For as long as I can remember, shopping for second hand items has always given me a thrill.
Long before it became a trend to share what I thrifted vs how I styled it, I was thrifting.
And styling.
Like many of you, I'm sure.
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.Long before it became a trend to share what I thrifted vs how I styled it, I was thrifting.
And styling.
Like many of you, I'm sure.
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.
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?
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?
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| 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!
I love pitchers, too. They are so versatile! Your finds are all fantastic! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Ricki Jill! I just can't pass up a cute pitcher. It's an obsession. ☺️
DeleteI haven't thrifted in a awhile because I'm still working on getting rid of stuff instead of dragging stuff in! I've been pretty serious about downsizing. Have to say though, I love the curbside finds...the bird cage and the spinner and the beach sign. I would've snagged those. ;-)
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I’m with you. I’m in a downsizing phase, but I clearly have no willpower. When my husband came home with the spinner, I was like ok, but no more. Then he showed up with the birdcage and the sign. Plus, they’re outside trinkets which was a bonus. So who was I to argue? Hahaha
DeleteKim, I love thrift stores. My favourite one here in Montreal is Renaissance. This is Goodwill, but they named it Renaissance because practically everything here in Quebec is in French.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it has the Goodwill logo, so it is Goodwill.
I love your taste and finds, Kim.
And I never tire of seeing your creative talent.
Everything is prettier in French!! That name alone would make me want to shop there...and thank you for your kind comment, Linda. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
DeleteHi Kim. I am a thrift store shopper too. Love all your finds especially the beach closes sign. That is perfect for where you live. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteIsn't that sign the best? I mean, I'm a total rule follower, so I would never be the one to lift it, but...if it's just hanging out at the curb, well, who am I to refuse such a gift! ☺️ Happy Weekend!!
DeleteOh, I am in love with that duck bank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love birds and ducks! I am always a sucker for them. I love all your finds.
ReplyDeleteIs he darling, Chrissy? He's on my desk and just looking at him makes me smile.
DeleteGreat read Kim! Love the little wooden duck, so charming. I am a big fan of the floral swan, it’s on my craft to-do list for the summer! I was going to do a deer with leaves for the fall!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Cynthia, you are the sweetest! Thank you for those kind words and I'm so excited that my floral swan is on your crafty to do list. Best compliment ever! Oh and if you do make a fall deer, please share!!
DeleteYou found some treasures for sure! I like your seasonal items, especially the heart. I enjoy finding seasonal items at thrift stores. Why spend a lot of money for items that aren't displayed year round?
ReplyDeleteI agree, I'm a budget shopper, especially when it comes to seasonal items. That heart is so sweet. It makes me smile when I see it. I really appreciate the visit and hope you have a great week!
DeleteWow, that’s quite the haul! How many bike trips did it take for that half of the finds? Love the duck; so quintessential vintage!
ReplyDeleteIt really was a haul!! It actually took a few trips, but he has an ebike, one he built himself, so he had a ball riding back and forth.
DeleteGreat finds Kim. The birdcage is lovely. We can always use trays. So cute your hubby is always on the look-out.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I love that birdcage. I was shocked when he came home with it, it took two trips. Haha!!
DeleteBoth of you did GREAT!!! I have a BIG collection of small pitchers, so of course that is my favorite 😍 The little duck runs a close second!! Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteThanks J!! I feel the same way...when it comes to pitchers and ducks, I'm a sucker. ☺️
DeleteHonestly, you find the best stuff. That spinner is phenomenal! And for free? I would’ve been bringing that home myself. Plus, like you, I have a weakness for pitchers, and that is a great one! I also love that duck. It is so cute! I will say that an exciting thing happened to me last week. A friend of mine volunteers at a resell it shop, knows that I love to set pretty tables, found something she thought I might like, and sent me a picture. Did I like it? You bet! I was all over that like white on rice. Looking forward to using it in a tablescape in the future so stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteOh Pattie, I can't wait to see what you found! You always set the prettiest tables, so I'm sure it's got to be something special. That's how I felt about that spinner. I couldn't believe someone threw it away. It was in nearly perfect condition!
DeleteThe sign... now that is a score. I LOVE it. I too just found a sign. My thrift post will be up Monday.
ReplyDeleteThe duck is sweet too. ;-)
I think we both found THE PERFECT signs!! What luck!! I think it was meant to be...💕
DeleteSo many great finds! So, tell me, did your husband have a basket on his bike or did he balance it all on the handlebars? As for pitchers, that's something we have in common. I have several that I really need to use more. I can't wait to see the makeovers on some of these treasures, Kim!
ReplyDeleteHaha...no basket, but I'm sure there was a lot of balancing going on. That birdcage took two trips. I told him next weekend I need to send him out with a backpack! Haha!!
DeleteI agree that you got so many great items. I especially like the flower spinner and the beach sign. It's so fun thrifting for items when you can go hunting for them in your neighborhood and the thrift stores.
ReplyDeleteShopping my neighborhood is the best, Julie...especially since I seem to have a personal shopper!! Haha. He definitely knows my taste! Enjoy the week!!
DeleteI loved seeing all your thrifty finds, Kim, and especially your partner in thriftiness’s free finds! It’s so cute that he’s always on the hunt and thinking of YOU! Happy hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty and he really is a good "shopper"! I just never know what he's going to come home with on his neighborhood rides. Happy hugs back to you!!
DeleteGreat finds. I'm crushing on the pumpkin ceramic and the duck. I like him just the way he looks right now.
ReplyDeleteI do, too...he's very sweet just as he is!!
DeleteI have trouble passing up cute little pitchers and wooden trays as well. You did great with your finds and your bicycling curb shopper did great as well!!
ReplyDeletePitchers are my weakness...and yes my bicycling shopper has a great eye! Haha!
DeleteI meant to add that the bird is perfect, as is and I LOVE that beach sign. Jelly!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather! It was a good haul...and yes, that beach sign in my favorite. So unique!!
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