Ginger’s Blog: Getting Crafty

Last August, I visited the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market for the first time. I’ve always wanted to go so I planned for it. It opens at 7AM and I know you need to be an early bird to swoop in on the good stuff. I got there between 8-8:30 and there were cars and cars all lined up waiting to pull into the parking area across the street from the Walworth County Fairgrounds. For just $5 you can pass through the gates and shop as long as you like. If you need to take stuff to your car and come back in, you can get a hand stamp. I took advantage of that. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I just started walking the perimeter. If you’re an antique junkie like me, this is a must do! I gave myself a limit of just $50 to spend on whatever inspired me. I was there about 3-4 hours and was able to walk it twice in that time. I spent my entire $50 but I came home with some treasures.

Here’s what I found that inspired me…
Galvanized steel bucket to use as a planter for $2.
A 36”x7” old, red barn boards for $2 ea.
Decorative horseshoes for $2 ea.
Old, small cupboard doors with windows and handles with a nice patina. $7 for both.
Old Radio Flyer sled for $25 which I decorated for Christmas and displayed on my front porch.

I wanted to nail the horseshoes onto the barn boards, add some hooks and make wall hangings out of them. I also wanted to chalk paint the cupboard doors and use them as wall art, either plain or with something inside the windows, like a blown up old photo or greenery. Here are some photos of what I’ve done with my projects…

I haven’t found the right hooks for the barn boards yet but I know they’ll look great once I do. Not bad for $50, right? If you’ve always wanted to visit the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market they will be open August 9 and September 27. Click here to find more information.

Happy antiquing. May you find many treasures that inspire you.

Hear Ginger Martin weekdays from 10-3PM. Read more of her blogs here.