Surviving August Doldrums

So it turns out August is going to be my slow summer sales month on Etsy. Not June. Not July. But August. Hmmm. Okay. It is what it is. I am still working and doing what I normally do for my biz which included researching the primitive stone statue I bought recently. Here’s the little I know…the stone is heavy and chalky, but likely not chalk (which is too fragile for a bigger carving), but possibly gypsum or similar. The rust color has been painted on and is not natural. It is similar to Mexican pieces, particularly Mezcala work. It has some age (at least vintage), but I cannot verify that it is ancient or authentic so I am selling it as a reproduction. Undoubtedly it will take a long time to sell, but no regrets on buying it. Such an interesting piece.

On a totally different note, for years I been enchanted with African Ashanti kente cloth. These small geometric cotton/silk pieces are woven and then pieced together and worn for special occasions. The different colors and patterns (some hundreds of years old) have names and meaning and are so beautiful.

Well, an online bead company I’ve purchased from before scored a collection of vintage kente cloth pieces and I took a gander…not intending to buy one, mind you! Then with computer cookies being what they are, the company immediately sent me a 15% off coupon. I decided to splurge and buy one.

This one. It’s about 40″ by 70″ and I have no idea how I’m going to use it. Some folks use these as tablecloths, but I don’t want to see food spilled on it. I’ll likely use it as a throw over one of our black leather chairs. Or wrap myself up in it on chilly fall nights.

But back to listing, I decided to part with my favorite love token bracelet made in the late 1800s from US dimes. I haven’t worn or displayed it in years and it seems a shame just to store it since this type of mourning jewelry is highly valued by collectors. So I’ve reluctantly listed it. The coin with the two frogs under the umbrella is my favorite.

(For more information about antique love tokens you’ll want to read this article at Collector’s Weekly.)

Anyway I’ll keep plodding along. Some days it’s easier than others. Today is not one of them. The water main in front of our house sprang a leak. So we’ve been without running water all day and have had to deal with the repair noise. They still aren’t done yet. And not being able to take a shower or attend to the most basic hygiene needs properly is driving me a bit crazy. (First world problem, I know.)

I’ll close for now wishing you happy hunting,

Karen