on a trip to the flea market...
I have a confession. Until last weekend, I'd never been to a flea market. Well, not the sort of flea market with rows and rows of antique treasures. (I once went to the sort of flea market where you get totally excited over a box of Sharpies that are only $2, but then you get home and take a closer look at the box and feel strangely taken advantage of when you notice that you actually just bought a box of "Skerples". FOR SHAME.) Anyway, when my lovely coworker suggested we meet up at one of our local flea markets, I jumped at the chance.
And to be completely honest? I have a new obsession. It's official. I've already cleared my schedule (as if I have a busy schedule that far in advance) for every Sunday that my local flea market is open. Now that I know what sorts of things I can find, I have my eye out for some specific items: wooden crates (especially the sort you can hang on the wall to display bottles and nicknacks), old picture frames, vintage postcards, vintage cameras (for decorating!) and quirky old suitcases. I'm actually quite excited at the thought of adding more repurposed, vintage and charming items to the decor of the duplex. I'm so full of ideas!
In any case, here are the goods I scooped up last weekend:
You are not even going to believe how much I paid for this. When we walked past it and saw it laying on a blanket with a few other dingy things, I figured that someone must have mistakenly put it there. We inspected the case and saw that it was complete - minus film. But it was glorious, no matter what. After double-checking with the seller, we discovered that it was actually marked correctly! I paid - wait for it...
...five dollars for this lovely camera! The lady selling it said she was simply tired of carrying it around, and she was glad it was going to a good home. I couldn't wait to take my treasure to it's new home (and to take a peek inside the case to really see what I'd purchased).
The case alone is adorable, and until I can really figure out how to use this camera, it's serving as a cute addition to one of my side tables. Has anyone had any experience with a Polaroid 250 Land Camera? I have no idea where to even pick up film or anything, but I'll definitely be on the search.
I also picked up these two books and a full book of vintage postcards (I adore vintage postcards - and usually they're pricey beyond all reason when they are a full set). The books cost $4.00 total and the postcards came to only $1.50. Hurrah!
And now I don't know if I'll be able to tear out any of these postcards. They're all too pretty.
I was picking through a box of vintage photographs and came across this needle book. I pretty much fell in love with the kitschy design - and it has so many needles still inside! It makes me wonder who else used these needles before me. (And I mean that in a non-Intervention type of way. Obviously.)
I've been eager to do more stitching/embroidery/etc. and this is just the perfect find. It cost only $2.
This caught my eye right away! I haven't quite figured out where to hang this little shelf/cabinet/widget. I love how it has the perfect vintage quality about it; the color is absolutely perfect for my decorating, and I can't wait to find the perfect little trinket to tuck inside.
In these photos it looks dusty beyond all reason, but I've cleaned it up just enough to make it not look like it's been sitting in an old shed for the last six decades. It cost $20. I think that I may have been able to get the seller to lower the price a bit more, but I'm awful when it comes to negotiating. I feel bad when I tell people to lower their prices, like I'm questioning their integrity or something. (I'm pretty sure that on our Jamaican honeymoon I paid five dollars for a necklace made completely out of what may have been watermelon seeds.) Must work on this.
What is the greatest deal you've ever found at a flea or antique market? Any advice on how to not be the most awkward person in all humanity when trying to haggle with sellers? Do share!
Great finds! I'd love to go to a flea market...must look into that...
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting! I love that thrill of the hunt when searching out goodies like this! That camera is QUITE the score even if it were just for looks alone but holy cow! It looks like it's in such great shape!! I'm excited to hear what you learn about it and maybe see some of the photos!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I've never, ever been to a flea market that isn't just full of bootleg stuff. Now that I live on the east coast and much further from the Mexican border, maybe I'll have better luck!
ReplyDeleteI have a needle book just like that! It belonged to my grammie. And that shelf thing-a-ma-bob is beyond cool. Could you put a photo or a fun piece of art in it? Then keep the door slightly open so you get just a small glimpse of what's inside. How FUN! And I LOVE vintage postcards and posters. I collect them, too!!!
ReplyDeleteThe best things I've ever found at a flea market are vintage purses. I found a black patent leather one with a tarnished gold buckle and a BRIGHT green fabric lining for 10 bucks, and an adorable embroidered fabric one with wooden handles for 2 bucks. SO CUTE.
Just another reason to visit you and jay the next time we're in the states!
ReplyDeleteFun! I went to an estate sale last weekend and really need to put together a blog post on that...
ReplyDeleteAwesome finds! My heart skipped a beat when I saw your Polaroid find, especially since I know where you can get film! It is quite exciting because Fuji makes an instant film that fits perfectly in that camera. Now hold tight, I have a few links for you.
ReplyDeleteYou can buy film that is
black and white:
http://www.amazon.com/FUJIFILM-FP-3000B-Inches-Professional-Instant/dp/B001G70M6S/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1QAC4F357ZHHL&colid=2R3DV1ULXOZ4Q
or color:
http://www.amazon.com/FUJIFILM-FP-100C-Inches-Professional-Instant/dp/B0000ALLYO/ref=pd_cp_p_1
The pictures produced with the color film turn out like this:
http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/03/in-life-of-baby.html
It is quite exciting that you found this gem for such a nice price. I found a similar model (450) at a thrift store over a year ago and since my Polaroid collection has grown exponentially - current count is about 16.
http://likefireworks.blogspot.com/2010/01/polaroid-collection.html
Sorry this comment was a little lengthy, but I get giddy every time I see a polaroid camera. You understand, right? If you have anymore questions, like what to do about the awkward battery your camera may require, feel free to ask.
I've never actually been to a flea market before and I really want to when I see these wonderful finds. The camera is amazing and the price is ridiculously cheap!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you are hooked. I would be too if I could find these lovelies. x
I'm jealous of your camera find! I love old-school cameras! My chunky awesome film pentax is really old, and I love it. Partly because it's old and partly because it takes awesome pictures. Mostly because it's somehow become almost a part of me now...
ReplyDeleteso jealous!
Great finds! I have no idea if flea markets here sell any nice stuff like that because I have never been. But then, maybe that's a good thing because I don't actually have the space to put up a lot of decorating items right now.
ReplyDeleteNo advice here. I'm totally the same. Actually it never even occurs to me to haggle people down. Mike LOVES to do it and is good at it, he can even get a discount at a big chain store!
ReplyDeleteThat camera is so cool! I have actually never purchased anything from a flea market, but I like going to them and seeing the same china my grandma had in different places. Makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a flea market either! There were about ten antique stores in the town I grew up in, but I don't think that's quite the same. I loooove antiques! They're just so... charming.
ReplyDeleteYou found some really great stuff!!!
What lovely finds! I've never been to a real deal flea market either, I will jump at the next chance I get tho! And bring someone who is good at haggling, I'm way too skittish about it too.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a flea market but after seeing your finds I MUST go to one - those little books are totally my kind of thing!
ReplyDeleteGreat finds! Love the needle book.
ReplyDeletei have always wanted to go flea market shopping, but there are none in the city i live :( i did go to one in barcelona, when i was there last year, and it was so fun and i had a couple good finds - 3 awesome vintage hand-drawn advertisements for different wines, and these great old coasters (i collect coasters, everytime i go on vacation to a different place). but i also didn't haggle. i feel bad as well!
ReplyDeleteYou can use the 100/660 film for it and you can get it from the impossible project online. I've heard the 669 looks good out of it. Of course, this is all from friends, I don't have one. (I actually have the SX-70 Land Camera.) I hear you can also get the film for this model at B&H online. :)
ReplyDeleteoh i'm the same way about haggling! i get so embarassed! plus, I always think, I'm the one with the money, and they're the ones selling stuff on the street - why should I be asking them to give me a discount? but yeah, as a result of this weakness, I've definitely overpaid tons of times. Good thing my dad, brother AND boyfriend are all veteran hagglers! :)
ReplyDeletePS: http://shop.the-impossible-project.com/shop/film/type100
ReplyDeleteThat's the impossible project link ^
Awesome stuff! I wish we had some good local flea markets.
ReplyDeleteI`ve never been to a REAL flea market either, but it looks divine! I can`t believe you found that camera for $5 !! Insane!! And so lucky!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, can you please buy me something. I might consider flying down just for this flea market. I need props...AHHH!!! Why do I live in REDDING?!!!??
ReplyDeleteThe camera takes Fuji FP-100C, FP-100B, FP-3000B, Polaroid 665, 667, 669, 690, 108, and 107. You can probably find these online still, and also, you might have to buy a new battery for it, which you also might be able to find online.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a flea market, but now I totally want to! Awesome finds - I love the little shelf especially.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful finds!! I adore the postcard book as well as the needles (and your jokes!!). Good job. Love the green on the little box (last pic). You always make me smile when I read your posts.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely finds!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite place in the universe is this three story antique/vintage shop right across the street from the Mission Inn. Its called the Mission Galleria. Seriously, its the most amazing place EVER.
Their little trinkets are the best things ever.
Look into it.
I would be happy to venture with you.
:)
Wow! You found some great stuff at the flea market, and this makes me want to go to one here. Now, I wonder if they HAVE one here...
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I hit antique stores and flea markets very often and haggling is sooo intimadating at first! It's proven effective in our experience that.. instead of asking the seller.. "will you take $20 for this".. ask them "how much will you take for this?". Often times the price they give you is even lower than you had in mind! If it's not.. then go from there and ask.. "how about $15 (or whatever)". Hope this helps! Know that they expect people to bargain.. and so set their prices higher with that in mind! :) Happy treasure hunting!
ReplyDeletePolaroid camera is an AMAZING find, Kerri. You shop really smart :) I always am obsessed with polaroid pictures, I kept a bunch. Usually from back in the days and my parents gave me their pictures too :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these finds! And girl, your nails look amazing! Love french manicures!
ReplyDeleteOh, these are beautiful! This post is making me quite regretful that I live in a big city & not back in my hometown, where there are lots of flea markets nearby... I wouldn't even begin to know how to find one in DC!
ReplyDeleteYour Skerples comment made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of "vintage" anything. To me, most things that are old just look old. However, I think the camera is super neat.
That's awesome!! I love the feeling of spending less money on great finds! My grandpa has a really old camera that my grandma doesn't want anymore so I'm hoping to get that soon from her. I didn't like vintage stuff before and now I'm starting to appreciate vintage stuff.
ReplyDeleteWow that is absolutely awesome! I can't believe the deals you got - especially that camera!! Holy crap I can't believe you only paid 5 bucks for it! I am so jealous!
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me want to go to the flea market and see what I can find.
I'm a terrible negotiator too, haha. I just signed a lease on my first apartment and my boyfriend had to come with me so he could be the "bad guy" and speak up when they tried to tack on extra fees and stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to hit up the nearest flea market... $5 vintage cameras?? Too good to be true.
Great finds! I'm not sure if you're familiar with this blog: www.susannahconway.com but Susannah is a photographer who shoots with polaroid. She'd be a great resource for this kind of photography and if nothing else, her blog would probably interest you. :)
ReplyDeletei am beyond in LOVE with your blog!!! so so excited i found it :) i came across it in the most random way too, i was googling the bloggers in sin city meetup and came across your amazing recap post. i sadly can't make it to this one, but if there's another one in 2011, i'll be there! i can't believe all the great finds you got at the flea market. i've gotten a few kitschy things before which was fun. i want to go back and do it again this summer!
ReplyDeleteOoooooh you are making me want to try out a flea market! I've never officially been to one either, and I am seriously interested now. LOVE the Polaroid camera, but I have absolutely no idea how it works or where to find film, though I'm pretty sure you can google it. Awesome! <3
ReplyDeleteWe don't have flea markets like that. I wish we did! I'm totally jealous... those are some awesome finds!
ReplyDeleteI love flea markets and am totally jealous of that polariod!
ReplyDeleteSo it wasn't a flea market, but at a garage sale last summer I found six Dr. Seuss books, in perfect condition, for .50 cents each. I don't think the lady realized that a new Dr. Seuss book (we're talking the classics here, like Cat n the Hat, Red Fish Blue Fish) goes for about $10 at a bookstore. So I scoope them all up and they are sitting in my hope chest because some day I will have a baby (or someone I love will have a baby) and then we can read the books together. (I know, I'm such a hopeful sap.)
ReplyDeleteHey! Just wanted to let you know I gave you an award over on my blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI love finding cheap vintage jewelry at flea markets/antique stores. some of my favorite rings/pins are from dusty little corners! I ADORE, repeat, ADORE that cabinet. Also the camera. Also everything. Let's be friends & go antiquing & drink coffee.
ReplyDeleteHey there! You have an award waiting for you on my blog! Enjoy ^_^
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your finds. I've been looking for a classic polaroid like that for our wedding guestbook... jealous!
ReplyDeleteJealous of the camera find! I hope you get it working. Would love to see what creative pictures you can take with that!
ReplyDeletewow, those are fantastic finds! i never have luck at flea markets, but maybe i'm just going to the wrong kinds. :)
ReplyDelete