Pages

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

My Trip to the Webster Flea Market

What is this?

Great goodies from my favorite flea market ... Webster, in the town of, you guessed it, Webster, FL!

I get the greatest stuff, especially from the old German couple (who it turns out are Polish!).  I apologize, Renate!  I have no idea what this is (above), but I liked the color and the aged quality.  I wonder if it turns thin sheet metal into wire ... or maybe it does something to paper.  If anyone knows what this is, please tell us!


Couldn't leave without the African powder glass beads and chunks of coral ... and how does it get any better than blue and orange lying right next to each other.  But this lady also had some great tins with the objects still in them!


Oh, and then there was this lid that might have been from a sewing basket, but look at the detail in the tassel, which was made of woven or crocheted metallic threads.  It has Chinese knots and streaming silk threads.  I have to think up something special for this!  And, the turquoise bracelet, which is attached to the tassel, is made of glass!  

 

Commemorative copper and brass spoons look like they're waiting to become bracelets ... possibly with some beads for color.




What if I were to saw out the strainer part and use the opening for some resin work ... wouldn't that be cool? A frame, in essence!


In another life, I think I remember getting "lightheaded" from this cleaner ... but that's not why I bought it, I promise, because there was a note on the box saying that the bottle was empty!  Truth in advertising at its finest!  




The picture doesn't do justice to this steel tape measure.  The numbers are raised and not stamped on in ink and it has a beautiful patina ... like gunmetal.  I have some ideas for this, too. 




Some sterling silver intarsia earrings for $5 will be separated and become charms, a center punch will be useful in the studio, and the steel 6" ruler will be used as a ruler ... how original!  






And finally, a powder puff holder!  As you can see it was a great day.  I could have kept going, but everyone has a limit, which is usually established by the checking account!

12 comments:

Christine said...

WOW! I love flea markets and estate sales! You got some really cool stuff! I can already see that metal ruler in the 8th picture becoming bracelets....with enameled beads...

TesoriTrovati said...

Great finds. I especially love the steel ruler.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Enjoy the day!
Erin
P.S. Where is Webster? My parents have a house in Spring Hill.

Judy said...

How I love flea markets! You never know what treasures you will find. I can't wait to see what you do with yours. Have fun!

Createology said...

Wow you really found some amazing treasures. You also have a vision for upcycling. Happy creating...

Vintajia Adornments said...

As a scrounger and paid up member of the Steptoe Guild - love flea markets, demolition yards and our local tip shop. Amazing what new stuff (still in wrappings) people throw away!

stregata said...

Still drooling from going over each photo in detail - wow! Did you ever find good stuff!!!! I want to go to Webster with you! Love your finds! I know you will do something wonderful with them.

Lori P said...

Next time you go to the flea market, tell me. I'm going to drive the 7+ hours to go with you. :) Road trip!

mairedodd said...

goooodies! with a memory attached... really interesting array of objects to work with - and it is so cool to hear how you are imagining the alterations...

Michelle said...

I only wish that we had a cool flea market like yours!
Great finds!
Bead Happy!
Michelle

Cindy said...

Barbara, looks like you had a fantastic time this week at the flea market...what great finds!!! I could have spent all day there...
Cindy

Rebecca said...

Old labels with their interesting non-Helvetica fonts are wonderful to look at and so inspirational. I wish products could get back to having jingles in commercials and unique art on the packaging. This all so cool!

dd said...

Great finds! Can't see what you'll come up with in your creations!