Michigan's Longest Garage Sale

August 15, 2013

Today I'm sharing my fabulous vintage haul from Michigan's Longest Garage Sale.

Reader's Digest Condensed Books blue mason jar vintage bird cage



Last weekend I was lucky enough to be in Michigan during their yearly "Michigan's Longest Garage Sale." It covers about 180 miles on U.S. 12, from New Buffalo to Detroit, MI. We just happened to be not too far from New Buffalo, so that's where we started. It was me, Mr. CBD and two of the three chickadees. None of them were as excited as me, but they were all pretty good sports about it, all things considered.

The first few stops weren't great, but as we continued on there were some really good ones. You know what I'm talking about.  Those "that-looks-like-a-real-barn-I-think-we-should-stop" moments. Priceless. 

Here are a few shots of my haul.

Reader's Digest Books bird cage blue mason jar

For starters, I snagged a really pretty vintage birdcage for a song!  I've been wanting one for a long while now, but they're always too pricey. This one's the real deal, it even came with a tall metal stand (not pictured) that I can't wait to use. I'll most likely be painting it white.

vintage brass bird cage vintage blue mason jar



dried hydrangeas brass bird cage

Okay, so you knew I had to fit hydrangeas somewhere into this post, right?

three Reader's Digest Condensed Books

I also snagged some vintage Reader's Digest Condensed Books, to use as chalkboard books for my upcoming sale. You might remember how I got this idea from my friend Betsy at My Salvaged Treasures


I can't wait to put my own set on the mantle again this Halloween. My chalkboard book tutorial can be found here.

vintage blue Mason Ball jar

You can never have too many blue Mason jars, I always say.


And I even managed to pick up another jewelry display piece.  I'm not totally sure what it is, though. I picked it up in an old barn. Here's one side, all rusty.


I couldn't help myself and just had to spray-paint the other side with chalkboard paint. Now I can write cute stuff on it (or just use it as a magnet board) while I hang my vintage necklaces from it.

vintage green seed chest drawers

I've saved the piece de resistance for last. We got this cabinet at a farm sale along the way.  According to the owner, it was a seed salesman's cabinet. It would travel in the back of the truck from farm to farm as the salesman sold his seeds to the local farmers. It needs some work, but nothing that we can't handle. I can see it as a killer coffee table, or a sideboard, or even the top piece to a sideboard.  What do you think? Yes, I'm thinking white.


One last look at my finds. I also picked up some vintage rhinestone jewelry for a song. And that's a good thing as I'm preparing for the Geneva, IL Festival of the Vine on September 7-8th.  And the countdown begins. Will I see you there?

Well, that's it until next time, friends!
I hope you enjoyed reading about
Michigan's Longest Garage Sale 
and that I've inspired you in some way.

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Reader's Digest Condensed Books blue mason jar vintage bird cage

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Leave a Comment!

Anonymous said...

Wow, great items, Kathleen! I love them all, but the seed salesman's cabinet is really fabulous!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

amazing! 180miles? how awesome is that?

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I'm so jealous! I would have bought everything here. That cage is beautiful. I haven't made any chalkboard books in a while, but aren't they so much fun? The metal thingie is going to be perfect for necklaces.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

The bird cage is wonderful and the stand! And the seed cabinet, oh that is going to be something! Maybe just some short legs to give it height? What a haul!

Carol

Curtains in My Tree said...

good finds for sure they look real pretty together in your pictures
for sure the old cabinet will have to be painted white

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You got some great things, Kathleen! I love that birdcage! It's a great shape and size. I saw a nice big one at an estate sale but they priced it at $75.00. Too rich for my blood! : )

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