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. 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. 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. 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. Oh no! Barbara knows Peppermint is ruined! (Read about bluing here.) But the next day at the cat show… 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