Bring order to your hunt

Most junkers and antique collectors carry a wish list with them wherever they go. For many of us, that list is kept in our heads. But this can lead to problems. For instance, when I go into a shop or thrift store, or stop at an estate sale, I’m always on the lookout for a frame to fit one of my favorite “junk master” paintings.

The problem is I haven’t taken the time to jot down the dimensions of the painting. So each time I run into a vintage frame that I can tell - just by looking at it - will fit, I buy it and bring it home. And, of course, it doesn’t quite fit. Now I’ve got a stack of frames.

I could have saved myself a little trouble, not to mention a few dollars, by simply taking the time to measure the painting and write down the information I need. And I intend to do just that. Soon.

Fortunately, I happen to like old frames, and I only buy them if they’re a bargain anyway, but I’ve probably got more than I need right now. I need to get organized. And I intend to do just that. Soon.

If you want to be a more organized treasure hunter, here are a few tips:

Measure twice, buy once. If you are searching for something in particular, from a picture frame to a piece of furniture, jot down the measurements and other important information and keep it all handy. This will keep you from bringing home mistakes. Keep a tape measure with you.

Pack your own. Keep a few plastic grocery bags in your car. A large tote or shopping bag comes in handy at estate sales and flea markets. I always bring a folding cart to large sales and shows to help me carry my finds.

Put it in writing. If you are looking for a specific item, color or pattern, keep a photo or description in a notebook. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of what you need, what you’ve purchased (including what you paid) and what you’re looking for next.

Take a picture. If you have a digital camera, bring it along. If you aren’t sure you’re ready to purchase, bringing home a photo can help you visualize how an item will look in your room. And, if you buy something that will need repair or restoration, or if you find a treasure in the middle of a pile of junk, it’s nice to have a “before” photo.

Blanket coverage. I keep an old blanket in the back of my car in case I find something that needs to be covered, or I need to protect the interior of the car from something I drag home. (Actually, I occasionally use it to cover something I found but don’t want anyone to know about yet.) It’s a good idea to have some twine or rope, or even a couple of bungee tie-down cords in the car too.

Supplies. Hand cleaner, wet wipes and even a band-aid or two can come in handy. Bottled water isn’t just for drinking. Sometimes things need to be cleaned up a bit before you put them in the car. A city or county map can be invaluable when you are venturing into unknown territory.

Calendar

Now that fall is here and the garage sale and estate sale season is winding down, it’s time to enjoy some of the seasonal treasure hunting opportunities in the area.

September 11: Fall Flea Market, Covenant United Methodist Church. This little flea market, just off Highway 395 in the Gleneden neighborhood north of Spokane, is held twice a year and can be a great place to find a surprise. The number of vendors varies, but there are usually at least a couple of dealers with booths stocked with antiques and collectibles. The sale starts at 9 a.m.

September 24-25: The Farm Chicks Antique Show. The first treat is a drive through the rolling wheat fields just south of Spokane. Then when you pull in to the little town of Fairfield the serious fun starts. Dealers pack the hall with vintage goodies. Good ol’ bluegrass music and good cooking feed the other senses. This sale offers a little more each time it’s held, and has already gained a pack of very loyal followers. Show hours are 10 to 4 Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5. For more information go to www.thefarmchicks.com

September 25-26: Tacoma Dome Antique Show. The Tacoma antiques show is smaller than the Palmer/Wirfs mega-show held at the Portland Expo Center at the end of October, but it has the added attraction of 60 booths full of vintage clothing and accessories. Show hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The $6 admission is good both days. See the Web site at www.palmerwirfs.com/tacoma/ for more information and an online discount.

October 1: Custer’s 29th Annual Fall Antique and Collectors Sale. This sale, held at the Spokane Fairgrounds, is the biggest thing around. More than 300 dealers from the Inland Northwest and across the U. S. bring antiques and collectibles to sell. On-site crystal repair and lamp re-wiring, as well as a dealer who specializes in reference books on antiques and collectibles to add to your library, make it a well-rounded event. Show hours are Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The $5 admission is good all weekend. For more information go to www.custershows.com/antique/fall /details.htm

I’m putting together a calendar of events for each month. If you have a show or sale and want it included, send it along. Sorry, I can’t use garage sales or individual estate sales, there are simply too many for us to mention.