Meet “The Bling Bandits,” the father and son duo who broke my heart over and over again this weekend!
Wink, wink! They may look sweet and smiley, but this pair are shrewd junk collectors and pickers. (I’ll tell you more about those heartbreaking moments later.)
Kevin O is a picker who travels all along the east coast, south to north and back again, looking for all the best “junk” that he resells to antique dealers and other junk-loving kindred spirits, like me. His son, Evan, often tags along, and he drives an even harder bargain than his dad. (Hey, HGTV, this pair needs their own show!)
Kevin and his family are pulling up stakes, moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, and he’s trying to liquidate his stock quickly.
Which leads to my Sunday afternoon adventure junking at a picker’s house. I tagged along with my friend and down-the-street neighbor, Janelle of Simply Janelle Designs, who organized the outing. And I dragged Suzy of Worthing Court along with me.
We spent about two hours at Kevin’s house on Sunday, raiding his greenhouse, rummaging through his garage and basement, picking stuff off his porch and making piles in the yard.
(That’s not my junk, BTW. Some other lucky shopper scored all those goodies.)
There were about 15 of us in all, hunting for treasures…
Like these old posts and wooden crates.
We found lots of old doors and windows and metal lawn furniture…
Piles of wood…
Mason jars galore…
Brass and baskets and burlap and dried flowers and so much more…
It was hot and sweaty and dirty and dehydrating, but it was also my favorite kind of treasure hunt.
And you know how I mentioned Kevin and Evan broke my heart. Turns out a few things from my pile, like this taxi sign, were not for sale.
The sign was the first thing I spotted at the sale, and I made a beeline for it as soon we got the signal that we could start shopping.
But Kevin’s keeping that for his stash. That and the cool lighted telephone sign I wanted, too, and his metal gliders and lots of other goodies, because he has plans to open a cool store in Pennsylvania.
I’m already feeling the need for a roadtrip.
Oh Kevin, I know you’re reading this (because I sent you the link), why must you tease me so… with these goodies that are not for sale?
Yes, Suzy and I filled up a truck with great junk that we plan to use in our homes and for another special project we’re working on with our pal, Marty of Marty’s Musings. (More details on that later this week, but here’s a hint. The words “show house’ might be a clue.)
But we didn’t even make a dent in all that Kevin has to offer.
Which is lucky for you, if you live anywhere the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. Because Kevin is having a yard sale this Saturday.
If you want the scoop, send me a message (via the Contact Me tab here on my blog) and I’ll give you the details.
And Kevin, if I send the multitudes to you, will you reconsider on the taxi sign?
I know you sold me the chippy metal rocker you didn’t want to sell and gave me a deal on those stockings and so many more things. But I have cash. And I have friends. Lots and lots of junk loving friends!
Rose L.
Unfortunately I live in Oregon or would have been there in a minute!!! Great finds!
Bliss
Did you buy my childhood lawn edger? I’ve been telling my kids I want one and I’m almost afraid they will buy one for me.
Atta Girl Amy
You know what? I would have bought it (not to use, mind you!) But he wouldn’t sell it to me. It was his son’s, and he wasn’t willing to part with it.
Suzy @ Worthing Court
Thanks for “dragging” me along! It was so much fun! Can’t believe that I scored that brass trunk for $10. The after picking meal at your house was the icing on the cake!
Atta Girl Amy
I had so much fun picking with you! And we were very happy to have you join us for dinner. Bruce was very proud to have prepared a meal that got such raves. Every time you’ve dined at our house, he’s cooked, but I assure you that’s not how it normally is around here. He’s showing off, trying to earn husband points.
Marty Walden
Okay, you whetted my appetite. I wanted the Taxi sign, too! Shoot!
Atta Girl Amy
Maybe he’ll reconsider. I am not above begging. That was the first thing I made a beeline for when we got to the sale. I was so disappointed. If I’d bought it, I would have sold it to you — for a huge markup, of course!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs
Wow…you two got some great stuff!!!…Darn, I have a commitment on Saturday…Can’t blame him for moving to Pennsylvania…a great state!….enjoy your goodies and sorry you did not get that great Taxi sign!
Atta Girl Amy
He had quite the stash. I’m looking forward to going back. My truck is empty and gassed up! So sorry you won’t be able to make it. Have fun on Saturday.
Danielle
Of course I’m selling my signs this Sat at the Raleigh flea market. Darn it looks like fun !
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
Oh wow, how fun. Looks like you guys found tons of treasures.
Atta Girl Amy
When Suzy and I shop, we tend to enable one another. So, we always find treasures. It’s great to have a shopping buddy like her, and so far we’ve never fought over any purchases.
kirby carespodi
Of course I’ll be in PA this Saturday–where is he moving to? I am in PA every few months, taking care of elderly parent business. I’d have DL pick up a few things for me, but that would be a disaster.
Atta Girl Amy
I think he said near Pottsville. I’ll find out exactly. And I do have his email, and I’m sure Janelle will stay in touch. And I could only imagine what DL would buy. You ought to send him! Blog fodder.
laura@top this top that
oh my. looks like such a dream to be picking through this stuff. i wish i lived closer so i could make the trip for the next sale.
Atta Girl Amy
Now that would be a blast. You will have to come visit sometime and go shopping with us.