Thrift Share Monday - April 4

More adventures in Flea Marketing!  I decided to tackle the Flea Market on a different day last week, rain will change your plans like that.  This particular Flea Market is advertised as being open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.  I've always known that Wednesday was the original and most popular day and it's the only day I've ever gone.  Due to rain the visit got postponed until Friday.  As I approached the usually overflowing lot a feeling of dread came over me.  Most of the open air shed was empty and there was only a small spattering of cars in the parking lot (field).  Did I drive 40 minutes for this?  Gas is too expensive for that, my friends.  I put on a smile and decided to walk the booths to see if I could save the trip.  I did manage to fill a couple of bags and find some trinkets.  From the perspective of reselling the trip may have been a bust but the thrifter and antiques lover had a fun time looking!

This sewing box caught my eye and it included a handful of accessories. I'm cleaning it up and trying to figure out if any of it can still be of use to someone.

This old dictionary came from quite a varied booth, everything from old military matchbooks to potato chips.  I also picked up a few glass bottles from this lady.

I also found a few nice things from the thrift stores and even an inexpensive antique store goody this week:

Most of the above will be listed in my Etsy shop in the coming days.
P.S. I'm curious. Do any of you shop Etsy?  If so, what type of items do you look for?  I've bought soaps and shampoo regularly and I've purchased baby gifts that I LOVE.  The longer I've had my shop, the more I'm discovering.  I just bought some beautiful Easter basket sweets and I can't wait to receive them.

Cheers!

Thrift Share - March 28

A rainy weekend put a damper on spring yard sales but I found a few thrifting goodies.  I've also made a commitment to allow myself to spend some money on a few higher priced items later this week (clearly not what you see below!).  I have 68 items in my shop and only 5 are priced above $20!  I'm ok with that since my goal was to start small and not lose money.  I've had a decent number of sales the past two weeks so I'm going to visit the antiques market and hopefully the flea market this week and put the money back into the shop.

Who remembers Arthur's Honey Bear?  One of my favorite books as a kid.  Surprise, a tag sale plays heavily in the plot.  Of course this is only a fraction of the books I picked up this week.  I'm having free shipping on books this month in hopes of moving more from the shop!

Lovely, worn ironstone creamer.  Likely qualifies as an antique.  Holds about 1 1/2 cups comfortably. As much coffee as I consume this large creamer is perfect.  I really love it, probably a keeper.  Marked USA on the bottom.

I'll be cleaning this tray and bowl using Selena's olive oil and salt method.  It worked perfectly for some others I have in the shop.

I know...totally not my style.  These are actually very sweet vintage cross stitch pieces when seen in person (or with better photos).  People get sweet and kinda kitschy during Easter so I thought I would put them in the shop for super cheap-o.  Maybe different frames would give them some new life?

And in unrelated news:  My kids have tried and enjoyed felting.  The above tiny felting pack sells at our Hobby Lobby for $2.50 (or $3?) and I purchased it for $0.49.  Handy.  There is also a Star Wars birthday party in my future so I was very happy to grab 18 sticker packs for $1.80.

Thanks for stopping by, come visit the etsy shop if you are so inclined.

Thrift Share - March 21

The thrifting was light this week.  Most of the week was spent taking care of sick children.  I hopefully checked craigslist Sunday morning but in our neck of the woods estate sales, and even yard sales, usually wrap up by Saturday afternoon.  My treasures from  two 5 minute resale shop stops:

This gorgeous milk glass dish was is in wonderful condition. Still smooth and shiny and came with a twin!  I think this would traditionally be used for relish maybe?  I envision them holding some wonderful collection.  How beautiful would these be filled with chandelier crystals or vintage thread?

I love this key ring.  I initially thought it was all brass but then found a little scrap on the middle ring.  The middle ring is likely zinc with brass plating.  Does that mean the large ring is plating also? I suppose so...cool nonetheless.

This little carafe has been waiting for me. I saw it three weeks ago at our "upscale" resale and for some reason passed it up.  It is delicate and beautiful, I snatched it up when I found it still on the shelf Thursday.

As always,  a few of my treasures will be in the Etsy shop. 

Thanks for stopping over (from ATG, I assume).  I can't wait to see your thrifting scores.

Thrift Share Monday - Flea Market!

I ventured to the flea market!  My only disappointment was the fact that I didn't have enough time to take it all in.  That 3 hour preschool window can put a damper on thrifting, but I shouldn't complain...at all...I've got it good.  It takes 40 minutes to get to the flea so once there I scanned like crazy and tried not to stop too often.  Don't you agree that it would feel a little strange to whip out your camera at the flea?  Maybe it's just "the south", but this flea market breed is tough to read.  I decided to wait until I got home to snap my finds. Maybe next time I'll be brave and get some photos while I'm there.  Some of these will be in the shop...eventually.

Awesome military signal/flare box. It's a little rusty but overall in great condition, the hinge and latches work fine. Unique storage option.  The man at this particular booth was literally falling asleep on the job.  He had about a 50'x30' area full of stuff. Furniture, linens, glass, rusty farm tools, books, wood stoves, etc.  Whenever someone had a question they would have to say, "Sir", about 4 times to wake him from his cat nap.  I also scored the next two finds from this character (I'm not complaining, he was quite agreeable with his bargaining!).

These trays remind me of school lunches!  I also bought two more with a faux wood finish (they're listed in the shop already.  I think they'd make perfect crafting trays.  I also give my kids trays when they sit down to put a lego project together.

I already own a set of these Fire King custard cups but you can never have too many, right?  I think they are screaming to organize an office desk drawer or beading supplies.  There are quite a few of these already on Etsy...undecided about listing or keeping.

Something about these is just beautiful.  I don't bake, I've never decorated a cake, but I picked these up immediately.  They were made in Germany and are in surprisingly good condition.  This woman also had a vintage wood sewing needle display, the kind that would be found in a general store in the early 1900s. I believe it was "Boyle".  Any sewing experts would have surely loved it.

 

The bottles came from a man who said he dug them up in Virginia.  Interesting how something so beautiful was tossed out with the trash.  I guess we forget how the mundane can be lovely.  I had intended to list the Ball jar but upon closer inspection there may be a little crack.  I can't tell if it's a crack or just a pitch fork scratch.  I would be awfully embarrassed to put it in the mail and have it arrive broken on someone's doorstep.


Thanks, All! Can't wait to check out your Thirft Share finds.

Vintage Books

Apparently I've been bitten by the vintage book bug.  I was originally inspired by my neighbor's glassfront cupboard that anchors her living room.  She has a classic style, her home is very comfortable to be in. Lots of antiques and beautiful textures.  Everything is very calm and appealing to the eye, neutral colors, nothing competing for attention.
Think about a shelf full of modern bookcovers with bright colors and various competing fonts.  A rainbow of dust jacket colors sometimes tamed by grouping.  What feeling does that create in comparison to a shelf full of vintage books?  Brown, navy, muted red or soft green.  The titles, sometimes barely visible with a slightly gold shimmer.  Even the dust jackets' colors are muted by time and don't scream for attention.
I've picked up quite a few books in the last two weeks (about twice what is pictured below).  I also have gathered a great collection of vintage craft books and nature guides.

If you are a crafter, vintage books are a wonderful resource and great as supply as well.  A few items from Etsy crafters for inspiration:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62508208/love-toasty-brown-edition-vintage?ref=cat2_list_13


From Memory Dust on Etsy

By ShannonKayeDesigns on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69289463/folded-book-art-cascade?ref=sr_list_4&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=folded+paper&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fart

Second hand books are affordable as decor, as reading material, or art supply.  Check the shelves at the antique, consignment, or thrift stores and find some treasures.  P.S. - There are plenty of current titles as well!

I'll be listing vintage books occasionally in my Etsy shop.  I've gotten lucky and even found quite a few first edition copies.

Thrift Share Monday - Feb 28

My camera is giving me trouble so I only have a couple of photos to share with you.  Two weeks ago it was my computer, now the camera. Bye, bye tax refund.
I've had some nice thrifting trips over the last few days, all small things but they bring a little joy nonetheless!

I have loved calligraphy since I was a child and my grandparents bought me a calligraphy set for my birthday.  This has been a fun book to flip through.  About a month ago I bought a book by Mortimer Leach ,Lettering for Advertising.  When I opened the paperback shown above the same owner's name was written on the inside cover!

I am falling in love with vintage books.  I can't understand how anyone reads on a Nook (Knook?) or other device full time.  The feel of a book in your hands is so comforting (sorry, cheesy, I know).  I put this set together from my recent finds from antique markets and thrifting.  I listed it in my Etsy shop on Thursday and it sold on Friday! They've only encouraged me, now I'm prepared to list endless books this week.

This poor platter was in horrible shape when I discovered it.  A little baking soda cleaning has it looking lovely.  It's from Buffalo pottery and has the raised buffalo mark on the back.  I'm researching when the various marks were used in order to date this platter.

This pewter cup was found at an "upscale resale" shop.  I got it for a great price, I suppose because it is already engraved.  Personally, I love silver and pewter that's been engraved.  If you have or are trying to create a collection I think the engraving makes for interesting conversation and makes your collection unique.

Cheers! Happy thrifting...

Thrift Share

I would really love to have some opinions on this thrift find because I'm not 100% sold on it.  Our house has an awesome covered deck and until recently it's been fairly cluttered and not too inviting.  We have mounted heat lamps and seasonal clear covers so it should be getting use almost year-round. 

In an effort to start sprucing up the deck, I went to The Salvation Army on Friday and came home with this:

I purposefully went to the thrift store looking for a coffee table. I rarely have a specific item in mind when I shop second hand and I was a little surprised that the thrifting gods granted my request so quickly.  Is there a procedure for thanking the thrifting gods? Lemme know, would ya?

The surface is laminate and I'm assuming it's from the late 50s or the 60s (early 70s?). I've done zippo research but it seems like something produced for an elementary school library.

The best thing about it is the price - $10!  So don't feel guilty if you leave me a comment saying it's the most hideous thing ever...I won't cry because it was only $10, yippee!

Obviously I walked by the housewares aisle while I was there and I found this little lovely:

It's a McCoy but only has the mold # and USA stamp.  As you can see on this next picture the glaze on the base is a little sloppy.  I haven't seen many small McCoy pitchers so I have no idea if this is typical. 

It caught my eye because I recently bought her big sister on sale at an antique market.  Big Sis is currently in my Etsy shop:
McCoy Water Pitcher

Sadly, my brief trip to The SA was my only hunting.  The weekend was too busy for any estate sales or antique markets so I'm looking forward to checking out what else is being shared over at Apron Thrift Girl.

Cheers!

Shelter Magazine Sunday (Martha)

I had a double dose of Martha Stewart Living this week (I'm feeling rather inadequate as a result). I received the Feb issue on Jan 31 and the January issue on Feb 4. Gee, thanks!  It was pretty disappointing since I thrive on following Martha's calendar to THE LETTER.  hee hee.

My favorite spread was on collecting and it highlighted several designers/artists and their collections.  Artist Lisa Cogdon is pictured with her Mid-century kitchenware collection.

Lisa has an excellent blog which ran in 2010 highlighting her various collections, photographed and drawn. Before you go to A Collection a Day 2010 you should grab a cup of coffee because you'll be there awhile!

Also from February's Martha, a little blurb in the Great Finds section:

The editor is sharing a few neutral paint color choices. Look closely at the photo above. Yep, Dead Salmon. Really? It's by Farrow and Ball so not only does the name of the color make you want to gag but you also have to pay $85 for it! Yuck.

I Took a Leap

I hadn't planned on sharing this information on the blog just yet, but I've been encouraged by other blogs I read, namely:

Apron Thrift Girl
I know it's silly, but this is one of my favorite images that she recently posted.


So...I decided to open my own shop on Etsy. 

I've been an Etsy member for a couple of years now and have occasionally thought about various craft projects or children's activities that I could make and sell.  Only very recently did I consider selling vintage goods. As I've stated in previous posts, I love using vintage finds in my home. When I was a kid my folks used to drag us around to antique stores and auctions.  I probably complained at the time but I developed an appreciation for things old and of good quality.  Three and four years ago I mostly shopped thrift stores for our family's clothing.  I browsed antique stores in my free time but could rarely afford to make purchases.  In the last year I've been able to spend a little money on our home and have found things I truly love at estate sales and antique markets. When I have free time, I really enjoy searching, and sifting.  About a week into the new year I decided to take the leap.  Within 48 hours I had expanded my Etsy profile, set shop policies and listed a handful of items (most of which had been in my possession for some time). 

Gorgeous oil pastel. Part of me regrets listing this, I feel like I know this girl.

I've thrown away most of the plastic kid cups in our house and we use juice glasses instead.

Lovely canning jar I found at an estate sale. I'd never seen the cut-out Presto lid so the research prior to listing taught me something new!

This leads us back to Apron Thrift Girl.  In the past I've enjoyed her blog for the thrifted yumminess but over the past weeks I've focused on the reselling tips and even provided a link back to this blog from her "Thrift Share Monday".  ATG is hosting a "ReSeller's Listing Challenge" for the month of February and I'm going to join in with a goal of increasing the items in my Etsy shop.