Thursday, May 28, 2009

Thrift Store Thursday

Let me explain: lately I’ve been liking more and more a decorating style that incorporates vintage pieces. Not shabby chic, not really even cottage, but just some cool old accent items with character.

So when I saw this old stool at the thrift store, I was immediately drawn to it. It was $9.90, though, a little more than I really wanted to spend on it, so I went home and slept on it over the holiday weekend. Tuesday I went back and got it, and it’s been in the trunk until this morning.IMG_2771 When I got it out to take this photo, I thought “What was I thinking?”. Okay, I still think it’s pretty cool, but it’s going to take a little more work than I originally considered to get it fit to have in the house. The seat is split right in half and the varnish is flaking, the legs are bent and rusty, but I think there’s potential here.

Friday I picked up these two beauties at a garage sale.IMG_2772 They are each 54” tall by 28” wide, and have the original wood on one side and paint on the other. I’ve got an idea for these, but will have some major cleaning to do first, as they are some kind of filthy. And how much did I pay, you ask? Five dollars. For the pair!

Lastly, a special little treasure that I found at United Volunteers for about $.20.IMG_2775 This is a little story book I had as a child. I actually still have my copy, but it is torn and I thought had some pages missing. The copyright on this book is 1950 and 1966, so I don’t even know if it was originally mine, or an older sibling’s.

It’s a sweet little story about some kittens that are born in Mr. Dobby’s candy store. The mama is his mouser, so she stays, but he sells the kittens to the children for $.15. But nobody wants poor scrawny Peppermint. Then one day there’s going to be a cat show at school. The children are excited, but one little girl “in a worn-out sweater” is sad. She doesn’t have a cat. Mr. Dobby gives her Peppermint.

Barbara takes her home to show her mother, who is doing laundry.IMG_2779 Oh no! Barbara knows Peppermint is ruined! (Read about bluing here.) But the next day at the cat show…IMG_2778 Peppermint and Barbara win first prize! Sigh. I love a happy ending.

Okay, I’m still having trouble with Mr. Linky, so here’s what we’re going to do. Leave your link in the comments, and then I will edit my post and add your name and link right to the main content.



Check out these thrifty finds!
  1. Barbara Jean
  2. Kali
  3. Renee
  4. Lucy
  5. Tricia
  6. Mandi
  7. Amy
  8. The Queen of Fifty Cents
  9. Martha
  10. Gina

26 comments:

Barbara Jean said...

Holly,
What great finds!!

Love it all, but maybe the windows (just cause it was a steal and I love windows), and the little book is adorable. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Here is mt post for today.

thanks for hosting,
barbara jean

http://treasuresfromtheheartgifts.blogspot.com/2009/05/it-is-thrift-store-thursday-go-on-over.html

Kali said...

I'm new here. I stumbled on your blog last week. Here is my submission for Thrift Store Thursday

Cottage Lifestyle said...

Holly, I would have bought the stool...I think you will end up loving it in the long run. Can't wait to see what you do with the windows.

I hope you don't mind but my thrift store find this week is really a garage sale find.

http://cottagelifestyle.blogspot.com/2009/05/welcome-canines.html

Renee

Lucy Marie said...

Great finds, Holly! I am so excited to finally be able to participate.

Here is my post:

http://lindsaycramp.blogspot.com/2009/05/garage-sale-fun.html

Tricia said...

Hi Holly,
You found such great things!
Seriously, I would have arm wrestled you for that stool!
I also dig the windows, and that Peppermint book! Oh my gosh, not only do I remember it from my childhood, but I read it to my kids too! Great book!

I'm joining the fun this week.
Here's my link:
http://boutellefamilyzoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/thrifty-finds-and-100th-post-give-way.html

Stop on over. I'm having a give-a-way.
*Tricia

Christina said...

Love the stool! That is fantastic.

We also had that book as children. I also found a copy a few years ago at a sale of some sort. I love to find things that bring back good childhood memories. It is so fun to share them with the kiddos too.

Unknown said...

That was a sweet story...I have a soft spot for kids' books with happy endings! The windows were a great deal. What are you doing with them? I just got a few from Craigslist, and need some fun ideas!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

The stool is amazing! Despite it's flaking varnish and bent legs. As soon as I saw the photo I said to myself "I hope she doesn't change that too much". But then again, you have a great way with transforming things! I love the windows too! I just picked some up myself recently. Can't wait to see what you do with yours!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I can't wait to see what you do with the windows! :) The book is adorable.

Stacey said...

My grandmother had that book. Oh my, how things like that bring back memories!

Jenny said...

Great finds! That book looks adorable!

The Queen of Fifty Cents said...

I think I remember the blue kitty story...definitely worth the twenty cents! Love the stool tool. Would love everyone to drop by and check out some of my finds!

http://queenoffiftycents.blogspot.com/

aprilfoolwed said...

Ooooh -I love he windows and can't wait to see what you do with them!

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Hi Holly! I wrote a post.

http://mandicresswell.blogspot.com/2009/05/thrift-store-thursday-at-homebody.html

WhisperWood Cottage said...

That stool is beautiful as is! Such character! You have a good eye!!

Amy

My post...
Bird Print Frame Makeover

Mrs. Petrie said...

I got nothin' this week! Bummer. I hope to make it to the thrift stores this coming week.
I like the bench. The seat is really beautiful. And the book is awesome. I've been on the lookout for this great Little Golden Book I had as a child.

Martha said...

Hi Holly!

Great finds! The windows are beautiful! I cant wait to see what you do with them!


Here is my post! This was fun! Thanks!

http://solovelycreations.blogspot.com/2009/05/show-us-where-you-live-friday-baby.html

Dianie said...

Holly,

SCREAM!!! I love these finds :) I have been following your blog for a little while now.. I would love to do this thrift store thursday, how do I participate?


~Diane

Gina @ MoneywiseMoms said...

The windows are beautiful. I can't wait to see the "after" photos. And that kitty is too sweet!

I didn't hit the thrift stores, but I did okay at yard sales last weekend:

http://www.moneywisemoms.com/2009/05/yard-sale-treasures.html

Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama said...

2 frames for $5 ,, ugh!, unbelievable,, all the ones i find are $25 or more.

Marie said...

Hi Holly! I saw those windows and had to leave a comment. Please, please visit my blog! Yesterday I posted about some newly acquired old windows. I don't have a clue what to do with them! I want to give some to good homes. Would love your expert advise as to what to do with the ones I'm keeping! Thank you.
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Mindy said...

Ahhh...welcome to the world of primitives! As for the stool, I would probably wax the wood and shoe polish the metal and throw a stack of books on top, or a fern plant. Love it! ~Mindy

Karla said...

Wow! I want to go thrifting with YOU! Great finds! I think the stool is awesome!

~Karla @ It's The Little Things...

Kate Riley said...

There is nothing more fun that thrifting ! I hit the motherlode at the St Vincent de Paul this morning, on 50% off day. Wooooo hooo. LOVE IT.

Kate

Kate Riley said...

PS Those windows are so fabulous.

Stephanie O. said...

How fun to see the Peppermint book. I had it as a child and hadn't thought about it in years! Your post brought back sweet memories of reading books on the front porch on rainy summer days as a kid in the early 70's....