modern thrifter
I love beautiful things and thoughtful design. I also live in one of the most expensive cities in the country, and our family lives off a single income so that I can be at home with our kids. Patience and persistence have been the key to finding stylish things on a tight budget.
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40 posts tagged favorite finds
![[ PUPPY LOVE ]
Did you know that Jonathan Adler created a line of products for Barnes & Noble? It’s actually really old news, but it was a surprise to me because between our proximity to the public library and the ease of using Amazon, it’s been about three years since I’ve even been in a Barnes & Noble. Truthfully, the only reason I even know about this now is that I came across this adorable dachshund paperweight, still in its packaging, on the shelf at Goodwill.
This paperweight isn’t available any longer, though they do have the dachshund in a bookend version. I don’t think there is anything in the current collection that I like as much as my little thrifted dog, so I’m happy to have found it second hand.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1v0tcMdin1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ PUPPY LOVE ]
Did you know that Jonathan Adler created a line of products for Barnes & Noble? It’s actually really old news, but it was a surprise to me because between our proximity to the public library and the ease of using Amazon, it’s been about three years since I’ve even been in a Barnes & Noble. Truthfully, the only reason I even know about this now is that I came across this adorable dachshund paperweight, still in its packaging, on the shelf at Goodwill.
This paperweight isn’t available any longer, though they do have the dachshund in a bookend version. I don’t think there is anything in the current collection that I like as much as my little thrifted dog, so I’m happy to have found it second hand.
![[ TWELVE LITTLE SPICE JARS IN TWO STRAIGHT LINES ]
Okay, there may be a little too much Madeline happening in my house (books, movies, music boxes) but when I was setting these spice jars out yesterday to photograph, I couldn’t help humming the little Madeline tune.
I picked these up yesterday at Goodwill for 50¢ a piece. I couldn’t believe that there was an entire set of twelve still on the shelf. They had obviously been there a while because they were half off when I bought them.
They aren’t in perfect shape—there are a few dings and paint chips—but all in all, they are still pretty fantastic. The undersides of the corks are stamped “Sam Mann Designs” but I haven’t been able to find out much more about them.
My plan is to get a thin ledge shelf to set them on so that I can enjoy them instead of hiding them in a cupboard like my current messy spice heap. I’m also brainstorming how I can label them. Ideally, I’d get little vinyl words cut for them, but I haven’t checked into whether it would be budget-friendly or not.
On the shelf right next to the spice jars was this ceramic sugar/honey bowl. I already have a Franciscan sugar bowl that matches my teapot, so I plan to use this for honey. I’ve been buying my honey in bulk for a couple of years, and I’m excited to be able to keep a little of it out in something pretty.
I’ve been spending a lot of time in my kitchen the last few months (um, years), and now that the holidays are past, life is settling back into a more normal routine. January is always the time of year I get the urge to overhaul my whole house and it’s very likely that a little set of spice jars could lead to some cupboards being ripped off the wall.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxe5lhLmVu1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ TWELVE LITTLE SPICE JARS IN TWO STRAIGHT LINES ]
Okay, there may be a little too much Madeline happening in my house (books, movies, music boxes) but when I was setting these spice jars out yesterday to photograph, I couldn’t help humming the little Madeline tune.
I picked these up yesterday at Goodwill for 50¢ a piece. I couldn’t believe that there was an entire set of twelve still on the shelf. They had obviously been there a while because they were half off when I bought them.
They aren’t in perfect shape—there are a few dings and paint chips—but all in all, they are still pretty fantastic. The undersides of the corks are stamped “Sam Mann Designs” but I haven’t been able to find out much more about them.
My plan is to get a thin ledge shelf to set them on so that I can enjoy them instead of hiding them in a cupboard like my current messy spice heap. I’m also brainstorming how I can label them. Ideally, I’d get little vinyl words cut for them, but I haven’t checked into whether it would be budget-friendly or not.
On the shelf right next to the spice jars was this ceramic sugar/honey bowl. I already have a Franciscan sugar bowl that matches my teapot, so I plan to use this for honey. I’ve been buying my honey in bulk for a couple of years, and I’m excited to be able to keep a little of it out in something pretty.
I’ve been spending a lot of time in my kitchen the last few months (um, years), and now that the holidays are past, life is settling back into a more normal routine. January is always the time of year I get the urge to overhaul my whole house and it’s very likely that a little set of spice jars could lead to some cupboards being ripped off the wall.
![[ MODERN PYREX PATTERNS ]
Pyrex has been all the rage for a few years now, though for many, it’s been a lifelong love affair. I’ve collected a few pieces here and there, but a lot of the patterns I come across aren’t really my style. Lately though, I’ve been stumbling upon several more modern looking dishes that I’ve happily added to my stash.
My most recent finds have been a large Cinderella Bowl in Verde, refrigerator dishes w/ lids in Spring Blossom, and casserole dishes in Terra and an unidentified solid gray pattern.
Due to Pyrex’s increase in popularity, I’ve noticed the prices at the thrift stores going dramatically up, but when the condition is nice, I still think they are worth it. In an effort to organize and simplify my kitchen cupboards, I’ve been appreciating the lovely way the Pyrex dishes stack. Check out the Solid Cherry blog and see how they look in Madge’s cupboard!
While researching the pattern names for my new acquisitions, I found out there is a Pyrex Museum just short ferry ride from my home. How have I never known that before? I sense a day trip coming soon.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lumqk3vGJt1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ MODERN PYREX PATTERNS ]
Pyrex has been all the rage for a few years now, though for many, it’s been a lifelong love affair. I’ve collected a few pieces here and there, but a lot of the patterns I come across aren’t really my style. Lately though, I’ve been stumbling upon several more modern looking dishes that I’ve happily added to my stash.
My most recent finds have been a large Cinderella Bowl in Verde, refrigerator dishes w/ lids in Spring Blossom, and casserole dishes in Terra and an unidentified solid gray pattern.
Due to Pyrex’s increase in popularity, I’ve noticed the prices at the thrift stores going dramatically up, but when the condition is nice, I still think they are worth it. In an effort to organize and simplify my kitchen cupboards, I’ve been appreciating the lovely way the Pyrex dishes stack. Check out the Solid Cherry blog and see how they look in Madge’s cupboard!
While researching the pattern names for my new acquisitions, I found out there is a Pyrex Museum just short ferry ride from my home. How have I never known that before? I sense a day trip coming soon.
![[ DOMINOS ]
October was a blur for our family. We spent much of the month fighting off illness and the rest of the month trying to catch up on everything that missed while we were sick. I still managed to get costumes finished for the kids, and of course, hit the thrift store a few times here and there.
Last week I brought home these large wooden dominos. I had no idea what they were when I picked them up and put them into my shopping cart. Eventually, I realized that the letters on the sides could be arranged to spell “dominos,” though, actually figuring out how the right order for the pieces was trickier than I expected. Each domino is about four inches tall and they are all held together on a long bolt with wing nuts on each end.
I love having things set around the living room that the kids can play with that aren’t traditional toys, so these are a great addition. The kids have been busy building towers and bridges, and setting them up in rows to knock over. In addition to the dominos, we have an old rotary phone, a vintage Royal typewriter, and these Plinc blocks from House Industries that are all set out for kid play.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu1lgiW6bi1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ DOMINOS ]
October was a blur for our family. We spent much of the month fighting off illness and the rest of the month trying to catch up on everything that missed while we were sick. I still managed to get costumes finished for the kids, and of course, hit the thrift store a few times here and there.
Last week I brought home these large wooden dominos. I had no idea what they were when I picked them up and put them into my shopping cart. Eventually, I realized that the letters on the sides could be arranged to spell “dominos,” though, actually figuring out how the right order for the pieces was trickier than I expected. Each domino is about four inches tall and they are all held together on a long bolt with wing nuts on each end.
I love having things set around the living room that the kids can play with that aren’t traditional toys, so these are a great addition. The kids have been busy building towers and bridges, and setting them up in rows to knock over. In addition to the dominos, we have an old rotary phone, a vintage Royal typewriter, and these Plinc blocks from House Industries that are all set out for kid play.
![[ VACATION FIND ]
I forgot to share this teak tray that I picked up when we were in Montana. It’s labeled Anri Form Italy on the bottom, which might sound familiar. My dad’s chess set is also made by Anri, though I didn’t realize they were both from the same maker until after we returned home.
Anri seems to be primarily a wooden figurine company now, but I have seen several beautiful mid century bowls, trays, and ceramic/wood pieces that I’d love to stumble upon. This collection is my favorite:
The tray is the perfect size for a loaf of bread, and looks even better with a 49¢ thrifted tea towel. It’s always fun to add a little pattern and color to the dinner table.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrj64bCY9z1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ VACATION FIND ]
I forgot to share this teak tray that I picked up when we were in Montana. It’s labeled Anri Form Italy on the bottom, which might sound familiar. My dad’s chess set is also made by Anri, though I didn’t realize they were both from the same maker until after we returned home.
Anri seems to be primarily a wooden figurine company now, but I have seen several beautiful mid century bowls, trays, and ceramic/wood pieces that I’d love to stumble upon. This collection is my favorite:
The tray is the perfect size for a loaf of bread, and looks even better with a 49¢ thrifted tea towel. It’s always fun to add a little pattern and color to the dinner table.
![[ LABOR DAY DEALS ]
Most thrift stores around the country are known to have big sales on holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day, and Goodwill is no exception. Over the years, I’ve tended to skip sale days because of the huge crowds, but I still had a few things for the kids’ fall wardrobes that I was missing, I decided to give it a try again.
Like I had anticipated, parking was hard to come by, people were crammed into the aisles like sardines, and most of the shelves had been picked over. Thankfully, I was able to find a jacket for Tula, which was my main reason for stopping in. There weren’t any other big finds for the day, but I managed to come home with a few small goodies that made up for fighting the crowds and the fifteen minute wait in the checkout line.
First, I found a vintage Wing Lee Wai ceramic liquor decanter. I don’t think these bottles are worth more than $10-$15, but I only paid $1 for it, and I think the glaze and the shape are really nice. I also like that the side of the bottle is embossed with the phrase “FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE.”
I also picked up a Dansk (Jens Quistgaard) green glass candle holder for 50¢. I looked all over for another so I could have a set, but I only found this one. Tula fell in love with the little brass swan, which kept her happy and occupied while I shopped. At 40% off, I think I paid about $1 for it.
Lastly, I grabbed the black ceramic stand/candleholder/whatever. I really can’t figure it out, but I love the shape. It’s signed “Nielsen 1966” on the bottom, but I haven’t been able to find out anything else about it. I’ll probably use it as a candleholder.
My cart was filled with several other odds and ends, too, but I’ve been trying to be a little more careful with the things I’ve been bringing home. It’s so easy to get carried away and start cluttering my shelves and closets, instead my goal lately has been to spend more time at home finishing projects and organizing, and [a little] less time at the thrift store looking for new things.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lr8o8xLqPc1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ LABOR DAY DEALS ]
Most thrift stores around the country are known to have big sales on holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day, and Goodwill is no exception. Over the years, I’ve tended to skip sale days because of the huge crowds, but I still had a few things for the kids’ fall wardrobes that I was missing, I decided to give it a try again.
Like I had anticipated, parking was hard to come by, people were crammed into the aisles like sardines, and most of the shelves had been picked over. Thankfully, I was able to find a jacket for Tula, which was my main reason for stopping in. There weren’t any other big finds for the day, but I managed to come home with a few small goodies that made up for fighting the crowds and the fifteen minute wait in the checkout line.
First, I found a vintage Wing Lee Wai ceramic liquor decanter. I don’t think these bottles are worth more than $10-$15, but I only paid $1 for it, and I think the glaze and the shape are really nice. I also like that the side of the bottle is embossed with the phrase “FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE.”
I also picked up a Dansk (Jens Quistgaard) green glass candle holder for 50¢. I looked all over for another so I could have a set, but I only found this one. Tula fell in love with the little brass swan, which kept her happy and occupied while I shopped. At 40% off, I think I paid about $1 for it.
Lastly, I grabbed the black ceramic stand/candleholder/whatever. I really can’t figure it out, but I love the shape. It’s signed “Nielsen 1966” on the bottom, but I haven’t been able to find out anything else about it. I’ll probably use it as a candleholder.
My cart was filled with several other odds and ends, too, but I’ve been trying to be a little more careful with the things I’ve been bringing home. It’s so easy to get carried away and start cluttering my shelves and closets, instead my goal lately has been to spend more time at home finishing projects and organizing, and [a little] less time at the thrift store looking for new things.
![[ CHAIRS! ]
I was just lamenting to a friend last week that it was going to take forever to save up for chairs, and our prospects for finding a set of eight matching used/cheap ones that we liked was grim. Two days later, a listing popped up on Craigslist for these wooden school chairs. The school we bought them from had 42 chairs available and were selling them for $2 each. After tweeting about my great find, a couple of friends went an nabbed nearly all of the rest of them.
These aren’t my dream chairs. But for what we can afford, I know my dream chairs are just that… a dream. These chairs are sturdy, simple, in great shape, and best of all, only set us back $16. I can’t ask for much more than that.
I would have taken better pictures of them, but they didn’t stay in the dining room for long. We started our floor project this weekend, so now all of the living and dining room furniture is stashed in every nook and cranny of the house. The floors are looking great so far, though, and I can’t wait to share pictures of it all when it’s done. Make sure to “like” the Modern Thrifter Facebook page or follow me on twitter if you want to see in-progress painting pictures.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_loig2dhAw21qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ CHAIRS! ]
I was just lamenting to a friend last week that it was going to take forever to save up for chairs, and our prospects for finding a set of eight matching used/cheap ones that we liked was grim. Two days later, a listing popped up on Craigslist for these wooden school chairs. The school we bought them from had 42 chairs available and were selling them for $2 each. After tweeting about my great find, a couple of friends went an nabbed nearly all of the rest of them.
These aren’t my dream chairs. But for what we can afford, I know my dream chairs are just that… a dream. These chairs are sturdy, simple, in great shape, and best of all, only set us back $16. I can’t ask for much more than that.
I would have taken better pictures of them, but they didn’t stay in the dining room for long. We started our floor project this weekend, so now all of the living and dining room furniture is stashed in every nook and cranny of the house. The floors are looking great so far, though, and I can’t wait to share pictures of it all when it’s done. Make sure to “like” the Modern Thrifter Facebook page or follow me on twitter if you want to see in-progress painting pictures.
![[ ANOTHER LAMP ]
I’d like to say that clocks are my only weakness, but if you looked around my house, or um, in my closets, you’d discover that I have a lamp problem, too. What can I say, I just couldn’t help bringing home this shiny little number. I think my fondness for it comes from my adoration of the Arco lamp, which I will probably never own. This is just my little $8 Goodwill mini version.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lme3tgGMci1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ ANOTHER LAMP ]
I’d like to say that clocks are my only weakness, but if you looked around my house, or um, in my closets, you’d discover that I have a lamp problem, too. What can I say, I just couldn’t help bringing home this shiny little number. I think my fondness for it comes from my adoration of the Arco lamp, which I will probably never own. This is just my little $8 Goodwill mini version.
![[ VACATION FINDS ]
It’s been a tradition for the last few years that when we take a trip somewhere, we try to squeeze in at least one stop at a local thrift store. On our latest trip to Montana, we discovered that the little thrift store in my hometown has a new owner. Since taking the reigns, he has managed to clean and organize the shop, and it is actually now possible to walk through the aisles. This might not sound like much of a feat, but take a look at the photos from the last time we were there. The other good news is that he is motivated to get rid of merchandise and completely willing to give a deal.
Here is a short list of the things we found:
Leather duffel bag set, $10. These are super soft and great quality.
Vintage Lamp, $1. I bought this to sell, in hopes of making a little extra money to put toward our chair fund.
Vintage Newspapers, $1 each. We picked up four of these, but gifted two of them to friends.
After our trip to Montana, we drove to Portland to spend a few days unwinding before returning to our normal responsibilities at home. We had a wonderful stay at a guest cottage, owned by the lovely mother of Katy (The Non-Consumer Advocate).
There just so happened to be a garage sale across the street from the cottage one morning, and here’s what we found there:
Vintage Suitcases, 10¢ each. I use these to store sewing and craft supplies.
Box of tights for Tula, $3. There were about 12 Hanna Andersson tights in various patterns.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm0v5trysm1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ VACATION FINDS ]
It’s been a tradition for the last few years that when we take a trip somewhere, we try to squeeze in at least one stop at a local thrift store. On our latest trip to Montana, we discovered that the little thrift store in my hometown has a new owner. Since taking the reigns, he has managed to clean and organize the shop, and it is actually now possible to walk through the aisles. This might not sound like much of a feat, but take a look at the photos from the last time we were there. The other good news is that he is motivated to get rid of merchandise and completely willing to give a deal.
Here is a short list of the things we found:
- Leather duffel bag set, $10. These are super soft and great quality.
- Vintage Lamp, $1. I bought this to sell, in hopes of making a little extra money to put toward our chair fund.
- Vintage Newspapers, $1 each. We picked up four of these, but gifted two of them to friends.
After our trip to Montana, we drove to Portland to spend a few days unwinding before returning to our normal responsibilities at home. We had a wonderful stay at a guest cottage, owned by the lovely mother of Katy (The Non-Consumer Advocate).
There just so happened to be a garage sale across the street from the cottage one morning, and here’s what we found there:
- Vintage Suitcases, 10¢ each. I use these to store sewing and craft supplies.
- Box of tights for Tula, $3. There were about 12 Hanna Andersson tights in various patterns.
![[ DANISH MIRROR ]
I picked this mirror up at Deseret Industries, about a month ago, for $10. That’s a great deal, and I was surprised that it hadn’t been snagged by one of the dealers that typically hang out at that thrift store. It was hiding between some old headboards, so they all looked surprised when I pulled it out. One of the regulars—whom I run into quite often—jokingly offered to hang on to it for me while I went to grab a cart. Um, yeah, there was no way I was letting it out of my sight.
The little hanger on the back was attached on one of the short sides, for vertical hanging, but we really wanted to hang it the other way. It’s always a bonus that Patrick worked for a few years as a framer, so he attached some new hardware and now it’s sturdier than before.
Since the mirror is so heavy, he opted to have a double wire hanger on the back. We’ve always done these on heavier wall art, and it’s so much safer to distribute the weight more evenly. Safety was a pretty big priority since this is hanging over our heads while we sleep.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkybwno7Hb1qc7v1bo1_500.jpg)
[ DANISH MIRROR ]
I picked this mirror up at Deseret Industries, about a month ago, for $10. That’s a great deal, and I was surprised that it hadn’t been snagged by one of the dealers that typically hang out at that thrift store. It was hiding between some old headboards, so they all looked surprised when I pulled it out. One of the regulars—whom I run into quite often—jokingly offered to hang on to it for me while I went to grab a cart. Um, yeah, there was no way I was letting it out of my sight.
The little hanger on the back was attached on one of the short sides, for vertical hanging, but we really wanted to hang it the other way. It’s always a bonus that Patrick worked for a few years as a framer, so he attached some new hardware and now it’s sturdier than before.
Since the mirror is so heavy, he opted to have a double wire hanger on the back. We’ve always done these on heavier wall art, and it’s so much safer to distribute the weight more evenly. Safety was a pretty big priority since this is hanging over our heads while we sleep.
