Hello, and welcome to Tumbleweed Tidings! I know it has been a long time since I’ve posted, but it seems like life keeps getting in the way of my creativity. Does that ever happen to you? Oh, good. But I’m back to blogging and have lots of new content that will cover topics from my daughter’s upcoming wedding, my 50th class reunion, and a new staging job I’m working on for a vacation rental in Idaho. So many exciting things coming up!

This past week, we were in Northern Idaho for the first time in a while, and I was able to visit a couple of my favorite thrifting haunts. These are stores that carry high quality treasures that I love upcycling into my home decor. For the sake of organization, I will show the purchases in price order from cheapest to most expensive. Here we go!

The first item I found was this cute little silver candlestick holder. While I probably need another candlestick holder like another hole in my head, this one had a few of the things I look for. First, it was heavy, which always signals quality to me in candlestick holders. Second, it was in good condition, and had the felt bottom, which is another sign of a quality. Last, it was only $1.50, so how could I pass it up? I will add it to my collection of candlestick holders, which most of the time I group and rarely add candles to anymore. Sold!

The next item I found was a ceramic plate with a saying written on it. It basically says to fill this up with something delicious and give away, then the next person will “pay it forward” and do likewise. I have seen these plates before, and really like the sentiment. It seems like we are often taking meals and treats to those recovering from operations, illness, or loneliness. I purchase foil and plastic throwaway containers for this purchase, so no one has to worry about returning dishes to me. And at only $3.00, this little plate will be perfect, piled high with freshly baked cookies. Now, I just have to wait for the next person to deliver it to!

Next in my thrifting treasure hunt was this cute pewter serving piece that has a strawberry motif etched into the basketweave pattern. The minute I saw it, I knew just what I would use it for. In June, our middle daughter is getting married, and a few weeks ahead of the wedding, our oldest daughter and I are co-hosting a bridal shower brunch at my house. This pewter dish will look just right, pile high with, you guessed it…strawberries! At $5.00, I couldn’t resist this piece.

The last item I found was a large, framed print of two birds. Not only were the black frame and print in beautiful condition, but I knew right away this would go perfectly in our dining room, where there is a collage wall with some other bird pieces of art. The colors in this piece match the scheme in our dining room, including the drapes which contain the same palette. At $35 it was the largest purchase of the day, but worth every penny in my book. I couldn’t wait to get it home, give the glass and frame a good cleaning, and hang it up. I love it!

The older I get, the more purposeful I have become in my thrifting. I look at items with a discerning eye, trying to figure out if I would really use them rather than stuffing them in a closet somewhere.

If you haven’t tried thrifting, I would highly encourage you to do so. The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun and finding a real “diamond in the rough” is both satisfying and cost effective at the same time. It’s a real decorating win-win!

Good tidings,

Diane