Flea market find. Bizarre bazaar. Junk junkie. Picker. Hoarder. Magpie. Pack rat. Rusty gold. Roached. If you've ever taken a workshop at Art & Soul, you're probably familiar with some of these terms. Because, when it comes to mixed media... well... there's just something about recycling pieces of the past!
Rummage sale. Yard sale. Garage sale. Estate sale. Thrift shop. Salvation Army. Goodwill. Heck... how about the garbage! We'll go just about anywhere and pick up anything that strikes our fancy. I know some days I've found more goodies in the trash or on the ground at the flea market, than I've purchased from actual vendors!
Grungy. Grimy. Patina'd. Rusted. Scratched. Dented. Worn. Well-used. The bigger the story an object tells... the better. We seem to love that about the items we covet. They just look like they have a tale to tell. And the way Art & Souler's upcycle these beauties in our many classes simply amazes me!
And whether you use your vintage goodies for collage, journals, assemblage, jewelry, art dolls, sculpture or something else... your creativity makes my heart smile.
So tell me girls and boys... Where is your favorite place to shop for retro recyclables? What's the coolest thing you've ever stumbled upon? How do you like to upcycle your fabulous finds? Do share!
love going to Lucketts Virginia to the fab antique shops there. ALso I love Chartreuse and Company in Washingtonville, VA too. One of the coolest things I ever found was a German walking stick complete with all the metal emblems representing parks and trails or places hiked. Actually there were several and I picked mine out.
ReplyDeleteI also love poking around in New England when I visit my son and his family. Lots between Vermont and New Hampshire. I think it is the thrill of the hunt we all enjoy..............
Lynne,
Deletethose Virginia places sound fabulous! Love the walking stick you described. I think you're right when you say it's the thrill of the hunt... which we never tire of! Happy shopping!