Sunday, July 19, 2009

DELIGHTS OF AN ESTATE SALE JUNKIE...Loving the Hunt and Re-Purposing the Finds~

DELIGHTFUL HAUL ON A SUMMER MORNING

Yesterday morning, as is the norm around my home when the week-end cometh, my Mr. AGPM and I were up at the rack of dawn planning out the strategy of another exciting day of tag sale shopping. Sixteen separate Estate Sales were listed in the paper along with a slew of Garage Sales...my first thought was that it was going to be a busy day. Even though I tried to be optimistic about just how many places we'd actually get to, in my mind I knew it would probably only be about four. Guess what? Even with our GPS it takes time to drive both to and fro...and of course there's all the shopping...and looking...and thinking...and planning...and deciding...


MY FAVORITE CAKE STAND EVER
(Already Painted...as you can SEE!)

I shop for two reasons. The first is because I'm a seller of vintage finds and I'm in business to MAKE MONEY! The second reason is to decorate my home by being as thrifty as possible with the money I've been blessed with. I say a little prayer before I head out the door that my steps (and my choices) will be guided by the Most High. I mean~I believe God cares about all things in my life. Even those things one might think He wouldn't be interested in...
CARVED WOODEN FRAME - CIRCA 1950
Another reason I pray is because SOME of the places my hubby and I venture into are not the best of areas. On this latest hunt the neighborhoods were friendly and fine. However, some are not...and believe me when I say that is where I USUALLY discover the best stuff! Like I've told you before~I'm not afraid to go anywhere if my guy is with me (he can be pretty mean-looking if need be). Even so I always ask for protection on our journey because despite the fact he has a level head, I, in fact, do not! :(

AMAZING HANDWORK...SOON TO BE A PILLOW
(or TWO!)
When I come across the delights of another woman's hard working hands, I breathe in random thoughts of pleasure. Still, it pains me to know that so many beautifully designed treasures are left to languish alone on dusty, long-forgotten shelves for years and years at a time. The vintage piece above has been completely hand-fashioned...I placed a piece of taupe fabric (another find) underneath the cut-work so you can see the detail... GLORIOUS!

VTG VANITY BENCH...ALREADY PAINTED
(Newer Crocks for my Cottage Kitchen)

Haven't decided if I'll grace the bench with hand painted pink roses... For now I'm just happy I didn't have to paint it...

A BAG MADE FROM VINTAGE SKIRT

This lovely vintage skirt (or slip) was long ago made into a bag...maybe for laundry? It is absolutely charming. I'm lovin' that old eyelet lace.

Tell me, please!? Why is it, even with all our 'wonderful technology' can we NOT make things as good as we once did? I'm thinkin' it's because everything is thrown together overseas and NOT made in American any longer...hmmmmmm....

VINTAGE 1945 PICTURE FRAME
(Dated on the Metal)

This sweet easel-backed frame is going to hold the wedding picture of my favorite daughter-in-law (thank goodness I only have one...love you Sarah-Girl).

FAVORITE FINDS OF THE DAY
(circa 1900 European Pillow Slips)

Hiding in the back of a cob-web filled closet I discovered the two vintage Pillow Slips (Shams) above. Finely stitched with delicate monograms (SH), the edges are scalloped and the buttons are the hand covered shell type, complete with teeny, tiny buttonholes... Cost for both of these 2die4 beauties was a cool $6 bucks! I'm definitely keeping them as they already have a new place to call home (my bed)!

VINTAGE SEWING CABINET DRAWER
OLD WOODEN FILE BOX

Soon to be painted with my favorite paints and decorated with roses! Yummy! Can't wait!

My haul for yesterday was amazing. Like I said...I buy both for personal use and to resell. I didn't even wait for the sun to come up today to begin their transformation!

ANOTHER SWEET CAKE COVER

I almost passed on buying this wonderful Cake Cover because it didn't have a base. But...it kept calling out to me and I hated to leave it sitting on the kitchen counter all alone... Because it was already painted I'll probably strip off the rusty color and artwork in favor of something soft and PINK!

I waste no time getting things done. Sooo...for all of you who keep asking "Where's her finished stuff?" Well, keep watching! It's coming up this week~

Blessings to you as you continue to seek out the treasures hiding in your neighbor's house...Rebecca

33 comments:

Sandra said...

Very awesome finds! I like everything! Love the bench!
Blessings,
Sandra

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

My heart skipped a beat when I saw all of your finds. I love estate sales. I can't wait to see what you do with these treasures.
xxoo, Susan

Unknown said...

Wow you found some great items! Warm wishes for a great week, Esther

Anonymous said...

Good afternoon, most Beautiful Rebecca on this wonderful (got some rain) Sunday! Oh, your treasures are wonderful. I adore the beautiful cake plate on the stand. It's very elegant! Of course, the pretty handwork really catches my eye! Everything you touch turns into beautifulness!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0

Tanza said...

Hi my sweet friend,
Omgosh, you hit a gold mine yesterday.. WOW !! Perfect finds for you (and meee).. Tell me, you're not keeping the cakestand and cover ARE YOU ?! To die for !! That sweet frame.. oh my.. All your lace !! WOWSERS !! I am soo escited !! Ialways know when tresures are found, that treasures will be listed !! You are soo good at teasing us with all your pretties.. I can't wait to see the transformations completed !! Let me know.. kay !! I am soo glad you had a wonderful treasure hunt day !!! I bet you're pooped today.. Rest and than get busy painting girlie!! I can't stand waiting..you know me !!!
Talk to you soon~
big hugs ~tea~xo

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

Oh what wonderful things you've found. Makes my heart beat faster just thinking about finding wonderful things like this - I haven't been in a few weeks and I believe there is a tag sale jaunt in my very near future!

Linda said...

Glad you find these beatiful vintage things! We rarely have estate sales as I live in a teeny tiny town of 1,000. That is why I need to rely on you to find things for me!! Big Smile!! Thanks for sharing your finds. They are wonderful indeed!

crash-n-smash said...

Hello Rebecca,Oh My, you did have fun finding lots of treasures:) You Hubby is so sweet to go with you. Mine doesn't like to go.
I did not know that you were an Elliott:) Burl's family came from Scotland,to Alabama then Texas.I have worked on my genealogy some,but not as much his,his Mom is divorced and remarried. Have a great week painting. I will be watching my mail:) Hugs, Mary:)

Unknown said...

Hi Rebecca! You found a lot wonderful things!! I cannot wait to see the beautiful transformation you give them. You know I just adore your work!! So soft and romantic :)

Hugs,
Amy

June said...

Hi Rebecca dear,
I love the smell of a good estate sale. You found some wonderful goodies at the sales you hit today. So interesting that you mentioned that you say a prayer before going to the sales, because I pray over things like that too. I even pray that I will stay within my budget.
Thank you for the sweetest message you left for me today.
Now, don't you have some painting to do?
Hugs,
June

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Goodness such a successful hunt. It is so heartwarming to read of the closeness and teamwork with which you and your husband incorporate in your life. My favorite treasure in your haul is the painted cake pedestal and cover. I have never seen one like it.

One Shabby Old House said...

Rebecca, We actually could be the same people.
As I read your post I was amazed at how our lives are so alike. However lately I have been praying for restraint. Ever get like that.
So many good things are out there to be found.
I resale too and am in a wonderful shop. God just keeps blessing this little business of mine. And what did I ever do before GPS...got lost alot! And how could I ever do this without my sweet hubby.
Hugs
Becky

One Shabby Old House said...

Ok now I am convinced we were separated at birth. I scrolled through your blog...I have a blog called Fresh gatherings that I sell from.
I have a sewing machine cover just like you painted.
I will have to someday show you the signs I had in my shop...you will be convinced we are sisters..lol Well at least I found you.
Hugs
Becky

Anonymous said...

YOU FOUND SOME GOOD STUFF!! LOVE THE OLD SLIP TURNED INTO A BAG, GORGEOUS! I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THINGS ARE NOT MAGE THE WAY THEY WERE, AND YES IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE NO LONGER MADE HERE... HMM AND WE HAVE THE HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN HISTORY..HMM IS RIGHT, YOU WOULD THINK IT WAS COMMON SENSE! GRR. ANYWAY, ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY EVENING. WE ARE GOING TO SIT DOWN AND MAKE HOMEMADE MONKEY BREAD AND HOT CHOCOLATE (YES IN THE SUMMER, SOUNDED GOOD THOUGH)

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Rebecca, I too love the cake plate and cover, the white one with the elegant knob on top. That is just exquisite. I also love th bench. You are so lucky to be able to paint roses on things you find. I would love to be able to paint, but I do not believe God meant for me to have a paintbrush in these hands of mine. Wonderful post, and looks like a great time was had by all. Country love and hugs, Sherry

Sweet Sage said...

Fabulous treasures!
Beautiful blog!
~kim

joanne said...

Thanks for sharing your day with us...spectacular finds! I can't wait to see what comes of them..;p

Anonymous said...

Wow, you got found alot of wonderful things. I really need to get out and visit some yard sales. Now that we have the yard all done maybe in the next few weeks we can. I agree with you about things being made overseas. I love buying Amercian whenever I can. Have you notice that the overseas goods are getting expensive to buy now? They use to be the cheapest thing around.

Willow

Anonymous said...

I can't say I like one find over the other!! I like them all & can see a different repurpose for each!! Can't wait to see what you do with them. Have a great time painting & stitchin'.
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Deanna said...

such neat finds.
Enjoyed seeing them and I can imagine what you'll do with these.
I am a firm believer in praying for the bargains and guidance.
Amen.
D

Barb said...

Rebecca, love all your wonderful finds....you did indeed, make a haul!

XOXO
Barb

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Rebecca. I wanted to pop in and remind you that tomorrow at 7am Amy has her procedure at Mercy Hospital OKC. If she passes this procedure (does not have a stroke) then she will be able to have the surgery that she needs to save her life. She is barely weighing in at 80 pounds now and has been weak, but we are hopeful, as God stepped in when I sent her the mouthwash she so desperately needed and she has been able to rinse her little mouth, and it has allowed her to eat a little something for nourishment. Please pray for her today and tomorrow like you have never prayed. We are going to need lots of prayers. I wish I could be there, but I cannot come home at this time. I will keep you posted. Please pop over and see my manic Monday. It will make you smile. Country Hugs, Sherry

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

the cake stand covers are divine!

crash-n-smash said...

Hi Rebecca, Just a note to say I received my precious box today and I Love it:) Thank you also for the sweet cards. I do have several birthdays coming up. Thank You so much for everything. Have a fun week.
Hugs, Mary:)

Anonymous said...

I love that cake stand/cover!! I've been looking for a simple glass one and they are pricey. This one is gorgeous. The shape is beautiful! I also like the little kidney shape bench. I always did like those. Are you painting on the roses yet? :)

blushing rose said...

OMG!!! What a 'haul' you made, Rebecca. I have already pictured the roses on these gorgeous finds. I'll be dreaming of your rose creations forever ... be still my heart.

Now tell me, on the sewing machine cover, do you have the bottom to it also or just the top, please.

TTFN ~Marydon

Rebecca Nelson said...

To Tammy: I'm in the process of painting on them NOW! Whooo Hooo! I found an inexpensive cake cover at ROSS. Check it out! xo

To MaryDon: I only have the top of the sewing machine cover. :( :( :( That is how it was when I found it! It is now one of my very favorite pieces...ox

xoRebecca

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

OOOOO! You made some beautiful finds. I especially like the linens! I always make a bee-line to textiles when I'm out shopping. You sure did great!!
Blessings,
Patricia :o)

Tara said...

It sounds like you are a serious bargain hunter, with a little help from above! It's so much fun to see what other people find to buy on their shopping sprees!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Update on Amy!
Debbie just called. Mercy Hospital is running late. They did come in this morning and tried several times unsuccessfully to draw blood. Extremely painful for Amy. Amy's blood pressure is very low this morning. They have told us they are going to draw blood when they get an IV started. I pray for that to happen as with her possibly to dehydrated I don't know if they can. Debbie held the phone up to Amy's ear and I was able to tell her that I loved her and so many of us are praying for her. I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I will continue to update each of you as I hear anything. Love, Sherry

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Gorgeous finds Rebecca!! Can't wait to see your transformations!! ;)
I'm so glad to be back visiting!
♥ Teresa

Déjà View Designs said...

Oh My Goodness Gracious!!! I am drooling... love everything!

A Southern Rose said...

That cake cover and stand is my favorite! I've never seen one like that before. Its shaped like a bundt cake! I just baked a bundt cake last night for a party at work today. I need to find one of those covers! All of your finds are going to be beautiful when you get through with them!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

P.S. I've been known to go to questionable areas before while out going to garage sales. That is where I have found the best things!

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