A fan of flea markets....

I'm a huge fan of flea markets and thrift stores. When I walk through the doors or the gates the game is on, I'm on a mission to hunt down a treasure. This past Tuesday the hubby and I ventured to a small thrift store in a neighboring town. This flea market is the only weekday one I am aware of and is held every Tuesday in Santa Clarita, CA.

Dish shelf and snail

Once through the gates my eyes were already scanning from booth to booth. Of course I never set out to look for anything in particular because if I did I'd never find it. We walked up and down each isle slowly. I saw a booth full of old tools and remembered that I still want to find a fun repurpose for wrenches. I saw a rustic wood bench, but sadly it was sold. I think my husband gave a quiet "hooray" at that as it would have been interesting to fit in the car. Of course, I shop now, figure out how to fit things in later. This has often resulted in driving 65 miles home with the back hatch of my Matrix flapping in the breeze.

On the third isle in I spotted a 1950's salt glazed ceramic snail. I tried to keep my interest low as all good flea marketers know to do. I casually inquired about the price of a hideously ugly plate before inquiring about the snail. "You know," the man said, "I was asking $20 earlier but how about $5 to get it sold." I couldn't pull out a five dollar bill fast enough. I've wanted an all white snail for a while so this was a great find.

Shelf repurposed for books

Round the last bend and on our way back to the car I spotted a cute shelf. This maple 1940's shelf would have originally displayed plates in a dining room. I saw it's potential immediately, envisioning repurposing it as a book shelf for my son's room. Now it is being painted orange and will be the perfect place to store library books and weekly readers. The cost? $10. I just couldn't haggle, the price was pretty good already. Don't tell my husband but sometimes it pays to get to the flea market near closing! Did you find any treasures this week?