If there is one thing I have learned in my experience with Antique searching, second hand shopping, treasure hunting and what some call "junking", is you will find some amount of "junk" in the process. It is what you end up doing with that junk that is the true test of your creativity and passion for the art of re-do, re-make, re-create.
Essentially working with anything used, you are asking for a level of damage, wear, or possible "outdated appearance", the main thing is follow these rules and you can work with the piece, and come up with something worth enjoying (or better yet, selling):
- Do not buy anything with water damage even if it appears to be "okay" - you cannot reverse water damage and potential for mold.
- Do not buy furniture that has split wood, or something that cannot be refashioned or repaired easily. You don't want to spend so much money rehabbing the piece you could have bought it new.
- Don't shy away from items that are dirty. If you are hunting at yard sales, a lot of folks don't see the point in cleaning things (not sure why), but that doesn't mean they aren't worth anything. Cleaning something can make a world of difference.
- Remember when purchasing items you intend on repainting, they must be able to take paint. Laminates are a lot of fuss for painting, unless you are willing to put in the extra work using a sander or finish remover, don't invest.
- If you are searching for used clothing or vintage threads, remember the style can mean a lot or a little. If you are looking for a piece to resell as is, then style is important only certain eras are marketable, but if you are going to refashion it ie; make a new dress out of it, or use a vintage T-shirt to make a new kid's dress, then material and pattern are your only concern. Polyester wasn't breathable and comfy in the 70's, that hasn't change take material/ fabric into consideration.
- Be willing to dig!!! Some of the best things I have ever come across I found by digging, and hunting, searching through racks, boxes and mounds of "stuff".
The biggest difference between people who love this and don't - is the time we are willing to spend looking for that certain something.
My latest inspiration is Decoupage.......more on that later.
Happy Hunting! xo - Jenn
No comments:
Post a Comment