I went to the Elkhorn Flea Market last Sunday, as planned. I took photos with my phone because I feel obnoxious with my big camera at flea markets, and sometimes I just don’t want to lug it around. I was there by myself, and I was there on a mission. I needed my hands free to carry the untold treasures I was sure to discover.
I loved the spinning wheels, but they were way too expensive ($1850 for the big one). I wish I hadn’t missed out on the deacon’s bench though. I liked it, made a loop, came back to it, and it was marked as “sold.”
You’ll be glad to know that I passed on the following two paintings, both of which were huge and cheap. Hera with a lazy eye! I was into it.
Lots of other good stuff, including vintage and antique stoves. So many old stoves.
More!
Then I spotted what I had come for. Not literally, of course, as one doesn’t typically know in advance to be shopping for creepy old mannequins. It’s a feeling. A lovely warm feeling that you are buying something that will delight and confuse.
The guy wanted way too much for them, and I paid way too much for them, but less than what he was initially asking. As I told my sister later, it’s always worth it for weird things. (They’re super out of place in a residential setting, by the way.)
Yay, Elkhorn! I’ll be back next year for sure.
Marci
October 2, 2013 at 1:58 pmI would have spent an hour and WAY too much money at the booth with the doorknobs and escutcheons.
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:46 pmThey were beautiful. We’re lucky in Chicago though — there are a bunch of salvage shops that sell that kind of old hardware.
AnnW
October 2, 2013 at 2:01 pmWell I’m sure you can use the mannequins somewhere for your photos and blogging. Then they will be props and tax deductible. You could Sell your antique stove and buy a brand new one. Those deacons’ benches will show up again. My in-laws had a 7 or 8 ft one that we had to pass up because we had no space for it.
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:47 pmI’m trying to decide if I want to refurbish or replace our old stove. I’m bummed about the bench though! I’ve wanted one for years.
Nikki
October 2, 2013 at 2:03 pmI love those chairs with the psychedelic floral cushions! This flea market looks magical.
Griffin
October 2, 2013 at 2:20 pmI love the bench and chairs! I went to their August flea market, the whole thing is a bit overwhelming and wonderful! I’d have to agree the (many) mannequins were definitely the most interesting part of my trip as well (:
Ally
October 2, 2013 at 2:21 pmLOVE the mannequins! They are a great investment cause they are unique and you love them! You will have fun with those! Besides, they are no weirder than the life size C-3PO and R2-D2 I plan on having in my entry way someday! LOL
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:47 pmBrandon would like you a whole lot.
Ally
October 2, 2013 at 10:58 pmYes, I did see his AT-AT in his office at your old house… I trust he’s found a nice spot for it at the new one? May the force be with you!
Abby
October 2, 2013 at 2:25 pmI love everything you took pictures of! Especially that awesome head planter. What time did you go to the flea market? I drove up from Chicago and got there around 11am and was totally overwhelmed by people and stuff. I got no effective shopping done and left empty handed – feels like I missed out!
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:49 pmThe head was almost identical to the all-white one that I have! Just the necklace/neck line area (and all of the paint, obviously).
I left around 7 (arrived at 9). It really started to pick up around 10:30 or 11, so you got there at its busiest.
Procrastamom
October 2, 2013 at 2:28 pmI love going to antique & flea markets! I would have packed up those dining chairs into my little clown car somehow. I’m heading to one in Vancouver this weekend, but I’m looking for Fiestaware & Vintage Pyrex. My drug of choice :D
Cool mannequins…can’t wait to see what you do with them.
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:50 pmThere was a ton of vintage Pyrex. I wanted all of the pink and reddish-orange ones.
Laurie
October 2, 2013 at 2:52 pmI LOVE those chairs! They aren’t even generally my style but that fabric is so happy!
Those manniquins are going to be fun for Halloween! I see a witch’s coven…
That really is a good flea market! I need to get in on one of those. My life might be a whole lot better with a many-drawered chest.
Sarah
October 2, 2013 at 3:17 pmI can’t wait to see what you do with the creepy mannequin ladies! I think it’s the armless-ness that really gets me!
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:50 pmThat, and the ghostly white color.
Henry Drake
October 2, 2013 at 3:32 pmI like you opinion about weird things. Hey! As long as they make you happy, why not?
Jenny
October 2, 2013 at 3:45 pmHey! Do you know any details about those chairs? A maker or anything? I really like them – they would be great in my kitchen!
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 8:51 pmI didn’t check for a manufacturer since I wasn’t in the market for them, but they’re pretty standard mid-century modern Danish-style chairs. Do you have a healthy Craigslist in your area? Chairs like that pop up pretty regularly around here, I know.
Lucy
October 2, 2013 at 3:58 pmI love the green haired bust. If I had your home, I would go all out in whimsy. I also love the vintage stove! I think they were all great finds but those are my favorite.
Julie
October 2, 2013 at 4:32 pmMade me laugh out loud! And I never laugh out loud at things! Those mannequins?!?! You are hilarious.
Cristina
October 2, 2013 at 6:09 pmThe Welcome Back Kotter dress it the greatest thing I have ever seen. Hahaha!
Elisabeth
October 2, 2013 at 6:23 pmMy house aches for those doorknobs, and my heart aches for that bench!
I wonder what they were asking for the lady vase that looks like a Jonathan Adler? Our antique mall had one of those and they were asking a fortune for it.
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 9:06 pmThey were asking $195. How much was the one you’d seen? I’m assuming they’re the basis for the lady bust vase thing I have.
Elisabeth
October 3, 2013 at 11:40 amI can’t remember for sure, as it was a year ago. But I want to say $500-$600.
Jo
October 2, 2013 at 6:36 pmThose are awesome. I have a male mannequin hand that I use to hold my keys.
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 9:06 pmMine can hold… oh, wait. No arms.
Jennifer
October 2, 2013 at 7:00 pmHave you been to the Kane county flea market? I’m from Chicagoland and that’s the one I usually go to. How do they compare?
Making it Lovely
October 2, 2013 at 9:08 pmGo to Elkhorn! Kane County is OK, but I don’t look forward to it like I will Elkhorn now.
Barbara
October 2, 2013 at 9:09 pmLooks like a fantastic treasure trove, and I can’t wait to pay a visit next spring! Thanks for the tip.
Katrina
October 2, 2013 at 11:13 pmAbsolutely love Elkhorn! Was there Sunday but probably would have been a little star struck had I seen you. It’s such a long wait now until next May! Great find/buy with the mannequins!
Stacey
October 3, 2013 at 12:29 amI love Elkhorn! I was going to go to this one, but then decided not to at the last minute. Are you a Chicagoan? Me too! Love the chairs you showed and I completely here you about bringing the big camera. What are you going to do with those mannequins?? Do tell!
Charmaine
October 3, 2013 at 6:15 amI was there and saw that lady planter too. I think the May and the September fleas are the best.
Lynell
October 3, 2013 at 1:53 pmI LOVE your mannequins! I have a bunch of stuff like that, the most hilarious is a male underwear mannequin that goes from about mid thigh up to the navel. Makes a perfectly weird side table. Unfortunately my boyfriend has banned it from any public areas of our home. :( He’s no fun.
I’ll have to try the Elkhorn Flea Market, I’ve been to the Kane County, but not Elkhorn. Fun!
Meredith
October 3, 2013 at 2:24 pmI loooooooooove Elk Horn! I’m originally from Wisconsin but have lived in Iowa for the past 9 years, so haven’t made it back in several summers. My mom and her neighbor go to all of them; she was there on Sunday and actually got me a croquet set. (I now get texts if there’s something she thinks I need/want.) So glad you got to check it out; this post made me all happy and nostalgic.
Emily
October 3, 2013 at 3:50 pmI have been going to the Elkhorn Flea market for years and it is the best. Last weekends was the busiest I have ever seen it! I bought most of the decor for my wedding at this Flea market! I’m so glad you checked it out Nicole!!
mara
October 5, 2013 at 8:56 pmwelcome to wisconsin. glad you had a good time at the elkhorn flea market. i always enjoy it never know what i am going to find….wish this wasn’t the last one of the year. go 2014.
Kari H
October 6, 2013 at 3:00 pmI would give my left ear for those card catalogues and letterpress drawers! Ack… so much storage for my out-of-control jewellery collection…… pretty!
Erin
October 7, 2013 at 11:34 amI was raised and still live about 40 minutes from Elkhorn- and that is my favorite place to look for antiques and vintage goodies. I couldn’t make the last market, but I would have died if I saw you there. Home design bloggers are basically celebrities to me :)
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October 10, 2013 at 1:16 pmOMG nicole! so funny! a ton of the items you featured are items i seriously considered buying! the lady with the green hair…oh how i wanted her. my friend that was with me thought i was crazy!! i did leave with a few treasures but not quite as many as usual! it was super busy this time!
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