Thanks for the tips. Here are (3) three tips that I've recently added. (1) I keep paper in a bag in my car. Too many times I've ended up buying breakables and the thrift store or seller didn't have paper to wrap them. (2) I keep a screwdriver in my car. Sometimes you need to disassemble a piece to get it in the car. (3) Having at least 2 AA batteries readily available. Test an item before I buy it.
My local vintage consignment shop recommends walking around the store the second time in the opposite direction. He states you see the store from a different view and you may see something you would have missed if you keep going in the same direction
The scalloped one is called a "Doweled Joint or Dowel Jointed" It is Much earlier than dove tail and was started in the late 1800's Also the wavy glass is very thin and often has little bubbles in it. Takamakura is Japanese and usually has padding or fabric on them or just wood and used as punishment. You can tell real Ivory by "rubbing" it on your teeth, if it feels like it has a sort of texture as opposed to being smooth and slippery. Plastic is warm, glass is cold to the touch.
It's the other way round in English furniture as The dowel-a peg or pin of hardwood-is a somewhat late development in furniture making; it replaced the traditional mortise and tenon joint in the early 19th Century where the dovetail came in, in the 17th Century. 😀
I am old enough to be your grandma and been antiquing for years. That was a great video! One thing my friends that owned an antique shop shared with me was look for the wear on the bottom of dishes/glassware. If it is worn it comes from years of use. If it is in pristine condition it can possibly be a reproduction.
Wear isn’t always an indicator as the glassware or dishes may have only been used for special occasions. One of my favorite finds was 6 sherbet cups that matched 6 that were my husband’s grandmothers.
That was bugging me too, but to be fair, a lot of woodworkers use “jointery” rather than “joinery”. It can be confusing. But I’m glad you said something.
Great video. A tip I have when buying ceramics or glassware is to rest the piece on the palm of your hand or a flat surface with nothing touching the sides. Then, flick one of the sides with your fingernail. If it rings like a bell, the piece has no cracks. A thunking sound can indicate hard-to-see cracks or repairs.
My vintage shopping hack is to find locally owned consignment stores in nicer neighborhoods. Even better if the employees are retired elderly folks. I always find amazing artwork in these shops. One time I found museum prints of Monet and O'Keeffe, both excellently framed for $25 apiece. I feel like those shops are less picked over and the selection is always good.
I am so glad you said go into a vintage or antique shop with an open mind 😉 that is such a great tip. Were I live in England it is 18 miles from London & I am surrounded by Antique shops… my town has an original Castle from the mid 15th century , it was a royal palace for over 300 years where Queen Elizabeth the 1st spent much of her childhood . so much history & I love it, so totally get why you embrace it 🙏🏻 you would be in heaven over here 🇬🇧🤛🏻xxxx
When shopping for vintage or antiques at thrift stores especially, go often and go when the store opens. I also ask the store owner the time and day they bring out new pieces. Also see if they have a color coded discount day for even more savings. Great tips Drew! ❤
One thing I've learnt is, if I'm in doubt as to whether I definitely want a piece , to pick it up and hang on to it until I decide either way. That way you don't risk losing it to another shopper, and you can always put it back if you decide against it.
I don't shop on saturdays and one time I went to a estate sale on a friday and let them know I wouldn't be able to come the next day and they let me purchase at half price. It was kind of them to do that and much appreciated and you never know unless you ask!
Drew, thank you for your generous tips! I live in South Jersey, not anything like where you live , with the incredible selection of everything. I grew up with antiques, have a Vintage shop on Etsy since 2011. I make friends with every owner/vendor I can, especially in the antique/architectural stores in my area. I am so fortunate that I am given below sticker prices. The other tip I can share, if you see an item, you are crazy about it, of course not what you are looking for that day, but it will work in your space, you will end up moving things around and Voila, a new vignette! Always fun to play with negative/positive space. Congratulations on your new home, your kitchen is amazing 🤩.
I pretty much only shop vintage when it comes to home decor! I got a deal on an Ettore Sottsass chair at a flea market once because the seller noticed I was a relatively young collector and was just happy to support young people who were interested in buying vintage. I collect vintage plastics, and though it's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, they can be fun elements to add to a space. People tend to think of Tupperware when they think of vintage plastics, but there's so much more to it then that! Anything Italian or Scandinavian is totally worth picking up.
I ALWAYS walk through a thrift store twice, just as you suggested. Go down the isles one way, then go down them the opposite way the second time. I love your channel and your new home is gorgeous! 😊
I always have blankets available to make items more secure and also hide what I bought if necessary and a tip Drew shared once was to have a light bulb so you can make sure the light works. I'd also have sanitizer you never know what your hands will collect.
My 1920's bungalow has wavy glass in the double-hung windows--well most of them at least--and they leave such a pretty pattern on the walls when the sun shines through them!
When going to flea markets, I find the best pieces as soon as the merchants set their stuff up, but on the other hand I've found the best deals towards the end of the day (sometimes free!!) do to vendors not wanting to put things back in their trucks. 😉
I love that you are promoting vintage/antique/secondhand items. It's critical for our longevity as the human race, but also just adds so much stinking CHARACTER to a home! Fun video and great tips! P.S. You can get small tape measures at the Dollar Tree to keep in your car, purse, fanny pack. ;)
I never go flea market shopping without my cart! I always take a fabric bag with me to estate sales. Both a must. Love this content today. You are the best, Drew!❤❤
I also buy vintage pieces I love every year, all year round. That way the items I don’t use in my home truly do become one-of-a-kind holiday presents. Vintage. Definitely the way to go. Blessings.
I had a good chuckle...my MIL and I were so surprised when we discovered we both tap small items on our teeth to tell if it is plastic or glass. It really works!
My husband and I love to go antique shopping. Our best finds have been at places that are going out of business. It is sad, but we picked up an antique maple bedroom set, including the aged mirror and dove tailed drawers for an amazing price. Our prized possession is a painting that we found at another place going out of business.That was many years ago, but this piece is still the feature in our dining room!!
Tip: measure your trunk, back seat, or truck bed. Nothing worse than buying something and you are driving home worrying something will fall out, obstruct your view, or knock you in the head when you brake ;-) Measure door openings if you are buying larger items. I have literally had to pop out a window to get an overstuffed chair inside and then it wouldn't fit through the bedroom door I wanted to place it in.
I remember an old coot telling me when i was a kid that old windows were rippled because they were made with leaded glass; lead is heavy and precipitates down with gravity over time, creating waves in the glass. I was raised in an 1880's farm house and all the window panes were rippled. Cool as heck! Love the videos and how you live a life of creativity, Drew! Thank you!
Great tips Drew! My personal journey buying old stuff includes touch. The way an item feels is essential to educating yourself in vintage and antique markets. It's like learning to feel the difference between silk and polyester.
Thanks for all the great tips! And yes.. we always want any videos you want to share with us, whether it be a DIY or tips or doing shopping or decorating & working in your new home!! We want all the things😁 so just bring it on!!
I usually gently tap the back of my hand with my wedding ring on an item to tell if it’s glass or plastic, rather than my tooth lol 😊 I go to antique stores and thrift stores but I’ve never been to a flea market or estate sale as I’m from UK but live in Australia. I don’t think we have them in either places. I stand corrected if I’m wrong. Great tips, Drew. Thank you👌🏼
I just love every one of your videos. No matter what you do, I’m inform, amused, entertained, educated, and often astonished at what beauty you create. I look forward to every new video.❤
This was very good! Job well done! I especially liked when you said walk through, and then go in the opposite direction and walk back. I just shopped a a store today, that had been in business since 1974 and are closing, sadly, due to bankruptcy. I walked in, then switched direction and walked back, and found 3 items I hadn't seen before. Didn't even occur to me that I did this until I just saw your great informative video!
Its so lovely seeing you sit in front of us. Hey Drew, I hope you're keeping well, my tip is I would usually ask what's the best that you can do, usually in independent stores and the charity store I'm a regular she usually knocks something off it for me. I'm loving reading through the other comments there's so great ones.
You really are an awesome professor for educating this audience regarding dove tail joints. Such a great job both with visuals and explanations of why so quality. Thank you.
Thank you! I loooove old furniture. I don't care what these white and neutral color trends are because I love real dark wood. It is so beautiful to me.
Great video, Drew!! I love your decor and remodel videos that you’re doing on your home, but this was a wonderful change of pace. I hope you do more of these in the future.
Tips.....always check wood furniture pieces for granular particles that could indicate wood worm infestation or damage by looking for small pinholes and tapping a variety of areas to be sure there are no hollow sounds. Many older pieces can look amazing from the outside but really only be held together by the varnish. Also for those who don't know.."antique" means it is 100 years old or more. Some sellers use the word to up the interest or price to an unsuspecting buyer so know your stuff and buy it because you love it, not for the possible phony romanticized story a flea market vendor may tell you about it. Thanks Drew!!
I’ve never had the chance to go to a flea market before but it looks a dream treasure hunt. Thank you for sharing these tips with us, I feel super prepared now 😍
Recently I have scored some old vintage paintings at the thrift store. I could not believe I snagged them! Gorgeous landscape scene with old time frames. A little clean up and staining they're up on my walls looking fabulous!!!
When shopping Architectural salvage and you see a round window. Just know it’s worth more than a square one. They’re great not just as an attic window, but for a front door or even repurposed as a decorative mirror. Happy Salvaging!
Wish I could show you a bookcase I managed to find from a sanatarium (sorry if this is the wrong term these days ) it's magnificent. The best piece I have in my little home. x
When buying glassware or crystal. Feel all the edges for chips. Fine crystal has a ring when tapped. Most people know that one. Antique furniture that is seriously old will have square nail heads on the back of a dresser. I love finding brass plaques on the inside of fine furniture of where and what company made it. Means a high end line. Thanks for all your tips. ❤
Such great tips Drew :-) I for one LOVE both flee markets as well as garage sales. Its pretty hit or miss but worth it to find those special one of a kind pieces. I think that's what I appreciate about your design style ... very well curated, found pieces that set you apart from most of the things we see in peoples homes. Thanks for taking the time to share these great tips :-) RR
Thank you for the tips Drew! I have silver pieces that my parents owned, and I never knew, til now what all the markings meant. I appreciate you, your wonderful soul and all your many talents!
I do love your voice and your brio as it always reflects your passion. It seems to me you are often speaking “off your cuff” rather than reading cue cards. Further enhances your effortlessness at speaking about what you love, and it shows. 👍🏼
I DID actually love all of your tips!!! A couple I knew (like bringing a cart and Sunday 1/2 off estate sales) but none of the rest! I love to go thrifting, antiquing, etc and now I will be going much more informed! ☺️
Your tips were great Drew thank you. I like to go to estate sales the first day to see what they have, purchase what I love of I think will sell the first day. Then go back on Sunday, I find if you make a pile they will give you a low $ amount for everything.
Great tips! :) Another way you can date items with "Made in..."-markings more precisely is to look out for geopolitical things like "Made in Germany" or "Made in Korea" on an older looking item because that means those items were made before Germany and Korea were divided up into East and West or North and South. Made in Germany/older item: at least 75 years old (used since 1887) Made in West Germany or Made in GDR: 75 - 33 years old Made in Germany/newer item: maximum of 33 years old
I love vintage and antiques... I used to always buy vintage clothes, but years ago people were tinier than now and definitely thinner than I am now 😄😉 These are brilliant tips
Large clothes were cut down and used over n made over n passed down to family members.. no one threw anything away! Always repurposed .. not target stores around the corner.. lol
Love you! It’s called joinery. No T. Just an fyi. Thank you for your content. Also, those marks on silver are called Hallmarks. Wavy glass was made on water.
Hi Drew. I love your videos and am so glad I found your RUclips channel. I was in the antique business for years. A few tips if you want to buy antique glassware or depression glass is to feel the weight of it. A lot of depression glass is being reproduced. The real stuff feels different, and actually looks different from the repo stuff. And most quality antique items will have some weight to them. For example, if you are looking to buy a vintage brass lamp, pick them up. If it's heavy, it's probably a quality piece. Keep up the great work. I'm learning a lot from you.
First, there is no "t" in the word "joinery". :) My childhood summers included yard sales every Saturday, and a local flea every Sunday. My dad taught me to always carry a tape measure in my purse, even when not going to shopping. You never know when you'll need it. There are 3-10 foot ones that are small enough for EDC. He also told me to carry a small notebook with key room measurements, including doorway sizes!, so I don't have to go home to check or guess if something fits. My mom was Asian, and loved soapstone art. She told me the best way to check if it's real is to touch it. It feels "cool" compared to plastic.
I so love to go out and just look. We have a great place near us called "Not too Shabby." I have found vintage, which has more character than anything new I have ever purchased . Thank you, Drew, for all your help in wanting to show us all how to locate those very precious items. ❤️
Nice list,Drew! A couple of things, get a jewellers loupe, its a magnifying glass, (they come in various sizes,) in its own cover, & makes looking for marks on silver & jewellery much easier. Knocking things on your teeth? Its about the sound! (I always use it to check glass & shell buttons!) Glass & ceramics make a clearer sound than plastics or wood. Just touch things to your lips if you'd rather not tempt the dentistry! Cloth! To see if its a natural or a man-made fibre, take a couple of strands and burn them. Natural fibres just become ash. Man-made fibres melt & leave a hard bobble at the end of the threads. Probably best to do this one in the kitchen when you get home!!! Fur!! If you can see the back of it, & its got a weave ,its faux, smooth backed, like a fine suede, or dozens of small ,smooth pieces sewn together, thats probably real. If you can only see the front, do a hair parting as close to the bottom of the fur as you can get. Again , if you can see the weave, not a problem. Hairs just disappearing into a smooth base, its probably real. (To see how that works, have a look at your own hair.) Leather? Boots/jackets/bags/ etc, a good sniff is sometimes all you need Know how to tell old glass? Touch your finger to the glass, if there is a gap between your fingertip & its reflection, its old. No gap, its newer. i bet there are dates for these, but I havent come across any yet! Ok, enough, already!!!! Love the channel and envy your weather!!! XXX ^U^ XXX
Loved this video. I was lucky enough to work in auction houses for 15 years in Australia and it took me that long to learn everything you have said. You have beautifully distilled so much knowledge in this video. And the Apps! OMG if we had the apps back then life would have been so much easier. No more Miller’s price guides to beg, borrow or steal. Mwah!
Hey Drew! I just have to say, I'm only about 17 minutes into this whole thing but I'm really really super impressed with these tips! I am no expert at all, but with time (I'm old...) you pick up on them and so I was skeptical of this video, so put off watching it. So, I'm not to the end, but already I am super impressed with your knowledge about "dating" items (I feel like it need the quotations) and aprasing them! If you ever get to the East Coast, the Brimfield Fair in Massachusets is THE ULTIME flea market! I went a couple times, got my first antique sewing maching from 1899 there, and so much other good stuff. I miss LA so much (moved to Oregon 7 years ago), but I'm almost absoltely certain that the East Coast antiquing market is better than anything in LA. Am I wrong? MAYBE! But prove me wrong....
I loved the tips, good concise video. Two things, the word is Joinery, no t. And on old rugs, you are right about the woven edge, but for those of us who have old rugs and the edge fringe starts looking terrible, we have a new fringe sewed on to the original fringe. So the rug has the old and the new.
I can usually tell by clicking it with my fingernail if something is glass or plastic or stone or metal. Tapping a piece with your fingernail with make a ringing sound if it's crystal or just glass.
For some reason my local thrift store gets so much studio pottery and I absolutely cannot stop buying it especially because it's almost always under $10 for the most amazingly beautiful pieces.
Interesting, you are using the word 'jointery', which in fact is the machine you use to straighten lumber. The term 'joiner' or 'joinery' usually refers to plate joiners, biscuit joiners, or dove tail joints.
Most of my home is vintage/antiques from heirlooms and then shopping. I have a small home 800 sq. ft. and new/modern furniture is way too big. Plus, I love all the character lines of vintage pieces; catches the eye where imo the straight clean lines just blend or fall flat. Thanks for putting this out.
Great video Drew. As a show vendor I would add a couple of things. When wanting a better price its how you go about it. Never say I'll give you. Instead say would you consider doing better. Never run down or bad mouth a piece you are trying to purchase. The vendor knows what it looks like and has priced it accordingly. Just say this is a nice piece could you consider selling it for less.
I 100% agree with these! You're not doing the vendor a favor by "giving" them money for goods, and nothing will insult someone faster than talking smack about the condition of the item you're looking to buy! My Dad restored classic cars and sold a lot he didn't have time to restore. If someone started running down a car advertised as needing restoration, he would let them continue, digging themselves into a deeper hole without saying a word or making excuses. When they made a lowball offer, he would reply, "No, but I can let you have it for..." which was usually $5k above the advertised price. They always asked why he raised the price when the car needed so much work. His answer was if they thought it was that far gone, they didn't have the heart to bring it back to life, so he raised the price to something he knew they wouldn't pay and walked away. It's an insult when people do that, but either they don't know that or don't care.
I have vintage shopped for 57 years. I have received so many tips from vendors. I notice that vendors prefer someone who will live with a beloved piece over resellers.
Thanks for the tips. Here are (3) three tips that I've recently added. (1) I keep paper in a bag in my car. Too many times I've ended up buying breakables and the thrift store or seller didn't have paper to wrap them. (2) I keep a screwdriver in my car. Sometimes you need to disassemble a piece to get it in the car. (3) Having at least 2 AA batteries readily available. Test an item before I buy it.
❤❤
Thanks Drew👏🏻🤗
Great tips, thank you!
Screwdriver [regular and Phillips- large and small] + pliers + hammer.
🎉
My local vintage consignment shop recommends walking around the store the second time in the opposite direction. He states you see the store from a different view and you may see something you would have missed if you keep going in the same direction
WOW this is so true! Coming back from another direction -it's like a new store!
Thats perfect!!! Thank you & thank him for such a good tip!!!
The scalloped one is called a "Doweled Joint or Dowel Jointed" It is Much earlier than dove tail and was started in the late 1800's
Also the wavy glass is very thin and often has little bubbles in it.
Takamakura is Japanese and usually has padding or fabric on them or just wood and used as punishment.
You can tell real Ivory by "rubbing" it on your teeth, if it feels like it has a sort of texture as opposed to being smooth and slippery.
Plastic is warm, glass is cold to the touch.
It's the other way round in English furniture as The dowel-a peg or pin of hardwood-is a somewhat late development in furniture making; it replaced the traditional mortise and tenon joint in the early 19th Century where the dovetail came in, in the 17th Century. 😀
Another tip , bring paint , fabric , wood tone swatches with you if your trying to match a specific room furniture piece etc .
I keep a zip-lock bag under my car seat with all that in it.
I am old enough to be your grandma and been antiquing for years. That was a great video! One thing my friends that owned an antique shop shared with me was look for the wear on the bottom of dishes/glassware. If it is worn it comes from years of use. If it is in pristine condition it can possibly be a reproduction.
Wear isn’t always an indicator as the glassware or dishes may have only been used for special occasions. One of my favorite finds was 6 sherbet cups that matched 6 that were my husband’s grandmothers.
Just for your info, Drew, it’s called “JOINERY” (without the “t”) which is “1. the craft or trade of a joiner; or 2. woodwork made by a joiner”.😘
Thank you for also saying it! It was driving me nuts haha
Ahhh I had no idea! I so figured it was joint haha!
That was bugging me too, but to be fair, a lot of woodworkers use “jointery” rather than “joinery”. It can be confusing. But I’m glad you said something.
Thanks for saying that. I checked the comments just to make sure i was not duplicating. Drew, think of joining two pieces together.
@@lonefox For sure, they sound similar.✨💗
Great video. A tip I have when buying ceramics or glassware is to rest the piece on the palm of your hand or a flat surface with nothing touching the sides. Then, flick one of the sides with your fingernail. If it rings like a bell, the piece has no cracks. A thunking sound can indicate hard-to-see cracks or repairs.
My vintage shopping hack is to find locally owned consignment stores in nicer neighborhoods. Even better if the employees are retired elderly folks. I always find amazing artwork in these shops. One time I found museum prints of Monet and O'Keeffe, both excellently framed for $25 apiece. I feel like those shops are less picked over and the selection is always good.
I am so glad you said go into a vintage or antique shop with an open mind 😉 that is such a great tip. Were I live in England it is 18 miles from London & I am surrounded by Antique shops… my town has an original Castle from the mid 15th century , it was a royal palace for over 300 years where Queen Elizabeth the 1st spent much of her childhood . so much history & I love it, so totally get why you embrace it 🙏🏻 you would be in heaven over here 🇬🇧🤛🏻xxxx
When shopping for vintage or antiques at thrift stores especially, go often and go when the store opens. I also ask the store owner the time and day they bring out new pieces. Also see if they have a color coded discount day for even more savings. Great tips Drew! ❤
Ohh yes great tips!!
One thing I've learnt is, if I'm in doubt as to whether I definitely want a piece , to pick it up and hang on to it until I decide either way. That way you don't risk losing it to another shopper, and you can always put it back if you decide against it.
I do that too. It gives me a chance to feel the "vibe" of the piece.
I don't shop on saturdays and one time I went to a estate sale on a friday and let them know I wouldn't be able to come the next day and they let me purchase at half price. It was kind of them to do that and much appreciated and you never know unless you ask!
Drew, thank you for your generous tips! I live in South Jersey, not anything like where you live , with the incredible selection of everything.
I grew up with antiques, have a Vintage shop on Etsy since 2011. I make friends with every owner/vendor I can, especially in the antique/architectural stores in my area. I am so fortunate that I am given below sticker prices.
The other tip I can share, if you see an item, you are crazy about it, of course not what you are looking for that day, but it will work in your space, you will end up moving things around and Voila, a new vignette! Always fun to play with negative/positive space.
Congratulations on your new home, your kitchen is amazing 🤩.
I used to live in Bradley Beach,, but got tired of the **snow** in "96" that was a hell of a ruff year we high tailed it to NC... 😅😅😅
I pretty much only shop vintage when it comes to home decor! I got a deal on an Ettore Sottsass chair at a flea market once because the seller noticed I was a relatively young collector and was just happy to support young people who were interested in buying vintage. I collect vintage plastics, and though it's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, they can be fun elements to add to a space. People tend to think of Tupperware when they think of vintage plastics, but there's so much more to it then that! Anything Italian or Scandinavian is totally worth picking up.
I ALWAYS walk through a thrift store twice, just as you suggested. Go down the isles one way, then go down them the opposite way the second time. I love your channel and your new home is gorgeous! 😊
I always have blankets available to make items more secure and also hide what I bought if necessary and a tip Drew shared once was to have a light bulb so you can make sure the light works. I'd also have sanitizer you never know what your hands will collect.
Yes to the blankets. Also lengths of bubble wrap. I always put some in my suitcase when travelling too.
Yes! And the blankets can double for warmth in the event you get stranded in the winter. Win win 😊
Thank you for all the great tips. You are so natural. A REAL person, no pretensions. I really love watching and listening to you. Take care.
Plus bungee cords in case you have to secure the trunk lid for a large item that hangs out.
Great tips! I actually always carry a tape measure in my purse. I recently found the Google camera. I love it!
In a pinch, a US dollar bill is 6 inches in length. This can help you measure without a ruler/tape measure.
Google Lens
My 1920's bungalow has wavy glass in the double-hung windows--well most of them at least--and they leave such a pretty pattern on the walls when the sun shines through them!
When going to flea markets, I find the best pieces as soon as the merchants set their stuff up, but on the other hand I've found the best deals towards the end of the day (sometimes free!!) do to vendors not wanting to put things back in their trucks. 😉
I love that you are promoting vintage/antique/secondhand items. It's critical for our longevity as the human race, but also just adds so much stinking CHARACTER to a home! Fun video and great tips!
P.S. You can get small tape measures at the Dollar Tree to keep in your car, purse, fanny pack. ;)
I never go flea market shopping without my cart! I always take a fabric bag with me to estate sales. Both a must. Love this content today. You are the best, Drew!❤❤
Cart is a good tip.
I work at estate sales part-time and one can spot the experienced shoppers who bring their fabric bags!
I also buy vintage pieces I love every year, all year round. That way the items I don’t use in my home truly do become one-of-a-kind holiday presents. Vintage. Definitely the way to go. Blessings.
I had a good chuckle...my MIL and I were so surprised when we discovered we both tap small items on our teeth to tell if it is plastic or glass. It really works!
My husband and I love to go antique shopping. Our best finds have been at places that are going out of business. It is sad, but we picked up an antique maple bedroom set, including the aged mirror and dove tailed drawers for an amazing price. Our prized possession is a painting that we found at another place going out of business.That was many years ago, but this piece is still the feature in our dining room!!
Tip: measure your trunk, back seat, or truck bed. Nothing worse than buying something and you are driving home worrying something will fall out, obstruct your view, or knock you in the head when you brake ;-)
Measure door openings if you are buying larger items. I have literally had to pop out a window to get an overstuffed chair inside and then it wouldn't fit through the bedroom door I wanted to place it in.
I remember an old coot telling me when i was a kid that old windows were rippled because they were made with leaded glass; lead is heavy and precipitates down with gravity over time, creating waves in the glass. I was raised in an 1880's farm house and all the window panes were rippled. Cool as heck! Love the videos and how you live a life of creativity, Drew! Thank you!
I'll just add that vintage glass panes - window panes - were created as rolled glass sheets
Great tips Drew! My personal journey buying old stuff includes touch. The way an item feels is essential to educating yourself in vintage and antique markets. It's like learning to feel the difference between silk and polyester.
Thanks for all the great tips! And yes.. we always want any videos you want to share with us, whether it be a DIY or tips or doing shopping or decorating & working in your new home!! We want all the things😁 so just bring it on!!
I usually gently tap the back of my hand with my wedding ring on an item to tell if it’s glass or plastic, rather than my tooth lol 😊 I go to antique stores and thrift stores but I’ve never been to a flea market or estate sale as I’m from UK but live in Australia. I don’t think we have them in either places. I stand corrected if I’m wrong. Great tips, Drew. Thank you👌🏼
Hey Drew. I love these “tip” videos amongst your reno/styling/diy vids. Please do more of these. ❤
I just love every one of your videos. No matter what you do, I’m inform, amused, entertained, educated, and often astonished at what beauty you create. I look forward to every new video.❤
This was very good! Job well done! I especially liked when you said walk through, and then go in the opposite direction and walk back. I just shopped a a store today, that had been in business since 1974 and are closing, sadly, due to bankruptcy. I walked in, then switched direction and walked back, and found 3 items I hadn't seen before. Didn't even occur to me that I did this until I just saw your great informative video!
Its so lovely seeing you sit in front of us. Hey Drew, I hope you're keeping well, my tip is I would usually ask what's the best that you can do, usually in independent stores and the charity store I'm a regular she usually knocks something off it for me. I'm loving reading through the other comments there's so great ones.
You really are an awesome professor for educating this audience regarding dove tail joints. Such a great job both with visuals and explanations of why so quality. Thank you.
Thank you! I loooove old furniture. I don't care what these white and neutral color trends are because I love real dark wood. It is so beautiful to me.
Google lens is my favorite tool! I recently got a late 19th century chair with comps around $300 for 9.99 at the thrift store because of Google lens!
Great video, Drew!!
I love your decor and remodel videos that you’re doing on your home, but this was a wonderful change of pace. I hope you do more of these in the future.
"tapping it on your teeth" was MY EDGE in the antiques game :)
Love the tooth thing, been doing it my whole life. Great when checking out vintage jewelry and pearls.
Tips.....always check wood furniture pieces for granular particles that could indicate wood worm infestation or damage by looking for small pinholes and tapping a variety of areas to be sure there are no hollow sounds. Many older pieces can look amazing from the outside but really only be held together by the varnish. Also for those who don't know.."antique" means it is 100 years old or more. Some sellers use the word to up the interest or price to an unsuspecting buyer so know your stuff and buy it because you love it, not for the possible phony romanticized story a flea market vendor may tell you about it. Thanks Drew!!
Your “simplest” tips are the best ones to me. Like bringing a tape measure. Yes. Simple. You, sir, reminded us it is key. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
I’ve never had the chance to go to a flea market before but it looks a dream treasure hunt. Thank you for sharing these tips with us, I feel super prepared now 😍
It really is so much fun!
Recently I have scored some old vintage paintings at the thrift store. I could not believe I snagged them! Gorgeous landscape scene with old time frames. A little clean up and staining they're up on my walls looking fabulous!!!
When shopping Architectural salvage and you see a round window. Just know it’s worth more than a square one. They’re great not just as an attic window, but for a front door or even repurposed as a decorative mirror. Happy Salvaging!
So glad you posted tonight; I need a chill-out night. love your videos.
Wish I could show you a bookcase I managed to find from a sanatarium (sorry if this is the wrong term these days ) it's magnificent. The best piece I have in my little home. x
Yes to more videos like this, yes to more videos. Thank you xo
Wow, this video is SO CLEAR... props to whoever is filming & the equipment.
These tips are great. There were a couple that I hadn't thought of. Super appreciated!! I love you new home & the reno videos are awesome!
When buying glassware or crystal. Feel all the edges for chips. Fine crystal has a ring when tapped. Most people know that one. Antique furniture that is seriously old will have square nail heads on the back of a dresser. I love finding brass plaques on the inside of fine furniture of where and what company made it. Means a high end line. Thanks for all your tips. ❤
Such great tips Drew :-) I for one LOVE both flee markets as well as garage sales. Its pretty hit or miss but worth it to find those special one of a kind pieces. I think that's what I appreciate about your design style ... very well curated, found pieces that set you apart from most of the things we see in peoples homes. Thanks for taking the time to share these great tips :-) RR
Rebecca you are also in a class of your own
Thank you for the tips Drew! I have silver pieces that my parents owned, and I never knew, til now what all the markings meant. I appreciate you, your wonderful soul and all your many talents!
You never disappoint! Thanks for the tips!
I do love your voice and your brio as it always reflects your passion. It seems to me you are often speaking “off your cuff” rather than reading cue cards. Further enhances your effortlessness at speaking about what you love, and it shows. 👍🏼
I've done the tapping on my tooth for decades! People have thought I was crazy doing that but yes, it does let you know what it is!
Is there a particular difference over using your fingernails?
Drew, I enjoy all the videos you’ve recorded. So, keep following your gut because it points you in the right direction - at least for this viewer.
Hi Drew! Yep - the tips videos are great but my favorites are the DIY and actual building/making/styling projects. Thanks for all you do!
Hello Drew, hacks & tips sounds great. Vintage shopping is the best. Great tips thank you for sharing.❤
I DID actually love all of your tips!!! A couple I knew (like bringing a cart and Sunday 1/2 off estate sales) but none of the rest! I love to go thrifting, antiquing, etc and now I will be going much more informed! ☺️
Your tips were great Drew thank you. I like to go to estate sales the first day to see what they have, purchase what I love of I think will sell the first day. Then go back on Sunday, I find if you make a pile they will give you a low $ amount for everything.
I am not psychic. Just wholeheartedly certain you will sell out in less than 9 minutes this time. So great your eye for vintage treasures. 😁🙌🏼👍🏼❤️
This is the video I have been waiting for!!! The tip about staples and nails and the tip number 14 is amazing!!
So happy you found it helpful!
Another great video - loaded with many excellent tips. Thanks!
Soooo helpful! As an aspiring vintage shopper, thank you. 🎉❤❤
Great tips! :) Another way you can date items with "Made in..."-markings more precisely is to look out for geopolitical things like "Made in Germany" or "Made in Korea" on an older looking item because that means those items were made before Germany and Korea were divided up into East and West or North and South.
Made in Germany/older item: at least 75 years old (used since 1887)
Made in West Germany or Made in GDR: 75 - 33 years old
Made in Germany/newer item: maximum of 33 years old
I love vintage and antiques... I used to always buy vintage clothes, but years ago people were tinier than now and definitely thinner than I am now 😄😉 These are brilliant tips
Or maybe the bigger clothes got used more and didn't survive. Perhaps the tiny clothes were not used as much and don't reflect the 'norm'🤔
Large clothes were cut down and used over n made over n passed down to family members.. no one threw anything away! Always repurposed .. not target stores around the corner.. lol
Take us shopping vintage and flea markets more, I love it, you show us all you just pointed out to us. Thank you
Love you! It’s called joinery. No T. Just an fyi. Thank you for your content. Also, those marks on silver are called Hallmarks. Wavy glass was made on water.
Rarely this early. Good morning from Australia. Love the mix of new and “old” content.
Hi Drew. I love your videos and am so glad I found your RUclips channel. I was in the antique business for years. A few tips if you want to buy antique glassware or depression glass is to feel the weight of it. A lot of depression glass is being reproduced. The real stuff feels different, and actually looks different from the repo stuff. And most quality antique items will have some weight to them. For example, if you are looking to buy a vintage brass lamp, pick them up. If it's heavy, it's probably a quality piece.
Keep up the great work. I'm learning a lot from you.
Yes! Def walk through twice at a shop
First, there is no "t" in the word "joinery". :)
My childhood summers included yard sales every Saturday, and a local flea every Sunday. My dad taught me to always carry a tape measure in my purse, even when not going to shopping. You never know when you'll need it. There are 3-10 foot ones that are small enough for EDC. He also told me to carry a small notebook with key room measurements, including doorway sizes!, so I don't have to go home to check or guess if something fits.
My mom was Asian, and loved soapstone art. She told me the best way to check if it's real is to touch it. It feels "cool" compared to plastic.
This was so helpful for those of us who a new at vintage and antique shopping. Thank you!
I so love to go out and just look. We have a great place near us called "Not too Shabby." I have found vintage, which has more character than anything new I have ever purchased . Thank you, Drew, for all your help in wanting to show us all how to locate those very precious items. ❤️
@LoneFoxRUclips...... Hi Drew, Thank you for replying to my message. You have so many beautiful finds.
Ceramics: transfer ware has a uniform, smooth feel. Hand painted work has brushstrokes you can feel.
Nice list,Drew!
A couple of things, get a jewellers loupe, its a magnifying glass, (they come in various sizes,) in its own cover, & makes looking for marks on silver & jewellery much easier.
Knocking things on your teeth? Its about the sound! (I always use it to check glass & shell buttons!) Glass & ceramics make a clearer sound than plastics or wood. Just touch things to your lips if you'd rather not tempt the dentistry!
Cloth! To see if its a natural or a man-made fibre, take a couple of strands and burn them. Natural fibres just become ash. Man-made fibres melt & leave a hard bobble at the end of the threads. Probably best to do this one in the kitchen when you get home!!!
Fur!! If you can see the back of it, & its got a weave ,its faux, smooth backed, like a fine suede, or dozens of small ,smooth pieces sewn together, thats probably real.
If you can only see the front, do a hair parting as close to the bottom of the fur as you can get. Again , if you can see the weave, not a problem.
Hairs just disappearing into a smooth base, its probably real. (To see how that works, have a look at your own hair.)
Leather? Boots/jackets/bags/ etc, a good sniff is sometimes all you need
Know how to tell old glass? Touch your finger to the glass, if there is a gap between your fingertip & its reflection, its old. No gap, its newer. i bet there are dates for these, but I havent come across any yet!
Ok, enough, already!!!!
Love the channel and envy your weather!!!
XXX ^U^ XXX
Good,so sensible and good of you. Thank you . Stay well.
Loved this video. I was lucky enough to work in auction houses for 15 years in Australia and it took me that long to learn everything you have said. You have beautifully distilled so much knowledge in this video. And the Apps! OMG if we had the apps back then life would have been so much easier. No more Miller’s price guides to beg, borrow or steal. Mwah!
Hey Drew! I just have to say, I'm only about 17 minutes into this whole thing but I'm really really super impressed with these tips! I am no expert at all, but with time (I'm old...) you pick up on them and so I was skeptical of this video, so put off watching it. So, I'm not to the end, but already I am super impressed with your knowledge about "dating" items (I feel like it need the quotations) and aprasing them! If you ever get to the East Coast, the Brimfield Fair in Massachusets is THE ULTIME flea market! I went a couple times, got my first antique sewing maching from 1899 there, and so much other good stuff. I miss LA so much (moved to Oregon 7 years ago), but I'm almost absoltely certain that the East Coast antiquing market is better than anything in LA. Am I wrong? MAYBE! But prove me wrong....
Thank you, Drew. I learned a lot in this video, please continue video’s like this. Love your channel ❤
The tassels on a vintage or antique rug are the beginning and end of the warp of the rug. Thanks for the great content!
I loved the tips, good concise video. Two things, the word is Joinery, no t. And on old rugs, you are right about the woven edge, but for those of us who have old rugs and the edge fringe starts looking terrible, we have a new fringe sewed on to the original fringe. So the rug has the old and the new.
I love Thursday’s because we all get to see what you are up to!
I can usually tell by clicking it with my fingernail if something is glass or plastic or stone or metal. Tapping a piece with your fingernail with make a ringing sound if it's crystal or just glass.
Wow Drew, this is really one good episode full of valuable tips for anyone who want to start buying vintage. Thank you so much for this
Hey Drew, the bring cash rule is also referred to as the Dead President Discount!
I love your hack vídeos Drew! You can tell how much research and care goes into each one. 🙏🏽
I'm glad to see you doing these kind of videos. Hope to see more DIYs too!
I love it all drew the seated camera vlogs and the renovation I’ll enjoy whatever you put out
I’ve been schooled😃. Thank you for sharing your knowledge & experience! I am appreciative.
For some reason my local thrift store gets so much studio pottery and I absolutely cannot stop buying it especially because it's almost always under $10 for the most amazingly beautiful pieces.
Loved all your tips and yes when you go around the second time do it the oposite way its amazing how much you miss the first time.
Thanks for the tips Drew!
Another one is take a magnet with you. Real gold eg jewellery is not attracted to a magnet.
Your videos are so relaxing, inspiring, and positive. Plus, you are an extremely talented designer.
Interesting, you are using the word 'jointery', which in fact is the machine you use to straighten lumber.
The term 'joiner' or 'joinery' usually refers to plate joiners, biscuit joiners, or dove tail joints.
Most of my home is vintage/antiques from heirlooms and then shopping. I have a small home 800 sq. ft. and new/modern furniture is way too big. Plus, I love all the character lines of vintage pieces; catches the eye where imo the straight clean lines just blend or fall flat. Thanks for putting this out.
Great video Drew. As a show vendor I would add a couple of things. When wanting a better price its how you go about it. Never say I'll give you. Instead say would you consider doing better.
Never run down or bad mouth a piece you are trying to purchase. The vendor knows what it looks like and has priced it accordingly.
Just say this is a nice piece could you consider selling it for less.
I 100% agree with these! You're not doing the vendor a favor by "giving" them money for goods, and nothing will insult someone faster than talking smack about the condition of the item you're looking to buy! My Dad restored classic cars and sold a lot he didn't have time to restore. If someone started running down a car advertised as needing restoration, he would let them continue, digging themselves into a deeper hole without saying a word or making excuses. When they made a lowball offer, he would reply, "No, but I can let you have it for..." which was usually $5k above the advertised price. They always asked why he raised the price when the car needed so much work. His answer was if they thought it was that far gone, they didn't have the heart to bring it back to life, so he raised the price to something he knew they wouldn't pay and walked away. It's an insult when people do that, but either they don't know that or don't care.
I have vintage shopped for 57 years. I have received so many tips from vendors. I notice that vendors prefer someone who will live with a beloved piece over resellers.
Thank you for all the information. That was so interesting. Great tutorial.
I love this type of content!
I’m french and the way you said craquelure is just the cutest ahah, I didn’t even recognized the word at first
Love your videos ♥️