What’s an estate sale? Typically it’s a liquidation of a family’s belongs or estate. It’s also called a tag sale in some parts of the country. There are different reasons for estate sales like bankruptcy, downsizing, death, etc… Typically the entire home is for sale and you’re walking through the entire house to take a look at all the items. This is no regular yard sale! Estate sales typically mean great deals on furniture, kitchen everything, clothes, jewelry, etc… Furniture and rugs tend to move first thing in the morning, so be there early if that’s what interests you.
For those of you who caught my Insta story a few weeks ago, I stopped by an estate sale in Claremont. It was advertised as a mid-century modern dream, which as you’ll come to find out, is my FAVORITE. Most estate sales happen Friday through Sunday, but this one started Thursday. Lucky me because I have some time Thursday mornings all by myself!
I went to see how much the rugs were, since I’m looking for a new rug in my living room. I just wanted to get an idea of the price on second hand rugs, not buy one yet. Does that mean I walked away with nothing? BAH! I wish! I’d have more money in my wallet but I’m such a push over! Here’s one of the pieces I did purchase, a super cute 60’s purse. I’m not a collector of vintage purses, so this is not a typical purchase for me! However, I purchased the purse for our anniversary trip on a restored rail car. I thought the rail cars were from the sixties, but it turns out they were from 1949 and 1950. Oh well, I still love it.
I also think I lucked out at the estate sale because I’ve really been wanting to purchase an original work of art – which I got to purchase! Something unique, that was drawn by human hands rather than most of the artwork from machines that we have. No shade to that mass-produced decor, because I have a ton, I just wanted something new – well old.
Artwork Number One: Non-Objective
That title is BEYOND misleading because it makes me sound like I know what I’m talking about when it comes to art. The artist, Dora I Higgins Eudey, titled the piece, not me. What is non-objective art? It is artwork that does not represent or depict a person, place or thing in the natural world and is mostly commonly referred to as, abstract art. I googled that guys. I truly no little-to-nothing art.
What I do know about art is – it’s subjective! Great because I love the piece, even if others don’t. I like that it’s simple and I love the shades of blue. Plus I knew it would fit with my 1960’s Salton hot try cart and the vintage kitchen pieces I have on the cart. I also knew my husband would like it too, since he’s into minimal things when it comes to decor. I know, the artwork is minimal but all that stuff on the cart isn’t. It’s about balance folks.
And guess what!?! There are secret paintings on the back of each piece! I guess the artist didn’t want to waste any paper. On the back of the non-objective piece is a little forest scene. So if I get bored, I’ll just flip it!
Artwork Number Two: Colorful Flowers
This piece wasn’t titled so I took the liberty and named it something completely obvious – colorful flowers. The first picture is why I purchased the painting, that’s the front of the artwork. However, if you flip it around, you have another piece of flower artwork again! I personally like the fun colors and joy of the painting, which I intended to hang in Colette’s room. Amir, on the other hand, is not a fan. See, art is subjective!
Obviously there is no picture of it hanging in Colette’s room because I realized the only real estate left in her room is right above her bed. And living in California I do not put anything above the bed because of earthquakes. I really hate earthquakes. Anyways, I’m currently re-thinking where to hang the painting.
The artists name of both pieces is Dora I Higgins Eudey. How do I know this? The Estate Sale was cool enough to post about the artist! According to the estate sale she was born in 1909 and passed away in 2006, living most of her life in Upland, California. Dora was known for her watercolors and engraving. She was also a teacher and a member of several art societies in California. Thank you Dora, I love your work!
Finding Estate Sales
So let’s answer the burning question. Where do you find Estate Sales?! Well you could drive around your area and look for signs, which does work, or you could head over to Estate Sales.net. They’ll notify you of estate sales in your area, and that’s not just for Southern California, but all the states! I receive an email, typically every Thursday, letting me know of estate sales in my area. Mostly I look longingly at the sales and pictures. But this mid-century modern estate sale’s pictures looked so good I couldn’t contain myself!
So get out there guys! Go shopping at estate sales, flea markets, antique and vintage stores!
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I LOVE “Colorful Flowers!” Get with it, Amir. 😉
Right Beth?! Ha!