I hit one estate sale on Friday. I had texted my name to get on the list and was number 42 to get it. The woman that read off the names when the sale opened took forever to read them off. Ideally, at an estate sale you want the company running the sale to read off the names and line you up BEFORE the doors open. Then at the magic hour the door opens and you file in. At this sale she would read a name and the person would walk in. She would read another few names and those people would go in. Or she would call out a name and the person wouldn't be there and there would be a pause while she glanced around. IT IS MADDENING and minutes are precious when you know those in the door are getting time to shop while you wait. I know others in the crowd were frustrated as well. She let about 39 in and then was going to shut the door to see how crowded it was inside. Aarrgghh. Before she shut the door I asked if I could take her list and line the rest of us outside up. She handed me the list and I TOOK CHARGE. I read name after name and we were all lined up and ready to file in once the door was open. The door opened and I got in with the next wave of shoppers.
A vintage doll house. It has some issues and is missing the front porch section. It was disassembled when I bought it.
Would be great for display though and still has the charming interior.
I got a couple of rolls of corrugated cardboard brick and a giant hanger (first photo). The sale had grab bags of Christmas. I bought a couple and was rewarded with some vintage ornaments. I have told myself not to buy any more vintage ornaments (unless they are smaller), but couldn't resist the bargain price on these.
There were some smaller bags of mercury glass garland in the big grab bags. I ended up getting about 5 strands plus some really cool garland that I think is handmade. It has a couple of mercury beads, metallic thread and some sequin leaves that are all strung together. There are really pretty color combos and I have never seen anything like this before.
A herd of deer.A child's tin teacup perfect for some Valentine crafting. I really like the little egg pedestal for some reason. It was a quarter. I love the color and the tiny jewels that adorn it.
I think this little pedestal might live out year round and hold some tiny treasure.
I found a groovy table mount outdoor vinyl umbrella.
Not a bad sale. I got a good vintage fix. I was much happier after my take charge moment. Time was a wasting!
Happy day
Good grief, she didn't have a clue did she?
Posted by: Lynn | February 07, 2015 at 04:48 PM
Good thing you were there to set her straight and get that line in order!! It's been ages since I have a good estate sale. That handmade Christmas garland is precious. Lots of fun treasures. Yippee!!
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | February 07, 2015 at 04:57 PM
Ha! I just laughed out loud over your taking charge moment! Love that so much. Don't mess with Ethel. She knows how it's done!
I spy chartreuse mercury beads. Score! That doll house interior is a little piece a Heaven. The fireplace and rug!
Posted by: Maria (MagiaMia) | February 07, 2015 at 10:22 PM
Ha! That's so funny that you took charge if things outside! I'm sure those people out there with you appreciated that😉 At least you still were able to score some things. Love that garland! I've never seen anything like that before either.
That doll house is darling! I was able to sneak in a little thrifting today. I'm starting to get the itch for sales to start too😀
Have a great day!
Posted by: Doreen | February 08, 2015 at 12:39 AM
The waiting game is the worst! Especially when you see people walking out with things you totally would have bought while you are still in line!
I saw quite a few of those dollhouses when I was out on Friday. But no blue ones. I would have totally bought a blue one!
Stay dry. I cannot believe how much it is raining down here!
Erica
Posted by: Erica | February 08, 2015 at 07:09 AM
Man those estate sales are intense in Oregon! Good thing you are a pro, I don't know if I could deal with all those people/rules! I love your dollhouse! I have been obsessed with them lately, I want a whole wall of dollhouses :)
Posted by: Marci | February 08, 2015 at 08:28 AM
Good for you for taking charge!! That doll house is adorable.
Posted by: Kathy | February 08, 2015 at 08:34 AM
I've never been in line at an Estate Sale, so I wonder if they do names and numbers here. I will have to find out. Glad you took charge. Seems I have to do that sometimes at places. :)
I think that giant hanger would be great for a wall map or a poster. What do you think it was for? Blankets or curtains? It's awesome!
Posted by: Shara | February 08, 2015 at 02:36 PM
Laurie, I would just take that handmade garland,wrap it 'round & 'round, and wear it like a necklace!:) Nice finds! love rosie
Posted by: rosie | February 08, 2015 at 09:50 PM
After finding out you were #42... I can only imagine the good junk that left that house before you got it. However... you still got some amazing things!
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | February 09, 2015 at 06:03 AM
Had to come by after seeing this on fb. The house looks similar to one I had as a kid. Love the deer family!
Posted by: Susan | February 09, 2015 at 10:28 AM
Laurie,When you said the inside of that doll house is charming.
You are NOT kidding Sister! It looks Fabulous.
-Judy A- ps Nice take over.lol
Posted by: Judy Ainsworth | February 10, 2015 at 12:05 PM
So glad that you were there to take charge! Someone has to step up in these kind of situations! Great finds. I love that little pedestal. It reminds me of some of the niches that many of my vintage Madonnas come in. If I had it, I would use it to show off different religious statues.
Posted by: Eddie Mitchell | February 11, 2015 at 03:57 AM