Mistakes Were Made, But Fun Was Had

After six months of avoiding our local flea market, I finally went today for a 30 minutes before I was to meet up with my eldest at another event nearby. (I’ve been avoiding the flea market because I am trying to downsize my store inventory this year.) I didn’t have time to peruse the whole market, but I enjoyed being there. I bought a few things and chatted with a few vendors, one who commented “Haven’t seen you in a while!” But I bought quickly, too quickly, and was not as discerning as I should have been and spent too much on the few things I did buy. Arrrgh! Yes, mistakes were made!

This one was in the “What-the-heck was I thinking!” category–it’s an old worn, brown silent butler/crumb catcher. I was intrigued by it because of the leather-like top with art nouveau embossing but should have never bought it. I’m smacking my head now!

I generally steer clear of McCoy pottery because I don’t know much about it and there are a lot of fakes and repros, but I decided to give this McCoy pottery poppy wall pocket a chance. It’s unmarked, but that is not uncommon. I do think it’s charming, but not worth as much as I’d hoped. (Value: $25 to $40)

This small Japanese wood-block print called “Night Moon” (according to the translation) is my fav purchase of the morning. It is just enchanting and beautifully done. I haven’t been able to figure out the artist but it’s in the style of artist Nisaburo Ito and his pagodas and likely circa 1930 to 1960 though more research is needed. (Value: $70 to $90 if unknown artist)

It’s found a home on my mantel for now joining a Jan Schachter burnished pot and an antique German brass box.

I also got a few children’s books and this 1934 has charming illustrations, but is in such poor condition I feel like it’s another mistake, though just a $1 one!

I had fun shopping again at the flea market, but am disappointed in my lack of judgment today. I think I was too keen on buying because I’ve been so disciplined this year limiting my buying and sourcing and I’ve missed it. I’ve missed going to the flea market and estate sales and the like. I’ve been mostly plodding away doing a lot of boring work for my store with occasional trips to thrift stores.

So moving forward I’ve realized I need to allow myself more of the fun part of the biz while keeping a tight rein on impulsive purchases and I need to stick to my 2025 buying goals (older, better quality, more valuable items with a few quirky bits thrown in the mix). Only the Japanese wood-block print fits my 2025 goal, though I suppose my silent butler is quirky-ish. (Still does anyone really buy these crumb catchers? It could be repurposed to hold keys or coins. Hmmmm. Well, I’ll list it, but if it doesn’t sell this year it will be donated.)

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen