Treasure Box Wednesday: The Adventure Begins


Thrifty treasure-hunting. There's just something exhilarating about the thrill of the hunt, the serendipity of it all. We dig deep into the past and find joy in the personal gems we uncover at our favorite flea markets, yard sales and charity thrifts. And we learn so much by vicarious thrifting, too-- discovering what's out there within reach of our fellow thrift archaeologists, gleaning a little history, recalling a few trends, and bringing to light the long-lost, forgotten and beloved.

So in addition to my regular weekly post, I've been thinking about starting a new feature, right here every Wednesday, to just share the fun of some of the most recent finds.

To start things rolling, I thought we'd talk about what was unearthed at the Red, White and Blues this last weekend.

We'll begin with the items one of my buddies uncovered, and kindly let me photograph. My amigo in thrifty-fun this day-- oh... let's call her Scoobie (due to said friend's unwaning and somewhat bewildering nostalgia for the cartoon mutt of the -Doo variety). Scoobie did very well for herself this weekend.

To give you an idea of her interests beyond cowardly crime-meddling dogs, she loves French blue and elaborately gilded things, but also is a fan of the Victorian western look. She's got a red Victorian parlor set and collects ruby glass. So you'll soon see why she was so jazzed about her finds.

Something blue (French influenced jaquard comforter)...

More blue... (Votive holders or drinking glasses... I can't tell which, they are votive-sized...)


A bit of ruby... (Avon Cape Cod ruby glass)


And a handsome cowboy and a couple of cactii for good measure... (Coors mirrored bar sign)


(Quirky Western diorama...)


(Gotta love that thrift store art Gambler-look still-life... Somebody worked hard on that one! :) Excellent kitsch!)



Now, me, I found a hand-painted tole tray, some vintage hankies and an interesting retro Gloria Vanderbilt umbrella...

A pink glass lidded pitcher and an aqua blue mixing bowl...


A vintage apron (how cute is that?)...


Some cherub candlesticks in faux jade...


And this cool vintage lamp made of slag glass... (I'll be having fun this week trying to figure out just what sort of shade was meant for this baby! Mission style? Arts and Crafts? ) Anyway, it was $5.99!


So what do you think, folks? Is this a type of feature you'd enjoy seeing once a week? I'll still be posting the regularly scheduled thrift trips, more in-depth looks at vintage collectibles, cookbook and crafting fun, and other goodies every Sunday afternoon...

...Like this week's other new post-- "Dubious Dinners and Riotous Retro Recipes"-- a light-hearted examination of some questionable vintage cooking-- click here. Make sure you leave room for the Frozen Cream Cheese...( or, er, NOT)...

Otherwise, thanks for joining me today, and I hope to see you again on Sunday!

16 comments:

Judy said...

OMG if you EVER want to sell/get rid of that gorgeous tray, please let me know! Judy

P.S. You can find me at www.gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com

Mitzi - Vintage Goodness said...

I vote a hearty YES for Wed. thrift score posts!

Jenn Thorson said...

Hi, Judy! I'm not really ready to part with the tray-- it's currently in a happy home in my entry way-- but I'm sure glad for the enthusiasm!

And Mitzi- your vote is noted! Thanks! :)

Judy said...

Jenn, if you ever get south let me know....we'd love to see you in this "neck of the woods".

Judy

Anonymous said...

Oooohhh, I want the jade candlesticks! And I'm not a blue fan but that comforter is fabulous.

Devonia said...

I know it's unbecoming to froth at the mouth with covetness - but I covet those candlesticks! WOW

Jenn Thorson said...

Judy- thanks much for the gracious note! :)

Cheapdiva- My friend will be delighted to know someone else thinks her comforter was a good choice-- especially a non-blue fan. She's ALL about the blue.

Devonia and Cheapdiva-- I don't even think the candlesticks are glass, I think they're resin. But I loved them, too. I figure if anyone at my house is picking them up and saying, "Hey, these aren't jade" then maybe they need to visit less often. :)

--Jenn

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Just discovered your blog, and yes! Thrift Wed sounds great. I love going to thrift stores. You and Scoobie had some great finds!
Penny

Carrie said...

Oh, Yes! Two posta a week -- that will be great. Looking forward to reading more of your writing for sure!
Carrie

Rosemary said...

Wow,
You girls found some really cool stuff. Keep up your Wed. post about thrifting. It's great. I love to see what other people find in different parts of the country.
You and Scoobie deserve some Scoobie snacks for all of that.
Rosemary

Jenn Thorson said...

Penny, Carrie and Rosemary- Thanks so much for the feedback! And I've let Scoobie know other folks have enjoyed seeing her treasures, too-- she does find some good stuff.

(PS-- Rosemary, the Scooby Snacks comment totally had me laughing... )

--Jenn

Greg said...

Oh, TSP! I LOVE that green lamp--it's beautiful!! I think it needs a beaded shade with many colors (or just earthtones, if such a thing can be found)...or perhaps you could do a crafting post on making a pierced lampshade for us!!

Jenn Thorson said...

Ah, Greg- I think you've possibly over-estimated my crafting abilities-- but thanks! :)

SunshineCityLassie said...

oh, la la... the comforter is gorgeous! hello, marie antoinette!

Greg said...

Oh, I see...you're afraid of introducing an Exacto knife into your crafting parties. I get that...but can't you see where they'd totally finish the right lamp?

http://www.cutshades.com/default.htm

Jenn Thorson said...

Hey Greg-- AHHH, I see what you're talking about now! I was envisioning you meant doing something in glass with a metal overlay... These sorts of lamps (according to the mighty Ebay) did come that way, in sort of a trapezoidal shade. But you're right that the shaped shades (and style) on the link you provided make sense, too. You've now got me wondering whether I couldn't somehow marry the two ideas. Hmmm... wheels turning. Thanks!