Weeding

Homeowners this time of year begin to get rid of lawn weeds in hopes of having a lush green front yard.  Likewise, shoppers need to learn to “weed out” those items which typically show up on flea market and antique shelves this time of year.

Weeds are what I like to call reproductions, and they can be quite convincing.

It could be an advertising sign that is rusted and looks to be ever so real.  Damage to the corners, fading to the paint, and even dents are all applied to a brand new sign to help make it look older than it is.

There’s glassware on the market that copies Depression glass and art glass patterns.  It is so convincing that the pattern and the color are the spitting image of the old items.  There are manufacturers that have figured out how to make a piece of glass “glow” like the old stuff without using Uranium.

Brass imports such as spittoons or boxes, wooden furniture that is hammered and faded are also plentiful without much looking around.

So, buyer beware.  Do your homework!  You can never have too much information when it comes to antiques, it always comes in handy.

Vintage polyester

Polyester is great.  It doesn't wrinkle (who likes to iron), it lasts wash after wash, and keeps its color and doesn't fade.

In the 1960's and 1970's when the fabric hit its highest popularity, it was looked at as almost a miracle fabric.  Today, maybe the description is tacky.   "How many polyesters does it take to make a blouse" is a common joke about it.

The "retro" look of jumpsuits, dresses, or even leisure suits is still popular today for the stylish offerings that were made out of the fabric.

There are three fantastic jumpsuits in my etsy shop, which can be seen here.  What kinds of colorful, stylish (and best of all wrinkle free) finds do you have in your closet?

Candleholders or candlesticks for every collector

The earliest type of candlestick was called a pricket and was constructed with a sharp point to “stick” the candle.  As lamps came into use, candleholders became less utilitarian and more decorative.

 Today, our tables and mantles are adorned with art glass holders (or even silver ones) or any number of artistic creations that add beauty and a touch of personality to our lives.

I have managed to acquire several examples.  You can check out all of them in my Etsy shop here.

What are you looking for?

Shopping Estate Sales

In my area of the country, as auctions dried up, estate sales began popping up.

They all seem to run 3 days—with discounted items on the last day.

 

My advice for shopping one of these is to go early as possible.  Walk through the house a couple of times to get a feel for what’s for sale, the cost, and if the seller has set prices.  Take a box or some bags for your purchases—and newspaper or tissue for glassware.

I have personally found as many (or more) bargains estate sale shopping—without waiting all day to bid on an item I never went home with.

What kinds of finds have you run across?

Shopping for value

Money’s tight for everyone.  Its tax time, time to spruce up the house, and the car needs who know what.

The great thing about this time of year is that people are opening up flea market booths for some extra money to get everything done.  Likewise, antique dealers with higher priced merchandise may be lowering prices.

Get out and about, investigate all the new merchandise, and even barter on items.  You may end up with just what you’re looking for at a great price.

Tips for garage sale shopping

It's that time of year for garage sales to start to pop up everywhere.  If you happen to find one that could be on the way to work (or it could even be near where you live) what are some tips to keep in mind when you go?

The first is not to block neighborhood driveways--park sensibly so that people can get in and out of the driveway.  After all, you are shopping at the seller's home.

Greet the seller when you first get there.  A friendly attitude may lead to a lowered price on an item.  It may even lead to being able to bundle a few items together at a lower price.

Don't plow through their merchandise.  It took hours for them to set up and price everything--don't destroy the seller's display.  When you pick up an item that you don't want, put it back where it was.

Lastly, thank the seller.  Wish him or her a good day.  Frankly, before its all over, they no doubt will be exhausted.