Miniatures to Look for at Yard Sales
Yard sales are a great source for isolated old or current items. You many find one collectible piece that someone isn't interested in any more, one or two china pieces that are all that is left of an entire set.
It is also a great place to look for one offs, a miniature vase someone is selling because they don't use it, a single piece of a collectible set they never bought more of.Miniatures often get lost in garage sales, check the boxes of assorted things to see if any special pieces are mixed in with others because of their size. Look hard, and look early are the motto for yard sale collectors!
The following are a list of the most likely things for miniatures which you may find at a yard sale.
Miniature Collectibles
In some areas you may find collectible toy miniatures, others may have collectible china or other items. Know your collectible, its worth and understand the fine points of condition as it applies to a miniature collectible.
Yard sales are great for people who are knowledgeable about their collection, but not a place to learn the finer points of condition and value.
Unusual Containers for Miniature Displays
These may include old watering cans, cookie tins, baking pans, interesting boxes, cracked but otherwise beautiful teacups, books with great covers and spines which can be turned into containers. Look at containers with a view to how they can house a miniature collection!
Picture Frames
Especially those with small/fine moldings. Old picture and document frames can be taken apart and the fine moldings used again to create window boxes or display boxes for miniatures.
The glass can often be recycled into lids or windows for display boxes. Watch out for signs of woodworm in old frames.
Fabrics
Look for fabrics with tiny prints, fine or worn fabrics that are thin enough to be used for miniature work. Worn clothing items, old decorative embroidery and silk scarves often have lots of usable material which can be cut up for different purposes.
Holes and stains can be cut away and enough material salvaged to create several miniatures. Clean the item before you start to work with the fabric. You may find out the fabric has dyes which run or other issues you need to know about.
Wood
If you have a bandsaw, or some other means of cutting wood down to size, you can often find good seasoned hardwood at yard sales. Solid drawer fronts, wooden trays, all kinds of things can be found in broken or damaged condition with wood that will do wonderfully for a miniature. Look for walnut, cherry, mahogany or any other wood with a fine grain.
Odd Bits
All kinds of unusual materials suitable for miniatures show up at yard sales, fine bits of ribbon and trim, spools of crochet cotton, electrical wire and small bulbs, decorative items which can be taken apart and re purposed or items suitable for use in displays. (Oriental mudmen, folk carvings, small ceramic miniatures to name a few.)
