Back after a three-week hiatus (due to bad weather), Little Flea is setting up Saturday for what could well be the last time before going into hibernation. New and old vendors will be on hand with their incredible treasures. (Alas, Victoria Hruska can't make it!) There may even be some music to dance to! (Btw, interested buskers should get in touch with us immediately.) So, let's come together and have us some flea fun as we "lively up" the neighborhood. Pets welcome.
SAVE THE LAWRENCEVILLE LIBRARY! Stop by the Little Flea community table and pick up a Sustain Our Libraries poster. This fundraising effort is a collaboration between Jude Vachon and Mary Tremonte, with all proceeds directed to the CLP. For a nominal $15 donation, you can have one of these silkscreened lovelies for your window. Make checks out to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; identify operating costs or Lawrenceville branch in the notes section. Can't make it down this Saturday? Posters are also available at Equita (3609 Butler St). Don't forget your checkbook!
Much love to those who have filled their windows with messages of support and shouted in the streets to keep our branches open! Here's to the good fight!
Little Flea has been forced to stay home for the second week in a row because of inclement weather. Yes, I know, not again.
The end of Little Flea season 2009 is soon approaching and we'd really like to have at least one last chance for folks to have some flea fun before we say goodbye. Next Saturday is Halloween, a great opportunity to celebrate the ironic quaintness and downright freakiness of the flea market, so we're asking everyone out there to keep their fingers crossed for good weather.
By the way, we're still accepting new vendors. These coming weeks might be a good time to unload excess holiday decorations, etc. Request an application at lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com
It's been said before: It's hard to imagine a flea market without the ubiquitous dog either following or leading its owner from stall to stall. Yes, Little Flea is pet friendly - even our vendors bring their friends along to spend the day. Here's a look at some of our friends lately at Little Flea.
Reminder: Little Flea happens this Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Corner of 36th + Butler. Hope to see you there!
A bit of sun and mild temperatures are expected this Saturday: perfect fall weather for the first Little Flea of the month. We thought of sharing some of the great finds we've come across at the market. Some you'd expect to find at a flea market - others not so much - but all are veritable treasures. Design books, French art history books... and a paperback titled " That woman must be on drugs"? Whimsical salt and pepper shakers, a miniature clock radio, a VHS rewinder... and toy horses? That awesome guitar was gone in minutes, along with the Asian wall hanging. Antiques and collectibles come in all shapes, forms and tastes. There's more where that came from. See you Saturday!
This is not a how this Saturday is supposed to look like. Unfortunately the weather isn't collaborating with us this week: reports call for sustained rain most of the day, so we have no choice but to cancel this week's Little Flea.
It's not such bad news. We all need a break after what the G-20 summit has put the city through. Our recommendation: get out there and re-populate the streets. Come to Lawrenceville and help us get those terrifying images out of our collective consciousness, then head over to Bloomfield and live it up Italian-style at Little Italy Days (I gotta get myself some eggplant parm!).
So, you took a couple of walks around the market, liked the vibe, got some crazy finds (like the obscure but cute alien head pictured below), and you suddenly feel that this is it - the place you've been looking for all your life. Well, OK, not exactly, but you do see yourself behind a table packed with your own unwanted stuff or, why not, your handmade crafts, chatting the day away with interesting individuals just like yourself. Yeah, I can make it here, you say. I want to do what's right for the planet, so I'll recycle some of my cool stuff here and make some cash in the process. Hmm, but how do I get in the game?
Got questions? Get answers and more at the Little Flea Information and Community Desk. Learn all you need to know about joining the gang - heck, you can even fill out an application right there and then. Also, learn about what's going on in the neighborhood, sign petitions, and take home some community related materials provided by Lawrenceville organizations and groups. See you Saturday!
It was a splendid day at Little Flea - the best one yet. The perfect weather made everything possible (a far cry from the calamity of two weeks ago). Our kickass vendors, who were present in record numbers and filling the lot to capacity, used every inch of space at their disposal to show off a truly impressive flea selection. From early on, swarms of new and old visitors descended upon us, quickly setting the market abuzz like never before. And though we didn't have buskers this time around, the relentless chatter and laughter mixed brilliantly to produce a very pleasant, human kind of music. It was also a great day for picture taking, as you would imagine. Here a few (or a lot, depending on your tolerance) that captured Little Flea at its best.
Antiques and collectibles at Connie's space. Katy's spot chuck-full of cool things - too many to list here. A new addition: a bookstall! Very popular, which means people are still into reading actual books despite the digital menace. Talking about things under threat, Little Flea and Equita would like to encourage everyone to get involved in the campaign to save Pittsburgh libraries, especially those which are currently facing closings due to budget cuts. OK, PSA done - on to more pictures. Two artists -- one a shopper, the other a vendor (Penny), and both good friends -- having fun. Tina's spot is officially an attraction. Seriously.A visitor takes a break from shopping. It's good to be at Little Flea. Another new addition: vinyl records, courtesy of Chris, who is apparently lost in a book here. And below we have some folks checking out Lynne's collection of household goods.These pictures say it all, don't you think? Don't miss next Saturday. Stop by and help us make it another great day.
"The Lawrenceville Little Flea is just that -- a fledgling flea market that began just a few weeks ago. But its potential is great for a number of reasons." So begins the piece in yesterday's Living section of the Post-Gazette, which was accompanied by a photo of our favorite vendor (sorry guys), Braddock artist Victoria Hruska. We're delighted word is spreading about Little Flea beyond our neighborhood. Come one, come all!
More on Victoria: it just so happens that today's Post-Gazette has an article about her current installation at the Mattress Factory. Titled "1921 Braddock Summoning 1982", the installation is a collaboration with artist LaToya Frazier, 27, who was raised in Braddock; the two artists set out to share an intimate story about their city and their own lives, a complex story that spans generations and crosses racial lines. Make an effort to go see this exhibition.
Photo: Lake Fong/Post-Gazette (top); Mattress Factory Art Museum
It's hard to imagine a flea market without the ubiquitous dog either following or leading its owner from stall to stall. Little Flea is no different, so we thought why not make a space for them also on the blog. Here's the first of many to come. Sorry, didn't get his/her name; will make a note to do so next time.
Well, not so fast. As evidenced by these photos, last Saturday's Little Flea not only (barely) made it through the torrential rains of the late morning - it claimed the unexpected sunny afternoon in typical Little Flea fashion!
Vendors, including newcomer Tina (above), quickly rolled up tarps and uncovered merchandise in time to welcome Lawrenceville shoppers eager to soak up the scene and sun. Music made its debut at Little Flea, courtesy of Stephanie and Bob Miller (below). The husband and wife duo performed an extended set, across a variety of genres and styles, playing a number of instruments, such as the harp, flute, guitar and hand drums. Look for Stephanie and Bob on your next visit to Little Flea. We'd like music to become a fixture at Little Flea, so we are actively seeking musicians/buskers who are interested in performing on a casual basis. Guitar, violin, accordion and/or anything else acoustic. The market takes place on Saturdays from 10am-5pm and we are looking for people who can play 1/2 hour or more. This gig is non-compensated but there is a steady crowd of people and great tip potential. Those interested should email us at lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com.
Here's a quick look back at the first Little Flea through the eyes of Pittsburgh filmmaker and Little Flea vendor, Carl Cimini. The video features happy shoppers, some kickass flea finds, and a few of the first crop of pioneer vendors who have now become familiar faces. Soundtrack "provided" by the inimitable Miriam Makeba, singing our adopted anthem - "The Naughty Little Flea". Carl captured what we all know the Little Flea to be: a little place to experience community - where you can chat at length, make new friends or meet old ones, trade or buy (un)wanted treasures - and it is also an invitation to (re)discover what the rest of our dear neighborhood has to offer - not only the shops but the residents who make Lawrenceville a great place to visit and live.
As for Carl's presence at Little Flea, a stop at his table is a must. One word: collectibles. Rare books, vintage cameras and equipment, folk art, mod decor items - and Cold War-era globes! (You wouldn't believe how popular those globes are.) More on Carl and our other amazing vendors at another time.
The weekend is almost here already, so it can only mean one thing - it's time once again for the Little Flea to do its thing at Goeller's parking lot. Only in its third edition, yet it's beginning to feel like Saturdays wouldn't be the same without the Little Flea in our dear neighborhood. Well, at least we'd like to think so.
Last week was a lot of fun, the scorching weather notwithstanding. Shoppers were milling about undeterred, while vendors, after a few hours under the sun, were figuring the best way to avoid getting baked by the scalding pavement. Lets just say that close friendships were made with those who came equipped with umbrellas and tents.
New vendors joined the gang, adding more color to the already eclectic-yet-carefully-curated mix of stuff that is the Little Flea. People like Lawrenceville resident and expert crafter Jessica Manack, from Miss Chief, who brought along her handmade collection of cards, journals, buttons, and magnets (see photo above).
With that being said, we'd like to extend an invitation to all our readers to come join the Little Flea -- as a shopper and, why not, as a vendor. In any case, remember to save your Saturdays for good old local shopping -- preferably in Lawrenceville. It's good for the community, the local economy, and, of course, it's good for you.
The first edition of the Little Flea achieved its main purpose - and then some. This past Saturday, a group of intrepid vendors - the pioneers - set out to spend the day in a sun-drenched parking lot at the corner of 36th and Butler determined to sell their individual collections of stuff (for a lack of a better word) and have a good time while at it. But it wasn't just stuff on hand and the vendors weren't the only ones having fun. Braddock artist Victoria Hruska brought a generous offering of her Victorian beadwork and recycled art, which caught the eye of just about everyone visiting the Little Flea or just walking by (see photo above). Ultimately, you can't call it a flea market if there's isn't random but useful stuff available. From vintage clothing to hard-to-come-by collectibles such as early Cold War-era globes, and camera equipment; from beautifully re-upholstered furniture to housewares straight from the attic. From handcrafted sugar scrubs to the scrumptious sugary treats of the Goodie Truck. The fledgling Little Flea had a little bit of everything you hope for in a flea market. There was also a warm sense of community to it all.
A poorly-conducted, totally unscientific survey revealed that those in attendance, Lawrencevillians and visitors alike, were pleasantly surprised by the "happening" and even more pleased once they learned that the Little Flea will be a regular feature. Satisfied customers and satisfied vendors agree: the Little Flea will live to see another day. And that day is this coming Saturday 15, so plan on making the Little Flea and Lawrenceville part of your Saturday shopping schedule. Hope to see you there!
The Little Flea is a neighborhood marketplace featuring a rotating variety of flea, thrift, craft, and food. Located in Pittsburgh's historic Lawrenceville neighborhood, the Little Flea hopes to contribute to the vibrancy of the community while providing a venue for local vendors. Come join us!
The Right Stuff Furnishings, craft/handmade, furniture, housewares, clothing, collectibles, books, jewelry and more!
Where
Corner of 36th + Butler St (Goeller's Parking Lot) in Lawrenceville (see map in sidebar)
When
Saturdays, 10am - 5pm
Want more info or wish to sell your stuff?
Send us an email to lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com
The Little Flea is part of Act Locally! a project of green and ethical retailer Equita.
Little Flea is a neighborhood marketplace featuring a rotating variety of flea, craft and food. Located in Lawrenceville, Little Flea aims to contribute to the sustainability of our community by providing a venue for local vendors and neighbors to gather and share.
SAVE THE LAWRENCEVILLE LIBRARY! Stop by the Little Flea community table and pick up a Sustain Our Libraries poster. This fundraising effort is a collaboration between Jude Vachon and Mary Tremonte, with all proceeds directed to the CLP. For a nominal $15 donation, you can have one of these silkscreened lovelies for your window. Make checks out to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; identify operating costs or Lawrenceville branch in the notes section. Can't make it down this Saturday? Posters are also available at Equita (3609 Butler St). Don't forget your checkbook!
