Flea Market Finds

There were so many great finds at the flea market yesterday that I just had to show you guys. There were a lot of great industrial chic items like lights, stools, and storage bins. I don't know what I would do with them but there were two ediphone dictation machines. They'd probably make a good conversation piece if you had the room. The Elvis needlepoint pillow made me laugh. I could just imagine my husband's face if I brought that home. And I love the color of jadeite. Sometimes it's hit or miss, but yesterday there was lots of good, fairly priced jadeite. Lastly, there was a hand carved glove box with red gerberas on it- it was beautiful. I hope these items all found happy homes!

GIVEAWAY: Elkhorn Flea Market passes

images: Keith Scott Morton, Country Time

So, you've probably heard me talk about flea markets a lot of this blog. And I'm really excited to be giving away passes to my favorite flea market. Here's your chance to win a pair of SEASON PASSES to the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin (45 minutes from Milwaukee, 90 minutes from Chicago). These two passes are good for all four 2012 Elkhorn Flea Markets. The first show is this weekend. And just from experience, the May show is one of the best. Dealers have been stocking up merch all winter and are ready to unload.

To enter, visit the NL Promotions website and check out their Elkhorn Flea Market and West Bend Flea Market shows, and enter a comment below. One winner will be announced Thursday and will be mailed ASAP or can be arranged for pick up. Two passes are each good for May 20, June 24, August 12, and September 30 dates, 7am - 3pm.

Good Luck!

UPDATE: The winner is commentor #17 Kathy Maurer from Madison!

Hi Mom.

I got my Milwaukee Magazine in the mail this week and was surprised to see.....my mom! She was interviewed for the "Fostering Flea: What's Old is New Again at Area Markets" by Maureen Post. She runs the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn, WI and talked about the shift in buyers and collecting. The issue should be out on newsstands this week.

Local Style: Flea Market Chic

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Along with finding great deals, flea markets are great for people watching. Granted, the majority of flea market go-ers dress in a mixture of overalls, gym shoes, and baseball caps, there are some pretty well-dressed peeps in the crowd. Being well-dressed also means dressing practically. You'll be walking through some gravel, some mud, and puddles, so shoes work the best. An extra layer for the chilly mornings, some sunscreen, and a nice big bag should be worked into the wardrobe. I really don't get why people wear platform wedges or short skirts to these things. But, I love seeing people incoporate vintage jewlery or a hat into their style. I hope I find some of those pieces like that this weekend.

The Elkhorn Flea Market is this Sunday and just a 45 minute drive from Milwaukee and 90 minute ride from Chicago. And since the weather looks beautiful this weekend, their over 500 dealers will be wheelin' and dealin' left and right. As always, I'll be there bright and early with travel mug in hand. See you there!



The Details:
What: Elkhorn Antique and Flea Market
Website: www.nlpromotionsllc.com"
When: General Admission, $5: Sunday 7am - midafternoon (no official close), Early Buyers, $25: Saturday 1pm - 7pm, Sunday 5am-7am
Where: Walworth County Fairgrounds: 411 East Court Steet, Elkhorn, WI

Inspiration: Weekend Flea Market

Confetti Lucite Bracelet
Cucumber photograph
Rustic Laundry Cart
Dahlias Farmers Market Photograph
Apothecary Collection
Tapestry Coin Clutch
Vintage Jumper Dress
Set of Flower Glasses

The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is this Sunday!!! I am uber excited and can't wait to see what I find. I'll be there, as always, at 7am with a thermos of home-brewed Alterra coffee in hand. Bright and early on a Sunday IS an oxymoron. I never know what I'm going to find, but I do come with a plan. I have a few specific buildings, dealers, or rows that I hit up first, so I jet out like a madwoman (hence the need for caffeine).

Some tips:
Early buyer fee is $25, gets you in Saturday 1pm or Sunday 5am.
Free maps can be picked up in the main office
The best coffee is at the Turkey Leg stand near the front gate
Some rows can be quite muddy and the grounds is huge so wear good shoes
Parking is free, but some nearby houses have cheap closer parking for about $5.
I always grab my vegetables/flowers/herbs from Cindy's Greenhouse (right next to the front gate) on my way out
My favorite food is the barbeque stand by the North Hall
Bring smaller bills, banks aren't open on Sunday so ATMS and small change goes FAST.

Vintage Decorating: Math and Science

I am a big fan of decorating your house with items that have some "personal meaning" to you (ie I don't own these). I love incorporating vintage pieces that reflect your profession. For writers--a vintage typewriter. For gardeners--botany prints. For teachers--an old desk or dictionary. For musicians--old instruments or records. As a nurse, I have a mini microscope in my office area and old Florence Nightingale book. If your job or hobby is in math or science here are a few ideas....

(FYI: The Elkhorn Flea Market is tomorrow! I'll be shopping at the crack of dawn and then working at the front desk in the office for the rest of the day. Stop by and say hi if you're there!)



1. Vintage Abacus from GreaterRetroArea 2. Vintage Math Flashcards from SaturdayAMVintage 3. Moon Globe from JHerrmann 4. Vintage Utility Scale from havenvintage 5. Vintage Phrenology head from creamcityvintage 6. Space Telescope from hindsvik 7. Molecular Model from CathodeBlue 8. Black Pepper Botany print from Holcroft 9. Vintage First Aid kit from vintageseventyfive

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!

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.