Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Art of Thrifting

Thrifting is part art--knowing where to go and when--and a lot luck--being at the right place at the right time.

John and I were in Jackson, Tennessee the last two days.  He had a couple of appointments. I went to shop--at thrift stores. Over the past few years, we've discovered numerous thrifty places in Jackson. There are three Goodwill stores and two other thrift stores that we frequent. That's pointer #1--scout out and research available stores.

Pointer #2, know store schedules. We planned our trip around the 30% off Tuesdays at one store and the 99 cent and half off Wednesdays at the Goodwills.

As for pointer #3, if it's possible, scout out items the day before the sale. If it's an item you especially like, you might want to go ahead and buy it. Even at full price, thrift stores are always a bargain. Once you find the ones you like, decide which store you'll visit first the next day.
Also, I like to decide which items are important to me, so I go to that department first.
And, remember to have a list, or a general idea, of the important items needed, sizes, colors. It's very easy to get side-tracked.

I'd say pointer #4 has to be, don't get stressed. Have fun. If someone gets there before you and you miss out on a purchase, don't sweat it. You'll find another one someday--maybe cheaper. It's all for fun. . .
Want to see a few of our treasures?

Cute Caged Rabbits  3.25 
Baskets 1.00 each

Basket of Roses 2.50
Two Needlepoint Pieces 2.00 each

Vintage Light Fixture 3.00
Bicycle Basket 2.00
Two Vintage Pillowcases (on right)  1.00

Blue Transferware Turkey Platter 15.00
Blue Willow Bowl  .35
Transferware Plate 2.50

Miscellaneous Dishes .35-.99 each

Vintage Jewelry Box 2.00
Vintage Jewelry .75-2.00
Vintage Velvet Purse 2.00
Crocheted Potholders 1.00
 Crocheted Doily .25
Vintage Pattern .40

Vintage Handbag  B&W .99
Small Brown Vintage Bag (1930s) 3.00
Vintage Snake Skin Bag 2.50
Vintage Type Shoes .99-2.50

Vintage Fur 12.00

Vintage Wool Jacket .99
Vintage White Blouse .99
Vintage Sailor Dress .99

Vintage Ties  .99 each
Amish Straw Hat  5.50

Wheeler & Wilson Treadle Sewing Machine  20.00

Glass and Metal Coffee Table  12.00

We also took advantage of the .99 clothing sale and bought a number of those items for the grandchildren and for us, as well as a few supplies for the household. 

It was a fun two days of thrifting--and exhausting. But, don't you agree, we found some real treasures? And, had fun at the same time. . .
You'll be seeing most of these items in coming posts, as I decorate, repurpose, paint, and craft . . . So, be watching for them. . . .

Sharing this week with: * Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways * Homestead Barn Hop * Simple and Sweet Fridays *Vintage Inspiration * Feathered Nest Friday * Show and Tell Friday

27 comments:

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I liked all your tips! I haven't paid much attention to the days of sales at Thrift stores...something I should probably do. I'm planning to start an etsy store and hope to sell vintage and supplies and handmade... So your tips are a timely reminder for me!
The local GW just got a remodel and I haven't been there since they reopened. Need to do that for sure. We also just got a new thrift store and we have two Re-hab centers (resale shops)One on each side of the Lake. So I've definitely got my work cut out for me.

As to your haul, shown here; the Turkey Platter is very desirable and of course the needle points and crocheted pot holders!
Thanks for the tips and showing your wares!

Pat

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

you got some absolutely wonderful treasures..and great prices too:)

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Lovely finds!!
I am usually the "in the right time and place" kind of person. My favorites are estate sales! So fun to get to look in houses. With estate sales you never know what there is going to be, which is part of the fun!

simplicityinthemaking said...

Lovely deals. I don't have the patience to shop let alone for something I wasn't looking for. That said I like some of your treasures. I'll just look at them instead!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Great finds! We love the "high" of finding such wonderful "junk" for almost nothing:) Can't wait to see what you do with everything!

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

These are great tips--I need to do better at finding out which days the thrift stores have sales and specials happening.

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Great tips. Great finds! Fun, fun, fun!!!!! Love that you give all the prices. Are goodwill offers 50% on Wednesdays for seniors. I an 44, but got it once. I got over the insult and did the happy dance afterward. :)

Anne said...

Great treasures and tips too!
xx
Anne

Maureen Wyatt said...

Nice haul for very little money! ~ Maureen

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

You never know what you are going to find! Part of the fun!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Your tips were very helpful! I hafe to say your really did good by yourselves! The antique sewing machine is quite beautiful the fur quite cool. You really found many jewels in your two days thrifting. I've crossed my fingers you’ll share your thrifting tips with Sunday’s Best evening par.tay.

Glenda said...

Great tips! I love thrifting.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh my goodness,w hat lovely treasures you found!! I especially love the blue turkey transferware platter!!

andrea@townandprairie said...

I'm just going nuts over those bunnies! I just love bunnies. And the time spent on those vintage embroidereies... just beautiful!

Cottage 1945 said...

Goodness girl, you made out very well. Nice finds!

Anonymous said...

As an avid thrifter I really appreciated your tips. At our Goodwill they have a frequent shopper card that can be used. after you fill up the card you get 35% off your entire purchase.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Awesome finds!! Thanks so much for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

Rachel S said...

You got some great deals. That vintage light fixture is beautiful.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Great finds & amazing prices. I can't believe that you found the little fur coat and the coffee table for 12 dollars each!

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

I love the blue and white turkey plate! You sure can find some great things out there. I can't imagine anyone getting rid of it.

The homesteadingcottage said...

Such wonderful goodies! I love a good hunt too (; Can't wait to come back for more posts...Hope you have a lovely week!!

Michele xoxo
The Homesteading Cottage

Sam I Am...... said...

Oh Dru! You made a haul! Wonderful treasures! I love the dishes, the treadle!!!!! Does it work? I've been wanting one of those for awhile. I don't go out much and there's barely even any garage sales around here (that might be a good thing! LOL!) I have too much stuff anyway. I love the bunnies too and the table but the treadle sewing machine takes the cake and I nominate it as "Bargain of the Day"!
Great tips too..I'm writing those down!

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Wow, that is incredible. You did good LOL.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful finds on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Looks like a fun day!


Jody

Margaret @ Live Like No One Else said...

Wow..these are fabulous finds! I'm in Chicago and we only have 50% off a certain color tag...never the great deals a lot of the other states have.

Margaret
http://www.LiveLikeNoOneElse.com

mommy Orkid Belle said...

Awe thrift finds that is for sure. The sewing machine reminds me of my grandma's Singer sewing machine. How awesome things you found. Love everything! :)

Chenille Cottage said...

What great tips, Dru!
I, too, am an avid thrifter. Considering that I live in a fairly small city we have many thrift shops.
Your treasured find...the blue and white turkey platter is amazing. What a nice addition it makes to your collection. Many of my blue and white dishes are thrifted, too.
Thanks for your delightful post.
Blessings,
Carolynn xoxo

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