On shopping - An "excursion" to Brimfield

For those of you unfamiliar with the experience of Brimfield, let me just say it is not for the faint of heart.  Billed as one of the worlds largest outdoor Antiques and Collectibles Show, it is an overwhelming display of bric-a-brac all in one place.  It's about a mile along Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts.  The deceiving part to me is that while one mile seems big on it's own, it has football size fields of vendor stalls all down the many "fingers" along this one mile road.  (Yea, THAT big.)  Since I made the trip last year (my first visit), I kind of knew what to expect.  This time, I didn't let the size or crowds consume me.  As many of the blogs about the show suggest, it's best to go:

1.) Early in the day
2.) Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes (that you expect to get real dirty)
3.) With a clear sense of what you are looking for

The show runs from Tuesday through Sunday three times per year (May, July, September).  Each day it officially runs sun up to sun down (though I'd say many vendors break down around 3:30 when the crowds die down.) If you go early in the week, you have better selection.  If you go towards the end of the week, you have better deals (vendors don't want to bring everything home.)  I choose to go later in the week (this year Friday).  I simply want deals since I don't feel comfortable (e.g. knowledgeable) enough to buy anything too expensive.

An agenda or not?
On my first visit, I approached the trip as I would any random yard sale.  Looking for nothing in particular. Wondering what "surprises" might be discovered.  This, I think, is what did me in.  With way too many stalls, many selling virtually the same stuff,  I barely made it through 2 fingers in 4 hours.  Yikes!  I was exhausted and left wondering what I missed...

This year, following what some blogs recommend, I went in with an agenda.  I was looking for:
1.) vintage drawer pulls for a old dresser going on my screened-in porch
2.) vintage stemware, specifically my grandmother's pattern, since a few more wine glasses would be great for the set.  (Thinking ahead, I also brought along a picture of the pattern on my iphone to compare the detail work, if needed.)

What did I learn from having an agenda?  Something unexpected.  I found it yielded a little more work, but in a better, more focused way.  On one hand, I found myself moving quickly, efficiently through the stalls.  It's amazing how fast you can learn to scan an entire display.  For my needs, if I saw any crystal?  I stopped.  Any hardware or fixtures?  Stopped again.  Generally,  if a vendor features some items in the category of merchandise you seek, it's worth a look.  If you only see other items?  Don't waste your time. Move on.

The real work came when I found a stall with "potential."  Crystal patterns?  No problem.  Pretty easy to investigate and eliminate.  Hardware?  Another story.  Most was contained in large disorganized boxes.  When finally locating some drawer pulls, it became a mission to find "the right look at the right price."  This meant digging through dusty, rusty old fixtures that, of course, were NEVER grouped in similar types or designs. (Insult to injury was that I needed a matching set of 4.  Let's just say,  things in "sets" are rare in these types of venues. Ugh.)  This rummaging pattern went on for most of the day.  My hands were caked with dirt and rust.

Results?

It was an enjoyable, albeit tiring, day.  I had success with the drawer pulls, but not with the crystal.  The purchased pulls were solid brass with a nice, aged patina.  I needed four, but I found five, so I bought them all.  (Just in case.)  They worked beautifully.  See the finished piece at right.

Given my newly honed rapid-fire scan technique, I was also able to make through about 2/3 of the show in one day.  (Again, yea, it's that big.)  This also included a fun lunch with friends at the bustling (um, more like crowded beyond capacity) food court.

Other finds along the way?
Funny, despite being on such a vision quest, I still was able to spot some random, totally unexpected items.  I would have loved to have them, but alas, the "bargaining" I received on them was still a little out of my comfort zone.  Nonetheless, I snapped some photos to share with you.

This weathered mirror caught my eye as a fun piece to have out on the screened-in porch.  Casual and worn.  Mirrored inserts to help reflect light and add depth.  $300?  Not outrageous, but too much for impulse.

LOVED this ceiling light fixture.  Highly polished chrome with a chunky, industrial feel.  While the photo is a little vague, its size was pretty hefty.  Thought it might look great in our kitchen.  For curiosity, I later outlined its measurements at home.  Way too over sized.  Good thing.  Price was way to over sized as well.  $900

This vendor had a ton of these vintage metal screens.  The braids were about 1/4" thick and had a great distressed white finish.  Again I could see a couple of these on our screened in porch, hanging as a backdrop to the wicker couch.  They would be suspended in front of the large screen windows, adding a little bit of detail without blocking any airflow.  Couldn't get a price since ALL OF THEM were sold.  (I guess I was victim to the pitfalls of attending later in the week...)

This is one of those pieces that nags me.  I think I let this one get away.  It could have been used in any number of rooms.  On an entry table.  The living room bookcase.  The dining room console. One of those "statement" pieces.  I still wonder why I didn't let the impulse move me.  The price was $250, but the clock didn't work.  Since when have I ever been obsessed with time?!  Oh well...I have to let it go... I have to let it go...



All in all, I whole heartedly recommend going to Brimfield!  No matter what your decorative style, there's something for everyone.  You have 3 opportunities per year to get there (though I hear the July event can be uncomfortably hot.)  Go in looking for one thing and come out with something else.  You never know what you might find.  And decide on an agenda or don't.  Either way, set your expectations so that you can enjoy all that it offers (and not get overwhelmed by all that it offers.)

Till the next time...