April Showers bring May Flowers...

...but what do March snow showers bring? Seriously! The weather around here has been bizarre to say the least. A little snow, a little rain, a little wind, ominous clouds and a lot of cold!

Funny how one's mood can parallel the weather so well. It's been one of those weeks for me. Dark clouds, stormy moments, constantly moving and changing yet not really going anywhere. Uggh! I hate weeks like that. A million things happening but nothing really accomplished. Then in the midst of all the storm there's a promise. This is the 3rd and 4th rainbow I've seen this month and it was a nice reminder that God is faithful and His promises are true.

Despite rough week that can feel so overwhelming there is still a promise and I am reminded that there is always, always, always something to be thankful for!

All that to say I still wouldn't be hurt if Spring started showing it's colors. :)

Calendar of Antique/Vintage/Handmade Shows in the Pacific NW

There are so many wonderful antique, vintage and flea market shows going on in the NW this year that I decided to compile them all in one place and share them with you. I browse around often looking for events and shows so just this month I've run across the 4 Friends Sale featuring Queen of Tarte, Molly Mo, Aunties & Vintage Trifles on March 21st, also the same weekend March 19th - 21st is the Lynden Craft & Antique Show full of more than 100 vendors selling handcrafted gifts, home decor and vintage treasures, and last but not least is the Sand Point Antique & Design Market March 29th.

Of course there are the many weekly flea markets and local farmers markets that are always fun to attend. The garage sale, yard sale season is also fast approaching and Craigslist (if you are not in the greater Seattle area then you will need to change the location on the aforementioned link) is a great place to check for those. Don't check too early though as people seem to post at the last minute even up until late the night before.

So now to my calendar...here is an active example:




Feel free to browse around and click on an event for more info. I update this calendar on a regular basis and will post it on my blog at least once a month. Follow my blog for updates or send me an email address and I can add you to my guest list so you can receive notifications of calendar events.

Do you know of any other events, shows, sales I have missed? Let me know and I will add it to the list. If you are going to be at a specific show let me know that too and I can leave a link to your blog or website on the listing. You can also log in to my calendar with your google account and add your own comments about any given event.

Happy Bargain Hunting!!!

Friday Flea Market

For more information on the Friday Flea Market click here.


Chubu Creamer & Sugar Anniversary Set

This vintage Chubu China mini sugar and creamer set are a hand painted cherry exclusive marked #4599. In beautiful vintage condition. Gold accents, colorful little bell and flowers on the creamer and a similiar outlined version on the interior of the sugar bowl.

This item is now available at my Etsy

Vintage Climax Green Food Grater Such a pretty color of green on this antique food grater will make for a great kitchen accesory. In good working order for such an old piece. Attached to counter or table top.

This item is now available at my Etsy

Vintage 6pc French Condiment Caddy Vintage glass condiments set with silver caddy. Marked Depose France on the bottom and a name that looks like Fnoxcal. All pieces are in excellent condition besides some spotting on the tops of both the salt and pepper shakers. Includes caddy, 2 oil containers with lids, jam or honey container with lid and paddle, salt and pepper shakers with lids.

This item is now available at my Etsy

Vintage Green Depression Glass Swirl Vase

Charming small green depression glass vase with swirl type pattern measures approx 5.5" tall and is in very good condition besides some light scuffs on the inside of the rim.

This item is now available at my Etsy

Vintage Shabby Chic Floral Stool

This charming vintage white stool has been recovered with vintage floral fabric and to add to the feminine charm has been trimmed with a ruffle. Seat is slightly kidney shaped. Stool measures approx 20" x 13" x 18" high.

This item is now available at my Etsy

Dual Purpose Dining Table

I never look at things in a conventional way so when deciding on the right desk to desk to put in my new office I dug out an antique dining table that had been sitting in the garage since last summer. My dad actually picked this table up at a garage sale for me for $15...bargain hunting obviously runs in the family. I loved it but didn't have a use for it at the time.

After a couple quick coats of pinkish paint (my own mixture of mistinted paints...I love those!!!) it was ready for use. However, it was a bit smaller then I wanted but luckily I had hung on to a large piece of glass I found at Pottery Barn during their annual University Village Sidewalk Sale for a mere $5. (The U Village sale is a must visit... I haven't been able to find the 2009 dates yet but it is typically in mid-late June) Actually, if you want to get technical the glass was free as it also came with 2 other pieces intended for side tables that I sold at a past garage sale for $5. Anyway, the glass was the perfect fit and I now have a new desk for less then $25!!! That includes the piece of wrapping paper I placed under the glass for another pop of color.

The best part of this desk (table) is that it has four extra leaves and even another set of legs for the center which make for a super long table just perfect for the occasional large gathering...got to love dual purpose pieces!!!

Quick Quote

"Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all." ~ D.L. Moody

Favorite Find "Friday"

I am late. I know it's a horrible habit to start but I totally forgot to post my Favorite Find on Friday! I must have been so caught up in my excitement for joining the Friday Flea Market. Well now that I've got my confession out of the way on to my Favorite "Friday" Find.

It all started a few weeks ago when I sold a lovely set of vintage bergere chairs that were just a little too formal for my space. I truly did love the form, texture and unique style of these chairs but in a home that is less then 900sf with limited seating comfort has to be a priority. After I found a new home for this pair my corner by the fire place was looking bare and I began dreaming of a large overstuffed chair and ottoman set with great form and style that you could curl up in. I challenged myself to a budget of $50 and kept my eyes peeled every place I went for that perfect bargain.

There is a Salvation Army in Auburn that has two locations, one of which is designated just for furniture and larger items, that I stop by when I am in the area. I normally browse fast through the furniture section to see if anything jumps out at me. When I did I passed by a chair with an ottoman sitting upside down on top of it and tucked rather tightly between a bunch of other pieces. It was hard to miss though due to it's bright color and bold pattern. "Hmmm...this is kind of cute and might just work" I thought to myself, but after a glance at the fair, yet over my budget, price tag of $80 I kept browsing.

One thing I like about this specific thrift store is they often have 50% off sales (especially on or around holidays) which can result in great deals on furniture. I'm not sure how I had missed the sign when I first walked in but on my way back to the front I spotted a sign that read 50% off yellow tags. Now of course I had to rethink every item in the store I had looked at and set off to browse again. But wait? Could it be? I rushed back over to the chair and lo and behold it had a yellow tag!!! It was a risky color for my space but for a mere $40 I had to try it. It was in such great shape too with only a couple very unnoticeable flaws. I quickly paid, packed it up and headed home where it is now nestled into the space right next to my fireplace.

At first I was a little unsure of the color and pattern in my space but it has really grown on me and definitely brightened up my living room. It is now my favorite space for morning devotions and the chair that guests don't seem to want to leave.

So what great items have you found lately? Leave a comment or link back to a great find on your blog...I would love to see what you've discovered!

Friday Flea Market Classic Farmhouse Style

I've seen a number of great blogs featuring the Friday Flea Market and decided to join!!! Of course I love shopping around for my own flea market finds that I add to my every changing decor but with such an excess of items I think it's time to share. Today is my first day so here's how it works:

Each week I will post a few items here that will be available to purchase exclusively through my blog for the Friday Flea Market. For the first week of listing it will be at a discounted price*...just for my readers (that's you)! If any items are still available by the time I go to post a new Friday Flea Market I will be moving them to my Etsy site where they still can be purchased but at a higher price (got to cover overheard ya know!) The moral of this story...buy early and save money! No pressure of course but I did want to let you know my little discount tip. Anyway, welcome to Friday Flea Market via The Classic Farmhouse and Happy Shopping!

*FYI - Shipping is included in the price for all locations within the United States.

Vintage March Daffodil Teacup & Saucer

This "Golden Crown E&R" teacup and saucer set is in excellent vintage condition and is from the "Bouquet of the Month Series". It is also marked "Jonquil" in red and "Bone China, England" on the bottom.

Now available at my Etsy

13 Vintage Children's Alphabet Blocks

Blocks have colored letters on two sides including "b,d,d,f,f,g,g,h,h, i, k,l,m,o,q,q,s,s,t,t,u,u, v,x,y,z" as well as a variety of outlined letters and numbers on the remaining sides. Each measures approx 1.75".

Now available at my Etsy

"The Book of Common Prayer" 1910

This darling little black leather book is date 1910 and is Cambridges "The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church" according to the Protestant Episcopal Church. This mini book also includes the Psalms of David. The back cover is coming loose from the book but could be gently glued if necessary. Gold embossed on the cover and an intricate pattern around the interior covers. Book measures approx 3" x 4".

Now available at my Etsy

Antique Silver Butler Crumb Tray

This silver crumb butler has lost it's matching broom but is still a charming little piece. Ornate scene of somthing resembling a web, a boat, feather plumes and other curly cues. Marked Made in Japan on back. No damage but slightly tarnished. Measures approx 2.5" x 6.5" including handle.

Now available at my Etsy

Vintage Embrodiered Linen Napkin Handmade Pillow

Pretty blue vintage linen napkin with pink and green embrodiered flowers has been converted into a darling little pillow measuring 10" x 14". The back of the pillow is a cotton floral and the border is vintage eyelet lace.

Now available at my Etsy

How to Make a Corkboard...the Hard Way

As I started to mull around ideas for decorating my new home studio I was reminded of a couple yards of fabric that I've been hoarding in wait for the perfect project and decided this was the time to use it.

I love florals and this fabric was very complimentary to my much loved chandelier that had been previously installed.

After much debate about what to use my fabric on I decided on a corkboard. I've seen a number of DIY articles about covering a pre-made cork board (like here and here) and figured that would be a great tool for keeping me organized. I couldn't be content with simply covering a premade board though as I had my heart set on using an ornate 2 x 4 frame that I had picked up at an estate sale for $5.00.

I searched high and low for a roll of cork or even squares of cork...seriously where does one find these? I've seen them used on DIY shows before but after trying Lowes, WalMart, Walgreens and even the dollar store I came up empty handed. I finally recieved a tip from my sis-in-law that led me to the office supply section at Fred Meyer where I found a roll exactly 2 x 4 which was perfect!

I wish I would have taken more pictures of the process but I will do my best to explain it well. I started out by spray painting my frame a choclate brown ($1 brown spray paint from walmart) then where there used to be a strip of ribbon I decopauged some gingham paper.

I set that aside to dry then cut out a piece of backer board the size of the opening of my frame and attached the cork to it with spray adhesive. Sadly I think the cork I bought was a bit too old as it was quite brittle and cracked a few times but in the end it didn't matter as I cut out a piece of my floral fabric a little larger then my backer board, spread it out over the corkboard/backer board, wrapped it around the edges and attached it with hot glue on the back. Nope it's not pretty...but no one was supposed to see it ;0)

I wanted a little more embellishment so I crisscrossed vintage binding over the board at measured out intervals, pulled them taut and secured them with small thumbtacks.

I then secured the corkboard into the frame with a strong wood glue and a little hot glue to keep it in place until it dried. Lastly I added a couple picture frame hooks on the back and now it's ready to install!!!

P.S. One mistake I made in the process was using a backerboard that was so stiff that thumbtacks would not penetrate the surface easily. I ended up using sewing needles instead and much to my suprise they hold things really well and honestly I think they are kind of a cute twist on the average thumbtack. Anyway, if I were to do it again I would actually suggest using a couple sheets of cardboard or foamboard instead of the backer that I used.

Happy Creating!