Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity at home.

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Field Trip – Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois

Friends-

I went to my first flea market last weekend.  The Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois, to be exact.  It was glorious.

My husband was certain that I was going to detest it because I don’t like to rummage around for things to buy (I prefer for them to be neatly displayed and organized), and I don’t like to sweat (it was hot outside that day).

But he was wrong.  Even with our two children in tow (who willingly came with us because I described the day’s adventure as a “treasure hunt” (I don’t think this was false advertising – it all depends upon one’s definition of “treasure”)), I LOVED spotting cool (and not so cool) old stuff and hunting for unique things for my home.

Things like wooden stars made from scrap moulding.

Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired

And gigantic wagon wheels.  (I always envision my future homestead in the middle of nowhere to be filled with these.  That’s a requirement if you live in the middle of nowhere, right?)

Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired
And bins full of vintage-looking letters in every size imaginable.
Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired
And super cool wetsuits and leather jackets from the 1980’s.  (Wait, what?)
Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired
In spite of the millions of things to choose from, I exercised amazing fiscal restraint and only purchased ONE thing – this old, arched window frame with distressed iron scroll work on the inside.  It is going to look PERFECT in my kitchen, near my friendly little “hello” stool!
Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired
I was so proud of myself for getting this.  I even haggled with the vendor, which is unheard of for me!  I got it for $21, which is a bargain, in my opinion.  You can’t even get mass produced art at Target for $21!
Anyway, I am now a superfan of the Kane County Flea Market and I can’t wait to go back.  Next time I hope to be attending sans children, because our day’s adventure led to this lovely screaming fit on the way home.  Sort of a bargain hunting buzz kill.
Kane County Flea Market // Average But Inspired
Do you like attending flea markets?  What’s your best find ever?
– Bre
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Comments

  1. Great finds, Bre! Can’t believe you didn’t end up taking the wetsuit home. 😉 And that window frame is such a pretty score. Excited to see the treasures from your next hunt!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Sarah! Ha, I know – the wetsuit would have been perfect for my husband’s next triathlon, but he decided to stick with the one he already has. Not sure why. 🙂 Have a great weekend!

  2. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’ve never been to a flea market before! They are gold mines!! Love the window frame you got. I probably wouldn’t have been able to refrain myself from buying ALL of those old letters. Love them!

    Reply

    • Ugh, Bre the letters were amazing. Even my husband liked them! And yeah, there just aren’t many flea markets around Chicago from what I can tell . . . but I think I’m hooked!! 🙂

  3. I think that looks like a lot of fun, Bre! My father collects corkscrews, so I like going treasure hunting for them. It can just be a fun, stress free day:)

    Reply

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