Thrifty Art

In the last couple of weeks I've thrifted several nice pieces of art. It got me thinking, the majority of the art in my home has come from yard sales, flea markets or thrift stores. My latest scores have come from the Goodwill. I've sorted through alot of tacky "art" at the Goodwill. Who buys that stuff in the first place ?!? Oddly, our Goodwill seems to have an abundance of duck and palm tree themed pictures (although not on the same canvas, thankfully). Flea markets and yard sales consistently have higher quality pieces but also have higher prices. An often heard line at the flea market is.... "the frame alone would cost you that much new".

Artist signed photograph: Goodwill - $5.25

Poster awaiting frame: Goodwill - $2.25

Artist signed and numbered print: flea market $10

Growing collection of black and white photography

Total cost: $15

Faux wood mirror: flea market - $10

Grand Canyon Lithograph: flea market $5

Today's find: a 1970's 12" Replogle 'World Premier' globe.......and it lights up! I found it at an estate sale down the street. It was their second day so everything was 50% off. I wouldn't have bought it for $28 but I couldn't resist for $14. It's so cool when its plugged it! Maps and globes are great to decorate with. They're cheap, colorful and fun to look at and dream about where you want to go :)

Plugged

Unplugged

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday!

Mod Squad

One of my favorite yard sale finds ever!!! Will spotted this Samsonite Fashionaire suitcase at the first sale we went to on Saturday and I snapped it up immediately for $20. The woman who sold it said it was a Marimekko design from the 60's. Its in awesome shape, just a little musty smelling on the inside. It even has the key still! I wiped it down with warm soapy water and I have baking soda inside to freshen it up.

I'm supposed to be buying things to resell on ebay or etsy.......BUT I really love this suitcase! All I have is a boring black suitcase and suddenly I feel the need to start traveling in style. Although I might be wishing for that boring, rolling suitcase when my arm is dead from lugging this thing through an airport. Maybe I'll just take more road trips :)

I did manage to find a few items that I'll eventually put in my etsy store. I have a nice little inventory now, all I need to do is get motivated and list the stuff! As soon as my store is up and running I'll put a link up.

Im linking up with Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday. Go check out the other weekend treasures!

The Times They Are A-Changin'

As we roll on into 2011, I have to stop and reflect on the past year. 2010 was a year full of changes. Good changes! At this time last year, Will and I were living in Los Angeles. Don't get me wrong, L.A. has a lot to offer - just not for me. I need open space and vegetation! I was also hobbling through a horrible commute to go to an equally horrible job. I wasn't feeling like myself anymore. Not good.

Now, a year later we are living in a wonderful place that we look forward to spending many years enjoying. Being surrounded by a beautiful natural setting combined with a great small town atmosphere is the perfect fit for us. Not only do we love where we live but we were also lucky enough to have found full time jobs! As if that isn't enough in these tough economic times - I actually have a job I like! Its a pleasure working with people that I respect and enjoy.

Although 2010 started off rough, it ultimately taught me to pursue what I truly value and to not waste time on anything else. The upcoming year holds alot of potential and I am really looking forward to what lies ahead!

Thanks for coming for Xmas Mom!