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 }
lovely! love to find a treasure amidst the junk!
I love it! I’ll take an icky garage sale over a “nice” one in the ‘burbs any day!
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.
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
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
Cool, thank you so much! I would never have figured that out on my own.
Katy
Have you checked Freddy’s? Granted I always see better spray paint colors when I’m not looking for spray paint.
Yes. Their selection is pretty limited.
Katy
Sweet deal
I was just daydreaming about garage sales yesterday! So ready! We are still a few months away for garage sale season here in Indiana.
One of the great things about central California – it’s always garage sale season.
Must be why so many episodes of “Hoarders” are set there.
Katy
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.
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!
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.
I think I’ll go to Michael’s tomorrow to look for paint. However, I will swing past the Habitat ReStore first.
Katy
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.
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
I love vases, and this one is no exception
It’s a perfect size as well. Not too big, not too small. It see it being in constant rotation!
Katy
Love garage sale season! Love that I can target sales for certain items when people list what they have on Craigslist!
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.
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!
I’ve since learned that this vase is a traditional Bulgarian design.