Flea Market Finds

Kel here, sharing something that although not exactly crafty, certainly inspires me and fuels my creativity. I didn't really realise until a few years ago how much I love flea markets. I have childhood memories of rooting around tables with my Mum - I don't think we did it that often, but it made an impression. A couple of years ago, I suddenly realised that I manage to find at least one on every holiday and can quite happily lose an hour or two.

I thought I would share some recent finds with you. The ribbon and cake stand actually came from a shop, but it is such a treasure trove and the woman who runs it has an eye for the quirky and unique. Plus it's on the way to my favourite London market, so it totally counts - right? The spools are original, but the ribbon is new. I'm afraid the cake stand is new too, but they are so in at the moment that the ones I'm finding in markets are pricier than my pocket allows! I will use it for cake as well as photographing crafts for blogs, and I will use the ribbon and change colours as the fancy takes me.

I love books, old and new, as objects as well as for reading. The old Ladybird books "Things to Make" and "Learning to Sew" were impossible to leave behind at the market in London. I suspect I will just keep them around for inspiration and to treasure. The Canadian dictionary and "Wild Flowers of Britain" will probably become journals or artist books, as they have brilliant covers that show the titles, both of which have meaning for me personally.

When I bought these boxes at a flea market in Canada last month, the man I bought them from was minding the stall for a friend, and he roared with laughter at what I was paying for them (and no I'm not telling you, but it wasn't THAT much). "You sure must like boxes" he said. But I do think these are beautiful. I don't know if you can see in the photo, but the label on the index card box says "SHELLUBRICATION The Modern Upkeep Service" with the Shell logo beneath. The other one is an old sliding lid pencil box. I love useful objects like this that have seen a bit of life. I will probably use them for storage in my studio, they make me happy to look at them and hold them and I wouldn't want to cover them up.

 

The textile collection is out of control. It started with quilts and crochet given to me by my family, and then a couple of cheap bags full of table mats and hankies I bought once to use in mixed media work (no, no I haven't used them yet). I just can't bear to see all those hours of work abandoned and given away for a couple of pounds. I have a great pattern for making bunting from embroidered tablecloths. That's the plan for the one above. I just need to find some giant ricrac.

As you've seen, they don't always turn directly into projects, but bring beauty and joy into my life, allow me to have pretty backdrops for blog photos, and sow lots of ideas for future projects.

Happy hunting!

Kxx

Comments

[Miriam]

These are very beautiful things Kel & just the sort of thing I would buy.
"Oh they are for my craft" is my answer to the question! Thanks for sharing

[alexa]

What a wonderful treasure trove! I share you love of old things, and am envious of your Ladybird books :). How wonderful that these things are now being cared for and appreciated again ...