Tuesday, April 13, 2010

My thrift store secret

Finally, finally, the thrift store gods have chosen to reward my fruitless searches with the motherload of materials so that i, too, can make cakestands and chalkboard items. I have been searching high and low, "starring" posts in google reader, and mentally getting ready to undertake these do-able projects. All i needed were the goods.

But first i have to tell you my thrift store secret. You're going to be totally jealous. Are you ready???

I get 10% off all purchases, no matter what, no matter when, at my thrift store.

Not sure if any of you have ever looked over to the right, in my profile, but it says there that i work for a non profit agency. And that agency operates a thrift store, not only to generate revenue, but to allow our clients the opportunity to shop there for free. So when people buy from that store, the money goes to the agency so we can keep doing what we do, and they are supporting an important cause. And because i do important work for a crappy salary, we get a discount to encourage us to shop there and reward us for the work we do. (edit-crappy salary is not fault of agency, but society's backwards priorities). I have looked and looked, determined to buy from us, and am ecstatic over my finds today for those reasons. Huh, this turned heavy. Let's lighten it back up, ok?




ok, so i got a book for 50 cents figuring i could just leave it in the airport or in the hotel for someone, but it's in the picture for size reference. I got two of these candlesticks for $1 each, they are flippin' HEAVY!!! A lady at the store told me she got ones just like them from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and they were way more than a dollar.



When i got home i turned them over and realized they are from Pottery Barn Outlet. I'm sure they weren't a dollar there! score for me.


The guy on the left was 75 cents and the guy on the right was 50 cents. I will later introduce them to their new friend, spraypaint.



I have so been wanting some sort of interesting plate to chalkboard paint the inside, and either of these, or maybe both, will work. I think they would make a nice housewarming gift once i diy them up. The ones on the left were 4/$2, so maybe cake stand or 2, and one chalkboard piece? Plus extra in case i mess one up somehow.




These i actually turned over in the store. They are clearance priced from Marshalls for $3 each....so let's see, would you rather pay $12 or $2? score for me again!





one option....like it, like it.






ooh, even better! darling, just darling. Somehow shopping at the thrift store midday has turned me into an elderly woman who says things like " just darling".


So there you have it. Not bad for 6 bucks, huh? Thank you, whopping 10% discount of 60 cents.





i thought of another purpose for those candleholders if this diy thing doesn't work out...they are the perfect weights for arm exercises! oh awkward, there's that cat toy again! oh well. What have you been lucky enough to find lately?


i am linking up to tales from blogaritaville for thrifty thursday and thrifty treasures monday at southern hospitality.




17 comments:

Kaleena J. said...

What a creative idea! I'm always have thrift stores...I'll have to see if I can put something like this together.

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

What great finds...love the PB candlesticks!
Stop over at Pandora's Box for a chance for a giveaway

Susan said...

You have some very creative ideas and what great finds!!

Jess said...

Great finds! I am glad that my post helped you!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Good for you! I know that sometimes you have to be patient to find something you are on the look-out for. I've learned that just in my short time of thrifting!

The Single Nester said...

What great finds! I am jealous!

Meredith said...

Awesome finds!
I love the idea of chalkboarding the center of those white plates. I think I may have to keep my eyes open to do something similar :)
Thanks for stopping by today! Good luck with your projects.
Meredith @ Welcome to Heardmont

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

You found some great stuff. I love the glass candlesticks!

Debbiedoos said...

I love it! That is a score, I am going to be looking for some fun stuff like this in the future. Thanks so much for linking up to my new party.

Lana Kim White Austin said...

AWESOME! I want to try this, too!!!!!! Great finds/great way to fix them! Does that glue really work?!?!?

Hugs, Lana

FrouFrouBritches said...

Oh my gracious! Pottery Barn candlesticks? you rock! Looove the plates too! That square one would make a cuuuute chalkboard!!

Gwendolen Elaine said...

Hey!There's nothing wrong with "darling,just darling"!...At least, not in my world;)
Great finds...I love how you put together the plates and pedestals.Darling,indeed.

Sandy said...

These little candle sticks are a great find.. especially if they are heavy!
Love what you did with them! Had to laugh,,, 1-2-3-4...1-2-3-4
Monday following...
Sandy
http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/

Sue said...

I am always on the look-out for white plates. You scored big on those. Have fun making your pedestal stands. I bought some pretty patterned plates over the weekend for a quarter apiece, along with some glass candlesticks for the same price. My plan is to do just what you're gonna do. Gotta love that E-6000 glue!
:-) Sue

Unknown said...

Great finds! I love those candlesticks!

Nancy

Kristen said...

Love the white plates - great finds!

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Funny post. Loved it!!! And you found some good stuff. I work for a crappy salary too, but for a profit business. So I don't get any stick'n discount. But I will in 3 years when I turn 55. But I think I would rather be 35 with no discount.