Wolff's Flea Market Blog

Sharon Wolff Two pallets were used for this project. I used the existing frame of a smaller HT (heat treated) pallet and added extra slats from a larger HT pallet for two extra shelves and the backing. Pallet measures approximately 21.5" x 31.5"  I removed a center slat from the front to open up the shelf and attached to the back. Slats removed from a larger HT pallet. Use a mallet to gently loosen boards, and a hammer to pry out the twisty screws. It's not that hard to remove the slats, just be patient and they will eventually loosen. Cut slats to size for shelves and back. I used a hacksaw. A Sawzall is definitely on my birthday list. Rough design before assembly. I added two shelves. The lower one is permanently screwed in and the upper one (on an angle) is removable. After sanding out the slivers and spots. I used my Mouse electric sander with 60 grit paper. Close-up of permanent shelf with support block This idea evolved. I had a nice ...

Really, what legitimate flea market gardener doesn't possess 1 or more of the following assortment of  items in their yard: cinder blocks - check pallets - check railroad ties - I can only hope old tires - check old bowling balls - check lots of rocks - check garbage picked furniture - check over-grown patches of pure gardening joy - check lots of ideas - check David was on guard when I came home with more pallets. Joseph told me "ok, that's enough" as we loaded two small pallets into the trunk from behind a manufacturing plant (Always ask first before taking). I find that if you just tell the guys at the dock that you need a couple of pallets they are happy to offer them to a middle-aged mom accompanied by her robust son. After the easy assembly of my first pallet project, the coffee table, it was time to make its companion, and I chose to create a pallet bench. Please know that while many wonderful items can be made from recycled pall...

Sharon Wolff In order to create an inverted tire planter, it is necessary to obtain a soft, pliable tire. Found these two old cart tires at the flea market last week for $6 and couldn't wait to get to work. STEP 1 :   2 worn, soft tires. About 14" diameter STEP 2 :  Outline the petals with chalk or contrasting marker STEP 3 : Use a utility knife or box cutter and follow along the outlines. This tire was so soft, it took only 10 minutes to do the cutting. STEP 4 : Turn tire inside out. Not too hard, since tire was soft and pliable. When inverted, the rim becomes a pedestal! STEP 5 : Spray paint top portion. Be sure to paint inside the petals as they will be visible. Priming is not necessary and you can use any type of outdoor spray paint. STEP 6 : Spray paint bottom portion and rim The center of the rim has a hole for built-in drainage. I recommend lining tire with garden cloth. Can't wait to fill it! *Please note that tire plan...

Founded 2011 Have you noticed a few extra high school kids (and occasional college students) spinning around Wolff's Flea Market Palatine on our special event days? They are part of our community outreach program that benefits local children, their families and all other children who attend our market. High School Kids 4 Kids has amassed a solid footing at the market and we couldn't sponsor our fun events without them. Our special events are family friendly and attract parents with small children, many from Spanish speaking families. Additionally, our sellers bring their own children to the market week after week and these events led by older kids are just the diversion they need during the long work day. High School Kids 4 Kids volunteers work together as a team and shine naturally as they communicate in English and Spanish and also enjoy themselves as the kids they still are. To date, we have welcomed 20 high school and college volunteers to our events. 2011 Events ...

Sharon Wolff When I announced my search for old tires, wooden pallets and chipped bowling balls, I immediately sensed worry from my family. I overheard phrases like  "...the backyard... Sanford & Sons...", "...not bringing a dirty tire all the way home from West Virginia...",  "...please don't tell her about that pallet...". People outside the family were even bold enough to shake their heads. One person actually called me crazy.  Chris, I suspect you possess footage of me explaining myself to the hooting Wolff's Flea Market staff as a big old tire was loaded into my van. To others, this new mission seemed quite out of the realm of normalcy.  Although we are a flea market, picker family, it appeared that no one had ever shown interest in collecting such large, heavy cast-offs, commonly found near Dumpsters or bowling alleys. They were especially confused about the bowling ball, because the few select people who are privy to a certain secr...