Treasure Box Tuesday: Roses, Glasses and Goodies

It's been a crazy few weeks for me. I've had to put in many extra hours at work for projects, as well as taking care of cat with a respiratory infection (Harry's doing better, happily) and so many other things, would you believe I didn't realize how many weeks it had been since I posted? (?!)

I hear the brain is the first thing to go.

So the thrifted and fleamarket finds I'll show you today are a collection of a bunch of weeks put together. All the items have found their right spot in my house. This was a Victorian transferware bowl I found at the Goodwill in Irwin a while back. 

 I loved the colors-- perfect for the curio cabinet in my diningroom!

At the L&L Fleatique on Route 30, I got this marvelous Hull vase with a waterlily on it. I love the soft pastels and matte finish.

 This sits on top of the aforementioned curio, next to THIS transferware vase from Austria...

I got that at Junk for Joy in Jeannette, PA. Love it! It's quite tall, too, so it makes a nice statement.

At the Fleatique Too in Ligonier, my shopping buddy Scoobie spied these two Wizard of Oz drinking glasses...

I had gotten one from Junk for Joy a while back, of Dorothy, and these belong to one of three different sets put out by Swift Peanut Butter in the 50s and 60s. They look really cute in my kitchen and match the colors of my Fiestaware.

My favorite piece of the past few weeks has been this Roseville console bowl. It was a price I could actually afford because someone had glued a styrofoam flower frog in the center of it to hold their centerpieces...

I had an inkling that antique glue might not be too hard to get off there without damaging the bowl. And with some careful tugging, some very hot soaking water and a little Palmolive, the whole thing came out bit by bit. Suddenly a good buy had turned great!

Lastly, but probably less excitingly, I picked up a whole bunch of file folders and hanging folders in pinks, purples and aquas. This was from the Goodwill Outlet, where tons of them were just tossed in the bins.

So, that's it for today's Treasure Box. We have our neighborhood yard sale this weekend, so I hope to have some fun finds to share with you next week, too!

Happy hunting!

Treasure Box Wednesday: Treasured Humor

I had kinda of an amusing incident at the Goodwill the other day, and I wanted to remember to share it with you folks.

I had taken my lunchbreak at a local Goodwill branch and found a couple of goodies to my joy, one of which was a CD with some tunes I'd wanted to add to the 80s mix on my iPod.

The sign above them read that the CDs were kept in the back, to prevent theft. Totally understandable. More thrifts are keeping the discs safe in folders at the registers, so items don't just "walk away." I've gotten a lot of decent CDs this way.

So I continued shopping and then took my purchases up to one of the store's two registers just like any old time.

First, the cashier and I commiserated on the choice of music, she sharing a fondness for 80s tunes, and having owned the album herself in her youth. All perfectly normal...

And then she grabbed the store PA microphone:

"Cyndi Lauper-- She's So Unusual. That's Cyndi Lauper-- She's So Unusual, could someone please bring that CD to the front register, please? Cyndi Lauper..." 

Her words echoed throughout the entire store like the voice of a very efficient, very music-savvy deity.

The woman behind me in line looked as startled as I was and we both broke out laughing. 

It's a really good thing I'm not shy about sharing my music tastes, though I have to say, I can think of very few albums I'd really want to have announced over the loud speakers to the Wide World of my fellow shopping Goodwillers.

I imagine they did this because they have two registers and wanted the disks in neutral territory, for easy access from both, but I think there has to be a slightly better way.

Anyway, I hope all of you fine readers celebrating the Christmas holiday find yourself merrily in tune with the season. Thank you all for making it such a great year here at The Thrift Shop Romantic.

Treasure Box Wednesday: Party isn't Quite Over

Ah, before the winter winds whipped up and temperatures plummeted into the single digits, I'd gotten a chance to pick up just a few after-Christmas bargains.

And while I do love sharing great finds with you, I hope you won't find me too selfish in admitting their appearance here is probably as much for me as for you, my friends. Because how many of us have bought something after Christmas, put it away, and then completely forgot about it?

It was only last year's post on my mercury glass discoveries that reminded me what new goodies I could display for 2009!

So sometimes it takes a village... a discount bin Target Christmas village that is...

At 75% off, they might as well have just said, "Here, Jenn: put this under your coat and leave the building quickly."

I also snagged this large pink light-up vintage style church...
That probably would have made the coat bulky.

Other finds included some things for next Christmas and an assortment of things I can probably use throughout the year.
This angel was just $1.50 at the Goodwill. I thought she had such a pretty face, and she reminded me of antique religious statuary, the way her wings were done...
This little flocked child ornament seems to be made of plaster. It appears as if it might have come from a Victorian Christmas card illustration...
And a sale on scented candles brought a variety of inviting scents, some for the next holiday season and some, like the "Greenhouse" and "Herb" tarts, which should serve nicely any time during the year.
Well, that about wraps up this Treasure Box!

• If you missed Sunday's post on the Valentine's Day Tree, click here and check that out if you have a moment.

Keep warm, everybody! And let's think Spring, okay? Maybe if we all do it, it'll have some sort of effect. :)

Treasure Box Wednesday: Posies, Pyrex and Presents

Ah, the thrift stores were perfectly packed with pretty purchases, if perchance you paused for a peek.

I won't be saying that five times fast, but I will proceed to the pack of pictures. We'll start with Presents, I think. Yep-- pepper and salt shakers, in the grape milkglass pattern! Perfect for that ever-more-giant basket o' thrifted goodness for my good friend's mom.

I'm delighted that these seem to be in terrific condition, too.

And how about some Pyrex? In two separate thrift store adventures, I came across this pink scroll patterned casserole dish, and this cute hot-air balloon printed bowl...


The hot air balloon Pyrex set, I understand, originally was designed to serve chips, while a small nesting bowl clipped to it for dip...


The pink scroll pattern is one I haven't seen before at the thrift stores, so I was excited to spot this. And yes, I am enabling my Pyrexia.... but LOOK at it! It makes me happy and it's so fun...


At the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store in Penn Hills, I found this excellent marble-topped table, with a built-in table lamp for just $7.99!...

It needs some dusting and some sturdying up, but it was just too much my taste to pass up.

Then under the label of Posies, we have this vintage tablecloth...

I could just see this, with its brightly colored flowers-- Poppies, Perhaps?--- on a summer table. And the Salvation Army Thrift Store had this lace tablerunner, which matches my diningroom mantle scarf and window treatment...


Lastly, I found this little fairy centerpiece bowl, which matches two vintage candlesticks I already had. Now I have a whole set!


And before I go, I just thought you might enjoy seeing the bit of mantle messing around I did on Sunday...

You'll see I'm using those tall cherub lamps I'd found for $4 a piece at the Goodwill a few weeks back-- the ones I wasn't sure whether I would paint or not. They look surprisingly good just as-is here. I wasn't quite expecting that. The lampshades were Shabby Chic shades, just $2 a piece at Gabriel Brothers a year or so ago...

Anyway, you never know what you'll be able to use until you start pulling things together and trying it. But I think that's really a part of all the fun!

• If you missed Sunday's post, The Attraction of Carnival Glass, click here.

Otherwise, perhaps you'll pop by for next Sunday's post? Perfect!

Treasure Box Wednesday: The Fruits of Thrifting

Funny how a thrift store can be empty one week-- nothing but some mismatched flatware, a few old patterns and a couple of chipped cups-- and then a week or two later, the shelves can be overflowing.

That's pretty much what happened this last weekend-- the overflowing part. I hit the same stores I'd hit just two weeks ago-- the St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill in Monroeville, and it had gone from famine to feast.

Part of the bounty is this Victorian transferware bowl. It's made by Dresden (of Ohio!), a whiteware pottery manufacturer around the turn of the 1900s.

The bowl has crazing, the little character cracks which are natural for whiteware, and don't detract from the value of the piece. But there aren't any chips, cracks or mars to this one. Hard to believe, really. And for $3.00!

I also found this lovely half-finished needlepoint of fruit...

It probably was supposed to be a chair cushion, but I think it would also look lovely in a vintage frame. I was really fond of the colors they used, and couldn't resist.

The same store had a feast of reading materials for me. I'd been hoping to get to read a few of Agatha Christie's tales feature her detectives Tommy and Tuppence, and the Goodwill certainly had them. In fact, they had a lot of other Christies, as well-- ideal for anyone hoping to acquire and instant collection. These editions were from the 60s.


In there is also Terry Pratchett, who I look forward to reading, as I've been driving around listening to a terrific audiobook of his. (Thanks a bunch for the recommendation, J.D.-- you were so, so right!)

Well, once we solve the mystery of who killed whom in the library with the candlestick... you need the candlestick, right?..

I got two of these-- $0.99 a piece-- from the St. Vincent de Paul. The base is cut glass and the style really looks like some Depression era pieces I've seen, though I can't find these particular ones in my books. But hey, old or new, they're quite stylish for the not-quite-a-dollar I paid for them. Cut glass, and cut-rate prices! Not bad.

Lastly, I found this nice little black purse...

It seems to be in great condition. It's no particular name I know, but I don't really care much about that. Basically, I will be using this for fall.

So here sits the full still-life of these thrifted fruits!

• If you missed last Sunday's post on Flea-ing Lambertville and Exploring New Hope, click here.

And me? I'm going to go devour those books. Have a wonderful week, my pals in thrift!

Treasure Box Wednesday: From British Isles to Thrift Store Aisles

While many of us hard-core thrifters view thrift shopping as an adventure, some of our treasures take an equally exciting journey to reach us. Why, a single day of thrifting might reveal sake cups from Japan, hand-painted tole from France, steins from Germany, beautiful silks from India and elaborate carvings from Bali. My own father found a diggerydo from Australia once (and when space is limited, at over five foot tall, believe me-- it's a bit of a diggery-don't.)

As an Anglophile, I'm continually surprised at the sorts of things that turn up in thrift stores that originally came from the British Isles. So I thought I'd group a few of them together today in this Treasure Box Wednesday.

Like this Isle of Wite souvenir linen towel....

I found this at the Salvation Army Superstore out by Century III Mall. What was once someone's souvenir purchase becomes a fun collectible for someone new!

A while back, I uncovered this mug commemorating Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding, too...


At $0.99 at the Goodwill in Monroeville, it seemed too unique round these here parts to not put away for safekeeping. Perhaps in the U.K. they're available by the pound, but not here in the middle of Western Pennsylvania!

I was equally shocked to find this (sadly, empty) biscuit tin from the famous Harrod's department store in London. It's a nice size and would be great for storage of small items, like pens or thread spools.


And yesterday, I found another little reminder of England. While not made in that country, I was still rather tickled to discover this Department 56 Dickens Village Historic Landmark's light-up version of Big Ben...


Christmas may be half-a-year off, but this is going to look terrific in my William Morris styled living room at the holidays! And at just under $7, I know I got a pretty good deal.

Outside of the British theme, I thought I'd show you another Salvation Army Superstore find-- this Victorian transferware vase. There's some nice hand-painting to it, though a bit of damage to the top of the vase. Still, in a cabinet, it will be very pretty.


I found this vintage apron with handkerchief pockets at Goodwill for $1...


And last, I discovered matching vintage sheets-- though at two separate Salvation Armies. You just never know what's going to be where!


Well, before I say, "Cheerio" today (yes, yes, I know no one actually says "cheerio" unless breakfast cereal is involved,) I'll leave you with the following links:

• If you missed last Treasure Box Wednesday's little spring garden tour, you might wish to click here.

• And if you didn't catch Sunday's post on the conclusion to the Round Robin and my swap partner's thoughtful package to me, click here.

Cheers!
-Jenn

Treasure Box Wednesday: Wartime Suggestions, Cheap Chic and Classic Reads

It's October 1943 and World War II is raging. Americans are having to tighten their belts like never before. How does a homemaker make the most of her rations?

Equitable Gas hoped to make it a little easier and more efficient with this booklet I found at the Goodwill in Monroeville. And it's amazing how comprehensive it is! From how to make appliances last and how to make meat go further to low flame, minimum water cooking techniques, designed to "save minerals, vitamins, flavor." Just LOOK at all this poor housewife has to consider in trying to keep her family on track!


Also, how often do we see an employee of our gas companies giving us helpful advice about our household tasks these days? Mine just put bright yellow notices on my front door complaining I'm not at home to let them in to read the meter when they pop by unannounced.


And look at this-- by running your home the way Equitable Gas suggests, you're showing "Cooperation, to speed the 'Coming of V-Day.'" Notice the smiling troops over there, happy to see us following these super "Modern Methods" of cooking, extending our meat rations, and maintaining our appliances.


Okay, now let's leap forward into the future a bit... Well, just a LITTLE bit...With these thrifted books. I've always wanted to read Capote and Salinger and have never had the chance. So when you find them for $0.99 a piece at the Goodwill, there really is no better time!


Keeping to the 40s theme (inadvertently) is this Hazel Atlas Moderntone creamer, that probably looks fairly familiar to some, since it matches the plates I found in Ohio over the weekend. This was at the Salvation Army back in Pittsburgh, though.


And lastly, I found a Shabby Chic curtain panel from Target for $3. Which is, ironically, WAY cheaper than that same panel currently is in Target right now.


I have no idea why it made its way to the Goodwill while that pattern is still in the department stores-- there's nothing wrong with it. But there it was, anyway. If I don't use it as a curtain, I'll use it in some other manner. It's always fun to see where things end up.

But I know where this has to end up today. With me saying good-bye for now.

• If you missed the weekend roadtrip to Ohio antiquing, I'd still be more than happy to have you virtually tag along with me. Just click here.

Take care of yourselves, and remember, gas prices may be skyrocketing and the economy may look grim, but history shows us, it could be a lot worse. :)

It's in the Bag: Thrifting Vintage Purses

They carry our cash and a million other necessities. They're an extension of our outfits... our brand-savvy... the way we think, organize ourselves, and live. And for we lovers of vintage, who happily give a little nod to the past every day, the right purse can say a lot about our personalities, too.

The best part is, a savvy thrifter can find vintage purses with a ton of character and a small price tag, if the timing is right.

This was proven to me big-time yesterday when-- having already determined to write about this subject days before-- this remarkable vintage aqua mother-of-pearl lucite purse was waiting for me at the Good Samaritan thrift store in North Versailles, PA...

Talk about luck!

This Roberta DiCamerino handbag from Saks Fifth Avenue was another great vintage purse find...


It was from the Goodwill in Monroeville and cost me $4. And I knew it was a good price for a quality bag. But my fellow friend in thrift, TheSecondHand Sophisticate from TheThriftshopper.com forum, discovered that velvet purses of this type by this designer were running on Ebay in the $400 range! Madness!

(And to think I just bought it because it was made well, and I love velvet.)

This little number is a 1940s corde bag, from the Goodwill on the South Side...


I think it was about $4, too. What I loved about it was its great art deco feel, and the fun lucite trim. This ended up being perfect for attending the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swing concert this summer. (Click here to read about how an entirely thrifted evening outfit ended up costing less than event parking!) Swell!

This vintage bag with a romantic pastoral scene on it was a South Side Salvation Army find...


It was a whopping $4.99 and is made by Soure Bag, New York. The figures on it are puffed out in an almost 3-D effect. They don't make 'em like that anymore!

And who remembers these beaded bags from the 60s? At just a few dollars, it's as great a little evening bag today as it was years ago...


So what's the key to finding vintage purses at thrift stores? Thrift often and take the time to look at everything. Notice how a purse is made-- strong clasps and wooden or other unique handles are detailing that can show quality. Mother of pearl or rhinestone accents can also hint at a vintage history and a better bag.

And if you visit a thrift and come up empty handed? Don't dispair. What's a total bust one day, can end up being a jackpot the next. So keep your eyes open and most of all, buy what you love. That's my two cents, anyway.

Anyone here have any vintage purse stories they'd like to share? Or a purse addiction? I'd love to hear about it.

And if you happened to have missed this last "Treasure Box Wednesday" post on that week's nifty thrift store finds-- and one wonderfully gaudy vintage lamp-- click here. Otherwise, I hope to see you again for this Wednesday's thrifty fun. Can you say "gravy boat," boys and girls? I knew you could.

As always, thanks for stopping by and being a part of it all!
-Jenn