Happy Easter!

Mr. Easter Bunny is tipping his hat to say, “Happy Easter!”

I got this hand-crafted pillow and its mate at a church sale last year. You can read about my finds here.

They look perfect sitting on the chairs I picked up at the thrift store last year. Here is what the chairs looked like when I brought them home.

And now, thanks to inspiration and a great thrifty tip from BJ at Sweet Nothings, they look wonderful dressed in their black and white checked slip covers.

Wishing a blessed day to all.

If you get a chance, stop by these fun blogs, too:

Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Garage Sales, Linens, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Yard Sales | 7 Comments

A Winning Week!

I was the lucky winner of The Thrifty Groove‘s anniversary giveaway. I chose to receive Better Homes and Gardens as the subscription I will enjoy for the next 12 months. Thank you, Diann!

I also won some bids at an auction we attended in our neighboring town. The estate of some life-long community members was up for auction. My husband had a connection to this family. We spent the entire sunny day watching the lovely items from the household go to the highest bidder.

She was a true southern belle. She was always dressed to the nines, grew and arranged beautiful flowers and had a home filled with fine furniture and china. She was best of friends with her sister (who was married to my husband’s uncle). They could often be seen about town together, sharing coffee and shopping excursions.  They even competed against one another in the annual 4-H Fair. One of the lots that I won included many of her First Place and Best in Show ribbons for her gladiolas, flower arrangements, apple pie, and even one for furniture restoration. She also collected post cards and there were several of these in the same lot.

I bid on many items unsuccessfully. I had a limited budget and was determined to stick to it and not get auction fever. This was my first time bidding at an auction so I was a little nervous in the beginning. Some of the items I lost bids on were a lovely sterling plate flatware set in its box (sold to a silver dealer), a set of aqua snack plates (I’m a little sorry I didn’t go higher on them), a tole-painted tray, a sewing tin, and an empty flatware box. You can really tell the dealers at these sales, can’t you?

I did win these lovely amber glass salad/desert plates.

Also included with this lot was this Grandma Moses scene plate.

I’m not familiar with these plates so will have to do some research on it. I didn’t see this plate until we were home. It was a happy surprise. The nursery rhyme is written on the back of the plate.

I put a bid on a box lot when I saw these little Scotties peaking out.

This little pin cushion needs a a bit of clean up, but isn’t it adorable? In the box with the pincushion were several other fun things, including this teacup and saucer. It is from the Royal Albert Flower of the Month Series, November Chrysanthemum.

This double-handled teacup was also in the box. She has a few chips, but I think I can still put her to use as a container or maybe even turn her into a pin cushion.

These items were in the box as well. I don’t know anything about them and there are no markings. If you have any information to share, I’ll be happy to listen.

Another plate that appeared in one of my boxes was a 1964-65 World’s Fair souvenir plate. My husband was especially pleased with this find as he attended this fair.

We spent most of the day in the back yard where the man of the house used to grow the best tomatoes in the county. Each year we would anxiously await those harbingers of summer which he gifted to my in-laws. We all loved Mr. W’s tomatoes!

We had such a fun day, visiting with many old friends. And to think I spent less on my total purchases than my husband spent at the food truck. It was a win-win kind of day.

I hope you will visit the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Treasures from Mom’s House – Part I

Today we went searching for our first yard sale of the season. My friend “S” told me about the ad for it and I admit, my heart went pitter-patter when I thought of visiting yard sales again. My husband, the two Scotties and I loaded into the car to follow my phone’s GPS. I made the mistake of not checking this address beforehand. In my neighboring town all addresses are “town” addresses even if they are miles out in the country. Well today, that address was way out in the country, dirt roads, one-lane bridges; you get the idea. We drove and drove and never did find the yard sale. Saw some bulls, some cows, some horses, lots of nice houses but no yard sale. Major disappointment.

Happily, I have some items to share with you from a visit to my parents’ house last weekend. They are clearing things out bit by bit so it won’t be such a challenge when they decide to move.

I remember from my childhood this little girl in her blue dress with white apron. She is made from a heavy metal. My mother has had her a long time. She was possibly made in a foundry near my grandmother’s home town. She’s been well loved and played with.

The maiden next to her is a brass bell that my daughter remembers playing with as a child. This bell makes such a lovely sound.

These three butterfly beauties were found in a small trinket box with some other jewelry treasures.

Also in the same box was this owl pair pin,

this Napier frog with his green eyes,

these bejeweled lady bug and small bird pins,

and this Thailand-made pin which my father brought back for my mother as a gift after a trip there.

These are just a few of the treasures found in one of the little jewelry boxes my mother gave to me. I hope to share some of the other items with you in future posts. Often the best treasures are found at home; wouldn’t you agree?

Some parties I like to visit are Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom? If you get a chance, stop by and visit them.

Tammy

Posted in Garage Sales, Owls, Scotties, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged | 10 Comments

The World of Peter Rabbit

Do you love the Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit? I think he is the cutest little bunny and her illustrations are just so wonderful. As a child, I had a paperback version of a Beatrix Potter book which was well-read.

When I saw this sweet dish set on the thrift shelf, I instantly knew it was something that I would purchase.

Each piece (except the cup) came with a plate hanger already attached. This set would make a charming display in a child’s room. I wonder if that’s what it was used for before it made its way to the thrift shelf?

I think my favorite of these Wedgwood pieces is the alphabet plate which features Peter in various poses around the edge and Mrs. Rabbit and her bunnies in the center.

On the mug, Mrs. Rabbit is preparing the girls for an outing while Peter, such a boy bunny, pays no attention to Mrs. Rabbit’s instructions.

On the bowl, we see Mrs. Rabbit on her way to the baker’s for a loaf of brown bread.

And on the small plate, Peter is tucked into bed as he is not feeling well. A little camomile tea will set him right.

I paid less than $7 for this whole set. I think that was a deal!

I have been restricting my thrifting of late for various reasons. I am living vicariously through so many of your blog posts. I thank you for sharing your treasures so that I can continue to “thrift” via your experiences.

For more fun, visit these parties:

Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Beatrix Potter, Dishes, Peter Rabbit, Tablescaping, Thrifting | 11 Comments

Whimsical Week

I was delighted by the whimsical finds this week during my only thrifting stop. I popped by my favorite lunch-time thrift shop and came away with some fun items.

I know I said I was trying to cut back on picking up Wilton cake pans. Of course, you know what was waiting for me this week, don’t you? You’re right – another cake pan.

But seriously, when Batman, Spiderman, Hulk and their Marvel and DC Comic buddies are sprinkled throughout my household decor (really, I am sadly not kidding) how could I pass up a pristine Spiderman pan?

This little bank is by Lenox from their China Bears Heirloom Collection. It is missing its stopper.

I was intrigued with the interesting carousel characters.

Aren’t they charming?

I thought it was a good purchase for $1.75.

The last item I’m showing you is actually the first item I picked up. I gave it some serious thought because it was priced higher than my comfort zone. In the end, I decided it should come home with me.

This little beauty is not vintage, although she was produced to look so. I knew she would be appreciated in our kitschy home so I went with my instinct and paid the $3.75 so she could be mine. Now to find her perfect spot in the house.

I leave you with a picture of our crape myrtle and lilac bush covered with a light dusting of snow.

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Lenox, Rooster, Thrifting, Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Thrifty Thrifting

I have been thrifty with my trips to the thrift shops, trying to bring a little less home while I work on the clutter that is already here. There are some things I just can’t leave behind if they are marked at a good price; like Wilton cake pans. I don’t bake molded cakes like these nor do I intend to. But I just can’t resist picking up a cake pan if the price is right.

So here I have a Pokeman pan and a football shaped pan. I really do hope I can find the time to list some of my Wilton cake pan collection on Ebay. If I sell some of what I have collected, then I won’t feel so guilty picking up the next priced-just-right pan. Right?

I thought that perhaps this cute little Santa and his reindeer was going to be on sale. He wasn’t. I’m glad I picked him up anyway. For 75 cents I think he will bring a lot of Christmas joy to our home next decorating season.

Here he is again showing off the silver-plate bowl I found.

This piece could use some polishing; however, I’m currently using it in its tarnished glory to hold mail and miscellaneous bits and pieces of paper clutter.

I really liked the shell-like design on the edge of this container. It is EPCA Bristol Silver by Poole. I have learned that EPCA stands for Electro Plated Copper Alloy. It is nickel silver that has been silver-plated. I like the weight and size of this piece and happily paid $1.75 for it.

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Santa, Silver, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage | 7 Comments

Basket from Scottie Cookie Cutter

My friend “S” has amazing creative talent and often I am the recipient of those talents. How lucky is that?

When I unwrapped my Christmas presents from “S” one of them was this gorgeous basket she crafted around a vintage Scottie cookie cutter.

I just love this basket. I know there was a lot of love woven into this sweet basket. “S” often weaves her baskets around interesting things she finds while thrifting. Some day I hope to do a post sharing more of her wonderful basket creations.

To go along with the Scottie gift theme, my fellow thrifter found these cute little Scottie salt and pepper shakers at one of our favorite thrifts.

They are from Noritake’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas line and came in their original box. What a perfect present! Earlier, “S” had found this Scottie Angel for me. It would be a great Christmas tree topper, but I keep it out all year as a topper on a floor lamp.

I also received this retro-shaped cookie jar with Scotties dancing around the bottom edge. It was filled with shortbread cookies and hot cocoa mix. Yum!

I guess you can tell that “S” knows what I love!

And I am so blessed to have such a long-time good friend!

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Scotties, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage | 9 Comments

Scotties Through a Cheerful Thrifty Door

One of the most exciting things in life is seeing you have an unexpected package waiting for you in your mailbox or on your porch. Sometimes that can be a bad thing, but mostly it is a good thing. You wonder, what could that be? Who is that from? This time, my husband said, as he brought in the package, “What did you get from Wisconsin?”

In my case, it was a great thing and happened to me twice thanks to the super sweet kindness of Paulette from Cheerful Thrifty Door. I recently received my second package from Paulette. I was feeling under the weather when the package arrived. Can I tell you how much better I instantly felt?

Here is the package as it looked when I pulled it from the envelope. (I’ve learned that bloggers like to see the unwrapping process; something I did not know early on in my blogging life.)

Look at that darling Mary Englebreit gift card and how Paulette wrapped the package with the cheerful blue yarn.

I was being very patient to even take a picture of the inside of the card. You know I wanted to rip into this package…

Isn’t this the cutest linen kitchen towel? What a perfect New Year’s gift to receive! I just love it!!

This pair of Scotties will certainly make you smile. Thank you, Paulette, for thinking of me when you happened upon these cuties. You surely brightened my day!

But wait! I did say this was the second package I had received from Paulette. Back in my early blogging days I commented on one of Paulette’s posts about two vintage ceramic Scottie planters she found while thrifting. Her response? She wanted to send them to me!! I was overwhelmed with surprise and excitement and the same time. Not too long after that, these gorgeous vintage Scotties made a journey across many states to land on my doorstep.

I just love them! They have had a place of honor on my dining room hutch since I received them. Paulette, you are truly a sweetheart. Thank you so much for your kindness.

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Garage Sales, Linens, Scotties, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | 9 Comments

New Year at the Thrift

I managed to stay away from the thrifts for most of the holidays. I did pop in to check out the after-Christmas reductions of holiday items and found a few things at a thrift I don’t get to visit too often.

This Santa appears to be an oil lamp. There are no markings on him anywhere, but he looked old to me. He had a twin but the twin had a crack so he stayed behind.

These William Sonoma Santa spreaders were in the box and looked unused. I love spreaders so I couldn’t resist them.

Aren’t these little doggies the cutest? The sham wearing Scottie is an ornament. The little Westie is made by Lefton and is stamped with a number on the bottom of one of his paws.

This holiday Wilton snowman cake pan was also included in the sale. He was so cheerful I had to bring him along home.

This little box was filled with the plastic bobeches and sweet little plastic ornament. I was drawn to this box because it had a sticker from a small family-owned hardware store in our county.

The last items I found were these Mary Englebreit candlesticks. One was marked $1 and the other was marked 50 cents. The clerk rang the pair up for $1.

For all of these wonderful things, I spent a total of $3.29 which includes tax. Now that’s my kind of sale!

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Santa, Scotties, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage | 8 Comments

Skating Scotties

For several years I’ve received as gifts various pieces from the Skating Scotties pattern by Global Design Connections by Kate Williams. When I saw the salad plates this year at Home Goods, I scooped them right up. Then my daughter found the dinner plates at her Home Goods and a tablescape was born.

I really like this pattern because it can be used throughout the winter and not just at Christmas time. I placed the plates on deep green thrifted placemats and fully intended to do a table setting for four. Somehow I misplaced the extra placemats between getting them from their storage spot and putting them on the table. So a table for two is what you see instead. Do you ever do that?

Of course as soon as I’d taken these photos, what did I find? Yeah, the other placemats. It’s Murphy’s Law my friends.

I’ve used red napkins which I have had for ages (although I don’t think they qualify as vintage just yet) and the napkin rings my friend “S” gifted me with after one of our thrifting adventures.

I am using the Boopie glasses which were gifted by “S”. She also gave me the heads up about the Ruby Red Glasses which she found in one of our favorite thrift shops and told me about.

In the final plate stack it’s hard to see, but the stack starts with a thrifted black plate.

Then I added the Skating Scotties dinner plate.

And finally, the salad plate. The flatware I used was another yard sale find. It is a Williamsburg pattern hotel plate made by Wm. A. Rogers (Oneida Ltd.)

You can see the ceramic Scotties I bought at a hospital thrift shop after being alerted to their presence by Amy T. They are keeping watch over this setting.

It almost looks like that Scottie is keeping a watch on YOU, too, doesn’t it?

You can also see the Skating Scotties butter dish plate (without its lid) in the picture above. It is holding Southern Living at Home votives found at the same yard sale “S” found the napkin rings.

This pattern is so much fun. I’m so fortunate to have several other pieces to enjoy, including a covered candy dish, a teapot for one, some soup bowls, a creamer and pitcher.

Here are a few photos which include some of these other pieces as I’ve used them this season.

This vintage Christmas table cloth is a thrift find. The pewter coffee set was my mother’s.

Here is a close up view of the adorable Skating Scotties bowl. A co-worker gifted me with this bowl; thanks BZ! The red-handled bakelite spoons were from a recent yard sale; they were in the Free section of the sale. They were packaged in an old cardboard spice box with only the metal portions showing so I didn’t see the handles until I left the sale. I think I squealed a little bit when I saw those handles and realized they were most likely bakelite! And they were Free! I hope to do a post soon to show you the other Free items I got at this sale.

I will probably not post again before the holidays, so I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the Skating Scotties. Happy Holidays to all!

I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?,  A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday, and Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Tammy

Posted in Dishes, Garage Sales, Linens, Pewter, Scotties, Silver, Tablescaping, Tea Set, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | 25 Comments