Brimfield, Social Media & Antiques Collide

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photos by Kate Manko

The year is 2012, the Large Hadron Collider is trying to separate the tiniest of particles, the Kepler Mission is finding all kinds of planets in other solar systems, and the antique market is colliding with social media.

In my attempt to be an antique geek, I am now sitting in the VIP tent at the Brimfield Tweet up. It  is nicely decorated and I dare say the fanciest tent on the grounds. I am looking around and realize I am the only male in the tent of around a dozen or so 20-30-something year old females. Most of which look like they are in the throws of writing something. It actually warms my heart to see young people typing away here at Brimfield. I mean who would have thunk? Even if they are not really interested in antiques, they are writing to what I would assume would be a young audience who may find out about this fun event.

My feet are tired and my brain hurts as I just walked what I would guess would be half the show. It is an upbeat event and I saw camera crews everywhere as they are filming PBS Market Wars. My search has been unsuccessful so far to find something that I can’t live without, but I will remain optimistic.

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Really Digging Bottles

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by Bram Hepburn

Many advanced collectors of early American glass bottles will tell you the category they first started collecting was ink bottles. Their diminutive size and alluring colors and shapes catch the eye of anyone with an appreciation for detail and a fascination with the early glass-blowing trade as it developed on this continent.

For a beginning collector, or an interior decorator in search of vintage accents for old cupboards and desks, a 120-year-old ink bottle will often fit the bill and is very affordable. For a few dollars, you have an authentic glass container that was used every day by someone with a quill pen, sitting at a desk, filling out bills or invoices, or carefully writing a letter by hand in cursive (which is becoming a lost art).

I have been a bottle “digger” in New England for 30-plus years, digging in the forest, in foundations, in old outhouse pits and even under water with the help of SCUBA equipment. If I didn’t have other responsibilities, this is probably all I would do; it is simply that much fun. Compulsive bottle hunting doesn’t lend well to raising a family and paying bills, however, as the following story attests:

105. Cari Cucksey

105. Cari Cucksey

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Martin talks to estate sale specialist & entrepreneur Cari Cucksley of the popular reality show, HGTV’s Cash & Cari. They discuss what has happened to her life since cameras have starting rolling, interesting behind the scenes of an estate sale and more. Check out the following websites:  repurposeshop.com & repurposeestate.com

104. Laura Trueman, Movie Props

104. Laura Trueman, Movie Props

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A great interview with one of the trade’s hardest workers. Laura Trueman has warehouses nationwide supplying props to 20 major motion pictures a year. Head’s up, she is looking for scouts!     Check out truetiques.com

103. Artist Kyle Polzin

103. Artist Kyle Polzin

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Martin speaks with a very accomplished artist who portrays “romantic realism” in his work. He is a winner of the Don B. Huntley, Spirit of The West Award among many accomplishments. Kyle is one of the very few artists accepted in the prestigious  Coeur d’Alene Art Auctions. Listen in to hear of his beginnings and what it takes to compose one of his paintings – from napkin drawing to finished work.

Visit Kyle’s website: www.kylepolzin.com