Friday, April 30, 2010

Weekly Craig's List Series #3

This was a banner week on Craig's List.  I made a record 3 purchases of my own in fact.  Doing this series has been so much fun for me.  As a savvy CL afficionado (sp?), I am constantly looking for new and interesting pieces for clients and now I get to take what I've learned and share that expertise with you.  And I use that term loosely.  I am far from an expert, but I can sniff a bargain from a mile away.

When I first introduced the idea of doing a weekly series, I learned that many of you are either unfamiliar with Craig's List or are hesitant to try it.  But what many people don't know is that Craig's List is a great forum for learning about antiques and their value.  When you are on it as much as I am you get a sense for what's common and what's unique.  And with perseverance, you also acquire a knowledge of their value. The trick is to find the unique pieces that are being sold for well below what they are worth.  And that can sometimes take patience.

Here are a few examples I found this week: (NOTE:  I didn't buy any of these)

A deacon's bench for $50.


Antique Chifferobe - $150








Barley Twist Table - $75


Music Chest - $65


Cast Iron Needlepoint Footstool - $50




Red Chinese Wagon - $30



Vintage Starburst Clock - $25


Vanity & Mirror - $45


Mahogany Table, 6 Chairs, China Cabinet - $425




Antique Dress Form - $90 (computer not cooperating on this one - tried to upright it, sorry!)


So you see, there are many unique and reasonably priced treasures on Craig's List.  Some of the pictures above are grainy, but you can see that some of those pieces need refinishing.  This would of course have to be factored into the price negotiations.  And I ALWAYS negotiate.  Craig's List makes that part easy too, because you can do it all via email, making it less awkward.  

My favorite this week?  I think that would have to be the Barley Twist Table.  I love her legs.  A close second would be the Chinese Wagon - very unique!  

As for my own purchases, I will share pictures of those later on this weekend.  Today, I'm off to the Jersey Shore to bask in the sun on the beach with my BFF Denise!  Going to be 80 degrees today!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend and happy hunting!
xoxo,
Kim 

23 comments:

Jemsmom said...

Those are some awesome pieces!! I love that barley twist table too. Very cool! You have a good knack for that. I go into GW or look on Craig's List and don't really find stuff. I kind of have to be looking for something. You should visit Charleston and teach me how to shop!!!

Kimberly said...

great finds! what will you do with the antique dress form?

bj said...

Wow...these are awesome finds. I like the dress form best...the red wheeled tea cart is next...thanks for sharing..
xo bj

Privet and Holly said...

Yes, I would have to agree about the favorites....they are wonderful. I think the people where I live are too savvy about value as I haven't seen deals this good. Or, perhaps I just haven't been on CL enough? {Great, another reason to be on the computer for hours on end!} Super finds and thanks for sharing the hunt! xx P&H

Blondie's Journal said...

I so appreciate your tips on using Craig's List. I know so little about it and how to use it.

I love the deacon's bench and I could use a vanity. I think I am going to start a little shopping of my own! Thanks, Kim!

xoxo
Jane

Deb said...

I'm loving the music chest. So what did you buy??

Aimee said...

My favorite is the sunburst clock:)

Yay for Craigslist!

What did you end up buying?

Carrie said...

Wow! I love all the finds.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I like the rusty wired mannequin.

Enjoy your day at the beach.

hugs
Sissie

Tina said...

Wonderful choices to show us, thanks so much Kim! I love the little cast iron foot stool, so sweet! I can't wait to see what you bought:) Enjoy the beach and have a wonderful weekend ~ Tina xx

Unknown said...

I haven't bought anything from CL, but I like to look. I can't wait to see your treasures! Hope you had a fun day...

Nancy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The barley twist table was my favorite too! Love those gorgeous legs!

{oc cottage} said...

Holy cats! What a dangerous place that Craig's list is! WOW!

m ^..^

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Wow! Great CL finds! So glad that you shared!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Unknown said...

craigslist rocks! we buy and sell on there all the time. i love that vanity and the dress form. my hubs almost got scammed on there though, so you have to be careful.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim! Oh, honey, I love Craigslist and have bought so many wonderful things. I'm about to run out of wall space in my house! :) My hubby says he wished I'd never learned of Craigslist.
Now look at all these lovely things! I love the barley legged table too and have never heard of a chinese wagon, but how cute!
Oh, the fun! Thanks for popping in to see me and I hope you'll come to my party on Friday, May 7th!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

GREAT finds....good for you! smiles.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Craigslist is totally awesome! There are definitely bargains to be had there.

Thanks for entering my giveaway. Keep those comments coming. There's nineteen more days to enter.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I am a little leary of CL, but have bought a doggie door through it. A great find at $45.00. I should look more!

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

I love craig's list, but I'm more of the "free" section. :)
I agree with your favorite. That twisty thing caught my eye right off!
thanks for visiting and commenting on the faux clock table.
gail

A Real Housewife said...

Great finds! Thanks for stopping by my blog. =)

Lara Harris said...

LOVE Craigslist! My Mother recently found an awesome table by Hooker, STILL in the showrooms at $3000 for only $500!! How good is that?!

kanishk said...

great finds! what will you do with the antique dress form?
post free classifieds