Happy Friday, friends! 😀
Steevenson’s Spring Break starts today, so we’re looking forward to taking him somewhere fun next week. He’s never seen the ocean, and it’s supposed to be nice in Pensacola (where my mom lives), so we’re thinking about heading down that way for a couple of days. Is it Spring Break in your neck of the woods too?
I picked up a few fun things at one of our local antique malls yesterday, and thought I’d share a post about them here today. First up, a big (16″D x 21″W x 12″H) basket:
It was only $20, and I love that it’s that “right in the middle” tone that I’m most drawn to when it comes to baskets. Not too warm (orange-y), or too dark or light. Just medium everything. It will fit perfectly inside the built-in cabinetry we’re (slowly but surely) building on each side of our fireplace.
Next, an $8 bowl that, to me, says “farmhouse fresh”. The textural “rope” keeps it sweet, but the glossy white finish keeps it crisp. Such a rad combo!
Last but not least, a $10 hand-painted sign that I found in my friend Marilyn’s booth:
I love that it’s a one-of-a-kind (she painted it for a restaurant who didn’t end up using it), and I love that gorgeous grass green color. I’d love to frame it the same way we framed this painting above our bed:
That’s wood from Home Depot, by the way. It comes already stained like that and everything. I love it!
I’ll probably use a smaller board to create the frame around the “Please Wait” sign though (since it’s smaller in scale)…and I’ll probably go with a less rustic stain, since the sign itself is already super rustic looking. I’ll surprise you. 😉
If you’re interested in watching the (17 minute) Facebook Live session I did right after I purchased all these goodies, just click the play button below:
(You can only see the real-time comments on Facebook, by the way.)
In it, I talk about the three things I always keep in mind when deciding whether or not an antique store/flea market find needs to come home with me.
- Is it a one-of-a-kind, or is something about it one-of-a-kind? (Like the patina, for instance.)
- Can I think of at least two spots in my house that I can *definitely* use it right now?
- If I can’t use it right now, am I positive I will be able to use it in at least two places in the future? (Like when a particular room makeover is further along, for instance.)
A good example for that last one is the corbels I ended up using under the mantel beam on our fireplace:
I bought them several years ago because they were a great price and I was *positive* I could eventually put them to good use…somewhere. 😉
Happy weekend, friends! I’m looking forward to sharing a blog post about the banquette we’re building in the Bungalow Barn on Monday.
It’s our favorite place to play restaurant right now. 🙂
Layla
It can be tempting when at a flea market to buy something because the price is so cheap. The hit-and-miss nature also adds pressure–will I find something better? Probably, but it might take years.
It’s a real test of discipline and calculation.
Love your pic with Stevenson playing restaurant! My sweet Celia Grace loves to play restaurant with us too! Wonderful memories & strong bonds are being made. Such a sweet life!
Can you give me more details on the pre-finished wood from Home Depot that you used to frame the picture above your bed. Thanks!
http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-4-in-x-4-ft-Barn-Wood-Gray-Pine-Trim-Board-6-Pack-251189/207070196?MERCH=REC-_-NavPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-207070221-_-N
Excited to hear you are from MN- me too. I now live in Peoria IL but from Anoka MN. I love your joyful personality!
I love tip #2. I’m going to keep that in mind.
About the last picture: playing restaurant is SO much fun for kids. My grandson and I used to play pizzeria. He has a play pizza with felt toppings. He uses my old (antique) dial phone to take orders. It was one of his favorite games. Steevenson is adorable in his apron.
Thanks for sharing your finds! I really like the small white bowl you got. It has such interesting texture, to me it kind of looks like a birds nest. Making it perfect for your spring or Easter home decor!
Cute video and fun things! That sign will be cute in the banquet. Green is my favorite too. I was surprised you said that, I thought blue was yours. Do your glasses seem big? They look big. Maybe it’s just the close up. Great color top on you. Oh and your lucky you and Kevin like the same things. Happy Weekend to you.
I don’t think they seem or look big. Maybe it’s just the video? Since they’re smaller than my last pair, I actually had to get used to feeling something smaller on my face. 😀
Love your finds! I live in Pensacola, FL and we are to have a nice week next week… just for you! I am hoping that I find some great finds like yours at the Mobile, AL Vintage Market Days this week.
Your little guy is adorable.
Great finds! The sign is so fun!
A tip on static electricity(something I struggle with a lot in Minnesota during the winter months). Water makes it worse. I carry a small bottle of argan oil but lotion works too. Put a little in your palm, rub your hands together and then gently run your palms over your hair. A little goes a long way. Don’t over do it or your hair looks greasy. 😄💆
I’m on the opposite end of shopping than you right now. I’m trying to downsize and get rid of excess accessories. But I did love to buy things when I was younger for the house.
Hi Joan!
That’s actually what I talked about in the post and video. I, too, just don’t want excess accessories anymore. I bought too much in my 30s. I feel much differently in my 40s, and now that we live in a smaller house, I just don’t have room for lots of “stuff”.
Wait wait wait wait wait wait! Those chairs! That rug!! Where did you find such lovely fabric and chairs?! I am in luuuuuuvvvvvv
I love your white glasses, it really changes the look of your face. Great lipstick, too.
You don’t look you age.
Thank you, Karen! They’re actually pink! 😀
Layla, I love the video. You got some great stuff! I wish I could brainwash my husband into liking the same stuff I like, LOL! 🙂
Great post. Flea markets and yard sales have always been a family activity that I enjoyed. Plus some the great deals you find are a great bonus!