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Sales!

Sales! published on 1 Comment on Sales!

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May 2, 3 and 4
1547 Rt 9W, Marlboro, NY

I’m revealing my source here, but lucky for me, most of you are down in the city. I’ll be there on Friday before anyone else gets their grubby fingers on this stuff. This guy does clean outs and always has great, inexpensive finds.

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Tag Sales By Mona

May 3rd & 4th
2203 East 65th Street
Mill Basin, Brooklyn
10am-3pm

Home filled with fun, vintage goodies! Carousel panels, Atlantic City rolling chair and and barber poll among the items.

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Gracious Home: One Day Warehouse Sale!
May 3
30-30 60th Street
Woodside, Queens

Flea Finds

Flea Finds published on

Well, it didn’t rain. But the sun doesn’t like Sundays lately. What did Sunday ever do to The Sun to deserve this? Anyhoo, the market wasn’t jam packed this week, what with Passover and the Pope in town, there were only a bunch of heathens like myself lurking about. Still, I only managed to get down 2 aisles.

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Finally got to Lewis Jaffe’s booth after 2 weeks. He comes from Philadelphia with Victorian hardware from demolished buildings in the area. He’s also a “book plate junkie” hence the name of his blog. Not something I’d consider myself interested in, but it is actually fascinating stuff. It’s an art form that many people (or just me) forget about. Lew Jaffe is in space L8.

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Shoprico is a chi chi design firm on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. They represent various furniture and lighting designers alongside the work of founder Rico Espinet. But what grabbed my attention at the market were their big molds. They sell huge sand molds that are ready to display. How cool are these things? Space L14

Bad Weather Karma & Lots of Paintings

Bad Weather Karma & Lots of Paintings published on

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Looks like crappy weather Sunday for the third week in a row. These flea market organizers have some bad weather karma they need to deal with. It hasn’t rained on us yet (Yeah, I just jinxed it), but the sun hasn’t been around either. Cleanse your auras or something, guys.

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So this week I hit the mother load of tacky thrift store paintings. Check it out…the Native American chick against the dark background: velvet. It just doesn’t get any better than that! Unless it’s Elvis. Look at the clown. Classic. I run a high end racket for people with exquisite taste.

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I picked up the horse from the same guy. It’s the one I had as a kid. He came back to me! This one is pretty scary, with dark eyes and fuzzy “hair”. I might not be able to part with him.

GuyIBuyStuffFrom tells me he’s cleaning out a house next week that has tons of 50’s toys in the attic. What does this have to do with “homes”? Who cares? Toys are more fun! How does “Reclaimed Toys” sound?

Bklyn Flea:Take II

Bklyn Flea:Take II published on 1 Comment on Bklyn Flea:Take II

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Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby check in vendors

Last week we reported that we did ok-but-not-great on the inaugural Brooklyn Flea weekend. Well, our tweaking worked! We doubled our intake by offering smaller, less expensive items (read: flea market “junk”).

All of our tarnished silver plated tableware: gone. Most of those dusty old lamps: gone. Other big hits….We sold a vintage but new in box Seal-o-matic that my husband thought I was nuts to get. Our 50’s stroller had people debating the vintage (one woman thought it was from the 30’s) and playing with it, but didn’t actually sell until the end of the day. Horribly ugly kitsch items were big sellers. But the biggest hit of the day was the green spindle bed that sold in the morning but stayed in the booth. At least (at least!!) 25 people said they would’ve bought it. So, I need to get me some more spindle beds.

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But enough about us! Here a few primo vendors I came across:

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Molly Worth reinvents vintage chairs for her company “Chairloom“. Gorgeous stuff that I spotted from 3 aisles away. Her online prices are slightly higher than that of the flea’s. (Space V6)

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I caught Mohawk Studios unloading their stuff and knew I had to visit their booth. They create decorative art and functional items out of salvaged metals, etc. Their prices are very affordable and the big dude with the mohawk is willing to negotiate. If you dare. Unfortunately, the website they gave me doesn’t work. (Space B6)

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Mohawk creations

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How sweet is this stuff from Humble Beginnings? Carolina, who refused to be photographed, (but you can see what she looks like here) told me that it takes her time to get around to doing things….like a website. I loved her booth! Did I mention how sweet it is? You can find her at the flea every weekend (Space E10) or email her: carolina44Sataoldotcom

**Space numbers are subject to change. I was moved over a space this weekend. Try this link the day before.

Tweaking for the Brooklyn Flea

Tweaking for the Brooklyn Flea published on 5 Comments on Tweaking for the Brooklyn Flea

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Tarnished? Yeah, so?

Last week I did ok at the Brooklyn Flea, but not phenomenal. It was nobody’s fault but my own as 20,000 people came through and some vendors actually sold out.

My mistake? I thought people would want a finished product. I made sure to bring only clean, refurbished handmade items. And I charged for them. But I think many people were looking for the bargains. I know that’s I do.

So I picked up a ton of small junky items this week. I’m going to display them, all dusty and sh*t and price them at less than $20. I don’t mind parting with pieces when I haven’t put in the time and effort. I’m having more fun hunting down these goodies than restoring antiques anyway.

Come visit! Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS in Fort Greene, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. Booth C-5.

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I’m not rewiring and it’s so freeing!

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How easy to pack fabric and linens!

Reclaimed Forum

Reclaimed Forum published on

Ever notice how nothing ever happens on the forum? No? That’s because you never visit. Because nothing ever happens. But I’m still trying to make it work, goddammit. I just posted a couple of new listings for people, but feel free to post your own. Categories: Salvage, Events/Sales, Pets, Sustainable Living, Real Estate and General. What are you waiting for?

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1930’s Dining Room Set: $500

 

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New York City College of Technology Division of Continuing Education

Home Design and Green Design Courses: Spring 2008

An ongoing series devoted to city people who live in and love their urban homes

Anatomy of a Brownstone: Green Roofs, Green Homes

A seminar devoted to the art and science of sustainable homes, NYC style

Saturday, April 26 Atrium Amphitheatre 300 Jay Street

2 sessions, (morning and afternoon) $40

10 am to 12 pm 300 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn

2pm to 4pm

Forum post/course schedule

Brooklyn Flea: And So It Begins

Brooklyn Flea: And So It Begins published on 6 Comments on Brooklyn Flea: And So It Begins

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Emilia will be working with me every Sunday.

The coldest day of the year didn’t keep people away from the Brooklyn Flea. What happened to the sun yesterday?! Man, was it cold out there!!! So, that’s my excuse for this semi lame post you are about to read. I didn’t get around the whole market to take pics and interview vendors as I had planned because I just wanted to sit under my moving blanket, which is what we were using to prevent hypothermia.

We finally nabbed a couple of VERY WORN Carhartt coats from Eddie. We looked like we were homeless and probably scared people off, but we were warm. Eddie was there with his Dad (a 70 something year old man who looks 30). So Eddie would be Lamont to his Dad’s Fred?

I’m sure Brownstoner will post how many folks came through, but sometime during the afternoon I heard that the count was at 9,000 and they were expecting it to hit 15,000 by the end of the day. Not bad for a first day with arctic temperatures.

We had fun. Made some dough. Met a bunch of cool people.

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Apologies for all the concussions caused by our sign being too low. We realized it was actually the tent that wasn’t fully extended. Oops.

So whom did I meet?

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The Silver Nest divas.

There are a handful of sane commenters on Brownstoner and Debii and Suzanne of Silver Nest are 2 of them. I’m the third. I’ve known them online for awhile. Emilia had the pleasure of working with them at the Salvage Fest last year, but it was my first time meeting them in the flesh.

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Reclaimed lamps from Silver Nest

Silver Nest (website under construction) offers four lines: Silver Nest, an amalgamation of things from reclaimed objects, original photography of architectural detail on pillows, and other objects. Jenny Sparrow, figures, faces, dolls, etc worked into jewelry, shadowboxes, decorative boxes, etc. Sewing Diva is mostly pillows. Blatherscat Lighting, vintage table lighting, cleaned up, often rewired, with new shades, etc.

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The Moss & Ash chicks were cold too.

From their website: “Moss & Ash was born out of Annabel and Anna’s desire to share their ability to turn frumpy grandma nightgowns and muumuus into fashionable, fresh, and affordable vintage clothing. They re-make old, outdated dresses into one-of-a-kind pretty pieces, selling them with various vintage accessories that culminate in the edgy, yet feminine look that they both embrace.”

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“The Bowling Alley Guy”

Couterevolution. Jim Malone crafts countertops, tables and benches out of reclaimed wood from bowling alleys. Bowling alleys began phasing out real wood for lanes in the 1980’s and Jim salvages these vanishing resources. Cool stuff!

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Revere Sugar Refinery, Red Hook by Bob Marvin

Got to meet Bob Marvin of the Fort Green Photography Association. He’s the 4th sane commenter on Brownstoner. That leaves room for just one more. Bob does some fine black and white prints and still gets to work in the darkroom, which is a dying art. I didn’t get a chance to get over to his booth, but I was lucky enough that he stopped by mine. Next week, Bob!

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Vintage fabrics from Repro Depot

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The Silver Fox vendors woke up at 2am to come down from Albany.

Gearing Up For Brooklyn Flea

Gearing Up For Brooklyn Flea published on 6 Comments on Gearing Up For Brooklyn Flea

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Kick ass sign by Emilia

Anyone who has been paying attention knows that I’ll be joining Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea every weekend as of this Sunday. It will be a coming out of sorts as I’ve only had an online store presence (and Craigslist).

Before my photography career got off the ground I sold jewelry made from my photographs. I was a street vendor, then graduated on to markets (Tower and Columbus), street fairs and crafts shows. So, yeah, this is a step backward (to the 80’s). But sometimes that’s not a such bad thing. I’m looking forward to being creative again and not having to kiss client buttocks.

In preparing for the flea, I’ve taken over EVERY room in two houses. (See photos below) If I earn one penny on Sunday, I am RUNNING, not walking to get a work/storage space. And I’m hiring some help! So keep your fingers crossed for me. No better yet, come buy some sh*t!

The original plan for the Reclaimed store was to represent other artisans. However, I got worried about relying on them to fill orders when they couldn’t even return my calls. So, now I’m selling antiques and vintage fixtures and furnishings. Some restored or reconfigured, some “as is”. I’ll throw in functional (and non functional) art as I get to it. I have tons of vintage black and white NYC photos that I’ve already started playing with. I’ve got a light fixture fetish because they’re easy to restore and schlepp. So, plenty of those. Price points: Industrial hooks and antique drawer pulls starting at $8.00 up to $1350 for sink vanities.

Brooklyn Flea will take place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—starting April 6, 2008, at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. Look for Reclaimed Home at the Clermont fence, 5 vendors in from Lafayette. That’s where we’ll be this Sunday. Don’t know if it’s the same every week. Come say hello!

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BTW, got the wheels. Don’t come a knockin’!

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Trial run of new tent. The dogs liked it.

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Bed Stuy living room. Renovations halted.

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Beacon living room. Fixture rewire center.

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Another fetish: mannequins and scary dolls.

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Still needs to be rewired.

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Too lazy to take good photo and upload to store.

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Local Reclaimed Lumber

Local Reclaimed Lumber published on 2 Comments on Local Reclaimed Lumber

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It’s not like there’s a reclaimed building material megastore store in every neighborhood. Using second hand lumber is a labor of love. The day we launched we did a post on reclaimed flooring resources, but it was internet based. Since then, we’ve been trying to find local…and less expensive….wood.

Craigslist has been the best resource. If you go this route, you really need to start thinking about your project months in advance and check the postings religiously. The listings exist, from someone who ordered too much flooring to someone taking up a subfloor to someone tearing down an entire house. You should be able to transport the material at the drop of a hat and be willing drive to CT and NJ. It can be a full time job.

M. Fine Lumber is located right here in Brooklyn. They are not some new fancy pants green building supply company. They’ve been in business since the 1930’s and carry all sorts of recycled wood.

Build It Green in Queens is a re-use store. You would have to be extremely lucky to find 500 sq ft of wide plank flooring here. But keep in mind that wood studs and molding don’t grow on trees and yet they can be found here. As well as used electric boxes, cabinets, etc. (Editor’s note: Ok, I know that studs and molding ARE trees. Poetic license.)

The Old Barwood Site is for serious builders. These are whole barns up for sale. National listings but there are a few in upstate NY and PA. If you’re working on a huge project with a contractor, perhaps you can talk the contractor into it. Too much to take on for a simple DIY job.

It’s Brooklyn Restaurant Week!

It’s Brooklyn Restaurant Week! published on

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River Cafe is participating.

Attention frugal lifestyle peeps: Dine in Brooklyn starts today! This week only, 175 participating Brooklyn restaurants are offering up 3 course prix-fixe menus for $23 per person.

The good news is that you can take advantage of the opportunity to try those otherwise over-your-budget places. The bad news? Try getting a reservation. My bad…should’ve warned you weeks ago. But try anyway! Nothing wrong with dining at 5pm. You’ll be going for those early bird specials sooner than you think. May as well get used to it now.

List of restaurants here and google map here.

Sales & Events

Sales & Events published on

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NYC Department of Sanitation
2008 Spring Cleaning
Electronics & Clothing Drop Off
Sunday, March 16th, 8am-2pm
17th & Broadway
Other boros to follow. See schedule.

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Housing Works Annual Preview Sale
Saturday, March 15th, 10am-6pm
245 W. 10th St.
Tickets are $8 online or $10 at door. Save your $2!

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Estate Sale, Washington Heights

March 15th & 16th, 10am-3pm
Contents of entire apartment: antiques, deco, mid century

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Lumber Yard Liquidation
Saturday, March 15th, 11am-4pm
Patchogue
Windows, doors, molding, more

5 Boro Rentals: What You Get For $1200

5 Boro Rentals: What You Get For $1200 published on 2 Comments on 5 Boro Rentals: What You Get For $1200

Let’s explore the rental market today, kids! What kind of an apartment can you get with $1200 in each of the boros? Apart from Manhattan… a 2 BR. All of these are no fee listings.

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Manhattan

1BR in Inwood/Washington Heights. The ad states “Pictures are representative of typical renovations.” So does that mean this isn’t the actual apartment? Is there an actual apartment? Anyway, I chose this one because they accept dogs and cats.

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Brooklyn

Midwood 2 BR. Again, maybe just a teaser. “This apartment is a must see, *however* I manage over 800 no fee apartments in Brooklyn.” The ad mentions that Joan Rivers, Chuck Schumer and Woody Allen have called Midwood home. They neglect to mention ME! Also sez Midwood neighbors Park Slope and Coney Island. Ok, I’m not sure “neighbor” is the correct word, agent Jason. It’s true, Midwood is right smack in the center of Brooklyn (Don’t bother looking at a map. In my mind it is, and that’s all that counts.) But no, it doesn’t “neighbor” PS or CI. I thought Midwood sucked when I was growing up. But now that the rest of Brooklyn is filled with the new Bourgeois Elite, Midwood is looking good to me.

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Bronx

2 BR in Little Italy section. Well, it sounds like it’s a 1 BR with “office”. It’s in a private home. I’m not sure if the cleaning products shown in the Craig photos come with the apartment.

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Queens

Ridgewood 2 BR. Railroad apartment near shopping. Heat and hot water included. Carpeting, new stove and cabinets. Probably a schlock renovation (yes, I AM my mother!), but I like Ridgewood. Ad lists: No section 8. No washing machine. No dryer. No pets. Love that negative advertising!

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Staten Island

2 BR in a 4 room apartment. Yeah, I have NO idea where this is. Heartland Village. Sounds like a senior development. “It’s on a quiet dead end street near the golf course.” I would take it for those kitchen cabinets alone. They rock!

Weekend Sales!

Weekend Sales! published on

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Antique and vintage moving sale.
Open House 3/8 and 3/9. 12-4
Bellmore, LI

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DDC: Domus Design Collection
Floor Sample/Clearance Sale
March 1-9
181 Madison Ave.

This usually extremely expensive store is lowering their prices to merely very expensive. Big discounts though. For real.

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Annual Larchmont Antique and Collectibles Show
March 8th & 9th
10am-5pm
45 dealers. Sponsored by The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation

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Estate Sale
March 8 & 9, 8:30am-5pm
67-27 Utopia Parkway, Fresh Meadows
Contents of entire home. Deco, Regency and Mid-Century items.
Contact: heleneATmagicksalesDOTcom

The Art Hotel: Carlton Arms, NYC

The Art Hotel: Carlton Arms, NYC published on

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Photos by Darek Solarski

I came across a funky fantasy hotel on Blog Like You Give A Damn, but it was in the Midwest. So I did a little search of theme hotels closer to home and came up with one right here in NY.

I’ve heard of The Carlton Arms and I think I even know someone who stayed there once (my couch must’ve been booked). What I didn’t realize is that it’s so cool inside. Not only are the walls covered with colorful murals, this is a budget hotel. With rates starting at $80 per night, what cheap ass relative would pass this up? (My relatives, that’s who)

The Gramercy Park 54 room hotel has been around for about 100 years. Original clientele included out of state farmers and businessmen who parked their horses in the carriage barn next door.

During prohibition, the Carlton lobby acted as a speak-easy with gambling taking place in the upstairs rooms. It became a respectable hotel again for a while until the 50’s when it became a hang out for drag queens, prostitutes and drug addicts. Not that drag queens can’t be respectable.

Like so many other NYC buildings, including my own, The Carlton became an SRO during the 60’s. By the 80’s, it had hit rock bottom, with a steady clientele of pushers, junkies and nut jobs.

Ed Ryan took over the place when the owner had a mental breakdown. As rooms vacated, he cleaned them up and rented them to travelers looking for inexpensive lodging. In 1983, front desk clerk, artist Gil Dominguez painted a series of murals. Other artists came and followed suit in the rooms.

John Ogren and Ty Inwood took over the hotel in 1998. Now it’s mostly young European and Asian hipsters staying there.

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