New Eastern Pennsylvania Antiques and Collectibles Blog Fills Virtual Black Hole If you're looking for a new information resource about antiques and collectibles shops, events and news - there's a new blog on the scene, Fab Finds (fabfinds.blogspot.com).
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - ALLENTOWN, Pa. (May 26, 2006) – There’s a new antiques and collectibles blog on the scene – Fab Finds (fabfinds.blogspot.com). Described as “a virtual guide to antiques in eastern Pennsylvania” content of the new blog includes: antique events in the eastern Pennsylvania, antique articles of note, coverage of major antique events nationwide, small towns worth a visit, and the misadventures of the author, Vanessa Williams.
The 20-something Williams is a self-described “avid antiquer” and resident of the Lehigh Valley.
“I am an absolute Internet junkie,” says Williams, “So naturally, when I got into antiques and collectibles a few years ago I turned to the Internet as a resource. What I found was surprisingly little. I was shocked to find that many of the stores I frequented have absolutely no presence on the Internet. So I decided to start a blog earlier this year and serve as a resource for other collectors like myself in search of information – especially locally.”
Williams defines “local” as: the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem), Philadelphia and its suburbs, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, York County and the Poconos all in Pennsylvania.
“I’m really located in the heart of antique country here,” Williams says. “I’m not far from Renningers in Kutztown or Adamstown.” Both locations are known nationally as prime antique shopping and approach near Brimfield status during the Renningers Extravaganzas held several times throughout the year.
The blog, updated every weekday, often has valuable first-hand accounts from the author on her antiquing experiences in the region and beyond including which stores have good prices, what kind of items they carry, and which have friendly, helpful staff.
Although Williams is new to the blog scene, even at the tender age of 23, she is not new to collecting.
“I began antiquing as early as four-years-old. As a child my parents would drag me along with them on all of their trips, antiquing included,” she says. “They got me involved by having me collect thimbles - something that was inexpensive at the time. I would count out my change, pennies and all, and get some really good deals. People were always surprised that a little girl would be paying for her own thimble. I would even get some thimbles for free just for being so darn cute.”
Like many other “antiquers” of her generation, Williams is now into retro items of the 40s and 50s.
“What really got me into retro items is Fiesta. My grandmother gave me her very large Fiesta collection when I moved out on my own. I decided I needed some things to compliment the Fiesta and my retro obsession was born,” explains Williams. “I collect lots of vintage kitchenware, jadeite, and vintage tablecloths.”
Fab Finds blog can be found at fabfinds.blogspot.com. It is available via RSS feed and e-mail subscription. Vanessa Williams can be reached on her blog, or directly at fabfindsblog@hotmail.com. She is an active member of the Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association (hlcca.org) and the Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club
