thrifty gifts

Ok I am talking about Christmas once again! But last year my daughter (www.thriftygoddess1.blogspot.com ) and I decided to fill each others christmas stockings with only thrifted items or items we got free from couponing. It was amazing just what we found, and all of it useful. So since it was such a hit we are going to do it again this year. This is a great example. It is a sweet little mirror to put in your purse. It was never used and I got it for $1.00. I am always finding new items with all the tags someone donated to a thrift store. I say it is only location! If you saw the same item marked down in a store you would think it was ok to give as a gift. But when you say thrift store everyone always says "Oh I could never give it as a gift!!"

I say why not? The only diffrence is location. I keep a box in my closet that has items I have found that I know would be a good gift. Such as a puzzle in the wrapper, new games, some items for easter such as small toys to fit in the eggs. This is how I recycle. Oh and Ashley's favorite gift? Well I thrifted some beautiful wool yarn and I made her slippers with a big pom pom on the top.

thrifting drought broken!

I was able to go to the thrift store before work this morning and look what I found!! the jewelry is all sterling silver. The thistle items may make it on ebay. But look at the slide with the stone oh how yummy!!!

It is hand made sterling silver and it is signed on the back with my daughter's name(sorry Ashley you can't have it)On top of that I found 2 wool light weight jackets, a beautiful red vest from cold water creek, a lovely cotten sweater from eddie bauer and a really nice suit case. It is just right for carry on. I am in my glory! I hope this kind of karma stays for my thrifting on vacation. I have been known to buy a suit case at the thrift store to get my finds home.

a vintage valentine

I want to wish you an old fashion valentine's evening. Our day was nice but very low key.

dry spell

The thrifting gods have not shined down on me in awhile. So I am showing a few things I got a while ago. the burl bowl is beautiful and was only $2.00 and its signed. the pin cushions are from the maine indians. So sweet and look good on my book case.

So I wonder is it lack of good stuff or is it that my opion of good stuff has changed? I think this is the longest dry spell in a long time.

shells

I love shells! This is a close up of a mirror I made last year. Every year we get to go to a beautiful little island on the gulf coast. while we are there with friends there is alot of thrifting going on. I found a very plain mirror, painted it white and glued the shells we found on the beach on to it.(I did bleach the shells so they are not stinky)

We are very lucky to have such wonderful friends. They invite us to stay with them every year.

So if you ever want to rent a beach house on Siesta Key, I know just the people to call. They have several lovely places and I bet they would throw in a map of all the great thirft shops in the area. The beach is unbeliveable looks like powdered sugar. I can't wait to sink my toes into!

vintage valentine

I thought I would show you some of vintage valentines my mother gave me some time ago.
the saying is so sweet!

the valentine is beautiful. it is a pop up and is 3 dimension. I don't decorate much for valentines but will show you a few of my things this week. Ah love is in the air.

cleaning the house

I went ta da dump and found a very fancy wine opener and some magazines. We tried the fancy wine opener and it works great and all the little parts are with it. I went to the dollar store today. I very rarely go to the dollar store because I am their best kind of customer. "Hey it's only a dollar why not!" I got a couple of fancy dusters.

When I got home I gave them a try, well one thing let to another and hours later my house is sparkling clean. Don't you hate that! Now where did my day off go? No thrifting! no fun! It's a bright sunny day a little cool but nice and I cleaned my house! Well at least I have an opened bottle of wine,some magazines to read,and a clean place to sit down.

Remember

Our home town area brought back the body of 19 year old Army SPC. Marc Decoteau from afghanistan today. The whole town was draped in american flags. People of this town stood shoulder to shoulder, as his body went by. While I did not know this young man or his family. He was a boy scout, football player, lacrosse player, good son and more. He represents all the young people who never make it home. No matter what your feelings or politics are keep this family in your prayers and heart. And hug your children a little tighter.

thrifting

Ok so I know it's not Christmas! I got out super early for me, ran some errands and had time to go to my favorite thrift shop. NOTHING! feeling defeated I walked around the corner to an antique shop that I like. I never buy alot but the owner is very nice and I like to see what the prices are on the stuff I already have. So low and behold these 4 sweet little pieces were there.
they are chalkware made in england and are about 2" high I love them. He told me I could have them for about 40% off of a very low price SOLD! I plan on moving into the house (Oh if I could)
the elf with the tree makes me smile he has pointed ears. Now my thought was I could hook a rug that looks like these little pieces cute huh!
Well its cold again here and I should be thinking about cooking dinner and not blogging.
I got the fireplace going so I am off to hug it.

rug hooking

At heart I am a rug hooker. I Love the whole process of hooking. I really enjoy thrifting to find old wool clothing that I can use in my rugs. The plaid,pleated skirts are the best! lots of yardage.

I know there are purest out there that only new wool will do. But truly in the tradition of rug hooking this is how it was started. from worn out clothing to rug. I have tried a lot of crafts and still trying a lot but when I look at a hand hooked rug my heart sings.

on another note I posted for the first time to a blog of course I want to win the fab apron. But her blog is sweet and a joy to read check her out (plus she has a great name) www.fromcathywithlove.blogspot.com