This summer my mother had the opportunity to visit us in Texas. Â While my world revolves around antique malls, auctions and estate sales, she doesn’t have the opportunity very often. Â We took an afternoon and visited one of our antique malls downtown.
Not only am I always on the prowl for nice vintage auction pieces, but the creation inspiration we all need and love.
If you are one of the few people who have not experienced the thrill of a vintage bargain in an antique mall, then you need to plan a day when you have lots of time. Â Get there early, because otherwise they will close before you are done. Â Wear comfortable shoes.
If you’re not sure where to find one, there is a great website with nationwide listings at AntiqueMalls.com.
Use your time there to look in every nook and cranny for the special pieces for you home, family and friends. Sometimes the booths off the main path hold the best valued items so don’t exclude them.
Here are a few ideas that stood out for me:
This old crib mattress frame was being used as a scrapboard using clothes pins
What do you do with an old world globe?  Turn it into a fringed lamp of course! This one was dangling from an old bird cage floor stand. Actually you can make two lamps from one globe…double the fun (and profit).
In another antique store nearby we found a room that was very 70s focused, complete with hanging disco ball, flower power yellow and green table, and the piece that caught my eye for upcycling — the 45rpm record mobile.  I can almost see these records hanging from the wire basket I found at the Goodwill store.
So adding to my ongoing list of upcyclables:
- Baby mattress metal frame
- 45rpm records
- Globes
Enjoy creating, and please share your inspirations.