5 Easy Flea Market Makeovers
From end tables to metal trays, learn to make garage sale steals look like new.
July 15, 2009— -- You don't need to spend big bucks to make a big impact when you decorate your home.
Shopping garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops is always a great way to get a good deal, and you can identify hidden gems if you know what to look for and how to refurbish your finds. Some of the bargain buys can be transformed into eye-catching design pieces with a few simple steps.
5 Tips for Successful Shopping
1. Be Prepared: Always take stock of what you're shopping for and do all measurements at home. Flea markets and garage sales can be overwhelming because of the volume of items, unless you know what you're looking for.
2. Be Ready to Buy: Make sure you have enough cash, in small denominations.
3. Expect to Haggle: Negotiating is part of the process, and is expected.
4. Be Fashionably Late: Early arrivals might get the best selection, but it's actually better to arrive late if you want to make a deal.
5. Be Realistic: Examine every piece to make sure it can be fixed up and is worth purchasing. Some refurbishing, such as upholstery, can get expensive.
5 Easy Do It Yourself Projects
END TABLE MAKEOVER
A simple do-it-yourself project that can be tackled in a day, and transforms a dirt cheap find into a one-of-a-kind piece.
The Find:
You can generally find used end tables for approximately $30 each at flea markets or thrift shops.
The Supplies:
Kilz Spray Paint Primer, $4.48, available at Home Depot (www.homedepot.com) and other hardware stores.
Rust-Oleum White Gloss Spray Paint, $6.88, available at Home Depot (www.homedepot.com) and other hardware stores.
Knobs, $8 each, Anthropologie.com
Glass: 19" x 26", $20, available at Michael's Arts & Crafts stores (www.michaels.com) nationwide.
The Process:
Paint the end table white.
Change the hardware on drawers by adding new, stylish knobs.
Have a new piece of glass cut to fit the top.
Put photos underneath glass.
The Cost:
$80 ($30 per end table, $50 for supplies), cheaper than most end tables at department stores, and its a one-of-a-kind, personalized piece.
VINTAGE METAL TRAYS BECOME MESSAGE BOARDS
You can turn a vintage metal tray into an instant message board with just hooks, nails and magnets.
The Find:
Metal trays are available starting at just $2 at thrift shops or flea markets.
The Supplies:
Nails, approximately $2.39 for a package of three, available at all hardware stores
Saw tooth picture hanger, $1.94 each, available at Home Depot (www.homedepot.com) and other hardware stores.
The Process:
Glue on a sawtooth hook and let it dry. Hang a nail on the wall. Add magnets.
The Cost:
$10 each ($2 for the tray, $8 for supplies)
BROOCHES BECOME MAGNETS
Vintage costume jewelry can be transformed into eye-catching magnets.
The Find:
Vintage brooches can be found for 25 cents and up each at many thrift stores or flea markets.
The Supplies:
ProMAG Neodymium Magnet Buttons, $1.99 per button, available at Michael's Arts & Crafts stores (www.michaels.com) nationwide.
Superglue, $2.98, available at most hardware stores.
The Process:
Remove the pin and glue a magnet to the back of a brooch .
TEAPOTS TURNED CHINA LAMP
Garage sales are a great place to find inexpensive china, and you only need a few pieces to create a whimsical lamp -- no drilling required.
The Find:
Go to garage sales or flea markets in search of vintage tea set, available for $5 and up.
The Supplies:
Amaco self-hardening clay, $4, available at Lee's Art Shop (www.leesartshop.com).
Hardware: socket and cord set, $9.97, available at The Home Depot (www.homedepot.com)
Harp, $3.97, available at The Home Depot (www.homedepot.com)
Decorative lampshade
The Process:
First, choose china pieces that form a pyramid, with large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter item on the top.
Attach the hardware and fill the top cup with self-hardening clay.
While the clay is still wet, press in a socket-and-cord unit and harp an inch deep.
Let harden for 24 hours.
Assemble the remaining elements together with a thin line of super glue, letting each piece dry for a minute before adhering the next. Tip: Sandwiching saucers in between the teapots and cups gives the lamp added stability.
Keep the cord flush against the base with a few pieces of electrical tape, and then position the lamp against a wall.
The Cost:
Under $25 total cost
Anything As Art
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of artwork, you can take everyday items found at flea markets -- or in your own home -- and display them in a frame. Skeleton keys, feathers, and match books are just a few items that all look great when framed.
The Finds:
Playing cards, 50 cents and up, thrift or flea markets Skeleton keys, $1 each, thrift or flea marketsThe Supplies:
Frames, $1.99 and up, available at Ikea (www.ikea-usa.com).
The Cost:
Under $5