Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A few thrifting finds

When my husband's army buddy had been visiting only a few minutes, he looked around our living room/dining room area and said he loved the way we (we?) decorated the house. My husband's replay was, "Really?". He puts up with my English Country decorating when he would much prefer something a little more, um... less? Having said that, he loves it when people compliment the house.

I know we have nice furniture that we purchased when we had more money and we have inherited items but honestly, most of what makes the house look so warm and cozy came from garage sales, thrift stores, and Goodwill. I thought I'd share some of my latest finds (latest being the last few months).

Here's a picture of the tea set that I paid $12.95 for at Goodwill and found it is worth almost $100.00. Goodwill is funny about that, I've gotten great values there and I've also laughed out loud for what they were asking. It's a little difficult to take a picture inside that china cabinet so I'll plan on another one (outside) when I get a chance.


I bought this Christmas "grab bag" (you can see what is inside them) for $3.99 at Goodwill. I've already taken out lots of stuff that I don't want and given it back to Goodwill. :) The ornaments are gorgeous. To give you an idea how big this thing was, I'd say the vinyl bag once held a king size comforter! It is next to my dryer in the garage because I need to pack it up soon to protect everything.


The beautiful lace table cloth was $1.00 at the thrift store run by a Christian Mission in the nearby town. It has a couple small holes I need to mend and one area that has a bit of a stain (which is already lighter than it was). Nothing so bad I wouldn't use it for a dinner party! You can always set a bowl on the stain. I know I'm rushing the season with the autumn items in the bowl but I was just checking to see if the bowl was the right size. :)


I bought the beautiful item with the rose crocheted on it (are those once dish cloths?) at an antique store in Lancaster County on clearance. I'd just seen one similar at another store that I had pointed out to Stephanie, how much I'd wanted one of those to display in my kitchen. It was around $20.00 and way too much for my budget.

Low and behold, this one was only a couple dollars at the next antique store because it has a small stain (that one cannot see unless you get right up to it!). Steph found some great items in their clearance aisles, too... mostly around $1.00 each. She sent some tag sale items home with Christopher that I'm already enjoying.

It reminds me of Christopher and his swords he purchased in Baltimore, at the convention. He went to a few of the sellers as they were packing up (at the end of the convention) and asked what they would be willing to sell particular swords for. He bought five or six swords for a total of $50.00 (he'd been saving for awhile) and that is extremely cheap if you saw them. I'll have to take pictures because a few of them are stunning.

He's loved swords since I can remember, probably since he was in preschool and wanted to be a pirate when he grew up. I wasn't surprised when he chose to do fencing in high school. We spent a very long time studying the Middle Ages for History. He told me he was going to show the swords to his "girl that is a friend" and see what she thinks of them. That may be a test, should I worn her? :)

He's already told her he wants to name his first son Sven. She's still going out with him.

10 comments:

jules said...

Maybe your crocheted item is a pot holder?

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Yes, I bet that is what it is!

~Nan said...

I just found your blog and love it! Your playlist has some amazing music.

Cowgirl said...

I love seeing your bargins! I love finding them too. Makes life interesting!

Heather said...

Brenda,

Your crocheted item is a potholder. They were very popular to make during my Grandma's time. ;o)

I love them and always look for them at antique stores.

Love, Heather

Vee said...

Yes, a pot holder!

Always fun to see someone's treasures. You dh should be very proud of his lady indeed that she is able to creat a wonderful home for him. He has his "less" space, right?

Kelly said...

These are great finds! Just goes to show you you do not have to break the bank to make a house a home!


Love,
kelly

Bonita said...

I heart that tea set! Purple is my favorite color and you got a steal of a deal!

Today at Goodwill I got a pretty good deal myself. I found four real deal French china plates with herbs on them and they still had price tags from an antique or consignment store saying they were selling for $25 each. However, I got all four plates, over $100 worth of china, for a mere $2.10!! You are so right about the prices at Good will.

Marge said...

I have the largest cup and saucer that you show on your header. It was my grandmothers and a real treasure to me. Love your blog!

Marge

Anonymous said...

I really love your blog! The teaset looks to me like Royal Patrician - I sell alot of that in my store and you got a terrific bargain!
Bernideen

http://bernideen@wordpress.com/
www.bernideens.com