Finally Finding Auction Finds & a Decision

I love to go to auctions, but the good ones come in bursts it seems.

I am always checking auctionzip.com.

And very often there is one that looks like it has great potential, but I just can’t make it because of family schedules.

But every once in a while….

I hit two great auctions and an amazing estate sale in one week.

So, I thought I would share some of my latest finds.

Both of these globes were found an estate sale. I can usually sniff out a good estate sale by the ad (although I do sometimes get fooled!) and this one stunk, stunk, stunk. I knew it was going to be good. So good that I actually decided to show up 30 minutes after opening because I had my girls with me and knew it would be too difficult to handle with them with me. I was right. As much as it was hard to see so much with “sold stickers” already on them, it was the unkindest estate sale I have ever been too. The people who ran it were fine, but the attendees were clamoring hard for amazing stuff at amazing prices.

There may or may not have been an incident where I had an argument with a grumpy old neighbor sitting on his porch yelling at anyone who parked near his driveway. I tried kindness and to explain that I was not blocking his driveway but he continued to yell at me. I then proceeded to wish him a super fabulous day and may God Bless him.

I may have had a tone of sarcasm in my voice as I said it.

He however got the last laugh because when I got back in the car it became very clear how much of an angle my car was parked when the door slammed on my knee.

I still have a bruise. I tried really hard not to cry.

Anyhoo, this side table is begging for some updating – chalk paint I am thinking. I will probably leave the top as it is since it is perfect shape.

This ironstone pitcher and bowl do not match but I was blown away that they were still there. By the way, the location of the estate sale was an old hotel with a general store in it. It was just closed up many years ago – you can only imagine the treasures (especially amazing old signs, scales and cash registers) that were sold before my arrival.

This is a grouping of barnwood mirrors, pulleys, a stool and embroidery hoops. My mother has already taken ownership of the blue mirror.

Here is a close-up of the pulleys – the left one is crazy heavy. The stool just needs a little wax and she will be a beauty.

Here is a close up on the mirror. My best assessment is that the wood is the real deal and someone took the time to make some rustically detailed mirrors.

I always managed a whole bunch of glass front frames in 5x7 and 8x10 openings. The paint finished are amazing!

This painting was ridiculously cheap and it is already hanging in my bedroom. It helps us focus on our dream of a someday farmhouse.

A couple of vintage cameras and a whole lot of clock faces. I really love the graphic simple one in front.

No one was bidding on these, I couldn’t let them go unloved.

A box of fun vintage sewing items – the tape is so worn it is like a ribbon. It will be perfect to wrap a special present.

Sunshine really was hoping I would bring this one home – she loves owls. He is a keeper.

This fun mix of religious stuff was randomly placed with the globe. My favorite are the box lots and you come home and go through them like a treasure hunt.

And finally a whole bunch of vintage maps and travel brochures.

The table these are all sitting on will end up in the playhouse after some TLC.

So, if you have been around for a while you know my dream was to do some sales in my home – and I did. It was scary as hell, but I put myself out there and had two sales.

They didn’t do great. You can read more about that here.

My plan was to try again but life has just been a little too busy at this point to feel like I could do it well.

I am still hoping to participate in a sale that a friend does after Thanksgiving that is already very successful.

But I think finding these treasures and some more I will share tomorrow are a sign – I am going to open an online store, most likely with Etsy.

I feel like it is a better fit for our family life right now. Maybe in the spring I will give it a go again, but for right now I am glad to have removed that pressure and focus on some other things we are trying to accomplish.

See, now I said it.

Now I have to do it, right?

As always, thanks so much for reading!

If you are interested in attending an auction for the first time, you can read my tips and suggestions here.