Quirky and Beautiful Thrift Store Finds

It’s been a challenging week so I’m de-stressing by breathing deeply and appreciating the little things–like the tiny green leaves budding on our birch trees, the birds splashing in the bird bath, a new recipe (Mongolian Beef) and of course popping into the thrift store! And the last few days I’ve found a few things in the store that pleased me because they were quirky or hand made or beautiful or all of the above!

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Okay, now I know this small Aboriginal bark painting may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is unique, signed (Narabullgun), dated (’75) and striking. I know someone will appreciate this.

This small, signed, artisan U-shaped pottery candle holder is a minimalist knock out!

This tiny hand-blown glass vase had an acid-etched mark on the bottom (always a good sign!) and an Orrefors sticker on the side. I couldn’t read the rest of the sticker in the store, but turns out that it spelled Riksglasskolan, the famed glass school in Nybro, Sweden. So this is likely a student Orrefors piece. Orrefors glass has been in business since 1898 and many of its designer pieces are highly collectible selling in the $$$.

I fell for this small vintage black lacquer jewelry box with hand-painted flowers. It has some light scuffs, but overall it is just charming. The design is atypical for these type of boxes which usually feature Mt. Fuji in the background. I may keep this for a while!

This bisque porcelain vase was mixed in with the Easter display stuff. It’s made by H &G Heinrich, Bavaria and the fabulous raised floral relief is a clean, mod 1970s design that would work in many decor styles.

I spotted this over-the-top bracelet in a boutique thrift store. Couldn’t resist. The huge, unexpected dangles are wood, plastic and metal. And bonus it has a “Made in France” tag. It’s not for the faint of heart!

Stuff Found Around the House

I bought this mid-century Italian micro-mosaic picture frame years ago and rediscovered it in a drawer! It’s missing its easel stand in the back but is otherwise in beautiful condition. Vintage and antique micro mosaic pieces sell well for me. Folks appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry but I steer clear of the modern pieces which tend to use larger glass tiles and look clunkier. The smaller the glass tiles the better and typically more valuable!

Two of these children’s antique books (1905-1924) I inherited from long-dead relatives, four I bought years ago to resell, but I never did. So I’ve lotted them together for a very reasonable price for reading or repurposing.

Said “No” to These

I always grab vintage brass bookends, but these owls felt too light. Strange for bookends. I’m guessing these are more modern (and not solid) because bookends from the 1950s-1970s tend to be heavier. At $8.19 I decided to take a pass.

For three seconds I got excited about this Bernard Buffet clown artwork. Alas, it was just a reproduction. If it had been an original painting from this famed mid-century artist it would have been worth $$$$. (Still haven’t found my huge score!) Even so I might have bought the reproduction if it had been smaller, but it was huge. Shipping would have been a costly nightmare.

What’s Selling this Month

To be honest there’s no rhyme or reason why most vintage things sell when they do other than the right person has found it. Some items sell almost immediately like the Egyptian-style lot and the ceramic rhino and others linger for years like the beautiful Rosenthal Bavaria plate. Some go in and out of peoples’ carts with regularity, like the silverplated embossed hand mirror. (The gal who finally ended up buying it loves it.)

Overall though I find I do consistently well with religious items. So far this month I’ve sold the Egyptian lot, the Russian travel icons, the metal cross depicting Jesus’ baptism and the Kwan Yin figurine. And vintage sterling silver charms, particularly hearts, continue to be good sellers.

What’s selling for you??

I’ll close for now wishing you happy hunting,

Karen