March Madness

So it's Ohio, and we're still socked into this cold yuckiness.  A perfect time to be indoors and admiring our pretties with a lovely cup of hot tea!  You just picked up a vintage set of china at Harry & Annies and now you want to know how to care for it you say?  Yay you!  What a great way to give instant warm and loving ambiance to any occasion!  Lets explore how to keep those treasures in great shape!

One of our vendors, Kari, used to work in the china department at Marshall Fields and this is how the china companies advised her on how to care for their patterns new and old.  Please keep in mind, each piece of antique china is unique, and may be more fragile than it looks.  Use your own best judgement as to whether or not these are the right steps for yours.  

1.  Don't use the dishwasher on anything made before 1960. The water is too hot, and detergent too strong.
2.  Use a gentle detergent. Dawn or Ivory are your best bet.
3.  Don't use boiling hot water. Warm is best. Too hot of water can lift gold or silver bands when touched.
4.  Avoid cleaners with bleach.
5.  Avoid lemon detergents too as they contain acid.
6.  Do you have a piece that needs a bit of scrubbing? Try a paste of baking soda- it won't harm the finish!

*Antique china should never be used in the microwave!

Stay tuned on our next post- we'll tell you how to take care of dark crazed spots on your china!

February Frosts

Hey guys!  It may be snowing and blowing out in the Ohio tundra, but we have some cozy deals at Harry & Annies!  How about some yummy vintage fabrics?  And with this months Valentines Day Dinners coming up, wouldn't your table look sweet with vintage fabrics and a pair of antique silver candle holders?  Or wouldn't your sweetie LOVE a set of vintage china?  Or a collectable figurine may be the perfect thing for that special someone!  And what a better way to love the earth than to embrace recycling those treasures to a new family to love?  If you have treasures that you are ready to pass on to others- pop in and give us a gander to see if we can take them off your hands!

New Year treasures with an old soul!

If you haven't made it down to Harry and Annie's yet this year, you are in for a treat!  Everyday new treasures arrive only to quickly find their new homes.

Several new vendors are finding followers quickly, and our lovely regulars are still bringing the magic!  Antiques, Uniques, Rust and Whim is just the tip of the iceberg!

Life behind the scenes at a small town shop!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to have a really cool antique shop?  Well, we've started this blog to give you a glimpse behind the scenes of just what it takes to run a shop.

In the future we hope to take you one some road trips with us, have some quick tutorials and how to's on caring for your antiques, and maybe even a recipe here and there- maybe for paint colors, maybe for cookies- who knows where this adventure will take us!

When you watch Jill (the owner- our fearless leader), you learn you really have to wear tons of hats to keep this sort of show going.  Purchaser, Accountant, Public Relations, Sales Coordinator, Investigator, Organizer, Researcher,  Travel Agent, Driver, Stock boy, Educator, Greeter, Insurance Agent, Advertiser, Janitor, Transportation, Shipping, Banker, Clerk, Merchandiser, Restorer, Painter, Mechanic, Electrician, Plumber, Scout, Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker...you get the idea.  And that is on top of parent, spouse, child, sibling, friend, volunteer...you find yourself dreaming of minions...or elves at the very least.  Most times, you end up snatching up family and friends as unpaid volunteers. Sometimes they even help with a smile on their face.  And yet you still dream of elves!

Speaking of elves, ours have been ever so busy getting ready for the holidays here at Harry & Annie's!  The shop is bursting at the seams with goodies and treasures!  Holiday decor is abundant, and new inventory is added daily!  If you have been good little girls and boys, you will find many a nice little present for yourself or a loved one!  (Well, even if you've been naughty, you'll probably find something from your must-have list!)

The shop looks sooo good, we decided to have a party!  An Open House, together with Memories Gate, handily, right next door.  Sales and Sweets- what could be better!  Plus, you get a two-for one situation, with 2 rockin' shops in one location!

We sincerely appreciate each and every one of our visitors, and can't wait to greet you when you drop by!  Come celebrate with us Saturday December 6th, 2014 from 10 am- 4 pm!