With fall being the season for outdoor activities, such as pumpkin and apple picking, it is also the last chance to visit flea markets before the cold winter makes you hesitate to bargain hunt. While considering this, here are a few last minute projects you can tackle before the big chill. There are a few pointers here that will help you know what products to turn into projects so that you do not need to spend too much time in the flea market.
When hitting the flea market, look for anything that can be framed. Posters, fabrics, or even maps can be placed in a frame—one that you can also find at the market. This is a super easy project that can become a great accent piece for your home. Whether displayed over mantles, or hung on the only empty wall in your living room, your completely personalized project can be the focal point that will get guests asking where you bought it.
Other flea market projects that you should look for are items that can be painted. If there is a mirror with a wood frame around it, you can paint it a color of your liking. You can also hone your painting skills by retouching wood pieces with stains. You can sand and stain small furniture like boxes and end tables to a shade of your liking, adding extra storage to your house for a flea market price.
Baskets can be converted into storage systems with minimal time and effort. The key to choosing a great basket is making sure they are not falling apart. If there are pieces sticking out from its weaving pattern, then it is not the basket for you. You can use fabric to line the bottom of the basket and tie it together with a ribbon across the top. You want to be able to create smooth pieces that can become works or art or functional storage units for your mail, toys, or magazines.
Make sure that when you do take your final trips to the flea market, you look for projects that are attractive and do not require much fine tuning. Create pieces that will have your guests inspired by your ability to completely transform a previously overlooked object into an interesting work of art. So get creative with paint, baskets, and pictures because you might just be surprised by what you are able to add to your home.
Photo Via Flickr/jay8085
