READY, SET, RUMMAGE!
Like the budding trees, hardy perennials and shoots of tender grass that are starting to make their appearance in the cold-weather states, outdoor flea markets will soon be springing up and welcoming droves of bargain-minded shoppers looking to leave behind the decorating drought of winter.
Although I do enjoy the occasional trip to local antiques shops to browse their new acquisitions, there is nothing quite like the freeing feeling of wandering through aisle after aisle of flea-market trinkets and treasures on a warm and sunny day. Sometimes I head out the door with a mission in mind and a list of specific items I would like to buy. Other times, I attend with the intention of picking up a few objects that catch my eye and figuring out later how to repurpose or refurbish them.
This season, however, I am specifically focusing on hunting for pieces that will help spruce up my front and back yards, thanks to being inspired by the unique garden-themed ideas featured in this issue. Here are just a few of the many clever outdoor creations that were born out of cast-off goods, some of which were scored at flea markets, garage sales and other secondhand sources:
An old cutting board becomes a tote for carrying garden supplies, and plain craft sticks dressed up with wood alphabet letters take on new life as plant markers (pages 12 and 13).
A concrete block transforms into a charming planter thanks to a refreshing makeover achieved with bold paint and vintage terra-cotta tiles (page 14). Bowling balls and out-of-service plates stand in as garden edging that provides landscaping with loads of curb appeal (pages 95 and 97).
Coffee filters blossom into pretty peonies and metal food cans are converted into moss-covered containers that can be personalized and presented as heartfelt, handmade gifts for Mother’s Day (pages 100 and 101). Retired rubber boots go back to work as fun holders for florals, and a rusty trowel gets bedazzled with flat glass marbles, making it a unique decoration for a flower bed (pages 102 and 107).
In addition to these delightful designs, the four homes and six quaint country kitchens showcased inside will offer long-lasting inspiration to carry me through my many upcoming flea-market trips. I hope they all will do the same for you, too. Happy hunting!