Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Birthday Thrift Gifts from June and Thrifty Life Thursday #19


June handed me an envelope with a birthday card, she said, "It's not much, but I know you can do a lot with it at one of your thrift stores..." 

Is it not a major blessing to have people who love you and know you so well? I got excited about going to the thrift store...and along with the Florentine tray in the photo above for $1.07, I also found these items:

A small mirror made from a wooden cog! My industrial-loving self did a small happy dance. 


Especially when I turned it over and saw it had a hanger AND a REALLY cheap price...


It makes me want to do an industrial gallery wall right this minute! Would a .27c item inspire you like this? Yes, I thought it might. Me too. 



I also found these...


Some days are just like that. Happy birthday to me!!! I think they were .57c and .87c. 



I also found a small silver bowl...I might have another just like it or very similar. I stashed all the silver plate stuff away when I went all white this spring. It was 87c.



I also found a couple of classic hard-backs. If I remember correctly, they're .57c each at this thrift store...

I also found a tripod for $1.07 and I used it to take these photos. 

Thank you, June. I think I still have enough money left for another trip...maybe two!

Now then, let's see what YOU brought to the party last week:



Check out this beauty from Rhonda at Restored Treasures Too. This lampshade caught my eye...as I've been trying to figure out how to do one with doilies...this tablecloth beauty looks much simpler. And doesn't it look amazing? 


DSC01243

Jann, from Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, shared her "short stacks" of collections, as well as showing other inspiring tall ones. I can easily identify - it seems like I have short stacks of practically everything! 



Donna, from Distressed Donna Down Home, has quite the eye for cool stuff. She knows where to look, and doesn't mind digging or getting her hands dirty. And seriously, people are leaving cool items at her door! As if she didn't have a stash of them already...you can check her out and visit her Etsy shop if you like REAL vintage stuff - I bought a metal letter that is totally fabulous, and her prices are great.

Now then, let's see what other wonderful thrifty finds you've gathered since last week, shall we?

THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #19

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 
that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 
Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:
    • Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
    • Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.
    • Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
    • Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.
    • Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.
    • Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 
    Etiquette:
      • Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life some way - via Blogger, Pinterest or Facebook or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.
      • Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
      • Please visit at least one other party friend.
      • I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 
      Features:
      • Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
      • Only posts that link back may be featured.
      • I will try to email you and let you know if you were featured!

      Word for the Day:
      Hebrews 10:24-25
      24
       And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.






      Monday, May 19, 2014

      New Listings on Etsy


      Embroidered white cotton table runner with pink crocheted edge...sweet. 


      Pretty Indiana Glass footed bowl with daisy pattern and diamonds. 


      Turned wood vase/pencil holder or whatever you want it to be.


      Pair of vintage Norleans Owls in creamy crazed glaze.


      Vintage tin from England - hinged lid with cameos all over.

      I need to photograph and list more items! If you'd like to find out more, or see other items, click HERE.

      Word for the Day:
      Proverbs 23:23
      Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.


      Sunday, May 18, 2014

      Thrift Store Silver Plate & How I Clean It A Bit...


      I was recently asked if I was in the "tarnish camp" or the "shiny camp."

      Tarnish - all the way, baby. 

      My reasons go deeper than the elbow grease required to keep things pristine, too. 


      I LIKE the look of tarnish - it shows details you don't see on a totally shiny piece. It shows history.

      Sometimes the places I shop don't bother to clean items. They can be very grungy. 

      The tray below had some rusty looking stuff, white stuff, and even some green patina. I like green patina, but not for this piece.


      I can buy undaunted because... I have the simplest, quickest trick to clean up a grimy piece while still satisfying my need for patina. 

      Here it is:

      Soapy steel wool pads - SOS or Brillo, usually.


      I wet them, and scrub the grime off, revealing a bit of silver (and sometimes the copper underneath the plate), but leaving plenty of tarnish in grooves.

      After a good scrub, I rinse well and dry with a towel until the piece is completely dry.

      Here is a before:


      The plate above is the same one pictured in the first photo. It had water rings, the price in wax pencil (I paid half-price) and general grunge. 

      Here it is again, after a few minutes of steel wool and soap:


      There is even an engraving. :)


      Phi Kappa Theta
      Christmas Party
      1964

      There is copper coming through the silver, but I don't mind. 


      These days, I embrace the imperfect. No drama if something gets scratched that is already scratched. Party on and use the silver! Use the pretty towels, too.

      Word for the Day:
      A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

      Possibly Linking With:
      Sunday
      Nifty Thrifty Sunday
      Sundays at Home
      Monday
      Mod Mix Monday
      Make it Pretty Monday
      Tuesday
      Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
      Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
      The Scoop
      Inspire Me Tuesday
      Wednesday
      Blissfully White Wednesday
      Wow Us Wednesday
      What’s it Wednesday
      Cottage Style Party
      Drop it or Swap it Party
      Thursday
      Under $100 Link Party
      Creative Inspirations
      Share Your Cup Thursday
      Friday
      Feathered Nest Friday
      Furniture Feature Friday
      Frugal Friday
      Saturday
      Party Junk
      Show and Tell Saturday