The weather is getting better (in most places) and soon we'll be seeing yard sale signs on every corner. I thought I'd share a few things that, if the price is right, I would never pass up!
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Crocks - specifically Dundee Marmalade crocks. You'll see my collection has tripled (from one to three ;)! Would you believe I scored one of these (authentic) for $5? Typically, you can expect to pay $30 and upwards. Sadly I've heard that there are now knock-off Dundee crocks, so beware (unless of course you just want the look). If you'd like to get a jump-start on a crock collection, you can find beautiful old ones here.
The tall rusty metal shelf came from an antique egg refrigerator that was used on a farm. I have a weakness for anything old related to chickens, coops, or farms. I once found two galvanized chicken waterers at a yard sale that I now use as planters.
As far as furniture, my heart skips a beat for those one-of-a-kind, character pieces with a time-worn patina - usually chippy or stripped paint. These days, I often walk away from something that would require repair or even new paint. It depends on the uniqueness of a piece and if I think I'll have time to actually work on it.
I've only occasionally found linens I like at a yard sale. But I have found grain sacks (like the one we used for this table runner) at vintage markets. Bread boards, architectural salvage, baskets and containers are also things I look for at yard or barn sales. And don't forget about wheelbarrows, ladders, tools, and planters you can garden with... or use to decorate your porch!
What do you keep your eye out for?
I'd love to hear your best yard sale find ever. Inspire me! :)
Happy hunting (and may I suggest you bring along cash, a protein bar, and bottle of water for that one sale that turns into a progressive sale?)! And if there are sweet kids selling lemonade, invest in the future.
Xo
Well, you covered my current obessions pretty well. I have a thing for authentic English advertising pots too, with Dundee my favorite. I have about 8 now. They are so scarce in my part of the world and uber expensive. Can't believe you got one for $5.00! I love bread boards as well but again the price is outrageous so I don't see one in my future. :( The best yard sale find for me wasn't a yard sale....does Goodwill count? I bought a solid oak 48" round pedestal table for $20.00. The pedestal wasn't in good shape, not was it my style so I married the top to an old treadle base I got about about $15.00 and it's been our breakfast table for over 25 years! I just posted it for #howdoyouhomegirl on Instagram recently and it was really popular. I love yard, garage and tag sales of all kinds! Here's to spring shopping!
ReplyDeleteLove the story of your breakfast table! Shows you don't always get what you pay for - sometimes you get much more! Which I guess is the rush we are all after. lol. Happy hunting to you!
DeleteI love your style. My husband was born in England and his mother gave me a Dundee jar years ago before they became a have to have. I loved it then, and love it still. Good for you knowing that you don't want to paint or redo furniture. I had a store for 9 years and got into Pinterest and the idea that I could buy a piece and paint and repair and sell it. Well it worked and I sold a lot of pieces, but I REALLY didn't enjoy it. I sold the store in November and have left overs that I hope someone else will see the potential in. Can't wait for yard sale weather so that I can unload my carport!
ReplyDeleteWow, Suzanne - that is a long time to hang in there, work hard and not enjoy it! You sound like you have a great work ethic and skills... to pay the bills. :) I wish I lived closer so I could "help" you unload your carport!
DeleteI love your dinning room table
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for new furniture to upcycle. It's much nicer to have something a little bit unique than all the same stuff from the same stores.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally - I totally agree!
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