Treasures-Some Lost, Some Found

A couple of posts ago, I introduced readers to my best buddy, Harriette. Well, one of the things the two of us enjoy doing together is hitting some of the local thrift stores on any given day. A couple of days ago was one of those days.

On this day, we went first to one of the local Salvation Army Thrift shops. I was combing the store with a fine tooth comb, so as not to miss anything with potential when I spied a set of four pretty little bowls with strawberries on them. Knowing that Harriette had been searching for some things in the past with strawberries on them, I called her over.  I commented on how pretty they were and how it was too bad she was no longer looking for "strawberries." She agreed what a shame it was and I set them back down on the shelf and proceeded to look for more treasures. Remember the rule for thrift store shopping--"If you snooze, you lose." If you are even vaguely considering a purchase, put it into your cart and decide later.

Within five minutes she had thought of a reason to buy those bowls. Her husband, her son and, sometimes herself, participate in barbecue cook-offs. Sometimes a dessert is a part of the judging and Harriette makes the dessert. She would use the bowls for displaying some type of strawberry dessert that she was planning to make for the upcoming cook-off.  Well, we walked back over to the place where the bowls had been and, you guessed it, they were gone. Thinking that since there weren't many people shopping at the time, perhaps we were mistaken and they were on the next shelf over. We looked all around, to no avail. Determined, she went up to the counter and asked the nice clerk if someone had come through the check-out with the bowls. They had not, so the bowls were still in the shop, in the cart of someone who had not been snoozing. We considered hunting the customer down, though I don't know what we were going to do if we found them. It was a fleeting thought, which thankfully passed, because I had spied a very large silver-plated tray. It happens that I am always on the prowl for trays of all description, but am particularly fond of silver and silver-plated ones with flat, smooth inside surfaces. Some trays, I put to use for serving food or to display objects.



On other occasions, I might paint a tray with chalkboard paint, as I did the one above. This one is displayed in my kitchen all the time. I use Bistro Markers or regular chalk to write on it, displaying  seasonal greetings or leaving a message. For the above design, I used stencils and Bistro Markers and a hand-written phrase.  A tray like this is both decorative and practical.

When invited to a wedding shower, I almost always include one as a part of my gift, along with a stand and some chalk. Brides seem to enjoy getting these as gifts.




The tray above is the one found in the shop. It is very smooth,as the design is not raised or recessed, so it will not show through when it's painted. When I pointed the tray out to Harriette, she said she had seen it earlier when I was looking at the dishes. She had contemplated buying it to paint and use for a chalkboard to write the menu on at the previously mentioned cook-off. She decided against it because she figured she would not have time to paint it. Also, we had both noticed it had a screw missing on one of the handles.I thought that she should go ahead and buy it because the screw could be replaced and I would help her with painting it. I told her if she wasn't going to purchase it, I would buy it for myself. Folks, the lady can read me like a cheap novel. She knew I was going to buy it and paint it for her and said as much. She would not allow it. She was right,  I was going to do exactly that. In the end,  she bought it and I brought it home with me. I was able to stabilize  the handle and clean it up and I intend to start priming and painting it soon. 

Below are some items I found a little later when we went on to Goodwill.


A Beautiful Little Lead Crystal Wheel Barrow Vase or Candy Container
A Great Black Chain-Style Belt with Rhinestones


I'm not sure what I am going to do with the belt, wear it or use it to make a bracelet of some type(maybe leather). Think of the possibilities! Ideas anyone?

I believe that re-purposing or giving something old a new life is a good thing. That's what I love about thrifting. You have to act quickly or you could lose out on a treasure, but you might find that one or two wonderful gems will make it home with you in the end.




Comments

NanaDiana said…
Looks like some good finds there. It is fun to hit those thrifts, isn't it? I love repurposing, too, and that's gonna be part of my post tomorrow- xo Diana
Lynn,

I have learned that lesson the hard way about snoozing and losing. Now I pick up the time and put it in my cart. If I decide against it, I take it back where I found it.
Love how you painted the tray. I have done a few of them myself. I want to do a larger one though so I am on the look out for one.

Love the cart candy dish!! So pretty!!

Hugs,
Debbie
Hi Lynn! I have enjoyed your posts and your generosity in linking up and would like to say thank you. So I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. I have recently been nominated myself, and I want to pass along this gesture of good will to you because I love reading your posts....If you would like more information or you would like to participate... I have written a post about it on my blog…you can view it here…. http://cgtablescapes.blogspot.com/2013/03/liebster-award.html
You did a great job painting the tray. You are lucky to find nice things at the thrift store. A new shop has opened in my area but the prices are unreasonable for the items they sale. There is another one where I shop that is more reasonable. I often find old table linens with pretty details which I love. The crystal wheel barrow you found is very pretty. It could be used in a variety of ways but using it as a candy dish sounds like a good idea. Hope you have a great day, Lynn.
Patty said…
Oh, I love to shop like you! And I love chalkboard paint. I need to get some of the markers instead of chalk.
lynn cockrell said…
Shannon,some days I don't see much but others there are quite a few finds. I think maybe early in the week(Monday) is best for finding things, after people take items left over from yard sales or cleaning out attics and basements, etc. It seems to me prices have gone up everywhere, including thrift stores. Thanks for the comment about the tray I painted. I've got to get busy on my friend's tray. Oh, how I love old linens too! Some day I might do a post on several bed covers given to me by a special lady.

I put some candy(taffy)in the little wheel barrow today after reading your suggestion. Thanks so much for stopping by. It is great hearing from you! Have a blessed day.
lynn cockrell said…
Patty, it is so nice to hear from you and I love reading your comments. The markers are wonderful. You just use a damp cloth to wipe them off. They stay put much better than regular chalk until you are ready to wipe off. I bought mine at Hobby Lobby. Have your coupon ready, because they are a little pricey, but worth it to me.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments! May your day be blessed.
lynn cockrell said…
Debbie, it seems I'm late replying to your comments, but I appreciate your stopping by and for complimenting the tray. I've got to get my friend's painted now, so they can use it this spring and summer at the cook-offs.

I was over at Debbie-Dabble this morning and your Easter decor is wonderful. I love the Tea Party Table, everything about it! God bless you.
Lynn!!! What wonderful finds! I like the trays! I have never used bistro markers??? Are they for chalkboards?? And the belt is fantastic! I like your ideas for it...you could use it as a strap to a little clutch purse as well. Great thrifting friend!
How fun, Lynn! I love that Harriette can "read you like a book"! How special to have a friend like that. Can't wait to see the finished tray. Giving trays that you've created to brides as a gift is such a thoughtful and lasting wedding gift. Thanks for the inspiration!
lynn cockrell said…
Nicole, thanks for stopping by! Trays are one of my weaknesses(among several other things). It is difficult for me to pass one by that is in decent condition and, especially if it costs under $3. The bistro markers are made to use on chalkboards. The reason I like them so much is that they are neater and easier to use and whatever you put on stays put. You use a slightly damp cloth when you're ready to erase. They are a little pricey, but I get mine at Hobby Lobby and I use the 40% off coupon. I love the idea of using the belt for a strap on a clutch. How inspired!
lynn cockrell said…
Jessica, it is good of you to stop by. Harriette doesn't have a blog, but she reads mine and some of the ones I follow, including yours. She says my blog reflects the true me and she knows me well, so it pleases me to hear that. One of my favorite things to do is to take an old tray and give it a new life and renewed purpose(kind of like the way we get a new life and purpose for living through Jesus).
Vicki Boster said…
Lynn- you and your friend found some wonderful treasures-- I love the lead crystal wheelbarrow!! Your idea to paint old trays with chalkboard paint is totally genius!!

Thanks for your visit and comment-- I treasure you.

Vicki
Burlap Luxe said…
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for taking the time to visit and leaving a comment that encourages what I so love about blogging :)

Your treasures reminded me of a few pieces I had at one time in my life time and wish I still had them :(
Love getting to know you and I am going back to check out all your past posting to better know you and all you inspire

See you soon, have a beautiful week.
Xx
Doré
Erika said…
Good morning, dear Lynn!
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog.
I am always glad to read you, your lovely words.
So many treasures to see here on your blog and so beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing!
Hugs
Erika
Holly Lefevre said…
I adore your chalkboard tray! Love all things French! Thrifting with a friend is so fun!
Oh, Lynn, you're so right! I think that's why I enjoy creating so much and transforming projects. Always reminds me of the creation and transformation of myself. Only he NEVER messes up, even though we do!
lynn cockrell said…
Vicki, thanks so much for coming by to visit my little blog! Your comments are always appreciated and I'm glad you liked the chalkboard tray. Your blog is so pretty and you always create such lovely things. Bless you!
lynn cockrell said…
Thanks so much, Dore, for dropping by and leaving your sweet comments. I always enjoy the posts on Burlap Luxe. I am close to my 2 daughters, and I treasure all the times we share together and it is obvious that you and your daughter are close as well. You can be proud of her, as she is lovely and talented. Bless you.
lynn cockrell said…
Erika, thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. It is wonderful to hear from you. I enjoy your blog and the beautiful pieces of artwork you create. I especially like the vibrant colors! Bless you.
lynn cockrell said…
Holly, thanks for stopping by to visit. I really appreciate your sweet comments and ideas. It just came to my attention that you pinned my post about the stencil I made with the Cricut machine onto your board. Thanks so much for doing that! Bless you.

Popular posts from this blog

More From Biltmore House and Gardens Fashionable Romance Wedding Gowns in Film Collection

How to Make and Use a Stencil Using Cricut Expression

Costumes From' "Fashionable Romance Wedding Gowns in Film Exhibition" at Biltmore House