Thrifty Thursday Finds!

I had to make a run to the local post office this morning and luckily for me, there is a thrift store across the street which I like to visit occasionally. Now, it's best that I DON'T visit too often because i always end up spending money on things I don't need but then again, who can turn down a great bargain?

I actually stopped in to look for some old doors of any type that I could possibly repurpose as "cabinet doors" for a tall IKEA shelf unit. (I will come up with something so stay tuned for that project!)

Anyways, I'm a glass 'n pottery nut so always check out the store's latest stash in an attempt to find some hidden goodies. I found one of each almost instantly.

A $5.00 heavy glass bowl. I can tell this is an older piece simply by its weight. I will have to do a little research to see if I can identify it. If you can recognize it, leave a comment.

I also found this unmarked piece, possibly a McCoy or Brush pottery. I can rarely resist any McCoy piece and add to that, the green color (my favorite) and I'm hooked. I also realized when I got home that it was an appropriate decor piece for the month; a cornucopia for Thanksgiving. I guess I'll give some "thanks" to the price I paid . . . $1.99.

Anyway, I found a quick home for the pottery piece and the bowl will be making an appearance during the upcoming Winter holiday season, so again . . . stay tuned.

Quick Tip: If you purchase any old glass or pottery pieces that have a film or haze (more noticeably on glass)that won't wash off with mild dish detergent, rub over the "dirty" areas with acetone on a cotton-ball and then re-wash with mild detergent if you so choose. This helps give the glass a more "crystal-clear" finish. It helps remove paint or ink marks too.

Hope you all are having a fantastic, "Thrifty Thursday".

Frugal Decor - Green Is The Way

So I've been on a "green-kick" for quite awhile.  I guess it started about a year ago.  I was first on a mission to find green depression glass pieces in plates, bowls, candy dishes, vases, candleholders, etc.  Green keeps popping up on the design sites as "cool", "contemporary" and "trendy".  I've been seeing green used wonderfully in rooms as paint accent and focal wall colors.  When you think of GREEN, you think of FRUGAL - no?  I do.

My green frugal finds keep emerging lately, as though waiting for me to happen upon them.  A quick stop at the Salvation Army, one I have not visited in a few years, had me purchasing two small McCoy planters.  One in a bright, ice green which I gifted to my mother for her kitchen that showcases the color, and also a jade green one which I kept for myself. - as though I don't have enough green, pottery pieces sitting around.  Oh well, you can always rotate your "finds" to keep things interesting and new.

Vintage McCoy Planter in Jade. 

While at a flea market this past weekend, I happened upon a Hull Pottery swan planter.  Or is it a goose?  I'm not sure. The important thing is, MORE GREENS!  This piece has a nice variation of green tones and adds a whimsy touch to a room.  I mean really, where can you find unique items like this anymore bought new?  You can't.  And you can't buy something new with such character for under $5.00 either.  Talk about frugal!

My Hull goose planter in green.  Nice colors in this whimsical piece.

I've been an advocate for flea markets, yard sales and estate sales for decor purchases as evidenced by my website.  See my page on vintage decor.  If you want to make a big statement without incurring a big charge, you need to go frugal with your decor.  You will create a unique, one-of-a-kind-space with pieces that have a history, and some sought after appeal and value.  It's a win-win.

The bright green adds a nice pop of color among this collection of salt-glazed crocks.