(The 2010 haul)
About 20 (+ or -) years ago, my co-workers were doing sales calls for the company I work for. They happened upon
Mackenzie-Childs in Aurora which is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Enthusiastically, they would tell us about their purchases, most of which were seconds at reduced prices.
Fast forward 20 years, we still work for the same company, and still collect MacKenzie-Childs. They now live in North Carolina and still order from the catalog, and I live about two hours from Aurora and attend the barn sale where I find discounts of at least 50% off retail. Yay me!
A bit of background:
"Artisans have been creating original, hand crafted tabletop and home decor in upstate New York for over 20 years. The distinctive MacKenzie-Childs look and feel is truly unique and an American original."
MacKenzie-Childs furniture is decorated by hand with their signature designs. I adore this set that was on display.
MacKenzie-Childs is located on a 65-acre former dairy farm overlooking Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. The grounds house a production studio, a Second-Empire farmhouse and a retail shop.
After acquiring the farm, they turned the dairy barn into a working production studio where today handmade, hand-decorated majolica pottery, tile, furniture, and home furnishings are crafted and employs over 100 artisans on site.
Turn over a ceramic mug or platter or a chair and you will see the stamps of each artisan who contributed to its creation. Stains and glazes are painted on by hand. No two pieces are identical.
MacKenzie-Childs furniture is decorated by hand with their signature designs, from painterly landscapes to Courtly Checks, from tiles to dots, decals, and even seashells. Some pieces are created from start to finish by a single artisan.
I joined over 10,000 shoppers.....
The Barn was filled with Enamelware, Glassware, Complements
and Serendipities.
I mainly collect the Courtly Check pattern, but I also have a few pieces of their pottery.
Look at this pretty kettle, being used as a planter.
And this adorable grill.
In the retail store, a hutch filled with my favorite pattern.
A tablescape using wire bird cages.
Throw in some rugs for color.
I fell in love with this pom pom tablecloth.
Thinking ahead to Christmas, I couldn't pass up these sweet ornaments.
I purchased some tassels for my dining room. They look great with the Christmas decor.
I couldn't resist the photo album.
A creamer and some cereal bowls were added to my collection.
Joe added these to his collection. He thought they were cute enough to put away for grandchildren (some day). He loved the courtly check scarf on the snow man.
Joe picked out this little creamer. It is adorable, and maybe he will use it when he serves me breakfast in bed ;o) The photo is taken on a gift box, just to give you an idea of how tiny it is.
And for my friend Tami, I'm sorry you didn't get this bird house but there is always next year ;o)
The bird house in my backyard. The birds are very spoiled ;o)
A fun vanity in the retail store.
A house for their geese.
I did make other purchases, but haven't photographed them yet. I had a blast shopping in three tents filled with:
Furniture
Lighting
Rugs
Ceramics
Garden
Accessories
Fabric
Trim
Knobs
Click here for Last year's barn sale
My friend Tami just sent me an email that I wanted to include!
"Yes, as Debbie said, a co-worker and friend, to both of us, introduced us to MacKenzie MANY years ago - at least 15-20 years...and the "obsession" has not stopped! I have introduced others to this passion and the list of "lovers" keeps on growing. The barn sale is always an experience and challenge, but it is so much fun. Otherwise any day trip to MacKenzie is well worth the time spent there just to enjoy the grounds. So, "hats off" to Pam, our friend and co-worker for this "mania"? "fixation"? "LOVE"? of this wonderful hobby. PS I am the Tami who did NOT get the birdhouse.... but like Debbie said, there is always next year!!
Thank you for stopping by!
Debbie