Sunday - Flea Market Adventures

Sunday morning my husband Jim and I went to the flea market.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular.  I just like to go every few weeks and see what I might NEED to take home with me.  It's amazing how something always calls my name and says "Hey, Take Me Home"!!!  Nothing gets the ideas brewing in the brain like walking the aisles of the flea market.  There is so much random stuff, especially on Sundays.  It's kinda like huge garage sale day, but it's a bunch of sellers with tons of junk and sometimes there is even a few estate sales at the market (which I Love!!!).  

This pair of retro nightstands and matching seven drawer dresser was a fun find.  The guy was asking only $75 for all three pieces.  The construction on these was very sturdy.  These even had dovetail drawers.  These are not my style so I didn't get them, but they are a great find for someone looking to go mid century modern or decorate with a retro feel.  Mid century modern is huge right now, so I imagine they found a good home.

A junk swap meet or flea market is a great place for small furniture pieces and accessories.  These guys had just picked up four vintage magazine rack end tables for $10 each.  They will look amazing once they are cleaned up and spray painted.  Remember a $3 can of spray paint transforms these from major drab to Absolute "FAB"!

Our local market always has locally grown fruit available.  Even if you don't buy a bag full, you can pick up a healthy snack while you shop!

Our local flea market is pretty small, only has about eight aisles, and the selection definitely varies from week to week.  However, at a smaller "small town" flea market you usually can find better bargains.  Don't be afraid to negotiate.  Sellers almost always ask higher than they are expecting to get.  I usually decide what I might be willing to pay, and then often meet the seller in the middle.  I don't expect them to give items away, and they do need to make some money.  But I definitely do like getting a great deal!  I often find items from the $3 to $10 range.  Occasionally I will get something more expensive.  A day at the flea market with $50 and I can usually get several things :)

Even when something looks like total trash, I love to find ways to make these items into treasures :)  Sometimes you can find something special and use it just the way it is.  Other times, a can of spray paint can work miracles!  I love vintage wire baskets for storage.  Vintage wood crates work well too.  This guy is at our market every weekend and he always has something new.  His items usually run from $3 to $5... Love it!

There is a lady who sells finish molding and wood trim out of her truck.  She actually has crown molding, chair rail, and baseboards in several different sizes.  Her bundles run from $8 to $10 depending on the size and detail.  You get between 21 feet and 35 feet per bundle (again depending which detail/type).  The price per lineal foot is the best I have ever found!!!  And if she doesn't have what you need or enough of your choice in her truck, she has hundreds of feet available of each one available for local pick up.  Major SCORE...  We've purchased a few styles from her and will definitely be back to her for more!

This antique Singer sewing machine has seen better days...  Since it is not in very good shape, I can totally see spray painting it is a pretty aqua and then distressing the edges.  It would make a super cute decorative accessory on a shelf in my craft room :)  And for $10, it's a great price for any home decor accessory!

There are some flea markets that are known for having allot of antiques and collectibles.  The Rose Bowl Flea Market is one of them.  However, better known flea markets often have much higher prices.  You can still find good deals once in awhile.  Rose Bowl flea market, in Pasadena California, is good when you want a large selection to choose from and are willing to pay a little more for that special something.

Flea markets can be found all over the country.  If you've never been to one, look on the internet for flea markets and swap meets in your area.  I definitely recommend checking them out.  They can be tons of fun and you never know what treasures you might find!

Until next time,
Happy decorating!