Junking!
I had just the best weekend ever! Tony and I decided to go to the flea market that isn’t far from us. Not only is this always a fun trip for me, but on the way there Tony decided to take country back roads. What a great idea! We just happened upon the first antique and junk yard I have ever seen near us! My squealing had him pulling over immediately. And of course I didn’t have a camera!
Let me tell you all, this place was amazing! There were three barns filled to the brim with old wooden chairs! I mean stacked and tossed and piled all the way to the roof tops! It was just incredible. There was a huge field of every type of amazing junk you could think of. And, when we asked about a few things the lady was so sweet and her prices were perfect! Now I have a few more projects to work on.
Everything here cost me a few dollars! The old gas can is for we borrow Tony’s dad’s lawn mower. The little orange lantern will be painted and set on the front porch with a candle. Doesn’t that look just like the $80 one they have at Pier 1 (for $1!)!? And the elephant- he is my favorite- was an old lamp base! But, with a coat of white paint he will be a plant stand for the back yard.
These little guys were another awesome find. They are Acro window tacks from the 40’s. I have special plans for them and a nail head chair or bench with a bit of a number theme…
And, of course we couldn’t come home without a search for some dice! We found these at the flea market when we finally made it there.
Overall, an awesome day and a couple of dollars got us some awesome stuff! Next time I promise I am taking my camera! Oh, and stay tuned, because there are already many more projects in the works!
A Sad Day and Some Things I Love
What a sad day today is. Words cannot describe how much Michael Jackson will be missed. He is such a huge talent and has always been a big part of my life.
I really didn’t think anything was fitting to post about on such a sad day, but then decided to pay a tribute and then cheer up with some things that I am loving.
I love clear furniture, I love lucite. Need I say more?
I know these are tiny pictures, but I am totally wanting these cookie jars! Hilariously funny.
I also know that this bowl is a bit sick, but also freakishly adorable. Tony loves zombies, so I thought he’d like this!
This red retro lamp would look perfect in my kitchen!
http://www.theposterlist.com/ via: More Ways To Waste Time
I love this poster! I would like to hang it in the office. Check out More Ways to Waste Time to see the deal they have going on!
Our Engagement Party!
We finally had it! It’s all over, even the cleaning up! It all went great, and we also wanted to thank everybody for coming and for the great gifts and cards! And, I have a few pictures to share!
The above is the general view of the backyard before the party. The picture doesn’t really do it justice. It was really nice, relaxing, and cozy. It was impressive for those who had seen our backyard a few months ago when we moved in!
The above is the table before all of the food. The vintage table clothe came from Fred and Ethels. The vintage letters are always hanging in our bedroom, and of course we had to have a big diamond! Isn’t that silverware bucket cute? My mom found us that. We also had some big dice (of course!) on the other end.
There were antique Ball jars scattered on the table tops and even in the grass that held candles for lighting up the night.
I love all of the paper lanterns. These were so easy, they had batteries! And, they were only a couple of dollars at the dollar store! They set a nice mood.
And at night everything glowed!
I hope some of these simple, but fun ideas help you with your next party. I loved them so much that I will use some of them for our casual BBQs and bonfires!
Lawn Chair Paint Project
I got the new lawn chairs done just in time for the party. Remember these sweet but boring old fashioned lawn chairs we picked up?
Well, with some bright paint and a bit of handy work, they are now unique and look good together!
What do you think? I think pretty soon all of these random tid bits will come together!
Adorable Little Chair
Behold the new addition to the shop (or soon to be):
Isn’t he cute?? I’m not sure if I will remodel this little guy or sell as is. Any suggestions? I was thinking black paint and new cushion. But then again, I love the wood and the teal vinyl. Hmmm… Let me know if you have any interest in this oh-so-cute MCM chair (refinished or not) and I will keep you all updated on what I do with it!
I did end up leaving the chair as is after a good cleaning, and a girl immediately fell in love with it and snatched it up!
**SOLD**
Bad Thrifter
It’s true, I’m just not a very good thrifter. I try, I really do. But I often come home empty handed and disappointed. First, a cute picture, and then the reasons I’m a bad thrifter- use them as reverse tips! 🙂
This was the only thing I was interested in after two thrift store stops yesterday. I am probably the only person who even thinks these are cute. But, I did think they would be a neat retro touch to a little girl’s room. I was actually so attracted to them I almost bought them just to save for the day when we might have a little girl’s room. But, that seemed waay too far away, so I left, once again, empty handed.
The reasons why I am a bad thrifter- things not to do:
1. I get disappointed and discouraged. I know very well that thrifting is about enjoying the hunt. I know very well that I need to relax and enjoy my time going through all of the junk on that dig for the perfect treasure. But, sometimes I am in a hurry to snatch something up and get upset when I don’t find anything that strikes me.
2. I am not open minded. I go into thrift store and flea markets with an idea of what I need and what exact items I am on the hunt for. Once I stop looking I know I will eventually find something like that, but until then I need to have an open mind and keep my eyes peeled for unexpected finds.
3. Sometimes I am just not creative. I see the items only exactly what they were meant for. I know that so many treasures can be repurposed, but often I forget to look at an item itself, and not its intended use. More interesting things can be noticed when thinking creatively.
4. I do not go often enough. I sometimes feel that on every trip to the store I have to leave with something. This should definitely not be the case. This hunt could take multiple trips. If you stop back often you will eventually happen upon the perfect find.
5. I forget that value is irrelevant. I find myself on a hunt for some treasure of great value. This is rare, and I know it. I need to remember that I am on a hunt for unique things that I love and want to surround myself with, not things with fancy brand names.
6. I need to remember to enjoy myself. I know perfectly well that this is a hobby. It probably won’t make me rich or famous, so I need to be doing my thrifting for me. If I forget about everyone else’s opinions I will enjoy my trips and eventually have unique and personal items.
Although these are things not to do, they are a good list of things to keep in mind when thrifting. Now, if only I could take my own advice. Can you think of any other thrifting tips?
Weekly Chair Love
I spotted this weeks chair love on Flickr. Yellow is not really my color, but I see so much potential in the baby. A nice white vinyl? Or black? This chair could be gorgeous. I love that tufting and the curved back!
“‘Yella’ Chair” By Robem.
My New Book
I finally got my new book in the mail!
“The Find,” by Stan Williams. I was super excited when I heard about the new book. I order it right away and have been impatiently waiting ever since. I have had it for about a day and have already read half of it. Ha.
The book discusses thrift and vintage finds, and gives tales and examples of inspiration. So far, I definitely recommend!
Curvy Chair Love
This week my chair love comes from a random internet search. The fun, curvy arms on this baby just jumped out at me. What a beauty. I’d take a couple of these for my dining room.
Hopefully we get some sun tomorrow so I can show you a few pictures of the yard progress!
Kitchen Lights
We found the cutest vintage lights for the kitchen! I had been scouring ebay for a set of school house lights- the hanging kind. I found a few, but was always outbid and they went to high in price for me to stick with it. The other day Tony was in our local hardware store and spotted a set of milk glass lights, although not hanging, but still super cute. The lights even came out of a local library in a recent remodel! So, here is a peak at how they go so well with our newly remodeled kitchen!
Aren’t they much better than the old burnt up stip lights? Also, we did a hole lot of yard work this weekend… so stay tuned to see how the yard is coming along! 😉
Make Mine Eclectic 
