Simply Thrift

Christmas Eve Find

2012-01-10T13:24:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve found me with A LOT to do. But THGGM and I took a break to go out for breakfast and hit our favorite thrift store. I was surprised that they were open! While we passed crowds in parking lots we were just about the only people at the thrift store. THGGM had a 20% off punch card and I had my eyes set on this jumping horse. Somehow I had it in my head that I NEEDED this.
And, I have to tell you I was correct! On Christmas Day alone I got my $6.00 worth out of it. Even if we had sent it right back to the thrift store the next day, it was worth it. It's VERY sturdy and stood up to the furious bouncing of a good sized five year old and his two younger siblings.
Later we found a small one at an antique mall. It was in rough shape, yet was tagged for over sixty dollars.
I'm thinking we'll be keeping this for a while longer.

Simply FREE!

2012-01-10T13:13:00.002-05:00

Yes. This is true. Can you believe it? A friend of ours sent me a Facebook message on the 31st asking if I might possibly be interested in an oak barrister he was getting rid of.
WOULD I!
This kind friend even delivered it to us and set it up. Wow. He was very apologetic about it's condition, but it is TRULY in wonderful condition! Two of the three windows will need replacing, but as luck would have it, one of our daughters-in-law works at a glass company.
THGGM is working to set up an office for himself in our basement. Once he gets it all fixed up and properly arranged I'll try to remember to post more pictures!

My Lovely Find

2011-12-17T17:05:00.003-05:00

The only shopping I did today was at the thrift store just around the corner. And I am oh so very happy to report that I found just what I was looking for. A pink Shiny Brite flocked Merry Christmas ball. Be still my beating heart. In my humble opinion, it looks lovely on the silver tree in my pretty pink bathroom. It was in a bag marked 50 cents with four other ornaments. Sigh...

Ironstone Pitcher

2011-11-26T23:06:00.002-05:00

Looky what I found!

At the thrift store just around the corner and down the street from me.

It's Johnson Brothers.

Already I've reworked the mantle for Christmas and have included it into the mix.

No Black Friday shopping for me, but on Saturday I'll fight you for a good thrift store deal.

More Pitchers

2011-11-26T22:57:00.001-05:00

It's true.

I've never met a pitcher I didn't like.

Especially that Dutch one.

Oooo. Love it!

I cannot believe I found it at a THRIFT STORE.

Too Cute!

2011-11-26T22:48:00.003-05:00

Yes. At a different thrift store than the one I bought the planter from (see below) the nice lady was ringing up my purchases.

I was not going to get this, because the spout has a not-very-good-repair. But of course, I would have purchased just the cup for the price of the two, so I went back and got it.

I don't need this.

But musical elves riding bugs?

THGGM likes to point out that if the day comes when we will have to live under a bridge somewhere, at least we shall be able to serve a proper tea.

One Dollar Planter

2011-11-26T22:42:00.002-05:00

I almost didn't get this. But while my other finds were being rung up, I went back and got her. For one dollar? How could I not? All she needed were greens and lighting.

Such Cheap Fun

2011-11-13T00:05:00.002-05:00

The bird house bank looked a wee bit lonely.

So, I added four trees and a boy.

Of course, I'm only going to build on it from here.

I wonder if there are people who buy thrifted decor each season and then just give it back after Christmas?

It might be great fun!

Wedgwood

2011-11-12T23:51:00.004-05:00

Yes. I have Wedgwood Christmas China.

One bowl.

It's a nice start considering that last week I didn't have any.

What To Do

2011-11-12T23:40:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I found four of these Pfaltzgraff dinner plates for 69 cents each.

I'm not sure yet what I will do with them, but I'm going to do SOMETHING.

More Lenox Swans

2011-11-02T23:37:00.002-04:00

Just a few weeks ago I found the larger swan on the left at my local thrift store.

The middle size and the smaller swan showed up at two different antique malls in Wisconsin.

I'm thinking that I won't need to buy anymore swans ever again.

But won't the ones I already have look great with ribbon tied around their necks for the holidays?

Yes. I thought so too.

Thrilling Find

2011-11-02T23:31:00.002-04:00

Some time ago I found five of the yellow leaf embossed cups.

While antique shopping in Wisconsin last week I found a sixth one.

Little finds like this make me very happy.

And now that I look at the picture I am made aware that my kitchen table is not level. Not level AT ALL.

Hmm.

I Raise My Tiny Thrifted Restaurant Cup to You

2011-11-02T23:23:00.002-04:00

Okay. I cannot account as to why, but I'm crazy about restaurant china.

This cup is very tiny, which makes it even more special.

A long time ago I bought up this pattern of china for 25 cents a piece. I've thinned it out to service for eight plus a few interesting pieces.

Like this one.

Who knows. Someday Famke and I might advance from playing tea party to playing school cafeteria.

Hey! I have those big red plastic trays around here, somewhere...

Year 'Round Tomatoes

2011-11-02T23:17:00.002-04:00

Aren't these FUN?

Well, I think so.

They are WOODEN tomatoes.

Seriously real looking.

This Little Piggy

2011-11-01T15:06:00.003-04:00

This is a pig planter.

I wasn't looking for a planter, but it does sort of match the few pig things that I have, and the price WAS right.

Last week I found a LARGE piggy bank similar to this - with polka dots.

THGGM said it was TOO big even though it was on a fantastic sale at an already terrific price. So I didn't get it.

I cannot get that piggy bank out of my mind.

Yeah. "Out of my mind" pretty much sums it up over here.

Another Cute Couple

2011-11-01T14:47:00.002-04:00

Normally I'm not on the look out for such brightly painted bisque dolls.

But these two?

Don't they just tell a story?

It's in the eyes, I believe.

Wow. Time Flies.

2011-10-25T14:02:00.002-04:00

How can it be over a month since I last posted here?

It isn't due to a lack of great finds.

Most of my picture taking has been of cute grand kids.

THGGM has been painting and fixing a different area of our kitchen for about a month now.

Every time I try to take a picture it is either too dark or too cluttered with all of the things that belong in the area in which he is working.

Anyway..,

All that to say - I found a Dutch girl cookie jar today!

I've been wanting one FOREVER.

Now I feel like a REAL grandma (beppe!).

I PLAN to fill it up with Steenstra's Santa Claus cookies.

Isn't it AMAZING just how much that cookie jar looks like me?

Do you think that has anything to do with the cookies?

No. I didn't think so either.

Fun Friday

2011-09-23T22:17:00.002-04:00

Just a sampling of the things I found today at Love's Treasures, Ditto, and Wooden Shoe Antique Mall.

Sigh...

Lenox Swan

2011-09-20T17:02:00.003-04:00

Today was one of those days when THGGM's workday ended at 2:00.

He had some errands to run and dropped me off at Nice Twice. The man loves to thrift shop, but only briefly.

Normally we venture in on Saturday for maybe 30 minutes. Which is what we did on Saturday.

I didn't really think there would be much more by Tuesday, but I was wrong.

Sometimes I like to be wrong.

Look what I found, and for $3.50.

A Lenox Swan!

This one's bigger. I like it.

A New Pig for Me

2011-09-13T21:44:00.002-04:00

My mom had the pig salt and pepper shakers in her kitchen since my sisters were very little girls. They were a Christmas gift from her two nieces, back when she only had two nieces. They were something that she treasured.

This weekend while in Spring Lake I found the polka dot pig. It was only $4.00.

Did you hear me squeal?

Because I did. Just like a pig.

Salt Shaker

2011-09-13T21:31:00.003-04:00

Found this salt shaker angel for less than a dollar.

For this one I plan to add a tassel to the bottom and a wire for hanging at the top.

Hopefully in time for Christmas!

Never Too Many Pots

2011-09-13T17:03:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend we made a stop at our favorite antique places in Spring Lake. One of them has very high quality antiques and prices to match. Of course it was there that I found something that I wanted. A small chamber pot. I was shocked that the price was so low. Maybe there is no longer a run on ironstone chamber pots? Anyway.., I was able to convince THGGM that having a small ironstone chamber pot could only increase the value of our house, what with having another potty and all. He found the Autumn Cottage magazine. I'd wanted it when it came out, but thought the 10 dollar price a bit steep as it didn't up the value of our house or anything. Usually magazines in antique stores cost about a dollar, which seems reasonable to me. So the woman at the desk rang up the adorable small ironstone chamber pot, wrapped it, put it in a bag, and stuck in the magazine. THGGM looked at her and said, "You forgot to charge me for the magazine." Her reply was, "I get so many magazines that I just bring them here when I'm done and give them away." Well now. That adorable small ironstone chamber pot with the 'Royal Ironstone' stamp on the bottom of it just became MUCH better priced!

Van Gogh

2011-09-01T12:04:00.003-04:00

Stop me if you've heard this one.

THGGM surprised me with this print awhile back.

It had been in a thrift store for quite a while. I was reading through a Van Gogh biography at the time.

Can't say that I'd ever been a fan until I read that book (i also found the book at the thrift store!).

Anyway, it was priced high in my humble opinion.

But one day on his way home from work THGGM drove past the store, noticed that pictures were advertized as 50% off, AND he had a 20% off punch card that was full.

So, now I have the print hanging in my dining room.

And I love it!

Although not nearly as much as I love THGGM.

Sigh...

2011-08-26T21:08:00.003-04:00

Tonight after dinner we made a quick thrift store run. Found this plate, with a Robert Burns quote. I LOVE it! And it was only 69 cents. I am SUCH a cheap date. Our dinner was at Arnies, and we had a buy one get one for 99 cents coupon. Seriously. And I gave half of my meal to THGGM.

Tick-Tock

2011-08-24T23:33:00.005-04:00

Look what THGGM found! The kind of clock he has been wanting for years. And at a thrift store. It's an early birthday present for him. Personally, I've never been a fan of ticking clocks, clocks that need to be wound up, clocks that chime, clocks that chime every fifteen minutes, clocks that do all of that all night long...

But, I am a huge fan of THGGM. He took a chance on it, and found a treasure. Sort of like what I did with him.

A Dollars Worth of Happy

2011-08-19T08:50:00.003-04:00

Found another extremely cute table and chairs for a dollar. Still taped nicely into their original box.

Now I have a set in yellow AND a set in red.

Nothing fancy or particularly special about them, but I get such a thrill when I find stuff like this.

Some people buy shoes. Or trendy clothes. I would not know trendy if it slapped me in the face.

And I bought it without THGGM along to say, "But what's it for?"

Although, now that I think about it, "But what's it for?" is easier to deal with than "But where are you going to put it?" and both are better than "So, you're thinking we won't need food this month?".

Thankfully, I have a sister who loaded me up with zuccini and summer squash so we shall eat like kings and queens.

Lefton Hand Vase

2011-08-18T23:56:00.003-04:00

For the past few years I've been looking for a particular vase. It's rather small, with two hands holding a bud vase.

Several times I've found them in antique stores, but priced waaay out of my range (think small change).

Not exactly what I was looking for, but it IS Lefton's and it still has the sticker.

So, for $1.99 I'm going to call it good.

It works well in my extremely very pink bathroom.

At least I think so.

THGGM didn't look too thrilled.

Weave-It

2011-08-16T09:35:00.003-04:00

Several weeks ago I found this at my local thrift store.

For one dollar.

For one dollar I would have bought it were it only the box!

But the Weave-It was in it, and directions too!

Have I used it yet, you ask?

Silly you.

Of course not.

But I COULD.

Folding Ruler

2011-08-16T08:23:00.004-04:00

Beware the word "upscale" when it comes to thrift stores.

One of them sells items like these as 'antiques' for between 12 - 20 dollars.

I found this one at a very good antique shop for 4 dollars.

Surely I could have done better at a garage sale, but for a bit more money, I'll pay to be close to a bathroom.

50% Off Sale

2011-08-16T08:10:00.002-04:00

Nice Twice, which is just around the corner from me, had it's annual 50% off anniversary sale last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I did not arrive there until Saturday afternoon, which was by design.

Even half price is out of my budget now.

Yet, I was able to find something to make me VERY happy! Well. Happy in that temporal shallow sort of way.

Both of them for only a dollar! Now I have a set of six. I'm not exactly sure what their original purpose would have been (saki cups, maybe?) but they hold my Prisma colored pencils VERY nicely. Especially the ones I frequently use that are ground down to nubs.

Favorite Finds

2011-08-15T11:11:00.002-04:00

Iced tea spoons for a dollar each.

These are for Daughter.

I've got plenty.

Sugar Canister

2011-07-29T20:44:00.002-04:00

I LOVE this sugar canister marked "Germany" on the bottom.

And it makes a lovely vase for the black eyed susans hanging around my backyard.

I found the canister in an antique mall for WAAAY less than what I've seen them for in the thrift stores.

Not exactly sure how much it was, but 7 seemed to have been the perfect number for most things that I saw and liked while vacationing 'up north'.

Yesterday I found a riding Thomas the Train for Kado. He LOVES it. But, I tend not to take pictures of my purely practical finds.

Tiny Tart Pans

2011-07-26T22:56:00.002-04:00

Maybe it's just me, but I think these tiny tart pans are adorable.

They were incredibly cheap. At first I thought it was just an old box, and I would have paid the price just for that. Which, of course, means that I was excited to find it truly contained what the box said.

Swan Planter

2011-07-24T22:21:00.002-04:00

Our favorite antique mall in Elk Rapids did not disappoint. It never does.

I found this McCoy swan planter in a wooden bowl filled with sea shells.

I had to buy it. Not the bowl or the sea shells, just the swan.

Because I knew I had its mate at home.

Excuse me for being so excited that I couldn't even hold my camera straight.

I never intended to collect swans.

Once, I saw them used as baby shower 'favors' in an article I saw in an old Home Companion magazine.

Now I just can't be stopped.

Large Canister

2011-07-24T22:12:00.003-04:00

I've passed up a few large canisters at my local thrift stores because they have been priced too high.

This one I found in an antique store 'up north' for $7. And it is unbelievably clean on the inside, which is more than I can say about the ones I've seen in thrift stores.

So, I bought it.

It works well in my kitchen (too bad i don't).

Frogs Holding Birds

2011-07-24T16:45:00.004-04:00

So far, I'm liking the look of the bird cards in the frogs. I'll mix it up a bit with old post cards and photos until I hit on something that works.

I'm also wondering if I could use the frogs to felt wool...

Cherry Plate

2011-07-24T16:41:00.003-04:00

The entire time we were in Traverse City I was enamored with all of the cherry themed dishes.

But, I did not lay down ANY money for them.

My reward?

I found this cute Cute CUTE plate for a dollar at the thrift store upon my return.

One just needs to know how to live, I guess.

Maybe Some Day...

2011-07-20T21:59:00.002-04:00

This roll of vinyl wallpaper looked like it would make nice drawer liner.

Until I got to thinking that it just may be enough to wallpaper the eating area in the kitchen.

Hmm.

Not bad for $1.50.

In the Perfect Colors

2011-07-20T21:52:00.002-04:00

For my kitchen, that is.
I found the red checked table cloth and THGGM found the other one.
That one still had the tag on it. These are the colors I'm trying for in my kitchen. If only that vinyl wallpaper would remove it's self.

Cute Couple

2011-07-19T13:41:00.001-04:00

Aren't they cute?

Pake en Beppe!

ENDLESS Possibilities!

2011-07-19T13:31:00.004-04:00

I found the bias tapes at the thrift store for 25 cents. LOVE the colors! The wider hand dyed ribbon came from an antique store in Sutton's Bay. It is REALLY beautiful! Oh, and I even found the 4x6 recipe box I have them in for a fabulous deal.., somewhere.., I can't remember.

More Flower Frogs

2011-07-19T13:25:00.002-04:00

LOOK! I found these three flowers frogs at the NEW Wilson's Antiques in Traverse City. I always think of Wilson's as being waaaay over priced, but these were just $2.00 a piece.

I've paid double that at thrift stores around here.

Now I just need to find the perfect things to put in them.

2011-06-26T22:30:00.004-04:00

THGGM found this today at the local flea market.
He finds pretty good stuff there. Last week he found a Radio Flyer Wagon. Daughter was looking for one for the kids. Today he didn't find much, and only came home with this one thing. It's in rough shape, but who isn't? Nothing a bit of sanding and some paint won't help.

Actually, I didn't like it all that much until he told me the price. One dollar and fifty cents.

Now I LOVE it!

I have a spider plant that should fit nicely in that indent on the top.

Once it's done I have just the spot for it!

I Left Some for You!

2011-06-17T15:23:00.007-04:00

Today I went to Love's Treasure's on Van Buren in Hudsonville.

They had an odd corner with a shelf full of bins of rubber stamps.

My heart does flop around quite a bit on it's own accord, but this time the cause was all of the stamps!

These three vintage ladies look as if they have never been out of the box.

These two bird stamps look new, too!

And, I thought I'd let you know that I left some for you!

There were more birds, lot's of kits, some Stampin' Up! and quite a few Hero Arts and Darcey.

I believe I saw quite a few background stamps, quotes (one by Emerson), part of "The Night Before Christmas", several large flower stamps (similar to the birds) a really cool large stamp of an old Tractor, and a bunch of barns and chickens too!

I wanted them all.

THGGM was appalled that I bought any.

Then I told him that they were all for him. For Father's Day (he didn't buy it. but i did). Now, I gave you fair warning. There is no guarentee that I will not go back there tomorrow to buy some more. Except that I am out of money, but maybe if I gather up all of the empty pop cans in my pantry I can pick up just a few more.

The bird stamps were $3.00 each and the vintage ladies kit was $4.00.

Spiral Binding Joy!

2011-06-17T15:20:00.003-04:00

Oooo. I do like this find!

It cost me $5.00, but I will most likely use it everyday for the rest of my life.

It's bigger print than the 'normal' hymnbook, and it is SPIRAL bound. Not lose-leaf which tends to break down with use.

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to not have to prop it open.

And I can see it. (sigh...)

Baby Hangers

2011-06-17T15:20:00.001-04:00

At the amazing low low price of .50 cents for SEVEN.

There is a reason why I buy these.

When you want them, they are almost impossible to find. When you don't, they appear in thrift stores everywhere.

Someday I may want them.

See? I CAN plan ahead. At least for odd things like this.

Thrift Shop Joy!

2011-06-12T23:46:00.004-04:00

Sooo very happy to find this!

THGGM bought me the Grandmother's book on the right for my birthday. I had pointed it out to him in a book store, and he remembered that I said I wanted it. And, I LOOOVE it.

I was a teensy bit upset that he bought it at the book store, but he assured me that he used his discount card AND had a coupon.

I found the "Moms" book at a thrift store this week. For a dollar.

The pictures are oh so very charming. I've been thumbing through both of these books this afternoon. Such a pleasant thing to do!

Seriously. We are all about babies over here.

To House My Money

2011-06-12T23:27:00.004-04:00

One of my happy finds on Saturday was this! Is it a bird house? Is it a bank? Isn't it cute? I LOVE the colors!

And it says on the bottom that it was made in Czechoslovakia, so I'm sure it is authentic, as I know no one who could spell that if they didn't have to.

A Collection!

2011-06-12T21:31:00.002-04:00

Yes. I have three, and three equals a collection!

The one on the left was my baby spoon. The other two were found this week. All of them are Gerber baby spoons.

We are awaiting the birth of our fourth grandchild, and I have babies on my mind!

The Stuff She Bought Along the Way

2011-06-08T11:12:00.008-04:00

Well, what do you know? As surprising as this may seem, I managed to find a few things that pleased my eye yesterday.

Babies on My Mind

2011-06-08T11:05:00.002-04:00

Sooo happy to find these at the thrift store last week. I used to have one of these. Mine was a souvenir received after a tour of the Gerber Baby Food plant in Fremont, MI.

There isn't much from the tour that I can recall, except that it smelled awful. Like green beans.

But I DO remember a lovely candy store in downtown Fremont - where I bought a bag of sea foam.

Hmm. This was in the sixth grade. What one remembers from childhood sure says a lot!

So Much Fun

2011-06-04T23:00:00.007-04:00

This purchase was made a few months ago. I put it away in the game closet and forgot about it. Friday I brought it out and had Jonge set about to see if all of the pieces were present and accounted for. They were! We did not play the 'game' but he did use the cards to create some amazing things! I'm hoping he realizes that I like playing with game pieces more than I like playing games.

Seriously, the boy played with this the entire afternoon. All this fun for $2.00.

Tah Dah!

2011-05-22T18:40:00.000-04:00

(see post below)

Just What I Wanted!

2011-05-21T20:05:00.004-04:00

I've been looking for a paper suitcase to make a 'traveling dollhouse' for Famke. Last weekend I tried the craft store, but found nothing that I could even use to improvise.

Today, I only went into ONE thrift store, and LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

A super cute paper suitcase! Can you believe it?!

I wasn't sure about the meaning of the granny square until I opened it up to take a peek inside.

Not only is it a kit for making granny squares, someone already made them and left them inside! And, with two crochet hooks, a scissors, a darning needle, and some pins and needles (which I found the hard way).

All for $2.00.

Seriously. I just cannot get over how I seem to find what I am looking for, and for soooo cheap.

And if you haven't already purchased it, Amy Powers "Inspired Ideas - the Happy Birthday Issue" is where I found the idea for the traveling dollhouse, and much, Much, MUCH more! www.inspireco.com

Three Grayish Things

2011-05-21T19:56:00.002-04:00

Today I only hit one thrift store. I've noticed that the turn over is seeming to be a bit better. I hope this continues!

The first thing I found was the small aluminum pitcher. This will be a nice companion for the small aluminum coffee pot I found last year. The grand kids can play restaurant for HOURS, so they will love this.

And another aluminum pie plate for 25 cents. Tonight we actually ate our egg salad sandwiches in pie plates lined with wax paper. I like it. It seems picnic-y!

The wire basket was a last minute impulse buy. Good thing my impulses lean towards the cheap. I'm not sure just what I'll do with it yet, but it spoke to me. Loader than THGGM, who was saying ENOUGH!

Two Dollars Worth of Fun

2011-05-14T22:40:00.003-04:00

Eight items at 25 cents a piece.

What shall I DO with these treasures?

Let's see.., there are two tin pie plates. My plan for those is to line them with a sheet of waxed paper and use them for lunch on the weekends. I cannot account as to why, I just think lunch served that way is rather charming!

The string will go in my 'one can NEVER have to much string' stash.

The three pieces of fabric? The off-white could be rag doll body material. The red will go into my red fabric pile. It isn't a large pile. Yet.

The glass bottle has such a pretty stopper. Quite possible I shall run outside tomorrow and fill the bottle up with Lilies of the Valley. That stopper will look quite nice just laying next to them! Oh. And that little pouch with the tiny screw driver? I'm SUCH a sucker for those. All the tiny screws are still in there.

Wooden Paddle

2011-05-14T22:22:00.004-04:00

Today I was able to leisurely stroll through three of my favorite thrift stores.

I found this nice wooden paddle. Not sure just what I will actually DO with it, but it seemed to fit into my wooden spoon collection nicely.

Connected to the paddle by a plastic loop was this thing.

What is it?

Maybe a nut cracker?

Thumb screw?

Hmmm.

She Finds What She Is Looking For

2011-05-06T16:42:00.003-04:00

For years now I've wanted one of these "Mother" pictures.

I've found a few at antique malls for around $12.99 or so, but I didn't want one that badly.This one I picked up today at my local thrift store.

It was only a dollar.

It is nicely matted and is in a silver colored metal frame which for reasons I can no longer remember I cropped out of the picture (now i remember. it was on a red tablecloth which made the frame look an odd color).

Anyway..,

It was a year ago today that the events leading up to my mom's death on May 14 began.

I miss her.

Heidi

2011-05-01T15:55:00.004-04:00

Found a very nice library copy of Heidi. Wow. With illustrations by Jessie Willcox Smith. I think it's time I read this again.

(if you need me, i'll be in the backyard.)

I've Been Wanting These!

2011-05-01T15:43:00.004-04:00

Actually, I've been looking for old "Uncle Remus" books, but finding The Complete Tales was still a joy! And, the illustrations are lovely.

Since I collect all manner of Klutz books, I was happy to find two that I don't already have. Klutz books are so handy to have around when learning something new. My hope is that these books will get much use as the grandchildren grow.

Oh. And the Susan Branch "Baby Love" book? I've wanted it since it first came out. And since I know someone expecting a baby two months from today, I just may be giving it up for a good cause!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T22:33:00.005-04:00

Found the old flower frog at Ditto in Holland today. Is $4.50 a good price for this? I was not sure. It did come with a dead bee in it.

Just in time to hold up my thrifted Easter greeting.

Blessings to you and yours -

From me and mine!

Lenox Swans

2011-04-23T17:35:00.004-04:00

Went to Love's Treasures in Hudsonville today, where I found not one, but TWO Lenox swans.
I had one.
Now I have three, which as you know means that I now have a COLLECTION of tiny Lenox swans.
And for $2.50.
I sometimes feel that Love's Treasures is a bit high on some of their prices. But not on these!

Salt and Pepper

2011-04-13T19:48:00.002-04:00

So many times I've passed on this set of salt and pepper shakers. My first pair I turned into tassels. Not sure yet if I shall do that again. Aren't they just the cutest? COULD it be possible to have too many of these? And just how many would too many be?

Vintage Hand Mirror

2011-03-31T09:25:00.003-04:00

Number nine in my ever-growing collection of vintage hand mirrors.

I love that this one will not require a wonky plate hanger device to hang it.

But then, no grandchild will have the joy of playing the back of it like it is a guitar.

They are also useful for ceiling wars. Give each child a hand mirror and let them reflect the morning sun coming in the front windows onto the ceiling.

This is fun entertainment until someone flashes Beppe (me) in the eye resulting in a migraine.

A Thrifty Pair of Lamps

2011-03-29T10:12:00.002-04:00

This will still require a bit of tweaking, but aren't the lamps perfect there? THGGM thinks so. I saw them at Love's Treasures for $10 a piece. That seemed like a very good price for a nice pair of lamps.

But, not being an impulse buyer (snicker) nor a spend thrift (snicker again, as i ONLY spend on thrift) I did not buy them. But I did show them to THGGM.

On Saturday I spend a bit of time thinking about these lamps. So did THGGM (occasionally we do have deep thoughts, but then i get a migraine and he gets depressed so we do try to avoid that. okay. okay. snicker away!) Unbeknownst (i think that unbeknownst is an extremely good word) to me THGGM was also thinking about them. So, out we headed in hopes that the pair were still there.

Somehow we remembered that cash was required, but not that Love's Treasures closes at 2:00 on Saturday.

Yesterday after working all day THGGM and Jonge set out to Hudsonville to see if the pair of lamps were still available. And they were. How's that for a long boring story with a happy ending?

I think they look very nice here, and will look even better once they both have the same kind of light bulb in them.

Plaque Find

2011-03-29T10:06:00.002-04:00

Friday and Saturday THGGM and I went to so many thrift/antique shops that I cannot even remember where I picked this up.

But I LOVE it.

So much so that I've spent a good part of this morning trying to get a great picture of it.

I'll just have to settle for 'okay'.

The Perfect Trifecta

2011-03-25T11:51:00.006-04:00

Look! I found another one of these cute Emilie Barnes books.

I had the one about manners and the tea party book for quite awhile, so you can imagine my excitement finding another!

And for ten cents. Wow. Ten cents.

Tommy Hilfiger Shirt

2011-03-23T10:12:00.004-04:00

Found a very nice Tommy Hilfiger shirt for Jonge.

And, a cute little crib quilt for the babies.

It also came with a bumper, but I think I just may alter that into something else. Or, maybe next winter I will start a new trend in scarves!

Just for Fun

2011-03-22T15:24:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite places to find small toys for the grand kids is the 50 cent baggie rack at my local thrift store. I have loaded up on plastic animals of all kinds, big and small dinosaurs, tiny dolls, and interesting characters over the years.

Last week I found a few more additions to the Winnie the Pooh collection.

Kado had them all set out on Monday and they just looked like they were having so much fun! Even inviting friends of a different persuasion to the party.

Rubber Type Printing Kit

2011-03-20T21:43:00.004-04:00

Twice in my lifetime I have paid to have a rubber stamp made of my address.

Twice I have had to move shortly after.

So you can imagine my reluctance to buy another address stamp.

But look at this! Why, I can freely move from place to place and just swap out the address. How handy is this?

So I now have an address stamp. Although THGGM was quick to point out that we rarely send out anything that requires a stamped return address anymore, but WHATEVER.

I also made one that says "Judy made this!"

Although I'm not exactly sure why.

music Music MUSIC

2011-03-20T21:37:00.002-04:00

I also spent this dime on myself. Call me a spend thrift if you will, but this one was worth the dime.

Surprisingly, I could just sit down and play it too.

Now, if I could just get THGGM to sing along.

"Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money..."

But I DID have a dime. One thin one.

My Collection Grows!

2011-03-20T15:27:00.003-04:00

Saturday was beautiful, especially for the very last day of winter. So THGGM and I took a ride to one of our favorite antique malls, between Holland and Grand Haven.

All I found was another one of these little houses. Since I don't carry around a picture of the ones I already have, I was happy to come home and discover that it is one I don't have.

And at a new-to-us thrift store I found the small windmill tile. For a quarter. I found a bunch of other things, but the weather is murky today and not at all conducive to taking pictures indoors.

Weekend Find

2011-03-06T23:42:00.002-05:00

Saturday we took a quick trip to Holland.

I found a pair of Buster Brown baby shoes at the antique mall, which of course I purchased. I also found two EXCEPTIONAL buys which THGGM held me back from purchasing. It's hard to believe that my life will be worth living without these two things, but he tells me that it will, and mostly, I believe him.

We also went to Ditto.

And look what I found there! Four dinner plates, four sauces, and two cups to add to my set of Johnson Brothers White Regency dishes.

Complete Set of Puzzle Blocks

2011-03-06T21:57:00.007-05:00

I was thrilled to find this very nice set of blocks (for one dollar)

and happily purchased them for Kado.

As things do tend to go, it was Jonge and Famke who played with these blocks ALL DAY LONG. Kado never even gave them a passing glance. He DOES love his Bob the Builder though.

Games

2011-01-28T14:00:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite things to search for in my thrifting is game pieces. My preference is for OLD game pieces, but occasionally I'll find something newer that looks like fun for my grandchildren.

Quite a long time ago I found this ballet card game. Since Famke was to young to play the game, which was missing one card anyway, we would just draw a card and she would practice doing the poses.

For 50 cents, it was a lot of fun for her.

Quite awhile later I found another set. This one was also marked 50 cents. My hope was that I would at least gain the missing card.

When I got it home I noticed that the cards were still wrapped! Since Famke is not quite 3 1/2, I'm saving it until she is old enough to actually play the game.

Monday while we were crafting at the kitchen table, I got the idea to turn the old set into a little 'book' for her.

Like most little girls, her favorite color is pink, so I chose the pink ones first.

I punched a little hole in the corner and added a ring. To punch up the effect a bit I added some ribbon.

The 'pages' flip easily, and now Famke has a book - all in pink - about ballet!

Sigh...

2011-01-06T21:04:00.003-05:00

What can I say?

I just LOVE these little plaques!

Soon I'll be putting away my Christmas decor, but leaving up the 'wintery' stuff.

These just look like little Valentine's to me.

I wanted them badly, but could not justify it.

THGGM went back and got them for me.

I don't know why. I haven't been all that good lately.

Leather Buttons

2011-01-06T20:59:00.003-05:00

Have you also noticed that one can never have too many leather buttons?

Oh, the possibilities!

They kind of look like mushrooms, don't you think?

For My Ever-changing Mood

2011-01-06T13:08:00.002-05:00

Wow!

I went back to my favorite thrift store today, even though I had just been there two days ago. One just never knows with thrift stores.

My best finds were in the craft supply aisle. Bags of thread! Two pair of wooden knitting needles and one pink pair for making more yo-yo flowers with knitting needle stems! Extremely thin blue ribbon, a blue measuring tape and an aqua embroidery hoop rounded out my purchases.

The brightly colored threads are small, but certainly do add a bright punch of color, which is much needed here in Michigan in January.

And, OH! That brightly colored fabric. For a quarter. I think I may just sit and stare at it all day long.

First Week of January Vacation

2011-01-05T23:44:00.004-05:00

Yesterday THGGM and I went to two thrift stores and two antique malls.

My finds were all inexpensive 'smalls'.

I believe all three of these silver-ish things came from different places.

The flower frog is something I've been wanting for a very long time.

I've been hooked on finding tiny cups since reading the "Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus" chapter in the Little House books.

Hmm. I had a GREAT idea for the small plate, but I cannot remember what that was now.

Snowman Mugs

2010-12-11T14:43:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I found four more mugs to add to my Snowman Mug collection.

Every year I scan the mug shelves at the thrift store for these.

This year I found six for $20.00 at a local antique/consignment mall. THGGM said a firm "NO".

That's okay. He has to do that often or we would have nowhere to sit in our house.

But last weekend I found four for 50 cents a piece and snatched them up right away.

I'm up to nineteen.

My dream is to have enough for everybody at the family Christmas party, which means I still need a couple more.

Bailey-Walker Pitcher

2010-12-09T21:23:00.004-05:00

LOOK!

THGGM is sick. He NEVER gets sick, but today he has come down with something.

While he picked up a prescription, I went to my favorite thrift store, which is open until 7:00 on Thursdays.

There wasn't really anything in particular I was looking for, but on Saturday I had found six vintage flocked Shiny Brites and I was hoping there would be more. There were not. The ones I have refuse to be photographed. Except, of course, with ME as a bright shiny blob reflected in the middle of them.

So, besides the Occupied Japan piece I found (below) I also saw this large white pitcher.

It was marked, and that intrigued me.

According to what I've found on line, the stamp means it was made in December of 1930.

Now all I need is some fresh cut pine to stick in it! Merry Christmas to me!

Vintage Figurine

2010-12-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

I bought her.

She is very homely, yet sweet looking.

And the price was right.

I'm not finding many 'Occupied Japan' pieces any more.

And especially not for $1.50.

Fine Weekend Finds

2010-12-07T22:18:00.005-05:00

Whew. It was a busy weekend, but I did manage to thrift shop. Found these five books. About the only one I have the energy to read tonight is the Cheerios book. I'm sure there are enough Cheerios scattered about that I needn't even open the pantry.

THGGM found two large wreaths which he has hanging on the carriage lights on either side of the garage door. I'd take a picture of those, but it is just too unbelievably cold out.

My Kind of Find

2010-11-28T23:16:00.003-05:00

This was my only Christmas purchase at the thrift store this weekend.

Hard to get a picture of at 11:18 in the evening.

But I knew if I did not get a picture now I would forget that I bought it.

I LOVE IT! Mostly, because about 25 + years ago I cross-stitched this. Well, not this EXACT one, but from the same pattern.

Today, I still think it is a beautiful piece.

It cost me $1.50.

(click on picture to enlarge)

Sigh

2010-11-20T14:11:00.002-05:00

Nice find for my green book collection!

It even has some color pictures inside.

And again, sigh...

Great Storage at a Great Price

2010-11-20T13:59:00.002-05:00

Picnic baskets make for GREAT storage.

I cannot seem to pass them up.

Under the buffet in the back ground of this picture are four picnic baskets, and there is another on top. Not sure where this one will end up, but I know I'll find the perfect spot.

It was $3.50 cents.

I Found This!

2010-11-14T23:12:00.002-05:00

I've been looking for some vintage-y Christmas stuff for my kitchen. I found this yesterday. PERFECT!
I think I'll be using it as a vase since I only have one.

Cute Couple

2010-11-14T23:07:00.001-05:00

Found this cute couple at an antiques mall in Wisconsin.
LOVE their vintage bisque-y-ness!

It's Beginning

2010-11-07T21:45:00.003-05:00

It snowed here a bit over the weekend.

I dug out my snowman mugs even though it will hit the mid 60's this week.

Michigan. You just never know.

Someday this week I plan to start dragging out a bit of Christmas decor.

So, when I saw this for 69 cents at the thrift store, I figured I'll have a place for it soon enough.

More Treasure

2010-11-04T20:17:00.006-04:00

Last week we took a trip to Wisconsin. Here are just a few of the things I found along the way.

I find it impossible to pass up a cute Dutch boy. So this one came home with me, along with the living one I found thirty-some years ago.

The potholders each have half of a snap on the back. Wish I had whatever it was they attached to!

Simply LOVE the salt box,

and added another KLM house to my collection!

We had a lovely time antique/thrift shopping. As soon as we arrived home, I put things 'away', which means I cannot remember everything I found.

All the more fun for me, as I shall be just as excited when I remember that I bought them as I was when I bought them in the first place!

Ah, such fun it is to be aged.

Animal Rummy

2010-10-07T14:13:00.007-04:00

A complete deck of these adorable Animal Rummy cards for only 39 cents.

I'm hoping to turn them into book markers.

If I only make one and sell it for one dollar I'll have more than doubled my money!

One Dollar

2010-10-07T11:45:00.003-04:00

For me, the most surprising finds at my neighborhood thrift store are doilies. I know that they are long out of style, but the work that goes into one? They should cost hundreds of dollars. I know this, because I once bought a crochet book, a hook, and some thread and set off to learn to crochet a doily while my family played along the beaches of Lake Michigan. It is tediously hard work. If I remember correctly, I got something about the size of a silver dollar except it would not lay flat.

Anyway..,

this piece is not crochet, and it doesn't look like tatting either.

But it's beautiful and flawless and works perfectly for me!

Truly Cannot Say

2010-10-07T09:48:00.001-04:00

These are Dutch, crochet, and come as a hanging pair. The perfect trifecta!

Other than that, I have no idea why I bought them.

Oh! I Am SOOO Excited!

2010-10-03T12:42:00.002-04:00

Not so much for the wooden shoe planter, although I do like it very much. And, I usually find these in the Holland area antique venues for between four - twelve dollars, which seems outrageous to me. This one was 50 cents at the local thrift store. They sell empty apple sauce containers for that much, so obviously they have yet to find the value in an old wooden shoe planter. 50 cents. No kidding.

But, the find I am excited about is the book "The Primitive", written by a relative of THGGM. He also wrote under the pen name of Fredrick Manfred. I like this one with the actual family name on it.

Not that we knew Feike Feikema at all, but we do have a picture of him standing next to THGGM's grandpa in the backyard of the house we lived in for twelve years. I think that's special.

Yes. Yes I do.

Happy to Find This!

2010-09-19T19:14:00.004-04:00

At first I passed on this photo album. I'm not much into photo albums, and this one claimed to be scented, and I am REALLY not into that.

But, then I went back to it a few times. Opened it up. Looked at each page. There was no scent anymore. The album was made in 1992. I have SUCH a hard time believing that 1992 was 18 years ago.

Anyway..,

the more I looked at it, the more it took on a certain charm.

I could rip it apart! I could use each page as mats for pictures I could frame.

So, I bought it.

These are just two of the pages.

I'm excited to get busy with this!

Hmmm

2010-09-19T18:50:00.005-04:00

Yes. It IS true that I am getting rid of 25 things a week. Mostly clothes and books.

So, I'm seriously analyzing everything I buy with this thought: Will I actually DO something with it?

These two items passed that first question.

Kado will use the pan. He LOVES his coffee pot. This pan will fit right in with his 'make believe' cooking. And, at 49 cents it cost MUCH less than the toy kind.

And the little sewing school box? Oh, yes. Although I think I shall paint it and make it into a home for my spool people. It could be the Spool School.

Sew Fablous!

2010-09-19T15:23:00.002-04:00

This book retails for $22.99. It came out in 2008 and I have wanted it since I first heard of it. But, being thrifty and all that, I cannot spend $22.99 on craft books, unless it is my birthday or something. Even then, I like gift certificates to thrift/antique/craft stores for my birthday (hint, hint).

So, when I found this at Somewhere In Thyme, I did not think it would be as inexpensive as it was.

Faintly written inside the cover? $2.95.

And it was 20% off.

I also found an Oct/Nov 1997 Home Companion magazine. For 90 cents.

Oh, yes. I am oh so very happy.

Some People

2010-09-11T15:11:00.006-04:00

While I was returning my shopping basket I overheard THGGM say to the thrift store sales lady, "This is proof that ANYTHING will sell."

Somedays I find him hard to like.

Anyway..,

Isn't this just the COOLEST tin?

I think it needs a plant.

Hercules Rx Record File

2010-08-31T19:39:00.003-04:00

Isn't this a cool old file? I LOVE it!
Found it clearing out my dad's file closet.
Wish I had thought to ask him how he came
to have it. I'm looking around for a place to
keep it. Probably in my basement with all the
other treasures I'm looking for the perfect
place to display.

On Etsy I saw one just like it, except that each of the

doors had the label. They were asking $190.00 plus shipping.

There was also one on Ebay with a starting bid of $25.00.

I like free.

Small Remembrance Trinkets

2010-08-31T17:24:00.004-04:00

Several years ago I began collecting things that reminded me of my grandpa. My mom's dad.

I had a lovely old box that I'd hoped to turn into a shadow box of sorts.

My first find was the "Bartje" figure. Next came two tiny wooden shoes. Then, a bowling pin and some dominoes. Old wooden bingo pieces marked his birth date. And I even found an old Dutch Bible.

This weekend I found one more piece. A small Boston Terrier.

I'm not so sure about the shadow box idea anymore.

Maybe I'll just make them a paper house around which they can all stand, looking expectant.

I'll be looking for a small Friesen Flag.