I’m getting excited preparing to go out to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. I’ll be there Saturday, March 29 weather-permitting. We went out there a few weeks ago to check things out – we hadn’t been there in awhile. There’s an antique-ish section of dealers so I’ll try to reserve a space among them. I’ve been preparing pieces and trying to visualize little vignettes.
Vignette (n.): a short scene in a movie or play
Ok, actually that is one of the many definitions that I just randomly chose out of Merriam Webster online. A more elaborate definition is from the all-knowing Wikipedia: “In theatrical script writing, sketch stories, and poetry, a vignette is a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment.” In design it’s a small setting much like a theatrical scene where you stage what you want people to imagine. For instance, if you were to place 2 chairs and a coffee table in a cozy corner of your living room what does that lend you to think the purpose of this “vignette” is – an intimate conversation spot. I’ve been “vignette-ing it” with all my pieces – trying to categorize and sort and tag everything such that it will be a cohesive display come show time. This is my first time in this type of setting – I’ve only previously sold things through a small antique booth. I’m hoping this will be a sort of trial run to prepare myself for joining weekend antique fairs. I’m not sure if I’d find the whirlwind of a weekend antique fair exhilarating or exhausting. All the preparing and packing, travelling, then unpacking in hopes to sell, re-packing what didn’t sell – I’m sure it’d be a mixture of exhilarating and exhausting – so this is a great way for me to do a trial while staying close to home.
I knew I wanted to try an attempt at a dramatic tent vignette. I’ve seen other dealers set-up some elaborate displays that are just gorgeous and crowd-appealing. My husband thought our Nascar-checkered-flag tent was just fine for the occasion. I am grateful for his interest but it’s not really the look I was going for. I was thinking something more like…..
Much better than Nascar, eh? I’m pleased with the concept. I’m visualizing a beach vignette inside this little panama–jack tent. It does look a bit safari-ish but I’m going to go with it. I think it will add some drama to my little rented spot of concrete. It was relatively simple to create – pop-up tent, two 9×12 painting canvases sold at any home improvement store (cheaper than fabric and sturdy!), some binder rings to attach canvas to tent, and twine used as curtain tie-backs. We’ll see how it holds up for the day. If all goes well – I think I have a template down for future Antique fair weekends.
Wish me luck!
– the urban peddler –
The Urban Peddler 