Florence Consignment Corner: Another Reason To Visit Antiques Capital Of Colorado

There are dozens of reasons to visit Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. Tons of antiques, art and gift stores. Peaceful walking-friendly streets. Friendly people. Great eateries. Fantastic outdoor art. Fascinating architecture. History and more!

Well, here's yet another reason: Florence Consignment Corner. The new business is located at 202 E. Main St. For locals, that location formerly housed the Napa Auto store. Now the space has been transformed into a venue for antiques, art, jewelry, bargains and much more.

According to FCC's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/findalmostanything/ the business will host an open house from April 1 to 7. Many spaces have already been rented out, but there are a few more available. Who knows what treasures will be found?

April 1 is a great day to get one's walking and shopping shoes on, because in addition to the FCC open house--there will be a citywide Very Foolish Sale and a citywide yard sale in honor of April Fool's Day. Those sales are slated for March 31, as well as April 1.

The Florence Consignment Corner will be open seven days a week from 10 to 6. Phone number is 719-671-6746.

Florence,Colorado: RECLAIMED WOODWORKS Making Used Wood Into...

Chances are if you drop a business card, a flyer, a poster or brochure at one of Florence's antiques malls, I will find it and you might end up on this blog, getting a little free publicity.

Free publicity? Why, you ask? Just because I can--and it always a pleasure to unearth yet another talent in Fremont County.

As we all know, Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado. But there are also many talented artists and artisans.

I came across the business card of Tiffany Dennison of Reclaimed Woodworks. Her business is located at 430 E. 3rd St. in Florence and the phone number is 719-429-6916.

I found this picture of some of Tiffany's signs at the Reclaimed Woodworks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/tiffdenn35/

Pretty nifty signs. And there are several more pictures of her handiwork on her page, to feast your eyes on.

According to the Facebook page, Reclaimed Woodwork's motto is: We make used wood into something great!

I would say so!

I really liked this functional kitchen island made from reclaimed antique wood and salvage from an old butler's pantry.

And here's the other view of this great Reclaimed Woodworks creation.

Yet another example of all the hidden talent in Florence and Fremont County!

Florence, Colorado: Armed Forces Art Exhibit

Mays is a wonderful month, and even more wonderful because Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day are celebrated. In Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--celebrating the accomplishments of our active and retired military is a year-round source of pride. But this year, the Florence Merchants Association is putting the spotlight on the artist talents of our veterans by hosting an art exhibit.

The Florence Merchants association is calling all active duty veterans and retired military personnel to exhibit their artwork, in an media form with most any subject matter, for inclusion in a show that will start with a reception on May 13 and run through Memorial Day, May 29. The artwork will be displayed in the storefronts of participating Florence businesses.

The show is non-juried, but the committee will insure the artwork is suitable viewing for all age groups. Artwork does not have to be for sale, but artwork for sale is also welcomed.

Artwork will be received on Saturday May 6 and Sunday, the 7th, from 10 to 4 both days at A Florence Gallery at 108 E. Main St. The art committee requests that all interested artists call either 719-372-1016 or 3030717-1977 to register for the show or to get more information.

What a nice idea to honor our military personnel and enrich the community with the talents of our veterans on display for all to see!

We Found YOU In Florence, Colorado: Tom Flower of Westcliffe, Chuckwagon Restorer Extraordinaire

Some of the most interesting people shop in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Every so often I jump out like a crazed jack-in-the-box from behind the counter of an antiques mall I occasionally work at and ask people why they are buying an item or items. Then I snap their picture--with their permission.

As you can see from the below picture, I don't scare people too badly and they are usually quite happy to share their Florence finds with the world.

This time I found Tom Flower of Westcliffe shopping in Florence.

The picture just shows a little of what Tom was buying. Lots of grey enamelware, old timey kitchen items and a few vintage tools.

Tom told me he was an agricultural teacher for 22 years and retired in 2011. But shortly before his retirement he embarked on a new passion--restoring chuckwagons.

And this chuckwagon restorer extraordinaire found quite a few items in Florence that were just right for his latest project.

Tom shared this picture with me of a chuckwagon he's working on at his Westcliffe property.

Honestly, after looking at his beautiful picture--I thought: This is what Colorado is about. This picture exemplifies not only the breathtaking beauty of southern Colorado, but the spirit and ingenuity of people working to preserve the past in ways that are more than relevant today.

Hopefully someday we'll get to see a picture of Tom's finished project, outfitted with some of his Florence finds.

We found Tom Flower this time in Florence. But will we find YOU in Florence?

You'll never know when and where--but I might just find you in Florence and ask you to share what you found and what you plan to do with what you found.

Florence, Colorado: FIND IT IN FLORENCE, A Forever Home & Friendly Community

 Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado has a promotional theme entitled: Find It In Florence.

The idea is to let the world (and the inhabitants of our fair burg) know all the wonderful things they can find in Florence.

With all our world-class art galleries, gift shops and famous antiques stores and delicious eateries--we know what we have a great chance of finding wonderful material things here.

But I found this post (below) most interesting. It's about something else someone found in Florence. A sense of community and a forever home.

The post comes from the Find It In Florence Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceGrassrootsProject/

Moved to Florence Colorado on June the 1st 2015 Just my husband and I, Friendly little town with many Antique shops!! We have learned that Florence is also known as the Antique Capital of Colorado. The fist time ventured out to take a slow walk through the very Quint little town, we were met with a warm welcome. Also sitting outside a beautiful store filled with many collectable from times past was our very Friendly Mayor and wife we shook hands and was also met by another group of people taking a stroll In the cool night air..Much to my surprise within the group of chatty wondrous people a man and wife who very kindly invited us up to there renovated Hotel was like taking a step back in time. The feeling of community still exists here in this safe and peaceful town. Even our police officer waves his hand and honks his horn with a friendly smile. YES!Dave and I have found the place where we feel very comfortable, fortunate , contented and happy to put down our roots and call this our FOREVER HOME!

I have never met the writer of this post--but I can attest to the fact, that is exactly what many find in Florence. A forever home. A sense of community. And some of the most interesting and friendly people anywhere.

And while Florence might not turn into a forever home for most, I can also attest to the fact that I have met literally hundreds of people who have told me they come from all over Colorado (but mostly Pueblo and Colorado Springs) to experience "that feeling" even for a few hours.

Sure, most are browsing or shopping for a vintage treasure or some artwork or accessories for their homes or for gifts--but they come for something else. And they usually find it, in Florence.

My favorite  opinion of Florence was one I overheard. I was standing outside ye olde antiques shop, where I occasionally work, and heard a young man say,"See, this is EXACTLY what I was talking about. This is EXACTLY what I want and need."

Naturally I turned around, and saw a young man walking with his wife and their child in a stroller.

He continued to enthuse to his wife," A place I can unwind with you both. Feel safe and walk. Just wonderful!"

I've had people tell me that to my face many a time. But what thrilled me was this time I was overhearing it, and it was coming from a young family man. Usually women are the ones saying they've found that sense of peace and relaxation wandering the friendly streets of Florence.

Apparently Florence has something for everyone. Sure, you'll find many treasures you won't find anywhere else. But so many people also find something else in Florence they weren't expecting that is an unexpected treasure.

And I can tell you, what I've found in Florence is a great joy overhearing or directly hearing so many people finding that special "something" that might not even be material in Florence.

I highly recommend people check out the Find It Florence Facebook page. It gives a glimpse into what makes the community tick--and also boasts one of the best line-ups of all the fun events happening here.

Florence,Colorado: Sandy Dale's The Gnarlies Have A Party

Sandy Dale is one of Florence's most cherished artists with her magical creations, The Gnarlies.

So I was delighted to be cantering down Main St. and see a whole window display of the adorable creatures.

For those who don't know about Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, my sympathies, but you can get up to speed by reading this previous blog post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-magical-world-of-artist-sandy-dale.html

Sandy has her own studio at 220-A W. Main St. in Florence, which is open by appointment or chance.

But recently a group of The Gnarlies decided to have a party in the window at Florence Antiques, at 103 W. Main St., which is open seven days a week.

You all know how hard it is to take a picture of a window display through glass--so please excuse all the glare and car reflections in the background.

Isn't this little dude winsome? He makes me want to break out into a hula. But that might start an earthquake in Florence, so I'll just sing Tiny Bubbles quietly.

Now this Gnarlie with his cloven hooves is totally adorable. And he's ready to make music at the party too. Between him and furry fellow with his ukulele or guitar....we've got a jam happening.

This Gnarlie is riding a wonderful vintage style horse. Apparently he's riding--and on his way to the Gnarlie party.

When I asked the owner of Florence Antiques (Larry Nelson) if these were the beloved Gnarlies I spied in his window he said yes.

Now, I couldn't get pictures of all of them due to the window glare. And it would have taken too much heavy lifting to get in the back of the window to take pictures. But trust me--it's a Gnarlie delight and party you won't want to miss.

Larry also told me he had put a few steampunk accessories and hats(not pictured) on the Gnarlies (in anticipation of Florence's steampunk festival in April). He said he wasn't sure how the artist would react.

I promised not to say a word. Tee hee! But I never said I wouldn't write a word or two. He suggested that she'd find out soon enough.

I think it's quite obvious that it was not Larry Nelson that steampunked The Gnarlies up a little, but they did it themselves, when no one was looking. We've got to love those impish Gnarlies.

And these Gnarlies are available for purchase of course.

If you want to see even more Gnarlie delights, check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheGnarlies-148314498558258/

Fremont County, Colorado: Helping Children Under Stress

I found this gem while perusing the classifieds in the Canon City Shopper. It's a great way to comfort children in stressful situations.

And it's something most anyone can do, even those on a budget.

Police, sheriff, fire and ambulance services in Fremont County carry a supply of stuffed animals to give to children during calls. And stuffed animals are also given to children at Christmas.

One can donate either new stuffed animals or ones in good used condition at the Burger King in Canon City or at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Or pickup arrangements may be made by calling either 269-1697 or 671-2902.