Weird & Wonderful Finds From A National Antique Fair

A few weeks ago John and I trekked out to Mount Dora for one of my favorite events of the year: Renninger's Antique Extravaganza. For one weekend in November (and another in January & February) over 800 antiques vendors from all around the U.S. set up shop in one enormous field, and it. is. glorious.

When I mentioned this to a friend she asked, "So, what are you going to look for?"

I stared at her blankly. "Oh, no" I said, "That's not how this works."

After all, you don't just set out to find a couple of taxidermied bullfrogs playing billiards... they find you.

You know, later. In your nightmares.

And now, in the spirit of one of my favorite Facebook groups, Weird and Wonderful Secondhand Finds, all me to present my favorite findings of the day.

Starting with this Wonder Bread-themed clown head gumball machine, because even just putting all those words together is a work of art.

I waited 'til he wasn't looking to take the photo.

::evil grin::

I don't know if it's supposed to be Wonder Bread themed, but if not that's a wild coincidence:

 Maybe the gumballs were bread flavored.

And now that you're making that face, here's a black velvet painting of an alicorn flying over Saturn:


Once you notice that wing placement, it's all you see.
(There's a "butt-flap" joke in here somewhere, I just know it.)

I have no memory of taking this next photo, so it's like a little gift to myself from past Jen:

It's Gettin' Hoth In Here: Snow Dragon Scarves, Magical Cat Trees, & Small World Christmases

I know we can't complain about Christmas decorations being up too early anymore, but I think you'll still appreciate this photo from one of my Halloween groups:

(Rosanne L. in Halloween Decorations)

We feel ya, Skelly. It's... it's a lot.

:D

*****

In fact let's take a little break from Christmas, and instead gaze in wonder at these incredible Labyrinth candlesticks:

(by Clare H. in Jim Henson's Creature Shop)

Clare hand sculpted the riddling door guards out of air dry clay, then added them to existing candlesticks. I can't get over how perfect they look, especially with the matching candles!

*****

Ohhh, and I know you're going to love these scarves I found. First we have a cuddly neck dragon:

Felted Snow Dragon Scarf by Peacock Felt

Or, if you prefer to make your own neck wear, Bea of Cottontail Whiskers is selling patterns for this adorable barn owl:

::immediately cranks "As The World Falls Down"::

 I thought the Labyrinth vibes were accidental until I scrolled through Bea's shop; she also has patterns for both a Firey & Ludo! Then there are lots of hilarious and/or geeky gems like these:

Alien curtain tie-backs!

I know I said no more Christmas, but this tree is cracking. me. UP:

IT ME

Check out Bea's website for all her patterns.

Oh no, the urge to learn crochet is growing. Halp. Or maybe recommend a good kit? No. Yes. NO.

DEFINITELY NOT.

Or yes.

****

I maintain that you can EASILY work in at least one Jim Carrey Grinch quote per day. The amount of use John and I get out of "It's joyful and triumphant" and "But what would I WEAR?!" is worth the price of admission alone. We also enjoy telling the cats - just before wrestling their mouths open to brush their teeth - that, "this is NOT pudding." Then we laugh like loons while they plot our demise. Good times.

Anywho, let's carry on.

****

Getting back to our snowy winter theme, take a look at Erica Danielle's gorgeous shabby chic Star Wars Hoth wall: