Feeling Thrifty

So my latest wild hair (read about my tendencies for a wild hair here) was to start thrifting. I have a long history with antiquing as I was "dragged" along to antique shops with my mom, aunt, and grammie throughout my entire childhood. I always thought these trips were boring, and the only thing that made it worthwhile was browsing the estate and costume jewelry glittering up from the cases at me (I've been a girly girl from the start). To me thrifting and antiquing are practically the same, but thrifting includes finding more recent second hand items and using them as they are, or repurposing and up-cycling them into something new.

I was inspired to start thrifting after reading an article in the October 2012 issue of Southern Living Magazine about "The Southern Table". In one of the table settings there were some beautiful green goblets that the hostess got for 25 cents each at Goodwill! What a deal! And if a southern woman featured in Southern Living (the ultimate guide to southern entertaining, dining, traveling, gardening, and decorating, in my opinion) could buy glassware for entertaining at Goodwill then why couldn't I?!

I have compiled a fabulous list of local thrift and antique shops to check out, all of which came from suggestions by friends. While I have been to a few so far, my best discovery was at a place that I happened upon on my own, Hickory Creek Antiques in Ashland, Virginia.

I knew when I walked into the store that this was a fabulous place. We were greeted by one of the owners who had just put out a fresh pot of coffee and homemade cookies (side note: I love good customer service, in part because it seems to be so hard to come by these days--do I sound like a crotchety old lady here?!). The space for the antique mall was a good size and there was a nice variety of items. Some primitive, some traditional, and some collectors items. The prices on most things were very reasonable too. The owners were kind, welcoming, and willing to work with us. {My aunt ended up getting a bowl that was marked not for sale but they worked something out with the vendor for her}

As we were browsing around I spotted a table and went over to check it out. On the tag were 2 pieces of very important information: the table was a 1928 sewing stand and the price was $65. Yes, $65!!!!!!! It was in beautiful condition and I could not believe how inexpensive it was.

I caught up with my mom and aunt to tell them about my find and then continued shopping around. But, I could not stop thinking about the table. Yes I had no place for a table, but that didn't matter, I had to have it before someone swooped in and got it. So, I zoomed back to where it was and staked my claim. No really, I put my hand on it and would not walk away. At this point my mom and aunt are still talking and shopping around the corner. "Mom....Aunt Kathy....Guys....Hello....Can you please go get someone to help me....?" Cue kind owner who previously offered us cookies and coffee. He asked me if he was allowed to get near it since I was so intent on guarding it. I didn't realize I looked that serious about it...

As if $65 wasn't a good enough deal, I told him that I noticed several other booths were having a Columbus Day Weekend sale, and I wondered if there was any way we could do better on the price. {For me making a deal on an item is part of the fun of antiquing...it's just part of the game.} Lucky me, they gave me 10% off!

Here is a picture of my new table all dressed up. {I made it my new sofa end table, and more good news, the old end table is going to get sold at our yard sale this weekend...fingers crossed}

Isn't it gorgeous?! And that luscious lamp...

Both the lamp and the shade are from Target and together cost $50. The basket you see under the table above is my new magazine and book basket that I got at Homegoods for $13. That means for an entire new look I {*and my mom and my aunt Kathy...thanks for spoiling me! :)} spent $121.50. Talk about thrifty!!

And now for a close up of the beautiful wood grain on my solid wood 1928 sewing table that was $58.50...I did mention all that, didn't I?!

Some people might mind the split down the middle where the table opens for the sewing machine to fit in, but not me. I love that it is part of the table's story. I like to wonder where it came from and who used it. I am just dorky like that when it comes to old places and things.

Do you like my new look?