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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Rose Bowl Flea Market


Hello my bloggy friends!! I have really missed you all so much. I starting to go into blog withdrawal while away on vacation! It took me a couple of days to get back in the swing of things, but here I am. The first destination on our 2 week trio up the California coast was the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market. Trust me when I say it was HUGE!! I have never been to a true flea market before and this was quite an experience. I wasn't even down the first two rows before my cart runneth over!!! I found a couple of fabulous lampshades with scalloped edges and two more old watering cans to add to my collection.


There were thousands of vendors! It was really hard to know whether to by something or not. There were a few bigger pieces that I had to pass up because they just would take up to much room in the car.


I loved this birdhouse but the price was to high for my budget. In fact I was a little surprised at some of the prices. They seemed comparable to what you would find in a shop. I guess I was under the misconception that the prices would be much lower. I was also under the delusion that it was common practice to haggle a little bit over price. Some of the vendors were really good about it. But a few were downright rude when I asked for a lower price. (And believe me, my offer was NOT unreasonable!!)


Some of the little treasures I found.... Vintage jewelry pieces (which I am always on the lookout for now!) And some wonderful old lace. (Which I am ALSO always on the lookout for now!) I'll show you what I did with some of these little treasures in a later post.


But, I would have to say... My favorite find at Pasadena was my vintage typewriter. I wave been looking for one for quite a long time. Here in Arizona, I just have not had any success. As soon as I saw this one my eyes lit up!! The woman had 3 and sold the fist two in the first half hour of the show. I was very excited to get it and happy to pay the $40.00 she was asking. It now sits on the dresser in my studio sporting my favorite quote.

Well, that's all the photo's I have for you from Pasadena. I was really expecting to find a lot more, but it's probably a good thing I didn't. I didn't know it then but I had so much more wonderful shopping to do!!! I'll see you in a couple of days for the next leg of our trip!



47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Always enjoy a visit to your blog. Such inspiration in your beautiful cottage!

Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

Sherry said...

I missed the flea market when I was in Ca. last year and wish I had been able to go. Even if you don't buy much of what you see at these flea markets, it's just seeing "sooo" much that makes your heart flip just a bit. And I love the typewriter!!!! Glad you found one.

icandy... said...

Hello and welcome home Karen!
Soooo glad to have you back~~what wonderful finds you came across! That typewriter...*sigh*....such a steal for $40.00!! I know what you mean about not expecting a flea market to charge "shop" prices. Sometimes, that can be pretty discouraging! My thoughts are...."if it's meant to be"... :) Thanks for sharing the lovely photos... I have a little something for you, I hope to get it out in the mail soon.
Hugs,
Christina :)

CFLanger said...

LOVE the typewriter! My grandparents had one just like that and I actually learned to type on it when I was just a little girl. What a cool "find"!

stefanie said...

i know exactly what you mean by the prices, i went to the rose bowl flea mart for the first time this year, and was really suprised at how high they were, i was so tired, it is huge. i thought i had walk it all and then i saw more across a bridge, but i just gave up. but it is fun and i will probably go again

The French Bear said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful time, happy you are back!! I wish we had these kinds of flea markets here, but we have "antique shops" where they are rude and way over priced!
You look so nice in your picture!!!
I have a couple of old typewriters like that, I can't seem to give them away. I just don't have the room in my little house and I am looking for an old child's sewing machine instead.
Maybe I should offer a swap? Ha ha, I am glad you like yours, it looks like it at least types nicely!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Gail said...

I sooooo looooooooove that typewriter! To think I sold one a few years ago, an old Underwood...oh well, another will come along I'm sure.
Great finds, sorry to hear the prices were so high.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen! Since I just recently discovered you I'm glad you are back so you can do more of your wonderful posts!!! I understand about the prices at the flea market; I went to the Brimfield Mass flea market which I assume is equivalent to the Rose Bowl and it was a little pricey as well! Looks like you still found some really great things though and I look forward to seeing what you did with the vintage items; My mother has an old vintage typewriter which I MUST remind her I want when she is ready to part with it (I have a SIL that seems to always be looking for her stuff!!!lol) Have a fun week - Sincerely, Jeannette

Embellished Bayou said...

How fun! I would love to be able to experience that and see all the wonderful treasures.

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Fantastic finds at the flea market! Oh I wish I could have been along for the fun! I especially love the old upright typewriter. It's identical to the one my grandfather gave us when I was eight yrs old and pecked out my first story! What fun you had!

Deborah said...

LoVe the typewriter! Good for you. Seems like a fair price too.

Oliver's said...

Great finds...wish we had flea markets like this in Oklahoma! My CD labels are coming right along, I'll be posting pics soon I hope! Thanks again, Paula

DeeDee said...

wow...what a greaet place to stop and have a bit of fun...great finds you have shown...

The Green Pea said...

What a fun post, looks like a great day at the Rose Bowl. I can hardly wait to see what you do with the lace and jewelry. Sandi

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Karen,
I love your finds. One can never have enough watering cans in my opinion and that typewriter is wonderful. I am kicking myself for not purchasing one last year when I came upon not one but two for sale, both at great prices. Your favorite saying is a good one and so appropriate too! Welcome back, can't wait to see the rest of your finds. I just added to my watering can collection last week myself ;)
xo~Tracie

Artsy Fartsy Junkin Finds said...

I enjoyed the tour of the market!! Looks like their was some rally cool junk there, Tootles, janna

Karen said...

Hi Karen.
Ugh! I could've told you the Rose Bowl has really high prices. You just have to hunt. ANd you have to really want what you find.
But you had fun!!! And all in all, it really is quite an experience. I don't like going when it's hot. I get CRANKY!!!
I am finally home from vacation - hope yours is going well! Be safe!
Karen - Some Days Are Diamonds

Unknown said...

Glad you enjoyed your time away..It looks like alot of fun.You metioned vintage lace.Describe it a little more or some other things that I can get for you(reasonably) at a good deal.Chickie

Kdottie Designs said...

I love the Rose Bowl Flea market....I don't get to go anymore since my daughter moved from LA. Oh, the things I found there!

Patina said...

That looks like a lot of fun! I can see why you had a great time!
I think I would have been dragging after awhile. There were a lot of vendors at that flea market.

Shannon said...

Wow, what great finds!! Thank you so much for sharing. So many nice things there - It would be hard for me to pass them by, too!!

Very glad that you had such a great time.

Mary said...

That looks like such a good time...I love the antique flea market we have up here every month. My favorite is the typewriter...I used to have one, and would you believe I gave it to GW...in my "stupid" days?

Have a wonderful week!

Mary

Anonymous said...

good morning! my name is vana and i'm from greece . i am a new member to the blog!
i admire so much your work! i like the photos of your garden as well.
your house is so different from our here in my country.last week i was reading your blog every day!
have a nice day!
(i apologise for my english mistakes)

Rebecca said...

Glad to have you back...looks like you had some fun while you were gone. Hope all is well and you have fun with your treasures
Blessings
Rebecca

EMBELLISH said...

I had a simular typewriter and got rid of it and have regretted it every since. I absolutely love the one you found. Beautiful find.

The Rustic Victorian said...

Good finds Karen!

Claudia said...

Welcome home! I lived in Southern CA for 8 years and somehow never made it to the Rose Bowl Flea Market! Isn't that a shame? It sounds like you had a fabulous time! The typewriter (and quote) are wonderful!

Lorraine said...

Hi I'm I love everthing about it, 40 bucks for that amazing piece oh wow, I would have bought it in a hurry, delicious...did I tellyou I love you blog, this is my second visit well actually not true since I discovered you (from Icandy) I've checked your previous every day lol love your stuff, I have just found the most amazing deal, it looked liked a fairly common country 'look' texture for 4.00 all rolled around, but I needed something like this, but inside of wow a multitude of different textures and amazing colours and delicated designs oh my gosh it's Christmas lol

Lorraine said...

Oh and I adore the old vintage stuff :)

The French Bear said...

Hi Karen, thanks for stopping by, I sure will add your name to the giveaway!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
The French Bear

Cindy Surber said...

Glad you like the Rose Bowl. I keep saying I going to go this month and once again I miss it.
It a great flea market. So much great goodies. The last time I bought old quilts for $ 5.00
Prim blessing
Cindy

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Thank you for taking me to the Rose Bowl Flea w/you ... I've never been!

Sounds like you had a great time and are finding lots of "souvenirs" to bring home ... yeah!

xo
Jill

paperbird said...

We have traveled to California several times this year but I have yet to make it to the Rose Bowl swap flea market. It looks like amazing fun and you found some wonderful treasures. Can't wait to see what you do with the pretty lace and jewelry!

kana said...

I so want your typewriter...lucky girl!! Looks like you had fun on your trip, but glad you are back and blogging!

Unknown said...

Looks like you got some great things...but I know what you mean about prices being a little high these days at the flea market!

:) T

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hello Karen,

I know what you mean about the size of that flea market...many years ago I lived in San Diego and went to my first "Swap Meet" that was held in the Coliseum parking lot every weekend...I couldn't believe my eyes!
It was a blast.

I know you found some great stuff....and the typewriter is something I'm looking for too..I've seen a few but none just right yet.

Do drop by for quick visit when you have a moment!

Stephanie

matilda said...

Hi!
You have a fabulous trip in Rose Bowl.
What a flea market! Great finds, especially vintage typewriter and old lace. I love lace.
I enjoyed the tour of the market, thanks.

Warm greetings, Matilda

Unknown said...

welcome home-wish I had known you were in our neck of the woods!! Looked like a lot of fun.
Lynn
alittlebluesky.blogspot.com

beth said...

thanks for stopping by and saying such nice things about my blog ~smile~

and that flea market is the creme de la creme of fleas and on my "to do" list !

I'm so jealous....okay, off to read more about you :)

decorator to the stars said...

HI, AS YOU KNOW I'M A SUCKER FOR WATERING CANS ALSO,WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH YOUR TYPEWRITER? I HAVE ONE IN MY GARAGE THAT I'M THINKING ABOUT PULLING THE LETTERS OFF;I CAN HARDLY LIFT IT; I ONLY PAID $1 FOR IT :) GIO

Charlene said...

Karen, so glad you had fun on vacation & everyone needs one time & again. I miss having the links to all the studios on your Event there. Wish you could link them to a button for easy hop over!

What kind of vintage typewritter did you find? I couldn't see a name. I just got an old Underwood. They look so cool on display don't they? Enjoy & welcome back.

Candy said...

Looks like there was lots to comb through. Girlfriend you need a bigger cart! Glad you finally found the typewriter of your dreams, it is a dandy! Look forward to seeing what you do with the vintage jewelry.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Oh what a fun place to hunt for beautiful treasures! That typewriter is so wonderful!
Looking forward to more photos.
bunny hugs,
shell

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi Karen, I missed your energy and your wonderful desert cottage. I have been very busy since you left. I even sent my first tag/card to a gal in florida. I believe that you do that -- how about an exchange????

come visit


cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com

The Vintage Vagablonde said...

Have not been to the Rose bowl but I heard it is comparable to Alameda but the Rose bowl is a bit on the pricey side....
There is a little one in San Fran called Alemany and it has GREAT prices.

I still find my best items at thrift stores....very cheap.

Have a wonderful vacation....if you make it to Fresno....I could take you to over 14 Thrift stores :)

Cottage Way of Life said...

The Rose Bowl flea market has been expensive for quite a long time now. Still fun to look though. And in August, jeeze it's always HOT out there in Pasadena ... no breeze down in the Arroyo Seco and all that asphalt reflecting the heat back up! I avoid the Rose Bowl in August. Next time you come to California, if you're here on the 3rd Sunday of the month, try going to the Veteran's Stadium flea market in Long Beach ... a lot of the same Rose Bowl dealers with much better prices (and not as hot)! :-)

Lisa said...

You have a beautiful blogspot! just found you...I have a wonderful old typewriter that belonged to my Grandpa. For a while I had it displayed in our office, but we are moving so it's awaiting it's new home. I love these old machines! Love your place! http://ofgraceandpearls.blogspot.com/

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