...there is no denying it...
if you are patient,
are willing to overlook/withstand the crazy people (that run you down to get to the merchandise),
put up with the (sometimes) unfriendly sellers,
the once-in-a-while musty smells of old 'stuff'
and a few other minor inconveniences...
estate sales are IT for finding fun and unique items and crafting supplies at very reasonable prices. If you are very VERY lucky, you can find true gems overlooked by everyone during the 2-day sale and go home with armfuls of "stuff" for dirt cheap.
(large basket & silk flowers....$5)
I NEVER arrive super early (I don't do numbers or waiting lines), hardly ever attend sales on their first day, but rather wait for the 2nd or 3rd days when items are marked way down.
I have a couple of favorite local estate sales companies that I follow... I know that they are friendly, their sales usually have tons of the good junk, and their prices are right.
(vintage bibles and religious collectibles)
Also, I try to stay near home. There is nothing that is so precious that I'm willing to drive more than 15 miles to obtain. I am lucky enough to have a nice supply of sales each weekend that are fairly close to home.
My favorite things to hunt for at these sales?
#1. Vintage linens
(on this day, I found several hand-embroidered vintage pillowcases for 50 cents apiece... not in perfect shape due to stains, small tears, but I didn't care... the value for me lays in the embroidery itself.)
(my heart always jumps for joy when I find beautiful Irish linen! these were nicely pressed and stored...a true delight to find)
#2. Ribbons, ribbons, ribbons!
(on a good day, I will find gorgeous vintage ribbons... like the silk and taffeta seam binding... a bagful of them for $1....)
#3. vintage hats and millinery
(I buy any vintage hat that is $5 or less and has millinery...these are by far the hardest to find in my neck of the woods... collectors and dealers snatch them up fast!)
#4. oh, baby!
( gowns, shoes, accessories)
(at this particular estate sale, the owner was a baby doll collector and she had tons of vintage newborn gowns... all with dainty laces, buttons and embroidered... $1 to $2 apiece)
(I buy baby shoes when I find them priced at $1 or less... not an easy task)
#5. floral china (Limoges, Bavarian are my favorites)
There you are - my favorite things to "hunt" for!
Wishing you a lovely weekend...
I'm off to my studio to finish up some Valentines projects and a few custom order rosettes, as I look out the window at the freshly fallen snow; my idea of a perfect day!
p.s. linking up to the party over at Pink Saturday!
That is a gorgeous pillow case. They are always something I will buy, when they have hand embroidery.
(And I ignore the small damages, that happen over time too.)
Posted by: Hautie | Monday, February 04, 2013 at 03:55 AM
Oh my! Your pinks are so pretty and I adore all the sweet baby items! There are lots of creative people in blog land that make pin cushions from the baby shoes! HPS! Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Anne | Saturday, February 02, 2013 at 03:39 PM
Wow such great finds, in co it is very hard to find anything for these prices, espically
At estate sales. Some garage sales if you get out early!
Your a lucky lady!
Love it all
C
Posted by: Carol | Saturday, February 02, 2013 at 02:23 PM
Mercedes can i come and shop with you....everything is soo lovely. I buy the embroidery linens as well. i love all the detail ...and the baby gowns i love since i am hoping to alter a few for my baby girl who is turning one ....how can this be a year already gone...?
and u know i love the hats....
hugs
Posted by: tabitha | Saturday, February 02, 2013 at 01:43 PM