November 16, 2011

Going to the Shabby Flea

I had so much fun Saturday at
"The Shabby Flea"
This is a wonderful event held twice a year in the cute little historic town of Lakeland which is 1 hour south of Orlando


It is a mix of Shabby antiques, jewelry, primitives, Children's clothes, candles, there was even a booth selling Annie Sloan chalk paint


Paris Rags had the cutest altered clothes



I get so inspired when I go to fairs



You had to wait to get in this booth it was so crowded.  She had gorgeous and unique altered jewelry



I want this, isn't it gorgeous to put on a buffet!




My Friends Kathy And Sue from Suebees took the plunge and did their first fair



I've heard from a few people that have antiques booths and also do fairs, that a lot of money can be made at a fair compared to a booth. 
 I would love to hear your experience!


Doing an antique fair is something that is on my "Bucket list".  I have never done a fair of any type and I Sooo want to give it a whirl.  The Shabby Flea would be perfect because it is just one day from 10-4.  The lugging of product is what gives me pause.....Maybe I could sell feathers!  

Happy Creating!

Carol

37 comments:

Debbie said...

I would have loved that! I can also see so much that is reminiscent of your style. You must have come home with a boatload of ideas.

I love that ice skate turned centerpiece. I am going to ask my mom if we have any old ice skates in her attic. (Because we didn't always live in the south, ya know...)

Ruby Jean said...

Oh Auntie Carol... I am thinking I need to take a trip out your way.... That looks like a Fabulous Fair... And Oh... ME TOO!!! I want that Buffet Shelf that is GORGEOUS!!!! I have never done a Fair like this but I am sure it would be LOADS of fun!!

Carrie@comfortablycarriedaway said...

Love the pillows with the burlap and ruffles! I'm adding that to my "to do" list. I attended a fair this summer called the Plucky Maidens Junkfest that seems very similar to this. I have to admit I am an idea stealer...I rarely buy anything. I just jot down ideas along the way since pictures are usually a big no no. I'd love to try a fair someday,when life's current pace slows down a bit.

stefanie said...

oh, we have nothing like this hear....just gross flea marts!!!

Erin of Salvaged Whimsy said...

You may have to haul it there, but I imagine you won't have much left to take home. I've kind of thought about trying a fair, it would be so great if I could find one that's only 1 day (I don't think my husband could handle the babies for longer on his own :) like yours is. I can not thank you enough for sharing your opinion of my booth - it means a lot to me, especially since you have experience with booths. I've realized that my stuff doesn't really fit in...so I think the other dealers might think I'm a little crazy (or, as my mom would say, nuttier than a fruitcake!). Really, though, thank you so much...it's such a challenge to be patient and wait for things to sell. Take care.

Sylvia said...

Carol, I bet if you sold feathers they would have your special touch and would all be gone!!

Are you going to Rennigers this weekend?

Sylvia

camp and cottage living said...

Carol
Shabby Flea sure looks like an inspiring place to be. Why can't I come up with those ideas?

Something Special said...

What a fabulous Shabby flea market. I wish we had more of that out here. I guess, I will just I have to get something started. I followed your example and posted a tutorial. That was fun! Have a nice day!

Anonymous said...

So is it at all possible I want virtually everything in your pictures???? GORGEOUS items. I have often considered the fair but I tell you, you have to make a ton of items to bring in the money. So if your up to holding off your profit until fair time, go for it. Create til your fingers go numb. Or do both. :)
Hugs
Tammy

Anonymous said...

what a great sale, I have a good friend who does sales like this, or Shows, and its so much, lugging and hauling , she finds it very hard now she has gotten arthritis,, still, would be fun to do once, maybeyou could inlist family helpers to help,, great stuff, beautiful post

Me said...

Carol, I'm so glad you had fun in Lakeland. The fair was only 10 minutes from my house but I had a crossfit competition going on. I heard so many good things about it and I hope to have my own booth there sometime in the future. You, of all people, should participate in it next year! My friend sells the crystal sandals and she said the fair was a huge success for her. Do it, Carol!! :) Glad you had a great time, and I can't wait to see your inspirations come to life!

Gina said...

Oh I would love it! I think you should do it!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Looks like lots of great treasures there! YES, do a fair/show! A one day one sounds perfect. I bet you would do AWESOME!
Warmly,
deb

SueBee said...

Feathers would sell! So glad you came and visited us. It's so fun seeing friends.
Hope you do the next show!

Stampindamour said...

Carol -

Those are great photos! I LOVE to see pictures of places that other people have visited. That Shabby Flea looks like a great place that your Vintage Romantic Shabby goods would do well at!

I've done several different types of shows, some great and some not so great...I even organized and promoted a few because I didn't want to pay the high Vendor fees at one show....

Anyhow, I do like the fast-paced, quick sales...you can get really spoiled! You can make nice money in one day (or several hours) the same amount as it can take all month from booth sales!!!

TIPS: Bring change (lots of singles!), bags, and business cards!!! Plus, bring snacks, water, and hand wipes. ;)

-pamela
mybooth96.blogspot.com


.............................

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I would love going to this type of event! WOW! So many beautiful things! ♥

Createology said...

You should definitely do a fair just like this one! Your fabulous things would be perfect for this market. Yes, the set up would be exhausting but just think of checking something off your special list. Thank you so much for sharing all these photos of inspiration. Blissful...

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

That looks like a fun place to spend a day shopping and gathering ideas. I'm sure you would do well at a fair like that if you can work out the details. I have done booths and a one day fair. The booths were more profitable but the fair was fun. I was hoping for more profit than fun, though. Good luck with the decision when the time comes. ----------Shannon

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Carol,

What a great time you had at the fair, great photos...It is fun to see what everybody else is doing and if they are having fun too! I think that if you could try a one day fair in your area then that would be easier, less travel time etc...
All the Best,
Christine

Debbie said...

What GORGEOUS items!! Wish that was closer to me! It would be so much FUN to attend! I bet you didnt know which way to turn next! :)

Debbiedoos said...

I can see why there was a wait to get into that booth.Fantastic eye candy Carol!

Nancy said...

Hi Carol!
Your Pictures are Beautiful! Just Love the closeups. I have done Craft shows before and I have always done very well, and for me it has always been such a fun day! Just Loved it when I did them. I just came across Babbles top Crafter's Nominations. It must have started awhile ago, but anyhow I nominated you! You can vote for yourself and spread the word for votes. In the Alphabetical Section you are #290, http://www.babble.com/mom/beauty-style/top-50-craft-mom-blogs-2011-nominate/# Congratulations on your Son's Engagement!! I need to go read the Mother in Law Jokes, I don't have any to share that I can think of. I bet my Son in Laws have a few though!!

Huggs, Nancy

Melodee said...

wish I had a shabby flea market nearby! it looks delightful!!

Ellie said...

I used to do shows when I lived in the Midwest. Yes, it is work hauling stuff. But, you soon figure out how to pack, load, unload, and set up. I used one of those fold-up flat carriers on wheels, which made life so much easier. Believe me, showing gets in your blood. You meet fabulous vendors who quickly become friends, and look after you. You soon establish a following of clients.

Pamela listed some great tips. Make a kit to include any supplies you think you might need: hammer, glue, scissors, calculator, pens, paper, price tags, tape of all sorts, etc.

Shows are quite rewarding, and worth your
efforts.

ENJOY.

Caroline said...

I adore it ALLLLLL......... I absolutely LOVE Paris rags clothing.. feminine and gorgeous!
Hugs and Thanks for all the effort you make for your blog!

Olivia said...

Love your pictures! I do a cottage sale, it's fun,stuff sells fast.....probably need a large vehicle. I make my wreaths, they have been selling fast! Hugs, olivia

Char said...

Good morning Carol,
Depending on the cost of doing the fair, I would say, YES, DO IT!!
You create such beautiful things and flea markets, fairs and shows are so much fun. Not only do you sell, you meet the nicest vendors, get opinions of other shows to do and find new vendors to shop with.
Go for it Carol, I know you would be a huge success,
Char
By the way, I would have had to have that shelf, what a gorgeous piece. HA.

KimMalk said...

You know, Carol, one of my followers told me about this. My youngest daughter was involved in a cheer competition this weekend, so I couldn't make it. I'm hoping my schedule will be clear for the spring one. I think you would do wonderfully. I love that remade jewelry!

Unknown said...

These are some sweet finds! Its on my list too... one day! :) I love the vintagey stuff, priceless!

Hugs,

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I found you on Carrie@comfortablycarriedaway and had to laugh at your "fluffy" people comment. I loved it! So..I hopped over here and you still have me laughing with your "feathers" remark.
Mona

*walks off giggling*

Heart Vintage Design said...

Great pictures and post. The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint booth will be at the Renninger's Antique Market Extravaganza this weekend too : )

Savannah Granny said...

You are soooo funny. I am sure if you sold feathers, they would be gorgeous and you would sell out.
Hugs, Ginger

Sunny said...

I am, luckily, one of her fluffy friends and grateful for the sturdier chairs! Carol is a hoot, on the written page...and in person! Carol, after reading this post and seeing the pictures you absolutely must do this fair!...and i'll be happy to help you haul it all in my truck!
warmly, sunny

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Carol, I would have loved to be there! My dad lives in Lakeland but I've never been visiting him when this show is held. Looks like a lot of fun.
Hugs,
Sherry

kristiB said...

Since I started having a booth @ The Chic Boutique , I've done 3 fairs and gearing up for my 4th on Dec 3rd. It is A LOT of work but , well worth it. After Every fair I say to myself, not doing this again! Strange how I keep saying yes when asked to be a vendor at another, LOL!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

If only we had an event like this in KS! Wow, what great stuff!

Denise @ The Rusty Gate said...

Hi, Carol. Glad you were able to break away from company and come to The Fancy Flea Market. It was a lot of fun and I will be more than happy to share my experience with you. Sorry I missed you when you were in my booth...I had to roam to see what else was out there and even found a few treasures for myself and a couple to bring back to my booth. You can let your followers know that the next Fancy Flea Market in Lakeland is tentatively set for April 28th. Have your readers put it on their calendar so they have plenty of time to plan their trip! Also, some of the dealers there posted pics on their facebook pages. I have some if any of your readers want to see more! Hope to see you soon. I want to come visit your mall to see your new linen display! Happy Thanksgiving, denise