My First Auction

A friend recently introduced me to the wonderful world of AUCTIONS! There's a company that puts on an auction in a warehouse once a month or so close to where we live. Although I've driven by the sign dozens of times I've never had to the nerve to actually go to one. But that all changed in June when my friend invited me along, and I am hooked! It was so exciting. This particular one was mostly antique furniture and home decor and it was really fun seeing beautiful, Old World antique pieces with their intricate carved designs, and big, dark lines. It was fun to listen to the auctioneer with his "$100--whosgot100--gimme 110--110there110--comeonit'sworthmorenthat--120-120-120--SOLD!!!" And the ladies in the front watching the crowds yelling, "YEEEEEP!!!" every time someone bids. The atmosphere was so thrilling. I made Gavin come along for the first hour (it went until 11 pm!) and he enjoyed it too.

Here's my handsome auction partner

I was looking for something to use as an entry way table and there were a few narrow chests that I had my eye on. I tried for a few of them but was outbid. I am not a good impulsive shopper. It's kind of stressful for me. But after sitting there listening to all the bustle and feeling a competitive disappointment at getting outbid, they brought out this chest of drawers that I hadn't noticed in the preview portion. For whatever reason in that split second I decided I had to have it and started bidding and bidding and bidding. And I won it! But the second they said sold I was just like, "Oh no, what did I just buy?! Why did I keep bidding?! What if it's a piece of junk?! Is that even going to fit in the entry way?" Like I said, not a good impulsive shopper. Too much buyer's remorse. A few hours later I got home with the chest and it was WAY bigger than I thought it was when I first saw it (law of auctioning #123: things look smaller in a gigantic warehouse than in your own house...) I was really sad about it and felt like I had wasted my money, but then we moved it into our bedroom and I really like it. It's not in the best shape, some of the veneer/overlay stuff is chipping off, but I still think it's beautiful. I figure the chips here and there give it nice character. Plus it is my FIRST AUCTION PURCHASE! I love it just for that (now that the shock has worn off). :)

I need a picture and some little trinkets to spruce it up, but I like it. The thing on the wall above it is a corkboard I covered in fabric.  

Here's a shot of the side so you can see the little scroll/leg things. I think that's why I started bidding on it in the first place.

And surprise! The top is a writing desk thing or something. Not actually sure what it is. But it works great for organizing Gavin's stuff! This pictures shows the chips...ahem, I mean, character...a little better.

Auctions are my new favorite thing. I went to another one a few weeks ago. I didn't even see anything at the preview that I wanted but I went for a few hours just because it's so fun. I love to see how much the pieces go for. Speaking of, I won the chest with a bid of $110. Is it tacky to say how much I paid? Oh well, I thought I'd mention it because if I was reading this blog and it wasn't mentioned I'd be like, "What?! She didn't even tell us how much she paid for the dang thing?! Why did I even read this post?!" The final cost was $130 after sales tax and a buyers premium. Ouch. A little steep, but I like it still.