Thrift store visits

The thrift stores were much improved this week, a development I can attribute only to Amy's sternly worded memo. It's good to have friends with authority.

Multiple visits to multiple stores yielded ornaments, cards, a wreath and other whatnots. (And that tree, which I play with far more than I should.)

Already feeling thrifter's remorse over the wreath. I was able to look past the gold and the plastic to all that flocking and its original box. But it's pretty big. And I have no place to put it. And not as much motivation as I thought to redecorate it. Let's move on to more successful purchases.

This little collection of ornaments was approved by the thrift store manager, who as I picked them up said "Aren't those graphics wonderful?" I have had many such discussions with the manager, who is a real sweetheart and, sadly, pretty knowledgable about vintage. As I was checking out, the store clerk took a closer look at the ornaments in back, with their handpainted designs, and said, "These are from Poland, you know." So we had a nice discussion about the origins of various Christmas ornaments. I am probably the only person in America who shops at a thrift store staffed by people with a reasonable degree of knowledge about vintage Christmas decorations. It's nice, but it doesn't necessarily work to my benefit.

There is no shortage of Christmas cards in this house, but I could not resist these.

This decoration is fairly unattractive, but it was a quarter, so I bought it for one of the ornaments (the little red glass ball in the middle, which is already on my tree). Once I got the ornaments off the frame, though, I thought it had some possibilities. I'll let you know how that goes.

I am a real purist when it comes to original packaging and not messing with objects that are perfectly good the way they are. However, I draw the line on the cellophane packaging on latter-day Gurley candles. You're free to disagree, of course.

However, I think Santa agrees with me.

It's Saturday morning, and some other stores are calling my name. Have a lovely weekend, all! 

Comments

[Kim Kenward]

Swoon...you really do find the best vintage Christmas treasures.

[Erica]

I'm so happy to see someone else having good vintage Christmas luck at the thrift stores. It just makes me keep going back!

Happy Holidays,

Erica

[Lynn]

Love everything you found. You could always put that wreath in your store - it would be a good base for more decorations for sure!

[amanda]

Hello, My name is Amanda. I found your blog by chance and have been enjoying reading everything starting from the beginning. I am an estate sale/auction junkie of everything vintage. I am amazed by the christmas items you find, I don't have such luck. Though with a 2 year old its not as easy to treasure hunt like I did before he arrived. I am from pittsburgh so I feel a connection to you somehow. I look forward to more wonderful posts, and I think you have started a new obsession for me, Jadite! I never really looked at it before and now I can't wait to get my first piece.

[Kathy]

I, too, shop at a thrift where at least a couple of the clerks recognize and appreciate vintage. Luckily, they are NOT the ones who do the pricing!

[lauire magpie ethel]

I can't believe the luck you have at the thrifts. I may live in the land of spun heads, but you live in the land of good thrifts. Seriously...you get the goodies!

[karen]

Those cards would make a great background for a little shadow box with the deer and maybe a little tree! Great finds! karen...

[Into Vintage]

So thrilled that my 'authority' has yielded results for you. (Even more thrilled to learn I have authority.)

If you could just tell me how to wield it here in my neck of the woods, I would be forever grateful as I found only one lone tree topper this morning ... you are truly a vintage Christmas magnet!

[Lisa W.]

Wonderful Christmas finds and I agree that Santa looks much better out of the bag !

[jennifer]

you are definitely getting me into the spirit! and may i say that i love, love, love that blue ornament with the deer and the tree...my new thrifting goal!

[Renee]

Hm...buying a tree for one single ornament...I've never done that...no! Ha! Love all your purchase and I am ever so happy Santa can breathe now. Smiles..Renee

[Michelle]

Wonderful finds! I have never found any vintage Christmas at my thrift stores. Maybe I'll get lucky someday though... I'll keep looking!