Flea Market Finds: May 2010

Here's a photo recap of what I saw at Elkhorn Flea Market last weekend.



do you see those lunch trays? am I crazy to have almost bought those?

And here is what I came home with:




aren't you glad I didn't buy the Elk head?
that tool bag was waaaayyy cheaper than the other one I was eyeing up.

Weekend: Flea market this Sunday

Country Living,
The first Elkhorn Antique Flea Market of the season is this Sunday, May 16th. I have been crossing off the days dreaming of what I could find. I have learned that I can never go with a shopping list in hand. Every flea market is completely different and you never know what you'll find. I do collect some things but mostly I am looking for decorating. So, I look for 3 things when it comes to flea market decorating: 1.) Function 2.) Aesthetic and 3.) Quality. A lot of stuff you see at flea markets is neat but if you're not going to use it in your home, why get it? However, I think a lot of people are after the same stuff I am so always: get there early, carry cash, and bring a large bag.

Here are some great flea market finds to always keep an eye out for:


- Milk glass: it's making a comeback. White milky glass works well with a lot of different decors from eclectic to modern. Check out this candlestick grouping

- Metal bins: I own dozens of metal baskets, bins, and desk trays. They always come in handy and usually cost under $20.

- Fun Glass sets: Cheap sets of glass are nice for parties or when company is over. And if they break, who cares. Beer glasses work nice for watching the game or when the dudes have poker night.

- Letters and Numbers: As random as they seem, when they're put on a shelf with books and other collectibles they make perfect decorating sense. Try to choose letters or numbers that have a personal meaning.

- Odd Furniture: You would be extremley lucky to find a full set, but there are plenty of "orphan" pieces to be found at a flea market. These fit perfectly (after some paint and rehab) into hallways, corners, and small rooms.


I'll be back Monday to let you know what I bought!

Decorating: Fiestaware

Happy Cinco de Mayo, y'all. I have always wanted a small set of Fiesta dinnerware (or Harlquein because it's cheaper and I can't tell the difference), but I hestitated, saying "when would I ever use bright multi-color plates?". Then it hit me today: Cinco de Mayo! Real fiestaware can be kind of expensive because it's pretty sought after. I also didn't want to spend a lot of dishes that have an over 50% breaking at my house. So here's my back-up plan:
- Kohl's stores sell reproduction Fiesta. They even have my favorite turquoise color.
- Macy's has the largest selection of fiestaware, including silverware and glasses. And a bunch is on SALE online!
- For readers in Milwaukee, Clinton Street Antiques on S. 1st St. has a lot of bright multi-colored dinnerware in the window!

Woman magazine

The real Fiesta dinnerware, or fiestaware, was first introduced to Americans in 1936 by Frederick Hurten Rhead and sold by the Homer Laughlin Pottery company. The original designs were modified several times to include new colors and styles that were mass produced until 1972. The original 1930's fiestaware in the orginal 5 colors (red, green, blue, white and yellow) is the most coveted and collected meaning it's also the most expensive. An anniversary version of fiestaware was remade in 1986. You can tell because the ink stamp on the bottom is in all capital letters.



Foltzsa


perfectbound


tenacious snail


littlehonda 350

Decorating: Vintage Brass

Lonny magazine is hands down my favorite design and decorating source. Here are some pictures from their latest issue--check out the brass apple, toast rack, and letter opener. I snagged this horse letter opener from one of my favorite Etsy shops, High Street Market. She has a lot of vintage brass for sale but you can find this stuff all over. The only bad thing is that sometimes you get it and it's tarnished to pieces. If so, here are some brass cleaning tips.

Time for Tea: collecting cheese boxes

I love looking through all my different teas and trying picking one out (Cold days like today call for Darjeeling). I keep my single tea bag packets in old wooden cheese boxes that I find at Antique stores or Flea Markets. They are the PERFECT width. My favorite boxes are the old Pabst boxes, although they're harder to find. The breweries in Milwaukee used farms west of the city to grow the hops, barley, wheat, etc. When prohibition hit, Pabst switched gears and used their land for dairy-farming harvesting malt for malt-syrup instead. Back then, cheese was sold in 5lb boxes--who eats that much cheese? But now, I use them for tea bag packets and organizing desk supplies.

I like: Old signs

Found at: pedlars


My purchase from: Clinton Street Antiques

I love how different and interesting these old signs can be, however, I'm still figuring out ways to decorate with these old signs. If I come up with something good at my house, I'll post it.

I'm on a boat: S.S. Delta Queen

When I saw this set of glasses at the Kewaskum Antique Mall and immediately thought of how much I loved our trip to Tennesse earlier this year. The entire set of eight medium sized glass were only $4.95, so I couldn't leave them there. Now I'm conjuring up ideas for a Tennessee style dinner party: these glasses, a pitcher of Lynchburg lemonade, some Memphis-style ribs, and B.B. King singing the blues.

Daily Fix: Vintage Wool Stadium Blankets

found at solsticehome on etsy


found at Allie Ruth Peach on etsy


found at goantiques.com


found at ebay
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I just realized why I loved that orange plaid coat so much. It looks just like those vintage wool stadium blankets that I love. These warm boiled wool blankets were first made in the 50's and 60's are about 4x5 feet and come in a variety of plaids. I remember as a kid, we always had one in our car. I would it to the bleachers at the Friday night football game in High School. Now that I have a 120 year old house, I am once again appreciating the warmth these guys bring. I picked up this green and yellow one at the Elkhorn Flea Market for about $40. I thought it would be a perfect companion (cooler than a snuggie) for watching Packer games at home.

Shopping List: Vintage finds on Etsy

Here are some more things the Fed Ex man will be delivery this week:


I can't wait to use this at Christmas dinner; for putting napkin/silverware bundles, for putting pinecones in, for putting little wrapped presents in. Trophies seem to be big this year: see what i mean



I am creating a small collection of white porcelain/pottery to display in my dining room's built in china cabinets. I found a bunch on Etsy. This one was only $10.00



I love vintage Vera Neumann designed fabrics. They are always colorful, easy to find, and generally inexpensive. These napkins are ROUND instead of square. Great for a ladies lunch or summer holiday party. I don't usually host those kinds of things, but I really want to!