Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Carolyn Westbrook: Great Junking!

I was able to get to Canton Flea Market for a few hours this month, and realized how much I enjoy treasure hunting! I always try and get there early, when it is not so hot, and try and beat everyone to the buried treasure (tee hee). Collections are such an important part of any roomscape, and you know that I believe it needs to old and treasured, not some trinket bought from a store shelf. ok, maybe a few really good trinkets, but you have to have some antique patina or it looks like everyone else's house. I love stacks of antique leather bound French books. Now that is a beautiful sight. This photograph is in the new book, The French Inspired Home and here it is featured in a magazine, but you get the idea...it is all about the collections. Tarnished silver, stacks of books, a piece of antler, and a lone German sheep, looks amazing.

Plus, the bonus is, it gives you something to hunt for. I had bought just a couple of items, and was becoming a bit discouraged when I came upon a huge French mirror, dripping in swags and garlands of roses and bows. Standing about 6 ft. tall, I breathlessly asked the man, how much? He looks at me and says, how 'bout $125? Dollars? I asked...then quickly said, can you do $100? I know, shameless, but you have to ask. He quickly agreed and I could not pay him fast enough. The adreneline was racing through my veins as I shoved the money at him. I'll be back to get it, I told him. When I returned, he had a posse of women standing around it. He said, I'm glad your back, these women were about to make off with it. Usually, it is me that is left drooling over the "sold" item, but this time, I was the finder of the treasure! How exciting I thought, as I carefully put the mirror in the back of the Suburban. It was a good haul and a good day, as we sat under the shade of a tree, eating pimento cheese sandwiches with my mom and looking affectionately at my mirror. So, get out there and find your own buried treasures this summer, you will be glad that you did!!

xo Carolyn
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6 comments:

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Girl, you did good. I can't say I even saw that mirror and I was there early, very early! Trying to beat you to the hidden treasures of course :)

trash talk said...

Girl...you had me at pimento cheese!
Deb

Unknown said...

I had the same luck in finding this mirror which I repainted.
http://duchessofcoloradosprings.blogspot.com/2010/09/revamprepost-mirrior.html

It is so fun to find the old things!

Curtains in My Tree said...

JEALOUS

mary pernula said...

I am with you all the way, I will check on getting the book, have a great summer. Hugs Mary

Stephanie said...

Oh the thrill of a great find - so exciting! This time it was you making all those shoppers jealous -ha!