miycreations, fleamarket makeover, MIY, miydecor

To view Flea-Market
Make-over Part 2

Miycreations Project article and photographs
by Madeleine M Langlois

Flea-Market Make-overs: Re-vive to Re-invent!
“Salvaging flea-market finds to revive and reuse them in a new light has
become an important trend in today's décor and lifestyles.”

Make a day trip out of antiquing this summer, or browse through a few flea-
markets or antique shops on the weekends or during your vacation. Going to
flea markets has become a favourite weekend activity for many. For some, the
socializing combined with the thrill of the hunt is just as exciting as finding that
perfect item. Salvaging flea-market finds to revive and reuse them in a new
light has become an important trend in today's décor and lifestyles.
The following are a few simple projects to make using flea-market finds which
require very few tools and time. These projects are perfect for flea-market
beginners made with items that are commonly found at flea markets and
antique shops.

1. An old wash-basin stand can be transforms nicely into an attractive coffee
table with an added glass top. Sand, wipe with tack cloth, stain, varnish or
apply an oil topcoat finish, and have a piece of glass cut to size. (Flea-market
price from $15.00 to $55.00).

2. A grain scoop with punched holes. Transform an old metal grain scoop to
be used as a patio lantern. Sand lightly or brush with steel wool if needed,
and wipe with cloth. Give it a fresh coat of paint and topcoat. Once dry, apply
assorted glass beads or nuggets with silicone glue and let dry overnight.
(Flea-market price from $10.00 to $45.00). I paid $10.00 for one which was in
mint condition. After I did some research on the Internet I discovered it is
worth $45.00.

3. Shutters can have a variety of uses like being transformed into CD racks or
to use for hanging up tools in a workshop or sewing room. Bring a CD case
with you if shopping for shutters to make sure they fit in between the slants
because the sizes tend to vary. (Prices can start at $8.00 for smaller ones
depending on the condition and size. Prices tend to vary greatly on these
items. Many shutters are over-priced and can cost into the hundreds of
dollars for vintage pieces).

4. Glass insulators can be found in various colours like light aqua, mauve or
amber. Glass insulators were first used with telegraph lines and early
telephone and electricity poles. Placed on metal stands and beaded with
assorted coloured beads, they make innovative candle stands. The hole
inside is just the right size for tea lights and votive candles. (Flea-market price
from $2.00 to $25.00 and up, depending on their condition and age).

5. Metal plant stands are back in style. Simply sand, wipe with tack cloth, and
apply a fresh coat of paint to rejuvenate. Add an old sap bucket that has been
painted, fill it with ice, and you have nouveau chic wine bucket holder. They
are also quite stunning filled with pillar candles in assorted sizes. (Flea-market
price from $15.00 and $55.00).

Useful tips for shopping at flea markets and antique shops
• If you can't fix it or revamp it yourself, or don't plan to revamp it within a
year, don't buy it. It will end up collecting dust in your garage.

• If the item doesn't go with anything else that you have, if you can't think
immediately of where it can go in your home, or you are not sure of the size or
colour, don't buy it. It's ok to wait, check and make sure, especially if an item
is expensive.

• Shop and browse around regularly in order to get familiar with market
values of items that interest you in order to know what a fair price for the item
is.

• Set yourself a budget and stick to it - many shoppers get caught up in the
moment. If you're not sure, walk around and think about it. Don't be afraid to
simply walk away from an item; there will always be others.

• Ask yourself the following questions before making a major purchase: Is it in
my price range? Do I have the space or place for it? Will it compliment or
accent my existing décor? What condition is the item in? Can I fix it myself or
know someone who can at a fair price? Sometimes having an item revamped
can be quite costly, yet it can indeed be worth the expense.

• If you like an item exactly as it is and there is no question in your mind that
you simply must have this item, then by all means buy it. Rule number one in
Flea-marketing 101 is "always decorate with the things that you love".

You'll be amazed at what you can discover about your purchases on the
Internet. GoAntiques can help you to get familiar with current market values of
items such as jewellery, silverware, furniture, and art, or simply to research
the costs of items you may have in your home. I discovered that a simple little
glass-stem flower vase with a greenish hue that I purchased at a church sale
for 50 cents is worth $150.00. When looking at items, look under them for
markings, manufacturer's symbols, artist signatures, dates and so on - you
might come across a hidden treasure.

Miy Flea-market Make-overs
Part-1
C r e a t i o n s & I n s p i r a t i o n s
"f o r t h e p u r e j o y o f m a k i n g t h i n g s"