Customer Reviews

Good Things from Tag Sales and Flea Markets (Good Things with Martha Stewart Living)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I know Martha Stewart has had bad press lately but her ideas are still pretty cool (plus this book was from a few years ago). I'm having a blast with this book because I love to go antiquing and looking for stuff to make things with. Granted, you may not find the extact items she uses but you can certainly find the same general items (e.g. egg cups, button covers, vintage fabrics). I really like how the book is laid out in terms of glass, textiles, etc. Also, she has tips for caring and cleaning different types of items which is great since you generally need to clean things that you find at flea markets etc. The ideas are all really neat and really they are easy to do. Five stars all around from me. The ideas I've gotten from this book have really spawned my creativity to make other sorts of things too. Lots of fun!

I have never seen some of those things available when I've done some scrounging, but the ideas to use them are pretty interesting. My favorite is the linen cabinet made from the shutter doors; you'd have to see it to understand what I mean. Having met a man who is into collecting, I thought we could use it, but so far, not. Thumb through it, see if it's for you.

Martha shows up haw to find those things that turn a house into a home. Not everyone has family relics to start life. Remember the John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara movie "The Quiet Man" where Mary Kate Danaher wanted her things about her? However, we can come awfully close.

This is more than a coffee table book it has many practical shopping insights. The section alone on glass is worth the price of the book. We see pictures and description of different modes of glass and see the difference in hand blown and molded glass. I have an extensive collection of cobalt glass.

In addition, there is a section on hardware salvage. I intend to exchange those cheep gold doorknobs in the house with an eclectic collection.

When you are ready to retire the book, it will look good in your library. You may want to visit with an old friend in the future.

Try Second-Hand Style: Finding and Renewing Antique Treasures or Decorating With Flea Market Finds or Flea Market Decorating (Better Homes and Gardens Books). I love these three books.