After jumping on the bandwagon of flea market lovers, I decided to explore our local thrift store to see what goodies I can find. (It’s like I don’t know me anymore.) I figured I’m bound to find something interesting for less the cost of what I’ll find in a flea market. Perusing the aisles of a store where some of the shoppers have a tendency to become loud was well worth it after finding these:
Several vintage books including an 1883 song book, an autographed 1913 sewing book, and a 1945 special edition copy of Johanna Spyri’s Heidi with colored illustrations.
I also found some skirts made with nifty fabrics. I love finding the XL sizes – more fabric for my money. When I got home, I put them all in the washer and when they were clean and fresh-smelling, I ripped out the seams so I have my recycled fabrics all ready to use.
I purchased some linens and bedspreads as well. I’m sure I’ll find some use for them. And of course, they too went in the wash as soon as I got home.
I find that my main problem with buying old and used stuff is that I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Most things are easily cleaned with soap and water but books are more of a challenge. I’m still experimenting with the method that will work best for me and when I find it, I’ll share it with you.
| Con mucho amor, |
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Three years ago, if you invited me to go to a flea market with you, I would have said no. The thought of purchasing old stuff, used by people I don’t know and who are probably dead already, just didn’t appeal to me plus I absolutely hated the musty smell that usually accompany these things.
Well that was then. Since acquiring a passion for repurposing and recycling, I’ve come to respect flea markets, and yes even thrift stores, and eagerly await the possibility of finding treasures there. Just last Sunday, Troy and I visited the All State Arena flea market in Chicago. It’s a weekly flea market, open from spring until fall, with 700 vendors. I don’t think we were even able to cover half of the area since we could only stay for a few hours. Still, I was able to get a hold of some good finds like this 1929 10-volume Compton’s Encyclopedia for only $10! (The vendor was priced to sell-out!) I love the covers and inside are tons of yummy pictures – I can’t wait to use them!
I also bought a hodge podge of old, ornamental silverware with lots of patina. I don’t know what I’ll do with them yet but I’m sure I’ll find some uses for them in my art.
Vintage postcards of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved medieval town in Bavaria, Germany. These postcards are absolutely lovely!
I hope this inspires you to explore your local flea markets – if you haven’t discovered yet what a treasure trove they are! It’s exciting and, best of all, good for the environment – since you’re recycling and repurposing!
| Con mucho amor, |
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Troy, Mica, and I got some cool prescription eyeglasses today. We had to wait a few weeks while Zenni Optical celebrated Chinese New Year before they shipped our order. It was quite a wait but the package arrived today and we’re all excited.
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| Mica was the most ecstatic because her prescription actually changed. And she ordered two eyeglasses – not that she needs more than one. This one with the red and black frame and flower design is only $8. |
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| This blue one with the stars is only $13. Not bad, huh? |
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