Monday, January 5, 2009

The dirtier the better

when it comes to flea markets, that is. Nothing makes me happier than stumbling upon a random, slightly run down one, preferably staffed by people that look like they might possibly be on the run from the law. I think the deals are better and the sense of excitement is exponentially greater.

I picked up these darling vintage Wedgewood tea cups this weekend. I have dreams of a collection of mismatched tea cups and saucers. I might have been able to bargain down from $5 per cup, but I was too intimidated (the only downside to sketchy flea markets).

DSC_1527

Whenever I buy vintage kitchenware, I bring it home and bleach it, just to be sure I'm not getting any weird germs. Take it from a scientist - a 30 minute soak in a 10% bleach solution will kill absolutely everything, so you'll have nothing to worry about.

If you'd prefer your tea cups shiny and new, check out these beauties from Anthropologie. At $18 for a cup and saucer, they aren't exactly a steal, but I'll admit that they tempt me.

22 comments:

  1. They are fantastic - LOVE the color!

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  2. no way...your flea market finds are so much more special than just waltzing into an anthropologie. though they have great stuff, it lacks the appeal of true vintage finds and your little teacup couldn't be cuter.

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  3. thanks for the bleach trick. i love old stuff (flea market, thrift store, you name it) but i have worried in the random icky past of some objects.

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  4. What a great find. Fauxhawk just installed hooks in our cabinet to hang all of my teacups - I love opening the door and seeing them all lined up and pretty.

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  5. I'd take vintage flea market finds over retail any day! Your new teacups are adorable! Thanks for the bleaching tip, I'll definitely remember this next time I'm on the lookout for thrift stores.

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  6. I will be on the tea-cup lookout for you as I have a local shop and they do have some lovelies there.
    The owner loves me so I will put on my best smile and tell her they are a for a woman of heart!
    Any colors that are your fave?

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  7. thrift- so true.
    cups- lovely.
    bleach- smart.

    great find, Rachel!

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  8. I always have grand plans of buying these teacups and then making soy or beeswax candles in them as gifts - am sure I saw a 'recipe' somewhere and it wasn't too difficult.

    Maybe it was somewhere like this:
    http://www.ehow.com/how_4662332_make-teacup-candles.html

    Anyway, am sure I will never get around to it!

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  9. Isn't it fun to go on a hunt for the perfect treasure?! I love the color. My vintage pieces this weekend is the sewing basket (blog).
    Enjoy a cup of tea!

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  10. Those are gorgeous finds! I'm in love with their blues and greens!

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  11. What a steal! LOVE these, and love that they're wedgewood. and i know what you mean about being nervous to bargain people down! I'm usually sure i'm getting a little ripped off but am too scared to do anything about it...still these are real beauties at ANY price!

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  12. What gorgeous finds Rachel! I too love sketchy flea market booths where the vendors are looking over their shoulders ;) The journey of the hunt is just as important as the find!

    Ah, and don't worry about negotiating down the price. The vendors all expect it. My "psychology" negotiating trick is to use the word "because." It always works, even if your reason is inane. For example, "Will you take $4 for this because I'm on a budget?" Or "Will you take $10 for this because it's Sunday and you don't have to pack it back up?" :)

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  13. I just started thrifting and I'm not quite sure of the bargaining points. How much is *too* much to ask off? I was eyeing a vintage fur stole last weekend and they offered me 10% off. I passed on it, but should I have asked for 20%off?

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  14. Great finds Rachel! I think the vintage tea cups are way more appealing than shiny new ones... makes tea time more interesting. Enjoy!

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  15. What a great find! And the fact that you got Wedgewood for $5 makes it even better!

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  16. Your thoughts on flea markets make me smile. Those teacups you found are amazing and good luck with your collection!

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  17. Wow, I'm impressed. You found those at a flea market! Impressive!

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  18. Beautiful teacups - and will remember the bleach tip! Thanks :-)

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  19. Wow - the cup in the top image is my Mum's wedding china - that made me smile broadly!

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  20. these are so beautiful, so many cute colours to choose from too! that flea market find is so cute, vintage as well, surely nothing can be better! ;)

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  21. gorgeous find! i'm jealous! i collect vintage-y tea cups, too and only have a handful. i haven't found any steals like this one. oh, and the bleach trick...I love it! i'm a germophobe and have always wondered how to get rid of the germies. thanks!

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