http://www.inc.com/news/articles/2011/01/family-pledges-to-buy-only-from-small-businesses-for-year.html
http://onelocalfamily.com/
I often talk about and promote buying local with Independently owned businesses in your communities wherever you live. I work at doing that myself by eating one meal a day at a local restaurant 7 days a week. I also consider and try to shop that way on occasion for other things. In other words I try to practice what I preach. I have included links for a story about 1 family who pledged to only buy local for a year and to their blog where they inform us of the experience. WOW
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Commercial Targets--Young Adults
I hear complaints in the field that we need more young adults interested in and buying Antiques&Collectibles. I am blessed with a younger following and the ole standbyes of the past like myself, and welcome them whole heartedly. I have found websites where the younger collectors of today are sounding off as to the reasons they collect,what they experience, and what they are looking for. They are also sounding off against todays commercialism directed at them and their pocket books. Here is just some of what they have said, which I agree with and have added my own opinion to the mix. After reading this I hope you encourage other young adults into the world of Antiques&Collectibles.
IKEA Commercial---Shows a number of rooms decorated in the Ikea Style (which includes knock-offs styled after Antiques) and the end catch phrase is "Ikea-Life Improvement Store".
Really??!! Okay some of their items are priced reasonably,claims convenience,and looks good up front. To some it may be an improvement over grandma's 1970's paisley upholstered chair (then again some would find that cool).
But!!! Have you considered how cheaply made this stuff is and Eco irresponsiblely made at that, you have to assemble the stuff when it arrives (stress,stress,stress), and its value is absolutely nothing once put together.
Being Harsh!!! Don't think so, just factual. They are attracting and robbing potential young collectors interested in classic styles. I am simply saying--why throw your money away when Antiques&Collectibles are as Eco friendly as it gets,have quality,style,value and sometimes just as low priced and lower.
Pottery Barn---Catalogs full of bad reproductions (an Example:Printers Chests), and other items clearly based on Antiques.
They must study Auction catalogs or buy a few pieces at flea markets and then send to China to cheaply manufacture these knock-offs.
Restoration Hardware catalogs---Great source for hardware replacements etc when all else fails, but now they have delved into a new place that I have been offended by. The CEO states "No longer mere retailers of home furnishings,we are Curators of the Best Historical Designs the world has to offer."
OK I'm offended once again after typing that. Curator --watch out museums you have competition and claim to your title. Best Historical designs--claims their designs are better than the originals his company so poorly imitated? Here again you would be better off buying an original, having better design,quality,and worth something 10 years from now.
I will finish with, share this train of thought with the young adults in your life if you agree with us. Some may not be interested in the history of Antiques&Collectibles,or they may assume they can't afford them,but I know they are not getting the best value for their money buying from these establishments and others.
IKEA Commercial---Shows a number of rooms decorated in the Ikea Style (which includes knock-offs styled after Antiques) and the end catch phrase is "Ikea-Life Improvement Store".
Really??!! Okay some of their items are priced reasonably,claims convenience,and looks good up front. To some it may be an improvement over grandma's 1970's paisley upholstered chair (then again some would find that cool).
But!!! Have you considered how cheaply made this stuff is and Eco irresponsiblely made at that, you have to assemble the stuff when it arrives (stress,stress,stress), and its value is absolutely nothing once put together.
Being Harsh!!! Don't think so, just factual. They are attracting and robbing potential young collectors interested in classic styles. I am simply saying--why throw your money away when Antiques&Collectibles are as Eco friendly as it gets,have quality,style,value and sometimes just as low priced and lower.
Pottery Barn---Catalogs full of bad reproductions (an Example:Printers Chests), and other items clearly based on Antiques.
They must study Auction catalogs or buy a few pieces at flea markets and then send to China to cheaply manufacture these knock-offs.
Restoration Hardware catalogs---Great source for hardware replacements etc when all else fails, but now they have delved into a new place that I have been offended by. The CEO states "No longer mere retailers of home furnishings,we are Curators of the Best Historical Designs the world has to offer."
OK I'm offended once again after typing that. Curator --watch out museums you have competition and claim to your title. Best Historical designs--claims their designs are better than the originals his company so poorly imitated? Here again you would be better off buying an original, having better design,quality,and worth something 10 years from now.
I will finish with, share this train of thought with the young adults in your life if you agree with us. Some may not be interested in the history of Antiques&Collectibles,or they may assume they can't afford them,but I know they are not getting the best value for their money buying from these establishments and others.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What the Heck is this ?
Shadowboxed Victorian Hair Art
Hair is at once the most delicate and lasting of our materials, and survives us, like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that with a lock of hair belonging to a child or friend, we may almost look up to heaven and compare notes with the angelic nature-may almost say, "I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now."
The Godey's Lady's Book of May 1855
Appealing to the tendency among Victorian women to incorporate the importance of friends and family into their work, hair served as a tangible remembrance of someone. Often, close companions exchanged hair as tokens of friendship. Hair was also sometimes taken after a person’s death as a means of honor and remembrance.
Hair art was common throughout the Victorian era. Complex wreaths, simple lockets, elaborate bracelets, toothpick holders, earrings and every other manner of decoration were made from hair. Hair art was used for a variety of functions from recording family history to tokens of affection exchanged between lovers. Naturally, hair art also became a popular means to memorialize loved ones who had passed on. Mourning jewelry created with hair was intensely popular because it did not violate the strict code of conduct Victorian society imposed upon the conduct and dress of grieving persons. In this capacity hair art is best remembered. The hair of individuals and sometimes entire families can still be found intricately crafted and solemnly tucked behind glass frames or behind jeweler's cases at antique stores.
There is a museum Leila's Hair Museum in Independance MO
Hair is at once the most delicate and lasting of our materials, and survives us, like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that with a lock of hair belonging to a child or friend, we may almost look up to heaven and compare notes with the angelic nature-may almost say, "I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now."
The Godey's Lady's Book of May 1855
Appealing to the tendency among Victorian women to incorporate the importance of friends and family into their work, hair served as a tangible remembrance of someone. Often, close companions exchanged hair as tokens of friendship. Hair was also sometimes taken after a person’s death as a means of honor and remembrance.
Hair art was common throughout the Victorian era. Complex wreaths, simple lockets, elaborate bracelets, toothpick holders, earrings and every other manner of decoration were made from hair. Hair art was used for a variety of functions from recording family history to tokens of affection exchanged between lovers. Naturally, hair art also became a popular means to memorialize loved ones who had passed on. Mourning jewelry created with hair was intensely popular because it did not violate the strict code of conduct Victorian society imposed upon the conduct and dress of grieving persons. In this capacity hair art is best remembered. The hair of individuals and sometimes entire families can still be found intricately crafted and solemnly tucked behind glass frames or behind jeweler's cases at antique stores.
There is a museum Leila's Hair Museum in Independance MO
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
National Movement
Local businesses across the country now have a new champion in the form of Independent We Stand, a national movement of independent business owners educating their communities on the benefits of shopping at local stores.
“This project began as a way to inform friends and neighbors on one of the best ways to revive our economy: buy local,” said Bill Brunelle, Independent We Stand spokesperson. “Buying products and services from people who work and live in your town means more money goes back to your local area. Through taxes, payrolls, and the business owner’s own local purchases, that reinvestment stays where you live, making your own community a better place.”
Independently owned businesses provide numerous benefits to their local economies that most people might not be aware of. According to recent studies*:
When you spend $100 at an independent business, $68 returns to the local community. Spend that same amount at a national chain and it drops to $43.
Small business accounts for 75% of all new jobs.
Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chains and internet retailers.
Small businesses create more than half the non-farm private gross domestic product (GDP).
Locally owned and operated businesses create higher-paying jobs for you and your neighbors.
More of your tax dollars are reinvested in your community to fund local schools, hire more police officers and improve roads.
The Independent We Stand website also provides tools for businesses and consumers to further the cause. The newly launched site, IndependentWeStand.org, features a database of locally owned businesses across the country, a resource center for business owners to share news and statistics on the importance of buying local, and posters and flyers to help promote the message.
“All socially responsible businesses, big or small, help our economy remain vibrant,” said Brunelle.“Our goal with Independent We Stand, however, is to give locally owned, independent businesses a bigger voice to talk about the important contributions they make.”
Independent We Stand is sponsored by STIHL Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment that has never sold its products through mass merchants, but instead sells through thousands of independently owned servicing dealers across the country. For more information, to pledge your support for locally owned businesses, or to register your own business in the database, visit http://www.IndependentWeStand.org.
“This project began as a way to inform friends and neighbors on one of the best ways to revive our economy: buy local,” said Bill Brunelle, Independent We Stand spokesperson. “Buying products and services from people who work and live in your town means more money goes back to your local area. Through taxes, payrolls, and the business owner’s own local purchases, that reinvestment stays where you live, making your own community a better place.”
Independently owned businesses provide numerous benefits to their local economies that most people might not be aware of. According to recent studies*:
When you spend $100 at an independent business, $68 returns to the local community. Spend that same amount at a national chain and it drops to $43.
Small business accounts for 75% of all new jobs.
Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chains and internet retailers.
Small businesses create more than half the non-farm private gross domestic product (GDP).
Locally owned and operated businesses create higher-paying jobs for you and your neighbors.
More of your tax dollars are reinvested in your community to fund local schools, hire more police officers and improve roads.
The Independent We Stand website also provides tools for businesses and consumers to further the cause. The newly launched site, IndependentWeStand.org, features a database of locally owned businesses across the country, a resource center for business owners to share news and statistics on the importance of buying local, and posters and flyers to help promote the message.
“All socially responsible businesses, big or small, help our economy remain vibrant,” said Brunelle.“Our goal with Independent We Stand, however, is to give locally owned, independent businesses a bigger voice to talk about the important contributions they make.”
Independent We Stand is sponsored by STIHL Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment that has never sold its products through mass merchants, but instead sells through thousands of independently owned servicing dealers across the country. For more information, to pledge your support for locally owned businesses, or to register your own business in the database, visit http://www.IndependentWeStand.org.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Start of the New Year
Well this is how I spent the beginning of the New Year: went to an auction on New Years day,went on a house call sunday and then again this morning. The picture is just a tease and doesn't show all that I got. Just like American Pickers, I was giddy and doing what I love most. On the Hunt and Wheeling and Dealing. Will be adding this to the inventory all during the month so come by and hunt yourself for the new goodies. Everything will be looking back at you hoping for a new home and some appreciation.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Toast to You!! New Years Resolution
Want to give my sincere thanks to our customers,facebook fans and friends for your support in 2010. Without you we can't exist. Happy New Years and may 2011 be all you need or want it to be.
I will Shop Small in 2011. Will you?
Supporting small business helps the economy. So this year, I've made a resolution to shop at my favorite local stores more often. Join me and spread the word...
I will Shop Small in 2011. Will you?
Supporting small business helps the economy. So this year, I've made a resolution to shop at my favorite local stores more often. Join me and spread the word...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Holidays
Well we survived another Christmas and what a blessed one it was. The economy and times have been hard this year but life continues on. Many things are to be learned and shared during such times in our lives. We hope all our friends,loved ones,customers and fans were as fortunate and blessed as us.
With the start of a new year approaching lets all rally together and believe for the best, one day at a time. Think on the now and rejoice in life itself. The rollercoaster of life has its ups and downs. We hopefully learn from those ups and downs and become stronger individually and as a nation.
Thank you sincerely for your business and friendship,
Antiques Attic
With the start of a new year approaching lets all rally together and believe for the best, one day at a time. Think on the now and rejoice in life itself. The rollercoaster of life has its ups and downs. We hopefully learn from those ups and downs and become stronger individually and as a nation.
Thank you sincerely for your business and friendship,
Antiques Attic
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Buying Local---Independant Owned Businesses
Being an independantly owned business of course I'm interested in buying local campaigns that are spreading across our nation. On facebook I follow the 3/50 Project and Independant We Stand
Now that’s a partridge in a pear tree!
Posted on December 15, 2010
According to the PNC Christmas Price Index, the 2010 cost for each of the items from the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song would be $23,439. If you bought the items from independent, locally owned stores in your town, $15,938.52 would be reinvested in your community through taxes, payroll and other local expenditures. If you bought them at national chain stores, only $10,078.77 would be re-invested locally. If you bought them at a big box store that number would drop even more. So this holiday season give a gift to your community and “buy local.”
Now that’s a partridge in a pear tree!
Posted on December 15, 2010
According to the PNC Christmas Price Index, the 2010 cost for each of the items from the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song would be $23,439. If you bought the items from independent, locally owned stores in your town, $15,938.52 would be reinvested in your community through taxes, payroll and other local expenditures. If you bought them at national chain stores, only $10,078.77 would be re-invested locally. If you bought them at a big box store that number would drop even more. So this holiday season give a gift to your community and “buy local.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Treasures
We have treasures galore looking for good homes!!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
An example of a post on facebook
Take a Moment--Be In Wonder
by Antiques Attic on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 9:24am
Sometimes we are surrounded by so many amazing things, we lose the sense of how truly wonderful they are or take for granted without a second thought. Objects such as a one-drawer stand,pewter candlesticks,or a wood bowl may be commonplace,plentiful, but consider any one of them as an object with a story and history, and you might find yourself in awe. They were made centuries ago in times and places that are today unrecognized,by the hands of a person who lived a life we have not and may know nothing about. They traveled longer and made more possibly treacherous journeys than any of us have ever experienced. They were used and carried and worn down by people who are now nameless to us and long dead. They sat in rooms where people were born,died,or silent witnesses to daily dramas and to the vast panarama of history itself.
If you just take a moment to really see and think about the objects around you, you may discover a whole new aspect. Maybe even renew your love and passion for the objects,collections you already have. Living surrounded by pieces of history and art--thats a blessing. Be thankful you are or were able to be a temporary steward for these items.
Our Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/pages/Antiques-Attic/301456799866?v=app_2309869772#!/pages/Antiques-Attic/301456799866
This is our facebook page where you can view the inside of our shop by viewing our photo albums. These photo albums show some of the many monthly additions to our inventory and show the vast variety that we have to offer. You can also become a fan to keep informed on educational notes like "What the Heck is This?", things happening in Historic Downtown New Albany including shoutouts for other businesses, and just entertaining links. Check us out---its FREE
This is our facebook page where you can view the inside of our shop by viewing our photo albums. These photo albums show some of the many monthly additions to our inventory and show the vast variety that we have to offer. You can also become a fan to keep informed on educational notes like "What the Heck is This?", things happening in Historic Downtown New Albany including shoutouts for other businesses, and just entertaining links. Check us out---its FREE
Welcome to Antiques AtticA private 2 floor Antiques&Collectibles Shop
Located in Historic Downtown New Albany,IN
We are addicted to antiques and collectibles so we constantly buy and add new merchandise every week.
They range from Textiles,Art,Toys,Pottery,Glassware,Advertising,Kitchenware,Furniture,Architectural,Local Memorabilia,Derby,Retro,Tramp Art,etc etc etc. From the Victorian Era until the early 1970's
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Our mission is to have repeat satisfied customers that we come to know and share with. We are always wanting and seeking new customers also so come check us out when in the area. The reason we add new merchandise weekly is not only for our pleasure but for our customers pleasure and keeping things fresh and always interesting. Lastly we are a local independant business that supports all things happening in New Albany as it is an up and coming City.
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