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Shopping Canton

Mike Thompson of Sticks & Stones and Brooke Crew of Rue No. 1 show us how it’s done in Canton.

By Janet Rosell |
Veteran flea marketers Mike Thompson and Brooke Crew discuss the many (alternate) uses of  these distressed pots.

An adorable, but seatless, garden chair makes a statement as a unique planter. Very Sticks & Stones.

flea market pros

Mike Thompson of Sticks & Stones and Brooke Crew of Rue No. 1 show us how it’s done in Canton. 

Read any primer on antiquing and invariably it will tell you: bring a measuring tape, a flashlight, and a pen and paper for your journey.

So when I met up with Mike Thompson, Brooke Crew, and photographer Kevin Hunter Marple for our trip to Canton’s Trade Days, I couldn’t help but notice that the pros didn’t bring measuring tapes, flashlights, pens, or paper. I also couldn’t help but notice Mike’s great-looking leather pants.

Anyway, we all agreed that the trick to finding bargains at Canton is timing. Thus, rule No.
1 for successful flea marketing: get there before anyone else does. Although the 300-acre flea market is known as “First Monday Trade Days,” it’s actually open the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the first Monday of every month. Of the 2 1/2 million visitors Canton draws each year, those who are practiced arrive the Wednesday before, ready to buy. When we pulled up to Canton around 6 a.m. that Wednesday, vendors were already there—some setting up, others just pulling into the lot. Mike and Brooke lost no time, heading immediately for a red truck that was loaded with possibilities.

Rule No. 2: the good stuff is still in the trucks. If you have followed rule No. 1, you’ll discover very little is on display. It’s all packed in the dealer’s trucks, which are as yet unloaded. This will be the first sweep of any savvy flea marketer.

Brooke quickly claims a couple of wire baskets and a collection of beautiful vintage ornaments.

Once they gave the trucks a good once-over, Mike and Brooke went straight for the booths, which are manned by the genuine article: major junk dealers from all over Texas. Mike is clearly a regular; almost all of the dealers knew him by name.

Rule No. 3: don’t get locked into specifics. Neither Brooke nor Mike looked for objects from a specific time period or certain designer. They picked out the objects that they were instinctively drawn to because of their unique look and character. At the end of the day, Brooke’s haul was very soft and feminine, with a bit of French flair: a small, distressed child’s chair; beautiful antique ornaments; and a wire basket. Mike’s finds were clever and functional: metal containers, a collection of vintage cups and saucers, and distressed pots.

Final rule: do something with your new treasures. How many times have you picked up a flea-market find and wondered, “Why? Why did I buy this?” Mike and Brooke are the kind of people who never ask themselves that question—and that is what separates the pros from the rest of us.

Old, metal plant stands make whimsical, cottage-style serving pieces. Add a mismatched collection of saucers, fill with sweets, and invite some friends over for tea. Perfect for your next garden party. 

It’s only midmorning, but Brooke’s on her way back to the car—again—to unload her finds. A rolling cart would be handy right about now. Good thing her shoes are comfy.

Mike Thompson’s
Flea Marketing Tips

l. Collect objects you love. Create collections that reflect your own personal style. Stay within a certain genre—it’s easier to add to your collection and make a cohesive statement when decorating.


2. Don’t try to build a collection in a day. Collections happen over years. What you’ll discover is that the objects will find you, not the other way around.


3. Buy things you can use in daily life. Don’t create a museum of untouchables. What’s the point?


4. Buyer beware. At the flea market, all sales are final. Make sure you know what you’re buying. Look closely at the items. Does the lamp need to be rewired? Is the chair going to fall apart when you get home? Make sure you know how much work an item will need before you purchase it.


5. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Shop a vendor’s booth up and down before asking prices. Put all of the things that interest you in one spot and get a price for the group, not the individual items. If you buy more than one item from a vendor, chances are you’ll get a better price.


6. Make sure you have arranged transportation for your finds.
 
Brooke Crew’s Antiquing Tips

l. Have a point of view. In the long run, your design statement will have more impact if you stick to a single project, room, theme, color scheme, or collection.


2. Develop relationships with vendors. In France especially, by visiting and buying repeatedly from the same vendors, I now get better deals and more inside tips.


3. Be creative: use objects for a different purpose than they were originally intended.


4. Use imperfections to your advantage. A slight flaw often means a lower price for the same look.


5. Break all of the above rules. If you see something that you absolutely adore, buy it. Antiquing is not about regrets!

Brooke recycles a flour sack as kitschy wrapping paper.

Wire baskets store Brooke’s imported soaps and hand towels.

ABOUT CANTON

For more information, visit www.cantontx.com or www.firstmondaycanton.com. Call the Canton Chamber of Commerce at 903-567-6556 or the First Monday office at 903-567-6556.

How to Get There
Driving time from Dallas is about one hour. Take I-30 E to U.S. 80 E to I-20 E. Turn right onto F.M. 859 (Edgewood Road). Turn left onto Hwy. 64. Turn right onto Hwy. 19 (S. Trade Days Boulevard).

Where to Stay
Make a weekend of it at Saline Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast, 182 Country Road 1316, Grand Saline. 903-829-2709.

Where to Eat
Sisters Old Mill Creek Cafe,
501 E. Dallas St. 903-567-6241. Traditional Texas fare.

Dairy Palace, N. Hwy. 19 @ I-20. 903-567-6551. Hamburgers and Blue Bell shakes.

Rod’s BBQ Shack, 24632 Hwy. 64. 903-567-7402. Barbeque.

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