Turns Out The Brass Wreath Is A Handmade Collectible.
You never know what you might find at a yard sale. Even when you find it, you may not know what it is. My yard sale brass wreath is a good example of not knowing what you have…until you find it on the internet.
The wreath was just one of my yard sale purchases. I also found a vintage Crown metal bird cage, a brass magazine rack, and a metal serving tray.
$1 Yard Sale Brass Wreath
The yard sale adventure was unexpected. I was visiting my parents in Arkansas when my cousin Jane asked if I wanted to go to the Hwy 63/79 yard sale. Well, that was a no brainer. I didn’t have anything special I needed to do for Mom or Dad on Friday so the yard sale date was on.
We got a late start because Jane had a volunteer commitment early that morning. We hit the road about 9 a.m. We were really disappointed at the first few stops. There was a lot of cheap knick knacks, toys, and clothes…..not exactly what we were looking for.
At one of the stops Jane found a $5 7 ft. tall unfinished wood cabinet. At another stop she bought two large double door metal cabinets for $35. Yep, she was looking for storage and organization items. I didn’t buy a thing until we were more than half way through our route.
I bought the brass wreath for $1 but almost passed on it. The wreath was a bit odd since it had small metal figures of animals (buffalo, lion, turtle,etc.), pumpkins, Christmas trees, the Easter bunny, and more holiday figures.
There are 26 metal figures in all and a brass bow on the wreath. I almost passed it up but Jane talked me into it. What the heck, couldn’t beat the price.
That night I got to thinking about the wreath which was out in the car. I googled “animal and pumpkin brass wreath” and came up with a photo of an almost identical wreath. It was called Dresden Style Petite Choses Brass Metal Holiday Wreath. I found several on eBay and Etsy.
The wreaths were handmade in the 90's and came in different sizes with variations in animal figures and holiday themes. My wreath is about 10 inches in diameter. The prices on eBay range from $69.00-$445.00. I will probably list mine on eBay for $69 and see what happens. I’ll let you guys know. I would keep it but the wreath really isn’t my style.
You can read about the man who made the wreaths here and here. This is a small bit from the article….a mix of traditional and playful is not surprising to those who know Akard's other artworks, which include a Nostaglia wreath with brass stamp- ings that symbolize important holidays throughout the year, includ- ing Valentine's Day.
The bird cage is my favorite find from the yard sale trip. It was in good shape as far as I was concerned…..perfectly rusty. On eBay they call this cage Art Deco. I don’t know what year these were made. Any of you know? The price was $10.
There was a perch with a bell, feeders, etc. inside the cage.
I bought the shabby brass magazine rack for $1. It was a steal. It already has a new look and it’s fabulous.
The metal tray with the woven bottom was $2. I’ve already made it over and you get to see it Wednesday.
That’s it for today. What do you guys think of the wreath…..and the bird cage? Have you been on any of the long yard sale adventures? Share your favorites. Leave me a note. As always, thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen (Petticoat Junktion)
Kathy is the founder of PetticoatJunktion.com, a home décor blog focused on repurposing and upcycling furniture, old hardware, rusty stuff, and thrifty finds into unique home décor. Kathy’s projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Read more about Kathy here.
Pam Shively
I bought the same wreath for my mom in the 1980s at a special boutique in San Antonio. At the time, it was called something special, and my mom and I would refer to it as such. Just can’t remember it so many years ago. It now hangs in my breakfast room now that she is gone. -a reminder of special holidays and memories.
Wendy J Taylor
My husband and I always go to the Rt 11 Yard Crawl here in Va each year (40 plus mile yard sale ) . This year I paid $20.00 for the worst looking table you ever saw , I just had a feeling about it. Hubby was not happy when I bought it. After I got it home and started to refinish it, its beautiful oak and heavy as lead. With two leaves, and really nice ornate legs, I had the last laugh. The top had cheesecloth glued to it that protected the wood all those years. The junkier things are, the better they seem to turn out. Never be afraid of the dirt......Its usually hiding something awesome. I like your wreath....very cute !
Marsha L
You always find the most interesting junk. But your ability to see potential and repurpose these items too notch. I always enjoy seeing what you come up with to make them shine again. Please keep them coming. I love to read your posts.
Marsha L
I was trying to say top notch, but the darn auto correct kept changing it.
Kathy Owen
Thanks Marsha. You made my day. I sometimes wonder if I am inspiring anyone or just doing crazy stuff!
CC Cole
interesting about the hwy sale on 64/79. went up hwy 65 to branson last week and saw a lot of sales on the road side; hated that i had left so late & did not have time to stop! love the whimsical wreath and the history - thanks for sharing!
Kathy Owen
I knooooowwwww. I hate when I have to pass up yard sales!
Colleen Neustadt
AMAZING! I love them all..but that wreath takes the cake!
Kathy Owen
haha, it does take the cake!
kim
Wow nice find on the brass wreath. I really like the bird cage.
Kathy Owen
Yes, that bird cage is the best.
Julie Squillante
My husband and I got to garage sales every Saturday. I recently bought 2 chairs for a $1 each!! I need to make cushions for them and paint them but am excited for the project.
Kathy Owen
I love to paint but not much on sewing. Have fun!