Hello, Short, Sweet and Craftsman-y

by Katy on March 4, 2012 · 24 comments

Thrift stores are all fine and dandy, but garage sales prices can’t be beat! Just yesterday, my older son and I were out and about when a garage sale sign grabbed my attention. True, it was a sketchy garage sale in an empty lot behind a sketchy business; and true, the bulk of the merchandise consisted of mildewy looking stuffed animals, but then this gem caught my eye:

Sweet, tiny and with an antique craftsman vibe, this vase was doing nothing but coming home with me! And at 50¢, the decision was pain-free.

Perfect for forcing a few forsythia branches in my kitchen window.

Mwah!

Now, when does true garage sale season start?

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

Heather March 4, 2012 at 10:54 am

lovely! love to find a treasure amidst the junk!

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Laura's Last Ditch--Adventures in Thrift Land March 4, 2012 at 11:04 am

I love it! I’ll take an icky garage sale over a “nice” one in the ‘burbs any day!

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Elaine March 4, 2012 at 11:19 am

You DO find some gorgeous stuff. This is such a great little tidbit. Wish I had your knack. And i can’t wait to see the chair when you finish it.

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 11:39 am

I looked at Home Depot yesterday for the spray paint color I want, (non-neon apple green) but left empty handed. I just clipped a coupon for Michael’s and will see if they have better colors. However, it is sunny-ish today, so I should at least be able to get a coat of primer on the chair.

And yes, this vase is a gorgeous tidbit. I’m hoping a antique-savvy reader will be able to tell me the era.

Katy

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Iris March 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm

that’s traditional Bulgarian ceramic, so-called Troyan style — google image search for “Troyan pottery” will give you some nice examples. don’t think it’s antique, rather a classic souvenir piece – but nonetheless sweet 🙂

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 12:13 pm

Cool, thank you so much! I would never have figured that out on my own. 😀

Katy

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Michelle March 4, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Have you checked Freddy’s? Granted I always see better spray paint colors when I’m not looking for spray paint.

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Yes. Their selection is pretty limited.

Katy

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BrokeElizabeth March 4, 2012 at 11:36 am

Sweet deal 🙂

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Jennifer March 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm

I was just daydreaming about garage sales yesterday! So ready! We are still a few months away for garage sale season here in Indiana.

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Renee CA March 4, 2012 at 1:08 pm

One of the great things about central California – it’s always garage sale season.

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 1:12 pm

Must be why so many episodes of “Hoarders” are set there. 😉

Katy

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Sarah March 4, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Eh, garage sales are few and far between in my area of New England until spring. However, I’ve found a great website for “estate sales” which I’ve leared is code for indoor yard sale in many cases.

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Megg March 4, 2012 at 2:55 pm

Last summer I worked every Saturday, from 7-4 so I missed all garage sales (I was never up for trying to find some on Sundays). This year I’m not, so I’m going to hit them up! I can’t wait!

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diane March 4, 2012 at 3:11 pm

I just painted a found wooden chair green…a mix of acrylic and satin I made from some odd green and blue paint I had on hand. Can;t wait to see yours.

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 3:45 pm

I think I’ll go to Michael’s tomorrow to look for paint. However, I will swing past the Habitat ReStore first.

Katy

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Liz March 4, 2012 at 4:03 pm

True garage sale season starts in earnest here at the end of April. I live in a college town, one state and one private, plus a 2-year junior college. The students would rather try to sell their unwanted items rather than move them.

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AnnW March 4, 2012 at 4:33 pm

Wonderful find! I have learned that every strange house or sale could have a treasure. The reason why you and I and a lot of others find so many interesting things is that we put the time in. You can’t expect to go to one or two garage sales a season and find a real buy! The sales I really like are the Church sponsored once a year “Rummage” or “White Elephant Sales” Church members usually collect stuff all year round and get a lot of donations from elderly people. Ann

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Jo March 4, 2012 at 6:21 pm

I love vases, and this one is no exception 🙂

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Katy March 4, 2012 at 6:25 pm

It’s a perfect size as well. Not too big, not too small. It see it being in constant rotation!

Katy

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Ani Mia March 4, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Love garage sale season! Love that I can target sales for certain items when people list what they have on Craigslist!

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Paula in the UP March 10, 2012 at 1:38 pm

I’ve just recently started going to our Goodwill, but sounds like I may have to do some garage saling too!!

Love the vase, saw one with a similar look at a store for about $15.

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Any September 20, 2024 at 4:07 am

I agree that garage sales often offer unbeatable prices compared to thrift stores. It is interesting that you found such a charming craftsman-style vase for just 50¢—a true treasure amidst less appealing items!

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Katy September 20, 2024 at 8:27 am

I’ve since learned that this vase is a traditional Bulgarian design.

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