The Mother-lode

The day didn't start right. I had bookmarked a gigantic once a year sale. I thought it started at 10:00. The plan was to get my daughter to her job by 8:00, go back home, sip coffee, eat breakfast, measure some items and pack my camera so I could document the sale and share it here with you.  I decided to double check the date just before we left the house. The sale started at 8:00. Ack!!! With barely enough time to change my clothes, I took my daughter to work and went to the sale without breakfast, brushing my teeth and forgot my camera. Sigh. 

This would be a good time to go through all the things a person should do to be prepared for a thrifting event.  But I won't do that now because this sale turned out to be the mother of all sales. It was a GREAT sale, clean quality items priced to move. I'm showing some of it today, got enough stuff for three thrift shares. So here is part of my bratty haul...

Some retro and mid century things, fondue pot in perfect condition, a dansk decanter, serving utensils, egg cups, pitcher, candle holder, plate, cute purple owl...

I've already used the electric crepe maker for a family gathering today for Father's day. I really like the design of the faux wood tray. Pepper mill in the back. Nice lamp and big platter. 

Here's a closer view of the lamp, can't read the name written in it, does anyone recognize it? I'm thinking this must be designer.

These heavy ceramic knobs were just $2!

Can you believe this price for Danish 18/8 stainless steel candle holders? Item to the right is a ribbon holder that you mount to the wall. I'm going to use it to hang my scarves on.

Ceramic tureen and the candle holders

Some items from Japan

I really like the design of this lacquered wood jewelry box. For how cool it is on the outside, the inside has a kind of tacky red velvet.

This vintage Lightolier lamp from Japan is a definite highlight of my thrifting extravaganza. The stem and base are metal, shade is plastic, it was $15. I really like it's modern style and will find a special place for it.

I'll share the rest of the items over the next two weeks or so. Now I'm going to focus on finding a place for everything - and cleaning, organizing and decluttering my house. I want to take time to do projects I've posted about, so I can share them with you.

This post is part of Thrift Share and linked to:

Her Library Adventures

Coastal Charm

House of Grace

Very Merry Vintage Style

Handy Man, Crafty Woman

Blue Cricket Design

Faded Charm

Clock On!

I like the design of many clocks from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I know I'm not alone in this, just google vintage clocks. There are more clocks than a person has time. (See how I worked that in?) Garage sales, thrift sales and estate sales can be good sources. But if you are looking for a specific clock or style, eBay or etsy is a better source. Let's take a look at a some great clocks from this era. 

Braun Clocks

These cute little Braun clocks would fit almost anywhere. I like their modern style and cute little legs!

JOE JE BIN

This owner has a nice collection of flip clocks - very retro. Keep hoping I'll come across one of these on a thrifting trip, I know they're out there!

Kimberly Roberts

How great is this Coral Clock? It's owner purchased it on eBay. It's very space age and in 60's lingo, I dig it!

purplepuglips

Sweet GE turquoise clock, this little number would look great on 

a nightstand or dresser.

breareye

This United Starburst clock was found in the trash and rescued. The new owner took it to a clock repair shop as it was not working. The electric housing was taken out and a battery operated motor was put in for about $20. No cords and a great idea!

lainheath

This teak starburst clock is simply gorgeous!

retrovintagecorner

Starburst Clocks are kind of like the movie stars of Mid Century clocks, aren't they? This one is a Metamec clock.

carissapod

Love the design of this Nelson Ball Clock

Thrift Store Addict

This yellow Spartus clock is fresh and retro at the same time. (What, what!) It's owner found it dumped in the trash - score!

hollyminneman

The design of this Seth Thomas Clock is timeless (no pun intended, hee hee, oh I slay myself, oh I must stop staying up too late at night) It was purchased at a Goodwill for $3!

Dee Adams

Very nice design on this Seth Thomas clock, the Japanese pottery looks great next to it. This just furthers my love of mid century and Japanese design.

Lastly, thought I would share with you an illustration I did as one of my final projects before I graduated last year and got my degree in Graphic Design. Yes, I'm a late bloomer, but I'm here to tell you that you're never too old to go back to school. When I graduated I was 52, best thing I ever did.

As you can see my obsession with vintage clocks is not new. Please ignore the sucky name, I was a little burnt out from working on multiple projects that were due and my brain couldn't handle any more creativity. Let me know if you think of a better one, I would love to hear it!

You Light Up My Life.....

I've been looking for lampshades to go with a pair of lamps I found this past weekend and getting frus-ter-a-ted. If I find the right size and shape, it's not the right color. Plus paying $60 or more for lampshades for lamps I paid $6 for is hard for me. What's that saying - you can't have your cake and eat it too? Maybe. This could turn into a diy project. 

HGTV

On HGTV's website there is a great tutorial on covering a lamp shade with fabric. I think this may be a good option for me if I can't find what I'm looking for. 

Of course I can't stop looking, even after I find what I need. (I think there's a name for that.)

Southern Living

I think this coffee cup lamp is just as sweet as can be.

Tip Junkie

OMG - this photo lampshade is so neat!

Interiora

Although there's no tutorial for making this lamp, I love the idea. It would be so cute in a boy's room. Snag an old toy like this at a garage sale and spray paint it all one color. It could be rusty or paint peeling and left as is too. Buy a cord with a socket like the one above and you're set to go. (To be on the safe side a lamp like this would be for a child that is old enough to understand that a lamp like this can't be played with.)

Tip Junkie

These diy outdoor lights are simple and inexpensive. I could see a whole bunch of these used for an outside party - ambient and festive!

The DIY showoff

How cool is this lamp? What a great use for old rulers that have a nice patina or good graphics on them!