“Jamin!” I exclaimed out of the blue while covered in paint, stretched in some odd position to cover the underside of the new hideaway, {yes, the underside. Yes, we are being a bit thorough.} “The flea market!”
It was Thursday. The flea market opened on Friday.
And I’d forgotten all about it until that very moment, staring up at the green paint.
This pretty much sums up my feelings on painting right now.
Since we’ve been in Nashville, we’ve been drowning in work and getting our own family settled for so long, that we haven’t taken a lot of time to really enjoy ourselves. We went to lunch with some awesome people the other day who asked us what we’d been up to, and the answer is always ‘work’. Reestablishing / resettling ourselves has been no small feat, and it can be easy to become workaholics with zero boundaries when you work from home and are launching a new part of your business.
Read: We are so lame. And old.
But the flea market. I knew that this was one of the things I wanted to put on the list. The kids are now big enough to actually enjoy a little flea marketing adventure every now and then, without bulky strollers and diaper bags and snacks galore. {We call this the golden age.} But here, the big grandiose one at the fair grounds with all the great finds is a treat in itself. And it comes once a month. We’d put it on the calendar promising to go…
And I’d totally forgotten.
So the next morning after a little finagling to get away, we loaded up the kids, and off we went.
We had so much fun, it’s a new tradition we need to keep doing, really.
We have this magical formula that we carry around in our heads, when it comes to creating spaces. We’ve always used it, and it has always held true. {We actually have lots of little formulas, but no one ever said we were normal or anything.} For us, it’s always been about creating a balance between various styles and elements. And when it comes to sources, though it can be different for room to room, it’s always this little tried and true approach: store/to-the-trade + found items + handmade = fabulous. I can break it down a little more than that, but you get the gist.
I think almost everyone who reads here will probably say that they love going to the flea market. You either do, or you don’t. And if you read this site, chances are, ya do. We can’t be friends if you don’t. But it’s the thrill of the hunt that never gets old. And everyone has their own approach to said flea marketing, with their own magical formulas… I even wrote a big fat post on it, once upon a time. I was a religious peruser with rules and more formulas.
Why are you not surprised? Stop shaking your head. #rulefollowerforlife
Last spring, I was on a mission. We were rehabbing our home, and I had a list. I was in search of lights, and a set of old lockers, and an entryway piece, and… and… and. I walked in with my list, and walked back out, completely disappointed. I’d searched and scanned and looked and prodded. And found nothing. A big fat nothing.
And guess what? We didn’t have fun, either. Because I was in a rush and needed specific things. Isn’t that always the case? Whenever you’re looking for something, you never actually find it? That’s the thing about flea markets, isn’t it? This isn’t exactly Walmart. And I need to stop taking myself so seriously.
I’ve actually conjured one item out of thin air, one time. I was totally Harry Potter. I uttered it’s name and rounded the corner and there it was… stopping me dead in my tracks. An old cash register. But that’s another glorious story for another time, and that’s the only time it has actually happened to me. The kids still make fun of me for my reaction in that one. It’s a running joke in our house. But I’m derailing. Stay with me now.
Because the following month {also last spring}, I decided to give it another go at the flea market. We walked in with another list.
I’d been searching online and still hadn’t found just what I was looking for. This time the list had expanded, and it was more old lights and mirrors and an old door. All the things I could think of for our house. I was on a mission and I was going to find them. The only thing I found was some bad 80’s replica of a mirror that came close to fitting my description. Then a door vendor we’d just been speaking to, bought a bunch of old doors at a great price right out from under us, at the next booth. #stayclassy
We were doing the walk of defeat on our way out when it stopped me in my tracks.
There they were. Glittering in the sunlight. A set of four: stained glass windows. They beckoned me there. Called me like a moth to a flame. I was enchanted. Smitten, really.
We stood there for a second, and I proclaimed to Jamin that I must have them. You know that moment where you’re absolutely enthralled but trying to play chill so that the vendor gives you a fair deal? That was me. There I was, talking out of the side of my mouth oh so non discreetly, while I honed in on them like a lazer beam. I was prepared to throw my body on top to protect them from other potential shoppers.
You know that forever awkward stereotypical girl on the sitcoms who tries to play chill but never can?
That’s me. I’m forever a chihuahua on rhoids.
All the while Jamin, the more practical of the two of us {imagine that} debated. He wanted to mull over the possibilities, and he wanted to know where I would use them. I mean, who has a place for four stained glass windows in their house? We were about to take on a total home renovation on a budget with priorities, after all, and it didn’t really make sense to throw a chunk of cash at some old windows. A few other shoppers came over and hovered as well, and I knew our time was short. I asked a few questions of the owner because I needed to know the story of such wondrous jewels. {I also hoped they might sway Jamin… he’s a sucker for stories.}
Vendor: They were used in the windows of a university
Me: A university, Jamin!
Vendor: And date back to the turn of the century
Me: turn of the century! {I knew I had him on turn of the century – who doesn’t want things from the turn of the century?!} I lightly pinched his arm
via New Jersey.
Me: I had nothing on New Jersey, but extra cool points for being from the North and traveling all this way, or something. I kept pinching.
Vendor then even said he would make a deal if we purchased all four. I mean, who could separate such beauties? What cruel monster would do such a thing? I was sold, but Jamin was trying to inject some sensibility into the process. I knew it was time to reel him in.
Who has time for sensibility?
Cue the hovering vultures. Enter stage right.
A new potential shopper arrived, skipped us, and went right to the owner of the booth. She inquired of the windows without even stopping to look, hoping to buy them out from underneath us. {Apparently, this happens a lot at flea markets} Said booth owner was fair. I heard him utter “They were here first so if they want them, they can have them.”
She immediately came to us and hovered, asking if we were going to buy them. She hovered some more. I think she was a career hoverer. And based on her general disinterest, probably hoping to re-sale for a higher price. See: Door guy who’d just swindled us about thirty minutes before. I felt like a skittish prey animal, though still ready to throw myself on said windows- to save them for myself in the name of hopeful beauty.
So Jamin, who was still wondering where on earth we would use them, stopped when I looked him in the eye. After years of marriage, we both know the things that are important to us. Example: I know better than to ride him about leaving his things out around the house {I do it anyway} and he knows better than to debate me when I’m already sold on something.
And I really want it.
“Sold” we both uttered to the owner of the booth. Vulture shopper sauntered away with the walk of defeat. And Jamin did the what-did-I-just-do-slightly-dazed-walk to the ATM for cash. He was still a little hesitant because we had no idea where we would use four turn-of-the-century-from-New-Jersey stained glass windows.
So far, we’ve used three. We’re working on the perfect finishing spot for the fourth… stay tuned. Our latest was that door we just placed in our bedroom. {Take that, jerky door guy… We had a happy ending and a fabulous find all rolled into one.}
My point?
That once upon a time, I was so obsessed with rules and lists {imagine that} that I almost missed what was right in front of me.
That I could insert some metaphor about life here, but this post is already long winded, {true to form} and you’re patting me on the head.
{The same is true in life, for what it’s worth.}
I think there must be some universal rule, that if you’re shopping on a mission, you won’t always have great results. But if you’re going to have fun…
Your finds will jump right out at you.
Because it happened again, last Friday. At a great price, to boot.
Original finish + brass hardware, and all.
I’m a full-blown adult when I get legit excited about somewhere attractive to put our taxes.
Though I’m totally big on purging and being careful about not bringing too much into your home, I also believe in following your gut. One day I’m working out and eating salads, the next I’m shoving my face full of steak and cookies. It’s called balance. And the old design/home adage is true: if you’re truly drawn to something, buy it. You’ll find a place. And if you love it enough, inspiration will always come later. Because we’ve all learned from our mistakes… let’s all have a moment of silence for the ones that got away.
And that’s the best flea market shopping tip, ever.
What are some of your tried and true/favorite tips? We’d love to hear!
Suzy McCowen says
You are so right! I have learned that the hard way!! If you love it, buy it! I cannot tell you how many things I left behind. I’m still kicking myself for not buying the Hoosier cabinet 41 years ago! Yes, 41 years!!! But $125 was huge to poor newlyweds in 1976.
And, I am itching to go to a flea market.
Bonnie says
Such a cute post Ashley! I love your windows and I’m sure by now that Jamin is totally glad that he didn’t try to convince you not to get them.
Mandy meza says
I’m heading out to Pasadena rose bowl in June and I’m travelling from Scotland,I absolutely love this flea market and I always take an empty case to fill up with treasures,it’s the highlight of my 3 week vacation.
Interior painting in Brooklyn NY says
Great article! It’s definitely informative.