My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

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First I have to apologize if you’ve been having problems with my blog or website. We migrated both to a new provider, so they were both down for a while during the transition. Everything should be fine now.

We were in Paris shopping for some great new items and had a much harder time than usual. Unfortunately many of the merchants we dealt with have died or retired, leaving only a few, with not a lot new to offer. We did manage to buy a few great items and we still have a couple of shopping days left, so we’re hopeful.

If you want to visit the Paris flea markets, take the Metro #4 train north to the last stop, Porte de Clignancourt. From there, keep walking north (head toward the overhead roadway called the Péripherique). First you’ll come to the standard flea market on your left, with clothing, souvenirs and all the usual stuff you’d expect to see.

Continue past the flea market and pass under the Péripherique. Walk one more block to rue des Rosiers and make a left. Technically, you’ve just left Paris and you’re in the suburb of St. Ouen (pronounced similarly to San Juan). You’re now at the start of many flea markets. There are so many markets and so many dealers, you’ll run out of time before you see them all. The first market you’ll pass on the left is called Marché Malassis. (Don’t get confused by the photo. It’s looking east and you’ll be walking west.) Then Marché Dauphine, Marché Vernaison, Marché Biron, Marché Paul Bert and Marché Serpette. And I’ve probably missed a couple. If you turn left at the corner before Marché Paul Bert, there’s more. The quality goes from junk to wonderful, with commensurate prices.

I’ve noticed many changes over the years. The most obvious was the change in styles. Many of the dealers were carrying more modern items than before, from the ’50s to the present. And quality Art Nouveau glass was getting a lot harder to find.

Marché Paul Bert and Marché Serpette are adjacent, but Paul Bert is inside and Serpette is outside. Shippers are available right there in the markets, so you can buy anything, no matter the size, as long as you’re willing to pay.

If you like flea markets, you’ll have a great time. No matter what your taste, there will be something for you. The markets are open every weekend, with a few dealers open on Mondays.

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Our next show will be at the Winnetka Community House in Winnetka, IL, November 6-8, 2015. We used to exhibit at shows in the greater Chicago area 4-6 times yearly. Most of them have disappeared, so we now only exhibit in Chicago twice a year, once in the fall in Winnetka and once in the spring in Glencoe at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Too bad, because we like Chicago and have lots of friends and clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the show, so please put the dates in your calendar.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.