The Armillary (above) is a navigation tool. I got it in St. Louis, at a shop just outside the Botanical Gardens. The globe in the center still turns. It's about a yard high and I plan to paint it. I'm not sure what color, but I don't like the rusted look. Of course, it'll go outside - to add horizontal interest in a flowerbed. I paid $50 for it, which is more than I should have. I bargained down on Beth's stuff. Besides, cities are always more expensive. If you want antiques for less, go rural.
The 2 items above came from a shop on Seminary Street in Galesburg. Shops are more expensive than flea markets and you have less chance of bargaining. I just loved the detail, and figured I wouldn't find them again. The stove (all 16 pieces) was $35 and the sun was $12. When I remodel, the stove will go on my kitchen counter or table. I'm not sure if the sun will be indoors or out.
The 3 items above came from the Old Thresher's Reunion in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Well, actually, I got them at sales approaching the event. I was really unimpressed with the Old Thresher's Reunion itself.
I got the 2 metal tractor wheels above and the birdhouse for $60 total. The wheels will go in the shade with a vine growing up the spokes. In the sun, they'd get too hot and the vine will suffer. (I like wooden wheels better, but they rot. Metal is more practical.) I have no idea what I'm going to do with the birdhouse, but I like the shape.
The table was originally $75 and I got it for $50. It's not in perfect condition, but again I like the shape.
Getting those wheels home was a job. They only 1/2 way fit into the trunk. We tied them in and drove slow.
Then I did "the Drive" and went crazy. The Knox County and Spoon River Drives are the first 2 weekends in October. In the first photo, the red bed frame will be painted and is again going in the garden for vines. Pardon my pun, but I'll have a flower "bed." I paid $20. Later, I found another metal headboard for $5. I didn't like it as much, but $5! I passed, but now I wonder. Could I use 2?
The flower box with metal work behind it (see picture with bed frame) and the 3 frogs with hooks came from a metal work guy in Farmington. I made a point of visiting him, because I liked what I bought last year. The 2 items were $40. I plan to paint the flower box and hang it outside … somewhere I’ll remember to water it. The frogs may go by the door for keys.
I've always liked tables made from old Singer sewing machines. Normally, they run over $100. This does not have the original cabinet, but those with the sewing machine aren't very useful as a table. This provides more useable space. I got it for $40.
Then, there's the painting. I really like it (not a fan of cute art), but it doesn't go with anything right now. When I get these kids out of college, I plan to remodel. I've been watching HGTV to get an idea of what I want. I think eclectic. I like unique things from all over. I'm thinking of browns with red accents in one room -- or maybe a lot of red in another. I'm not sure how to pull it off, but I have time to figure it out.
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