Wednesday, August 10, 2011

a new weekly feature: thrifting

I've been trying to come up with a few regular weekly features for this blog, and I think one that makes sense to me is thrift store finds. I try to make it to one thrift store a week (usually the same one--it's a gem) because I source a lot of my art materials that way. Although my photography costs are basically non-negotiable (darkroom paper, film, etc.--to look for a good deal or cheaper brand is to compromise the quality) I can utilize used materials for the things/sets I fabricate to be photographed, as well as other things I make for other purposes.

Aside from that, I think shopping is fun and thrift store shopping (as well as yard saling) is all about the search, not about spending a lot of money. In addition to art supplies, I look for things that would be useful around the apartment, like kitchen gadgets and planters.

Yesterday's finds:
- Two Betty Crocker recipe card library boxes (recipes removed) circa 1971 - 40 cents each
- Milk glass planter (I collect these--beautiful and inexpensive for small houseplants!) - 90 cents
- 2.5 yards heavy navy blue fabric - $1.99
- Clip board (will use it for displaying art) - 50 cents
- 32 oz. Speedball screen printing ink (unopened! took my chances on it being good) - $2.93
- Mini label maker (for a schoolteacher friend--I already have one) - 30 cents

- Blue embroidery hoop - 30 cents

Total: $7.33 ($10 less than the cost of that screen printing ink new!)

I would be ever so grateful if you would let me know if a thrift store feature would appeal to you! If you have any ideas for it, feel free to share. Would you want to see the insides of stores themselves? Tips for successful thrifting? Guest posts from other thrifters? Thanks for your input!

4 comments:

Natalie Freeman said...

this is a great idea for your blog! i should maybe do the same... i go almost everyday to a thrift store of my choosing for etsy, my booth & our home. maybe i could post the highlights? so much fun!

Kristen said...

Oh, I would love it if you did it as well! I wish I had enough reasons to thrift everyday...sounds fun! I am definitely interested in seeing more of your finds. :)

Anonymous said...

I love this idea! I was just telling Michael a few weeks ago that I wanted to document all of the awesome deals I find at yard sales and thrift stores in a blog. I do not have the time to do that so I am super excited that you are making this! I love seeing all of your great finds! I cannot wait to see more!!

Kristen said...

Rosa, I wish you did have time for a blog of it! I would love to read that. I miss thrifting and yard saling with you! I was just thinking the other day how I really wanted to go to St. Joe's. I use the things I got on our yard sale trips last summer all the time. When you do have some free time, it would be really cool if you could do a guest post for this feature! Let me know if you are interested.