The Latest Fun Finds

May 26, 2019 by Florence 25 Comments

These mostly estate sale finds are from over the last month or two.

I swore off yard sales because they’re mostly either ~

Kids’ toys (where the kids aren’t through playing with them 😀 and practically push you away if you dare to touch)

Clothes

PURE junky junk…and I don’t mean the good kind. 😉

But I broke down and went to a few yard sales a couple of weekends ago (reminding myself again that nothing good can be found there).

However…

Not all yard sales are bad~

Like these~

FREE Dog Treats!

And our Leo loves his treats!

And next best he loves his toys…so he can TOTALLY kill them.

50¢ each on these. But they won’t last long.

I’m Going to Keep These~

I almost hate it when I find stuff I plan to keep…at least for a while…like these:

(Maybe I’ll get around to watching these DVD’s).

$2/ea, so I spent $12 on DVDs…not good, when you’re a reseller, and don’t keep anything.

When I noticed they were $2/ea, I found a good many I could live without…like the Rockettes Christmas Show, which I’ve already seen in person, and on youtube.

And what are the chances of finding 2 almost identical vintage parrot pillows in 2 different places??

I kinda liked these…

$2 for this pillow

And 50¢ for a Parrot pillow cover. I couldn’t resist.

Do I have a parrot? No.

Have I ever had a parrot? No.

So on to the stuff I plan to sell…

I never turn down a Vintage Mirror Tray. I found this the last day at an estate sale. I don’t know why it was still there.

Cost: $2

I usually buy fabric if it’s cheap and cute. It has to meet both those requirements for me to buy.

Cost for all 3: 50¢

Dahling, I can’t even remembah when I got my hot little hands on a vintage corset!! (SOLD)

And it was still there the last day!!

Cost: $2

I also never turn down a vintage Hollywood Regency tissue box cover.

Sh-h, now don’t tell anyone. At the last 2 estate sales, on the last day, these vintage tissue box covers were the only thing left in the bathroom.

Cost: $1.65

At the next place, the whole house was totally cleaned OUT, and this was the only thing left in the bathroom.

And I grabbed it.

And they were going to charge me a dollar for this on the last day?

No mam.

Cost: 55¢

So here’s a brass mouse figurine with a curly tail. So cute. But I’m finding that figurines just don’t sell very well.

Because a lot of the buying public are young women who don’t want something to dust. They’re minimalists now.

So why did I buy a brass mouse with a curly tail? He was just so darn cute. But I might be stuck with him.

I don’t want something to dust either.

Cost: 50¢

Same goes for these lovely figurines. But they were such a great bargain.

I found these on the last day at an estate sale where a guy was serious about getting rid of everything. The next 3 things came from that sale.

This is called “Flight into Egypt” and by Goebel, West Germany. Perfect condition.

$2.50 for both of these.

And he threw this in…a music box (broken piece on the back), but I’ve sold broken and cracked, repaired, and less than perfect.

Cost: $1.25

A genuine Hummel Joseph from 1951 in perfect condition & sold.

Cost: $1.25

I couldn’t resist these plastic plate holders. They’re kind of funky, and would look great on a wall for a boho look.

Cost: $1.65

And I may have let my heart rule over my head here. I love these Victorian-ish (or maybe they’re 1920’s) hat pin holders! I’ve always wanted one…to sell not to keep. I found them in an attic.

I’m definitely embarrassed to tell you what I paid for these.

Cost: $10 (ugh yes).

After my head cleared, I wondered if the young-woman-buying-public is gonna want hat pin holders?
What do you think?

Here’s another fun find. My hubby really doesn’t want me to sell this, but he doesn’t need it.

A vintage winding travel alarm clock…very nice quality.

Cost: $1

And lastly, a vintage Chatty Cathy red coat and headband.

Cost: $5.50

The 50¢ is tax at the estate sale. Are you having to pay tax at estate sales now? I’m not happy about that at all. Bummer.

Hope you enjoyed the latest fun finds! I have more to show you and updates on sales will be in an upcoming post.

To see more vintage goodness, check out these posts:

Vintage Estate Sale Haul

Favorite Weekend Junking Finds Birmingham

And I Got All This for Only $10!

The “I Splurged” Vintage Haul

Show me a little love & pin!

Vintage Estate Sale Haul

November 26, 2017 by Florence 37 Comments

Hello Friends!

Before we sweep wholeheartedly into Christmas projects, I thought I would share with you a vintage estate sale haul I haven’t covered yet. This was a couple of months ago. I got there on the first day in the first hour, and though I found lots of great stuff, I missed out on a lot too. I saw vintage treasures going out that I would love to have found first, but that’s the way it goes. It was in a really old house in an old section of town.

Most of the treasures were in the basement. I wish I had taken a picture of how bad that looked! Sacks & boxes piled everywhere haphazardly. You literally had to scale a mountain of dusty plastic bags and boxes in the crawl-space basement, picking apart grimy sacks. Dealers were all over it like ants in a disturbed anthill.

Vintage Metal Dishpan…25¢. I’m really not sure whether this will sell or not. But I decided I wanted to keep it. It’s now my favorite dishpan!

5 Old Doorknobs…these should sell eventually…$1. AVAILABLE

Pair of old wooden fruit crates…$1/ea

The hubby picked these up, and I took them reluctantly. Might sell if I get really lucky. 10¢/ea AVAILABLE

Brass finish planter, which will look cute painted. Has claw feet, so hoping it will sell after painted. $1

Pile of old snapshots dating from the 30’s-40’s. People will buy old photos, so we’ll see if these are desirable. Like snapshots, many aren’t good quality, but some are interesting with old cars and old fashions. $1. See how I used a couple of them here.

Rusty old rake head…one thing you can do with this is turn it into a cute flower arrangement! 25¢

Old retro thermos with original label $1

Vintage Coffee Filters…the estate sale person was like, “Coffee filters???” The reason I picked these up is because I’ve sold similar before. They fit old percolators. Just have to wait for the right person to come along. 10¢ AVAILABLE

Toy red ladder…25¢. I’m “toying” with the idea of making a Christmas door decoration out of it if I get around to it this year.

These wooden embroidery hoops always sell. The larger one is gigantic. All for $1

Old metal soap dish…farmhouse style. I think I remember my Grandmother having one of these. 25¢

Turn it upside down, and you can use it to display old photos.

Loved this metal industrial basket! $2 AVAILABLE

A really pretty old light fixture….$2

Old first grade primer…25¢ AVAILABLE

Old wooden drawer….$2

Mid-Century Modern Magazine rack….$2. I promised myself I would never buy another magazine rack because they are slow sellers, but I couldn’t resist the design.

This is a real oddity. Gummed liquor labels dating from the 40’s. Supposedly you put them over the real label to hide that you have liquor in the house. Riiiight…..like that’s going to fool anyone, but it’s a 40’s novelty. 25¢ AVAILABLE

A couple of handfuls of old buttons…another thing I can’t resist. $1.10 (plus one other not shown)

2 sets old aluminum molds….$1

More little junky items….30¢. I used the wooden spools to display old photos here.

One of the few things found upstairs…a gigantic bedspread with embroidered design & 2 matching shams…$2

And a couple of odd embroidered pillowcases….$2

Vintage Raffiaware Mugs….$1. Sold

Add plastic funnel, rope, copper bottom 1 cup measure, 2 sacks ferris wheel beads (I used a few of those here), box of test tubes full of tiny beads, 2 vintage metal band-aid boxes, 2 glass Pyrex beakers, and an 1887 Devotional book…all for another $2.50, and there you have it.

Then a couple of yard sales yielded…

This is a “Bates Secretary” address book. Push the button at the bottom, and dial the letter on the side, and the address book flips open to the names beginning with the letter. These address books are hard to find, but I always grab it when I see it if the pages haven’t been filled out. $1 Sold

This cracker tin is from the 50’s with Spanish language on 2 sides. 50¢

I always pick up makeup mirrors $5

Found at a Thrift store recently…Pig Napkin Holder…99¢. Lots of this identical napkin holder on Etsy, so we’ll see.

I’m having a 20% store-wide sale in my Etsy shop through Dec 19. Pop on over to see if there’s something you can’t live without!

Sharing with these link parties….

Favorite Weekend Junking Finds Birmingham

October 1, 2017 by Florence 40 Comments

I haven’t done a “vintage finds” post in a while, and frankly, I haven’t been anywhere in a while to do one. Not since Tennessee, in fact. I haven’t even shown you my entire haul from there yet. I really slowed down on estate sales due to having an excess, but had to have a fix this weekend! I get like that every now and then, and I’m excited to show you what I found.

We are working now on a massive downsizing yard sale to get rid of things I’ve bought at yard sales, among lots of other things LOL. I’ve been selling a lot on craigslist too. Ready to see Favorite Weekend Junking Finds Birmingham?

Favorite Weekend Junking Finds Birmingham

I stayed close to home this weekend and went to 1 yard sale, and 4 estate sales.

Yard sale finds

Set of 8 black and white cabinet knobs for $5

Cabinet knobs sell for me if I can find cute ones.

More cabinet knobs and a mini spatula set…all in the same sack $4

Vintage Sony Walkman with Cassette Player and Electronic Clock all in same sack $1

I didn’t want the clock and I took a chance with the Walkman. I understand that these sell, but the man at the yard sale didn’t know if it worked. “The man who can fix anything,” better known as my hubby, got it working.

Estate Sales Finds~

2 Tommy Hilfiger ties~$1/ea

I’m on the hunt for red ties to use in a project.

If you want to see one of my tie projects, click here.

Pretty red and gray afghan throw $1. I wonder if it’s handmade though? Does anyone know from looking at the photo? It looks sort of manufactured to me, but if I don’t sell it, I’ll keep it because I really like it.

I found a sandwich size bag with jewelry scrap, which I also plan to use in a project. $3. These are mainly earrings without mates.

It was the only thing I bought in a house loaded with stuff, but everything was out-of-sight expensive, and gaudy to boot.

When I arrive at a sale on the first day, and see only 2 cars, I know there’s a reason. Most everything was removed. But I found 2 things.

Here’s a likely mistake…not a vintage tablecloth, as first thought, but a Christmas sheet sewn together and trimmed in red rick rack. $4.

And of course, there’s a stain, which I didn’t see when I opened it out at the sale…sigh. But it might sell anyway.

I don’t like to attend the sales of the person running this one because she’s known to be high, but it was kind of slim pickings this weekend. So I found a vintage fireplace broom for $5. The handle is a little loose at the top, but I can fix that. This is the right time of year to sell this, so I’ll be listing it pretty quickly.

I finally hit a gold mine on its last day, so all prices you see are already half off. I was surprised there was so much left, but it was a condo sale for the senior set. I wonder if people avoid condo sales? My mentality is this: by the time they’re already in a condo, they’ve gotten rid of everything, so there’s not going to be much there. Does anyone else think this way?

But it proved me wrong this time. I was happy with these finds:

Remember these purses? I wanted one so bad back in the 60’s-70’s when these were popular. See the little turtles on top? So cute! I’m surprised they aren’t rabbits. The person who lived here had rabbits galore. $3

This is the first of these I’ve ever found myself, but I’ve always wanted to find one. Know what it is? A vintage eyeglasses holder $1.50

China rabbit $2.50. Not vintage…it’s for me.

Small rabbit figurine made in Bath England. I usually buy items made in England or Germany if they’re in good shape, and cheap! $2

I left 99 other rabbits behind, LOL.

Here’s another item I’ve always wanted to find…a metal tissue box cover, and this is made by “Ransberg,” who also made trash cans, now vintage as well. $1.50. They are kind of hard to find.

These vintage metal picture frames usually sell. $1.50

I took a chance on these too…real shells used for serving bites of seafood. Found in the kitchen, but probably could be used for crafts too. $1

That’s it for upstairs. Now we descend to the basement. I make a point of that because I’m unsure about the age of some items, but I figure by the time a treasure makes it to the basement, it’s vintage and practically a discard. Right?

Labeled on the bottom “Early American Pewter.” I haven’t had a chance to clean it up yet. It may be hard to see in the photo, but the globe is etched with a design. I couldn’t turn it down for $1

I thought this was especially nice, and it looks older $1

Vintage silverplate cup was interesting with great patina $1. Couldn’t see the markings real well, but believe it said “Wm Rogers.” What is your feeling about silverplate? Prefer some polishing? Or leave it alone?

I was really happy about this little find…a vintage framed sampler. $1. It’s been exposed to too much moisture in the basement, with unfortunate stains on the cloth. The frame is literally falling apart, but I still liked it. I’ll wash it by hand and soak it for a while. Keeping fingers crossed that it comes clean.

I left behind more pieces of silverplate, more unfinished needlework, another sampler (not as cute), more Christmas pillows, pair of vintage TWA airline totes (would have gotten them, but they had a name written on the front), vintage evening dresses, an old handheld metal toolbox (no paint left), box of old clothes, a child size Delft tea set for 4 (1 broken piece and incomplete), a set of “Serendipity” children’s books from the ’80’s (should have bought those), mystery items, and of course 99 rabbits. 😀

Sharing with these link parties~

Favorite Junking Finds in Greenback Tennessee

August 27, 2017 by Florence 32 Comments

This week I’m sharing favorite junking finds in Greenback Tennessee. What a neat little store! Hubby and I made a little getaway to Tennessee last week to visit our daughter.

And when you’re a true picker like me, you find places to pick wherever you are. You use up phone data to research locations to the local thrift stores. You comb through craigslist for the local estate and yard sales, and you keep your eye peeled for little places off the beaten path. Such was Greenback.

I bet you’ve never heard of Greenback. Well, I guess I really hadn’t either, although hubby reminded me we’d been there once for a parade. And the only reason I found it was because we were taking a shortcut back to the campground. 3 blinks and you’re through it. Oh yes, we stayed in our home-away-from-home while in Tennessee…our vintage RV motorhome, over 20 years old, but comfy.

And by the way, if you’ve always wanted to tour one of those old things, now’s your chance! You might enjoy reading Worst RV Nightmare, the “funny” story that wasn’t funny at the time! That also happened in Tennessee.

When I’m on the hunt, I don’t go to antique shops much because they’re usually a lot more than the garage sale prices I’m used to. I started not to even stop, but it was a cute little storefront.

I was on vacation. Why not? A little bell on the doorknob jingled as I walked into “The Home Decor Resale Store.” Walls of wooden shelves packed with interesting doodads and merchandise greeted me. Larger items artfully arranged were in the center of the store. Slowly I browsed up and down several times so as not to miss anything.

I met the two store cats! Here’s “Connie” with Janet, the store owner. Connie was talkative and followed me wherever I went, but “nosirree bob,” she says. “You aren’t picking me up!”

I forget what this one’s name was.

I later learned the Home Decor Resale Store had been the General Store at one time, and all those fine-looking wooden shelves are original. What I couldn’t believe were the prices! So inexpensive!

I thought this was the cutest little side table.

I loved the prices here….more like garage sale prices! So this is what I found. It doesn’t seem like much. I could have bought more, but I already had a lot from thrift stores and estate sales. I’m dying to show you those…on another day.

Interesting wooden candlestick….$3…Available

I rarely see one of these men’s valet boxes in this good a condition! $8…Available

Showing my ignorance, but I thought this was a fancy dustpan! Do YOU know what it is?

To not keep you in suspense, it’s an antique crumb tray. Very ornate is it not? I can just see this being used in Gone With the Wind. $8

I thought these 3 rose pictures were lovely. All for $15.

So if I’ve whetted your appetite just a bit, and you have a hankering to visit Greenback Tennessee, it’s about 15 miles south of Maryville, off Highway 411 and Hiway 95. (Maryville and Townsend Tennessee are jumping off points to visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.) Turn right on Hiway 95 and go all the way till it tees into Morganton Road, a quick dogleg to the left, and you’re practically at the store. Address is 6710 Morganton Rd. Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, 10-5. Phone: 865-856-2229.

“Offering the finest in second-hand home decor shopping, with unique items at a price that will make it OK to take it home with you!”

I told Janet I’d send ya!

On Another Note~

My hubby and I are very sad this week because we unexpectedly said goodbye to our beloved little “Beezer,” a Maltese rescue we’d had for 15 years. Unbeknownst to us, he developed a brain tumor which had grown into the balance center of the brain, rendering him unable to walk, among other things. It happened so quickly, we were shocked and unprepared. I know we made the right decision, and the vet concurred, but it’s always sad, isn’t it, when you lose a beloved pet?

Have you lost a special pet?

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Favorite Junking Finds to Shelby Shores

August 13, 2017 by Florence 32 Comments

It’s a broken record, but following my own advice, I now go junking out of town for at least one trip, and usually find some real treasures. Even if it’s the 2nd day, or the 3rd day. Go with me on favorite junking finds to Shelby Shores!

Off to Shelby Shores~

Shelby Shores, easily a 45-minute drive from where we live, we certainly didn’t get there early. By the time we finally found the place (even with the help of GPS), it was well up in the morning. Knowing it was going to be picked over, we proceeded, putting out of our minds what we missed, focusing on the now.

Arriving at the house~

We approached a run-down place situated on a lake, and entered a house utterly trashed by the 1st day pickers. When I arrived, I noticed someone standing guard over a full silver coffee/tea service which, as I learned later, they had managed to pull out of the very cramped, obstacle-course crawl space. “Well! There must be something good left,” I thought to myself. Not that I wanted a full tea service.

But as I walked through the house, I honestly couldn’t see a thing I wanted. And then…I finally found something.

A vintage galvanized check filing box WITH THE KEY! $2. My husband, standing nearby, said, “What do you want THAT for?” (I hear that a lot.) I told myself….

it’s industrial….

it’s galvanized….

it’s farmhouse….

it’s hot.

But then after I got home, I saw with dismay, there are about 3 pages of the same thing on Etsy….sigh

But guess what? It’s SOLD!

Next up…

A vintage rolling pin in nice shape for $3. I haven’t listed it yet. I’m not sure how it will do.

Again, not terribly exciting, but I actually need these, and refuse to pay retail. I keep written Etsy sales records.

A couple of turned wooden legs and a metal clamp I have use for. $2 for all 3.

And the big find of this trip….

A whole sack of shotgun shells! $1. I’ll figure out something to do with them. I have some ideas.

Actually I’m excited about my shotgun shells.

Now then…let’s head to the next sales….

The next sale was in a nice house, but it was the 3rd day. The only thing left I even remotely wanted was glossy papered and decorative cardboard storage boxes…that the owner had written all over with black sharpies, which was why they were still there. I told myself….you can cover that with doilies….but I didn’t feel like bothering. So my husband bought 2 cutting boards for $1, and it was my turn to say, “what do you want THAT for?”

On to the next sale….

Once we arrived at the house, I realized I had been there in the past at another garage sale. I was remembering the cool vintage mailbox I found, and wishing there would be another. And there it was! My treasure!! Which I grabbed…it was priced at $10, but she quickly dropped it to $5.

Even though there are a lot of these on Etsy in various forms, I’ve never had any problem selling them, and it’s SOLD.

And at the last sale….

The first day…I found…

A Methodist Hymnal from the 30’s. $1. These usually sell, and it did. SOLD.

Vintage Whisk Broom for $1…

About 10 pages of these on Etsy, but it SOLD.

TIP: Don’t let the numbers of things on your chosen selling site scare you!

Lastly, a trio of vintage recipe boxes, which always sell for me. They may take a while (everything usually does). The two metal ones have file dividers, and the middle one is wood. All for $1.50.

Would you pin? Thank you!

That’s it my friends. Hope you enjoyed the tour! Which one was your favorite?

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