Faerie Enchantment: Mill Antiques Center

Monday, January 17, 2011

Vintage Curiosities at Piddlestixs!

Many of you know I have a store front located in Historic Lafayette, NJ, its located in a former theater, WWI weight station and service are, congressional meeting place, and many other former lives, now its the home of my magical world: Piddlestixs, which is a vintage cafe of sorts from vintage crafty goods from millinery to cigar boxes and labels, doll parts and trims.

We have handmade and designer jewelry, vintage and new clothing, party and cake goodies, toppers, gourmet foods, tea and more. I host workshops in the studio and events. If you are in the area come on by for a visit, you won't be disappointed, I'm located in the heart of an antiques district with shoppes in old former houses and a Mill. There's an adorable cafe downstairs called: Millside Cafe, and lots of fun! Here are some photos of the vintage goodies in my store!

As you can see the photos above are filled with curiosities and magical things, very eclectic and unusual, some handmade, some vintage and some new. I have a love affair with vintage apothecary and Old England, Egyptology and Mythical things, anything wizardry and enchanting!

You never know what you'll find inside Piddlestixs: Purveyors of Curiosity, everyday we add new treasures for all to enjoy!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Witches Tea Party and Spellbinding Ghost Walk!

Here are some of the witches at the 200 year old covered bridge

On Saturday October 16, 2010, I hosted the Witches Tea Party at my store Piddlestixs in Historic Lafayette, NJ, from 12pm-10pm

Witches Flew on their brooms (cars) from all over NJ to take part in the festivities. What's a witch to do without her hat, broom, lantern and brew? I was so excited to see many friends and meet new ones. Geralyn and Zandra drove in from the Jersey Shore and Theresa came down from Mahwah, while the other ladies came in from Succasunna, Stillwater, Warwick, Newton, Branchville, Parsippany and Allamuchy!

Several Witches and Wizards were on hand to create new hats to wear this Halloween, sharing eerie tales and spellbinding techniques, munching on spooky delights and geared up for some bone shivering frights........

I had been preparing for weeks for this event, getting Witch hats to decorate, ribbons, trims, millinery and other spook-tacular goodies. The studio had to be transformed, the food prepared the lanterns set, the ghost walk organized, the moonlight tea ready and the surprises in store.

Our day started with a light lunch of tea sandwiches, Parmesan and Artichoke Chicken Salad, Croissants, Spinach Spread and Wine Crackers, Hummus, Fruit Salad and Harvest Autumn Punch. Lunch was followed by the creation of our Witches Hats made using a witch hat base, vintage fabrics, tulle, feather boa's, ribbons, millinery, images, jewels, stitching and glue. We used primarily fabri-tac by Beacon Adhesives and hot glue for this gluing. During this time additional friends and curious seekers popped in for a peek, along with Mark Lipinski who came on by for a visit.

After our witches were complete we started our shopping parade to the businesses and covered bridge. We stopped first at Karen and Don's Shops at the Mill

Bogwater Jims and The Boat House!

My dear friend Joyce, owner of Rose Petal Porch handed out surprise goodie bags to the attendees. After Joyce's we headed over to Black Pony Antiques, The Chocolate Goat at the Mill Antiques at Joe and Sharon's spot.

Once dinner was over, attendees received their Pink Jack-O-Lanterns filled with goodies from: Beacon Adhesives, DMC, Rat's Pajamas, Aurora-tique, Piddlestixs, Tila's and Suburban Girl Studios.

With tea lights in place (battery of course), it was time for the ghost walk and evening tea. We descended down the stairs and walked over to Miss June's location over the Lafayette Emporium, in a 150 plus year old structure which is allegedly haunted.

During June's talk one of our attendees felt the ghost nearby and needed to sit, now that was scary, Then as we all left, June handed each of us some goodies, just as we left the structure, we were greeted by David Messineo, creator of the Six Centuries Club, David appeared in 17th Century Costume and led us to his home for the ghostly tales session. His home is a turn of the century farm house which was often used for gatherings and church meetings during that time, it was here that David spoke of eerie tales of witches and ghostly folk lore in a candle light setting w/hot tea and sweets.