My first auction...

Hi Everyone!  Well, I did it.  I attended my first estate auction.  My first time out as a bidder.  And I think I did a fabulous job!  I've been so anxious to show you things that I got, but I had to wait until yesterday to pick my items up.  I spent my lunch break yesterday getting the trailer and heading back to the auction space to load up my loot.

 The first thing I bid on and won was a set of four glass items.  I wanted this item and my cousin wanted two matching glass containers with lids so we split it.  I have a collection of pitchers and this will be a nice addition to it. (I didn't get a picture of the other juice container but it wasn't anything special).

 The next thing I got was a box of sheet music.  My dad actually did the bidding on this.  Thanks Dad!

 I got this dresser (which needs to be re-glued) for a steal.  I know it looks like a lot of work, but it's not anything I can't handle.  And I love the size and shape of it.

 I bid on a couple of other dressers, but they went for more than my price limit.  So instead I got this one.  It has a terrible paint job on it, but it I love the style.....

 ....and the size is wonderful.  I think I might have to strip the top...and it definitely needs new handles.

 Then I got these two huge frames....I can do so many things with them....

 ....and then I got this stool...

 ... it is such a cute size and shape...

 ...and at the last second they threw these yardsticks in.

 I loved this little gate legged table and I almost missed bidding on it.  I was busy talking to the lady next to me about a chair she got and what she was going to do with it.  I hadn't even realized that they were auctioning this table off until my cousin nudged me asking if I was going to bid.

Um...yes please...so I jumped in on the bidding and got it.  I love these legs.  It needs to be re-glued at the gate part, but again, nothing I can't handle.  I think some people liked it but stayed away from it because it needed a little attention.  I can't wait to remake this one.

 And this next piece was something I REALLY wanted when I saw the pictures posted online for this auction but I thought for sure there was no way I could get it.  I just knew antique dealers would be there and it would go high.....but it didn't.  Can you believe I got this!  Isn't it lovely.

 The details and the carvings are great....

...and the legs are wonderful!  I love this piece and I can't wait to redo it.  It was toward the end of the auction and the crowd had thinned and the top of it has some scratches and needs some love (which is why I think the antique dealers stayed away from this piece too)...lucky me!  I have to say that I enjoyed my first auction...but it was a long day.  We got there at 11:00...they were to begin at Noon at this site (they started at the acreage with outdoor items at 9:00) but didn't get started until 1:00 and I left at 6:15 right as it was ending.

I can't wait to get started on these pieces.  I just can't decide which one to start on first.  But I should probably finish the things I've started first.  So have you been to an auction lately?  Or have you ever gotten something you didn't think you'd be able to?  Thanks for stopping by.

Linking to:
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2013/08/knick-of-time-tuesday-99.html 

The free stuff fairy strikes again...

Hi Everyone!  I have been busy working on custom items, a few new pieces and some things for the studio.  But I had to show you the free stuff I got on Saturday.  My dear sweet Aunt Barb that I first introduced to you here and here, as the free stuff fairy, has struck again.  She's been on a picking spree for me.  There's nothing like having your own personal picker out there hunting down deals and haggling over prices, who delivers it and then gives it to you for free.  Thanks so much Aunt Barb!  So on with the show!

 Here's an overview of the things Aunt Barb brought me.  There are bunches of headboards and frames (that shopping bag is filled with frames), shutters, old window frames, spindles, a cupboard door, a carnival-like wooden horse, and a few other items.

 There are 16 head or foot boards.  Some will be pieced out for parts, some will make benches and a few might even be used as headboards.  I will show the headboards tomorrow.

 There are some really great frames in all different sizes.  Nine pairs of shutters.  And a little wooden shelf.

 Five old window frames.

 A few weathered pieces...one is a cool table leg and that carved board is great.

 There are 35 spindles.  Thirty-five of them!

 More frames.  I love the two identical owns with all the carvings.

And an antique quilt rack.  I love this.  I just might use this in the studio for displaying fabrics.  I can't believe all the work my Aunt Barb did to find all of these great items.  And I can't wait to get started on them.  Now if I could just add 12 hours to each day so I'd have the time to get everything done.  Thank you so much Aunt Barb!  And as always, thanks for stopping by!

Recent finds...

Hi Everyone!  I am out working in the shop today trying to get ready for the first fall craft fair.  But I need a break and wanted to show you a couple of recent finds.  My mom picked up a couple of frames (thanks Mom!) and I picked up the other three last weekend.

 I don't know exactly what I've going to do with the two standing up but I have an idea that the large one will be turned into one of the wire/clip message/picture frames that I make for the fairs that always sell quickly (I need to come up with a better name for them).

The top two of these frames are a matching pair.  I got these three for $2.50.  A little more than what I would normally pay for frames this size but they are solid wood and in great shape...and they match.  I needed two matching ones this size so I was happy to pay the $2.00 to get them both.  I have already used them and I'll show you what I did with them later this week.  But now I need to get back out to the shop.  Thanks for stopping by.

New finds...

Hi Everyone!  I hope your week is off to a great start.  I am in the process of getting ready for my first ever Spring Craft Fair.  I've only ever done fall shows so I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what exactly to make and take to this fair.  It's one I've never been to (not even as a shopper) so I really don't know what I'm getting myself into.  And it's a two day fair.  Again, something I haven't done before.  So I also don't know how much stuff to take.  I am trying to make sure I have enough inventory and a variety. 

On that note, one of the things I've been taking to all my fairs are my version of a message/picture board.  Which I've shared with you here and here.  On my lunch break today, I stopped by one of the antique/junk shops to see if he had any frames available..and this is what I walked away with.

 I could make them, but why not recycle existing frames, if I can find them.

 Some of the time the frames are very ornate, but this time they all have simple lines.

 But I like the variety of shapes and sizes.

 This one needs a bit of work but I couldn't pass up the price.

 And this one is oak, but I have no problem painting it.

So with some paint, wire and clips, these will all be turned into my version of message boards or for pictures or art work.  There are just so many possibilities.  I will show them to you once I'm done. 

If it doesn't rain tonight, tomorrow my dad and I will be putting fertilizer on all the pastures.  We won't be getting calves this year due to the high cattle prices, so instead we will be putting up hay.  And since Spring arrived so early here, if the rain holds up, we should be have several good cuttings of hay. 

This is a picture from last year.  So hopefully we'll see sights like this several times this year.  We're hoping for a good hay year.  And the part for my saw will be here later this week so hopefully I'll have some new projects to share soon!  Thanks for stopping by!