Books Archives -

You must know by now I’m a huge fan of vintage anything…have been all my life….collecting is a relaxing pastime of mine. What better way to indulge my passion than by seeing what is up with the RANDOLPH STREET MARKET!

Just look at this line up from mid-September through mid-December. Their most diverse and exciting season ever! The place to go for the best vintage since 2003! Its not only clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, books, vinyl and the list goes on but also fabulous food, drink and music…what’s not to like…silly me, nothing! Get you calendar boldly marked for each of these not to be missed events. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I think the most fun is engaging in conversation with the diverse vendors/collectors to learn more about their passions and yours! And remember when you see something you like grab it or someone else will!

We have a Chicago treasure in the incredible Sally Schwartz who makes all this magic happen! Let’s get ready to take a trip down memory lane…remember everything old is new again….hurrah for nostalgia!

I have always loved maps and globes, the two maps you see in the above photo hung in my Father’s art studio for many years. This space had either charcoal gray or bitter chocolate brown walls with drapery and Paul McCobb furniture covered in Ben Rose Mid-Century modern textiles. They now hang in the “smoking” room in a Michigan country estate.

In today’s age of GPS (and recalculating), waze, GOOGLE maps, images of Earth and other planets from outer space we have lost the joy of just getting lost on our own to discover new adventures while trying to figure out a paper map sitting on our laps while playing navigator.

Globes and maps, in my opinion, make superb collections and you will find many examples at the Randolph Street Market this weekend, February 24 and 25 from 10 to 5. Check their website for the 2017 schedule.

Here are some pieces I have captured at past markets.

There are so many books and atlases to be studied on the subject which has fascinated humanity since Antiquity. Maps done with mysterious sea creatures or showing vast emptiness or the Earth being flat, which, believe it or not, is still being discussed today! Here are a few that look interesting to me and I have put on my to be read list. Here are some more globes and maps I found on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

I am obsessed with Instagram….admit it you are too….and follow at least a zillion fascinating posts. I have made “friends” with other “grammars” and often ask if I can use their images. Below you will see an example of a vignette using small souvenir globes courtesy of Renee Lafontaine of 21st Century Flea Market. Follow her you won’t be sorry….One of the first bloggers I met, back in the day, was Nikia Jefferson she, along with her amazing husband, have exposed their young son, Melvin Jefferson III aka “MJ” to the world of collectibles. This genius child can name all the countries on this map on his newly decorated bedroom. It is actually a decal, love it!!! You can view MJ on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/.channel/.UCTG1yB2VOGRcolWkfYxreoQ (since I am now blogging on my iPad some of the links I am giving you don’t go directly to the link. Sorry.)