Summer is estate sale season here in the Washington, DC area, or at least it's my season for estate sales. Since I'm not a dealer, this is not my lifeblood, and I don't go out in winter weather, but it is one venue for finding cool stuff for my creations and filling my already bursting home with vintage cuteness!
But I must observe that the antique dealers are a very organized and tight group. Last night I was cruising through the neighborhood to see exactly where the estate sale was. It was announced in a huge ad proclaiming it to be the home to be of a DC socialite and her officer husband, world travellers both. I like it when I know a little of the folks who used to live in the home. Anyway, my BFF Suzy, was up here on business, and was with me when we found the house in the neighborhood next to mine. We also saw a guy standing in the street by his car which bore a well-worn cardboard sign "Estate Sale numbers here." Now the ad said numbers would be given out at 9:30 the day of the sale, not at 7:30 the night before the sale. This gentleman was one of a tight-knit group of antique dealers who watch after their own and have a system which is sanctioned by the folks running the estate sale. Fourteen hours before the sale began, I got number 35. Suffice to say I am not part of that in-crowd. But never matter, it was motivation enough for me to return and get the "real" number at 9:30 the next morning. Three people ahead of me didn't show up, so I got the official number of 32. I waited about 25 minutes after the sale began for my number to be called.
As I waited, I was tempted to climb up and take a peek in that dumpster, but common sense grabbed me by the throat and I stayed on the lawn. It was already 80+ degrees and tropically humid. I finally got inside from the heat, which was the best thing, and found pretty much nothing for my troubles. I got two necklaces, some small aqua ornaments, and something for Suzy for her birthday. If she had been with me, she would have grabbed it.
After that sale I slipped over to two sales pretty close by, with no waiting, and I wish I had gone to either of them first. But that's the chance you take. I still came out with pretty cool loot for very nice "cheap" prices. Here is a sampling:
Aren't these bells wonderful? At first I thought I might canibalize the glass beads from them, but changed my mind.
These candles were in a box with some other goodies (which are pictured below). The lady running the sale grabbed one of the candles and exclaimed "Why these are antique!" I quickly thought, "oh no, big price coming", as these didn't have a price. Nor did these things which, were also in the box:
Loads of Halloween cupcake picks! These and the candles were dirt cheap, despirte being "antiques"! Don't you just love the expression on the green witch faces?
Thse vintage cards and flower pot trims just stole my heart!
This Barbie doll clothes pattern was a fun find, but I loved the 1930 Conoco map which I will give to my Dad, as he loves to look at old maps of where he lives. I think he likes to look at how many roads were dirt back in the day. Thank goodness for asphalt!
I'm heading off with hubby and son on Sunday to the family river place in Virginia's Historic Northern Neck. Can't wait! Great food, no traffic, scenery to-die-for, and fabulous thrift shops and yard/estate sales! We only have dial-up there, so no blogging for me (I'll try but doubt it'll work). I'll catch you on the flip side after Fourth of July! Take care and have FUN! Always, have FUN!~~~~~~XXOO, Beth