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Polishing Chrome & Painting Chairs

Polishing Chrome & Painting Chairs published on 6 Comments on Polishing Chrome & Painting Chairs

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I got a storage space! I’ll be moving in this Saturday, so the garage clean out begins. First of all, do you realize how difficult it is to find a 24 hour storage facility in Brooklyn? Nearly impossible! I don’t need to get in there at 3am, but I do need access on Sunday mornings and evenings when most of these places have “part time” Sunday hours. The only reason this place allows it is because my space is an outdoor container. Hopefully, it’s drier than my garage or basement.

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Anyway, I pulled this old pram out of the garage. I bought it back in winter and planned to sell it as is, but it was looking pretty sad so I decided to clean it up. I used to think rust was the end of the world, but I found a few cleaning tips online that saved the day. (Sorry, no before and after pictures)

Cleaning rust off chrome:

Fine steel wool and water

or

Tin foil and water

or

Coke instead of water

Polish afterwards to “seal” it.

I tried both methods and I’ve gotta say that I was pretty impressed with the tin foil. The chrome sparkles now!

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I’ve been meaning to paint these old school chairs that were sitting in the garage. The idea was to create a set of four, each a different color. But I did one and couldn’t decide whether or not I liked unpainted better, so I just did one more and left it at that. I wasn’t sure of the word and design either, so I just did one. What do you think? Worn wood or painted?

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?

Retro Chicks

Retro Chicks published on 1 Comment on Retro Chicks

I must say, I’m having lotsa fun finding small vintage items for the flea market. Kitsch is my specialty. The uglier the better. I stick to classic Victorian in my own home, so this is a great outlet for me to let loose. In search of “kitsch decor” I stumbled upon these fine websites that I’ve added to my blogroll.

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Retro Renovation

This wasn’t a new discovery. I’ve written about her in the past, but for some reason I never included her in my blogroll. Shear laziness. Oops.

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Frisk the Fridge

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Retro Mod Girl

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Vintage Goodness

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!

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.

UK Kicks Buttocks in the Salvage Dept.

UK Kicks Buttocks in the Salvage Dept. published on

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Feeding my toilet fetish.

I’m so tired of doing a salvage search and coming up with UK sites. We need to get our acts together on this continent. What does England have that we don’t have? An interest in preserving historic detail, that’s what!

I’m only speaking of Britain. I visit Ireland often and it’s a damn shame what’s happening there. McMansions scattered around the countryside. Yuck! On a recent visit, I schlepped the hubby all over Dublin looking for salvage shops I had researched online before the visit. Every one of them was gone. Guess I should have called beforehand. D’uh!

Anyway, check out some of these British resources if you want to get depressed that we’re stuck here in Toll Brothers Country. I know we have some great salvage places across the states, but our homes just aren’t as old as they are there.

Period Living magazine is just chock full of ideas and resources.

Salvo Web. I did a post on them before, because they do have a smattering of US listings.

Salvo Fair 2008 takes place in June.

Cox’s Architectural Salvage

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Antique Lighting Supplies

Antique Lighting Supplies published on 1 Comment on Antique Lighting Supplies

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Of all my antique addictions, light fixtures hit me the hardest. They are small and easy to carry and I can work on them in any room in my house. So, I keep buying them and then they sit around getting even more tarnished than they were when I purchased them.

I’m starting to work on a few fixtures now. Of course the “bargains” are always missing pieces. Stuff you can’t find at Home Depot. Finding replacement parts for vintage items would be insanely difficult without the internet.

Below is a list of suppliers. Prices and items may vary only a bit, but you have to hit every option if you’re looking for a unique piece. Always good to take measurements and snap a photo to email. They know their inventory better than you and it will shave hours off of your search.

Happy hunting!

Antique Lamp Supply
My Lamp Parts
Antique Hardware
Paxton Hardware
House of Antique Hardware
Old House Lights
Antique Lamp Company
The Bulb Collector

Design Your Own Wallpaper

Design Your Own Wallpaper published on

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Ever want to create your own wallpaper design? Design Your Wall offers the service for a $25-$150 layout fee plus $6.50 per square foot for the paper.

They accept original artwork or digital and will help with any questions you might have. You can get wallpaper, borders or murals printed up from your own images.

You don’t have to print pictures of your puppy dog. Here’s something else to consider. They can also reproduce vintage patterns. They do have a few lovely samples on their site. Or you can do produce your own.

If you’re buying all that newly manufactured wallpaper, you can alleviate some eco-guilt by created your own green paste for the job.

Vintage Linoleum

Vintage Linoleum published on 63 Comments on Vintage Linoleum

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I did a search on vintage linoleum and it only brought up one source which I had already known about. The good news is that source is located right in here in Tribeca.

Second Hand Rose carries linoleum from the early 1900’s to the 50’s. All of the floors and lino rugs are in new condition and prices start at $10 per square foot. Warning: some of the rare rugs may cost as much as $3500 so don’t get yourself too excited.

Original linoleum was manufactured by oxidizing linseed oil to form a “linoleum cement”. It was then mixed with wood flour and pine resin and baked in large ovens.

Second Hand Rose advises installation by professionals only. I wonder why. Modern day sheet flooring is easy to install. Anyone know if there’s really difference? Or are they just covering their asses?

Sales!

Sales! published on

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Eames Era furniture, artwork and lighting.
Showing Saturday in Williamsburg.
Lots of photos on Picasa.
Call Patrick at 914-374-4077.

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Vintage medical office furniture from the 50’s.
Previews and purchase February 22nd or 25th.
Somewhere in Brooklyn.
The exam tables look like something out of a B horror film.
Prices start at $350.

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Estate Sale
Danbury, CT, Feb 23 & 24
Waterworks tub and sinks never used, flat screen TV. Either someone got in over their head or these things fell off the back of a lorry. Either way, these high ticket items are significantly discounted.

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Over 40 large vintage commercial lights for sale. Great deal if all are taken. Anyone need lighting for an entire home or store?

Vintage Chair Heaven

Vintage Chair Heaven published on

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Oy. Just call me Fred Sanford. I found a source for vintage and antique furniture over the weekend and next thing I know, my garage, basement and living room are overflowing with time-worn furnishings.

That’s a good thing as I’ve been stressing out that the Reclaimed store is totally lame and I won’t have enough inventory to set out for the Brooklyn Flea this spring.

Now I have too much. So here’s what I’m gonna do. Over the next few days/weeks I’ll be going over the inventory, pricing it and uploading it to the store. The plan is to restore all this crap and make some decent coin. Since I don’t have space, I’d be happy to part with items I don’t have to strip, paint, finish or reupholster. Mainly the chairs.

Have a look at the Flickr page and make an “as is” offer. The worst thing that can happen is I tell you to feck off. I’ll be putting them on Craigslist once I figure out the worth, but you get first dibs.

I’d like to properly restore a few items and get my price for them. If you think something has value, those are probably the items I’m not parting with too quickly.

“This here is the finest pile of junk in the world.”- F.S.

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