treasure hunt

this past Sunday was the second of the month, which can only mean one thing: it's the Rose Bowl Flea Market! I look forward to it each month and try to go even if I don't have cash to spare...it's a great source of inspiration and with around 1.5 million square feet to cover, it's also great exercise.

I usually go with my neighbor, whose apartment I've been helping decorate over the last year. we always let each other know what we're keeping an eye out for, because it always ends up that I find her stuff and she points out things for me...funny. I had a few things on my list last weekend and was pretty successful:

as I mentioned before, I'm on the hunt for teacups. this one was all alone on a 1/2 off table, and I talked the seller down to $3. the blue, gold, and hint of pink is perfect...unfortunately it's too small for tea, but perhaps I'll start enjoying espresso?

a vintage lampshade has been high on my list ever since I scored this ceramic lamp on eBay. they're surprisingly hard to come by, especially ones in good shape. usually the ones I find at the Rose Bowl are already atop lamps and sellers won't sell them separately-- and often don't sell them at all; they just price the lamp sans shade and keep the shade for display purposes only. quite smart, as most people find it hard to see the potential in a naked lamp...

my neighbor was the keen eye on this find and it was a total steal for only $9. I'm keeping close watch over several finials on eBay and hope to call this project finished within a couple days.

okay, here is my one splurge. as I was on my way out of the flea market, I stopped to look at the larger suitcase. the seller immediately pulled out the other two and told me to make her an offer....I laughed, saying "all I can offer you is what's in my pocket and that's certainly not what they're worth". the woman was a bit batty, chain-smoking and sortof mumbling to herself...she waved my comment away, saying "well, I've gotta pay a bill-- how much ya got?" I told her...and they followed me home! I love end-of-the day deals. I always try to stay as long as possible to get the lowest prices, but then you run the risk of missing out on the good stuff...it's all a gamble and that's half the fun!

the suitcases are battered and worn, but that's what makes them fantastic. I have no idea where they're from (the seller thought Sante Fe?) or when they were made, but I'd like to get them looked at by someone who might be able to tell me more. the blue raw silk lining is in fantastic condition and with some saddle soap or leather conditioner, the outside will clean up nicely. the kilim-style tapestry has held up remarkably well and I think they'd look fabulous on display in someone's library or living room.