Happy Saturday to you! So far in Ottawa we’ve had some sunshine, some wind and even some snow. But I’m sure it’s Spring because today is the start of the Ottawa Spring Antique Show. Last Fall Sue and I had the fun of getting a sneak preview of the show and this year was no different. We snuck in there this morning before the crowds (serious crowds at the opening hour) and took some pictures. If you haven’t already been to the Carleton Fieldhouse today, we hope these pictures tempt you to take a look tomorrow.

map chest

But before you make a decision to go or not…raise your hand if you think this show will be full of dust and must? Keep them raised if you think it will be cracked dolls and grand-ma’s doilies? Anyone with their hands still up? Okay, now shake you head side to side, put your hand down and take a look at these pictures which will show you that although it’s called Antiques, there’s nothing old about this show (except most of the stuff for sale)…this show is a fresh, fun and will be sure to bring back a few memories and perhaps entice you to buy a few new pieces for your home.

Antique and Retro Furniture

Sue and I saw a lot of furniture we loved, including that map chest shown above. If I wasn’t fighting a plague of too much furniture, too little room, that chest is the one piece I would have immediately taken home. For $480 I thought it was quite reasonable and it was in amazing condition. Although my map collection is much more limited than my furniture collection, I’m sure I could have found something to store in here.

Here are some other pieces we spotted before the doors opened:

Most of the collectors here will tell you all about the pieces they have on display. If you are interested in the story behind the pieces you display in your home, well-loved pieces are a great way to start a collection. Much of the furniture in my house would tell a story of a boat-ride from Asia unfortunately, but many of these pieces are from towns across Ontario and Quebec and have lived in family homes for generations.

Collectibles

Probably my favourite part of the antique show is spotting an item that reminds me of my grand-parents home. I’ve seen incredible vintage accessories that were once mainstays in their homes and oh how I wish I had known to hold onto them. (Thankfully my mom and aunt did.) There are some exquisite, and other joyful pieces to admire.

Artwork & Maps

When we ran our $50 giveaway last week so many of you mentioned looking for vintage postcards. Sue caught a few displays that would make beautiful artwork in a simple frame or added amongst others on a gallery wall. We were both caught wishing we could find the perfect map at the perfect price for our houses. I came close with a Renfrew map (that’s where my husband grew up) but Sue will still keep searching for that perfect map for her office.

Storage

Although these pieces fall loosely into the storage category, I could definitely find a way to use them that way. These vintage suitcases would look exceptional stacked up as a side table. And the crates could store anything from mittens to flowers to dangerous explosives and whiskey. Although I’d probably lean more toward the mittens and flowers; call me a killjoy.

Items that Defy Categories

If I could have fit this into my car AND had a great lawn I would love this for the comedic value. However the joke might be on me when league night started up chez Newb.

If I was thirty-ish years younger and could have appreciated a mid-century modern dollhouse:

If I had a lobster boat, I would have bought all of these buoys. I ADORE them. But alas, I am fairly landlocked and my neighbours would think I was odd if I strung these up along the river by our house. (Maybe less so than if I started a lawn bowling club in the yard.)

I would love to hear what you guys might have picked up at the show. Take a look at what our friend Lisa Goulet bought at the show a few years ago and transformed into a bathroom vanity.