Every month my husband and I get out cash for “fun” money. This is money we spend on things like coffees, movies, fabric, etc- the things that are wants rather than needs.

I had a lot of “fun” at the Curious Flea, held at New Westminster’s River Market, over the past weekend. So much “fun” that I’m going to be making my own coffee for the rest of the month.

My first temptation came in the form of sketches done by Won Kang. For the past three years he has been trying to do a sketch a day of sites mostly around East Vancouver. Having spent the first year and a half of my marriage living in that hood I was especially drawn to his work. The colours he has chosen to enhance his images with are stunning. I would love it if he would start going around Queensborough next and capturing our unique neighborhood! Do visit his site, it’s a delight! Here is one of the pics I picked up:

coffeeshop

My second temptation came in the unassuming form of a small family run stand called Time of Origin which specializes in up-cycled jewelery as well as vintage home decor items. I picked up some birthday presents here as well as a few goodies for my own home.

The pictures on these lockets are from old children's books.
The pictures on these lockets are from old children’s books.
I love this little bird I bought.
I love this little bird I bought.
I plan on painting this brass candelabra a bright high gloss colour.
I plan on painting this brass candelabra a bright high gloss colour.

Next came Brick and Mortar. They have a store front in downtown New Westminster (see link for details), but I was lucky enough to catch them at the Curious Flea. They sell all sorts of locally made home goods including divine smelling bee’s wax candles, funky mason jar lights, and coasters made from old maps, magazines, and dictionaries.

Check out the cutting board in the background. It is in the shape of British Columbia (sideways).
Check out the cutting board in the background. It is in the shape of British Columbia (sideways).

100_1705

My last great temptation came at The Vintage Sisters stand. Their eye for style was evident in the artful way they set up their display of goods. Had I not already spent all the money I could I would have been hard pressed not to buy some of their beautiful vintage goods and creatively re-purposed items.

100_1714

I love this creative way of hanging pictures: a frame, chicken wire, and paper clips.
I love this creative way of hanging pictures: a frame, chicken wire, and clothes pins.

All in all a good (child-free) morning was had. These four vendors were my favorites but there was plenty more to see at the Curious Flea. If you wish you had been there but couldn’t be, don’t fear. The Curious Flea is coming back in November, just in time do do some Christmas shopping.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post

Yee-Haw! Thoughts on Encouragement

Wed Sep 18 , 2013
If I believed in re-incarnation I would say that I must have been a cow-girl in a previous life. Seeing as I don’t believe in […]