Friday, December 10, 2010

American Pickers Giveaway


So, the new season of American Pickers began last Monday.
Did you get to watch it?

So fun!

 Mike Wolfe

Frank Fritz

As a lifelong picker myself ...
( not really a professional, but a picker none the less!)
I love this TV show and actually can feel my heart beat faster when that barn door or storage unit door opens and we catch a first glimpse of the treasure inside!

My personal picking began back when I was a young girl
 and it was in the attic, basement, barns and out buildings of my grandparents farm.
 I have been a hunter and gatherer
 of all sorts of bits and bobs ever since.


 OK, so not on the big scale that Mike and Frank pick...
I tend to go for smaller things...
...more decorative, girly things...


I guess that's because I don't have their muscle
 and I stick closer to home.

 But, I do love an attic full of dusty boxes of old china,
 vintage photographs and odd chairs....
...a forgotten trunk full of old linens and delicate lace,
 hand sewn quilts and vintage clothes...
 and, of course, a musty smelling basement full of 
old canning jars, rusty clock parts,
 woven baskets and wooden crates.
Sigh...


Ah yes...I've had many adventures exploring and
...I do share Mike and Frank's passion for treasure hunting!


The folks at The History channel reached out to me to offer a
 DVD of the first season of American Pickers
 for a Giveaway!

I was happy to oblige as I really enjoy this show and if you are reading 52 Flea then you probably do too!


If you would like a chance to win a
DVD of the first season of American Pickers...
(really fun to watch on a cold winter night)...

simply leave a comment telling me what your
 most interesting find was and where you found it!

 I will pick a winner on Monday!

...and just because you are who you are...
and I am who I am...

I will throw in a freshly picked vintage treasure 
of my own to send to the winner.


Hmm....what should it be?
You tell me!

:)

100 comments:

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Oh how exciting!!!! My most interesting find was antique 'wooden' children's school lockers. I have never seen wooden ones before.Just the right amount of white chippyness, so sweet just thinking about all the tiny fingers that touched them, hanging their coats and storing their books. They are on my blog if you need to see them.I found them at a flea market and every time I look at them I smile:)
~Debra XXX
Capers of the vintage vixens

BumbleBeeLane said...

Sigh....Hmmm I too pick and get excited about that musty old treasure.My best find was a old store display cabinet for $20 the lady had all new stuff at the sale but I spotted it in the garage she said oh that's just some junk from grandmas estate.I could not believe I got a $500 piece for $20..I found many treasures but that would be my favorite.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love to pick. My kids used to scrunch down in the car so their friends wouldn't see then with me while I was dumpster diving. I think my most memorable piece is a windsor back chair with a rush seat. It was in a basement sitting by the hot water tank. No one saw it. I said how much for the old chair? Oh, how about 10 dollars....me...well, ok, I will do it! Squealing all the way to the car!!

Karen said...

I am so addicted to that show. I have it "DVR'd" and even my husband gets into it. Some of those places they go to are a bit strange... others... well, can someone who collects stuff be that organized? I think it's so funny when Frank finds old motor oil cans. I love old cans too... especially baking powder, spices and even boxes such as old wax paper. Even old, old medicine bottles and gauze give me a thrill. Strange... very ,very strange! LOL
Count me it, please.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Laura,,
Mike and Frank look like they're a hoot!! Sadly we don't get that series here... too bad!!! as we do get quite a lot of other US tv...

So my most interesting find?? Gee from the top of my head I would say it is a small red leather bound book on Churchill's African Safari.... probably my best bargain.. but I do love my little folding church pew [not a bargain!! haha]... Have a lovely weekend.. ciao ciao xxx Julie

AuroraSuzette said...

One of the most interesting things I've ever found is some kind of counter. It's red, probably cast iron because it's heavy, and when you pull a lever, the number showing increases. There's a place for a key, for what I don't know. I still have it. I think I liked it because I'd never seen one before (or since), and I love red.

Olive said...

We adore Mike and Frank here Laura! My best find is a large oil painting, of fruit with a wine bottle.

anythinggoeshere said...

It would be fun to see the show since we don't have cable. Best find? For today... some pieces of tartan treen which i haven't found in years. Joan@anythinggoeshere

Blessed Serendipity said...

One of my most interesting picks was a 1950's Coca Cola vending machine. You know the kind with the glass door you open and pull out a bottle of coke? My husband loves Coca Cola collectibles. We saw an ad in the paper for Coke items and when we got there it was like a museum! This man had been collecting for YEARS! He had a building dedicated to his collections. A diner fully stocked including vintage booths, a counter with stools, a case loaded with vintage unopened candy. A garage shop packed with antique cars, old car parts, etc. and a gas station outside with old gas pumps. Every detail was incredible. It looked like you really stepped back in time upon entering. I love American Pickers. Please enter me.

-Danielle

Sheree said...

My find of the year was a wing back chair someone had thrown in the dumpster brought it home recovered it its wonderful and it was free .....SERVIESMDS@AOL.COM

Just Jo, Joe with no e said...

Oh, I love American Pickers! And I love to pick! I think my best find recently was at a garage sale I just happened to stop at while on vacation and for $1 got a lovely silver champagne bucket, all tarnished. It is going on my buffet table at our Open House and will hold long baguettes beside the ham.

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

This is such a fun giveaway!

My best picks have been on our farm. We're the third generation of my husband's family to live here. I've found two farm tables, a cool lamp that telescopes out, a trunk, and old wringer washer, and a Homer Laughlin bowl that was just sitting in the pasture. I liked the farm tables the best.

Gracie's Cottage said...

Oh - best find is hard to choose....There have been several that have been very lucrative - little cost, BIG profit, but the things that make my heart beat fast are things like old baby shoes, Victorian calling cards, ephemera and photos...

Jan

Unknown said...

How fun is this??? I just got hooked on the show this year. LOVE IT.

My favorite pick is actually one that my Mom brought home for me. I had asked her many years ago to find a little cabinet for my salt cellars. She found a beauty! It's a little cupboard with curved glass doors that holds all my salt cellars on three shelves inside.
She saw it in an Antique store somewhere while in the midwest, maybe past Oklahoma....anyway, she saw it and it wasn't for sale. But she kept going back. And back. And by the time she resorted to tears the poor man gave up and sold it to her!!!
xo
lynn

Redneck Vixen said...

I've filled my life with nifty things from yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets, etc. But the coolest thing I ever bought was in Miami Beach-- MY copy of a paperback book that I had sold in Mississippi over a decade before.

Anonymous said...

Gosh I would love to win!! I have found so many great things! When I was selling on ebay I found a little picture at a yard sale for 50 cents and ended up selling it for $300.00!

bee blessed
mary

Diana said...

Yes I did see the first American Pickers this season! It is one of the shows that we TiVo. I love to go to garage sales, estate sales and flea markets. One of the best things I ever found was a really old santa in his orginal box in a large box of other good stuff for only five dollars!

The French Bear said...

I love this show!!! They are the nicest two men to watch, i always find them honest and so polite!!!! I love my little sewing shoe from Corey in France.....one of my all time favourite finds!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

jody said...

we have clean up day twice a year spring and fall. also called boulivard shopping. my favorite time of the year. one of my best finds was a vintage cement bird bath all one piece,nice round thick like 10inch base then the middle piece and maybe 6 inch thick top soooo cool and let me tell ya my back felt it the next day cuz i heaved and howed that baby into my back seat of the car sooo fast. love it in my garden....soo soo cool!

Kathy@ Gone North said...

OH.. Love that show, but sadly I can not get it here. I have watched it on my computer though.
Best pick for me.. A Thrift store bracelet, paid $16 (way more than I usually spend... but thought it had value ) It is going for $2500 - $3500 on Ebay... I have not sold it yet, BUT I will, I will.... Thanks for this chance

Jane said...

Great show! My hubby and I don't miss an episode. I would love to be entered in the giveaway. My favorite picks right now are probably the old ironstone pieces I have found over the past year. I have found several old pieces at thrifts and estate sales for $1.00 or $2.00 apiece. I just can't get enough of them.
Jane

daddie said...

I guess the most interesting is a french chandelier, and I found it the garbage...I am still looking for an abandoned store of fun office supplies,or millinery supplies from days gone by...Where the heck are those places???

Jamie said...

My favorite finds lately have come from my grandparents house. We are closing it up and I've fallen in love with some of their things.

Sommers Breeze Antiques said...

We are one of the very few that just have REGULAR TV stations. ...that;s right, no cable of any sort. So I have only seen 2 episodes of Pickers. I would SO love to win this!!!
Most interesting picker find was an ugly brooch with a big sparkle in the center, and black ugly earrings. The brooch was set in gold filled metal, and as I and another antique dealer looked at it, I encouraged her to buy it as I did not usually purchase jewelry then. She laughed and said it was ugly. I said, yes, but it sure sparkles. She said, if it set in gold filled metal, its a CZ. Something told me to buy it, it was 26.00 for the set and I received a 10% discount. I tested it with a gem tester. CHA CHING! It was a beautiful diamond. A very good quality diamond. I sold it to a pawn shop owner for $1800.00, he was going to resell it himself. Happy me, happy him!
Thank you for the chance to win!!

Anji Johnston said...

I just love this show but never really get time to watch it as I work too late! The chance to win a season of it would be a thrill! And my most interesting find, I would have to say is: When I lived in Budapest, Hungary I found a beautiful, old kitchen bench with a lift up seat for storage. It was in a really bad state covered in thick green, gloss paint but I could see it had potential. I put it in my car, drove it home and it sat in my garage for weeks. When I eventually decided it was time to give it a makeover, I lifted the lid and found four teeth in it! And no less from a human! I still have the bench but the teeth - well, I think you can guess the rest! Thanks for the giveaway.

Karen Sabrsula said...

Love the show!! Best find was a painting of a rose, it was small - about a 5 x7 in a gold frame. Real pretty painting. Paid a few dollars for it. Found out it was by a famous artist and sold it for nearly $2000 at an art auction! Thanks for a chance to win!

Jenni said...

I do not think I am in the same league of pickers but I do love it. There are two things I count as my favourites. The first is long forgotten broken fragments of blue and white china. Living in the centre of a region of mining in Australia, these pieces can often be found when I garden. They are free and I have used them in projects. Sometimes I find other colours but blue and white is my absolute favourite.
My other greatest find was finding an antique meat platter which is from the same china pattern that my ancestors brought to Australia with them from England in the late 1800s. I have built up the collection I inherited by stopping at random little 'junk' shops as I travel around. The meat platter I found in a little shop in Rutherglen on the hottest day. There were many shops, I was allowed one only. I had to think hard because they all looked good but I settled on the plainest and it yielded the platter.
This show is not on TV here but it sure looks intriguing.

Patti said...

Oh please enter me in your awesome giveaway!!!
I love this show, but only just discovered it so I've missed most of the season...
My favorite recent find was an old piece of wood with a wood burning of Abraham Lincoln's bust for... $12!!! (it's a nice likeness of him.) I found it at a resale shop and they had no clue about its history.
Blessings, Patti

Preppy Mama said...

I love American Pickers and I am so psyched they are back!!My best find so far has been a super vintage mirror. I was in need of some TLC and I love looking at it everyday! Totally worth the $20 I paid! I love reading your blog. I was initially drawn to it because my childhood home (where my parents still live) is #52. It has always been a special number to me too! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Samantha said...

A giveaway after my own heart!! I LOVE American Pickers. It is so fun to watch. I channel my inner picker every weekend at the flea markets. I get down and dirty in rusty crates and big boxes! I would love to have the 1st season to add to my dvd collection. And if you are wondering what treasure you can throw in there for me - I am dying over your old vintage lockers above. What a perfect place to hold all the dvds! Yes, I will gladly take one please! xo Samantha
www.vintageisforlovers.com

Samantha said...

Oops I almost forgot, my best find has to be the 3 foot long shadow box with the most ornate, delicate, and detailed family of seahorses made out of sea shells inside living amongst their seashell seaweed! My favorite treasure my far!! xo Samantha

Jamie said...

Oh, what a great prize! I have only seen the show once and I'd love to see more! My greatest find was really amongst my family! My grandma had a trunk she kept for years but we never really saw what was in it - but it now belongs to me! It's full of wonderful old clothing, linens, letters, dolls, jewelry, etc. from her past! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
amzanioli@yahoo.com

Beatnheart said...

I use to go to alot of farm auctions back in the 90’s...Things were fabulous then...There was a two story house of three generations of women who never moved and never threw anything away...It was a rush a minute as the woman “from California” just went bananas and bid on everything and got alot. Best pic out of it was a Pendelton Blanket with the tags still on it...Pristine...I met the “hippie guy” that was on Am.Pick. selling at a Flea Market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin this Oct. I love your little red box in previous post...

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Dear Laura,
My Husband and I LOVE this show
So much fun and I also get butterflies when I get a peek at the places they visit
Love that feeling of anticipation
My most favorite treasure that I have found
(many of years of picking)
is a small antique gold opal ring that I wear everyday that I bought for $1 at a garage sale in Idaho.
Blessings
Pam

Riverwood Primitives said...

Awesome giveaway! Love American Pickers! Driving down the street one day I saw a 4' framed poster of Al Pacino that someone had left out for the trash. It was in perfect condition and the best part - it was free!

Unknown said...

Gotta love pickers :) I have been picking, flea marketing and antiquing with my dad since I was a kid. The best find was boxes filled with vintage glasses, coke, looney toons, wizard of oz and more. We found them at a church rummage sale and my dad keeps them in a china closet on disply
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

stefanie said...

oh, I love that show!!!! I am always telling the tv...oh, look over there, or why don't you grab that!!! they always leave such great stuff behind!!! I love picking but haven't found that super great treasure yet...but one day!!!!

saltbox
treasures
said...

What a fun giveaway!!! This is my hub's favorite show. We love watching them find something out of nothing and dig for that unique piece. We want them to come to the Pacific Northwest where there is more rust than anywhere else. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Our best treasure was a tray we purchased at an estate sale when we were visiting Rhode Island this fall. I picked up this nice brass/copper looking engraved tray and said "how much?" The response was "$1.00". I said, I'll take it. Showed it to our antique dealer friend when we got home and found out it is late 1800's and probably worth $75+. Yeah!
Thanks for the great blog.
~ Julie

Anonymous said...

I like this show but my husband LOVES it!! When we moved in our old house years ago, there were old bottles and a little milk jug on a shelf in the basement. One of them is marked "Producers", milk company in Peoria, IL a city near us. It just fits on my kitchen windowsill and it looks lovely with anything stuck in it. Sally

Anonymous said...

great fun show--those Picker guys get me all fired up to go hunt and gather! My kitchen is filled with collectibles that I actually use on a daily basis.
Cyn

mary pernula said...

My husband and I both enjoy this show so much. I just found out not long ago that I could watch the shows I missed on demand. One of my favorite finds was a vintage doll. She was being discarded from some belongings that someone did not want. I was so happy to have her but felt so sad for the dolls owner. I could never give discard a item like that, thanks for sharing such a wonderfull give a way. Hugs Mary...

Into Vintage said...

Some time ago I was driving around the neigborhood on 'Big Trash Day' -- that day when people can put all their junk that won't fit in their trash can out on the curb for the city to pick up -- I found a huge (6') and heavy mirror is a beautiful chippy white wood frame. The guy throwing it out helped me put it in my car. :-)

And I can always use a cute vintage drawer for storing my little vintage treasures. Thanks so much for this giveaway! -amy

Andrea said...

Awesome ! i pick up anything free and cute on the roadside!

Andy's Attic said...

There have been many favorites over the years but one that has stayed with me for 30 years is a cane back chair with arms that I got at a garage sale to put in my first apartment out of college. I have changed the seat many times but still use that chair. (fortunately it can't talk) You are the giveaway queen!
Annette

Voondi~ Cher said...

Hi! I so love American Pickers, I just want to be there to get some of the great things they leave behind! One of my geatest picks, was a set of ladder back chairs that were actually given to me- I got them home and decided to take off the cane seats and found a newspaper from the 1920's! That's not all, one paper actually had Amelia Earhart ( sp?) on the cover, when she was still alive! I pick every chance I get and am in search for new picking venues constantly! Thanks for such a great blog! Cheryl/ Voondi

Gayle said...

Little drawers and cubbies always make my heart beat faster, so that's what I think you should add to the great giveaway!

Chemin des Muguets said...

Hi Laura,

My most interesting find - an exquisite pink lace camisole with a Parisian label from c. 1900. I found it one trash night in Watertown, Ma. years ago. My daughter was with me in the car when I spied a pile of intriguing things curbside. I immediately brought the car to a screeching halt-daughter hid with shame, as I picked my way through the trash. That same night I also found a white china doll head and some antique jewelry.

So you see I'm a picker too!
Happy Hunting!
Marjorie

Andi's English Attic said...

My nan started me off on the love of junk at a very early age. She lived in a two bedroomed flat and the second bedroom was just like a walk-in attic. I longed to rummage but wasn't allowed in. That's how it all started. I think my favourite 'find' in her flat was in the 1970's when we were decorating her kitchen and I found a packet of Cornflakes and the special offer on the back of the packet expired in 1957!

The DVD won't play over here in the UK, so I don't expect my name to be entered in the draw, but I just wanted to contribute my story. xx

Knicky Knacks said...

Please let me first explain that we don't get the pleasure of watching 'American Pickers' in Australia so I would squeal with excitement if I was lucky enough to win this. I really would. Secondly, my favourite pick was two vintage printer drawers from a garage sale a few months back. Paid $20 for them and have since hung them on my wall and filled them with gorgeous seaside treasures my two young children have collected. I wish we had old barns here just brimming with finds. Our country really isn't old enough yet to have collections on the size you have in the USA. I literally drool over my keyboard (in a nice, hygenic way of course) when I scroll through some of your images. You have such amazing, eclectic treasures.

Doni said...

HOW COOL! I would have to actually say thanks to Mike and Frank because my HUBBY loves their show too! It's because of them that I get to go 'pickin' and my sweet hubby goes with me and just smiles as I 'find' my booty! He has found so cool stuff too, but needs more practice!!!!!!
We'd LOVE to win that first season!!! Mole Man was our favorite so far, and yes we saw the first of this new season. We enjoy watching and we enjoy pickin'!!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
Blessings, Doni

Anonymous said...

i met mike and frank this summer!!! my most favorite picks are when i find a good tablecloth in the bottom of a nasty pile of stuff- happens more than once! thanks, beth goodvariety@yahoo.com

NancyO. said...

My best find was a family-related friendship quilt at a country auction. It was stuffed in a box of linens and had names of long dead great-aunts stitched on it. I asked my husband to bid on it (I couldn't stand to watch). He got it and the other linens for $2.00!

I love flea markets, antique shops, have purchased the contents of vacant houses, and I dumpster dive...I'm addicted. :-)
NancyO.

Trollmora said...

Oh I just found your blog by "accident". Love it! have a great day!

Nancy H. said...

I love to "pick," although I am an amateur compared to you! I have found so many interesting things, but my most wonderful find was an old, old blanket chest made in the 1850's stuffed in the back of someone's garage. at a moving sale. All of the ornate detail is made of leather and it it just beautiful!

Lyn said...

I love American Picker's too! My most interesting pick....hmm, well how about the really big Steiff German Shepard, no wait, the two tone inlaid Bakelite bracelet, or maybe it would be the 1870's cross stitch, this could take a while.......
Love your blog, prayers to your Mother.

Unknown said...

I love salvage digging. My folks did it for years., My favorite find beings I am a rug hooker was a "Susan Bater" hook and I got it for .75 cents.
I love Mike and Frank

Elsina said...

We just recently started to receive this show on history in Israel! Love it, allthough i must admit, I feel so jealous sometimes on their finds, as antiques are very rare in my (still young) country. Most immigrants who arrived after the war came with nothing, so it's hard to find something antique that comes cheap. I think prices here are perhaps ten times higher than in the USA. I think my favorite find was a vintage English transferware service from the seventies, still in original box for 50 dollars and a working rotary dial telephone from the seventies for 10 dollars.

sadienstella said...

Oh, I can so relate to how your love for vintage goodies started--ditto with me looking through my grandparents' houses and barns! I think my favorite pick was at an estate sale on a huge snow day. Normally there would have been 30 people in line when the doors opened but it took a 4-wheel drive truck to get to it with all the snow. I had the place to myself the first hour (the workers had stayed overnight there). There was a beautiful oil painting that they thought was from 1954 and priced under $100. I purchased it thinking it was much older than that. When I got it home and examined it, I saw that it was painted in 1894 by a known English artist. I had it appraised and was pleasantly surpised with the value! American Pickers is such a fun show to watch--"Mike and Frank please visit Wisconsin again!"

Anonymous said...

I love the mystery of the auction "box lot" with its buried treasure, so I've had lots of fun finds, and a few disappointments. One "pick" that stands out is buying a vintage 1900's wedding dress with beautiful lace and buttons- and being thrilled to find the matching silk shoes at the bottom of the box.

time worn interiors said...

Not interested in the DVD! I actually know them, and that's all I'm gonna say about that!

BUT I love those documents with the French writing! Do you sell any of those!

Theresa
aka:tot

cheryl kuhn said...

Hey Laura, I would love to be your Frank and travel around and pick with you! I don't mind getting all dirty and climbing through junk to find hidden treasures! My best find was an older man who was having a barn sale and I found a large box, 3 ft tall in the corner full of old baby clothes, stockings, bonnets and high button shoes. When I asked him how much for the whole box ,he said "I was going to throw those old junkie clothes away so if you take them out of here you can have them for free" I nearly jumped up to the barn loft with glee!

she dreams big! said...

Darn! I missed the new season's first show! But I won't miss the rest of them. Love Mike and Frank. They are living my dream! Best junk I've ever picked comes from our own farm's outbuildings and barns. Oh the rusty things I discover under the hay and spider webs!

Anonymous said...

I'm embarrassed to say that I have never heard of this show, but none the lease I am a picker as well. I will have to tune in, sounds like I have been missing out! Marcia

Unknown said...

wow, realy great your blog, big hugh Kathrin

Rebecca said...

Love that show but have only been able to catch a couple episodes...
I would say anything you pick would just be wonderful to receive...
Blessings
Rebecca
Ha... if you want to see an attic come on over

Ranae said...

I love love this show, I don't miss it for anything, lol
My latest great find would be a flower frog to hold my little sewing scissors collection.
Thanks for putting out such an awesome fun give-away

Cathy said...

First of all, thanks for sharing such a wonderful giveaway. Be still, my beating heart! :-) My most interesting find was about 50 years ago when I was a volunteer (and President of) the local city museum. We had gone to an older couple’s home to load and move a display case that they had donated to us. In talking with the nice woman, she confessed she had an old piece of junk she needed to get rid of, and pointed to the back of a piano? organ? whose front was against the wall and only the backside was visible. We pulled it out and it was a lovely (but dusty and in need of some TLC) pump organ from the mid-1800’s. I told her I would be interested and asked how much she would like for it. When she said “How about $100. Is that OK?”, I nearly swooned with joy. We paid her, took it home, cleaned it up. Polished it; replaced the wool behind the fretwork, had a wood-turner friend replicate a missing spindle. The bellows was intact. I re-upholstered the stool. Gorgeous! Had it for many years until I had to sell it (to a nice new owner) during a divorce. Now that I am happily re-married, I wish I had it back, of course. But it`s a wonderful memory! Hugs, Cathy

Cathy said...

Oops.... in last post that was 25 (not 50) years ago! Sheesh, I’m not THAT old.... Hugs, Cat

Gail Peterson said...

My love of Vintage also goes way back...I grew up in the midwest and when I watch the show the pickers I think to myself hmmmm I have seen many old barns and houses like those!!! I think my biggest score was the House that was across the street from ours and I told my husband I want to buy it to fix it up and I want everything that is in it including the "1918 Steinway Baby grand' and some Fabulous old furniture!!!We bought the house and everything in it!!! We still have the piano today and some of the furniture I have restored!!!
I enjoy the stories and the History of the old pieces..
xo,
Gail casualloveselegance.blogspot.com

Rose Garden Malevik said...

LOVELY VINTAGE :)

Do Not Miss

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A
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Welcome :)
Håkan

Cathie P said...

I don't wish to enter the contest as I haven't missed a single episode of AP but am compelled to share how, since there are no antique or flea markets where I live, I frequent the Goodwill store. I tend to pick those items I feel must be rescued before they are damaged. My favorites? A pocket-sized WWII Chinese translation dictionary inscribed by a soldier, a child's minature tea party set, and a thermometer shaped like an old-fashioned key.

amy of studio four corners said...

I have only see a couple episodes of this show but they are an intriguing couple! would love to see more...so please enter me...
the most interesting item I ever found was at an estate sale here in town...beautiful, hand-stitched leather handles...for a casket! Everett had a casket factory in the early 1900's on the waterfront (and the wooden factory is destined to be torn down this year...community tried to save it but cost of renovation was too high) I also got the boxes the handles came in - which had lovely labels on them and I used for wrapping gifts. But I still have three of the handles and am waiting for the perfect well-loved suitcase that needs a new handle!
have a great weekend
amy of four corners design

Trouvais said...

Hi Laura...love that show. Need to rent a van and drive across country to shop every fellow flea mkt blogger's favorite haunts...wouldn't that be fun? XO Trish

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Hey Laura, what a nice giveaway. Every year my husband and I go to this town that the whole town puts on a garage sale. For years, I had been searching for a metal italian light that had had leaves on it. Well, I found this light here, for $1, yes I did, but the catch was this. I picked up the light, my heart is beating so fast and all of a sudden this angry woman turns around, her back was turned to me and no the light was not really near her, and starts screaming and cursing at me that that was her light. I just acted dumb, really I acted like I couldn't speak English and she just kept ranting and raving. When I paid for the light, the lady asked me do you really not speak Engligh. I just smiled at her and said I do speak English. We laughed at that and each time I visit this sale the lady still remembers me!

susi said...

i saw the show for the first time last week - now I am hooked. years ago i went with my grandma to look in her storage unit and there was this fabulous old steamer trunk. When I opened there was 2 quilts that are now way over 100 years old. they are very plain but love them the same when i found out my great-grandma made them. still have them - still love them!

north pal said...

laura,oh yes enter me. i am a little hoarder since first grade,maybe even earlier. but, my best find and earliest was when i was was approx.6 or 7. we had a neighborhood dump and i loved checking it out often. i am now 63, and i believe this habit came from my mother. even tho, she may not care to have 100's knowing this. she is almost 92. the little begger girl was doing her usual round of junking and i came across a very old matching pair of gold filigree oval picture frames with easels on the back of each. i was so so delighted and cannot manage to understand who would ever throw these away. i still cannot. there are plenty of more stories like that. i just with in the past years got the frames back from my mother. she said i gave them to her. i swear that i never did that. she used them and they always held antique photos of grandparents. that was fine, but now they are back with the dump snoop. thanks for reading. Bestest,Denise it is a must to catch that program on t.v. what fun!

Chris said...

I love American Pickers! Thanks for the chance to win. Recently I unearthed a rusty, chippy old scale that are so popular now in my basement that I have no recollection of taking from my parents' house when they sold it 20 years ago.

Denise S. said...

It could be my old upright piano that my little grands now like to play that came from a yard sale. I was just looking at her collections of barn paintings and she asked if I wanted to look at the piano she had for sale. I called my son-in-law who plays and he came and played it said its fine and we bought it.Bonus is son-in-law will surprise me every now and then with a song,he is very shy about playing.

Karen said...

Wow, I'd have to say my most memorable find was the urn from poor departed Lee Laughlin... It was empty, but I had to buy it just because I couldn't stand the thought of the poor guy ending up like that. I better be nicer to my kids, huh?! Although it would probably be fitting for me to end up on the shelf of a thrift store @ $2.99...

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love that show! My daughter and I bought a fun galvanized barn cupola at a garage sale...you never know what goodies you'll find!

Kris said...

Love that show and now I have one of my daughters hooked on the show too. Best find was a church that had remodeled and had set out over thousands of sheets and booklets of sheet music, all free some up to 100 years old. I packed my car full.

judi said...

hi laura,
i would love to win the dvd! we don't have cable by choice but do miss all those great shows on home decor and junking. hope this finds you refreshed and enjoying the season.
merry christmas!
judi

Anonymous said...

My first find was a 10-cent cookbook that I found while I was flea-marketing with my daddy. I'm 55 and that was about 40 years ago. But I remember it like it was yesterday and I'd give anything to be able to go to the flea market with him again. I, too, like the small things - linen dish towels, blue ball jars, buttons, wooden spools and clothespins, shiny ornaments and old photos. I'm having trouble posting so I hope I don't miss out....

/sewprimitive said...

Another kindred soul! I think my best find was in an old house in the middle of an orange grove. A wooden wash stand, which holds 2 wash tubs, one for suds and one for rinse. That was 20 years ago.
Thank you for the chance at the Pickers DVD!

Anonymous said...

Just discovered this show, on the recommendation of a friend this past week...my whole family loves it...we now have our TiVo set to start making up for lost time!
So many fun finds over the years....I'd have to say that my favorite find is usually my latest one. But I DO really love my two French provincial chairs that I found for $5 each at a garage sale...so beautiful and comfy, too.
Thanks for your great blog!

Sussi / Sussinghurst said...

My newest best find, was 5 Victorian ink bottles bought at Coventry Garden, a few weeks ago, on our yearly London trip. Maybe not at find, but I have wantet bottles like that, ever since I saw them on your blog, he he. Now I am looking for bottlecleaner x-mas-trees - just like the ones you have also shown at your blog. You have such wonderful things. Love your blog.
Greetings from Denmark

Anonymous said...

i'd love a chance to win! Did you ever see the Seinfeld where his girlfriend breaks up with him because she discovered by accident that he was "a picker?" hilarious! leslie

Vintage Gal said...

I'm a picker too! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I also love watching Pickers with my hubby. Please count me in.
Thanks!
Marianne

C Pohl said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win

C

carol in ca said...

My husband & I watch Pickers every week. We even watch repeats, an admission I don't make easily. I really want a "girlie" version of Pickers on the air. That would make my heart beat faster. My best pick recently was a bag of goodies from a local flea market for under $10. It was full of old bottle brush Xmas trees, very old mercury glass ornaments, an entire set of mini glass ornaments, old tinsel & a vintage santa. On the same day, I scored a fabulous velvet victorian cabinet card album for $60 that contains family pictures including one of a young woman dressed up wildly to advertise a Dry Goods Store. Her dress is adorned with lots of different ribbon, a sash made of thread spools and oodles of pearls. Her hat is not something you see today! I also picked up a dozen items leftover from a family estate sale including ruby earrings ($10), a mini pincushion doll ($8), rhinestone bracelet & earrings ($12) and a very old purple velvet jewelry case. For me, it was a very good day!!

MoniCue said...

I don't have cable and don't get to see this show--only read about it on other junk-loving websites. My very favorite find was at the "old" Shipshewana, IN, Wednesday auction (pre-Ebay,and you'd buy lots of things by the lot--so many fun surprises!): a small, handmade windmill painted red and white and topped with a handmade wooden airplane (the propeller is the "windmill"). It always has pride of place in my living area, move after move. Don't you love looking around your home and recalling where you found all those special things?

VintageCrafter said...

Hi Laura! I would be thrilled to win with Mike and Frank! My favorite find was a beautiful Eastlake footstool with a beadwork top at a garage sale! Of course my husband thought it hideous...but I've had it for over 20 years now and I still LOVE it!
*smiles*
Carol

Vicki K. said...

This would so much fun to win - I've only been able to see bits 'n pieces of this show...

On my first visit to the Goodwill twelve years ago I found a red leather ottoman that I really liked. It came as a set with a chair for $15. After the smelly chair sat in my garage for two months, my friend opened my eyes to making a new seat cushion for it and therefore I gained a wonderful red leather chair too. Most of the smell came from the cushion that I got rid of - and baking soda took care of the rest!

Nita Jo said...

I love the show, so it would be fun to win the DVD. I love everything in your photo... the metal plate inside the drawer caught my eye, but anything would be wonderful to win!

My mom was the best picker, so many things I have were when I was out "picking" with her. I have an oak upright piano she got me years ago for under $100. It has gone everywhere with me. I love all kinds of bits and pieces, from porcelain to handkerchiefs to buttons and dolls. I don't know about value, as I rarely get rid of treasures I find.

Zita said...

LOVE those letters, Laura! My favorite find of all time? I think that's a pretty tough call as I have a lot of favorites, but in the not too distant past, I did find about 10 really old slips and nightgown in one shot at my Salvation Army store which was truly amazing. One of them was made in France and has gorgeous lace.

Wanda said...

I LOVE to go picking or antiquing. And I also love craig list where I have found plenty of great treasures... My fav things have being my dress forms... 2 total less than 25 each. Thanks for the opportunity to enter and that will be a great gift for my husband... HE LOVES those guys!!!
best regards,
Wanda

Gert said...

Thank you so much for this give away! My greatest find was an old (1899) childs rocker, in my grandmothers attic! Yes it was hers and is now mine..smile.. I love the key plate..that would be great to add to your give away!

Blessings...
Gert

Whimsy Antiques said...

My husband and I pick...and always have! Whether we dive into a dumpster or scour boxes at a great estate sale--it is one of our favorite things to do! My favorite find was an 18oo's front door I purchased in Boulder, Colorado when I first started college there. I stored it outside, and unfortunately it was stolen....but I remember it's chippy paint details and dream someday I will find another!

Cathy said...

oh boy! if it's not too late to enter...my newest favorite pick was a toolbox that our furnace repairman carried in! i hinted i loved the worn red lettering on the lid and he didn't bite. so the next day i held up some money and he handed her over. she now sits pretty under our tree :) {ps...he asked me "do you want the saw, too?" HA!}

Unknown said...

Cabinet cards, mold and all in a yucky box under a table at a auction. They cleaned up and I have them with my long lost-now found family picture box.