Some Encouragement...

Thrifting can be fun...but it can also be very discouraging. I guess that's the trade-off...major cheap items, but no promises of finding something you like. In thrifting it's all about quantity (or straight up luck). The more you go to-the more likely you are to find something you love.

I enjoy going to garage sales, and so I've scheduled my week so I can usually go on a Friday morning to a few sales. Thrift store visits usually only happen if I'm in the area doing other errands.

Most of my home decor I have found at thrift stores and garage sales...but, not EVERY time I go to one do I find something. In fact, I would say only about 1/3 of the time do I find something super cool and unique.

I have learned I like the "old lady" garage sales most. They're cleaning out years of attic clutter...and usually at great prices. I can find embroidery, fabric, dishes and the list goes on and on.

You can never tell what will be at a thrift store. But always have an open mind-think past the original use of an item and never forget your friend the spray paint can!
Remember my pumpkin decor post? All those pedestals and candlesticks were found at thrift stores. Some I spray painted. All were found individually, over the course of years. The only thing they had in common - my vision for them!

Here's a few items I've found thrifting...I hope they are encouragement to you to search those garage sales and thrift stores to make your house a home!

Above: a big "trencher" type bowl. This wood bowl is huge! It's at least 2 ft. square! I found it at Goodwill! I couldn't believe it! I had been wanting an antique trencher bowl for awhile, but they're very expensive. This isn't antique, but it's still pretty cool! ( I have a bunch of pumpkins and gourds to go in here.)

Above: popcorn bowls-one large and four individual. Found at Goodwill. (the large was found separate of the individuals) Just makes simple popcorn and movie night extra special!

This picture above is the dearest thing to me I've ever found.

Plus, I think it's the best example that you can find items that you love and are personal to you while thrifting.

If you're from where I grew up in northeast Iowa the picture will look familiar.

I was going to garage sales about 6 years ago in the town where I was going to college at. (3 hours from my hometown) I saw this and about lept out of my shoes! The colors weren't exact, but I went for a closer look. The black and white newspaper article that the artist painted this picture from was taped to the back. It was what I thought it was...how could I not recognize that scene...about 5 minutes from my parents farm. The mill that we spent our summers and falls tubing and canoing past. The bridge that was washed away in a flood when I was a young girl. I of course bought that picture immediately ($3.00!).

Everytime I walk past that picture it makes me smile.