Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity at home.

by

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
I Think You’ll Like this Flea Market Shopping Tips Post, Too!  

Flea Market Shopping Tips

Flea Market Shopping Tips

I Bet You'll Like These Posts, Too!

Share this post:

Google+PinterestLinkedin

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stenciled Chair Seats – A Thrifty and Fun Kitchen Chair Makeover

Thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for providing the stencil used in this project and the prize to be awarded in the giveaway.  The project and opinions are all my own. One thing I love is giving a plain object new life and personality with a simple change.  Stenciling the seats of my beat up kitchen […]

Chalk Painted Drop Leaf Table Makeover

Several weeks ago my kids and I were driving when I spotted a table in the alley behind our church.  Like the dedicated furniture hoarder that I am, I immediately threw the car into reverse and backed into the alley to check it out.  It was an old drop leaf table that hadn’t sold at […]

A Rifle Paper Co. Inspired Furniture Makeover

Two things I love love love are Rifle Paper Co. and furniture makeovers.  If you’re not familiar with Rifle Paper Co, check out their website.  Their floral and whimsical patterns are right up my alley.  I’ve used their patterned papers on several projects, including this Console Table Makeover, my grandma’s Side Table Makeover, and most […]