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.
 |
| *SQUARE DINNER PLATE* |
Well, when I saw this matching square cake plate in the thrift store, I gasped, for obvious reasons.
 |
| *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.
 |
| *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
I love those pots, Carla! I haven't planted anything in them yet, I've been trying to decide between plants and flowers. I hope to do it this weekend!!
DeleteYou 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!
Thanks Mari! That cake plate was such a lucky find. I couldn't pass it up. Oh and trust me, there's a lot of junk around here, too. I just like the hunt!
DeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip, Joanne! I'll have to remember that one, because I am determined to keep my latest additions alive. Hahaha
DeleteHi 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
ReplyDeleteJudy, you are so right, I think you either have that second hand shopping gene or you don't! I remember gathering my change as a small child to go find treasure at a neighbor's yard sale and being so excited with the purse and the Sonny and Cher album I bought. They were twenty five cents each and I can still vividly recall them both and the thrill of my score!
DeleteYou have a tea stand. Does it fold too?
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara, it doesn't fold at the moment, since someone glued it everything in place, but it might've at one point.
DeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! That cake plate was a very fun find. I love when things like that happen. I really don't need it and have no good place to store it, but at the moment, it's on my kitchen table, making me smile. I guess that's good enough for now! 💕
DeleteYou'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!!
ReplyDeleteOh Kristine, the "do I want to store it" is a huge question for me lately. I just went through the house and did a huge purge. Now I have the room to store things, but the question is do I really want to? More often than not, lately, the answer is no!
DeleteI 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.
Thanks so much, Jenny! I love that print, too. I can't wait to get it up on the wall. I just need to find the right board and Mother Nature needs to give me a sunny day so I can paint it or stain it outside!
DeleteI 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?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an awesome plan, Ann! I would love to go thrifting with you...although, you have such a keen eye for bargains, I'm not sure how thoughtful I would be. I'm afraid I might throw all caution to the wind and buy, buy, buy!! Hahaha!!
DeleteYou always find some great items Kim. Happy spring and happy shopping.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! I do love thrifting. Happy spring to you, too. It's getting warmer around here, finally!!
DeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've received so many answers, but I do believe your answer is the one. Of course, now I just have to figure out what to do with it!! It's a mess!
DeleteAs 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.
ReplyDeleteI love a square plate, too, Pattie! I have way too many dishes now, but I just couldn't pass that matching square cake plate up. Too cute. Thanks for the visit, I hope you have a great week.
DeleteIt's a muffin stand!!! A nice old one, and fun for displaying MANY red things ;^) Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, J!! I had a feeling plates were somehow displayed on it...which gives me a opportunity to go buy more plates!! Red ones, perhaps? 😉
DeleteYou 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/
Thank you, Jan! It's a really pretty old piece. It's kind of mess at the moment, but I think I can restore some of its charm and start displaying things on it soon!
DeleteLove 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
ReplyDeleteKim, I am pea green over your pitcher and bowl set. I bet it's gorgeous, rustic and chippy in all the right places! It'll look amazing with the hydrangeas. I've been on the hunt for a set for a long time, but they're so expensive in my neck of the woods. Enjoy it!!
DeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDeleteSmall houses are lovely and charming, my favorite, but yes, storage, and even display, is difficult. Of course, there are some things I just have to have! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet words and I know you must be having a ball feathering your new nest!!
DeleteI 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 : )
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I think that's what I love most, searching for treasure and the thrill of the hunt and the unknown. Of course, I've been trying to curb my shopping a bit, because this old cottage is already bursting at the seams with my fun finds!! ☺️
DeleteP.S. I love your blog design! You don't often see this kind of design on blogspot blogs, and I like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It was a $15 theme I bought from Etsy.
DeleteGood 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.
ReplyDeleteShug, you are so right, that is the ultimate win win. I've often thought about doing the same, since cottage living doesn't leave a ton of room for collecting, but the rent for booths in New York is astronomical. So I contribute to the second hand ecosystem, buying and then donating things back after a few years! Haha, it's a vicious cycle, but I do enjoy it! Have a great weekend!!
DeleteAll great finds, but I get what you are saying about being choosier so you can avoid clutter and still have things you love to see in your home. I love to thrift, too, and need to go find some jeans for working out in the yard. Maybe a pot or two. And books are always high on the list!
ReplyDeleteIt’s such a balancing act, isn’t it? There are so many pretty finds out there, it’s often hard to say no. Like you, I’m better when I go with a list, although there always seems to be something unexpected that pulls at my heartstrings. Haha! Have a great weekend!
DeleteNow I'm jealous :-) Your pie/ cake/ plant stand thingy is perfection in the making. Can't wait to see how you repurpose some of your other finds.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michelle! It was a super fun find. I love it when I find something that special in a shop.
DeleteI love the cake plate! You definitely couldn't pass that up Kim! I loved your craft with the shadowbox & thermostat too. Also looking forward to seeing what you do with the other stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I had fun making all of them and now I just have to figure out what exactly I'm going to do with all the rest!!
DeleteYou are amazing with your creativity!
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
Why thank you, Deanna!! You just made my day!!
DeleteI used to thrift all the time for home decor, stuff for my kids when they were growing up, clothes for all of us...but now I rarely thrift anymore because there's nothing we need! Sometimes I do get "the itch" and will travel to my favorite thrift store (which is 1/2 hr drive away - a good thing, lol). And I have found some great things there, but I'm super picky now what I bring home since we've been working on downsizing. I've gotten some beautiful designer tops and sweaters (Jones NY, Ann Taylor, etc) there for only $3 - $5 ea.
ReplyDeleteI love the cake plate you found! And that wooden 3-tiered stand...I believe those were used for plates or cakes. That would be so fun to paint and use for some kind of decor. Can't wait to see what you do with that!
Thanks Melanie! I can't wait to dig into the plate stand/ tea stand redo. It actually needs a lot of help. I a big housewares girl, but my daughter is a big thrift store shopper, as well, and her focus tends to be clothes. She has a knack for finding great designer pieces, many are brand new with tags. Her most favorite score was a pair a vintage Levis for $15. Not bad at all!!
DeleteI am definitely a thrifting addict and I'm still finding thrift stores in my area. I love seeing what other people thrift and getting inspo!
ReplyDeleteLooking for thrift stores is almost as fun as looking for the treasure on the shelves! I love it when I come across a new one. Happy hunting!!
DeleteOh wow, that square cake stand is such a unique find. I love it when I find something I didn't even know I was looking for, but have to have. Lucky day for you!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lucky day!! Like you said, I wasn't even looking for that...never in a million years did it cross my mind that I'd find another piece, or that I wanted another piece. Yet, there it was and I couldn't resist! Thanks for the visit!
Delete