Hi, my name is Georgia and I am a flea market addict. There, I said it but please don't recommend a 12 Step Program....I don't want to recover, or reform!
In Southern CA I have a choice, monthly, of three or four fleas to attend; three are close-by so I do go often. The furthest one is the Ventura Flea Market. It's about a 2 hour drive or, like last Sunday, 3 1/2 hours due to a horrific accident on Highway 101 that created a ghastly traffic jamb! And oh, how badly we felt about those involved in the accident.....instant prayers were said.
The Ventura Flea Market is near the ocean (see the palm trees?) and is a wonderful place to shop. There are usually about 500 vendors and thousands of buyers every time it is open!!
So when we arrived, my adrenalin was rushing as we approached the entrance and then we were off for several hours on "the hunt"!! Wish I had photos of the day but my camera batteries died so missed taking any. I will share pics of my purchases!!
The Ventura Flea Market is near the ocean (see the palm trees?) and is a wonderful place to shop. There are usually about 500 vendors and thousands of buyers every time it is open!!
So when we arrived, my adrenalin was rushing as we approached the entrance and then we were off for several hours on "the hunt"!! Wish I had photos of the day but my camera batteries died so missed taking any. I will share pics of my purchases!!
About ten steps inside I found my first purchase.....this cute framed bird needlepoint!
Next, a set of two corbel shelves......don't you love the chippiness?!!
A set of two glass 1/2 gallon milk bottles in a metal carrier.....I remember milk delivered to our porch in similar bottles when I was growing up!
Ahhh, memories.....yes, I am older than dirt!!
Won't these cute wooden containers be pretty on a desk.....maybe yours? Look at the roses!!
My grandma had a sewing basket like this one!This one is full of pins, needles, spools of thread and miscellaneous sewing needs!!
My last purchase was on the way out the gate! It's a lovely Fitz and Floyd Christmas Platter.....I just love the festive ribbon and candy scattered all around! Most of these purchases will be listed in my shops but the birdie is mine!!
May all of your flea market, antique store and estate sale shopping be fruitful!!
If I were to close my eyes and conjure up images of an English Cottage, it would be surrounded by an explosion of colorful flowers, both inside and out. The porch, though small, would hold a whitewashed rocker, with even more fresh cut flowers peeking out of a tote hanging from the arm. A beautiful needlepoint pillow, stitched with a riotous bouquet of wildflowers, propped against the back for comfort. The first entry to my English Cottage would feel like home itself with a wreath on the door, welcoming you to step inside.
Shelves and cupboards are an essential part of any English cottage. They’re often used for storage and for display. You might see a beautiful collection of vintage dishes, or a cupboard devoted to teapots and favorite teacups. Colorful tins that once held tea, now hold buttons and sewing notions. Hand embroidered tea towels and pure white linens, help fill the shelves until they’re called upon to celebrate a special occasion.
The garden, visible from the kitchen window is ablaze with color and activity. Ivy climbs the trellises and arbors, colorful bird houses and wrought iron bird baths, a refuge for our aviary friends.
A well worn and much loved quilt, graces the end of my bed. The stitches tiny and even, the fabric almost transparent in spots. I find myself running my hands across the time-softened fabric and wondering about the families that loved this quilt before me. With much love and care, will it someday grace the end of my granddaughter’s bed? Will she trace the stitches with the tips of her fingers and wonder about the lives it touched before her? The antique armoire sitting close by, filled with newer quilts. Some modern, with fabrics bright and crisp. Someday, they’ll be faded and worn and proudly stacked with other heirlooms, both new and old.
A hand or machine stitched treasure can be beautiful as well as practical. Handmade totes and pillows, stitched for style and practicality. Whimsical quilts, using the newest techniques and blended with treasured old fabrics, now faded with love. Each and every piece, beautiful in its own right and coming together in perfect harmony.
