San Leandro Citywide Garage Sale

 Today is Saturday morning and since I never have a Saturday off was puzzled as to what to do with myself.  My wife wanted to go the the Castro Valley Farmers Market while I at markets every weekend and decided not to tag along with her and my daughter.  I wanted to check out a few garage sales and decided to check out Craigslist.  As it turns out many of the postings were coming from the San Leandro area and after checking out the city website learned that they were having their annual Citywide Garage Sale.  The site said they had 300 signed up for the event and since I had attended last years know there are many more to discover.  So here is my SUV empty before leaving for the day.

 This was my first purchase of the day.  A couple of vintage windows.  I never asked the owner but were the spiders part of the deal?  Seems these little guys are hard to come by these days and they sell quite quickly so I had to have them.  For whatever reason the owner wouldn't let me photograph her.  I told her I was going to do a blog on my finds for the day but she still wasn't willing.  I'm thinking maybe Americas Most Wanted?  Who knows.

 One of my stops was at a fellow vendor of mine at the Treasure Island Flea Market.  She lives in San Leandro and of course had some goodies out for sale.  She agreed to have me photo her isn't she lovely?  She sews and makes purses and other pieces.  This is one of her works the jacket with the collage and just behind her the flag or banner made of  scrap material.  Her work is awesome although I do not have a need to sport a purse these days can recommend her work.  She sells at the TI event at the end of the month ask for Donna.  Oh and thanks for the margarita's Donna, if you visit her next year just ask her for a sip I am sure she will share.

 This was one of the garage sales I visited.  You can get an idea of how much stuff is out there.  People were willing to deal and for me that is great.  They get rid of something they are tired of and I get a new piece to brag about.  Not sure where all of this stuff has been stored but out of all of the garage sales I had been to on this day this one had the most to look at.  I think she had a good day.  Here is what I bought from her.

 Frames.  Yes I know another frame.  I know I know but they sell and I can never have a enough of them.  These ornate ones are easier to unload so I made an offer and she accepted and they came home with me.  Probably paint them white.  Gives them a newness feel.

 One of my other finds was this desk.  No it was not free as stated on the side of the desk (I wish).  The owner told me they found it on the side of the road for free and planned to paint it and restore it.  Well that never happened look at it.  It is in poor neglected health.  Don't worry I have plans for this little guy.  By the way when I found it in the owner's garage the draws were in different parts of the garage.  They weren't even sure they had them all.  Thanks to my keen eye all were found and loaded into my SUV it was.

 Ok so here is my truck at the end of the day.  I am going to unload it all and show you what I found today.  By the way to all of my 19 followers I do this for you.  I want to show you what it is all about.  What I do, where I go, how I find.  Maybe it will inspire a few to take on a project of your own.  Second use is the way to go.  It's good for all (except the folks overseas), sorry.

 Ok so here is the loot.  Ya more frames a hot commodity for me.  Look at all these babies.  I found them at an estate sale while I was out in San Leandro by accident of course.  Carol the owner was gracious enough to give me a fair deal on the frames, books and other items.  After I told her what I was to do with them I had to invite her to my Open Studio I have once a month.  As yes Carol I meant what I said come pick something out it is on the house.  Next opening is June 9th.

Here are the books quite vintage and I think the complete set.  Will have to break them up and sell them individually though.  They have just the right look and the pages are aged just love them.  These bottle also a great find were a nice addition and don't they look fantastic in this photo.  I snuck a music page underneath and now they just pop.

 Ok so I am not sure why I bought these but I do have a thing for sets.  I believe these were made to hold up a doll collection.  Quite a few and made of metal.  Two of them were actually made from an old can cut apart and quite crafty.  Who would have had the time to make such a thing?  It got me to think about times of the past when one could find time to make something with there own hands not relying on a machine to knock it out or market to go buy it at.  Maybe I will watch an old movie tonight.

Ok so here is the final photo of all of my pieces for the day.  Quite a selection I know but all items you will find at my next Open Studio in June.  Now the real work begins on all of these items of cleaning and painting, tagging and displaying, yes a lot of work but has it's rewards.  Thank you for reading.

Flea Market Finds

 So I've been told to document my travels, trips and finds to better connect with my customer.  Although doing what I do is time consuming in itself I will try to update you when I can and provide you with a little more insight to what I do, junking.  I guess that is what they call it these days I like to think of it as treasure hunting in a sea of unwanted goods.  In fact I think we all could benefit from taking a trip out to a flea market, you never know what you may find.  For me I buy things that have a good feel and then display them in my shop or booth so that you can see if there is something you cannot live without.  Here is a snap shot of my recent finds from a Tuesday trip to the flea market. 

 So what I have here is a basket with a handle such a great idea and have not seen on my travels before.  It amazes me, things that I have seen for the first time as I am out a lot looking for pieces.  This one holds small envelopes and money sorters which I am thinking of using for my tags as re purpose project (thanks Lonae).  Other items found here are an ammo box, round picture frames, metal wagon (red wheels) at the bottom of the stack, and a never used mirror.  The mirror I have had before but not  in the package still stapled to the cardboard.  Someone bought it and then took it home with them and then what?  It sat in bag or corner then something was placed on top of that then it got lost in the shuffle and never got to shine.  It will in my shop.   

The concrete kitty I just had to have even with the broker ear.  Ya it's a little heavy and broken down but still has some life in it.  I saw it on the floor and when the vendor sold it to me she told me it has no ear like she was going to change my mind.  Maybe she didn't want to sell it at all and take it back home with her but I had to have it so here it is.  The books about 50 of them are little blue books.  Each has a recipe for information on any given subject.  Some of the author titles on the books are quite amusing.  I looked them up on Ebay and some are selling for about $6 a copy depending on rarity.  Not my price of course.  I think they would look great framed and up on a wall or in a little cubby to give it a vintage spark. 

 The photo is missing the glass but still has great potential.  Even if no one knows who these folks are from the graduating class of 1947.  I would say maybe some are still around these days or not.  Being in the Mortuary business I would imagine is a slow paced field so I would think less stress means longevity, ah the stories they could tell.  Still had a friend look at it and he says he thinks one in the photo works and owns a San Leandro Mortuary.  Is it possible?  Tell you what whoever buys this piece can do the research and report back to me with the findings.

 This flag I found wonder what the history of it is?  The vendor couldn't tell me a thing about it although wrapped in plastic and folded nicely in a triangle.  Was it for a fallen hero?  Not sure.  The beauty of these pieces is who, what, where and how they came to be.  All mysteries.  Maybe that's what makes them so special.  I think I will unfold it carefully and hang it up on one of the walls in the shop so you can see it's intended beauty. 

Candlesticks, mirror to the right and this old suitcase.  The piece (suitcase) was loaded with old books from who knows what era.  I saw it in the back of the truck of a vendor like he was too tired to take it out and display the books.  It was just sitting there calling my name.  When I asked about it he was willing to climb into the covered shell of the truck to grab it for me.  Still had the handle and was pretty beat up but functional as a storage piece which he was using it for and so can you.  Great find and glad I asked about it.

 A closer look at those books I mentioned earlier.  Can you imagine on a display shelf in the bathroom.  And guess what reading material to kill some time. 

So here is the final group shot, say cheese.  I really love what I do and want to continue with this unusual craft of mine.  If you know someone who will benefit from reading this blog please pass it on to them and have them sign up as a follower.  I have 17 followers to date and want to expand my readership.  Happy junking (treasure hunting).  Cisco

January Vintage Faire

 I can't believe it my 4th show is already here, my monthly vintage show that is.  It is a great deal of work to put one of these together and for those of you who have not had a chance to make it out to one of my faire's I wanted to give you a tease of what you will be missing.  The letter drawer above was a great find in fact I have several of these right now and priced at $40.  I can imagine the uses of these drawers to organize small items, jewelry or to display ones keepsakes.  Maybe a photo or small piece to remember an event or time or place.  The wood has just the right aged look.  Love'm.   

 This cubby I found at the Sacramento Antique Fair.  I believe it's original use was inside the employee lounge of some business.  When I bought it the names were still attached.  Although it is very large it works in my shop to display my small items.  Could be used in ones home to do the same and keep things at reach.  Still I think another shop owner would love to have a piece like this to do the same as I have.  Quite heavy but with the right hardware can attach to the wall which I have done.  Love all of the little items I was able to fill it in with.

 The bookshelf pictured here I purchased to help me display some of my items but of course like everything in my store is for sale.  I am not painting this one.  It looks great just by itself naturally distressed and chippy.  It appears to have been be part of a cabinet of some sort.  Still for the right home would look great with some vintage books and rusty pieces or your favorite cook books. 

 Attached to the wall on this photo is an old British bus sign.  I am sure it has seen some better days but still looks great with the black background and cream lettering.  It is printed on canvas and is pretty sturdy for it's age.  I have seen these in Restoration Hardware magazines in the past framed but not original.  This my friends is the original piece used on the bus and priced well below what theirs costs.  Come check it out I have 3 of them right now for the taking. 

 Here is my painted furniture section.  I am working with a new paint this time, a grey that Della Wilson turned me on to.  I have waxed it with dark wax for the aged look, don't they look great.  It is hard to find two ends that match so these will be priced accordingly but in no means out of reach.  I don't like to hold on to pieces for very long so I will expect they will sell quite quickly. 

 This pile of treasures has yet to be organized.  Green box with handle, vintage box with wood and metal another hard to find piece.  Either it's all wood or all metal but both is a real treat.  A metal ornate frame missing the mirror but has tons of detail.  I bought it to attach a mirror but I don't think it needs it.  Has great detail and just right patina.  The spools in the back are old wire spools but I just love rust so here they are.  Just great to look at side by side the small and the large.

These little drawer organizers were purchased at a flea market.  One I painted the other I did not.  Let's see which one moves first.  Bet I can guess.  This would make a great jewelry box or can be used to organize small items, sewing wares or on a desk to organize supplies.  My show opens this Saturday from 9-6 at Restore & Rework.  Address is 2572 San Carlos, Castro Valley.  Please join me if you can.  Hope to see you there.

A day at the Flea Market

The day was Tuesday and although I didn't really have the money to do so I needed a shopping fix, so off to the Flea Market I went.  Thank you to my wife Donna for kicking down some extra cash out of the kitty otherwise I would have been painting, gluing, or repurposing something that day instead.  Some days you can go out and find very little and other days tons of things, you just never know.  Question: why are the best flea markets in the worse part of town?  Here is a photos of my empty vehicle, not for long though.     

 In case you are wondering what these wirery things are they are called shopping carts.  My mother used one when we were kids and yes they have been referred to as grandma carts but call me a grandma if you must they work and I use one.  When I am out yes I do get some looks but who cares they are easy on the hands and if you shop as much as I do it is crucial that you own one. 

 Here I am paying to get into the Flea Market, I took this picture to show off my profile, as you can see my beer belly is coming back.  Even when I wear dark colored clothing (suppose to hide the fat) it still shines through.  I guess I should start eating better, no more McDonald's and Budweiser, it's bad for the waste line.   Maybe if I just suck it in for the photos no one would ever know.  Who cares?

 Here is a lady off the street she wandered into the photo.  Kidding she is my friend, shopping buddy, counselor, junk food buddy (McDonald's on Thursday), and a great cook.  Her name is Lonae and a great guidance counselor.  Doesn't charge much and if you mention this ad she will take off $10, really all kidding aside she has been a great inspiration and has shown me the ropes.  Here we are with our carts still empty but waiting to be filled.

 This is a snap shot of the Flea Market.  Hustle and bustle well for a Tuesday not a bad turn out.  Less shoppers and more for me, I mean us (Lonae).  Everyone is out looking for something, tools, t-shirts, socks, jewelry, bikes and who knows what else?  If you can imagine it, I am sure it has probably been sold here.  I think everyone should check out a Flea Market if you never have.  A piece of advice try going during the week instead.  Weekend markets are filled with newer merchandise that originated in some other country, not good. 

 Here is my first find of the day.  Not spectacular but worth the $1 I spent on it.  It appears to have been a wine box.  I think with a fresh coat of white paint a little sanding and something stenciled on it like "storage or misc." I can resell this neglected box.  It is still functional and would look quite nice on a shelf or a desk to remove clutter.  Either way it's mine to do with what I please.  Goodbye wine box hello storage box.

 Another great find I think I paid $2 for this not made in America photo frame with no glass to the left.  Really it's not a frame but a chalkboard in the making.  I will strip it down, repaint it and then add a wood insert and using chalk paint it will make a nice addition to someones home office, bedroom or just about anywhere you need a reminder or note. 

 Sometimes you have to look hard to find the small things.  Most people just glance and scan a vendors area.  You can really find some treasures in these boxes and tubs.  I said it before and I will say it again take a buddy to shop with.  It really forces you to slow down when you have to wait for them (sorry Lonae), that's when you find things like this, old vintage door knobs.  There were four of them and I took them all, a real treasure at $1 a piece.  I saw a project with these.  Someone made them into place card holders.  Maybe I will do the same or not they just look nice, old and chippy.  Thanks again Lonae.

 Another great piece I purchased was this wooden shelf in the background, and you thought it was the red purse not so.  I have since finished the piece and it did take a little extra effort on my part.  One of the spools was missing, one broken so I had to take it apart pull off some spools patch some holes sand and paint but worth the $7 I paid for it.  You should see it now it looks great and ready for purchase at my store at Restore & Rework, Castro Valley (had to plug it).

 Was a very windy and cold day, look out!  Their tent fell over, should have used weights.  I have noticed in this business of selling very few invest in there business.  There are basics, tents, weights, tables.  Yes it all costs money but you can find most items even here at the flea market.  So now their tent is ruined could have been worse I guess, fake luggage not ruined. 

 My best find by far was this rusty metal rolling cart.  The vendor who sold it to me was using it as a storage for the tiles he was selling.  Not really 100% sure he want to give it up but he did and I bought it.  It came in real handy for the rest of the day since I used it to continue my shopping adventure.  It would make a great serving cart for a bbq or outdoor party.  Are you thinking what I am thinking Margarita station, tequila, yes I can see it now.  On the other hand one could use it to repot plants, I can see clay pots on it with a bag of soil and garden tools hanging off of the handle.  I love it either way. 

 This is me at the end of the day with all of my purchases.  I picked up an old ladder and a vintage storage box (will need some work as well) by the way I filled it as well with other items you will have to wait and see at my upcoming Vintage Faire January 14, 2012 (plug). 

 My SUV now filled with items from Lonae and myself.  Great treasures to be found at the Flea Market.  Oh and some advice to all who have not been to a Flea Market.  Never leave any valuables in your trunk or your car when shopping at the Flea.  Always bring change dollars are best.  Once I had to walk on a $1 item when I only had a $20 in my pocket and the vendor had no change.  Bring water and good walking shoes.  Be respectful to the vendor it pays off, trust me on this one.

After a long day, well only 3 hours we were hungry so off the Nation's Burger we went.  Now I know where that belly of mine in coming from not McDonald's as I suspected it's must be Nation's.  Next time I'll get the salad.  Happy holidays.

Store opening

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UiT64T-CjY For those of you that are still reading my posts I must apologize to you.  I have been extremely busy preparing for the opening of my workshop/shop.  All the hard work that goes into cleaning, painting, preparing, building, creating, and did I say painting (my arm was about to fall off and thank you Laura and Ingrid for all your help) it's really a wonder that it all got done in time for the opening.  By the way the first opening was October 8th for one day only.  I have decided to keep the theme and open once a month on the second Saturday of the month for now.  Once things get going I am thinking about having a featured artist, collector in addition to what I carry.  For now though it is just me, myself and I.  The first show was a great success as I was able to break my own one day record in sales so thank you to all who supported the first show.  Now the real work is at hand.  Trying to keep things going and getting the word out.  I am looking for any suggestions to help me promote my event.  I have advertised in our local paper, joined to chamber, passed out postcards, passed out posters to businesses I frequent, emailed everyone I know or have known (sorry for those who are getting bombarded).  I am up for any other suggestions.  Attached above you will find a Utube video a client did of my shop on the opening day.  It really came out quite good thank you Tess.  My next opening will be Saturday November 12th, from 9-6 hope you can make it out.  Cisco 

Getting my own shop

 So it has finally happened.  I have a place to call my own.  A shop.  14 months after building my first birdhouse and selling my wares at Farmers Markets, consignment shops, Antique and Vintage fairs and Flea Markets I am settling down.  Here a photo of the front of the store.  The place is about 1150 square feet of useable space for building, storing, painting and creating new items for the home and garden.  The place needs some work but if I can turn a twin size bedframe into a garden bench or a pile of lumber into a potting bench I think I can tackle this project.  When I am done I will update this blog with the transformation.

 This photo is of the back of the store lots of brick, too bad someone covered the inside of the building with plaster to hide the brick.  It would have given the place an aged feel and more character.  The window is a nice addition even on the back and it has handles to open and close them.  The fiberglass on the windows will have to come down and the windows cleaned.  Just to the left it looks as if there used to be a spot to burn trash.  It has been sealed up for years I am sure.  I can't wait to get in there and start the renovation process.

 The bathroom, quite small and lifeless.  For a commercial building I guess that says it all.  Probably didn't get much use but I have some ideas for it already.  Maybe a new sink and mirror.  A cubby to hide the essentials and I have this idea for the walls.  You'll have to wait.

 This is probably the main reason I got the place.  It has a roll up door.  The side of the door is a little tweeked I'll have to call the landlord on that.  But as far a roll up door goes it still opens and operates.  Just to the right of the door is my mail area.  Can't wait for all the bills to start rolling in, maybe I should seal it off.  Kidding.

 The inside of the place is primarily concrete.  I will have to clean and scrub the floors and maybe fill in a few cracks but that's it.  The previous tenant left the shelves.  They are perfect for storing my goods and creations.  Although 1150 square seems like alot of space it won't take me long to fill it.  My wife can't wait to get her house back I am sure.  Currently I have projects all over the place, garage, backyard, sideyard, storage shed, porch, patio and yes in the house.  Ok so it is a little overwheming for her but everything eventually gets worked on and sold.  Come on someone back me up on this one.    

Last but not least the showroom.  It has great potential and I will be hosting my wares in this spot.  It is about 250 square feet.  It is carpeted but it is heavily stained so it will have to be cleaned or go altogether.  This is where my items will be displayed for purchase or simply gazing.  I am not sure when I will be finished with the space hopefully by months end.  I am not sure how many days I will be open yet, when I will be done and when I can start selling so keep tuned in.  Wish me luck as this a big step for me.  

 I was out garage saleing today (Saturday).  Is that a word (saleing), probably not?  I figured I had a few hours to kill and I needed a break from painting this morning so I ventured out.  There were a ton of garage sales today not sure why.  Anyways here are some of my finds for today.  Vintage bottles boy do they need cleaning, cloche actually was from a clock but I left the clock behind, small vintage books and a flower frog, and wooden finials.

 This piece not sure what it was and really not sure why I bought it but it has great appeal.  I was thinking after I purchased it it would look great with a plant, one that falls over the side.  Or it could be used out in the garden to store garden tools and gloves.  I don't think it is old but it sure looks like it is so I bought it.  The faucet that is attached to it is vintage and rusty.   

 It seems like I hit the jackpot again and found more pint size Mason jars.  These ones are old.  Sometimes I run into the jars in bunches, then a dry spell and I can't find any.  Just got lucky, I guess.  The box is an old whisky box and still sturdy after all these years.  Great for storage or simply put some of your favorite plants in it.  It will look great on top of a table, box and plants.  To the left I found 2 vintage bank bags, for money I am guessing.

 Here is a closeup.

 Ditto, couldn't figure out how to delete this duplicate photo so here it is again.  Magic.

 These little black books needed to come home with me.  They were falling apart, old and beat up.  I think they look great though, the flower frog another find needs a vintage photo and these items could be sitting on ones dresser or on a side table.  I can never keep enough of these small books in my booth when I sell.  They move pretty quickly.

 I found some wire baskets, a shelf (it was still in the wrapping).  I put it together for the photo and it will get painted a dark brown and then white.  With a little sanding at the edges it will look great in any room.

Finally this desk.  Small and functional it may have seen better days.  I am thinking about tearing it apart and re purposing it.  I will show you in a future blog what will happen to this desk.  You will be surprised.  I also found a metal fishing box.  Still had the gear in it.  It will need cleaning but after can be used to store just about anything.  Photos, garden tools, office supplies just to name a few ideas.  Until next time.