There are wonderful flea markets and tag sales up in Massachusetts this time of year. Of course, Brimfield is the mother load, but make no mistake. There are treasures to be had at private garage sales as well as flea markets held by non-profit organizations looking to raise funds. Such was the case a couple of weeks ago at a flea market in Granby, Ct. for the Historical Society. Granby is an idyllic New England town located about 30 minutes from our cabin in Massachusetts.
I’m not sure if I mentioned it previously, but our cabin is pretty much at least 20 minutes from anywhere worth visiting, but somehow the drive to where ever we’re going not only doesn’t bother me, but it can sometimes be downright therapeutic. There’s never any traffic, and the towns that dot the landscape have post offices that look like this…
and libraries that look like this…
with gazebos on their property…
It was just two days after my Brimfield excursion and I was still recuperating, but I can’t turn down an offer for a good flea market so off we went in search of treasures. I spotted an antique ironing board that was ticketed for…
wait for it…wait for it…
$10! Since it’s against flea market law not to negotiate, $8 later I had my ironing board in my hot little hands. (Don’t tell anyone, but I would have paid $20 for it.)
There are certain items that are commonplace at flea markets. You know what I mean. Plates, vases, picture frames. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t come across too many ironing boards in my time. I love finding items that you don’t see everyday, like the bassinet I recently scored, and what I love even more is getting a great deal on them. Who doesn’t?!
I had the idea that I was going to put it in my hallway and use it as a side table, but part of the legs rested on a runner and not only did it not look right, it was unstable. So I brought it out to the screened in porch.
And while we’re on the subject of thrifty finds, last week I saw this lonely and forlorn chair at the parking lot of U-Haul. I don’t know if someone left it there deliberately or just forgot about it, but I felt it was my civic duty to take it home.
Now it has a place on the unscreened portion of our porch. It’s crying out for some tlc, so I’m putting it on my long to do list. Baby steps.
Partying At
Cynthia says
Very cute, love the flower!
Cynthia
Cecilia says
Oh perfect, Doreen – Price and the location! And lucky you for two great finds! Any idea what you’re going to do to the chair? Love your porch, it looks peaceful.
:o) Cecilia
Doreen@househoneys says
Not a clue, but it’s low on my list of things to do right now. Any suggestions?
Lisa Newlin says
Oh my gosh! I never would have thought to use that ironing board as a sofa table but it totally works. It actually looks more like a sofa table than an ironing board. You’re so creative. I really wish I was.
And I think the chair looks great as it is, but you clearly have more creative ideas than I do. You make me want to go to flea markets and do crafty things!
Doreen@househoneys says
You ARE creative Lisa! Creativity comes in many, many forms. Besides, don’t be impressed with how I used it. I had no choice. If I tried to use it as an ironing board, I’m afraid I would breakout in hives and body twitches :/.
Resa Dance at Pitcher and Plate says
I have an ironing business, so when I saw “antique ironing board” it piqued my interest 🙂 Seriously, that was a great find and makes an adorable table. Really, really cute the way you’ve arranged the flowers and all.
Resa ~ Pitcher and Plate
Angela says
OMG!! I’ve been keeping my eye out for an antique ironing board forever!! So hard to find!! Such a score, girl!!! Love how you’ve used it!! Are those flowers real?? Also, I had those very same chairs!!! I know you’ll shoot me when I say this, (and now I’m regretting it!) I gave 4 of them to goodwill! UGG! I was just tired of them….stupid of me!! I want to come to Mass!! ~~Ang
Doreen@househoneys says
I won’t shoot you Angela, just tell me which goodwill and I’ll go get them ;).
The flowers are not real, but glad you couldn’t tell! And the door is always open for you 🙂