Thrift store shopping is one of my favorite past times.
I love meandering through the aisles to see what treasure is hiding on the shelves.
However, recently, I've been in a major decluttering phase and collecting and purging don't pair very well.
So I've been trying to stay out of the stores.
Of course, quitting any habit cold turkey is tough.
Understandably, I've slipped a few times and popped into some of my favorite shops.
But. I'm happy to report that I've been extremely discerning. Thoughtful.
And downright picky about my purchases.
They had to be either very useful, a very good bargain, or touch my heart in some very strong way.
Exhibit A.
This is not a thrift find. It's a plate I've owned for 22 years.
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| *SQUARE DINNER PLATE* |
Well, when I saw this matching square cake plate in the thrift store, I gasped, for obvious reasons.
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| *SQUARE CAKE PLATE STAND* |
Also, I love cake plates, next to pitchers, they're my accessory weakness. Keep in mind, I have way too many stuffed into this tiny cottage already, so $20 was too much and I walked away.
However, for $15, I said ok to the persistent shop owner. Pricey? Yes, but worth it for sentimental reasons and much less than what I saw it for online.
Plus, now I have a set...and the beginning of a collection - for better or worse. 😉
Another find for the heartstrings pile was this $1.99 paper print.
It's a painting of a famous laboratory near my house. It's built like a charming village, nestled into the hills on the beach.
I pass by it often and I thought it would be neat to mount the print to a board and hang it in the basement.
In the useful column, for $4.99 I found this very cool self adhesive lampshade.
Especially since the directions were printed right on the paper.
It's a much easier way to make a custom shade than cutting the sticky styrene paper and mounting it to a shade frame. Now, I just need to pick a fabric.
Ceramic pots are expensive, so when I saw these two red beauties for $2.99 each, I grabbed them.
The original $8.99 price tags were still on the bottom, so I felt really good about that purchase.
I felt even better about the .99 sticker on this red tin planter.
It came with a plastic liner, too.
Maybe that will encourage me to water my plants more often.
I don't have a great track record in that area, which means this may be the most useful purchase of the year.
I'll keep you posted.
The last finds were ones I was suckered into solely by price.
For example, this antique pie/cake /plant stand was $15. I've always wanted one, but hadn't ever seen one for less than $100.
Ten points for anyone who can tell me what the original use for these stands were...I couldn't find it.
Naturally, there was a reason this one was so cheap.
It was in disastrous condition. It was stained, chipped, scratched and there was some kind of glue bubbling up around the edges. Ick.
That's ok, I knew I had the DIY chops to revive it in some fun way.
This solid wooden sign was kind of the same.
Cute sentiment, but I really liked the shape and for $5.99 I could repaint it and turn it into a custom piece to fit my decor.
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| *SCROLLED WOODEN SIGN* |
My husband and kids vetoed my makeover idea, they like it the way it is...so for now, it remains untouched.
But we'll see. I think it could be so much more interesting. I have to think.
Lastly, I have two items that fall into multiple categories.
I bought them because they were bargains, one turned out to be super useful, the other tugged at my heart so much, I had to back and find another.
Useful first.
This $3.99 Pottery Barn shadow box came home with me, because it was a bargain.
I gave it a makeover with my rose wallpaper and now it's a thermostat cover in my kitchen.
Fabulous.
The second, $1.99 vintage etched dish was also picked up simple because I adore dishes of any kind and it was cheap.
However, when I got it home and added a bunny transfer, it became the most darling Easter decoration and I fell in love.
So much so, that I ran back to the shop to grab another plate to make a friend for that first bunny dish.
True love.
And a darling spring addition to my home.
For $3.98.
No wonder I'm a thrifting addict.
💕
Are you?
Here are more of my past thrifting finds:
Happy Shopping, Friends!
Fabulous.
The second, $1.99 vintage etched dish was also picked up simple because I adore dishes of any kind and it was cheap.
However, when I got it home and added a bunny transfer, it became the most darling Easter decoration and I fell in love.
So much so, that I ran back to the shop to grab another plate to make a friend for that first bunny dish.
True love.
And a darling spring addition to my home.
For $3.98.
No wonder I'm a thrifting addict.
💕
Are you?
Here are more of my past thrifting finds:
- Home Decor Thrift Store Haul
- Fun Thrift Store Finds
- Cottage Style Thrift Store Finds
- Yard Sales, Curb Finds and Freebies
Happy Shopping, Friends!
Hi... for 10 points I am going to say it would be used as a plant stand.
ReplyDeleteFantastic finds with the pots. I am always on the look out for pots when I thrift. I love the ones you found.
Looking forward to what you DIY. :-)
Carla
You did great! I love that cake stand, especially since you have a matching piece.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a thrifter. I seem to only see junk when I go and I just don't have your vision!
You found some really great pieces; I LOVE that cake stand! I am just awful at remember to water my plants so I've designated one day a week that is my watering day and I'm doing better with it.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim. Who are we trying to kid? Once a thrifter, always a thrifter, even though my times in between thrifting are longer than I would like. The days are so short when you get involved with TV and loafing!! I have so much fun finding old picture frames and making signs by painting over the pictures in them. A stencil and a little labor are really cheap ways to have a new piece of art. Did you notice my 1776 sign in one of my photos? That is my newest piece. I think I have seen that stand in some early american decor settings. It was called a butler's helper as they could put deserts and tea things and carry to table, but don't quote me. The cake stand was a great find with a good story to go with it..Happy Spring my friend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteYou have a tea stand. Does it fold too?
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh how could you not get these treasures. Wow what a find on the cake plate to match your gifted plate from your sister. Don't you love when things like that happen. The red plant pots in your signature red are fabulous. Great treasures found. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteYou're just singing to the Choir !! I completely agree with you; I'm just trying to not pick up everything that catches my fancy. Now, I stop and ask 2 questions: Where would I put it...exactly? And, then, do I want to store it? It hasn't stopped the flow, but I am certainly bringing home less than before. I love that you found a cake plate that matches your dinner plate; it seems so random, but kind of magical, too! I love that wood 3-tier piece; can't wait to see what you do with it! I loved seeing ALL your treasures!!
ReplyDeleteI love the print! So much. That's my favorite find. Be sure to share when you get it mounted.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm anxious to see the lampshade & plate stand in use. Great buy on the shadow box too.
I love RED and you definitely picked up some great finds. I do wish you had shown pictures of your bunny plates. I also love bunnies! There are no, none, nada good thrift stores near me which is depressing. However, I have heard about a place I am going to on Saturday that will be about 50 miles away but it sounds interesting...combintion of antiques, thrifting, maybe more. I am excited to see. Hope her prices aren't outrageous. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteI love red, too and finding red treasures is always a treat. I usually can't find much. Your trip sounds like so much fun. I hope the prices are ok, you'll have to keep us posted and let us know what you buy! Oh...and the bunny plates are linked above. Just click on the blue words that say "added a bunny transfer..." and the new and the old plates will show up! Hope that helps!!
DeleteWell, my friend, I think we need to do some 'thoughtful' thrifting together sometime. What do you say? I think your stand was originally a pie stand. I'll have to see if Google agrees with me. Either way, it's a great find...what will it be in your house?
ReplyDeleteYou always find some great items Kim. Happy spring and happy shopping.
ReplyDeleteYour stand is called a dumb waiter, it was used for tea parties so the hostess could serve her guests herself..I have a twin to yours without the metal finial.
ReplyDeleteAs someone with a penchant for dinnerware, I love that square plate! I also love those red plant pots. I would have those filled in no time.
ReplyDeleteIt's a muffin stand!!! A nice old one, and fun for displaying MANY red things ;^) Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteYou got some good items at the thrift stores ...
ReplyDeleteThat old stand is nice, you can display a lot of nice things on it!
Enjoy your April days.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Love all your finds. I went thrifting and found an old enamal pitcher and bowl set The pitcher isn't in the greatest condition but I kind of like the rustic look. I remember my Gramma having the same thing on their dresser with fresh flowers. I plan to do the same with dried hydrangeas from Mr sister-inlaws garden. She picks them for me and they have been hanging in my garage since last summer. Thanks again for the paper. its lovely. I have a plan for it. Love Kim
ReplyDeleteI am loving all your thrifting finds Kim, and totally understand the dilemma. So many things to love - but where to put them? Since we've moved into our new home, I've been very conscious of how much "stuff" I have, and have been trying to let go of things that don't have a place. I love that you found a matching piece to your sister's gifted plate! I would love to find an old wooden stand like you did, I know you will remake it into something amazing. I'm sure your sign redo inspiration will come to you, it always does! Many blessings to you :)
ReplyDeleteI love going to thrift shops too! It's like a treasure hunt and like what Forrest Gump said: You never know what you're gonna get : )
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love your blog design! You don't often see this kind of design on blogspot blogs, and I like it.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Kim... You really did good with your purchases. You remind me so much of a very dear friend of mine. Antiquing was once our big thing, but now she is more in to Thrifting. The great thing for her is that she has a booth in an Antique shop, so she goes thrifting (what she loves to do) and she resales many of the items in her booth. It's a win win for her. always great to visit here and to see your sweet thrift finds.
ReplyDelete