Weekenders - May 16, 2008
Posted by dc | Filed under Random
Short on time this week, so we’ll make this one quick and painless. Enjoy.
Muto - This video is making a lot in the street art scene. Watch it and you’ll know why.
Art Moco - Speaking of art, I can’t recall if I’ve brought this one up before, but this is one of the best modern and contemporary art blogs around.
Designer Jawbone - ““If it is not beautiful, it does not belong on your face,” states Yves Behar, chief designer at Fuse Project, about his latest collaboration.
Light Me Up - Craftster, an online craft community had a craft challenge where people were asked to create homemade lighting fixtures. Some of the results are pure genius. (link via the RMB)
Orange is Hot - The Decorating Diva says that orange is the hot color trend. I couldn’t agree more.
Winging It - There’s a lot of great videos at ChicagoBusiness.com, but this one on the new Threadless store really caught my eye. Also check out the one on Obama the Brand.
Color History - This post should be on our blog, but Colour Lovers beat us to it.
It’s been fun, kids, but I got to run off. Hope you enjoyed this short but ultimately awesome list of links.
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Treasure Hunting at Thrift Stores, Antique Shops & Yard Sales
Posted by Michele | Filed under Random
The adventure of garage sales and thrift stores are one of my favorite pastimes. High end thrift and consignment stores are best because they filter out the junk and you can almost always find something unique. Yesterday, I scored big with an great patio set
First, I saw a love seat in mint condition. I’m guessing someone made a purchasing error and couldn’t return it, so it ended up at this consignment shop. Next, I found some vintage tropical folding chairs. As much as I wanted them, I decided they weren’t a necessity. But, aha! I found the end and coffee tables to finalize the look. The total cost for my patio was $155. How cool is that? It’s not Brown Jordan, and it won’t last a life time but it will look great in the yard until I can upgrade.
As I strolled further in to the store I found a beautiful plate for $19 that now adorns my dining room table. This small improvement created a contemporary transition. Out with the old and in with the not so old.
Wonderful things can be found at garage sales, antique and consignment stores, and flea markets, but it takes a keen eye to select a treasure amongst the junk. Typically, I find the best items when I wasn’t looking for them. Here are some suggestions for your own treasure hunt.
- At a garage sale, drive slow. Look for larger items first. Are they in terrible condition? Do they look like things you need to get rid of? If the clothes are piled on the ground, there might not be anything valuable there. Keep on driving!
- If you see some antique furniture, can it be reupholstered, sanded and restained? Look for nice lines in upholstered furniture. If it fits your decor, consider it. If not, you won’t want to mix it in unless it is a small accent chair or table. I once found a wonderful antique table that needed some TLC. The owner told me it was her grandmothers, but only had a $10 price tag on it. I suggested she should keep it but she didn’t want to take the time to make it beautiful again. I gave her $15 and walked away with a prize. A bit of stripper and some elbow grease and now it sits proudly in my living room.
- Look for collectibles such as old records, pottery, glassware anything vintage. If something calls out to me for a great gift, I will definitely get it. I have a stash ready for the appropriate holiday or birthday.
- Wander aimlessly through thrift stores, but look at everything. It might be the smallest item that has great value. If the place smells because they’ve collected too many old clothes, ugh I can’t stay. The higher end thrift and antique stores filter out the junk. They won’t take it in. Your odds are better in finding some quality.
- If you see something that you can’t figure out what it is but like the way it looks, figure out a way you can turn it in to something. For instance, you see a carved wood screen. Can you hang it from the ceiling where your reflective lighting is? How cool would that be? Now, I’ll be searching for something like that!
- I generally stay away from electronic equipment. Consider why anyone would get rid of something that works. You may be buying somebody’s problem. Sometimes stores will purchase overstock items from other retailers. That’s the only time I consider electronics. I purchased an overstock hairdryer recently. I needed an extra one for another bathroom and It worked fine.
- Hunting can be fun and prosperous. I found a painting of a famous painter for my home. I purchased a custom frame and now I have a collectible. I searched online for consignment stores and found the sculpture above. It is worth $2700. Possibly you can find something quite unique for yourself!
- Finally, check out Openlist.com for all local thrift and consignment stores. They have lists from all over the world.
Weekenders - May 9, 2008
Posted by dc | Filed under Weekenders
It’s Mom’s day this Sunday so today’s links are all about things Mom might like, whether you can afford them or not. She’s worth it, right?
Go Big - Nothing says I Love You Mom like a new home theater system, at least that’s what Robert Silva is getting for his mother apparently.
Go Boom - What Mom wouldn’t want an oil lamp designed to look like a hand grenade? That’s a no brainer.
Moleskin Primer - Is Mom completely disorganized, or forgetting things shortly after thinking them? Buy her a Moleskin and plant her in front of this blog post at Putting Things Off.
Apple Sac - Double entendre aside, this stylish laptop wrapper will keep your Macbook protected next time you’re waging war against the elements, or climbing the Himalayas.
Complete Antithesis - Burlap and wool laptop bag not your thing? This masterpiece by Aaron Irvin might be the answer.
Sit On It - Is it art or is it a chair? You decide.
Fred Gates - A man after my own heart, Fred is a designer who paints. He’s just a lot better at it than I am.
Tuesday Tutorials - Crafts don’t have to be lame. In fact, they can be cool, and if you don’t know how, Indie Fixx is here to help.
Artstream - If you can’t find a gift for Mom here, check your pulse, you might be dead.
Ok, I don’t mind hanging out at Panera Bread for the free wifi, but there’s only so much I can take. I probably won’t have web access the rest of the weekend, so indulge on these links amongst yourselves. Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there.
