My Flower Fairies Collection Journey
So I’ve been obsessed with Cicely Mary Barker’s art ever since I saw an old postcard at my grandma’s house last Christmas. Those little fairy drawings with flowers? Absolutely magical. Decided right then I wanted my own collection without breaking the bank. Here’s exactly what I did:
Step 1: Raided My Local Spots
First thing Saturday morning, I grabbed coffee and hit every thrift store within walking distance. Found two tattered Flower Fairies books for 50 cents each at Salvation Army – score! Then checked community bulletin boards. Old Mrs. Wilkins down the street actually gave me three vintage prints her kids didn’t want anymore when I posted “Seeking fairy art” on the neighborhood Facebook group.
Step 2: Learned the Hard Way on eBay
Got too excited bidding online my first week. Paid $20 for what turned out to be a crappy photocopy when it arrived. Lesson learned: now I always ask sellers for clear close-ups of paper edges and look for those tiny copyright marks Cicely put in corners. Real originals feel slightly textured too.
Step 3: Made My Own Finds
When I couldn’t afford rare stuff, I got crafty. Printed high-res images from Pinterest on nice watercolor paper using my library’s printer. Grabbed dollar store frames and painted them gold. Looks legit on my gallery wall! Pro tip: mix store-bought and DIY pieces like I did here:
- Found 1980s greeting cards set ($3 flea market)
- Self-printed “Apple Blossom Fairy” on cardstock
- Authentic 1970s bookplate from eBay ($8 after my bidding mess-up)
Where I’m At Now
Took me four months but I’ve got 17 pieces displayed in my hallway! Still hunting for that elusive “Primrose Fairy” plate though. Honestly beginners? Start small with paper items before hunting ceramics. And always smell old books before buying – moldy fairy art isn’t magical. Happy hunting!
