Carted Away...

Yet another great Brimfield find.  I love the authenticity of this old factory cart.  Again ~ one of those things I've been in search of for a long time ~ perfect with all its imperfections.  And ~ the vendor had already cleaned this one up by sandblasting it with baking soda (I guess that would be called bakingsodablasting!).

Yep ~ it went home to become an oversized coffee table in my sitting room.

Check out the iron wheels with the worn rubber edging...

Ample room for books, drinks or snacks ~ or lots of weary feet to rest on.  A winner in my book for sure!

Vintage Dress Form

I made a trip down to San Antonio yesterday to pick up a new found friend.  I’ve been searching for her for years and miraculously met her at Brimfield.  She was lost and lonely and I told her she could come to Dallas and live with me.  However, we had one big obstacle to overcome and that was how to get her home.  I discovered she had a fear of flying ~ and besides she couldn’t fit in my suitcase or the overhead bin.  This left me scrambling to find her transportation home.   

Just as we were beginning to lose hope, we were introduced to a fellow Texan who agreed to let her hitch a ride in exchange for a tank of gas (thanks Andy).  She didn’t complain a bit about the long trek home, in spite of the fact that she had to ride in the back of an unairconditioned trailer.  Additionally, her trip made a detour by way of San Antonio.  She faced more hardship and obstacles when she was held up in an old warehouse for the last couple of weeks.  Nat and I were able to get away to rescue her from her plight ~ just only yesterday when we drove down to pick her up. 

A photo of us when we were first introduced. 

She was weary from her travels and ecstatic to finally be en route to her final destination.  She slept all the way home and didn’t budge an inch.

She’s quite confident in herself and doesn’t attempt to hide her age, in fact she has her birth year prominently tattooed on her torso.  :)  

She is now recuperating from her many adventures and is doing her best to acclimate to her new surroundings.  I’m not certain which room she will ultimately take up residence in, but for now she is resting in the corner of my bedroom.  She’s so thankful to no longer be living her nomadic lifestyle.  I think she deserves a badge of honor for her bravery and longsuffering.  However, for now she is completely unadorned except for a few of my favorite vintage necklaces. 

I’m hoping she likes her new home and is happy to be here, as I am happy to have met my new found friend.  And seriously, she’s a really good listener, never disagrees and rarely complains.  ;)

P.S.  I’m thinking my friend needs a name ~ any suggestions? 

Keepsakes & Thrift Store Finds

Thrift store shopping is always an adventure for me.  Some of my favorite things have been rescued from CCA, a local stop.  I pop in as frequently as possible to see what goodies might lie in wait of rescuing.  I usually find something that has great potential if just given a second chance.

I lucked into this antique door on one of my excursions ~ it's off an old wardrobe.  I was attracted to its handle and the keyhole hardware and, after further inspection, I also discovered a mirrored door on the flip-side.  It cost a mere $18.00 ~ so there was no debate about it coming home with me.     

It leans against the wall in a corner of my bedroom ~  adorned with several sentimental family heirlooms.

The gown was Nathanael's when he was a baby ~ hand-stitched by Nana before he was born.  Nat's sister, Datha, told me their mom was bed fast due to to complications during her pregnancy and she spent weeks constructing this delicate little garment for Nat.  Datha recalled coming in from play and pouncing on the bed to chat ~ Nana would tell her to be careful so she wouldn't soil the little gown that she was making for their new baby.

I love the intricacy of all the little tucks and pleats.  There's no way you can put a price tag on something like this that Nana so lovingly created.

~ Vintage chains and necklaces ~

The cameo belonged to Nat's Aunt Jewel ~ it's one of my favorites ~ I wear it often ~ layering it with  other vintage necklaces.

Aunt Jewel's husband ~ Uncle Doyle ~ a black and white photo of him as a young man remains intact inside the cameo.

A vintage skeleton key strung on an antique chain.

The glass lamp ~ yet another CCA find ~ scooped up for a couple of bucks.  I dressed it up with a new linen shade.  A cozy little corner of my bedroom ~ made special with family keepsakes and some humble thrift store finds = instant gratification. :)

Happy Tuesday to you ~ be sure to "Like" Tattered Style's page on Facebook ~ thank you.

Brimfield Flea Market Review

~ Vintage Grain Sacks ~

It's hard to believe Brimfield has come and gone.  It was a wonderful experience to travel all the way to Massachusetts and visit one of the country's largest flea markets.  I met so many wonderful people along the way and have tucked away numerous good memories to reminisce about.    

While on the commute back home, I asked myself, "What drives people to flea markets?  I came up with several possible answers to my question.    

1. The thrill of the hunt.
2. The desire for a good bargain.
3. The satisfaction of being resourceful by reusing and recycling.  
4. The challenge to find something unique with a story and lots of character ~ something you can't find in massed produced markets.
5. The community enjoyed and shared with people ~ not only with the vendors you meet but also fellow shoppers. 

These are but my humble opinions.  Whatever the case may be, I continue to enjoy the variety of treasures I come across while fleaing as well as the many experiences I gain from visiting various flea markets.  

Here is a sampling of some of the things I ran across that caught my eye:  

~ Double Barber Shop Sink ~

This rare double sink was originally from a barber shop in the Florida Keys.  I think it would look fantastic in a large master bathroom!

~ Vintage Folding Chairs ~

I love the muted colors of these folding chairs and also their slipcovered backs ~ each stamped with a different number.  The slips were made from painter's drop cloths.

~ Vintage Gym Locker Baskets ~

I came across these great gym locker baskets at Duchess D's.  I had a chance to meet and chat with the  owner, Debbie, who shared with me that the entire collection of baskets were snatched up by English buyers.  They were going to be shipped back to England to be resold at similar antique shows overseas. 

I recall having had similar baskets like these in our P.E. class in Jr. High and High School (okay, now I'm dating myself).  Wouldn't these make a great organizational piece?  

~ Hey Cow!!! ~

This concrete cow was amazing and was part of Duchess D's goodies as well.  He would look great outside in a garden or inside as a quirky piece of art ~ either way he is perfect!

Three of my favorite pieces were from French Curiosites.  This space had so many unique and unusual finds.  The owner was delightful and the staging and display of her wares were charming and inviting.  Many of the choice pieces were scooped up by buyers from Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and Land's End.  Their purchases will move on to various store locations or will be used for advertising photo shoots. 

~ Maple Sugar Molds ~

The one that got away ~ Nat and I were deliberating over this one and set it down for a mere second ~ another shopper picked it up and that was that.  Oh well, I guess it wasn't meant to be ~ sigh. 

~ French Flag Holders ~

There are round circles on strips of wood on the backs of these wooden holders.  The flagpole is then slipped through the hole to hold the flags.

~ Slotted Organizer ~

I loved this as well and was entertaining the thought of purchasing it.  I circled back around and it was gone.  The moral to that story ~ if you really are interested in something, hold onto it like a baby or it may end up going home with somebody else.

Aside from being just a plain ole good time, my trip to the Northeast also reminded me of how alike we are as people.  We may have a little different accent or may look a little differently, but we still share the same hopes and dreams for ourselves and for our loved ones.  Fleaing provides plentiful sources to find some remarkable tattered treasures, but it also provides many opportunities to make new friends as well.

  

Brownstone Doors

Well, here I am in Boston and I'm so excited that Brimfield has finally arrived.  I've been anticipating a trip to this flea market for quite some time.  Before heading to the hotel yesterday evening, my hubby and I made a stop at a fabulous restaurant called B&G Oysters.  Our anniversary is today, so it was nice to celebrate with a yummy dinner.  The place was recommended to us by a guy that we sat next to on the plane ~ his aunt is the chef at this renowned little spot.  Needless to say, he gave it rave reviews ~ and he was right ~ it was scrumptious!  

Afterwards, we decided to walk the neighborhood and found ourselves right smack-dab in the middle of the famed South Boston Historic District, known for its wonderful old Brownstones.  It was such a charming area.  I couldn't help but snap a few pics of some of my favorite doors to share.  It seemed fitting to give them names ~ so I did. :)  

#34 ~ Teal or Turquoise ~ 

#39 ~ Circles and Spheres ~

#8 ~ Octagonal Detail ~ 

#17 ~ Cast Stone Beauty ~

~ Ahead of the Rest ~

#11 ~ Lacquered Red Door ~ 

~ Star Light ~

~ Matthew Mahogany ~

   

# 7 ~ Star Bright ~

~ Filigree Loveliness ~

 

~ Gothic Black & Grey ~

#84 ~ Black and Blue ~

#82 ~ Lovely Blue ~

#77 ~ Leaded Glass Beauty ~

 

#68 ~ Arched Cast Stone ~

#2 ~ BBB ~ Blue Beadboard Babe ~

I hope you enjoyed these historic old doors.  I'm off to go fleaing ~ sigh.  I'll do my best to post some flea-bitten photos later on Tattered Style's FB page.  Be sure to look for them here.  

For the Love of Fleas!

I'm addicted to flea markets of every shape, size and geographic location ~ I never tire of them. One of my all time favorites is ~ Les Puces de Saint Ouen ~ in Paris.  It's the world's largest flea market and claims that more than 200,000 people attend every weekend.  How cool would it be to have that in your backyard?  Can you spy my three sons in this picture?

This weathered slate is one of the treasures that made the trip home from Paris with me.  It's faded and worn but has withstood the test of time.  There are so many little details about this piece that makes it special ~ like the washed out lettering.  It's only gotten better with age and gives the slate so much charm.

I love its twisted wire ~ I imagine it must have hung from a nail at some point in time.

Someone gingerly repaired the frame on this old slate.  A little piece of metal with some teeny, tiny nails were used to mend its brokenness.

It rests nicely on this aged piece of marble that I use as a wall shelf.  Thanks to all the rain we've had lately the daylilies are blooming beautifully in my yard.  

Another favorite of mine ~ the petite ironstone pitcher rescued from yet another flea market.  I picked up the little apothecary bottle at the the Paris flea too.  Its original stopper is missing so a wine cork kindly stands in as a substitute.  

One thing for certain ~ I'm in love with fleas ~ can you tell?  I'm headed to the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts next week ~ it's said to be the countries largest outdoor flea market ~ I can hardly wait.  This will be my first time to attend and I'm beyond excited.  I'm anxious to share photos of all the flea's goodness ~ I'll be tweeting and posting on FB as well.