For the Love of Estate Sales

Some of you my wonder...what is this love of old junk you have? 

Well stop right there!  If you have talked to me for 5 minutes you know that I prefer to use the word...TREASURES.  

For the longest time I have always loved a good visit to an antique store.  I would browse around and pick up items I like.  I really didn't know much about them.  And honestly, I really didn't spend a lot of time doing much research.  I purchased all kinds of things, including my dining room table for about $200.  Many times I would bring home these new found treasures and even make something new out of them.  I have a cake stand that I created using a glass platter, a candle stick, and some E6000 glue.  It is proudly displayed on my kitchen island.  (But there is more to this story...for another day.)  

Fast forward several years and I joined a Pyrex group to see what all the fuss was about.  The great search for rare Pyrex then led me to estate sales.  And guidance and the help of my middle sister, I decided to start bidding on online auctions.  One of my first scores was in southwest Houston where I "won" several pieces of Heisey glass.  I was smitten with the etched glass wine stems, in Orchid, that still had the tags on them.  I quickly started researching and found that, "in theory", they were worth so much more than I paid.  (I mean of course it's only worth what someone else is willing to pay, but "in theory" was good enough for me.)  And to think that they were from the 1930's and in such pristine condition, I just couldn't believe it. I was hooked. 

My personal collection consists of Heisey Orchid etched glass, Cambridge Wildflower etched glass, Fenton Silver Crest, and any and all cake stands I can find.  I also have a exuberant amount of red Avon that was gifted to me by my Gigi.  It makes it's appearance at Valentine's and Christmas. 

My favorite estate sales are online auctions.  I get so excited when I go to pick up.  I just can't wait to see what I "won".  Let me be clear... it's not winning.  You have to pay.  But in my mind it is winning!  (Honestly, it's kind of like gambling.)  As I time went on, I started doing research to find out more about the treasures I purchased. 

Some items I keep for myself and some I resell for the next generation to enjoy. It's kind of exciting when people you know start to take an interested in these vintage finds.  And even better when you own kids do!  I did take the plunge and rented a space at The Antique Gallery of Houston earlier this year.  It's a baby display, but it's full of treasures. 

Every time I sell or gift a piece, it's one more piece of history that will live to be loved another day.  And that is enough for me to keep buying.

Happy treasure hunting!

Stefanie