Fall is upon us--that means the perfect time to visit the Flea. I've got a small compilation of some photos I took whilst shopping at the Kane County Flea market near Chicago. Use the photos as inspiration, and be sure to read this in your head with a slight southern accent. Why, you ask? Because I think it sounds more fun that way. Don't question me-- be like Nike, Just Do It.
Today's Flea was place of antiques, knick knacks, sparklies, hoojibobs, whatchamacallits, handmades and overall oddities. The air was crisp and calm with a slight smell of kettle corn. I scrounged tent after tent, barn after barn, table after table, to find unique items for my DIYs and craft callings. Above, an array of mummified insects on display. I wanted to take a casketed cave spider home, but decided against it on the basis of sheer creepiness. I thought it might take life at night and chomp my limbs. Seriously, Google that thang. There were birdhouses, branches and yard wares, and enough rusty metal to choke a horse. I wasn't here for the already-upcycled items, but rather looking for that diamond in the rough-something in need of new beginnings-that could only be found after digging through boxes, trays, bins and bags. But of course, rhinestones and rather royal-looking trinkets caught my eye. Very Marie Antionette. ( I wish I could remember the vendor or artist-if it's you, email me and I'll link to your site ). Digging it.
If you're a beer or liquor enthusiast, bottles galore brimmed the shelves of most vendors, ranging from contemporary to very vintage labels. Here, whiskey you see. And these made me dance a do-se-do in my boots (combat ones with spikes by the way). As a graphic designer and artist, it shames me to say I have never actually seen these type wood blocks before. Lovin' the artsy vibe here. Trays filled to the nines. Stained glass diffused afternoon light into soft color puddles on the sandy floor. Charming, but again, not necessarily what I needed for my project. And fall wouldn't be fall without the bright crimson-orange and contrasting olive of dried bittersweet branches. The color palette here is inspiring enough. I was always drawn back to the blocks. Blame it on my background. So many choices…I'm like "Buyin' the whole alphabet!" Then, finding out they were all $4 each I'm like…"Houston, we've got a problem". And because of my indecisiveness, couldn't figure out which individual letters I wanted instead. Maybe next time. Lines of license plates from all states stacked the shelves of one vendor. Made for a multicolored array of metal mementos. Truckloads of pumpkins and gourds were a season staple. Ignore Da Bears in the background, they ain't 'going anywhere. Yes, these are cute, but unappreciated by vegans like me. Can we have flags flying fresh veggie images? Please for once? And I discovered where the sweet smell was coming from (not the cheese)... YASSSSSS….my love. Chandeliers clad with gems and glass drops. I'll take all five, please??? At a couple hundred a piece, in my dreams. Flea meets farmers market with the amount of flowers and foliage available. These ferns reminded me of witches' brooms. And, there's that bright, feisty orange color again. Fantastic! Back to the bugs. Something creepily enchanting about them. Most readers will think I'm cray, but I like these little scientific specimens. And lastly, I probably should have left this photo out because of the not-so-interesting composition, but anything with cats has to be included. Do you all know my obsession with cats? Oh, you soon will. I saw this stand on my way out. I know I have never specifically said what special items I bought at the Flea….it's to keep you in suspense. Stay tuned for some sweet DIY projects and special creations. You won't know what's coming until it's here! 'Till next time!
Enjoy these shots, but remember, all photos are COPYRIGHT Allison Beth Cooling, so please DO NOT repost without crediting me and linking to me. If you would like permission to use a photo, just contact me here.
Today's Flea was place of antiques, knick knacks, sparklies, hoojibobs, whatchamacallits, handmades and overall oddities. The air was crisp and calm with a slight smell of kettle corn. I scrounged tent after tent, barn after barn, table after table, to find unique items for my DIYs and craft callings. Above, an array of mummified insects on display. I wanted to take a casketed cave spider home, but decided against it on the basis of sheer creepiness. I thought it might take life at night and chomp my limbs. Seriously, Google that thang. There were birdhouses, branches and yard wares, and enough rusty metal to choke a horse. I wasn't here for the already-upcycled items, but rather looking for that diamond in the rough-something in need of new beginnings-that could only be found after digging through boxes, trays, bins and bags. But of course, rhinestones and rather royal-looking trinkets caught my eye. Very Marie Antionette. ( I wish I could remember the vendor or artist-if it's you, email me and I'll link to your site ). Digging it.
If you're a beer or liquor enthusiast, bottles galore brimmed the shelves of most vendors, ranging from contemporary to very vintage labels. Here, whiskey you see. And these made me dance a do-se-do in my boots (combat ones with spikes by the way). As a graphic designer and artist, it shames me to say I have never actually seen these type wood blocks before. Lovin' the artsy vibe here. Trays filled to the nines. Stained glass diffused afternoon light into soft color puddles on the sandy floor. Charming, but again, not necessarily what I needed for my project. And fall wouldn't be fall without the bright crimson-orange and contrasting olive of dried bittersweet branches. The color palette here is inspiring enough. I was always drawn back to the blocks. Blame it on my background. So many choices…I'm like "Buyin' the whole alphabet!" Then, finding out they were all $4 each I'm like…"Houston, we've got a problem". And because of my indecisiveness, couldn't figure out which individual letters I wanted instead. Maybe next time. Lines of license plates from all states stacked the shelves of one vendor. Made for a multicolored array of metal mementos. Truckloads of pumpkins and gourds were a season staple. Ignore Da Bears in the background, they ain't 'going anywhere. Yes, these are cute, but unappreciated by vegans like me. Can we have flags flying fresh veggie images? Please for once? And I discovered where the sweet smell was coming from (not the cheese)... YASSSSSS….my love. Chandeliers clad with gems and glass drops. I'll take all five, please??? At a couple hundred a piece, in my dreams. Flea meets farmers market with the amount of flowers and foliage available. These ferns reminded me of witches' brooms. And, there's that bright, feisty orange color again. Fantastic! Back to the bugs. Something creepily enchanting about them. Most readers will think I'm cray, but I like these little scientific specimens. And lastly, I probably should have left this photo out because of the not-so-interesting composition, but anything with cats has to be included. Do you all know my obsession with cats? Oh, you soon will. I saw this stand on my way out. I know I have never specifically said what special items I bought at the Flea….it's to keep you in suspense. Stay tuned for some sweet DIY projects and special creations. You won't know what's coming until it's here! 'Till next time!
Enjoy these shots, but remember, all photos are COPYRIGHT Allison Beth Cooling, so please DO NOT repost without crediting me and linking to me. If you would like permission to use a photo, just contact me here.
tagged with: photography, fall, photoblogging, flea market, travel,
blogger, travel photography, pickers, vintage, kane county
blogger, travel photography, pickers, vintage, kane county
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