These days, Flea Markets seem to be popping up almost as quickly as Farmers Markets. And I say- excellent! The more we get outside some fresh air, enjoy seasonal harvests from locals, re-purpose our goods, and get clever about what we put in our homes, the More Room we have creating stories and enjoying our loved ones. And market offers more adventure than the Alameda Point Flea Market (they're even starting to sell produce!) - at least in Northern California. You can take in this day on the Bay any way you like, but here's how I do it...
I generally get there early, like 7am or so, to get full view of all the treasures I can find before the crowds saunter in.
[caption id="attachment_1376" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Feel Good Bakery is always my first stop for a twisted cranberry and nut bread with coffee. Now, I'm ready to shop"]
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[caption id="attachment_1377" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I usually head to the back and work out a pattern for shopping forward"]
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[caption id="attachment_1378" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The best vendors usually collect certain goods and become experts at those collectables. Coffee' starting to kick in..."]
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[caption id="attachment_1379" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="There's plenty of junk and then some unusual little piece will catch my eye like this adorable little Stage Coach roaster. Must've been an early street vendor's equipment."]
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[caption id="attachment_1397" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Besides the trendy decor that fills the aisles, there's always a "theme" of the month. This time I must've counted 15 guitars. It's kind of fun, like playing that slugbug game in the car."]
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[caption id="attachment_1380" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Ok, getting serious again, more and vendors are popping up with imported goods like these beautiful lanterns..."]
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[caption id="attachment_1386" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="And these hand beaded chairs from Africa"]
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[caption id="attachment_1383" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I'm always on the look out for floral paintings for the my bathroom. I love this daisy painting- frame and all- but I'm on a mission to find a coffee table, so I'm conserving funds. I jot down the booth number, brief description, and price anyway. If I don't find a table or decide I can't live without it, I'll head back before I leave and see if fate is kind."]
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[caption id="attachment_1384" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Ah, love windsor chairs- wish I had a client or space for this... step away slowly... stay focused..."]
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[caption id="attachment_1390" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Then, the clouds part, angels sing, and my dream coffee table comes into view. I couldn't have said I was looking for a clover shaped coffee table with danish modern legs, but there it is! And it's everything I want- ah- fate IS kind today!"]
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[caption id="attachment_1391" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="See how casual I appear as I negotiate? I say I really like it, I notice it's a bit wobbly and dry. I thought it was overpriced, so I jumped down $100 hoping the sellers wouldn't be offended. They gasped, but took it well and dropped $50- sold to the girl in the big glasses for $200! Guess they didn't see me salivating afterall :-)"]
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[caption id="attachment_1393" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="More fantastic vendors! They make hunting for collections easy."]
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[caption id="attachment_1389" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="More guitars... actually plenty of string instruments, but I'm sticking with guitars- slug bug!"]
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[caption id="attachment_1404" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="With halfway point comes the Lockford Sausage stand- I'll take it spicy with onions and mustard. The anticipation never disappoints."]
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[caption id="attachment_1402" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I bought a vintage bus roll sign from this vendor, Home Economics, 3 years ago to go with my travel spoon collection. Today they're expanding into these colorful signs and homegoods. Fantastic!"]
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[caption id="attachment_1399" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Love the frames, but the homemade conduit pipe rack and twine are so clever too. I'm wondering how I can use that idea"]
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[caption id="attachment_1394" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Always something new to see..."]
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[caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Why didn't I think of this?! Who knew old junk brushes could be display art!"]
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[caption id="attachment_1400" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I'd like to thank my followers for this special trophy- it's been along journey, but I'm so happy to be here... :-) Sun stroke must be setting in- time to go!"]
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