Scrap metal sculptures from oil drums, pipes and siding.
What’s so appealing about flea markets is that ya never know what you’re gonna find – that, and the “what’s-the-best-you-can-do” deals. What I especially noticed on my last trip was the plethora of booths featuring hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items, often repurposed from found, recycled and trashed materials.
It was quite a circus…but without the fleas!
So, if you’d like, strap on your virtual walking shoes, and don’t forget your hat (it’s hot outside!). Let’s stroll through the aisles of the Long Beach Antique Market and check out the new not-so-flea-markety stuff!
Welded metal cabinet and fruit crates by TheCratePeople.com.
Wooden fruit crates were sourced from local farmers.
One of my favorite finds were these metal welded, wooden fruit shelves, side table and stool by The Crate People. The owner and maker, Anthony mentioned sourcing these vintage crates is quite time consuming and hard to find.
Fruit crate side table and drawers by TheCratePeople.com.
Fruit drawers offer loads of character and convenient storage.
Fruit crate seat with storage.
These steampunk trinkets were eye catching and fun. The maker (unknown) seemed to enjoy creating them from their favorite spirits, tools and other interesting things.
Steampunk bottle art.
Steampunk bottle art is full of spirit.
This fun light fixture was custom designed from vintage wire fruit baskets. The shop, Cottage White, came all the way from San Diego to sell their wares.
Repurposed vintage fruit basket light fixture by Cottage White.
Rose colored light bulbs adds to this fixture’s uniqueness.
I met some very nice people, Chris and Linda Bradford, from Junk Style Design who told me all about this repurposed gravel pit conveyor belt-collectors vertical planter (fyeeew!). They found a pile of these collectors rusting away, so they had the creative insight to recreate them into something fabulously green.
See also: Repurposing Ideas for Flea Market Finds
Repurposed gravel pit conveyor belt collectors verticle planter by Junk Style.
Such a unique vertical planter that can be easily mounted or leaned against a wall.
Planter can be filled with any type of plant.
I just LOVED these whimsical, repurposed fountains! Talk about fun! Simply hook them up to a hose and you’ve got an instant outdoor water feature full of charm. The maker was super busy selling, so I just snapped these off to show y’all.
Water bucket and copper pipe fountain.
Kid’s vintage pedal fire truck fountain.
Repurposed twin bed frame and flower pot fountain.
Who wouldn’t notice this very unique and functional piece of art? There was even a Jeep that was mashed up into a desk.
Repurposed Vintage car bench.
The following caught my eye as well…
Hand-crafted table with wheel gear base.
Vintage horse collar mirror.
So, the next time you visit your local flea market, keep your eyes open for some hand-made goodies. They’re crafted by makers who aren’t clowning around!
All photography by Skaie Knox, HomeJelly
