Something Yellow

After painting my buffet I knew I wanted to compliment the Juniper color with yellow. It just seemed like the right color combination. How was I going to incorporate it? I was patient and waited.

Then one day while searching through the art section of Goodwill Auction online I saw it. It was perfect.

I love anything to do with piano, but normally art is pretty cheesy when it has a piano in it. But this was a replica of an old advert for A. Bord pianos from the late 19th century. There was no damage to the frame or print, it was in great condition! Sold! I snagged this lovely for $5. With shipping it was about $25. That's better than the retail price $214.99 sold here .

I could not wait to hang this up! 

I'm so happy with it. Every time I add on to a room I can't help but walk by it every 5 minutes and smile. 

Goodwill Online Auction

There is something I have to tell you. It may not be a secret, but did you know Goodwill has an online auction? Yes, it's true. But here's the best part...you can find almost ANYTHING. It's like having access to the best goodwill stores online. No, you can't get furniture unless a local goodwill is auctioning it off since those are pick up only. What you can get are the wonderful treasures we hope to find at our local goodwill but don't. I almost wish I hadn't discovered it, and I'm pretty sure my best friend is going to put the kibosh on my bidding wars, but for now I'm having fun getting treasures at a great price. Here are some examples!

This sweet nutcracker stands 10" tall and is made by the Erzgebirge company in Germany. I can not find this particular one listed on their website, but I scored this little guy for a great price that was miles away from the $75 it would be from the Erzgebirge company. I don't collect nutcrackers, but he's such a cheerful addition with his lovely yellow coloring. I think I'll leave him by the entry so he can keep an eye on things.

I love this balance scale. It's industrial but not too big that it overwhelms the space. It's made by the Welch company. Looks so much like this one from the 1920's...I just love it!



I found these music books, dated 1925, which
arrived via UPS yesterday. It's a collection called the International Library of Music for Home and Studio, Study Music in Four Books for pianoforte. Charles Dennee created this teaching series for students to progress through these books and learn technique and style. Dennee was a teacher in Boston and had been a member of the New England conservatory since 1883. These books are historical, useful, and I am excited to learn from a great teacher! He even signed his picture in the first book!

I've been looking for a globe, I think they are great decorative pieces but they also serve a purpose. I snagged this one happily for $8! It's made by the Replogle World Classic Series. The globe is textured so you can feel the mountain ranges. It also has all the explorers and their pictures. So fun!










The Goodwill Stores are actually very good at listing the details about the items. Most haven't been tested, but some have and they will list the specifics on whether it still works or not. They list any damage to the items so you know ahead of time what you're getting.

Here are my suggestions when looking at Goodwill Auction:

1. To look for something specific, use the Search option, it will save time.

2. Read EVERYTHING about the item. Once you click on a picture, scroll down to see more pictures and any details about the condition and measurements.

extra pictures so you can see all the details

You can see the details and measurements and any testing or condition issues.

3. Bid the most you're willing to pay for the item the first time. It's based on proxy bidding. If you are unfamiliar with this type of bidding, read about it here.

4. Use the personal shopper if you are waiting for something particular to show up at auction.

5. Make sure you get the estimated shipping and handling before bidding and add that on to your final cost. Everything I have received has been wrapped very carefully, so it makes sense for them to charge between $1-3 for each item purchased.

The website is http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

Happy bidding!! 

Framed Butterfly Print

I made this  for a friend's baby shower as part of her gift. She is having a girl, so butterflies and pinkish hues work well for this project. If it were a boy I may have to think twice. 

Anyways...I needed a small cute frame to paint but I also needed a frame that had a matte. Don't let the picture deceive you, it's about 5 inches tall. I just thought you would like to see the lovely friends forever ducklings. So...cute. Ducks are what come to mind when I think my best friend. But they had to go for this baby shower gift.

To beautify this frame and matte I used 2 colors, ASCP in Old White for the frame and an oops paint that is a very pretty grey/blue color for the matte. Both received 2 coats of paint.

I always have a hard time letting things dry. While I waited I went to my computer, printed out the word "hi" in Maiandra GD font.  I placed a purple butterfly sticker (Target dollar bin!) above the word and cut it out to fit my matte. I would have chosen a pink butterfly because it looks better against the gray paint, but my friend doesn't like pink, so there you go. I still might change it. I couldn't wait to put it together!

up close

This week's goodwill finds

There are several places I stop on my thrift store trips, 2-3 goodwill stores and 2 thrift stores near my house. I know which ones will have unique pieces, and which ones will have classic thrift store finds. Here is a unique find from my favorite goodwill. I picked this up for $3.50. I cleaned it up well and it's neatly displayed in my kitchen, happy to hold the latest fresh fruit!

 

And this is from another goodwill that I consider a classic find, a banker's lamp. I have always wanted one and grabbed this one for $6 before anyone else could!

 I rarely ever go to goodwill with someone in mind. I never know what will be there so if it's on my mental list of items I want to have or if it just looks interesting, I'll get it.

DIY: painting a dresser with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint



I keep a running list of items I would like for our house. It's long. I stopped by the goodwill on a Wednesday after lunch with a friend and found this lovely dresser marked $15. Wait...$15? But it's so...heavy, and detailed, and in decent condition? I looked at the piece carefully and took the tag off and claimed it!

Here it is before:

Originally I wanted to use this as a buffet, but decided it would be best in the master bedroom. The room is also neutral, so I wanted a bolder color. Since this was my first furniture project I wanted to make it as easy as possible. Enter Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg. Yes, it's expensive at $36 a quart...a quart. The frugal side of me said "WALK AWAY." But I bought it after reading online how great it is. It's true.

1. No priming. I cleaned up the dresser, including the piece of chewed gum (ew) on the front.


2. I used 2 coats and used less than 1/4 of the can for the ENTIRE dresser including the drawers. I couldn't believe it.

I bought the Annie Sloan clear and dark wax, although I've read several people who have used cheaper furniture waxes and got the same result.  

After 2 coats of paint I put 1 coat of clear wax, let that dry, then started with the dark wax. I used it sparingly...because it goes on thick. I brushed it on carefully with a small painter's brush, then immediately wiped it off with cheese cloth or a soft tshirt. I did this until I got my desired look. The drawers took awhile because they are so detailed. I put an extra coat of clear wax on the top of the dresser since it's used most often.

Then I gave the hardware a coat of Rub and Buff in Antique Gold to complete the project.

After they all dried I put the hardware back on and it was love at first sight!

The total cost of this makeover about $40...if I break down how much paint I actually used and add in the Rub and Buff for the hardware. I found the Antique Gold Rub and Buff at Michael's.

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My first goodwill purchase

I went into goodwill for the first time not knowing what to expect. I had never been before and didn't know where to begin. I started at the furniture, and spotted something right away. A children's school desk. The price was marked $7. I decided to walk around and think about it. So I did...and after 5 minutes went back to get it.

IT WAS GONE. Yes, I watched it walk out the door with a woman and her small child. I was happy for them. I say that with a forced smile while gritting my teeth. Lesson learned...if I like it, take it, otherwise someone else will.

I continued, and stumbled upon a decanter. It was slender and round, unlike most square decanters. It had the original top (which goodwill heavily taped on, so they remain together), and it was in good condition.

And that was it. I bought it and left. And that is the beginning of my thrifting story. Oh...how so much has happened since that lovely day.