FLEA FOR ALL TOURS PERFECT FOR FLEA NOVICES

Before marrying into this family I didn’t know that much about antiques or flea markets. But after going to countless outdoor markets and shows with Amy and her folks I’ve picked up a little knowledge.

Of course, as the saying goes, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, so I’ll avoid sharing any tips with you. I’ll let the real experts — Amy and her mom Barbara — do that. It is truly amazing to see them work together. In fact, they were the topic of a Washington Post feature last year (unfortunately, The Post doesn’t leave its articles online so there’s no link).

Me, I see the forrest. Amy and Barbara not only focus on the trees, but they spot the fruit. Amy can look at any piece and describe how it will look in its future state — cleaned up, refinished, new coat of paint, whatever. And when I — like many husbands — ask, “what in the world will you do with that?” She always has at least five good answers. She is a flea market visionary!

Barbara is her partner, advisor and often her backup. There have been?a few?occaisions — usually when she’s distracted by me or the kids — when Amy has missed something or second guessed herself. But when we turn back, her mom is grabbing it up and usually one or two other great items too. It’s easy to see where Amy get’s her prowess.

When they work together they are a pair to be reckoned with, sweeping a flea market in the same methodical pattern time and again.?When they see what they want, they have a price in mind, bills in hand and pounce.

If you’ve never been to a flea market before, want tips and advice, or simply want to see these experts in action, then now’s your chance. Starting May 2, Red Barn Mercantile is offering Flea For All tours to flea markets in Virginia and surrounding areas. You can follow and learn from Amy or wander off on your own.

The tours include transportation, admission, a morning snack and flea market survival kit. We’ll even help tote and load your purchases. Find out more, then tell your friends. Flea markets are always more fun when you can go with friends or family. Take it from me.

?~ Dan

We were featured in this piece by Channel 8 last night. Check it out to learn about your chance to win a $100 gift card…

RED BARN MERCANTILE AND RED ROOSTER DESIGNS LAUNCH FLEA MARKET TOURS

UPDATED 4/22/2009

Red Barn Mercantile?is?now offering guided tours to flea markets in Virginia and surrounding areas. The Flea for All tours will include transportation, admission to the events, a flea market survival kit and a morning snack.

?I?m often asked where I find all the great antiques and accessories in Red Barn Mercantile,? said store owner Amy Rutherford. ?Quite simply, we scour local and far flung flea markets and sales. For me, it?s one of the best parts of the job. I get to hunt for great deals, meet fun people and spend the day outdoors.?

Red Barn Mercantile is teaming up with Red Rooster Designs (formerly known as Why the Rooster Crows) for two Flea for All trips. Sign Up today for:

Shenandoah Antique Show, Fishersville, Virginia

• When: Saturday, May 2. Departing 7 a.m.
• Where: Tour bus will depart from and return to Red Barn Mercantile, 113 S. Columbus St., Alexandria.
• Price: $125

Lucketts Spring Antique Market, Lucketts, Virginia

• When: Sunday, May 31. Departing 9 a.m.
• Where: Tour bus will depart from and return to Red Barn Mercantile, 113 S. Columbus St., Alexandria.
• Price: $95 $75

Customers can register for the Shenandoah Antique Show or Lucketts Spring Antique Market Flea for Alls online. Reservations for the trips must be made at least two weeks prior to the tour dates. A minimum of 14 participants are required for each event. If the minimum number does not sign up, the trip will be canceled.

There will be no rain checks. The trips will go forward rain or shine.

Customers will be able to wander the flea markets on their own or tag along with Red Barn Mercantile staff. Loaders will also be on hand to help shoppers with their purchases.

The buses we will be using can carry several pieces of luggage and will have some overhead storage for small purchases. Limited trailer space will also be available.

?We?re really excited about these trips and hope they become a tradition,? Rutherford said.

Hello all!

We are so excited about what is going on at the store right now.? Although the sun hasn’t shown in a week, we are set for Spring.? The store is totally decked out for the season.

We have new pieces of furniture like this great REALLY primitive blue cabinet and this super sweet distressed turquoise step-back cabinet…? Doesn’t get more Spring-y than that!

We also brought out all our fun Spring accessories and gifts: wonderful galvanized pots (galvanized anything is on my list of favorites), fun gardening gloves and aprons from Hable Construction, equally fun and brightly colored aprons from Utility Canvas (they are hanging on the wall so you can’t miss ‘em),?incredible photo albums/scrapbooks?handmade with vintage maps and Parisienne wallpaper, letterpress notecards with the most scrumptious vegetables on them and adorable stuffed animals made from reclaimed sweaters.

We also got new pillows from Thomas Paul.? He is going in a whole new direction of which we are tremendously fond.? But don’t worry, our favorites are still available!

Sticking with our garden theme, we are pleased to have seven new scents of candles from k. hall.? From their garden grows Peony, Honeysuckle, Verbena, Blueberry Basil, Black Currant and Clary Sage.? And, not from the garden, is Washed Cotton.? Each and every one is truly amazing.? It’s as if Peonies and Honeysuckle sproutted in your living room and a fresh load of laundry (without all the work) just came out of the dryer.? If those weren’t enough, they have made a candle version out of Pipe Shop Tobacco.? Come by and take a whiff for yourself!

In addition to these scents, we are pleased to introduce?Olivina.? This is an all natural beauty product line – lip butter, hand and body lotion, hand and body wash – that is made in Napa Valley from Olive Oil.? I was reading the lip butter ingredients last night and there was no mention of petroleum products.? Hallelujah!? And, it felt great and tasted, dare I say,?a little yummy.? Double Hallelujah!

Not only do we have all these fantastic new additions, we have a number of fun vintage items too.? Old milk bottles of every sizes make for great vases for fresh cut Spring flowers.? Cute enamel kitchenware will brighten any space – not just your kitchen!? Old frogs for arranging flowers, vintage textile gears for weighing down papers on your desk or for stacking on a bookshelf, old expandable tape measures perfect for keeping in your toolbox, kitchen or car for when you need it, and lots more of our favorite type blocks to spell almost anything.? As we are want to do, these gems are sprinkled throughout the store, so come by and see for yourself!

In my humble opinion the store has never looked better and I have never been so proud of what we accomplished.? I’d like to thank my mom, dad and husband for hustling to get the vintage items ready and moved in, Taylor (Preston’s brother and newest Red Barn family member!) for moving virtually every piece of furniture in the store – not once, but six times – and most of all Preston.? She is truly responsible for all the beauty.? Her displays are awe inspiring.? If you come by please give her and the others?a huge pat on the back for a job well done!

Enjoy and we will see you this weekend for the Dash & Albert event!? Talk about a great way to spruce up for Spring…

Take care,? Amy

BRING SPRING INTO YOUR HOME WITH COLORFUL NEW FLOOR COVERINGS

UPDATE: THIS SALE ENDED MARCH 23

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Welcome spring with bright new colors from Dash & Albert. From March 21-23, Red Barn Mercantile is marking down all Dash & Albert Rugs ? all patterns, all sizes ? 15% off.

?These rugs are a customer favorite because they are so colorful, versatile and a bargain ? even at regular price,? says Red Barn owner Amy Rutherford. ?But after a long cold winter and all the economic gloom I thought it would be nice to offer a little color and warmth at a discount.?

With more than 100 styles ? from woven to hooked, cotton and wool, there is literally a Dash & Albert rug for every room.

?My personal favorites are the bright, woven cotton stripes,? Rutherford said. ?They?re perfect for spring and will liven up any room.?

The rugs are also available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including:

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