Flea Market Makeovers

At first glance, our purchases may look like nothing special. But we tapped their hidden potential-and you can too.

Along with a few bucks and a bottle of water, you should stock up on imagination before you weave down the aisles of a flea market. The best shoppers don't take things at face value; they look at items for what they could be.

Try not to be a snob. Before you dismiss cloudy glassware or tables that desperately need a tune-up, imagine what they'd look like with a fresh coat of paint, a mod red lamp on top, or after a long soak in a bath of bleach. Then the fun kicks in.

On a recent shopping trip, we picked up three items you often see at a flea market-a tole tray, some vintage prints, and a small tiered table- and freshened up their looks. The work is rewarding, the browsing is fun, and bargains can be had.

Time's Up for This Tray!

Shopping List: Tole tray, clock kit (available at craft stores), peel-and-stick numbers

Painted metal, or tole, trays are all too common at most flea markets and antiques shops. This one cost $15, and we didn't even bargain. Turn it into a handy kitchen accessory by first drilling a hole in the center, and then screwing on the battery-operated clock kit. Make sure the small hand is on top of the big hand. Adhere the self-adhesive numbers around the tray. Lean the clock on a ledge, or hang it on a wall by attaching a picture hook to the back.

Wall Art With Wow

Shopping List: Vintage prints, frames, mat board

Prints come a dime a dozen at flea markets-from vintage advertising posters to something more unique, such as these prints we found of old wallpaper patterns ($30 each). Instead of selecting a frame that's the same size as the print, we bought large ready-made frames and cut mat board to make a 7-inch border. Now these small prints have a big presence in this living room.

A Triple-Tiered Centerpiece

Shopping List: Tiered table, primer, paintbrush, red paint

Great deals can be found on pedestal tables and small end tables, such as this tiered one that had a pitiful gold paint job in its previous life.

First, we sawed off the leg just below the first tier. We didn't bother sanding the rest of it; a coat of primer smoothed the surface enough. When the primer was completely dry, we painted the tray with semigloss latex paint. Now it's ready to take center stage on the table. SARA ANDERSON

OUR FAVORITE FLEA MARKETS

Try your hand at one of these flea market transformations, or simply shop for wonderful antiques, artwork, and accessories that are just right as is. To help, here are a few great shopping spots.

* Scott Antique Market; Atlanta; www.scottantiquemarket.com.

Open: the second weekend of every month; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Look for: antique tables and armoires, French chairs, and garden accessories, such as urns and iron gates

* The Flea Market at Eastern Market; Washington, D.C.; www.easternmarket.net.

Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Look for: original paintings and photographs, plates, vases, and other tabletop items

* First Monday Trade Days; Canton, Texas; www.firstmondaycanton.com.

Open: dawn until dark Friday-Sunday, before the first Monday of the month.

Look for: handcrafted accessories, such as lamps, pottery, and jewelry (Hint: This market has thousands of vendors that stretch for 10 miles, so if you see something you like, grab it. This place is too big for backtracking!)

* The Flea Market at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds; Raleigh; www.ncstatefair.org/fleamarket.htm.

Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, except during October.

Look for: Oriental rugs, rockers, patio furniture, crafts, and linens

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2005
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