My Summer Thrift Store Finds And Freebies

From the .25 purse I bought at a yard sale, the summer I was ten years old, to much of the furniture and accessories in our first apartment, it always provided me with interesting items on a budget I could afford.

Of course, now, two houses and many decades later, while my passion for thrifting hasn't waned, my need for it has. Plus, cottage living kind of puts a damper on large collections of...well, anything! 

So when I shop now, it's with a very discerning eye.

However. I seem to be surrounded by enablers who also enjoy the hunt for a good find.

Which places me in dangerous territory, with very little willpower....and I binge.

Exhibit A. 

This darling pitcher was found while shopping with my daughter. I have a weakness for pitchers.

Especially if they're small, like this one. It was impossible to leave behind. So for $4.99 it hopped in my cart.

Next, I found this sturdy little painted wooden tray. Only $3.49 and solid wood. 

It was a no brainer.

Trays are great for makeovers, since there's so much you can do to bring them back to life. How could I pass it up?

In the same aisle, I found this painted wooden print. It wasn't my colors, but definitely my style. 

Lots of potential for $3.99.


This was a colorful print I found hanging on the wall at one of my favorite tiny shops. I almost walked right by.

It had my name written all over it and you know I wasn't wrong if you saw the makeover it already received.

Best part is, I still get to play with that frame.


My last treasure was only a buck. Super sweet and exactly what I've been searching for...a small brass candlestick.

I already have a pretty big collection I've found at thrift stores, but most are tall.

And I love the look of a multi-height grouping. 


Do I have room or need for any of these items? No, I do not...and I recognized that in the store, so I stopped right there.

Willpower won.

Sort of.

You see, I had willpower...but someone who went out on a bike ride did not.

He was cruising around the neighborhood this weekend and apparently there were many people cleaning out their own collections and leaving treasure at the curb.

This was the first thing he brought home. FOR FREE.

It's a four foot tall, Hobby Lobby metal spinner flower. We already have several spinners, so this one fit right in.


On the same day, he found this darling antique style, metal birdcage. Again, another free piece that fits perfectly in our cottage style garden.

It's rusted and weathered, but that's its charm. I just have to add a plant and done.

Well, for now anyway. 😉


I think one of my favorite curbside finds of the day, was this old sign. 

Some kids probably removed it from one of the many beaches in our area during a night of senior scavenger hunt hijinks.

And now it's mine.


He also brought this little duck piggy bank home for me.

He's well acquainted with my love for birds. Decor birds anyway. I'm not sure if he'll get a makeover. He's kind of perfect the way he is.

Don't you agree?

You can peek at a similar duck here

Besides, the swan I gave a makeover to last year has been creating quite a stir on Pinterest. Apparently, not everyone likes floral birds.

Ah well, to each his own.

Getting back to more of those curbside finds, next up is a Halloween or fall planter.

It's covered in pumpkins, ready to plop a mum inside once the cool weather rolls around.


I'm set for a little Valentine's Day upcycle with this adorable heart ramekin.


And moving onto second hand Christmas items, he presented me with this darling wicker sled basket. My brain is already percolating with a few cute holiday ideas.

Can you say decoupage?

 
And last, but certainly not least, this festive gold holiday basket. 

No makeover needed here.

It'll be absolutely adorable stuffed with goodies for a friend or family member.


Overall, it was a decent haul.

And I only had a to pay for half of it.

Plus, many of these items will live in the garden or be given away.

Which just leaves room for more.

😉

Don't you agree?

Happy Thrifting, Friends!