We ventured to the big flea market last weekend. It was beautiful weather, and a Friday. It’s one of our very favorite things to do. Which is why we thought we’d talk about the best flea market tip, ever.
The Nashville Fair Grounds flea market is the biggest event in town, and something that my sis in law introduced us to, years ago. We’re honestly kind of surprised that so many people {in Nashville!} don’t even know about it when we bring it up to friends. So if you’re ever in the area, a great way to check out the dates are this site, here. But it’s been a tradition of ours for a while and we try to go whenever we can.
It was a day date of sorts, where we went in to check it out, with a little bit of the needed items on our lists for us, for clients, and mostly just for fun.
If you follow us on instagram, you know there was a little bit of this,
Interesting finds at the flea market
WHAT.
The funniest part is, that after we took this little vid, we had to bring our car around to load some beautiful stained glass window doors we found for our client’s pantry redo {coming soon!} and the guy right beside us was loading this giant head into his car. This isn’t a small flea market. We’re talking thousands of people, and this was the item he chose to load. We’re pretty convinced it’s going to come to life in the middle of the night and EAT HIS SOUL, if it didn’t follow us home. Also I would check for bedbugs but maybe that’s just me.
And a little bit of this: We’d never seen one of these before, and you guys totally educated us. I secretly want one now, and I’m stunned at how many of you touched this thing as children, even though you were forbidden. ;} And by stunned, I mean not really because it took all the self control I had when viewing it at the flea market. One sweet reader told us that her chore as a child was dusting theirs. All the oil. All the lamp.
Apparently, now’s the time to cash in, y’all. In case you have one in your basement. Is it weird if we secretly want one?
I even scored a gorgeous rug for our back porch addition on this visit to the flea market. But back to the point of our story, it reminded me of our most favorite flea market tip, ever. So without further ado, here we go:
Amazing Flea market: Back to the story.
Three years ago, 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. I knew I wanted our home to have a good mix of the handmade element {hello, it’s what we’re known for} and flea market treasures.
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. Going to the flea market is more of an experience. And I needed 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 also the only time it has actually happened to me. The kids still make fun of me for my reaction. It’s a running joke in our house. But I’m derailing. Stay with me now.
Because the following month {also that 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.
{see more of our kitchen reveal here}
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 at turn of the century – who doesn’t want things from the turn of the century?!} I lightly pinched his arm
Vendor: 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? Who needs a toilet in their home when I can have these!?
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 the flea market, as it had just happened to us with the class act of a door hoarder.} But the booth owner was fair. I heard him utter “They were here first so if they want them, they can have them.”
Said vendor was a stand up guy.
She immediately came to us and hovered, asking if we were going to buy them. She hovered some more. She leaned in and invaded our space. I’m pretty sure she was wearing a fanny pack which made it even more comical, because said fanny pack was brushing my arm and I wanted her to stop breathing on me. I think she was a career hoverer. And based on her general disinterest, probably hoping to re-sale for a higher price. 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. He basically knows how to trust me when I come up with an idea.
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… but we may hold onto it for insurance, since we do have three children after all. Our latest was that door we 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 flea market 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 at the flea market, 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, the last time we went with the children in tow. At a great price, to boot.
Original finish awesome 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 pizza 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. 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.
{see more of that space, here}
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!
Jenny B. says
Totally agree. I never find anything when I’m looking for something in particular, and have found THE BEST things when I’m just wandering around taking it all in. That said, when you are looking for something in particular, keep going back. If there’s a place that frequently has things similar to what you’re wanting, then check back often.
Amy says
I love this! You guys are so funny. I couldn’t agree with all this more. It is so true!
Rebekah says
My grandparents have one of those oil lamps, and yes, the temptation to touch the “raindrops” is pretty much irresistible. I don’t think I’d want one in my house, but I feel fairly certain that when my grandparents pass I will have to forcibly restrain my children to prevent them claiming it as their inheritance.