Goodwill Finds

I'm trying to limit my Goodwill shopping sprees.  I've got more "treasures" than I can manage but I couldn't resist this little ceramic scissors holder that hangs on the wall.  

This piece was $1.49 less 20% so roughly $1.20.  

I'm tempted to put this in my sewing room but I'll put it on Etsy.  Lots of ladies will appreciate a unique item like this.

I also found this painted rocking horse.  It has a music box that plays "Toyland."  

Very cute.  Don't ya think?

It was $2.99 less a discount of 30% so around $2.00 for this cute little guy!  I'll need to put greenery around the base since the music box cover is missing.  Still plays though!

I'm gearing up for an open house next Monday.  I'll try to take pics and post them!  

Thanks for stopping in!  Be sure to say "hi" in the comments and let me know you were here.  I love to keep up with everyone!

Lori

A transformation that took me back to 3rd grade.

Remember those old school desks?  I spotted this one in the local Habitat Restore.  It was marked $19.99.  I passed it by but saw it again right after Thanksgiving and they had a 25% off sale.  I asked if they'd take $10 and they said yes!

It was already naturally distressed.  It was also VERY nasty and even scrubbing with TSP didn't help so I sanded and  painted it with Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee.  I removed the seat and desktop, cleaned and re-finished them. 

I left some of the old paint and distressed it slightly.  It's a cutie!


I've got tons of projects that I've completed and hope to post more over the holidays!  Stay tuned!


Happy Holidays!
Lori

Autumn Tablescape

I'm excited about having my parents and aunt visit for Thanksgiving!  I don't have much time today but wanted to post my Autumn table.  My son says it's his favorite one that I've done.

Have a great day!

Lori

Finally... the monster table is complete...

Maybe I shouldn't say "monster" in a title this close to Halloween.  Perhaps "monsterous" would be a better choice.  This thing was a real booger to get done.  I found it at the Habitat ReStore.  I had been needing dining tables and chairs for staging and this set was a more modern set than the others I have. Here's what it looked like before...

The beast!  You can see the chairs in the background.  They had a tan, dirty upholstery.  Pretty blah.

Great detail!  Simple and bold.

The finish was much rougher than I had thought.  I got a workout sanding it!

 And now.... the big reveal....

I really like this graphic fabric.  It goes very well with the detail on the table.

Well that is about it.  After hour months we'll finally have this piece out of the garage.  A good thing since frost will be on the pumpkins soon!  And I can pull my car in the garage!!



Don't you just love fall?  Crackling fires, hot cider,  crisp fall air....

Enjoy my blogland friends!

Lori

Garage Sale Winners!

 Sometimes you find nothing.  And sometimes... sometimes ... you find something great.  I always pick my best find and crown it the winner.  The winner this week was a little rocker. We had stopped by an estate sale near our house and as we left, I saw the neighbor putting out some things

Small rocker with detailed painting.

It was while I was cleaning it that I noticed the markings on the back.  L. Hitchcock, Hitchcock-wille, Conn. Warranted"  With the "N"s backwards.  I started searching!

I found this one. 

This one is black and has been restored, but otherwise it's pretty much the same.  This one is selling for $450 at  www.usedhitchcockfurniture.com   I paid $5.00 for mine!

OK... other finds....

VERY rusty patio tea cart - $5

Danish Modern Sewing Cabinet (no machine) $5
This photo is the back said.  The front has a door and a cane insert.  I think I'm going to girly this piece up.  I'm not sure what it will look like so stay tuned. 

A  faux brass headboard with smashed in finials.  $1

  Transformed with brushed nickel spray paint and capping off with the parts that were in good shape.

Nothing fancy but I can use this in my staging work to give the appearance of a real bed when used with thick air mattresses.

I have several other goodies I've found to work on.  I'll share those with you soon!

Make it a great day!

Lori

Treasure Hunting Tips

Lucky?  Bargain magnet?  Nope!  I just have learned when, where and how to find treasures.   It's really easy.  As with many things in life, it's a numbers game.  Thrift stores, consignment shops, Craigslist, garage and estate sales are the typical places to find a bargain. 

I'm always on the look-out for stained glass, old books, pottery and unusual items. I found this small stained glass lamp for $2.99.

Silverplate items are fairly easy to find.  This is a tarnish free piece that I found for 99 cents at a local thrift shop. 

The detail is great!



This little guy falls under the category of "fun finds."  I haven't found another one like this online so far but those I've found (not as cute) are running $23 to $45+   I found this little guy for $1.49 less a 20% discount so $1.20.



I don't know that I can give him up.  Precious little face!

A random chair that I found for $3.99.  It's very sturdy and solidwood.  I've got it primed and plan to paint it and make a cute cushion.  Stay tuned for the "after" of this one.



I couldn't resist this little santa mug.  It's an old one!  Likely from 1920-1930.  It was 99 cents.

So here are my initial tips...

1. Visit your local thrift shops often!  You never know when the leftovers from a large estate sale will be making their appearance!
2. Shop on Mondays and Tuesdays when possible.  Most donations are made over the weekend so the new merchandise is placed in the stores early in the week. 
3. Look carefully! I bought what appeared to be a silverplate bread plate.  It wasn't until I got home that I saw the "sterling" mark on the bottom.  It's worth $170 to $250 and I paid 80 cents!  I check marks more carefully these days!
4. If it looks interesting, go ahead and put it in your cart.  It doesn't take long for other hunters to grab a good item and once it's in their cart, it can't go in yours!
5. If in doubt, buy it.  Our Goodwill takes returns so if I decide to return an item I can. 

Best wishes for successful treasure hunting!!  Share your best with me!
Lori

Amazing Flower Market in Seattle

My husband and I are in Washington State celebrating 11 wonderful years together and to join in the celebration of our nephew's wedding.  I thought I'd share our trip with my blog friends.  So day one... Pike's Place Market on the waterfront.  Listed as a Seattle "must see."

We've learned that overcast skies and rain are the norm here.  It doesn't stop massive crowds from making their way to the market and once you get there, you see why.  The flowers, vegetables, and seafood markets are something to behold.  

This is the beautiful bouquet Mike bought me.  $10!  What a deal!  They are now beautifully displayed in our room at the bed and breakfast we're staying at.  The lillies are starting to open now!

From my bouquet....

Aren't these beautiful?  This is the one in my bouquet.

Imagine shopping here each day!  I think I'd enjoy that!
Without the crowds, of course!

Believe it or not... there was not seafood smell!  FRESH!
This is the famous market where they throw the fish but we didn't get to witness that event.

We paused for a light lunch at Athenian Inn overlooking the water.  Shrimp Bisque  with a hummus and pita appetizer.  Everything was delicious.

We were able to watch the Bainbridge Island Ferry depart.  We'll take that on Thursday as we cross Puget Sound to Port Gamble.

We are probably heading back during the week when the market is less crowded.

Stay tuned for our trip to Mt Ranier!

Lori