Pad Patter 7.10.15: Antique/Thrift Malls

[jenevang]

I know, I know... I was just talking about craft stores a few days ago. I promise I do not shop that much

BUT my 16 year old son wants to roadtrip to Atlanta to visit a HUGE antique/thrift mall tomorrow (Saturday). It's only open one weekend a month and is supposed to be just phenomenal (we've never been). He wants to look for old tools. And honestly, how is mom supposed to refuse that request?!

Side Note: he also wants to hit a specialty hardware store in downtown Atlanta that I'm not quite as pumped about, LOL. Sacrifices must be made.

Here's my problem. Ever since he mentioned it, my mind has been swirling with ideas of things I MUST look for, hehe. With nothing I actually NEED. (well, except some deck chairs that I don't think I'll be able to find there)

Anyway... here's what I want to know.

What is your best thrift store find? (bonus points for photos)

Do you have any projects you have done with these finds?

Do you love these big markets? Or do they annoy you?

And most importantly, what should I look for ?

I know it's all hit or miss, but I'd love some ideas!

#excitedtospendtimewithteenager

 

[chigirl]

this sounds like fun, I would enjoy just looking around...a treasure hunt, and how sweet of your son to request your company. Have fun and don't forget to show us any treasures you find.

 

[enjoyyourpix]

Very cool!! Enjoy the trip!! I don't know if I have a list/idea, but I'd love to go with someone. I get great ideas and lousy follow through!!

 

[dotcomkari]

Omg thrift and antique stores are my best friends...I collect blue willow pottery so I spend a lot of time searching the stores and have found some rare pieces for cheap!!!! I have also came home with so awesome signs for my home...picture frames...knick knacks and a steller quilt

 

[tkradtke]

We have the best thrift store about a block and half from us. My son and I are regulars (to the point that they've asked him if he wants to work there). He's into the music, movies and video games, so I scour the rest of the store while he shops. One of my favorite finds was a set of antique wooden snow skis with poles (wooden with leather straps)... I'd post a photo, but they're up at our cabin.

Here are my most recent finds...

The cameras were just $5 each! And for some reason, I'm totally in love with that owl picture. It was supposed to go to our cabin, but I would miss it too much if I couldn't see it every day!

 

[jenevang]

MY DH put legs on an old piece of wood. It was an end of a huge electrical spool that someone gave us. The table ended up so cool and rustic and looks great on our deck. BUT, I need eclectic, outdoor chairs to go around it. That's my primary mission

(isn't it a great table, btw )

 

[jenevang]

We have the best thrift store about a block and half from us. My son and I are regulars (to the point that they've asked him if he wants to work there). He's into the music, movies and video games, so I scour the rest of the store while he shops. One of my favorite finds was a set of antique wooden snow skis with poles (wooden with leather straps)... I'd post a photo, but they're up at our cabin.

Here are my most recent finds...

The cameras were just $5 each! And for some reason, I'm totally in love with that owl picture. It was supposed to go to our cabin, but I would miss it too much if I couldn't see it every day!

OH, COOL. I have a couple of old cameras from thrift stores, too. On my mantle. Love them.

 

[klee73010]

Goodwill here is 50% off every other weekend. I furnished our first apartment for $150- all kitchen small appliances, pans, dishes, 2 recliners (for the "game room" we never used), and don't even remember what else. I frequently get kids books, clothes, dress up/play clothes, books for my own dust-collecting shelf.... i pretty much walk the whole store every time and usually find something.

 

[littlekiwi]

Op shops are my favorite place! I tend to only buy shoes (I need shoes that will fit orthotic inserts that are usually $150+ for $10-20) or clothes.

 

[Lindzee]

MY DH put legs on an old piece of wood. It was an end of a huge electrical spool that someone gave us. The table ended up so cool and rustic and looks great on our deck. BUT, I need eclectic, outdoor chairs to go around it. That's my primary mission

(isn't it a great table, btw )

When I was in university we made a table like this... and some coffee tables from smaller ones. I totally love bargain hunts and flea markets. My house is chock full of finds and stuff. Here is a page I did on some recent finds not too long ago.

 

[Pallavi01]

no ideas here...haven't been to a thrift store in quite a while!! hope you had fun rummaging for treasure there...and hope it lived up to its name and all the excitement in the house!

 

[Pallavi01]

We have the best thrift store about a block and half from us. My son and I are regulars (to the point that they've asked him if he wants to work there). He's into the music, movies and video games, so I scour the rest of the store while he shops. One of my favorite finds was a set of antique wooden snow skis with poles (wooden with leather straps)... I'd post a photo, but they're up at our cabin.

Here are my most recent finds...

The cameras were just $5 each! And for some reason, I'm totally in love with that owl picture. It was supposed to go to our cabin, but I would miss it too much if I couldn't see it every day!

These are just super!!! Can't believe it that you found it in a thrift store!! would buy the camera full price! they look THAT cool!

 

[Pallavi01]

MY DH put legs on an old piece of wood. It was an end of a huge electrical spool that someone gave us. The table ended up so cool and rustic and looks great on our deck. BUT, I need eclectic, outdoor chairs to go around it. That's my primary mission

(isn't it a great table, btw )

It sure is!! I first thought this was your find at the thrift store! lol But I totally understand you needing chairs - that view of the greens there ...seems totally to die for! And that glorios sunshine!....nope! you definitely need chairs to enjoy that!

 

[Dalis]

Are you there now or in your way? Not that you would have any time to reply here... LOL!!!

 

[scrapsandsass]

Things I would look for... manual typewriters, old signage, chenille bedspreads, batches of old letters/photos, and vintage Blythe dolls.

We live in our city's downtown area that is filled with antique shops, but they are highly overpriced and never have anything good. And I have no luck with those types of shops. My bestie can go in and find lots of cool things, always cheap, but I can never find anything.

Have fun. I can't wait to see what you find!!!

 

[Karen]

I hope you found some goodies! I LOVE thrift store and garage sales. I went to a garage sale just around the corner from my house on Saturday. I wasn't even looking for anything, so I found an old antique mirror that I'm so excited about. I repainted my family room and wanted a mirror by the door (check for spinach in my teeth as I leave the house) and I found a mirror sitting on the floor almost obscured by dust for $3! I scrubbed off the dust off the mirror just to check to see if the mirror was actually good or not, there was so much dirt I couldn't even tell, but for the price, I risked it. I wish I had taken a picture before I cleaned it up, but in five minutes with a wet rag, I clean it up and it's awesome! It's kinda beat up, but the mirror is perfect and it's super heavy, but I love it and it look perfect where i hung it! I'll get a picture today at lunch...

 

[jk703]

I love that table! So cool! And that owl is adorable! I think I must fund some thrift stores in my area and peruse them! Maybe I'll add some decorations to my house! It's very bare, lol! - we've been there 2.5 years and I haven't found things I've liked. Thanks for the idea!

Wondering if you found anything!?!

 

[jenevang]

I hope you found some goodies! I LOVE thrift store and garage sales. I went to a garage sale just around the corner from my house on Saturday. I wasn't even looking for anything, so I found an old antique mirror that I'm so excited about. I repainted my family room and wanted a mirror by the door (check for spinach in my teeth as I leave the house) and I found a mirror sitting on the floor almost obscured by dust for $3! I scrubbed off the dust off the mirror just to check to see if the mirror was actually good or not, there was so much dirt I couldn't even tell, but for the price, I risked it. I wish I had taken a picture before I cleaned it up, but in five minutes with a wet rag, I clean it up and it's awesome! It's kinda beat up, but the mirror is perfect and it's super heavy, but I love it and it look perfect where i hung it! I'll get a picture today at lunch...

What an awesome find! Congrats.

 

[jenevang]

So, I could SWEAR I posted here yesterday about my day, but I don't see the post. Stupid internet, LOL.

I had a wonderful day, but it was really because I got to spend the whole day with my teenage son (a rare treat). There were two HUGE buildings full of goodies, but most of what they were selling fell in 2 categories

1. gorgeous antiques and art that were way too expensive for my blood
2. booths filled with adorable things that people made out of junk (seriously, the Pinterest influence was tangible). in the end, the items were still WAY overpriced.

I was looking for the actual "junk" that I could create things from, hehe.

My son did find 2 planes and a gauge (woodworking tools) and he was pretty happy with his finds.

I ended up with 2 pretty vases and 2 chairs for my back porch. They were cheap and need to be refinished (let's see how long it takes for that to happen). But I do like them and they are the right size.

I don't regret the day AT ALL, even if I didn't find and good deals.

 

[Dalis]

Totally understand about wanting to find the junk to transform yourself.