MANTIQUES!!!

First of all, let's start out by letting everyone know that this is Matt writing this blog post. My beautiful wife Stephanie(who has all the writing skill), has made it perfectly clear that I must let it be known to the masses that she is not writing this post, so as not to damage her reputation for literary talent.
Now that the legal jargon is out of the way...let's get started. This post is about Mantiques. That is to say... antiques for men, for those of you who can't understand my cunning use of word coalescence.
After all of the wonderful things that have been written in this blog, I came to realize that is seemed to be wandering onto the feminine side of things, so I thought that I would bring it back down to the level of the normal man. Dirty tools, TV, blood, sweat, and tears, and all of the things that make men...well....men.

First on the list....TOOLS!  To most manly men, saying this word, can make a man swivel is head like a dog looking for a squirrel. Me personally, holding these old tools, especially the antique wood planer, take me back to watching my dearly missed grandfather work in his barns for hours on anything that he thought "just needed fixin'".

 This old tobacco basket signifies the true grit of manhood. Working in the fields sixteen hours a day carrying this monster thing around filled with hundreds of pounds of tobacco leaves that still had to be wrapped and hung to dry. Fortunately for us, modern times has made things like this easier, but my hats off to those of you who endured this form of back breaking labor.

Ahhhh....cars. No matter what type of man you are, there is not one out there that doesn't get goose bumps up his spine when he hears the engine roar of a classic. If we could only hear the stories that this old car horn could tell. The excitement the owner of the car felt when he picked up his prize, fired up the engine, and blasted the horn to let everyone know that all of his hard work in the tobacco fields had finally paid off!

And last but certainly not least...the TV. The piece de resistance. Truly a man's blessing from the heavens! Whether it be football (which it usually is), history channel, discovery channel, or pretty much any of the other 4 billion channels there are, the television is absolutely a comfort to a man's psyche. The remote control is his sword, and the recliner his trusty steed.







 If you're a man longing for a new toy, stop by and visit us, or if you're a woman longing for your man to have a new toy so he will leave you alone....stop by and visit us. We would love to have you!

Listen to the Music

We all have internal soundtracks, our own built in Ipods that shuffle randomly as we go throughout our days.  Sometimes they get stuck on repeat, which can be really annoying when it's an advertising jingle.  I have literally been "stuck on band-aids" for nearly five hours. Very irritating.  Still, the music inside can unlock parts of our souls that have been closed for years.  It can transport us back to times of joy or sadness.  I personally can't hear Madonna's "Material Girl" without remembering summers spent zooming around the roller rink enjoying every minute of free skate.  I also hold onto songs as badges of survival.  I can't imagine the number of women who have belted out Donna Summer with little mascara rivers running down their faces each word a promise of better days ahead.

My internal "Ipod" was powered up when a collection of records was brought into the shop over weekend.  There were several recordings of well loved musicals Including "Showboat" which is one of my all time favorites.  I've been humming "Can't Help Lovin' that Man of Mine" all morning.

I love old LPs, and have enjoyed browsing through the stacks scattered about here and there.  The cover art is so bright and vivid on so many of the records. They would make a really cool wall display!

For those who prefer to make their own music, well have we got surprise for you!  A beautiful Antique Pump Organ is featured in the store.  It was manufactured by the Shipman Organ Company of North Carolina.  The ornate carvings, grand mirror, and covered petals make this a handsome piece that would inspire any music lover!

Whether you're a little bit country or a little bit Rock and Roll, I'm sure that you'll find something at Grassy Valley that will spark your very own internal soundtrack. Happy listening!

Fly Away with Me

I love to travel.  There is nothing more exciting than the beginning of a new journey. Suitcases packed, picking out magazines at an airport newsstand. The air so heavy with the promise of adventure it makes you giddy just to breathe in! Okay, so maybe I'm a little over-enthusiastic about traveling, I get revved up when I venture out of my area code. Still, it's the anticipation of all the new places to explore and experiences waiting to be had that get me through the mundane seasons of life.

While I'd love to hop on a transcontinental flight tomorrow, that doesn't seem to be in the cards right now. With a new business to get off the ground and a son in the public school system, I'll have to settle on other ways to soothe my wanderlust.  This prompted me to walk around the shop looking for international treasures that would lead me on a journey of the mind since that's about the only part of me that can take flight right now.

My first destination was Paris.  I didn't have to go far, only to the shop's far corner, to enter into the "City of Light".  One of our vendors, Cindy, is a lover of all things French and her booth is a true reflection of the elegance and effortless sophistication of the Parisian life.  These prints of Paris in the springtime make me want to step into these pictures Dick Van Dyke style and take a leisurely stroll along the Seine sipping coffee and eating a buttery croissant. Yummm.

Speaking of food, I also love these vintage Butcher markers!  They would make any ordinary dinner a little more French and therefore a little more fabulous!

Traveling down the hall I land in Germany where I have never been but can imagine these ashtrays as a staple in a smoke filled bar.  I love their vivid colors and sturdiness. Get one, or two, in time for Oktoberfest and add some authenticity to your celebration!

When you can't get to the orient, bring the orient home to you.  This sake set is perfect for anyone in need of a little Zen.  And, couldn't we all use a little more peace and harmony in our lives?  It even comes with its own mat!  The wooden case makes it portable for fun on the go.

And not to forget our fabulous fifty states.... What about this vintage shot glass collection to add some American pride to your kitchen or bar? 

So, here I am still firmly planted in Knoxville but refreshed from my five minute mind trip.  Sometimes all you need is a good catalyst to send you to a far away land!

Hold Me

Walking into the shop this Monday morning was especially exciting for me since we had two new vendors move their wares into Grassy Valley over the weekend.  Since Matt was working solo on Saturday, this was my first opportunity to get my hands on the new stuff!  I'm a tactile type of girl and like to touch the filmy fabric of each handkerchief and feel the eggshell delicacy of every teacup.  I get antsy in museums, and have stuck my hand across many a velvet rope when all eyes were turned just to feel the gloppy paint or smooth stone and truly connect with the masterpiece.  

My fingers certainly weren't disappointed! Upon arrival, I noticed while there were entirely new booths to discover, several of our existing vendors had also brought new finds. Everywhere I turned there were so many wonderful new treasures to enjoy. Here is a sampling of what I discovered...

These vintage "Flying Crane" thermal tumblers have an Asian feel and would bring some style to any morning commute.  They have sturdy handles to protect from spills and burnt fingers!

This Mid-Century radio is so elegant with its sleek design and clean lines.  Whether hosting a party or  cleaning your pad, this Motorola would make any occasion just little more groovy.

"Oh playmate, come on out and play with me and bring you dollies three..." that old childrens' tune haunts me as I look at this precious play kitchen from the sixties.  I am immediately transported back in time to those lazy afternoons spent with my own dolls as I stocked my own pretend cupboards and shelves.  Now you too can share that simple joy with a little playmate of your own!

This cast iron wood stove has me anticipating those crisp fall afternoons and craving a cup of steaming hot cider.  I am also in love with the unique turquoise coloring. So unique!

This small selection of items are just some of the highlights of what I found on my journey through the store today.  Why not come see us and forge your own expedition through our treasures? I'm sure you'll be transported into a world filled with your own unique memories and childhood delights.  And, I promise you will not get scolded for handling the merchandise.  Here at Grassy Valley, we encourage you to feel! 

Spice of Life

There are several different flavored salt and pepper shakers.  Some are elegant, while others are filled with whimsy.  It makes me chuckle to think that something so utilitarian in it's purpose has been dressed up, and cleverly designed to produce chuckles and smiles for centuries.

Maybe the particular care given to designing these spice holders derives from the human need to take delight in the ordinary daily activities of our lives in order stave off boredom which, as we know, is the hobgoblin of repetitious activities. 

After all, it is the little bursts of color and beauty that we ingest through our day that truly make life special.  Taking time to appreciate the morning sunlight as it illuminates the crystal on your ordinary dining table makes breakfast seem like more of an occasion than necessity. 

I don't mean to sound like June Cleaver, but in this electronic age of convenience and instant gratification we could all benefit from looking up from our smart phones long enough to soak in the landscape around us.  It is with that spirit that I'd like to pay homage to the spicy little table buddies. They have been patiently waiting on kitchen tables for a while now, it's time you noticed them.

Penny for your thoughts

Okay, so most people don't looove scales. I get that, I really do.  But, this new edition to Grassy Valley does more than just register weight. This penny scale from the 1930's will display a fortune as well for all who dare to step up to the plate.  My fortune for today reads: "Practice charity and it will pay you dividends". Better than "There is no hope left for you, step off please".

This type of scale, manufactured by the American Scale Manufacturing Company, would have been common around the early Twentieth Century. They stood on corners and outside drugstores and reminded people of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  In the Thirties and Forties,  penny scales brought in over ten billion pennies annually, that's over 100 million dollars!

 

The amazing penny scale will be waiting for you here at Grassy Valley should you dare to give it a try.  We'll even supply the coins, if you're brave!

Flights of Fancy

Funny how you can walk by something every day, and finally when the light hits it just right and your mind is free of all it's jumbled up clutter you see it smiling up at you all its beauty revealed.  That's how I finally heard this sweet little ginger jar sing to me this morning.

Before I knew it I was discovering birds everywhere.  They were perched on shelves and nestled into corners.  Here's a sampling of what I found...

These tenacious little finches have found food despite winter's chill.  They are one of many porcelain statues available to brighten up any curio or dresser.

This Fire King mug  features a Bluejay on one side and an Oriole on the other. A perfect pair to liven up any coffee break.

I have always loved the elegant swan and this venetian glass bowl amplifies the beauty of this graceful creature!

 "Home Tweet Home"  This vintage window has been painted with the abodes of several little bluebirds would make a cheerful edition to any kitchen or sunroom.

This stained glass pair of gulls remind me of the lyrics of the Beatles song "Blackbird" as they glide on strong wings.  The promise of a new day reflected in their flight:

"Take these broken wings and learn to fly, all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise"

Oh Snap

I recently came across a photograph of my mother and her siblings smiling brightly atop a mountain summit with my beautiful grandmother.  I was surprised by my vivacious aunt's shy smile and surprised that my vertically challenged mom was the tallest of the bunch!  I felt a connection to my family that would have been missed if not for a simple snap fifty years ago.

My husband I have been collectors/dealers of antique and vintage cameras for years.  We love the weight and substance of a Graflex press camera. Like this one available at Grassy Valley.  I feel like I should have a nickname like "Scoops" or 'Nosy Malone" when holding this piece of history.

There are several old photographs and portraits scattered about the shop. The faces are nameless to me, but they are becoming friends and I  enjoy smiling at them daily as I go about my work.  I've included some of my favorites....

I love this lady's serene smile and pageboy haircut.  She could have been a city librarian going home alone each evening to a warm fire and a cup of tea by the hearth, or a governess for a wealthy family with neatly dressed children lined up behind her like ducklings.  I guess we'll never know...

This cute little cowgirl is ready for the rodeo!  I wonder if she's all decked out for Halloween or a school carnival.  Either way the Dale Evans wanna-be is just darling!


I hope that this will inspire you to make a trip to the attic or dig through some bureau drawers to uncover your family history. It's amazing the life that can be discovered in a 2x3 srectangle.

Blessed be the Child

I've be thinking about children a lot lately, especially since mine has been running circles around me in the store all week long.  There is only so much to occupy a five year old in a shop full of glass and other breakables!  Still, I love having Weston by my side and treasure each moment we spend together as other mothers have for centuries.  Today, I'd like to share a few trinkets from the days of yore in honor of all those mums who have rocked their sleeping babes wondering when their laps may no longer hold them.

The party ideas in "Parties for Children" are timeless and could be enjoyed by your little ones as they have been by others for many centuries. 

I have enjoyed this pop-up Dr. Dolittle book with all of its colorful pictures and moving parts.  It is in remarkable condition and must have been handled by careful little hands!

These darling music boxes keep watch over the store in their matching nautical attire. Perfect for a nursery to lull baby to sleep with a sweet little song.

What kid doesn't love comics?  We have a large selection at Grassy Valley from Richie Rich to Sad Sack.  If it was popular in the Seventies or early Eighties it's probably here.

Whether you are shopping for a child or a child-at-heart, I'm sure you will discover something that brings a smile to your face!

Electric Lady Love

As a child, I used to lay on the carpet in my grandmother's den for hours transfixed by this lamp.  I was mesmerized by each tiny oil droplet as it surrounded the partially-clothed Grecian goddess residing within.  The lamp hung beside a picture of the Last Supper and the juxtaposition of  holiness and electric sexiness was spine-tingling. 

Now, the siren resides at Grassy Valley waiting patiently for someone to be captivated by her feminine charms and eclectic beauty. Will you be the one to to take her home?

The morning light filters through the curtains casting rainbow shadows as it refracts through rows of carnival colored glassware.  The signs are hung and the coffee is brewing. It's finally here, opening day has arrived for Grassy Valley Antiques! 


I have spent hours walking through our vendors' booths amazed at the diversity in the items for sale ranging from the utilitarian to the ornate.  I have my favorite pieces, the ones that leap in front of my eyes like they were just lying there waiting for me to pass by and notice them. 
Here are just a few samples of what's caught my eye today.....

Can't you just hear the tinny clink of cup against saucer?  I just want to pull up a chair for high tea when I gaze at this fine porcelain china set from Poland....two lumps of sugar for me. 





"We are Siamese if you please" this kitty lamp with the piercing blue glass eyes casts a warm glow over the shop.  I could curl up and read a good book next to them, but then nothing would get done would it?

I get a craving for toast and jam when I pass by the darling formica table with it's vintage Anchor-Hocking and Enamelware serving pieces.

This wood burning stove has been converted to use propane. Old-time rustic style meets modern conventionality!

There is so much to discover at Grassy Valley that I encourage you to stop by and see for yourself. You never know what you may uncover!