Vintage Assemblages for Hidden House 2012

In my younger days, I could think of nothing more fun than going to wild parties that lasted deep into the night, going to very loud rock concerts, and hanging out in night clubs listening to local bands. 

Oregon Vortex Rock Concert-
Image from OregonLive.com/OPB

That was then. Now I have a different idea of what is fun and it is....

 Image from Daytonestatesales.com

....going to estate sales and thrift stores and hunting for vintage treasures!

What?!? You don't possibly see how that could be exciting? 

Looking around an estate sale is like peeking into someone's heart and mind. You see what they loved and treasured, and therefore collected and saved. You see glimpses into what they held dear, and what they valued. I especially love to find unlikely things that someone kept, like a vintage report card or an decades old shopping list. Some people find it macabre, but I feel that if you approach it respectfully, it is the ultimate in recycling and sharing. After all, you can't take it with you. Plus, I rather like macabre things.....

This year at Hidden House Artists' Gift Sale and after that in my Etsy shop aVelvetLeaf, I have taken many of these old things I have found and created "assemblages." Some you hang on the wall, and some you set on a bookshelf or table. In any case, they can turn into one of your treasures. Come see us at Hidden House Artists' Gift Sale in Portland, Oregon this year. For details, click here to go to  our facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/hiddenhouseartistsgiftsale. 

Enjoy browsing these photos of just a few of the treasures, and hope you can join us in mid-November at Hidden House to see more treasures in person!

Local handmade and vintage reuse movement thrives

My artistsan friends and I were worried about our little local sale we've had in one version or another for 12 years but now known as Hidden House Artists' Gift Sale and held the November weekend before Thanksgiving. 

The economy still sucks....

Image by Carrie Sloan via Flickr

People around my age who come to the sale care less about aquiring things.....

Photo from accesstotools.com blog

There is a lot more competition on all fronts......

http://www.flickr.com/photos/apoptotic/2346929658/

And it wasn't even Black Friday yet!

Photo from crackfunny.com

But our friends and their friends proved that if you pour your heart and soul into something and invite people you like to come and share your artistic vision while getting some holiday shopping done at the same time, people will respond.


It was a fabulous three day party! All the Hidden House artists are so grateful to everyone who attended and now know that the local handmade and reusable movement is better than ever and right for our times. We had the highest sales of any year so far.

Here are some glimpses of Hidden House 2011.

It was quite a party! Thanks to all of our wonderful customers and hope to see you in November 2012. Lots of Velvet Leaf's treasures sold, but some are still available in my etsy shops at www.aVelvetLeaf.etsy.com and www.velvetonthepage.etsy.com. 

Like Hidden House on facebook: www.facebook.com/hiddenhouseartistsgiftsale