Unloading and Preparing the Treasures...

As I mentioned in a previous posting, we were supposed to go to another fair in Montpellier before our return to The U.S. Johan was to drop us off in Paris and drive back to Belgium on his own, but since we decided to skip Montpellier, Martin and I drove back with him. We didn't want Johan to drive back by himself and of course, we wanted to see all the beauties we bought in all their splendor. Sometimes after the buying, you forget you bought a certain item and then when you unload you smile and say, "Oh yeah! I forgot we got that cutie!" You now what I mean!

Well, we arrived late in Belgium so we just went to sleep, but the next morning we were all too eager to drive to our warehouse and begin the unloading. It's that nice feeling of unwrapping presents, spreading them all out and smiling satisfied of all the treasures you encountered. We begin to connect items with the names of our customers. "Sandy will love this one!" Johan may say, or "This is definitely for Bente!" I'll chime in. Even Martin, who has not been doing the business for too long is beginning to notice the tastes of our customers and will identify a piece that matches one of our customer's taste and style

Martin is scanning to pick his favorite piece, this planter is taken by Trinidad

Johan also begins to match one item with another as he schemes his vignettes. It's cool how is is able to match the oddest pieces and they somehow work. We also identify some of our favorite items from each of our trips or the different fairs. Sometimes it's a knock-out beautiful chandelier or sometime it may be a small piece that may seem insignificant, but it's unique and with character. Last year, my favorite was the hand of a mannequin that I bought in Germany. I use it to place my business cards. This year, my favorite is a Spanish planter with a religious relief in copper that says Ave Maria, but I also love a three-tiered Spanish chandelier from a church. Martin choose the wooden industrial table on wheels in the picture at the top, and Johan the concrete everlasting flame pillars. Not everything could fit in our van, the rest is coming with our transporter in the next days.

We spread everything out in front of the warehouse as we unload it and add to our inventory in preparation for the documentation, we price it and we clean it or identify if it needs a touch-up, painting, fixing, etc. "I'm going to leave those as they are." Johan will announce in reference to a couple of mirrors with a nice patina. Some of the D'ore mirrors will be painted to infuse new life into them. Johan's technique for creating grays and adding touches of frost are very sought after. 

We also tried to figure out what items might fit into our luggage so that we cold bring a few things with us. I got a few French navy bags, a few religious figurines, magazines, and a couple of old, small school chalkboards. Martin only had room for some souvenirs and presents for his friends and family. We decided next year we will not be taking many clothes so we can bring more goodies with us!

After we left, Johan got busy cleaning, painting, fixing and displaying items so that he could photograph them and post them on our web site. Some of them are posted already, check it out our website click here. Enjoy the pre-view, and let us know if there is an item you might be interested in by sending us an email to infoatelierdc@gmail.com Include the item number and its description to find out more information and for pricing. i.e. I am interested in the following item: Flower basket: #17/381

Trinidad