Secondhand Surplus

Monday, July 30, 2012

Collections



Most collections are formed over time, and it seems that the hunt is just as important as the collection itself. It usually starts for me with finding an item that immediately speaks to me, with no intent on starting a collection. Then the collection starts by running into the same item again, and it may be in better shape than the first, or a color that you enjoy more, or maybe even a price so low you can't leave it behind. And this is how it starts. Then, once you have two, you are all of a sudden on the look out for additions to your collection.
There have also been many collections I have sold off, no longer having room or longer enjoying that collection, only to move on to a new collection.
The first photo is of some of my collection of jars with cork lids. I have more than I have space to display, but with having cats in our household they have to be put somewhere the cats don't enjoy laying. This collection really has no value to anyone but me, but like I stated before, it just kind of happened. We use them as nature jars, and our oldest loves to pick up feathers, acorns and rocks when we are out on walks. So, this collection also has a function.
The next photo is of my rice threshing baskets. This collection started when I found 3 small basket for 25 cents a piece, and brought them home not knowing exactly what they were, but thinking I could possibly have a use for them. The collection started to grow as each additional one was larger than the last, and with the prices never exceeding a couple of bucks, the collection started to grow. The largest one I currently have is 3 feet in diameter.
The last collection is one that was purchased recently, and the collection was already formed. The photographs were all taken between 1970-1980, are labeled on the back of where the photograph was taken, and I was first drawn to them for there modern frames. At 50 cents a piece, this was another collection that I couldn't leave behind. When I got them out of the thrift store and home, I realized I also love the colors and subject matter of the photos and instead of just using the frames, the collection is now on display currently on our wall.
I have many other collections around the house, some may stand the test of time, and some may leave me to become part of someone else's collection.
a little rearranging and two chairs waiting for new bases

Monday, July 16, 2012

A few things from the weekend






I did a little shopping this weekend, and here are the things that came home with me. I hit up one estate sale early to make sure the purple Herman Miller chairs came home with me, and the rest came from some thrift stores we hit up as a family.
I love the white ceramic bud vase, It isn't marked, so I know nothing about it. If anyone else has a clue I would love some info. I also brought home a set of glass and cork jars, a burl wood candle holder and the gray planter.
The photos lined up next to each other came from a thrift that was closing up shop, and I loved the way they were framed and at $.50 each, I couldn't pass up the chance to own someone elses vacation memories from the 70s-80s.
So, there you are some treasures from the weekend.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Things are starting to round out around here

Artemide and marble

new pouf
It all started so innocently. I found the pair of Artimide lamps on the side of the road, and i knew I wanted them on either side of the sofa. Once there, I felt that round end tables would look best. I found this pair on craigslist and knew the marble would be perfect in a room that already had a lot of wood. They are super heavy with the marble tops and brass legs, and were made for commercial use, coming from a big law firm downtown, probably used there in the 1960s.
So after the tables were put into use, I removed the coffee table, more for baby-proofing than for anything. While out of town this past week, doing some thrifting we ran across this huge pouf/ottoman in perfect vintage condition. It is heavy so that the baby is unable to move it, there are no sharp corners for little heads to crash into, and the dark vinyl is a easy clean. So it was a winner, not to mention that it repeats the shape of the side tables. The pouf is 30'' in diameter and probably the largest one I have come across to date.
I also have a small collection of round vintage pillows that are floating around the house, as one can be seen on the couch in this picture.
So, as you can see, things are starting to round out around here.