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Some bargains cost more to fix than you may realize. Learn what can be easily repaired, and when you should just walk away.

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Flea Markets & Yard Sales Spotlight10

The Art of Display

Tuesday April 26, 2011

Whether you're hanging artwork or arranging tablescapes, repetition creates dramatic impact and keeps your space cohesive. You can repeat shape, subject matter, color, or material.


Dragon Sculpture
Photo © Gwen Lausterer

In the photo, the dragon sculpture on the table echos the shape of the horns hanging on the stairwell wall.

For more wall and table arrangements from this stunning home:

Share Your Shopping Tips

Thursday April 21, 2011

I share my shopping tips here -- for flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores, etc. -- but I'd also like to hear about yours.

What's your best secondhand shopping tip?

What Not to Do for Sellers

Tuesday April 19, 2011

I visited a cluster of Memphis secondhand stores today, near the corner of Poplar and Highland. It has thrift stores, an antique mall, and a permanent indoor flea market with goods spilling out onto the sidewalk. The latter is my favorite. You need sturdy shoes to navigate the inside, but I have found treasures amidst all the junk.

My experience in one of the stores inspired this post.

Past experience tells me that most sellers don't need this advice. For the few who do -- whether you're having a one-time yard sale or starting a flea market business -- here are some basic things sellers should never do:

  • Don't ridicule the previous customers in front of current shoppers. I realize you're chatting with your buddy rather than me, but I'm going to hear it since I'm standing just 3 feet away from you. I can only assume you'll mock me once I leave.
  • Speaking of things I overheard, it's not ideal to tell your buddy about that car you backed into while I'm browsing. Since you just bragged about not leaving a note for the damaged car's owner, I'm not inclined to believe the dubious provenance you're spinning about that "antique" cupboard.
  • When I'm browsing your book titles, don't point out your selection of intimate costumes. Assuring me that they aren't used because you got them when "Strippers R Us" went out of business doesn't make it okay. If I'm in the market for a feathered breakaway garment, I'm sure I'll spot your selections when I head down that aisle.

Antique Alley Texas this Weekend

Friday April 15, 2011

Antique Alley Texas takes place this weekend.

The biannual Texas antique show spans 25 miles from Cleyburne to Maypearl. If you're within driving distance, consider joining the other antique hunters at Antique Alley Texas. The show runs through Sunday.

If you go, come back and tell us about your experience -- and share photos of your fabulous antique finds.

Discuss in the forum

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