the mother lode ...

I try to hit the thrift shops once a week, if I can, to check out what treasures I can add to my collection of props. Sometimes I find decor bits for the house too.

I love shopping for vintage at antique markets but I find it way more fun scouring thrift shops for vintage finds. It's the thrill of the hunt, right? Luck and a good eye will sometimes reward you with great stuff.

Example, last week I met my friend Lindsay for coffee at Bobbette and Belle (the prettiest little pastry shop I ever did see) and afterwards we walked up Queen St. to check out some of the shops. We stopped into the Value Village for a quick look and Lindsay found the most beautiful solid marble candlesticks. You can see them here. Being the good friend that I am ;) I did not divert her attention and run. Although it did cross my mind (kidding).

That's ok because karma rewarded me with a very successful shopping trip the other day at Goodwill. These are just a sampling of what I scored for $16!!

a collection of green glass vases

These look great on a white shelf or backdrop for a pop of colour. I always try to group similar items for impact. I find it helps identify it as a collection and a pretty vignette. Odd numbers in a group seem to work best and is a stylists rule of thumb.

milk glass cups

I have a rather large collection of these. John grimaced when he saw them. I'm not sure why but I can never pass these up. So simple and I love the iridescence of the glass.

antique bowls

Simple cream bowls. I love these. They make great props and I use them, piled high with fresh berries.

vintage wood desk tray

This vintage tray will get a new home in my son's room. The mid-century desk I found on Kijiji is being stained and I think this will look great on it. I can't wait to show you the finished desk.

These desk trays also make cute shelves for small collections. Oh and the vintage books. I have a lot of these. A great way to add instant charm to a space - old books. Love the colours and the design on the blue book.

vintage brass letter organizer

I loved the patina of this piece. It's heavy as well so it would make a stylish file/mail holder.

Many of these items can be repurposed in different ways and I love that.

Happy thrifting!

Debra