The first week in April, shoppers in Barrack’s Food Value shopping center stood in awe as they watched Karyn Austin and her family move cabinets, antiques and inventory into ‘The Craftsman Shop’ building. The building on Main Street in Mathews had stood vacant with For Sale signs in the window for many months. Shoppers rejoiced to see the building occupied once more. A striped awning across the entire brick front, shading the windows and doors, adds a bit of charm to the originally blank brick wall.

     Dilly Dally Emporium’s temporary large canvas banner intrigues one to check out the seemingly new business. Many never found Dilly Dally Emporium at its previous location—out on the highway coming toward the village. Now it’s in the center of activity and no-one can miss it.

     Austin has added to her inventory in 2001. I found gifts and treasures for everyone from infancy to the senior citizen. And prices cover a wide price range from 25 cents to $$$’s. Crib quilts and spreads, stuffed animals—bears, pigs, frogs and more—would help any baby snuggle themselves to sleep. For the little girl's tea sets in a pretty basket with tin silverware tucked in the cover: Porcelain and collector dolls and new American Girl books add to the collection. The boys may go for the Harry Potter memorabilia—an entire rack in itself.

     The whimsical clocks have a complete new look with the 2000 issues gone and 2001 issues brightening a front wall. If one is running, you’ll stop to find where the tune you hear originated. Then browse through the unique card line that has grown and more styles will be coming. 

     When I sold fabrics, each year there was a theme. It must be so with collectibles. This is the year of the butterfly—butterflies in wire, painted paper, wicker, metal and ceramic. I found wine bottle stoppers with hummingbirds and clusters of fruit to complement the garden appearance. And you may consider a hummingbird sun-catcher.

     How would you like to serve breakfast in a collection of duck china—complete with the webbed feet? An egg dish with feet, egg or fruit cups appear to be breaking for a baby duckling to appear, other serving dishes and mugs with feet, ready to take a walk.

     Unusual teapots, pitchers and cups with saucers to match with an old fashioned floral design. You might even add a soap dish to match for the powder room.

     Would the man of the house like an unique wildlife walking cane? Or you may choose a long Ye Ole Hickory Stick like I imagine a shepherd using, but without the crook.

     The bride needn’t go to the fuss of making a bridal pillow, just dilly dally for your choice. Add French-country pillows to your home or buy as a bridal gift. Seashell candles would be a welcome addition to any setting especially overlooking a river or the Bay. And Art and Country candles will add fruit and spicy scents to your kitchen. They even come in a canning jar, complete with a lid and cap. Then set or hang a wooden gingerbread man amid your candle jars. 

     I found Sandstone coasters with floral or lighthouse designs suitable for the patio or the best damask tablecloth. Then I could imagine one of the huge creepy-crawly iron critters beginning to crawl towards me while I sat to relax. They appear so realistic as do other outdoor and patio pieces in soapstone and metal.
Canned crab products, jellies and jams are among the grommet items that take the space on another shelf.
Jewelry still demands its place in a locked glass cabinet. You may choose from rhinestones to lighthouse watches. Come and look for yourself to find the unusual.

     Quality antiques fill the left side of the store. European pieces have recently arrived from the old countries. Have you been looking for a special item? You just may find it or someone may look for you on their next buying trip.

     Dilly Dally Emporium sits directly across from Barracks Food Value that boasts a large parking area. It is easy to find so don’t miss a chance to dilly dally this year. 

     See our ad located in the Mathews Virginia Shopping section of ChesapeakeStyle.com

© 2001 Catherine C. Brooks All rights reserved.