Today's Small Business Saturday!

Small Business Saturday isn't just about brick-and-mortar stores.  Many micro businesses get their start by establishing an online presence first.

You can support small businesses Saturday without leaving your living room.  It's also a great way to find that unique, one-of-a-kind gift.

I'll be online supporting other small businesses and invite you to shop Wisdom Lane Antiques on Etsy here and eBay here.

Scarves

Scarves can be used to dress up or make any outfit new.

There are plenty of different pieces that you can get without breaking the bank.  A beautiful designer scarf or even a stunning unmarked one can also be a welcome and beautiful gift.  Saute Angelo produced this wonderful scarf with a great yellow and brown pattern on it.

The great thing about this scarf is that it's a great size and color that could go with a lot of outfits.  You can see this terrific in my Etsy store here.

A great unmarked example is this wonderful Italian made scarf.

The scarf even has a cupid motif on it, and can be seen in my Etsy shop here.  Like the examples seen above, there are many different pattterns and colors that can be found on a scarf to dress up an outfit.

You can see more scarf examples in my Etsy store here.  What kinds of scarves have you run across?

Prohibition Cocktail Sets

During Prohibition, teapots and cups were often used in restaurants and homes to hide what you were drinking.  No matter what drink you were sipping on, someone could think that you were having a cup of your favorite tea!

Here’s a modern take that gives new meaning to the phrase "cocktails for two."  The Art Deco pot and Czechoslovakian cups date to the 1920's, which was right in the heart of Prohibition (it ran from 1913 to 1933).

Not only does this set look great gracing any table, it is quite the conversation piece.  The set can be seen in my Etsy store here.

Have you ever used a set like this?

Buying lesson—check items out for damage!

Recently at an estate sale, I bought quite a few items.  One of the items was a Lefton salad plate made for the Order Of The Eastern Star.

I had purchased it under the notion that the plate was in good shape.  When I got the plate home, I found that the plate had a good sized chip on the edge of it.

Today when we shop, we have the ability to use out cell phone to check out the worth and rarity of a piece that we are interested in.  To a great extent, it has diminished the need to go with your gut, but not completely.

You still have to be able to judge an item if it’s fake—and frankly to discover flaws.  You need to use your fingers and the light around you to discover chips and cracks.

Fortunately, my purchase mistake was inexpensive.  It was less than 5 dollars.

Currently in my Etsy store, I have an Eastern Star cup and saucer for sale (which can be seen here).  I am including this plate as a free gift when you purchase the cup and saucer.

What kinds of mistakes have you made when you purchased an item?

Vintage sheet music for all

Once upon a time and not so long ago, sheet music could easily be found in music store racks.  It usually surrounded a piano where someone would play it for you, and it all was less than a dollar.   

Their beautiful cover illustrations were often done by well known illustrators.   Not only that, they feature songs that are in movies as well.  The song "Gladiolus Rag" is a perfect example of this.  The song was prominently featured in the movie "The Sting," and it can be found in my Etsy shop here.

 

Today, for the piano or guitar student, these vintage items are still fun to play and sing along with.  They also make great wall hangings when they are framed.

You can see more terrific sheet music examples in my Etsy store here.  What were some examples of the sheet music that you have run across?