A clock that's for the Birds!

Since I'm always running short on time, I thought it would be appropriate to tell you about a great find I made a couple of months ago.

I found this beautiful porcelain clock at a church rummage sale for only $5.00!! I probably could have got it a little cheaper, but it was for the church and a good cause, so I didn't haggle. I knew it probably didn't work (it didn't) but how much could it cost, right?

How could I pass it up. LOTS of pretty pink roses, sweet little blue birds...

There are even little angels in it. It was in great shape with very little damage. I accidentally broke the tail off of this little bird. But then I lost it so I couldn't super glue it back. Oh well!

Look how sweet these pretty blue birds are at the top of the clock!

Back to the "it didn't work" part. My hubby searched the Internet and called a few places. He did find the part that had to be replaced on line. After taxes and postage it was $23.95!! Yikes! Not only that, a clock repair place told him to get it as that was a great price and those parts were soon to be discontinued.

The great news is that the part came super fast, was easy to replace and the clock works wonderfully now!! Even though my $5.00 bargain turned out to be a little on the expensive side, I think it's beautiful and worth way more than the $29.00 it cost in the end. I love it and feel very lucky to have found it.

Patricia :o)

Fun Finds

After 2 1/2 years of living in San Antonio, we're still finding our way around. We'd heard of a flea market north east of us called Bussey's Flea Market, but weren't too excited about visiting it because, so far, all the flea markets in our area sell cheap new things. But we read some reviews and decided to make a day of it. It's not the kind of flea market I'm used to from So. CA (Like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena), but it was SO MUCH better than I expected!

I fell in love with this vintage wedding dress! It's a size 7/8 so I'm not sure if it will fit M'lady (my dress form). AND it has to be cleaned some how. But I couldn't pass it up. It has metal snaps, hooks and zipper.

It's all layers upon layers of lace. I only found one or two tiny tears on the sleeves, and it is in otherwise wonderful shape. However, I do need to wash it...

I got it for so cheap, that I think I'm going to risk soaking it in a tub of Oxyclean and rinse with cool water, gently squeeze the water out by rolling it up in towels, and then line dry. It smells old and musty and I can't stand the thought of bringing into the house, so it's hanging in the garage by my car.

There's not a lot of adornment. Just lots of lace and a few sprinkles of sparkles.

At first I couldn't find any decent linens, affordable or otherwise. Then I hit the jack pot!! There was a wonderful older lady who had most of these linens priced a little high. They were marked, but I asked the price anyway. She knocked $3 to $5 dollars off of each. Suddenly, they were VERY affordable and in GREAT shape. I even have some of them up for sale already in my eBay store.

I also picked up this little cherub compote plant holder thingy for only $2.00! I thought it was vintage until I got him home and looked at the bottom. It had a store price tag for $5.95. I guess it doesn't matter. He's cute, he's affordable, and he'll be vintage someday, right?

I got this old plant stand for only $5.00!! I think the guy made a mistake. There was a smaller one that I heard his wife quote $10.00. It pays to ask, even if you think you know what the price is. I hope the husband didn't get in trouble...

Can you believe I got this fishing basket for $10.00??? It's pretty old from what I can tell. It has leather and canvas straps. I've seen these at antique stores for $95.00 and up. I was so happy to get this for my hubby. And look what was inside...

...these adorable hand crocheted and embroidered baby shoes! The guy selling the basket gave them to me for free. They didn't look like this when I got them, but it wasn't hard to soak them and air them dry. Too cute!

If you're interested in visiting Bussey's, their address is 18738 I.H. 35 N., Shertz, TX 78154 (210)651-6830. I wouldn't make a special trip out there, but definitely stop by if your in the area on a Saturday or Sunday.

Patricia :o)

Love them Hankies!

I love vintage hankies. They're beautiful, practical, and the best thing about them is that they're easy to find and pretty inexpensive. I seem to find them everywhere: antique stores, thrift shops, flea markets, garage sales. But what do you do with them once you get them home. I used to put them in a hanky box and practically forget about them. It's a shame to but them where they can't be enjoyed.

There's lots of ways to use hankies. Beside using them for their intended purpose, you can also use them to:

1. Use a hanky, instead of tissue, to line a gift box. I took a pretty 99 cent box covered in purple and lavender florals and lined it with a matching hanky and tucked in my gift. All it needs now is a ribbon bow on the top. The hanky becomes part of the gift.

2. I often use hankies as doilies when I want to add a touch of color. It's easy to change them out to match the season or holiday. The hanky is covered in large pink carnation and the teapot has pink roses. Even though the flowers are different, I think it looks great together.

3. I use hankies as gift quiet often. When it's a friend's or teacher's or neighbor's birthday, I tuck a pretty hanky into their card and mail it away. It's not always possible (or affordable) to buy and send gifts. Sending a hanky with the card is a great economical way to tell them they were thought of.

4. Ever have a odd shaped little gift, but no box? Wrap it up in a hanky, tie it with a ribbon and pin a rhinestone brooch on it. So Cute! Problem is that your friend may not want to open the gift because it's wrapped so sweetly.

5. I tuck hankies everywhere, even under teacups. They look so pretty to display this way. They're like tiny napkins that can catch drips and spills. Easy to clean, too.

So if you ever come across a hanky that you love but don't know what to do with it, Get It!! You'll find a way to enjoy it.

Patricia :o)

Some Pretty Finds

I love buttons, but try not to buy them because I just don't know what to do with all the beautiful buttons I see. BUT, I found this little stack of mother of pearl buttons for $1.00 and I couldn't resist them. I sat them next to some shiny trinkets when I came home and they've been there ever since.

This is a man's Stetson hat. Now you may ask, "Why did you buy that?" My answer is because it was only $0.39! It's in really nice condition and it's a true Stetson with the little bow inside and everything. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but it was such a great buy I couldn't pass it up.

I was with my favorite thrifting buddy Deanna (of Timeless Things) when I found this Homer Laughlen (sp) plate for only $0.39 and of course I can't pass up anything cheap, I mean, thrifty especially if it has a pretty pink rose!

This lovely rose covered soap dish is an I.W. Rice that I found at a thrift store. I don't remember how much it was but I know it was under a couple of dollars. The picture didn't turn out to well, but it's adorable in real life.

Here's another Deanna find. Of course I was with her when I found these adorable little puppies for only $0.99. Deanna is such good luck!! I always find the best bargains when I'm with her.

The two (larger) rose decanters I found at an antique store marked down to $9.95 which I thought wasn't too badly priced considering that they have roses on them! I'm not sure what they were for. Perfume maybe or just pretty decorations? The little salt shaker I found at a flea market for only $1.00. Love it when that happens!

Hope you all have a beautiful and blessed day!

Patricia :o)

Thrift Shopping with Deanna

Last Thursday, I went shopping with my new blogging friend, Deanna from Timeless Things. (She was attacked by fire ants that same day and is in terrible itchy pain. Please say a prayer for her and stop by her blog to say hi if you get a chance.)

We only met once before, but after spending an hour or two with her, we feel like we've know each other for ever. She's a very sweet and lovely lady.

I forgot to take my camera with me, so I didn't get photos of us or the places we visited. I think we went to four different places, plus Chic Fillet where we had lunch. Anyway, I only have photos of what I found to show. Hopefully when she feels better, she'll post a few photos of her own. (She found a TON of cute things).

I found PINK! Two pink sweater tops and a vintage pink slip.
The beading at the top of this sweater is all hand sewn. Whew! I can't imagine the time that took!
This pretty pullover feels like it's made of cashmere and has hand embroidery and hand beading on the collar/yolk. How pretty is that!?

Here are some little trinkets I couldn't pass up: A wicker-like magazine basket that I'm going to line with pink rose cotton fabric and use as a waste basket in my sewing "room", some white rose scented drawer liner, old books, a vintage lipstick holder and a couple of little nick-knacks.

Then, we Deanna's help, I hit the jackpot of vintage Ferragamo shoes. But they're much too small for me, so I'm going to see if I can sell them. Oh, and I also found a vintage 1960's Vera scarf.

It was a blast shopping with Deanna. She is VERY knowledgeable and knows her collectibles. I can't wait to shop with her again!

Blessings,

Patricia :o)