Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Decorating with Your Flea Market Finds


My husband and I love to rummage the flea markets on the weekend. I do most of the shopping and he does the socializing. He says he's getting to know the vendors so they will "cut us a deal next time." I'll let you know if that theory is true in future blog posts.


I must admit when we first started frequenting flea markets, I was uncomfortable bartering with the vendors, but now it's fun to see how good of a deal I can get. We love collecting vintage bottles especially the aqua glass bottles. As some of you may know, I turn a lot of them into vintage sea life bottles.



I love to display my bottles on vanity trays, especially vintage mirrored vanity trays. And the square vanity tray in the previous two photos is my favorite! I won't be parting with this beauty. It was originally a tarnished gold tone. I took out the mirror and gave it a coat of white paint. I love how dainty and feminine it is. It really showcases the bottles. Gives them a stage to shine on.

The tray above was not a flea market find but it serves the same purpose and I love the mosaic mirror and how it reflects light. This was available at Michael's during Christmas so I snagged it with a 50% off coupon.


Sometimes I even find old seashells at the flea market. I love to decorate my foyer table and my mantel with these finds. I recently found a wonderful piece of old coral and a large helmet shell (see above) with barnacles on it.


Photo: HGTV

Try clustering similars items like bottles or seashells. Place clusters of your favorite bottles on trays or in a wooden or wire caddy. Add flowers from your garden and you have a stunning centerpiece.


Photo: HGTV

Think outside of the box for storage items. Use old drawers or dressers for storing items like day-to-day odds and ends or maybe sweaters in an old dresser that has no drawers.


I hope you find the perfect treasure on your next visit to a flea market!

Carol

3 comments:

Leo said...

Hi there - as always - your bottles are the best. I love your creations.

Arabella said...

The bottles are fabulous - one of my favorite things in the world are bottles! Great job.

Unknown said...

"Beautiful Details" has been included in the second edition of this years Thinking of Christmas Gifts in July. I hope this helps to attract many new customers.

http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2011/07/thinking-of-christmas-gifts-in-july_03.html