A GIRLS GOTTA MAKE A LITTLE TIME FOR HERSELF ONCE IN AWHILE YOU KNOW.

What could be better than cuddling up with the latest edition of the New Century Collector.

NOTHING!

Why not grab a pillow and your laptop, snuggle down, and find out what's happening on the Utah collecting scene.  You're just one click away from an early look at our July issue. So go ahead, take a break, cuddle in, and spend a little quality time with the Collector.  Come on, you deserve it. But be careful, don't spill the cocoa on it, you'll want keep it all month, and besides, all that chocolate will gunk up your processor.  

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, RETRO-VINTAGE & RESALE. IT'S ALL HERE

 JUST GIVE US A CLICK

 

I FELL ASLEEP IN AMERICA AND WOKE UP IN OCEANIA

Those who know me well, know that for me, almost everything in life is defined in humorous terms.  And, our blog is usually reserved for things we think of as fun or interesting.  However, today I'm posting something on the more serious side.  If you own, work, consign, sell or buy from an antiques or second hand shop, you may find the following article of interest.  The boogie man is not far from your door. 

The following article will also appear in the NEW CENTURY COLLECTOR July issue.

by Dennis Barker
Publisher, New Century Collector

It seems that California is about to toss its antiques industry off a cliff.  Having failed in the past, not unlike the Phoenix, the idea of applying pawnshop merchandise reporting laws to antiques shops seems to have resurrected itself.  Pushed by the California Pawnbrokers Association, and what would have to be considered anti business political interests, bill AB 391, was passed by the California Assembly in April, and sent for approval to what appears to be a receptive Senate.  Most observers believe the democratic Governor will give the final push, sending California antiques shops careening into the abyss.

The crux of the law requires antiques shops to report merchandise traded, purchased or consigned to a central police database. Along with the electronic database submission, dealers must also fingerprint the seller, and archive a copy of the prints and the seller's photo identification for police inspection.  And it gets worse. All newly acquired merchandise must be held in a segregated holding area for 30 days before it can be sold.  In an economy where many antiques businesses are hanging by their fingernails, the prospect of hundreds of dollars in new licensing fees, computer equipment, increased labor, and additional space to meet the holding requirements, is discouraging at best.   If it all seems a little Orwellian, that's because it is. No antiques shop can thrive, or perhaps even survive given the repressive nature of this law.

And, why should conservative Utahan's care about what goes on in "weird California", a state that thrives on the cutting edge of insanity?  It's simple; the Utah Legislature is also edging our antiques industry dangerously close to the cliff.  In 2007 Utah Sate pawnbroker regulations were amended to include secondhand merchandise dealers. The amendment defines a secondhand dealer as: (a) “Secondhand merchandise dealer” means an owner or operator of a business that: (i) deals in the purchase, exchange, or sale of used or secondhand merchandise or personal property; and (ii) does not function as a pawnbroker.

Since 2008, during each Utah Legislative season, there has been either threat or attempt to amend the Utah Pawnshop and Secondhand Merchant Transaction Law to include antiques shops. Fortunately, each year, the UADA (Utah Antiques Dealers Association) has successfully made a case for the retention of our 2009 exemption from pawnbroker regulations. However, the Utah Pawnshop lobby continues its efforts to include the antiques industry.

If we're not careful, we are all going to end up fingerprinting little old ladies selling their teacups.  As an officer of the UADA, I spend a lot of time following the issue.  I go to Utah House & Senate hearings, meetings with legislators, and the Utah Pawn & Secondhand Merchandise advisor board meetings; everywhere I think we might get a tidbit of information.  What I hear is often discouraging, and it's not going to help to ignore reality.  Police, the Division of Consumer Protection, Pawnshop owners, their lobbyists, and friends in the legislature, are all pressing for universal compliance.  Regardless of our current exclusion, antiques shops, as an isolated faction of the secondhand industry will sooner or later be nothing more than another meal for the beast.

There are white hats, and there are black hats. Pawnbroker regulations are, you guessed it, for pawnbrokers.  No other category of secondhand business has exhibited the social or legal problems that originally forced the regulation of pawnshops. And, it is unreasonable to think that since they share the commonality of dealing in used goods, they are somehow wedded. They are not.

It is appropriate and right, that Antiques, collectibles, retro, vintage and resale shops resist inclusion under this burdensome law. But the larger truth is that although many other secondhand businesses are already caught in the web, their inclusion is no more fitting.  It is largely a waste of private and public resources, all to appease traditional bad actors in the used goods community.

So, what's to be done?  Only by all secondhand businesses acting in a communal effort, will the Legislature understand and address our problem.  There is as we know, strength in numbers. Whether your business is already caught in the snare, and is currently complying with this law, or is one of the thousands of second hand businesses that are surely in their sights, stand together. This is Utah, not California, and a majority of our Legislators stand squarely in support of small business.  Most are unaware of the problem. We need to educate them.  Find out who your House member and State Senator are, and call, send a letter or email, and let them know your business is not a pawnshop and should not be included in their regulatory mire.

NOW THAT'S JUST "PLANE" COOL!

I don't care how old you are, we're all really just eternal kids.  We never get tired of toys.  Sometimes it's all about buying back our childhood, and sometimes it's just about the memories.  I stopped at Jitterbug Toy's and Antiques in Salt Lake yesterday, and was mesmerized by Owner Dee Jackman's latest display.  Hanging from the Ceiling throughout the shop were vintage gas powered airplanes.  

As you can see, Dee has more toys than anyone else on earth.  And best of all, they're all for sale.  If you want to be astounded by the sheer coolness of this shop, stop by and say hello to Dee.

Jitterbug is located at 243 E 300 So, in Salt Lake City.

SALE IN THE CITY. Eye candy for collectors. Weather, dazzling. Backdrop..... perfect.

Engulfed by the cityscape, the first of the seasons Salt Lake Urban Flea Markets did anything but disappoint.

By the time we made it to the Urban Market on Sunday, the place was already an ant bed.  The first thing I did was to capture the markets setting.  Sunshine, blue skies and highrises.  The contrast between Salt Lake City's prime real estate and the quaint tented bazaar was striking.

Populated by eager, affable vendors, the market offered a perfect Sunday morning diversion.  This was my first visit to the Urban Flea Market, and I was surprised at the number of familiar faces we came across. Booth after booth seemed to be full of vintage and collectible dealers from the antique shops, shows and malls around the city.  

There was plenty to look at and buy.  Best of all, it seemed like everything we saw was a was a bargain.  Lyn walked off with a set of 50's mixing bowls, an art deco ring box, some Acro Agate children's dishes and an old wicker picnic basket, while I bought an oak cased Victorian barometer for an embarrassingly small price. 

I

I think this is what they mean by "too much fun".  If you're looking to put a little sunshine into your Sunday mornings, the Urban Flea Market will surely brighten your day.  The market runs every second Sunday of the month, from now through October 13th.   

 

Hmmm.... THEM FLEA'S IS GIVIN' ME THE ITCH. got to get downtown and get it scratched.

You wonder how it is that Salt Lake City hasn't had a credible down town flea market.  My only guess is that it must have been a plot to keep those hip 20 & 30 somethings in morning services.  Well, it’s time to open the doors and empty the pews; it’s sunny outside, and there are bargains to be had at Salt Lake's new Urban Flea Market.

Shoppers can browse at over 70 vendor booths for arts, crafts and handmade items, along with new, and second hand goodies. And, while it’s always a thrill just to save a buck or two, this trendy market is sure to also become the darling of the vintage/retro,  reuse & recycle crowd.

To see and be seen, make your way to the Northeast corner of 400 South and State between 9:00 and 3:00, on June 10th.  The Urban Market will run every  second Sunday of the month through  October 13th. Seems to me that leaves plenty of Sundays for other stuff.

 

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IN SEARCH OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY, ONE MUNDANE OBJECT AT A TIME

When shopping for antiques, it’s easy to confuse the search for truth & beauty, with acquisition of the beautiful, rare or exotic.  In fact, the real search is often more about objects that improve our quality of life than the beauty of our surroundings.  As years slip by, it’s impossible not to notice that each time we purchase a new item, it’s of lower quality in materials, craftsmanship and durability than whatever we’re replacing.  When we look back, it’s hard not to be enamored with the quality, function and charm of the objects our parents or grandparents used.

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to spend our Sunday morning at the Capital City Antiques Mall outdoor market.  We strolled from booth to booth, looking at this, touching that, and occasionally buying a trinket or two, when Lyn turned to me and flashed a big smile. “Look what I found”!  I was stunned. We had climbed the mountain, and were  returning with the prize.  She was holding a stamped steel, spring loaded, Scot Towels, under cabinet, paper toweling dispenser.  Embossed proudly with the makers name, and a 1929 patent date, this simplistic, mint condition, engineering marvel, would proudly replace the latest, of a long line of crappy plastic towel dispensers. I felt as if I had climbed into the  way-back machine with Mr. Peabody.  I felt victorious; Defiant. Let’s just see those damn towels escape from this one.  Lyn quickly restored perspective. “I like the color”.  

The masking tape price tag stuck on the bottom read $3.50, but the seller offered it to us for three bucks before we even had a chance to ask.  I was nonchalant as I offered the money.  Takin’ candy from a baby.

Okay, I’m not kidding myself, not everything can improve your life as much as an old paper towel holder, but many old things are extraordinary.  They exude charm, feel comfortable, and are mostly well made. The truth is, that when we find old objects that we can incorporate into our lives, we profit by the effort, often saving money, and always saving increasingly scarce resources. Old things truly are remarkable. Not only can they connect us with the past, they can also keep us out of the malls, and best of all, give us a reason to visit our favorite antiques & collectibles shops.  What more could we ask for,.

So, don’t overlook the charm and utility of using vintage items in your everyday life.  Next time you encounter an old mixing bowl just like the one grandma had, don’t hesitate to pick it up.  Stir things up a bit.

I'VE GOT TO BLOW THIS JOINT, SOMEBODY OUT THERE MIGHT BE BUYING MY STUFF!

Good lord girl, you don't have time to sit in that chair! Pull a bandana over that head, and throw on a pair of sunglasses.  The latest edition of the New Century Collector is out,  and there's shopping to be done.

 

Remember, You snooze you lose.  You don't want to be caught sitting around.  Not when just one click of the mouse will get you an early peek at the new June issue of the Collector.  A girl has to have her priorities straight you know. 

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

TO JOIN THE FUN  

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ACORNS ANTIQUES SHOW - May 19th: What do you mean, “can you see my wallet” fugettaboutit!

There are dangerous places in this world, but  nothing makes me more nervous than turning Lyn loose at the Acorns antiques show.  If you can’t find plenty to buy at this show, your amateur status is safe. Big crowds and a diverse group of dealers make this is the hottest Utah show since Walter Larsen was attracting the ermine toque crowd at the expo center.

You’ll find a little bit of everything at Acorn’s.  But it’s not just the antiques that make this show a shopping mecca.  They should all be like this one. The  atmosphere us casual, the dealers welcoming, and    promoter Heidi Wilcock makes everyone feel like an old friend.  If you love antiques, and can afford the gas, this show is worth the drive from anywhere.

Lyn never disappoints.  This time she was shopping for me, picking up a nice set of Indian scout & dog bookends.  Should be good for two steps toward Nirvana.  See you out there!

Geeeez, the alarm didn't go off and we're late for church

If you've read the New Century Collector, or have taken a look at our blog, you know that our motto is: If you find antiquing to be a religious experience, the Collector will get you to church.   Well, this past Sunday, services were held outside, at the Capital City Antiques Mall, In Salt Lake City.  We arrived a little bit late, but the place was still teeming with religious artifacts.

The Capital City parking lot  is put to a much better use, than parking cars

This is surely what the god's intended antiquing to be.  Fresh air, tables laden with goodies,  and a truck loaded with sustenance,  all basking in warm spring sunshine.  I looked around and noticed Lyn hadn't waited,  she had already made one purchase and was working the tables like a pro.

So I walked around, talked too much, and shopped too little, but still managed to nab a great peach mirror GE/Techron table clock for a paltry thirty bucks.  Since the clock satisfied my craving for stuff,  it seemed like a good time to check out the food truck.

This is how I look when Lyn catches me buying a forbidden candy bar

Carrying a diet coke in place of the Hershey bar, we headed back to the car.  I had a new clock, Lyn had a couple of new artifacts, and my wallet was still substantially intact.  All in all, a great Sunday service. 

On the way out, we encountered Capital City Antiques owner Monica Zoltanski, who was sporting a smile and a great hat.  We told her we had a terrific time, and would be back for her June 3rd sale.  Looks like We'll be regular members of her Sunday flock. 

 Is it proper to wear a hat at church?  hummm

You're kidding, I've got old sweat socks worth more than that

Sometimes it's good to know what your stuff is worth, and sometimes you wish you hadn't ask.  

The Utah Antiques Dealers Association held a small flea market and antiques and antiquarian books appraisal  event at the Sandy Historical Museum.  Hundreds of inquisitive collectors brought their treasures to be appraised by 3 of Utah's foremost antiques and rare book experts.

It was a mixed bag of smiles and frowns, as Gary Thompson (Gary Thompson Antiques), Nate Bischoff (Bearcat Antiques & Appraisals) and Ken Sanders (Ken Sanders Rare Book),  passed out the good and bad news for about 6 hours. 

Appraisals were a bargain $3.00 per item, with all proceeds going to the Museum.  This is an annual event, so keep an eye out next spring if you would like to get the scoop on your best stuff.

Along with the appraisals, the Association held a small flea market in the museum parking lot.  Lots of folks came for appraisals, but couldn't resist adding a piece or two to their collections before they left.

Keep your eye out for information about future dates for this fun antiques event in the New Century Collector.

Flea Circus: Hey, they're getting through the gates, and someone is looking at me kinda funny!

You don't want to be standing too close to the gates when it's opening time at a Flea.o.logy sale.  Someone is likely to pick you up, shake off the dust and stick you in the holding area until they can figure out how you can best be re-purposed.

It was every man for himself, as a crowd jostled for position at two entrances to the sale

Paula, Cathie & Jen (the flea.o.logists), remain the Queens of the recycle, re-imagine, re-love crowd, with their intermittent open air markets attracting a swarm of avid vintage shoppers. Their Saturday sale in Payson was no exception. 

Stephanie from Abode in Salt lake, puts the finishing touches on her booth.

Having arrived a few minutes before opening, Lyn & I strolled around the peaceful grounds, and watched as dealers finished stocking and arranging their goods, knowing, it was all for naught, as the sale hungry crowd would have the place disheveled and picked clean in pretty short order.

 

As they come through the gate, this group of shoppers seem confused as to whether they should go left or right, knowing the right decision will lead them to that sought after treasure.

Fascinated with the crowd, I began shooting a few pics, and Lyn of course began her usual pilgrimage to the sale tables. Nirvana seemed in sight, as it didn't take long for her to find an object to add to her collection.

Buyer and Seller each seem to think they got the best of the deal. I think they did, a small step towards Nirvana, and a coin or two for the dealers hard work.

  

We were running late, so it was a quick trip through the central checkout, and off to Sandy for a UADA sponsored sale & appraisal event.

If you haven't made it to one of the Flea.o.logy sales, you ought to make the scene. Fresh air, sunshine, vintage goodies and most of all, lots of fun. What more is there.  Watch the New Century Collector for upcoming flea.o.logy  events.

See you out there

YOU'D BETTER FILL UP THE OLD JALOPY. YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO HIT THE ROAD IF YOU DON'T WANNA MISS ANYTHING IN MAY. AIN'T IT ALL JUST TOO DOGGONE MUCH FUN!

After a cold wet winter, antiques are breaking out all over the place. Sales and happenings all through the month of May.  But you don't have to worry about missing your favorite event, because you can depend on the New Century Collector to keep you posted on what's going on out there.  So gas up the car and hit the road.

HERE'S YOUR MAP TO ANTIQUING NIRVANA 

MAY 1ST

   ABOUT TIME ANTIQUES BIRTHDAY

What could be better than cake and an antiques sale.  Be sure to stop by and wish a happy 1st birthday to owner Connie Tibbits at About Time Antiques Mall.  Cake and antiques! Mmmmm on both counts.

MAY 5TH

FLEA O LOGY, EVERYONE'S FAVORITE FLEA MARKET

SANDY HISTORIC MUSEUM ANTIQUES EVENT

This is not a day for antiquing lightweights.  Two must attend events, the spring Flea o logy sale and the Sandy Historic Museum collectibles sale & appraisal event will separate hardcore antiquers from the wannabe's. 

As luck would have it, the girls at Flea o logy are out to get the worm.  So, you can participate in the art of discovering second hand treasures at 8:00 am Saturday morning, and still make the scene at the Sandy Museum  by its 10:00 am kickoff.  

Find out what your old stuff is worth. The Utah Antiques Dealers will be sponsoring an appraisal event at the Sandy Museum, where for a paltry $3.00 each, you can have your antiques and old books evaluated by three of Utah's best appraisers, Gary Thompson (Gary Thompson Antiques), Nate Bischoff (Bearcat Antiques & Appraisals) & Ken Sanders ( Ken Sanders Rare Books).  All proceeds will go to the museum.

MAY 6TH

CAPITAL CITY ANTIQUES MALL, SUNDAY MARKET

Capital City kicks off the third season of its popular Sunday Markets on the second Sunday in May.  Owner Monica Zoltanski promises to soothe our souls with a few of our favorite things; antiques, food & music.  What better way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.

MAY 12TH

EXPRESSIVE BUNGALOW ANNIVERSARY

 THE ESTATE SALE MALL, PARKING LOT SALE

Expressive Bungalow, one of Salt Lakes classiest resale shops, celebrates it's first anniversary in May.  Stop by on the 12th, and congratulate owner Nancy Blaney, enjoy some refreshments, and shop at 25% off your total purchase. 

If outside sales are you thing, you'll want to be in Ogden for what promises to be a great antiques & collectibles sale in the parking lot at The Estate Sale Antiques Mall.  Owner Lance Lewis always has plenty interesting things at good prices.

MAY 19TH

  ACORN'S SPRING ANTIQUES SHOW

 CROSSROADS DOLL & TEDDY BEAR SALE

On May 19th, it's back up to Ogden, for Acorns, everyone's favorite antiques show.  Promoter Heidi Wilcock has the touch, every show seems better than the last.  You can pick up a discount card at almost any antiques shop, or print one out on the New Century Collector website www.newcenturycollector.com

It's back, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear sale. This is the one doll collectors wait for all year long.  Promoter Dorothy Drake brings her doll extravaganza to the Utah Fairgrounds On the 19th, .  You can get a discounted admission with her ad, or print a coupon from our website www.newcenturycollector.com

MAY 26TH

SPRING CITY HERITAGE DAY

Last but not least, is one of my favorite annual events.  Spring City Heritage Day.  Catch an early breakfast, bid on art by the foot, attend an antiques show in the Old School, and take the most fascinating historical home tour you've ever been on.  It's an easy drive from anywhere in Utah to Spring City.  If you've never been before, this will become one of you favorites too.

I'LL SEE YOU OUT THERE.  I'M GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THEM ALL!

HAPPY HUNTING

COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO TAKE A LITTLE PEEK!

Come a little closer, you're going to like what you see!

It's okay, don't feel so naughty.  Everyone is doing it. And you don't want to be the last one to see what's in the latest issue of the  NEW CENTURY COLLECTOR.

This is a bit of an old fashioned girl.  She waits to pickup her issue when it arrives at her favorite antiques shop. I'll bet she doesn't even have a cell phone! 

So, join the crowd, and Just give the link below a little click, and you can feast your eyes on our May issue, before it even hits the stands.  Come on, take a peek, we won't tell. You know you want to.

 JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK TO GET AN EARLY PEEK

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HOW AM I GOING TO SNEAK THIS STUFF PAST LYN? IT'S RECORD STORE DAY, AND I'VE BEEN A BAD BOY.

Like everyone, It's easy to get carried away on the big holidays, you know, like Christmas, New Years, Halloween, and of course Record Store Day.   It’s all just too exciting.  That's because there's  simply  nothing I like better than a Record Store.  Those hallowed depositories of the sights and sounds of our youth.

 

There is one caveat.  Unlike torn tee shirts, crumbs in my beard and buffets, I actually have standards when it comes to record stores.  I don't want to see CD's and cassette tapes, or racks full of those stupid little cases people carry them around in.  No displays of mp3 players, or those crappy little ear buds people think are real headphones.  Come on, just show me the records.

So, when I need a musical diversion, it's into the old pickup and off to Respin Records in Taylorsville, where owners Paul & Ginger really know how to stock a record shop. 

 

The Record Shop Day sale at Respin had been occupying  my thoughts for a couple of days.  The enticement; a big chunk of the stores regular stock for sale at a buck an album.  That's cheaper than when I bought them the first time around in the 60's.  So, on Record Shop Day eve, I laid in bed like a kid waiting for Santa, full of anticipation and worry.  The notion that someone might get there first causing  increasing anxiety. And sure enough, when I pulled in, the place was already buzzing.  .

Geez, people were hauling my records away by the crate full.  What about me? Still, a couple of hours later I found myself feeling a little calmer, and  leaving the store with a box of records worth a thousand memories for less than a hundred bucks.  Now, just how do I sneak the darn things into the house.

Thanks for the memories Paul!

OXIDE EXTRAVAGANZA! OR, INTO EACH LIFE A LITTLE RUST MUST FALL

Yesterday, I had a little back & forth with my friend Brenda at Just a Bed of Roses in Farmington, about some rusty old stuff she had come across.  I'm a bit of a dinosaur, and back in the ice age when I had my shop, we threw the old rusty junk in a box in the back room, hoping that sooner or later it would turn into dust and we could just sweep it out.   Turns out that these days, if you're a modern  girl, you're your using the term charm, and rust in the same sentence.  Who'd a thunk it? Here's a taste of what up at Just a Bed of Roses this week.

  

 Brenda's theme this week is:

DUMP DIGGER TREASURES

Elements to rusty up your home decor & gardens

Sounds like Brenda has a truck load of rustibles that she will be unloading today.  She's in luck though, its scheduled to rain, and that should put a fresh coat of oxide on all her goodies.  If you want to check out Brenda's "dump digger" sale, get yourself down to Just a bed of Roses at 15 East. State Street in Farmington.

LETS ALL GO UP TO MIDWAY AND HELP MILLIE CLEAN OUT HER HOUSE

DID SOMEONE SAY ANTIQUES SALE..... HUMMMMM

I HEAR THAT THREE'S THE CHARM

It sounds like Roger & Millie Medby have been over served. They're into their third sale, and still have a houseful of stock from Hollyhock antiques.  Where did they get all this stuff.

 Anyway, Millie has slashed the prices again, and the third time around might just be the best.  So, grab a box, or better yet a pickup, and head up to Midway to help Millie clean out the house.  The sale is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (March 29-30-31) at the house behind Fillerup Coffee Station, 30 North 200 East in Midway.

DON'T KNOCK THE KID DOWN JUST TO GET THE FIRST COPY

If you want to be the guy who knows everything, amaze your friends with your command of the antiques scene, and be a role model to your children,  then you're in the right place. Here it is, in all it's glory.  The April issue of the New Century Collector. We've got it, all the antiques news that's fit to print.

 

So, show your friends your savoir faire. Just click on the link below, and you'll be on your way to putting a little style in your life.

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE