I grew up in a family that cherished family heirlooms. Each year as we laid the holiday table, my grandmother, mom, and aunts would mention where each service piece came from, how the gravy boat had traveled with Granny from Wales, and who was in line to get the coveted salt and pepper shakers. Whenever Grandmom passed down a special item, she would insert a hand-written label marking its providence. I now cherish those items as much for their story as the opportunity to take out the note once in a while and see Grandmom’s distinct cursive writing.
Our family heirlooms weren’t always small – there was the Indian motorcycle gifted to my uncle, bedroom sets from great-great uncle so-and-so, and an Asian silver chest brought back from the year my mom lived in Saudi Arabia. To say that I had little choice in getting bit by the antique bug is an understatement. Especially once you consider all the flea markets, antique auctions, and yard sales that my mom dragged me to along the way.
Over the years I’ve collected some wonderful antique pieces that I’ve combined with new items to meet the needs of my growing family and my evolving taste. I can remember where each piece came from and the “rush of the find” as I tracked down a roll-top desk, discovered an authentic factory cart in Pennsylvania, or drove 4 hours to a farm in Maryland to purchase dressers for my boys. With the internet, HGTV, Flea Market Finds, and Pottery Barn commercializing every style from vintage to modern, it’s much easier to find pieces that mimic authentic antiques for prices more accessible to all budgets. Not everyone can spend an entire day hunting for that one particular piece, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the look you want in your space. For me, the excitement of upcycling a trash pick or discovering an antique rose among the thorns will always reign supreme. Although you will occasionally find me at Home Goods or Target in moments of weakness – just wink and walk the other way.
I found these barrels and made them into one-of-a-kind tables.
For authentic finds here are some of my favorite local recommendations:
Address: 2500 North Reading Road Denver, PA 17517
Hours: Sundays 7:30am – 4pm
Expert tip or know before you go?
- Don’t buy at the first vendor, walk the inside and out, outside has better deals!
- Better bargains at the end of the day!
- Never pay asking price!!
- Set your budget and know what you are looking for!
Address: 356 Swedesboro Road Mickleton, NJ 08056
Hours: Bi-monthy Monday auctions year round
Saturday & Sunday Preview Hours 10-2
**Largest antique and estate auction on the east coast supplying dealers, galleries and private buyers with antiques, collectibles, and other estate merchandise.
Expert tip or know before you go?
- Check out the presale day where you can walk through and preselect your items.
- Don’t get caught up in the excitement, make sure you set your budget and stick to it!
- Don’t be discouraged if you lose out on an item, there will be another opportunity!
- Be aware of the buyer’s premium! A buyer’s premium is a % buyer’s pay on top of the ‘hammer price’ or the agreed upon auction price.
- You must be able to take the item home with you that day! Bring a truck!!
For my bargain shoppers and upcycling-experts:
- Your local community Facebook Swap & Sell
- Facebook Marketplace
- Yard Sales – Community ones are always great!
I recently picked up this gem from a local Swap & Sell for clients that were desperate for a porch swing! What an awesome find!
