Remember a few weeks ago when I shared the 25 things you should ALWAYS buy at thrift stores? Today I thought I’d share with you some of the things I’m always looking for at vintage flea markets and a few ideas of how to use them. I’m not talking about the kind of flea market that you find downtown under the bridge or at the drive in theater. I’m talking about VINTAGE flea markets. Juried markets with vintage, antique, or hand crafted vendors who style their booths to look like Country Living or Magnolia Market. Markets like Junk Bonanza, Roses and Rust, Farm Chicks, Mes Amis, Vintage Market Days, and many others across the country. (Leave a comment and let me know which are your favorites!)
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{{{ Read my gift guide for women who LOVE flea markets. }}}
18 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Vintage Flea Markets
Farm “Stuff”. With the growing popularity of Joanna Gaines’ farmhouse style you’re seeing more and more old galvanized buckets, chicken feeders, and waterers in home decor. These are easily found at vintage markets. With much more personality than storebought (read that as, a dent in the side where the cow kicked it).
My sister and I have collected many pieces to use as display in our Sister Chicks booth at Antique Alley. You can see many of them in our fall 2014 show.
Handmade Jewelry. lol… Of course I’m going to tell you that you should support the small handmade businesses that sell at these fairs. That’s how I make my living. These markets are GREAT places to buy jewelry for yourself and gifts for others. You’ll find unique pieces that no one else will have!
Vintage Seasonal Decor. Flea markets are great places to find unique holiday decorations. Last year my sister found one of those light up nativity scenes that go in the yard. Each piece was about 2-3′ tall. The three boxes hardly fit in our Ford Excursion! You’ll definately have decorations that no one else will have.
Trophies. This is just one of the fun things that I look for. These rodeo team trophies were a find! I’ve also recycled trophies as prizes for “#1 Husband” or “Best Friend”, etc. Someday I’ll get some photos of those posted.
{{{ Also read 10 Top Thrift Store Tips }}}
Random Scraps of Wood. I was thrilled when I found this pile of wood. Yep, all those little pieces in the basket were $1 a piece! Most of them came home with me.
Furniture. You can find pieces of furniture in their original finish, some that have been painted or upcycled, and pieces that need to be refinished.
Ladders. These are popular in home decor right now and you’ll find these from little step stool size all the way to this giant ladder we saw at Junk Bonanza. Here are a few posts that will give you some ideas how to use them in your home:
- Wooden Ladder Garden Art
- Ladder Side Table Planter
- Rustic Ladder Chandelier
- Vintage Ladder Quilt Hanger
Taxidermy. Taxidermy isn’t really my cup of tea but I’ve seen a lot of pieces recently that really made me laugh! Like these deer and squirrel at the last Mes Amis Vintage Sale.
Jeep Grills. lol… maybe not specifically Jeep. That’s my hubby’s favorite brand. But you can find grills, tailgates, hubcaps, or vehicle doors to decorate your home, patio, or garden. The Jeep grill is hanging on our patio right now!
Click HERE to Read Part Two
Hi Ann!
Many swap meets are now holding Tuesday morning vintage sales. Great place to buy or if you are a dealer looking to sell off things that works too. In sSo. Cal: Saugus/ Santa Clarita Swap Te yes days 7 to about 12. FREE Entry to customers! Bakersfield Swap at the keen co. Fairgrounds 6- about 12.. Again these are dealer vintage type swaps. There maybe a sock dealer or two mixed in but I have found great stuff, like a shoe box full of antique crystals for$20.00
Hmmm… sounds like I need to head down south!
Well Miss Ann…you’re just totally amazing… love this post!! I know just where it needs to be shared… XO
Ah, this is a fun post! I so would love to join you someday at a flea market!
What a fun post! What do you use the small bits of wood for?
Mostly for jewelry displays but I also paint some and just use them as fillers on shelves or seasonal decor.
Goat Hill in Watsonville, Ca and
Remnants of the past in Pleasanton, Ca
are my favorites!!
Those are both on my list! I hope to make it to both in 2017.
Hi there, love your post. I am very interested in what you did with the trophies. I literally have dozens and dozens from my children. Now that they are grown up and we are downsizing I don’t know what to do with them. I can’t stand throwing away their childhood but Jezzzzz!! My children are the first generation where EVERYBODY got a trophy. Help!!
lol… Patricia, that’s funny. I know the feeling. I hate to get rid of my kids art and prizes! We turned some into “fake” trophies… “Best Dad”, “Best Friend of 2015”, etc. And I sold most of them at a flea market!
Hello Ann! I was tickled to see those North Mesquite Trophies! My grandfather was the principal there until the mid 80’s. 🙂 What a neat find!
Isn’t it fun to find something like that? I’m always looking for glass insulators with our last name on them. One of my husband’s relatives co-owned the company YEARS ago.