CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
I like antiques. Unfortunately, my version of antiques and the local version of antiques are two different things. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when I visited the Futenma Antique mall.
There’s some really interesting stuff there: lots of dishes and glassware, Barbies, a pinball machine, jukebox and even some furniture. Everything is American – that was the only disappointing part. It would have been cool to see some Japanese items (if anyone happens to know where I can find that, please let me know).
But my absolute favorite item they sell… old fabric. How cool! Shelves of it. The patterns were unbelievably cute. That made the trip worth it for me, and will have me returning in the future. I made sure to pick myself up some, of course! It was sitting there practically blinking, “buy me… buy me!” How could I refuse? At least, that’s what I told my husband, but he’s not swallowing the whole blinking explanation. Shame.
Now I just need to decide if I want to use it in a quilt or a purse. Decisions!
Each stall is separately owned, so some things are more reasonably priced than others. Negotiation is more than likely possible on some of the bigger, more expensive items. You’d have to find out who the owner is and set an appointment. It might be worth it if you fell in love with a piece of furniture.
Oh, which reminds me… there is a groovy bar for sale upstairs. It’s so retro-ugly that I wish I had a house big enough for it. UGLY. I love, love, love it.
DIRECTIONS:
KAB Gate 1 turn LEFT onto 58. Turn LEFT on the 130. Make a RIGHT onto 330. Futenma Antique Mall will be on your LEFT hand side.
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Next week is our holiday shopping post. Are you ready? Do you have your shop selected? Pictures? I have mine. I can’t wait to see what yours is!