The Lampshade Lady Blog

September 2015 Brimfield Flea Market

Yes, it's time for September Brimfield. I haven't done the September show in a very long time but in order to get my great spot I had to do 2 shows... The promoters sort of have you wrapped around their fingers... but I do have a fantastic spot! I'm booth 104 on the main entrance road into The New England Motel Show. Sounds like warm weather to set up but cooling down as the week goes on. Having a good spot is important - for one the electricity stays on in this spot which is all important for a person selling lampshades, it's close to the potties, looks like it will drain well for wet weather and is on the main entrance road into the show- sometimes you get folks coming in and going out. And it's easier for buyers to remember where the heck you are in an all confusing barrage of antique sellers. 

Just finished this pair of scallop embroidery shades. Sweet for a little girls bedroom. They are made from vintage embroidery. They measure 4 tx 8b x 6 high.

And another vintage embroidery to bring to Brimfield. It's been a busy summer working mostly 6 day weeks... phew. It's been hard to keep up with orders on Etsy and in my shop as well as make great inventory. But does feel rewarding putting out great new lampshades and seeing customers come back season after season. It's been a 7 day week this week and was just about to work all day tomorrow until my husband brought home some fresh Maine crabmeat for sandwiches to go out sailing tomorrow... so how could I say no!!! a compromise was had- I'll work 8:30 -10:30 and finish up my last minute additional projects! And then a sail on Lake Champlain and Carson's famous crab sandwiches! And maybe a cold beer! Gotta get the last out of the summer. Monday is a pack up day for Brimfield.....a tactical feat to squeeze into my CRV!
More new inventory! French vintage ticking rectangle bell and amazing Fortuny square bells. These will never make it to Etsy....for sure. finished these all up today and looking good. I think this fabric has spoiled me for life! A wax resist Italian fabric- just to die for.

Finished this pair of barkcloth cut corner rectangle bell shades today, too. The chicken is almost done- cute repro grainsack, but loved the chicken. I usually try to stick with vintage but couldn't resist the chicken.

I hope you'll venture out to The Brimfield Flea Market. I'm booth 104 at The New England Motel Show. It's a tad overwhelming, bring sneakers, water, money, a cart and a camera! It's great people watching- you never know who you'll see! My favorite times are usually that glass of wine and some cheese after a long show. Just dreading that 4:30 am wake up call for the early opening on Wednesday. Hope I don't sleep thru it.... 

Happy Labor Day!

xo

judy lake

Getting Work Ready for The Brimfield Flea Market and My 30th Year of Lampshade Making!

It's that time of year again! At last. What a LONG winter and chilly spring. I'm prepping lots of new projects for The Brimfield Flea Market. I was going to take a break this year, but decided to try a new spot at The New England Motel Show. And I think it's a winner! Great spot in the center of the show on the main road into the place. I'm at booth #103. And my good friend Judy Pascal and her daughter are setting up right behind me!  I'm thrilled they will be so close by.

Just finished this vintage bird needlepoint. 6" top x 8" bottom x 6" high. I've taken a break listing on my Etsy Shop, Lampshadelady as I'm in showtime prep! So if you see anything here you love, just email me and I'll pop it in the mail. The show is celebrating it's 30th year and having a early preview on Tuesday May 12th, 3-6pm. $20 early entrance fee which is also good for Wednesday, too. Opens Wed. 13th at 6am daybreak.

Basket full of Grain Sack Drum Shades to be finished for the show! Using up my scraps @ $20.

Finished up this pair of rectangle bell shades done in the wonderful Fortuny Italian Fabric. Pretty sweet.

Vintage French Cotton Hex Bell @75.

Pretty vintage needlepoint violet with cream dotted swiss fabric.

I'm pretty fond of this pair. Just had the fabric arrive from France! So pretty and rare. I find that I tend to do my favorite work just before shows; it's a pattern I've watched over the years. I think it has to do with the fact that time is limited and I have had projects I've wanted to do for months and finally get time to do them.

Just finished this pair of rectangle bell grain sack lampshades. Loving this shape. Grain Sack fabric is pretty hard on the hands but looks so great and popular.
A pair of vintage crewel shades in progress for this week to finish.

Panels of a Fortuny Fabric Shade, amazing color! Will be to die for!

This year marks my 30th year of making lampshades. I started making shades when we moved to Southern Vermont in 1985. How could it possibly be that long. I haven't had my business that whole time, but it got it's start all those years ago. The first 5 years was a slow start experimenting with the craft as I was a young mom grabbing bits of time to be creative. It's been a fun ride and finally feel like I'm at the top of my game as long as my little hands hold out, they sure do take some abuse cutting styrene and heavy fabrics.

Hope you make it down to Brimfield! New England Motel Show is in the middle of the fields on RT 20 in Brimfield, just west of Sturbridge, MA. There's 20 plus shows opening Tues-Sunday. Don't forget the comfy shoes, water and money!

xo

judy lake

Springtime News

Easter has come and gone but I can hardly bare to take down my eggs! I'd almost forgotten I had them and popped them up in the nick of time. I'd made them last year for an Easter Fund-raising event. A good use of some odds and end scraps. And I seem to have lots of them! It has been a LONG Cold winter and I'm home today, Sunday. I just tried to put my peas in but it was just too cold! drats. I'll have to wait a few more days.

Just sold this sweet shade, but had to pop it up here. Easter pretty! After our long winters the spring season does bring out all the colors! This lampshade was made with a vintage embroidery and trims to match or in my own quirky mismatch style! Hey, it can't be too matchy! What fun would that be....the fun part about designing anthing is picking out the fabrics, figuring out the trims and seeing what size and shape shade would work best for the fabric. If this shade was much larger it would loose it's sweetness.
Just finished this shade last week. The monogram suits this shape shade as well as the size of the frame. Monograms make great bedroom lampshades and this size hex bell 5 x 10 x 7.5, fits the mid size glass boudoir style lamps very well. I make custom monogram lampshades with my clients on linens; it is a fun way to use some of the treasures in your attic that you have NO idea what to do with. It doesn't even have to be your own initials; there are some beautiful ornate monograms to be found at the flea market or antique shops.

Speaking of Flea Markets, Brimfield is just around the corner! yikes. I have a great inventory thanks to keeping my head down this winter....I will be set up at The New England Motel Antique Show.

The New England Motel Show opens Wednesday, May 14th at daybreak..... darn, that's 6 am. Sorta early for me to arise....that means 4:15 am... sure makes for a long day! We are all excited; it's fun to get out and see all the spring treasures that the dealers have found as well as make some nice sales and connections with old friends and new. There are lots of hotels and motels in Sturbridge, Ma.  if you need a place to stay and a little less $$ if you stay further away.

I am booth #67 if you want to come and say hi! It's left side facing the show. New England Motel Show is by the food court..... ALWAYS a good place to be!

Crazy for birds! Anything bird is good. Especially nice quality vintage needlepoints! This shade is similar to one I did a while back and happy to do another. It's trimmed with some hand marbled fabrics my student Cat gave me! I have been hoarding them for the perfect moments.
I bet some of you wonder if I ever make plain lampshades....YES, often. I made a pair of these square bell shades recently. They are clean, simple and really quite lovely in their simpleness. Made with homespun vintage linen that when lit show the lovely texture of the slubby linen. I do not always have many plain shades in my shop but make many for custom work. Some lamps just call out for something simple and then again.... I do love to mix patterns and trims the most! Much more fun to make!!!!

Lastly today,  Machs General Store, our general store in Pawlet has been having some hard times.  Many a general stores around the state have also found themselves in similar situations  and have had to re-evaluate the changing retail times, poor local economies and business practices.

A group of local friends and business owners have come together to brainstorm and try to help salvage a wonderful old store. Our general store is the HUB of our community and an easy place to take for granted. But, boy we sure would miss it if it closed.  It's the place to grab a cup of coffee and visit with friends or pick up a box of eggs and butter to finish making cookies.

I will do a longer post in the near future on the store. We are about to launch a "kickstarter like fund"  and have a couple of events for June in the works. They are almost ready to announce. It actually is an exciting time in town! Sometimes bad things bring good things....it certainly brings the town together to solve the issues of the time. We have had a HUGE amount of interest in this new project...... as I say.... oh dear, how do I get myself into these things....yup, guess it's cause we care!

xoxo

judy

ps still no sunshine to plant my peas.... maybe it's time for a sunday nap!

May Brimfield 2013 Has Come and Gone

The Day Break opening at New England Motel! In they come!!!

 

 What a fast week it has been here at Brimfield. I am posting here on Sunday morning; always a little dreary--- but a chance to make those last few sales. I usually don’t bother with Sunday, but seems like the customers seem to be “happier” parting with their money. By all reports from vendors, Wednesday, opening day here at The New England Motel was one of the best in years. It’s been a long 5 years for the weary economy and if this week is any indication it seems to be coming out of the fog. Thank god. Creativity at it’s best is trying to sell when the 99% are hanging onto their hard earned money.

Weather is a big topic of conversation and study at any outdoor event. It is a huge indicator of sales. Too steamy hot--- forget it--- customers get hot and confused and boy it’s easy to get lost amongst the rows and rows of booths! We had the great weather, only one hot day but it was well enjoyed after a frosty morning the day before. Who knew icy windshield this time of year.

I’d bet the gate numbers are way up this season. Here is the film crew for Flea Market Flip. I'd dare to guess the TV Flea Marking reality shows have encouraged for folks to come out to the flea. On the way to my booth yesterday, I walked through Shelton’s Show;  Flea Market Flip was there prepping for their day. What a huge crew of film guys, assistants and gear! I heard a few grumbles from some of the vendors, but heck it’s great publicity for them. Seems like the public has learned a few buying skills from these shows- good and bad. Several inappropriate offers were heard to have been made…. like an item is 75 dollars and 40 dollars offered- sort of insulting to the seller. A few dollars is usually expected and within reason.

Many great sales were had to the big chain stores; shopping for art/store display/ephemera as well as fashions and textiles for copy or inspiration. Not me, but many LUCKY vendors---the buyers come with HUGE budgets; how fun to spend someone else’s money shopping. At least for a little while! My booth partner was lucky I opened her display as she was late to arrive and a J.Crew buyer made her week!

When I am here selling it’s hard to get too far way from my booth to shop. One morning I went to the opening of the J and J Show- one I enjoy perusing. There’s a few fun textile folks there- a real mix of sellers. I found a few nice things, well worth the 5 bucks and walk around. Then strolled through the other markets on my way to my spot at New England Motel Show. As always it’s fun to peek at Central Park for more fabrics and trims. Found a few great things, but was getting late by then and scrambled back to open up the booth! I had a good day selling that day, must have been my happy buying !

love this! only lamp I found! nice color and size.

Clouds are starting to come in this morning; I think the rain will hold off this tonight! See, here I go about the weather!  Socks on, socks off and socks back on…. The shoppers are starting to make their way here, best put my scribbles away and be chatty!

Happy Flea Marketing and may YOU find some great finds.

xo

judy (one tired flea market puppy)

Brimfield is just around the corner...deep breath

 

May is the BEST time to head to Brimfield Flea Market!  It's the only one that works for me, but summer is hot and fall can be fickle weather. Fingers crossed we haven't used up all our sunny days by the 15th!!!
New England Motel Show opens on Wednesday. Some shows open on Tuesday and run till Sunday. I usually am packed up by Sat PM. The Vintage Textile Show is on Monday in Sturbridge, MA. I head down on Tuesday for set up and settle in for the week. (My Vermont shop will be closed)

I'm sharing a big 20x20 tent with my friend Philippa this year! Dear friend Mary is just around the corner, Tex and family are across the row, Wendy and her beautiful textiles are just down the way.... friends are made, fun is had, sales are made, lobster rolls eaten, procecco opened, red wine sipped, cheese nibbled on, new connections are made and hopefully the economy is a little rosier. We do make it fun as well as the hard work to pull it all together!

The lists of "must bring things" starts soon. The bag with the duck tape, electric tea pot, pens, receipts, business cards, omgoodness, the list is long, but years of experience makes it easier, oh ya, the cork screw...can't forget that. I find most important piece is that if I am organized I don't have to rush and can just enjoy the process.

Today's project: I didn't have a room for Tuesday night and thought I'd wing it... but today I  had a better thought and found a room online... yipee. Cross that off the worry list. Nothing like a good night sleep, hopefully, especially for the early morning start of day break. Last year my alarm/radio had been turned down in my hotel----sooooo I couldn't hear the alarm and over slept, phew and couldn't park at my show as we have to be there by 5am; a little early for the lampshade lady. I had to park way down the row and pay for parking and scamper all the way to New England Motel Show. I figured those early dealers aren't really my customer anyway and just not fret about being late. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and finally got to my booth. No biggie.

Hope you come visit the shows. My booth is #65; if you are facing the show it is on the left side middle row, near the back. A great spot! Bring money, water, sneakers!  New England Motel Show is in the middle of all the shows on RT 20, BY THE FOOD Court! One of the perks of the location!

There's lots of info on line about times and show openings - check out this link. There are 20 shows and they open at different times, staggering them so dealers can race from show to show to find  the best stuff or others like to run the other way and hit the fields that aren't busy.....(that's me:)!  Most of the shows have parking; it isn't a big deal, usually no problem and cost 5-10 dollars.

xo

judy

Cutie Pies

This is the most adorable Vintage French Cotton! Isn't it? Perfect for my house....fun to make and oooh so French. You can see my camera has made it outside! Lampshades are super hard to photograph and oh so much easier outside...... and yes, today was pretty nice in Southern Vermont! Today was a petal to the metal day; I had piles of started work that needed finishing. I got most of it done and up onto Etsy- MOST but not all...when is everything finished!

And another pair finished! I am starting to make a plan for what my "holes" are for Brimfield. Won't be long till it's time to head south to the land of many flea markets! Everyone is excited for the first one of the season!

One more finished up today. I've got 2 more smaller than this that didn't get finished.  There's always tomorrow morning and then it's time to set up for Wednesday's workshop. We've got a full house, big group- time to round up the chairs, tables and strip a bunch of stuff out of my shop to make space for the gang. Lots of details to pull together.

My one day workshop is usually folks that live pretty close by- some for a fun day to try something new and some are coming for a new career- I've got both coming. The 2 day workshop tends to bring folks from afar that want to come to start a business or add to their design knowledge. So, here we go..... ready set..... to trash my shop and rearrange it all.

note: I still have one spot left for the 2 day if you get a hankering.... oh, be spontaneous for spring!

My Lamp Shop in Deep Winter

Snow has just started, again. The days are starting get longer and customers are waking up a little. How hard is it to keep making our inventories when things are slow? Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself to keep MAKING and DESIGNING because the busy days will be back. The Brimfield Flea Market will be here before I know it! I know my other craft friends that do shows have a few events in the deep winter, but mostly slim pickings. oooh how to survive the deep winter as an artist...??? recharging our design batteries is not a bad idea.
Painting my shop! I went to pick up a quart of paint in Rutland and the dear little man that mixed my paint gave me a gallon instead of a quart. I have been redoing my son's crudy bathroom and this is the wall color. LOVE it. Soooo. It's time for a new color at my shop and most likely I have almost enough. It's called Cool Aqua Semi Gloss from Benjamin Moore. It is super happy and time to say goodbye to the California Lilac!
I have a pair of these ticking shades. One of the most beautiful vintage tickings I have seen. Size 7" x 12" x 8" high, hex washer. Also just started a pair of 5" x 10" x 7" clip on, too. Fabrics like this don't last long in here!




New wall color! Everything looks so pretty against it. And the cobwebs are gone, for a while.
Pretty Paisley. One of the best ever!





One gray day this week I pulled every crazy bright color off the shelf and started in and made springlike shades! It turned into a really fun day. Color is such a vital element in our lives. Remember to USE it. I was recently in a friend's house and beige and gray were her main colors... even a little of this magenta would light a spark of light.

oooh and look at this! Do you remember these cloth kids books? I just sold one yesterday, but still have this one. Can't wait to make more. Just love the idea. So cute for a baby present or for the farm house.
here was another from the dark, winter day this week. THINK SPRING.
Well, it's time to do the other side of my shop!

Here's to hoping the snow drops come up sooner than later.

xo

judy

To Brimfield and Back: good to go and great to get home!

Last week was May Brimfield Week. I poked my way down to Brimfield Tuesday morning in pouring rain; no need to hurry in this weather. Great timing, rain let up just enough to unpack my car. It was super easy unloading. I was able to pull right up to my tent without any trouble. phew, that was a relief.
If you haven't been to Brimfield before the show is 21 flea markets/antique shows along a one mile strip. The shows open at staggered times creating a frenzy of shoppers racing to the next show that opens or perhaps running the other way to avoid the chaos.
Honda Elements are pretty ugly cars, but look how much they hold. Deep breath and time to unload and style my booth. I only do this one show now. I've done so many craft shows over the years and paid my dues. I'm at the point that I enjoy doing one show a year and happy to be at my shop the rest of the year. Happy to go and happy to get back to Pawlet.

Presto, booth is set up! It is so hard to get started.... where to put everything. Note to self: if they can't see it they won't buy it....

From where I was perched all week.... Brimfield is great people watching....I must be stuck in rural Vermont for too long... 2 booths over from me was a booth setup for a DYI Tv show, The Bronson Pinchot Project. I was clueless who Bronson was as I'd never seen the show or his sitcom shows back in his "day". But it was fun to watch the crew set up shoots and interview shoppers. Camera guy is next to the stop sign. I will watch the show to check it out, Saturday 10:30 pm. He uses architectural pieces in his projects. They had some very attractive columns in their booth.
Finials
more finials, ooh, I sold that great lamp, miss that one!
new grainbag chandelier shades. I will be making more of these. (bottom left) great interest.
friends down from Vermont to shop!
Lots of grainbag shades.
Pretty French Fabric Shades

A few goodies I found and bought.

Phillipa ready for customers!
It's starting to look like blue sky!!!
tempted to pick a few of these up! drats, I should have....coulda, shoulda....cool idea for lamps.
These were pretty, too. Love the blue. Too expensive for my budget.
Here's a cool idea. Wonder how they drilled that hole? It's hard to find nice tall lamps. This was just down from my booth. Nice isn't it.
And then there were the stories of art found and art sold.... can you imagine carring this 50lb art bible around. ooh the stories at Brimfield. Glad I only sell lampshades...but the thrill of the hunt for that one valuable piece of art found for pennies and cashed in for big $$$$!
And then all of the Brimfield Police arrived for a situation... rumor has it was for counterfit $$$. These guys were just off to the left of my booth. Never seen this before. I think they let the guy off???? as rumor had it. pretty interesting. One good thing about only selling lampshades. My customers are great!!!
I found this cool, funky lamp one morning. Reminds me of anemones. Might need a funkier shade; I've got some Japanese Turquoise Dot fabric that I think will be perfect.
easy lunch when things get busy. I'd highly recommend this Almond Butter. yummy. My friend Scarlett told me I must try it. wow. devine with Suzie's Spelt crackers.

Found this linen Saturday morning. I hadn't picked up much fabric and needed a little inspiration.
And that led me to pick up a few more small little French treasures. It is hard to shop when you are at the show alone.... not easy to get away. I could have shopped Sunday morning on my way home, but enough dust and grim and ready to hit the road and get back to green Vermont. It was a fast, fun week and now I'm putting my shop back together. Cleaning and vaccuming; trying to make it look fresh. Molly & Muffin are happy I am back in the shop!

2012 Spring Brimfield Starts Next Week

Time to think about Fall Workshops.... I will try to get an information post out in the next few days. Spring workshops have come and gone. Full groups for both classes. Great lampshades made, lots of new friends met and stories shared. I think we all had a fun time and learned how to make hard back lampshades and as much lighting info I could squeeze in to the days.

Look what I found yesterday as I was working in my yard! What a treat. I've just gotten a newsletter out to my mailing list, I think... our emails change faster than I can keep up with. So if you didn't get the newsletter, join my Lake's Lampshades Face Book Page.

I am prepping and finishing up orders before I head off to Brimfield Flea Market. The piles of lampshades and other needed props are starting to collect. The long lists of NOT To Forget things... electric tea kettle, duck tape, extra socks, bottle of wine, etc. I'll be set up at The New England Motel Show, Booth 54. It's  in the front, left side if you are facing the show. New England Motel Show is the one by the food court!!! Always important and in the middle of all of the shows. The show opens at Day Break on Wednesday the 9th, damn.... Not sure I function much at that hour....and the customer at that hour isn't my customer, oh well, we have to be there.....

Please let the weather be warm but not too warm, dry but not too dry....not wet... The spring flea market is fun. Everyone is happy to get out and show their wares they've procured all winter. I've been making some awesome drum grainbag shades, some really pretty French fabric bell shades, some great embroidery shades, etc. And hope to cruise around a little myself to look for fabric.

If you come, bring water, money, comfortable shoes, a cart to carry stuff, money, did I say money again.... yikes. I always run out of money shopping no matter how much I bring.... I would stowe a little away in my car for tolls and food on the way home. Most dealers will take a check too. I take credit cards which is helpful for customers.

hope to see you,

judy

 

B

Come Out to Nantucket Island for My Workshop

2 Shades in 2 Days on Nantucket Island

Keep your summer going and head out to Nantucket Island for my 2 day workshop. It's not too late to reserve a spot with the Nantucket Historical Association's 1800 House Craft Workshops. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, 2011.

We will be doing 2 shades. First day a hard back fabric shade with fabric. And day 2 we will do a vintage Nantucket Postcard Shade. (or Boston) I did a fun workshop last summer with the 1800 House. We had a big group of 10 students, but their workroom was perfect for a large group. Last year we did it all in one day; this year we are splitting the long day up with 2 morning sessions.

Contact the 1800 House to save a spot for my workshop. Ask for Betsy or Mary.  http://www.nha.org/1800house   or call 508-228-7785.

On my way to Nantucket I'm going to do a stop over to shop a little at The Brimfield Flea Market. My treat for working so hard this summer!  And maybe a little beach time, too.