As you drive toward Gatlinburg, TN you'll see many signs for antique shops and a few flea markets. There were so many that I could not decide which one to hit. The car was in much need of a good cleaning evidenced by a few days of the kid's snack wrappers in the back seats. So while Jon was at the car wash, I decided on the flea market. The huge sign boasting that it was the area's largest was the hook.
I had no plan on what to buy. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular. Those markets can be hit and miss so I usually stay at the booths outside where you are more likely to find odds and ends and not the year round booths indoors that sell everything from puppies to velvet Elvises - I was tempted on both counts. Oh, yes I was.
But I settled for this yellow vintage pyrex bowl - $3.00. Not only for looks or color, they are actually usable items. I saw the same bowl later on at an antique shop in Comfort, Texas for $23.00. I love it when that happens.
Pyrex
The old fan - $18.00
I regretted passing up on a fan at a garage sale about 5 years ago because I thought it was too large and not in better shape. I should have gotten it anyway since their prices have only increased, even for those types.
This one was marked $20.00. I saw others for 25.00 and 12.00 but this one was the nicest and smallest. So I came back armed with my standard question, "Is this your best price?"
He knocked off 2 bucks but it was better than nothing. The fan is heavy with a great flower design and cast iron base and it actually works. I need to clean it up a bit but not too much.
Vintage trouble light - $5.00.
Many times prices are not marked at flea markets so you have to ask what price they want for their items. I usually like that better so I can strike up a conversation about their booth. You'll find that some are really willing to tell you stories which is one thing I enjoy about the people there. This seller had piles of things to dig through - my favorite.
I didn't hesitate when I asked how much he wanted for the light and he said just five dollars. I have been looking for one forever but didn't want to go the ebay route. I love industrial design elements but they don't always come cheap. This light would not be less than $150.00 if I bought it wired and ready to go.
After successfully rewiring another light, Jon and I think we can do this ourselves and then it will hang over the kitchen sink. Since the bulb is visible, I'll replace it with a reproduction Edison bulb so it's more interesting and fits the modernism era of the light fixture, like this.
Also purchased that day: a hot pink dog tag for Charli dog, aka, Ruffy. - $5.00
a 1956 Home design book with good graphics - $2.00
a bunch of 45's (records) for church dance decorations - $5.00
2 pairs of new sunglasses - $6.00
Coming up:
Tuesday:
Treasure hunting in Texas with my favorite find of the trip
Wednesday:
quotes
A visit to Garden Ridge
Linking to Apron Thrift Girl
Have a great Monday!
