After countless posts bragging about my thrifty finds (search "treasure hunting report" in the google search features, to the right), it dawned on me you might like to know what's on my shopping list. I'm always surprised by the goodies I find, but I do head out with some kind of an idea of what I want, or "need". Yup, I'm a list-maker and have a list of things to look for + projects I have in mind. Otherwise, in the early morning daze, I forget and miss something great!
Here's are a few items from my list that are versatile enough that you might want to add them to yours:
1. Vintage Ceramic Planters & Dishes
I'm trying to be Martha Stewart classy. I've ditched my dollar store plastic organizers and have opted for 25 cent ceramic pieces instead! I use super cheap (but super nice), vintage ceramic dishes to corral toiletries, office supplies and other tidbits. Here's one keeping my lip glosses in order:
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| Photos from Martha Stewart; Martha Stewart, Paper Lust |
2. Frames & Mirrors
Eventually I get around to using all of the frames and mirrors I buy, especially for crafty DIY art projects. I recently scored three solid wood frames for 50 cents (for all three)! They need a little paint, but will be a perfect - affordable - way to frame up my own art projects.
And, of course, you have already seen the much-loved feminist makeover I gave a $5.00 yard sale find.
3. Retro Jewellery
I sometimes use large, reclaimed, vintage beads to make the bodies of my DIY Christmas spiders. I also reclaim other pieces for jewellery of my own design and have even converted a tired pendant into something else. Plus, I'm on the hunt for some cheap rhinestone brooches to spray paint a neon hue. The materials in vintage jewellery have so much potential and can't be beat for affordability. As a bonus, I have found some truly stunning mid-century pieces for a song, and that kind of treasure-finding just makes my Saturday!
4. Pottery, Art + Accessories
In terms of accessorizing the townhouse, I pepper our home with quite a few second-hand finds to gussy up the place for a fraction of the cost. Because we splurged (well, his work is pretty affordable, comparably, but we still had to save up!) on Shane Norrie pottery from an art gallery, I've saved money by mixing in some $5.00 pottery pieces. If you spy some great pottery or other accessories at a yard sale, snap them up! While you're at it, take a second glance at original paintings, quirky prints and fun artwork. You won't even believe the savings, plus you have a chance to score something unusual.
5. Bowls!
This was a suggestion of Emily's, too, and & I heartily agree. Whether I'm adding a stunning vintage enamel bowl to my nightstand, or using a sweet vintage Pyrex piece for a bowl of (slightly dented) cherries, I find bowls so immensely useful and stylish. I can't amass enough!
Bonus Item: Fuel for Collecting
Yard saling is oodles more fun if you start a collection. It needn't be expensive or rare - just something you like. Anything looks good en masse, like my silhouette collection, my budding McCoy pottery collection or Shannon's milk glass collection. And finding a piece to add to a collection feels like such a triumph!
What do you look for? Do you make a list?
P.S. Amy, from paint.wine.repeat wrote a great post about how to shop at garage sales.
P.P.S. Today's the last day for my custom stencil giveaway.
