Treasure Box Wednesday: Cabin Fever Thrifting


After weeks of below zero temps and snow, this last Saturday threw us a curveball with temperatures in the 50s. So, emerging from my igloo and tossing off the mukluk, I gave the sled dogs the day off, and took the car for a spin down my favorite thrifting route.

It was one of those odd treasure-hunting days where it seems like anything you might collect was just there waiting-- and for a great price. My favorite item of the day was this unusual carnival/opalescent glass corn vase from the early 1900s...


Yes, it looks clear, and with a vague milk-glass opal sheen to it from some angles. But hold it up to the light and...


Pow! The corn reddens up as if it's ready to pop right there on the cob! From a little online research I did, the vase was made by the Northwood/Dugan glass company, which appears to have changed hands by about 1908. They did a number of these corn-shaped vases in different styles and colors. Mine is missing a little of its "husk" on the right-hand side, but I think it's still quite pretty.

And where do you you think I found this little gem? Well, at the Goodwill Thrift Store in Greensburg, PA! It just goes to show, you never know what you'll run across at a thrift.

I also found some Jeannette glass carnival bowls, a cup, saucer and one dinner plate, all in the "Anniversary" pattern I collect.


All of the pieces but one bowl came from the Goodwill in Irwin. The fourth bowl I picked up for $1 at the L&L Fleatique in Adamsburg.

I found this Imperial Glass centerpiece bowl in a Depression glass pink at the same Goodwill as the carnival plates...


I really had my hands full!

At the L&LL Fleatique I also found this excellent McCoy swan vase...


It goes well with some of the other pink vases I have from that time period.

And from the UFO in Greensburg, I got this nifty be-crystaled centerpiece bowl. I was looking for a more narrow one like this before Christmastime for my mantle, so next year, I'll be prepared. It matches some candlesticks I have.


Lastly, from the Good Samaritan Thrift Store in North Versailles came this nice wooden deco-style standing picture frame....


I have some ancestor photos (my real ancestors, actually) that I think would be nice in here.

So that was my productive weekend journey! I hope you all got to enjoy some warmer weather, too, and were able to give your resident huskies a weekend off. I don't think we're quite out of the North Pole yet, but it's been a nice reprieve.
Otherwise, I hope to see you again soon!

16 comments:

JudyBug said...

Wow, you had a great shopping trip! I love the frame and it will be perfect for vintage photos.

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Great treasures...you know it's been awhile since I've been thrifting and you've certainly put me in the mood to do so!

Da Old Man said...

That corn vase was a real find. Congrats.

Anonymous said...

JudyBug- Thanks!! I'm thinking a nice black and white/sepia toned one would look good with the silver of the frame.

Kim- It was just really nice getting outside and not being snowed on!

Da Old Man- Hey thank you. I was pretty excited. I thought I'd recognized it from one of my carnival glass books.

RecycleCindy said...

I love the picture frame! Unfortuanely I rarely find cool stuff like that in my local thrift store but one must keep looking, right?

Unknown said...

What a wonderful haul! love your blog!

Carrie said...

I haven't been thrifting for some time due to the weather and my mother's health. your shopping finds have me all inspired to go out thrifting as soon as possible again.

Solicity Sock Monkey said...

Drool! Have you been to Goodwill's very own auction site?

Anonymous said...

Cindy- Well, you really never know what it'll be. So... yep! That's what makes it fun.

VintageLaundress- Thank you! I appreciate your stopping by.

Carrie- Well, the thrifts will be there for you when you do get a chance. I'm sure you're probably suffering from some cabin fever yourself about now. Here's hoping things improve with your mother, as well.

Carol- I have-- I haven't bought anything from there, but I have looked around. How about you?

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love that deco-style frame. Great buy. I just discovered your site, but I have long been a fan of thrift stores and flea markets. I mostly shop the ones in California and it is fun to see the great stuff you have come across. Happy hunting!!!!

TexNan said...

I'm jealous! I was in Pittsburgh last May but only managed to hit a few thrift stores. If I'd had control of the car, I mightn't have got any visiting done. (Maybe it's good I didn't have the wheel.) You make me wish I were still there.

Anonymous said...

Whenever I go thrift hunting and dumpster diving, all I can find are plastic sippy cups and old toothpick holders. *sigh*

SueLovesCherries said...

You did all right, girl! That corn is so unusual, never seen anything like it - it's beautiful!

Jenn Thorson said...

French-Kissed- The two times I was in California, I didn't get a chance to go thrifting. It's always interesting to see how different areas of the country have different stuff in their thrifts.

TexNan- Heh, yes, it's rough when there is only so much room in the car, or in the overhead luggage on the plane.

Dana- Well, it sounds like you need to stop dumpster diving behind fast food restaurants. :)

Sue- Thank you-- the corn really tickles me, too!

The Queen of Fifty Cents said...

I found some gold and silver corn earrings last summer, but that vase is even better!

Anonymous said...

Some great finds - I especially like the carnival glass dinnerware :)