Lilac Lane Boutique and Gracie’s Cottage

One of the, dare I say, more enthusiastic responses to the initial questionnaire I sent to Junk Bonanza vendors came from two women who will be collaborating in a booth for the first time this year. Needless to say, Kathy Gill of Lilac Lane Boutique and Jan Groen of Gracie’s Cottage are excited to bring their junk to the Bonanza for all of you!

First, meet Kathy of Lilac Lane Boutique. Kathy has always had an interest in old things – particularly those with character and showing honest wear. Kathy loves to reuse and repurpose vintage items in new and imaginative ways. She seems drawn to finding utilitarian vintage pieces – from the days when people did not necessarily replace items when they broke but fixed them in obvious improvised ways. Bonanza shoppers can expect to find these kind of items in Kathy’s space, including what she is calling a “creepy corner”, a place for the off-beat hardware, utility items and definitely a bit of the unexpected!

Jan, of Gracie’s Cottage, also became inspired to collect vintage wares when she was young. Her mother, who at 85 years young is still living in her own home enjoying her collections, encouraged and inspired Jan’s collections and current business. While working as an A& W car hop in the 70’s, Jan saved her tip money to purchase antiques. Since 1996, Jan has been selling her wares at antiques malls, on eBay and at shows. Jan will be bringing vintage feed, seed and flour sacks as well as floorcloths, pillows and totes made from them to the Junk Bonanza. She loves letters and numbers of any kind, hardware, ephemera and what she likes to call “schnibbles & bits” – little findings or parts that are perfect for assemblages – I know I will be shopping for all of this!

Wondering how to find this “must see” booth? Jan’s vintage seven foot tall Uncle Sam will serve as the official ‘greeter’ for their booth – I don’t think you will be able to miss them!

Just 76 days till Junk Bonanza 2010!

Happy Junking!
Jill