Wednesday, June 17, 2009

THRIFTY THURSDAY: A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT

Today I am joining Leigh from Tales From Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday. Visit Leigh's delightful blog~ you will love it and then visit all the girl's with their great thrifty buys!

I recently had the good fortune to find a thrift store called 2nd Time Around, not too far from where I live. I saw the ad in the back of Romantic Homes and went, "Wow... that's only about 15 minutes from here!" So off I went and I have gone back a few more times since. I can't say there is anything old there, like some of the antique stores I frequent, but I am trying to learn the art of not only seeing what something IS, but what it can BE!! That takes a lot of creative thinking and talent and I have learned so much from all of you, my friends. But I am going to give you fair warning, I am going to be asking for a wee little bit of help in this post! ;-)

First I have a wrought iron, two tier basket with some little grapes and leaves on it. It appears to have been spray painted a lovely shade of baby poop brown. It's about 24 inches high and my first thought was to use it on a counter. In the kitchen perhaps, to hold fruit or in the bath to hold soap and hand towels. That ends my many usage ideas and actually, we can scrap the bathroom idea because none of my vanities are big enough for this. Secondly, do grapes belong in a bathroom?? Next, I have the issue of the paint job. I actually think the BP brown can be used to an advantage if I paint it white and then sand it a little to distress it with some of the brown showing through. Any other ideas? See how creative I can be!

This is the pitcher and saucer that you see a lot on the mantle in the background of all my "Abby Posing Pictures". Sherri from Sharing With Sherri mentioned she liked it so I'm sharing (no pun intended). This is also from the same place. I have beautiful roses in it from Michael's, my florist of late. I like the raised pattern on the saucer and it looks almost brand new. I'd like to tell you I paid $1.50 for it, but honestly, I don't remember since it was months ago. I'd also like to say it was such a bargain that I had to have it but again, in all honesty, if I really liked it, all common sense would fly out the window and I'd end up going home with it, maybe hiding it in the closet for awhile and doing the "Oh, that old thing?" number when The Husband asked about it. Nothing needs to be altered on this find, maybe I will splurge on real flowers once in awhile!


This is another pitcher I found just recently. I guess I'm having a thing for pitchers. You can't tell from the picture, but it is a very pale yellow. I thought it might look good in the white Cottage Kitchen, maybe to hold cooking utensils. I really like things that are pretty and have a function. Or at least I am supposed to.



This is one of my bigger finds. (Ignore Monster Fern. He is being sent back to the lake where he belongs now that the weather is warm). This is from an antique store blocks away from here in Chicago. I believe it was a dresser since it has hardware in the back of it where a mirror might once have been on the side behind the drawers. The Husband did not believe we would ever be able to replace the mirror so he bought the one on the wall from Home Depot. Did you know they sell beautiful mirrors? I didn't. It has a medallion to hang it from but I was too anxious for him to drill the hole! LOL!!




Oh goodness, I downloaded the same picture twice!! Sorry. I don't know how to edit this so just say "It's okay, Blondie" and we will move along...





Now this cabinet is the closest thing I have to a china cabinet due to lack of space. We have a bar/counter that divides our kitchen from our living room and the dining room table is sort of between. I can't explain it very well, but one day I will take a picture. In the drawers I keep tablecloths, place mats, napkins, napkin rings, candles, etc. Everything I need to set a table...






Inside I keep a mess, I mean some china and all sorts of bowls and platters and miscellaneous things. It really needs to be sorted out but frankly, there is no where for it to go. I don't dare complain, you see, because a few years ago we found the house of our dreams. I was going to have that big dining room, a pantry off the gourmet kitchen, a sitting room off the bedroom...you get the idea. We just couldn't make that leap from not having a mortgage to once again having one. Months later, the beginning of the end of our great economy occurred. I am forever grateful for what I have and yes, I complain my closet is the size of a locker and that I can set the table and clean my bedroom at the same time, but we avoided disaster.







Okay, here you can sort of see the strange configuration of the rooms. The couch divides the living room on the left from the bar and kitchen on the right.
Now, I never had any intention of changing the finish on this cabinet in any way because the wood grain is beautiful and the inserts are cut across the grain of the wood the way it used to be done before we stopped destroying our forests. But I am wondering about the knobs... My sister~in~law suggested glass knobs. What do you think? I really think they need to be changed. Is there anything else out there that might look good on these drawers?? By the way, Layla says Hi!!! I woke her up from her nap.
So this is it for Thrifty Thursday. Pay Leigh a visit, she has a fun blog and she is just the sweetest! I will see all of you soon!!
xoxo
Jane









54 comments:

Domestic Designer said...

Looks like you have some great thrifty finds! I really like the wrought iron basket. So cute! Thanks for letting us see all of your goodies and have a great evening!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Janie,
Your such a fun blogger!! I like the grapey basket, my daughter found one and uses it to hold remote controls for the tv and stereo. They would be cute holding little kitchen towels too. I like the idea of glass knobs on your pretty dresser, I've seen some amazing ones lately and Hobby Lobby carries a lot of cute ones too! Take Care, Cindy

Four Paws and Co said...

Hi Jane,
Looks like you've found some wonderful treasures! I have a pitcher thing going on too, but I haven't brought any home because I have no idea where I'd put them! So I stand in the store gazing longingly at them, then leave empty handed. (I did this again at Michael's yesterday.) :0{

I like your grape tiered basket, but think I'd like it better painted creamy white. Look at Cindy's blog for inspiration - she has her mom's ceramic tiered server & changes out the decor all the time. She has shells in it now. http://romantichome.blogspot.com/ (I absolutely lust over her server & have my eyes peeled for something similar!)

Your dresser is beautiful! The last time I needed knobs, and couldn't make a decision, I bought an assortment of the ones that I liked. The downside was having to stand in line to return the rejects, but it was better to have several selections to try out at home. I like the glass knob idea, but you may find other ideas at the store. We looked at Home Depot & Lowe's. Unfortunately we don't have a Hobby Lobby. You might also consider something whimsical, like Susan at Between Naps on the Porch did with her outside hutch.

☺♥☺ Diane

Lynn said...

Hey I like that "monster fern" I usually grow little tiny ferns from big ferns like that.
Pretty mirror, too.
Who Knew?

Kat said...

I love the pale yellow pitcher, I think it would be great holding kitchen utensils. The grape stand is really nice (love your description of the paint color lol)I think, if space allows, it would look really nice in the kitchen holding towels or something along those lines. And that dresser is beautiful! I like the idea of glass knobs, I've also seen hardward called "bird cage" or "bird nest" that might look neat. I think I actually saw them online at Target. Great finds Janie! I need to take you when I go shopping. Kathy

Sue said...

Hi Jsnir, You showed some nice finds today. I think painting thr iron piece off-whitr would be s smart choice. You can still leave it a little antiquey-looking by rubbing a little stain over it. Depends on the look you want for the chest- a little more formal- glass knobs. More casual- some whimsical ones... There are some real cute ones out there- go out and pick up a variety to try them out. Enjoy playing with your finds. :-) Sue

Sue said...

OMG if I could put my fingers on this mini laptop keyboard in the right spost- I could type your name correctly! add to that is I'm not wearing my reading glasses... I am so sorry, Janie... Sue tee hee I had to type the word verification 2 times before I could get it right.....

CJ said...

Nice wrought iron basket! And i have another job for it. Holding pretty Little pots with flowering plants in them. What do you say?

chaitra

Neabear said...

I took the time read back several of your posts and enjoyed getting to know you better. The approaching the empty nest one was powerful. I am an empty nester now and still really miss my kids. Both live in different states from us. I like the idea of the glass knobs on this dresser. But whimsical ones could be fun too. So hard to decide.

Anonymous said...

Jane,
Great treasures you got...Love all the pitcher...they are my favorite...Great post...thanks for stopping and sweet comment. I'm feeling better...Have a wonderful week..Smiles & hugs Katherinellen

Ms. Tee said...

Hi Janie :)
You are so cute with the bp brown and the picture that downloaded twice! I think the tiered grape basket would be pretty white with a little sanding. And I love the pitchers, too - I have a weakness for them. You found some great things on your trip! Hope you have a good weekend~ xoxo

Melissa Miller said...

I love it Jane! The grape tiered BP bown rack I mean. LOL! I can see it painted white or black. Very nice finds!

Your doggie is just too cute up on the back of the couch like that.

Have a wonderful day.
~Melissa :)

Anonymous said...

I think glass knobs would be perfect!

I love the description of "baby poop brown" on the grape basket. I would spray it white/off white and sand it, as you suggested. You could also put your dishtowels in it, rolled up like little sausages.

Layla is so cute!

Have a great day :)
Lisa

Rhondi said...

Hi Jane
Your idea to spray the basket white and then rough it up is a great one. I also like wrought iron sprayed black. If you are keeping the drawers the natural wood how about some metal knobs, black metal or white porcelain. Just some suggestions.
((hugs)) Rhondi

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jane: You have some great finds!! Love the iron piece with the grapes! Depending on your countertops, I think it would look good painted black!

Have a great weekend!

Lou Cinda :)

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
Thanks for visiting me at Firefly Hill. I love your vintagy finds...

So nice to meet you!

annie

Monica said...

Hi Jane! Sorry for having been away for so long!
Beautiful finds and... thanks for your lovely comment! I appreciated the 'Martha Stewart thing'!!! ;)))
Have a great end of the week,
Monica.

Barb said...

Jane, what a grouping of goodies!! The wrought iron rack would be yummy in the fall filled with pumpkins and small gourds. Also, glass knobs are so pretty and elegant.

I love everything. Isn't it fun to think about how to decorate all these things? Lovely post.

Hugs, Barb

Beth at Aunties said...

You are so cute! I love you blondness!
Such great finds and so close to home!!!! I love you new tiered basket and you have great ideas of your own!
For you dresser buy a bunch and try them on for looks and then return the rest. It ahs worked for me because I can never make up mu mind in the store! Yes! I am a bilimic shopper! :-)

Anonymous said...

Janie you are so funny. Baby poop brown? I would spray that basket flat black in a New York minute. I would put in on that gorgeous cabinet after I painted the knobs black. If you are going to change the knobs anyway, why not try it? Black Black Black. Every room needs black as an accessory. That's my motto and I'm sticking to it. Pitching a big hug your way...
XOSue

xinex said...

Hi Janie, I like everything you bought. How big is the iron basket? If it is big enough, I am thinking you can use it for a buffet setting when you have a party, maybe use the bottom shelf for dinner or luncheon plates and the upper level for salad or dessert plates....just an idea. I would paint it though. Your white or cream and distress idea sounds good or black maybe. Glass knobs would look good in that functional chest. And I love your vases/pitchers too....Christine

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What wonderful treasures you found. Can't wait to see what you do with the wired basket. Thanks so much for swinging in and leaving such wonderful supportive comments. It means the world darling.
hugs ~lynne~

Charlene said...

Oh Jane you made me laugh today! The baby poop brown was a hoot. But, you nailed that color to the tee. As for your idea of painting it white & sanding it back... you go girl that was my thought. And you could then maybe enhance the theme wigh a bit (not too much) small ivy wound in some areas. And it would be ideal to put on the counter to maybe hold some pretty towels, napkins, napkin rings... what are you thinking??? On track or off????

And to delete your photo that is there twice. Go into edit. Find the one you want to get rid of. Highlight it. Push the delete key & poof it is gone. Now, carefully hit the delete key to close the space in between the other photos & words. All fixed. Then hit publish & it will go right back minus the photo. :) Hugs.

Fifi Flowers said...

You have MANY treasures stored away!

BTW Looking forward to seeing photos of your homes!!!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

OK, Blondie...I mean Jane (LOL,you are so funny) I love you rthrifty finds. I love the teired basket- so many possibilites and ways you can use that. I love the idea of painting it too. I also find your dresser charming. And Love that you use it for dining items. Expands the suse for things that one make not think to use in that way.
Finally...the pitcher, Jane, it is precious as you are! So very sweet! Thanks for participaing in Thrifty Thursday this week! I was late in posting the links, so forgive me. It's my fault that you may have some late visits.
Thanks for partcipating. Next week I will be back on a good schedule! HUgs my friend Jane!
Leigh

Tootsie said...

you did a great post!!! what pretty finds! I have been junkin and thriftin lots lately....like a sickness!

xinex said...

Hi Janie! Thanks, we will have a good time for sure. We are flying to Tampa to pick up AJ and then go on a cruise to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. You are right about our cabinets, they are pine, same with the kitchen. Thank you for your nice comments and don't apologize for a long one cause I love reading it.....Christine

Keetha Broyles said...

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting today.

Yes - - - you very well may have seen my comments ALL OVER BLOGLAND because I am the "commenter queen." I figure that if I like to GET comments, so do other bloggers.

I think I have similar taste to yours - - - at least I see colors (your hall and mine) and antique china in your pictures that look like sisters to some I have here!!!

Sabrena said...

I thought the grape tiered basket was rusted!! But white would look great with some sanding done. Love all your stuff...we must compare house sizes sometime! I feel like I have a lilliputian house myself--and have to remind myself--big house=big payment.

Kristin - The Goat said...

I've purchased several mirrors from Home Depot :) It was a good fix for the dresser.

I use one of my pitchers to fill the cat's water bowl (I know, how genius!) this way I use it all the time.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Sweet Jane- I wanted to tahnk you for sending soe of your sweet friends my way. Your friend, Happy to be Gloria, left the kindest comment on my blog! I love friends-new and old. Thanks my friend!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What great treasures! Can't wait to see what you do with the tiered basket. Thanks so much for swinging by for a visit and leaving such kind and supportive comments. They mean the world darling. hugs ~lynne~

Mary said...

Jane you've been picking up treasures everywhere from the look of it..............and now you are making us giggle over what you plan to do with them!!! Poopy brown basket, cute but think you should get that spray paint ready. Love the pitchers - I collect them too, who doesn't?
The HD mirror really is great - I must check those out when I'm over there to buy more plants....doesn't everyone keep on buying plants too?

Have a fab weekend - Mary.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

It's always fun to read your posts! I love your kitty. And your mirror, how beautiful it is!
xo Lidy

Deb said...

I think 2nd Time Around is going to be a regular spot to thrift :-) I agree with you Jane it's all about seeing the potential in things & your room looks wonderful with all your treasures - especially your sweet little Layla.
Have a great weekend ♥

Anonymous said...

The color I see on the pitcher is baby pink :-) I do have to agree that I think it'll look good in the kitchen with the utensils in them :-)

Now for the iron tier. Yes, wouldn't make it very colorful with all the fruits stacked :-) Also, what about a planter, maybe? Plants and flowers where it has this personality to just hang a little :-)and then there's lots of colorful flowers oh pretty pretty :-)

Marina Capano said...

Hi Jane,
Looks like you've found some wonderful treasures!
you have just beautiful blog!
xoxo

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

June 20th...

Happy Midsummer's Eve, to all!

Aunt Amelia

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! Yay! for your decision not to buy the over priced house. You are in a far better position now.

I like the idea of shabifying (is that a word? I don't think so) the basket. It will make a great centerpiece on a dinning room table or coffee table. Fill it with silk hydrangea... or fake fruit... What about ornaments at Christmas and little gourds in the fall? I can see lots of uses there!

Keep the pulls for your cabinet but change them out with something vintage. The glass idea would be gorgeous! Either way it is a lovely piece and I agree the wood is beautiful.

Have a great weekend!
~Liz

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, ms. Blondie, thank you SO much for your sweet comments over at Camila's post on me. You are TOO kind! Thanks for being a faithful reader of mine. I sure love all my readers.

From Blondie2 :)

Ashley ~ said...

Hey sweet lady ~ Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your stopping by and leaving the sweetest comments for me. You always make my day, all that, and the fact you have a very lovely blog, I would like to pass on to you the "Lovely Blog Award" if you would like to pop over to my blog and accept it when you have time. (((hugs))) _Ashley*

Deanna said...

Hi Janie!
I'm in love with your pitchers and I think you have a great idea with keeping the BP brown color on the basket and then painting it white and making it distressed looking. My mother did a similar project like that and it turned out wonderful.

About the knobs, I'm of no help here as I have knobphobia. Everytime I run to Restoration Hardware or Lowes and Home Depot, I am overwhelmed by the choices. I turn into a simpleton. Do I want glass knobs, black arts and craftsman, brushed nickel....see what I mean? LOL! Cindy is right, Hobby Lobby has a great selection.

I hope I don't have any nightmares about Monster Fern...hee hee hee!

Deanna :D

SmilingSally said...

You know how to hunt and find some goodies!

Yes, I knew about Home Depot (and Lowe's) selling mirrors.

Casabella Cottage said...

I love visiting your blog cause you always have great music and fun things to see at the same time!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

an award for you on my monday post. check it out!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I think you did great with these finds, Janie! Cute basket, and that white pitcher is great. And I like the cabinet a lot! In terms of knobs, I like the ones at Anthropologie. They had a ton at the retail shop, and I would think they would have them in the catalog, too. They had some fun ones! :-)

Awwww, look at Layla... what a sweetie!

Sorry I've been MIA of late. I've missed you...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Great thrifty finds! I too have a thing for pitchers. I would definitely paint the grape thingy white & then distress it. Glass knobs on the dresser would be good as well. Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving me a comment.

Regina said...

Nice find. I like this post.

Lady Katherine said...

I love the iron basket, White would be lovely or even a sage green. Oh, if it were mine I go white. I love your white pitchers. I not a one! I am wanting one so bad! I love your dresser china cabinet! It so pretty! Looking at your living room furniture, I say the glass would look great. Or tie in a color, by picking a color from your couch fabric.

2 Dogs said...

If you were here with us John would paint it red for you. :-)

Lynn said...

Thank you for your sweet words about my son. Just got a facebook update. Speeding ticket.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jane: Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comment on my "letting go" delimma! All we can do is try, try, try, not to show our "inner emotions"! Seth is home safely, he had a blast and I am glad he was able to go. But I am SO GLAD he is home!!

Have a great rest of the week!

Lou Cinda :)

Shirl said...

Hello, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. Great finds here, that wrought iron basket is really neat. I love glass knobs on old dressers, on ebay you can find just about any color in the depression glass ones. You had asked about climbing roses. I love David Austin roses and if you go to their website they have alot of info there. All of the climbing roses that I have I've had to train them, as they start to grow just tie them with string and they will follow wherever you want them to go. If you don't want them to grow taller than your 3 foot fence then you can just cut them back and that will make them get fuller.
I hope that helps.
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

"BP brown"...Hahaha! :-) I like the idea of painting it white, maybe spray it with some Rustoleum (or similar), fill it with moss and set it outside at the lake with little plants/flower pots in it? Or, you have such great little china pieces, you could use it to display some of your pieces.

And...I've never met a glass knob I didn't like. :-)