreateologyJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:03 AM

    Carol this is just the very best news ever. You will be the perfect founder and vendor of the Polka Dot Flea. I only wish you and I lived on the same coast. Creative Joyful Bliss Dear...

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  3. pogonipJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:12 AM

    Wow, Carol, what an new adventure! I've no doubt that the Polka Dot Flea is going to be an event that everyone will put on their "must-go" list!

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  4. Phyllis @Around the HouseJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:20 AM

    so so exciting for you, you must be over the moon with excitment, I wish I could be there to see...can't wait to see the pictures...sooo fun your own space two times a year ...yeah

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  5. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:27 AM

    How awesome, Carol...a big congratulations on your new venture!

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  6. MONSIEUR LE CHAT ET MOIJanuary 30, 2014 at 2:30 AM

    So so happy for you : so exiting to have new projects, it relies us to our best, and give us more and more creativity ! I'm really impressed by you Carol !
    Of course it will be a great success you have the talent of using the good words to convince...

    xoxo from PARIS

    Joëlle

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  7. BenteJanuary 30, 2014 at 2:36 AM

    Wow, I`m so happy for you, Carol. I think you will turn it to a big sucess, you talented girl.

    Big hug

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  8. Shabby chic SandyJanuary 30, 2014 at 5:59 AM

    I am so excited for you! I wish so bad I could go to your shows--I bet they will be awesome!

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  9. DebbieJanuary 30, 2014 at 7:08 AM

    If your ears were ringing yesterday, you were being discussed in the most admiring way possible in a conversation I had with my sister. We love the way you made your dream a reality after leaving your previous career. You are so inspiring, and we couldn't wait to see what the new venture was going to be. I can't wait to hear what she thinks! Betcha she'll give the two thumbs up like I am. I love this idea!

    And now to see if I can manage a trip to Orlando either in June or December... I think it would be so fun to go to this.

    Keep inspiring, Carol. You honestly do not know how many people out there use you as a positive example of going for your dreams.

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  10. bee'nmeJanuary 30, 2014 at 7:13 AM

    SO EXCITED for you Carol...and so inspired! You went for it and it's happening!!! Oh, it is sure to be a huge SUCCESS!! Can't wait to see how you're going to turn that awesome blank canvas into polka dot heaven!!

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  11. Kim GillianJanuary 30, 2014 at 7:53 AM

    Wow, how exciting. Congratulations! Sounds like a fantastic show.

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  12. Susan @ Rustic ReDiscoveredJanuary 30, 2014 at 7:56 AM

    Wow this is exciting. I am local in Orlando so definitely will be applying. Great idea for indoor shows in the hot Florida summers to!! You should be very successful.
    Looking forward to it!!

    Susan

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  13. Ros CrawfordJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    Congratulations!! I'm sure this will be a wonderful event ... Looking forward to seeing the progress ... too bad I'm across the ocean ....

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  14. Ros CrawfordJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    Congratulations!! I'm sure this will be a wonderful event ... Looking forward to seeing the progress ... too bad I'm across the ocean ....

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  15. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    Good for you, Carol! So often we complain about things and say, "Someone should . . ." and apparently, you are that someone. : ) It sounds like it will be great and a much appreciated venue by vendors and shoppers alike. I know I was bummed for you when you got rained out last time.

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  16. sunnyskiesandsweetteaJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:49 AM

    Carol!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!! You know I will be there along with all of my family and friends! I have often wondered why we never have anything in Orlando being that it is Orlando after all....we should have great events. I know this is going to be a spectacular event.
    SUPER EXCITED,
    Amy Jo

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  17. DebbiedoosJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:10 AM

    WOW Carol, congratulations, good for you! That is fantastic and so well deserved. Love the sponsors!

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  18. MelodeeJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    how exciting! you will make this amazing, no doubt. Shoot, I think it's time we move to Florida. I would love to be able to pop by and visit you and shop from the flea market! you are so inspiring, always creating and doing!

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  19. JaneJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    I am so excited for you and your new adventure!! You clearly are the right person to get this off the ground....you have the expertise in selling and being a vendor yourself and most importantly, you have the passion, and that is what is going to make you successful!!
    Wish I could be a vendor! I need to quit my crazy job (and you know which one I mean) so I can devote more time to the fun stuff!!
    Maybe I should make a trip to Orlando in June? If I can't be a vendor, I can be a shopper!!
    Good luck with all of the details!
    Jane

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  20. DianeJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    Great idea, and I love the name. I did a few outdoor art fairs in my youth-- they stink! Too hot, too windy, too rainy. It was always something. Best of luck!

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  21. Pink Paper RoseJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    Congratulations and best of luck! Here in NJ we have a place called Pickers Flea, they started out all handmade and flea, but now they allow knock-off China product venders in,they take up 90% of the venue...Would LOVE this venue here!! My husband and I travel to FL a lot for shows, possibly visit or vend in June?!
    Take care,
    Karen

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  22. DeniseJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    The Rusty Gate Antiques and Vintage Chic is excited to be a vendor at The Polka Dot Flea! Congratulations, Carol. So looking forward to it! Denise

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  23. Francie...The Scented Cottage StudioJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    ohhhh this is SO fabyoulous ! but honestly for all the work involved in transporting, set up etc. two day shows are the only ones I consider.
    but but but I surely would come to buy :))

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  24. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 30, 2014 at 9:53 AM

    My first thought is...you are SO ready for this! And I'm so happy for you! Lots to do and something amazing to look forward to! You'll do GREAT! Sweet hugs!

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  25. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    The Polka Dot Flea is going to be a huge success. It sounds exactly like what you need in your area and you're just the one to pull it off. Looks like there's plenty of light inside, and the outside will be fabulous after you work your magic. The only thing I don't like is that it's too far away for me to join you. Congratulations Carol.

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  26. entirely aproposJanuary 30, 2014 at 10:17 AM

    Carol,I couldn't imagine what the surprise was going to be! Sooooo happy for you!
    Your show will be a hit! I wish so much I could attend. I will enjoy following you on this new journey! All the very best to you!!!
    Julie

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  27. DonnaJanuary 30, 2014 at 10:18 AM

    You have terrific spirit and vision! I know it will be a HUGE success!

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  28. MarilynJanuary 30, 2014 at 10:42 AM

    Indoors?!! Great news for all your shoppers in Orlando. Wish I lived closer! Congratulations on this new venture.♥♫

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  29. Susie~From My Home To YoursJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:13 AM

    How exciting is this? Best wishes for a super successful adventure!
    Congratulations and I'll be looking forward to attending...
    Susie

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  30. pipigirlJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:13 AM

    wow. it will be fantastic. wish i still lived there. congrats on movin on up:):) best wishes for huge success. we all know it will be. very happy for you.

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  31. Celestina MarieJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    Hi Carol. This is going to fabulous. I am so excited for you and this huge adventure. How exciting to get the two big sponsors too. Everything feel right into place. This is only the beginning~~
    Congratulations, Love the logo!
    Hugs

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  32. ChrisJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    Wow! I wish I was local, this is the coolest thing ever!

    Congrats on taking the plunge and super lots of good luck! I will be sure to share on Facebook and my blog!

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  33. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    Yowza! This is a super idea, Carol! I'll check out your other links, too.

    Maybe your show can help siphon off some of the crowds from The Farm Chicks show!

    Best of luck!
    ♥

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  34. Sherry@Back2VintageJanuary 30, 2014 at 12:09 PM

    You are THE perfect person to start this venture! Wow....so excited for you and can't wait to follow you on your new journey. Congrats!!!

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  35. Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysJanuary 30, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    So happy for you, Carol, and congratulations!

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  36. The Speckled Hen CottageJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:20 PM

    Oh Carol, this is FANTASTIC!!! How thrilled you must be!!! I wish very successful show's for...

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  37. Our Hopeful HomeJanuary 30, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    Congrats! I wish you much success, I know it'll be a big hit! So sorry I don't live closer, I'd love to be a vendor, it sounds like fun!

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  38. CynthiaJanuary 30, 2014 at 2:22 PM

    Boy this is so unbelievably exciting!!! You must be beside yourself with excitement. I must admit I am a tad jealous that I can't attend because I love these shows and they are always held outside. Having MS with the summer heat I miss t hem all. This would be so perfect for me.

    Cynthia

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  39. MarlynneJanuary 30, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    Oh My Goodness! What a big undertaking but exciting! I started an outdoor flea/folkart sale last year and already wonder if I want to do it again! We did it late in the year and froze too death! It sounds like your covering all the bases and will do well! Will anxiously follow your goings on!

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  40. KathyJanuary 30, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    Congratulations, I know it is going to be a great success!!

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  41. GARAGE SALE GALJanuary 30, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    CONGRAT'S TO YOU, My FRIEND!
    It will be AWESOME and you are the gal to DO IT!!! Look at the great support you already have!!! The building is great! I'm so looking forward to this adventure with you through blogging!
    warmly,
    deb

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  42. Maureen WyattJanuary 30, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    You go girl! From your booth to your dress forms to your son's wedding you've shown us you know how to make absolutely anything look beautiful. I know you will have that hall looking amazing. I can't imagine a better person to run this event and I know it will be a huge success!

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  43. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    I am so happy for you, congrats. This will be a great success. You never know if something will work unless you try. What could be more fun??

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  44. BarbaraJanuary 30, 2014 at 6:42 PM

    Exciting! You are lucky to do something you love!

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  45. Savannah GrannyJanuary 30, 2014 at 7:32 PM

    Well, I must say, you definitely come out of the closet. Out of the closet and into 7,000 sq ft.i am so proud of you, I only wished I lived closer so I could attend. I will definitely be there inspirit.
    Congratulations dear friend, Ginger

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  46. AnnJanuary 30, 2014 at 9:10 PM

    Wonderful news! Of course it will be a success with all of your talent.

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  47. mardaJanuary 30, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    What an adventure you're about to embark on. My best best wishes for an absolute success. Congratulations. Wish I was able to attend all of the shows!!

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  48. GrandmaSoucieJanuary 30, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    I am so excited for you! What a great adventure! I would love to attend. Much, much success, Carol!

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  49. Little Miss MaggieJanuary 31, 2014 at 1:06 AM

    Congratulations, Carol. I admire your spirit and I wish you the best of luck with your new venture. Indoors is a great idea. I love two-day shows. They are less tiring and the vendors get to kick back and relax when a lull comes along.

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  50. UnknownJanuary 31, 2014 at 7:22 AM

    Carol, what an adventure! I wish I was near Orlando I would love to be a vendor at your show. I wish you much success!

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  51. FredaBJanuary 31, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    You never know until you try -were my Mother's words and how true they are.
    I am so happy for you and glad you are going to give it a try.

    We will be back home by June but hope to see you at the december one.

    Hugs
    FredaB, Mt. Dora, FL

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  52. Cozy Thyme CottageJanuary 31, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    Sounds pretty scary to me but I know you will be successful! Wishing you lots of luck! Nancy

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  53. ConnieJanuary 31, 2014 at 5:11 PM

    Carol, Carol, Carol . . . you are so brave, boy, once you spread your wings you soar like an eagle. I am so proud of you. You never say "why me" but instead you say "why not me".
    You are a blessing to everyone that knows you, even us blogging sisters that will probably never meet you face to face. You're a huge inspiration, and I love how you grab a hold of life and don't let go.
    YOU ROCK!
    Now, I'm going to check out your website and Facebook page.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  54. Mrs. Kelley DibbleJanuary 31, 2014 at 10:04 PM

    I'M TOTALLY EXCITED FOR YOU, CAROL! What wonderful, splashing-smashing news! It's so thrilling!

    I'm very proud of you. Wow. You are going to be 110% successful... all the way.

    The bumps in the road you will learn from.

    The growth you'll experience will be worth it all.

    You can do it! You are doing it! YOU DID IT!

    Hugs and happy highways to The Polka Dot Flea,
    Kelley~
    *mwah*

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  55. Mrs. Kelley DibbleJanuary 31, 2014 at 10:04 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasFebruary 1, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    Carol,
    GOOD FOR YOU, GIRL!!!

    What a great adventure you are about to embrak on.

    My only suggestion and this comes from experience in running the little Craft Fair that I run for our Church, is to have someone who can man your own booth for you because being in charge means that you are going to be pulled in a thousand different directions prior to and also on the day fo the show and you may not be able to focus on your own booth. This is what happened to me.
    i could not focus on my own booth and I had to glue Joe to the seat to stay and watch my own space as i was pulled all over the place being out fires and dealing with the other vendors. And that was just a small show so please be prepared for that....
    Good Luck to you in this great new adventure!!

    Hugs,Deb

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  57. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2014 at 10:08 PM

    Carol- Wow I haven't been over in a bit and my, things have changed big time!!! So happy for you and your new adventure!! That planning and dreaming we talked about when we had lunch sure has blossomed into a wonderful new adventure!!! I am going to have to find a way to get down there!!
    Looking forward to hearing all the wonderful ways this new adventure will work itself out- knowing you - there will be great stories to tell!!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  58. Julia @ Vintage with LacesFebruary 2, 2014 at 12:10 AM

    Wow, that sounds super exciting, Carol! You'll have lots of happy vendors and customers. I wish I weren't so far away.
    Have a great Sunday!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  59. 20 North OraFebruary 2, 2014 at 10:08 PM

    Oh gosh, how I wish I lived closer. I would so love to be a vendor in your fabulous show. And I know it will be fantastic! Congratulations on your venture!

    Judy

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  60. Laurel StephensFebruary 3, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    What an adventure! I'm so excited for you!

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  61. Irene Helms DesignsFebruary 4, 2014 at 7:02 AM

    What a great project Carol! And you have got some great sponsors it sounds like as well. Best of luck!
    Irene

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  62. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    I am so excited and can't wait to read your posts once things start rolling. I am always talking to my sister about things I read on your blog. It's funny but I am putting in my notice to close my booth and will start to focus on doing shows. I have worked with a dealer at a popular Antiques show in the Atlanta area and am ready to venture on my own. Of course, I will be reading to "borrow" your tips on being successful.

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  63. KimMalkFebruary 4, 2014 at 6:16 PM

    Carol, Carol, Carol! I am SO excited for you. How absolutely wonderful!!! I can't wait to see how everything goes--you are one brave and fore-sighted lady, I just know it's going to be great. Ok, now it's on my "bucket" list to be a vendor. Hugs, Kim Oh, and, congratulations on having sponsors and a cool after-party, it sounds "big time!"

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  64. Mimi SueFebruary 5, 2014 at 1:41 AM

    It sounds fabulous! I might even try to talk the hubby into going to Orlando for it! Mimi

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  65. Gail SchmidtFebruary 5, 2014 at 10:24 AM

    How fabulous Carol! Makes me wish I still lived in the area as I would certainly apply as a vendor. :) I just know you will have a huge success on your hands because everything you dois wonderful and you pay attention to details. I think is it marvelous that you already have these great sponsors chomping at the bit. Can't wait to hear more of the story as you progress.
    Gail

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  66. Linda@Coastal CharmFebruary 11, 2014 at 11:53 PM

    Congrats Carol!!! This is such exciting news and I know that it will be a big hit with you behind it. Looking forward to following along with you on this new business.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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