I have a problem.
When I see signs like these I get all excited and follow that yellow brick road to the land of odds and ends (OK, so maybe it is a dirt road). Either way, once I get to the old barn with an “Antiques” sign calling my name, I feel like Dorothy going from black and white to a world of full color filled with collectibles, treasures and relics, OH MY!

If you are traveling through small towns by car, it is worth stopping by antique spots along the way. You may have to squeeze your way through aisles of odds and ends (and pray you don’t knock over that 18th century Chinese vase), but you will find unique pieces that have emerged from garrets. I picked up a few things at this New Hampshire treasure chest – they were even having a sale to make room for more stuff! Music to my ears…

This was a no brainer, a monogrammed antique metal milk container $20.00

I have also been on the hunt for antique Persian rugs. Not an easy task if you don’t want to spend over $1000. This place had a wide selection of rugs, not in the best condition, but I managed to snatch up this old rug for $80.00 that was originally used as a tent flap.

Tent Flap – n. flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent. Who knew they used such quality tent flies back in the day!

Once used for a tent, now a cozy resting place for the Noguchi table…

A tip for antique rug shopping: look at the back – the tighter the weave, the more valuable!

I did find some other items, but they are gifts so don’t want to spoil the surprise for the recipients yet.