Treasure Hunting for Vintage Goodies

It was just that kind of morning.   We needed to get out.   We hit a few large yard sales and nothing was turning up, until we were just about to leave.

 

The very last table I hit had a chest full of old Christmas decorations at 10 cents apiece.  

I grabbed mostly just the figurines.

 Since Ted and the kids were waiting for me, I went through quickly, barely even noticing exactly what I was grabbing.

It wasn't until I got in the car and peeked at them that I saw I had grabbed a Little Miss Muffet - complete with spider!

 There weren't any knee-hugger elves, but plenty of cuteness.

 And this is how collections begin.  Start out with one or two, then grab another when you see it. 

 Or is that how hoarding begins?



 I think this was my favorite!

 Also scored 6 vintage Christmas trees.

 Old salt and pepper shakers.  I like the tops.



 OK.  I've GOT to stop feeling the need to "save" these statues. 

But, he was in such good shape, better than most I find.



 This was fun because it was in a little baggie and I didn't know what it was until I opened it.  Old wedding couple with stagecoach and clockface.



 They're much too small to be cake toppers at only about 2 inches tall.  Maybe cupcake toppers?

Too cute.  

 Did I tell you I'm taking an Art class?!!   Yes!  And I'm so excited.  I start in 2 weeks - a drawing class.  I haven't taken an actual drawing class in 25 years.  We'll be using charcoal so buying these brand new charcoal sticks for $2, which ordinarily would be $12 was a score.

 The most dangerous things to buy - crafting supplies - because the possibilities are endless!  I clean out my stash and turn around and buy more.



 Exciting find!   This old blow-mold that sits in the window and lights up. 

 And neither Ted nor I could pass up these two boxes of old Christmas lights. 

 Wouldn't these be great to use for Halloween? 

 And these could be used for Fourth of July.



 Pretty and pink! 

But the one we had to keep thinking about and going back to?   This old bubble gum machine.  Still works.  Ted thought it would be a lot of fun for the kids.  I envision filling it with seasonal goodies like old glass Christmas balls.

 But, first things first.  My tinker husband needs to do a little lock-picking!





Considering we thought we were walking home with nothing, it turned out to be a good day afterall!

HUGE Magazine and Craft Book Destash and Sale

at my Etsy Shop:

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/BucksCountyFolkArt?ref=pr_shop_more

 You want to learn it?  It's all right here!

 Unique and refreshing ideas.  Lots of new techniques using altered art and mixed media techniques.

Scrumptious books with irresistible eye candy!

Most are in excellent condition.  Magazines are $4-$5 while the big heavy books are $10.

Want to learn to needle-felt?  Quilt?  Make books/journals/ATCs?  How about sewing?  Altered Art?  Mixed media?  Collages?  Circuses?  Dolls?   It's just endless.

Newest Antique Store Finds

Found a few pretties.....

 Second old Jack O'Lantern I found this week.  This one is a Relpo, I think from the 1960s.

 



 Silly pink cat.

 



Mrs. Sophisticated with her black poodle. 

 



 And some orange satin Christmas balls.  I never saw them before with the leaves attached.

 



Hoping you all have a great day!



Mad Hatter Antiquing Adventure

Yesterday morning my whole day was planned out.  Clean, clean, and oh yeah, iron too. 

It was a gorgeous day and I was ready to tackle it all on. 

But therein lies the problem.  It's a gorgeous day. 

 The cleaning will always be there tomorrow.

Plus, my Etsy shop is looking sparse.  I should really find new things to add to my shop. 

That's it.  Everybody get ready - road trip!

 

We drove down to Adamstown, PA.  Antique shops line Rt. 222. 

Since we left so late and it took over an hour to get there, we only had a few hours before everything closed.   We knew we had to hit The Mad Hatter Antique Mall. 

 

 And this is my favorite corner of the building - everything retro!



Mary and Nicolai loved all the funky colors and old kitchen gadgets.  "Mommy!  Take a picture of this over here!" was all I kept hearing.  

This old cake tin was so cute in its pale pink color, but at $85, I had to pass.  

And if you're going to hate standing on a scale anyway, at least make it a little less painful by having one of these fabby pink ones! 

 Unfortunately, this was the only shop I actually took pictures.  The other shops we went into didn't want ladies bringing in big handbags, so I had to leave mine in the car and with it, went the camera.



 They didn't really have these on the phones did they? 

I figured someone just did a little "repurposing".



 Now, if anyone ever wants to visit Adamstown, let me forewarn you.  This is not where you want to go to find thrift store prices.  Having already gone here with my parents a few months back, I already knew that.  But, it's still a fun experience.



 Nic entertaining himself with a bag of plastic toys.  Such a good boy.



And if you're looking for retro bowls, you'll find it here!

 Such pretty and delicate details.  This reminds me of something my Mom would have worn.



 OK.  If I ever go back, I just may have to have Ted buy this for me (it would take the guilt away from me buying it for myself!)  I've never seen a tree like this one.



 Instead of green with colored lights, it's white with silver glitter and light blue birds.  I saw it last time I was there and fell in love with its simplicity. 

But, it's hard to justify buying stuff for yourself when you're on one income.



Even tissue paper had cute graphics back then!  Oh, send me back in time!



 Funky, funky, funky!



 I did wind up finding a few things to put in my Etsy shop and will post later.  With the amount of gas and tolls it took to get there, and if I sell everything, I might break even.  But, it was a day out with Ted and the kids.  And I'm already done most of the cleaning I would have done yesterday too.  

--- and I just heard the dryer buzz!  Time to go fold more laundry!

 

Recent Thrift Store Finds

While other bloggers have been cleaning up at the estate sales, it's been dead around here.   A trip to a couple of my favorite haunts paid off though.  Not much, but things I like. 

 

 

Old Infant of Prague statue.  Very large and in better shape than most I find.  Looks like his crown has been ripped off.  I have NO IDEA what that decorative metal piece is on top of his head.  I'll have to research it.

Jesus holding a lamb.

 



1988 Halloween planter.

 



 

 I've got a few of these in "chocolate".  This is my first vanilla.

 



 

3 little Japan angels.  Based on their faces, I'm guessing these are Lefton or Napco.  The middle angel was holding something that apparently broke off. 

Two more old Japan angels.   The little guy is missing his wing.  Maybe I'll paint him to look like a Hallween devil and his broken wing will represent a fallen angel.

 

This was an actual Etsy buy.  It cried out to me for a refinishing.

 

You know how some people will look at a painting or art piece and say, "It really speaks to me"?  I never really thought about it before.  But, I can honestly say, this piece speaks to me and it wants more color and details!  Oh, how I looooove details!