My First Flea Market……

November 16, 2010

My First Flea Market……

So I went to my first flea market…..a new friend of mine has stated that I have purchased too many items that have been massively produced…maybe a little too much Restoration Hardware & Pottery Barn? Is it that obvious in my decorating? Well, I’m trying to bring Charm & Character that can make my Great Room into a cozy sanctuary for me and my family (mostly for me) lol… With the wisdom and talent of a few new friends – I decided to visit a flea market for some delicious new finds…

This set of three candlestick holders seemed so darling at the time of my purchase. I purchased them in hopes of being the perfect find for my kitchen table… but when I got them home it didn’t seem to fit into my décor….maybe a little to fancy for my rustic décor? My overhead kitchen table lighting is wrought iron & and the hutch is filled with white ceramic pitchers & plates…

Here are the candlesticks displayed on my table……not working huh?

I picked up this silver footed tray – absolutely beautiful! But the shiny bright color isn’t going with my rustic light fixtures & bronze hardware…hummm, strike two? Yet, I’m thinking if I let it tarnish maybe it will come up with the perfect charm?

And this set of darling brass candle sticks with dangling crystals and center feels like a treasure…..just not sure where they will go or if they fit in here either……

I did however create a little centerpiece for my butcher block island (using the footed silver plate) I had this old cake plate that has been sitting in a box in storage for about six years…I found a great glass cover at the flea market & it seems to fit perfect. tied a holiday ornament with burlap string & two mercury candles that have a delicate rim placed inside…. I believe it will look cuter when finish on the plate has tarnished? (notice all the bronze hardware on the cabinets)………take peek & let me know what you think?

Would love to hear your suggestions & thoughts………Thanks!

Comments

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said…

Hi Tracie,
You must be sick of my comments by now but I can't stop until I catch up to your latest post. This has been addictive! I agree with you that a little tarnished patina will do the trick to the tray. As for the 3 large candlesticks...what about spraying them a creamy white and then using a tea stain to age them? I saw that one blogging friend of mine likes to use Behr's Cottage White and then puts Ralph Lauren's Tea Stain Glaze over top. I've never tried it but it's something I plan on doing one day with a few of my things. Did you enjoy the flea market? We have one once a month every month except for July and August (too hot) that's not too far from us. I'll be going next month to give hubby some ideas for Christmas ;) I hope this won't be your last flea market...I'm sure you'll choose well as you learn what you like. Next time take some notes with you as to what you're looking for or what you like otherwise you can get overwhelmed and loose focus. You did good! :)

November 28, 2010 at 2:23 PM

Fishtail Cottage said…

Going to another Dec. 11th. i can't wait. i didn't keep anything i bought from the flea market... thinking the next one will be more fun since i have some ideas in mind of what i am looking for now.

November 29, 2010 at 9:11 AM

Missy @ Chateau Chic Boutique said…

Hi Tracie! Thanks for coming by my blog and becoming a follower! I am YOUR newest follower and look forward to more of your posts. I love all your flea market finds. I think I agree with Maura. Painting those candlesticks a creamy color would look great contrasting your wood table and decor. I love antiquing glaze as well but I also love to paint something by hand sort of sloppy-like so that I can still see the finish underneath. It works great on both wood and gold pieces. And altought I love the look of tarnished silver, I've even spray painted an ornate silver tray cream because the silver plate was peeling off and it turned out beautifully. It sold immediately! They also have other types of paint you could try to get the same look of your kitchen knobs. The possiblities are endless!

On a more personal note, I was very touched reading about your niece's sentimental gift. It is difficult to lose a parent in any way. My girls lost their Dad (my Husband) when they were 5 and 18 months old. It is so important to keep their memories close. What you did is very thoughtful.

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas and a blessed New Year full of family blessings,
Missy

PS I really am going to make one of those trees, on a much smaller scale of course!

December 23, 2010 at 1:11 PM

Linda @ A La Carte said…

I think you found some great items. I agree that the candlesticks would look great painted! Just try it! Love the vignette you did with the cake cover. Thanks for joining in JFF. hugs, Linda

January 20, 2011 at 8:58 PM

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said…

Hi there- I have to tell you I have those same (or very similar) little glass and brass candlesticks!! :) Once you get the hang of going to the thrift stores and flea marketing you will love it!!! Great scores already- you are off to a great start!! Love the silver tray and the large candlesticks would be perfect painted and maybe a little distressed! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

January 20, 2011 at 9:43 PM

Sue said…

Half the fun of shopping at flea markets and yard/estate sales is re-purposing what you buy. I say paint those candle holders, shabby them up a bit with some glaze, and they'll be perfect for your style. A little ORB paint can be the perfect fix for a lot of items, too. I use it all the time for things that are less than perfect. Have fun with all your shopping- it IS addictive and so much fun. Nice to meet you- visiting from Linda's party. ~ Sue

January 21, 2011 at 5:25 AM

DIYbyDesign said…

Great flea market finds. I love the vignette you created. You could make those candle sticks look shabby chic...that would be beautiful. I am your latest follower. I'd love if you would come check out my blog at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com and follow me back. Thanks.

January 21, 2011 at 10:46 AM