My friend: "It was old, tacky and destined for the dump, so naturally I thought of you."
Me: "Thank You I guess. What is it?"
My Friend: "Deer parts."
Me: "Why not."
This happens a lot to me, not necessarily the deer parts part, but the "old and tacky so thinking of you" part. There is a compliment in there, really. My friends know that I can turn trash to treasure or as I call it, my Repurposed Treasure.
So take one deer trophy mount that has seen better days,
Add a $2.00 mirror purchased at a recent church sale,
Dust if off and paint everything with high gloss white, yes, even the fur.
Before and
After.
The completed project, a gorgeous mirror for your foyer. Just think, those little hooves could hold umbrellas or hats. I call it "Sculptural Bambi". Painted white, those little hooves look like they were carved from marble. The mirror fit perfectly, as if it was made for the piece.
Personally, I think this mirror would look right at home with these Country Living photo shoots.
Just imagine it hanging by the back door instead of that boring framed print. Hey, I think I may be on to something. What do you think?
Today I am linking up with Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday. (Please click here to see some fabulous make-overs). I am also over at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday for all kinds of fun show and tell goodies (Please click here). I am so proud of myself that I actually remembered (took my time for once) to take the before shots.
Got it at Goodwill
Sherrie
SHELFSKI: (noun) An item that is imperfect but not without some merit in use as a decorative object only, as in form without function. No, you won't find this word in Websters Dictionary nor can I say that I was creative enough to have coined the phrase; however, I did write up this proper definition.
I first heard the word from a flea market dealer while he was trying to convince me to buy a Weller vase that had a crack, albeit only a hairline crack at best. His remark needed no explanation, I immediately got the concept. With a Shelfski, the crack, chip, missing piece, paint discoloration and any other flaw, simply faces the back of the shelf. This allows me to display pedigree pieces of pottery, that I otherwise would not be able to afford such as Majolica and Roseville. I do not purchase a Shelfski with the intent of resale, but rather, personal use only.
So I decided to display a few of my favorite Shelfski pieces for Rhoda at Southern Hospitality's Today's Thrifty Treasures, Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays, Diane at A Picture is worth a 1,000 words for 2nd Time Around and Suzanne at Coloradolady's Vintage Thingies Thursday. Please be sure to join these fun ladies for their parties to see what the other guests are showcasing on their respective days.
My first piece is the cream/tan Weller Vase (next to the birds). I had been looking for this color combination for my family room and was thrilled to find the piece. It was this seller that gave me the word Shelfski. He successfully argued that the hairline crack would not be seen on the shelf under normal viewing circumstances. (In fact, it took me a moment or two to even see the crack as I was holding it.) So for $8.00 I bought it and I love it.
My dining room is rose colored and until recently, the china cabinet contained pretty-in-pink dishes and glassware. I found this lovely Roseville vase at a lawnsale for only $1.00. I was surprised to have even found it as I recognized several dealers just leaving the sale as I was walking in.
Then I turned the vase around and saw the 2 chips along the rim. But hey, Roseville for only $1.00, I knew it would be perfect for a dining room hutch Shelfski.
This Nippon teapot, a $.50 cent lawnsale find, makes a lovely vase filled with peonies fresh from the garden.
One would never know that the backside is missing a chunk along the rim, especially, when filled with the flowers.
This is a McCoy plant pot (thank you Angela at I'm Like a Little Bird for the correction) purchased at a lawnsale for $1.00. It is a hanging plant pot. You can see the holes for the chain along the top of the planter. I love the color. It is in an upstairs bedroom (I removed the plant for the photo) and no one is the wiser as to it's little flaw .......
a rather large chip located on the underside of the planter.
The two cream pitchers on the right side of the photo were both recent Goodwill finds. Since I am redoing my diningroom china cabinet to a cream/ivory palette, I thought they would be perfect. However, both had very large cracks which someone had tried to repair.
Now I will spend $.25 - $1.00 at a lawnsale for what is obviously going to be regulated as a shelfski-only decoration. I will not spend $4.99 as each was marked, for something that most would consider simply trash. I love my Goodwill stores, don't get me wrong. It is just that the employees are taught to recognize certain names as being valuable, whether it is in housewares or fashions. They are so intent on the search for names, in this case Spode, that they don't consider the condition of the item. Don't even get me started on the ridiculous prices for dishwasher-over-washed-destroyed-design-and-scratched-up-Pyrex. Realistically, these pitchers should not have been donated, much less stocked on a Goodwill shelf. After a brief talk with the Manager, the pitchers came home with me, both for $.99 cents.
The discolored brown lines identify the cracks on each piece.
I know what you are thinking, aren't these the mushroom canisters that I just showed for my "Orange you glad to find such treasures day". Well they are the same, but not the exact ones. I just found these 2 pieces at a church sale this weekend. I had sizes 2 & 3, these are sizes 1 & 4. Both for $1.00. I was very happy. What are the odds of finding mushrooms 2 weeks in a row, at 2 different places. Mushrooms are just popping up all over. (It must be all the rain we are having .... sorry, lame joke.)
I didn't realize till I got home that the smaller piece had a crack and chip. On the shelf it is fine but I think I will be using it for holding pens and paintbrushes in my craft room.
My last piece isn't a proper Shelfski in the sense that the flaw is hidden from view. It is a piece I received from my mom that I grew up with and loved. It is a sugar canister that belonged to dad's mom, my grandmother, and her mother before her. From my earliest recollections, the crack was always a part of the piece. It doesn't matter. Whenever I look upon it, I am brought back to the kitchen of my childhood, where it was warm, safe and cozy, and always smelled of something good cooking. Not just a Shelfski, this is a priceless treasure.
So the next time you are at that lawn, church, rummage, tag sale or flea market, just remember, that the occasional Shelfski is okay. Just between us friends, don't we all have a few on our shelves and in our cupboards? Come on, you can admit it.
Be sure to check out all the parties and have a great day.
Got it at Goodwill
Sherrie
Good Morning all. Today is Vintage Thingie Thursday, once again brought to you by our fabulous hostess, Suzanne@The Colorado Lady. (click here to visit). Before we even start the party, you have to see the photos Suzanne posted today of her Vintage Theme Bridal Shower. They are fabulous, and I am shamelessly going to copy all her ideas.
Today I have a few Goodwill and church sale finds that made me rather happy this week. After all, it is about the hunt and the found treasure is a bonus.
The two cups in the back came from a recent church rummage sale for a $.10 apiece. The one in the front is from Goodwill for $.99. I love that the design is also inside the cup. The design is the same on all three cups; however, the execution of the cups is different.
All three are stamped made in Japan. The two from the church sale are thicker than the other piece, with different handles. I have no proper place to display my blue & white collection; but I can't say no to Blue Willow or the Flying Turkey Design.
PYREX, apparently I can't say no to that either. This divided casserole dish followed me home Sunday from the new Goodwill store ($2.99). The photo does not do the colors justice, the flowers are gold leaf on a cream background. Although it is missing it's lid, the gold leaf is in pristine shape. The pattern is called Dandelion Duet (also known as Thistle) and was part of the Promotional Cinderella Divided Dish Series 963 in Spring 1959.
There were 4 other Pyrex pieces at the store. Two of which were 50% off being the color of the week. The 2 not on sale dishes were marked $3.99 and $2.99. At first I had them in my cart until closer inspection showed unacceptable cracks and major chips along the handles. This brings me to a small complaint about Goodwill. Their employees are given certain names to look for in both housewares and in clothing. For dishes, Pyrex is one of those names to watch for in pricing. I can appreciate that; however, I don't care if it is Pyrex, if it is broken, you get $.50 only. Last night I was at the store again and found another casserole dish, that the entire design had been rubbed off, for $3.99! Yes it still served a function, you could cook in it, but otherwise would have to be hidden in the cupboard. I want both form and function with my purchases, please.
I actually passed on the 2 sale pieces. They were in great shape but had been priced really, really high to begin with. Knowing that I would be reselling them, it just didn't leave me room for a mark up.
I saw this little chicken in a basket at Goodwill. It was $1.99. The two pieces had been taped together, around and around and around .... so I could not easily unwrap it to see what was inside. I decided to take the chance and purchase it. I suspected it was Made in Japan but there were no markings on the outside.
This is what I discovered when I got home. Egg salt n' pepper set with the Japan label. You have to admit, what vintage table couldn't use a chicken-in-a-basket with salt n' pepper eggs?
I have shown several of my turquoise dishes. I have always loved that color, especially paired with yellow. In fact, I was reading that turquoise has replaced the pink/brown combo of last year's must have colors. In this photo you will see 2 glass trays. The large circle was purchased at a Goodwill several years ago, the rectangular matching tray, last week at Goodwill for $1.99! I almost danced in the aisle when I found it, buried underneath a stack of newer plates.
These are my Vintage Treasures for today. Please be sure to stop by and visit Suzanne and see what everyone else is bringing to the party.
Have a lovely day.
Sherrie
Today, while shopping for the family Easter dinner, I was reminded of a grocery trip, years ago, for another Easter meal. It was twelve years ago. My husband, daughter and I had just returned from up north visiting my family for the Spring birthday celebrations. My Mom, my older sister and my daughter have birthdays within weeks of each other, and we celebrate them all with one big birthday celebration. It had been a lovely time. My daughter, then 9, was very pleased with her gifts, especially the gift of a brand new five dollar bill she had received in a birthday card. It was just enough to purchase a new Polly Pocket Doll that she had been wanting. It was easy to be excited when you were only nine. She had carefully folded up the bill and for safe keeping placed it in her pocket.
Once we returned back to Town, we stopped at the local grocery store to pick up some eggs, milk and whatever else was needed for the following day as it would be Easter Sunday, and all the stores, rightfully so, would be closed. As you all know, going to a grocery store right before a holiday guarantees that the store will be crowded and the inventory low. Having grabbed our purchases with only a few substitutions, we made it to the express line, which thankfully was moving right along.
While waiting our turn, I noticed that the woman in front of us was someone I recognized, by face and not name. She was one of the elderly church ladies that served as cashiers at the Methodist Church rummage sale held each Fall and Spring. (By the way, the best church sale ever, I am a loyal regular customer. FYI Their Spring sale is in 3 weeks.) She always had a smile and air of calmness and was never bothered by the long line of customers, some of whom unfortunately did not display proper manners, cutting in line and even pushing, as they queued up before her to pay. That was why I was surprised when I realized that this sweet lady before me had become quite flustered and agitated. Apparently, she did not have enough money to cover her purchases. It was obvious that she had put together the ingredients for a little Easter meal, a small ham slice, a bag of carrots and two potatoes in addition to a prescription from the pharmacy. It was a new prescription for her and she hadn't realized how expensive the medication would be, more than what she could afford. The cashier was trying to be helpful by suggesting an item to perhaps put back, but really all were needed.
Before I could formulate a thought or action to assist this woman, my daughter, my sweet nine year old little girl with the heart of one much older, reached into her pocket and pulling out the neatly folded $5.oo bill handed it to the cashier and asked "Will this help?" The cashier, at first confused, looked at me for a confirmation of sorts and I nodded my head in approval. The woman began to protest that she could not accept the money. Placing my hand upon her own frail fingers shaking from the stress of the moment, I turned to her and said it was my daughter's gift to her and wished her a Happy Easter. Giving my hand a squeeze to say thank you, she then turned to my daughter and gave her a hug. The cashier finished ringing through the purchase and after applying all monies collected, returned $.18 cents in change to the woman.
Although her birthday had already been celebrated, a few days later, my daughter awoke to find a brightly colored little package on her pillow, containing one much coveted Polly Pocket Doll, a gift from Mom and Dad, proud parents of a very special little girl. This Easter, please remember that it is more than bunnies and chocolate that we celebrate. From my family to yours, wishing you all a blessed Easter Day.
Sherrie*
Image courtesy of Graphics Fairy
Happy St. Patrick's Day. Today is also Wednesday is Rednesday. Our gracious host of the party, Sue @ It's a Very Cherry World, suggested last week in honor of the holiday to add a little Irish green to this week's reds. Long before Domestic Diva Martha made this color combo popular by showcasing her daughter's retro kitchen in her Martha Stewart Living magazine, I had long used that color scheme in my decor .... I love putting bright red accents with my Jadeite plates. So here are a few of my pieces.
The breadbox is a reproduction piece, a gift from a friend, and with its "Jadeite Green" color and red roses, it sets the tone for today's Irish Red. The sweet little napkin holder is festooned with strawberries and has a green stripe around the top. I found it at Goodwill for $1.99. It is marked Japan. Everything else except the bundt pan are lawnsale or thrift store finds. The cake pan was marked on clearance 75% off at my local grocery store. You have got to love the color. I am thinking it would look fabulous with red enamel polka dots painted on .... It's okay, I have other bundt pans for any actual cooking.
Red and green thermoses.
Here is just a sample of my glassware, mostly Goodwill or lawnsale finds.
3 vintage potholders, salt and pepper set and a popcorn tin, all from last fall's rummage sale at my favorite church, at $.25 apiece.
I love to collect vintage kitchen utensils both plastic and wooden handles .....
Red and Green. I just love the green glass handle on the egg beater. The tin is going to become a lamp. I have the parts gathered and just need the time to assemble.
I also use new pieces such as this tin sign found at Christmas tree shop, (after Christmas 90% off - - honestly it almost feels like stealing) and I just love the paper napkins, printed with my favorite jadeite green with a red mixer. The cloth napkin is from a set of 6, the same church sale and same price. It was a very good sale!!!
This metal thermometer is one of my favorite pieces. It has two hooks for hanging your potholders. I remember paying $10.00 at a flea market, more than what I usually spend, but I had never seen anything like it before or since. The red salt shaker was a recent purchase for $.50 cents and the green one was a dime last fall at, you guessed it, the best ever church sale.
This tray was a $.50 lawnsale find, I just love the red roses against the green, and the Fire King pieces were all priced between $1.00 - $5.00. I use the food chopper all the time.
The metal red apple cookie jar was found for free!!! The fabric was a lawnsale find, a couple of yards for only a $1.00. Pieced with coordinating fabric, it will be made into curtains. For the time being, I use it as a tablecloth. The photo does not show very well the jadeite green color found in the flowers against the red background. By the way, I have seen Jadeite spelled various ways, this is how I spell it. I would appreciate any suggestions or comments on the issue. Thanks. Also included is another potholder, a crocheted beauty.
My second red apple cookie jar is a porcelain piece and a lawnsale find for $.25. The clock was at Goodwill for a few bucks. Really, with finds like these, who needs Home Goods or Target?
In an earlier post around Christmas, I had remarked that I had never heard of Holt Howard before Vintage Christmas Monday, and that now I wanted to collect them. Imagine my surprise to find that I already owned a piece. I had purchased this little green and red flower candlestick holder at a Christmas Church sale for a dime, sometime ago. I didn't know, at that time, the name Holt Howard. It matches this Christmas theme pot holder perfectly.
Here is a better view of the fabric along with a rug that I have had for over 25 years. I just love the green and red stripes. The tablecloth was found for $2.00 also at a Christmas Fair. The graphics are adorable.
Well that is it for today's reds (and greens). Thank you again to our host Sue. Please be sure to check out all the other participants of Wednesday is Rednesday (click here) and be sure to wish them all a Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Speaking of happy, nothing brings a smile like a red box of Girl Scout cookies or maybe even two. The boxes are empty, with my family, the cookies only lasted 2 days.
Please be sure to join me again this Friday, when I will be announcing my 100 Followers Giveaway. I am so excited. I couldn't have reached this goal with out the amazing support of all my new friends. I can't wait to show you what I have put together to say Thank You. See you then.
Have a great day.
Sherrie
So take one deer trophy mount that has seen better days,
Add a $2.00 mirror purchased at a recent church sale,
Dust if off and paint everything with high gloss white, yes, even the fur.
After.
Personally, I think this mirror would look right at home with these Country Living photo shoots.
Just imagine it hanging by the back door instead of that boring framed print. Hey, I think I may be on to something. What do you think?
Today I am linking up with Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday. (Please click here to see some fabulous make-overs). I am also over at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday for all kinds of fun show and tell goodies (Please click here). I am so proud of myself that I actually remembered (took my time for once) to take the before shots.
