At the auction.

Last weekend was the first of two auctions a year sponsored by the Ocean Grove Historical Society. I go just for a good chuckle. I mean, I'm a thrifty little diva...I don't pay buyers' premiums (10%) and sales tax (7%). Pshaw.

That said, no one ever seems to be in the market for furniture at the local auctions, so you can get some really good deals. I had to hold my own arm down to prevent from bidding on an antique mahogany rocker that went for $50, and a fantastic pair of Victorian-era cane chairs that went for $40 (for the pair). And a lovely full sized maple bed from the 1940s or 50s didn't even fetch the minimum bid of $5. It was in great shape as-is, but could easily be shabbified (beach speak for painting white) and would look adorable in a beach house bedroom. I forgot to bring my camera so you'll have to take my word for it. I mean, five bucks for a full size bed?!

I did manage to raise my #61 paddle a couple of times, for this vintage sign which I got for $10:


What can I say? I'm a sucker for old signs.

And this Victor Borge poster that went for the lowest of low $5! No one wanted poor Victor! I loved this guy. And I also love this line on the poster:

"A great Artist who can clown without offending music lovers...and reduce an audience to tears!"

How's that for copy writing?

I'm really surprised no one else was interested. Usually anything with Ocean Grove on it goes for more than it's worth given the local angle and all. We can see The Great Auditorium from our front porch so this purchase was a no brainer.

On Monday (love holidays off from work!), I went to Michael's with my 40% off coupon in hand to get a frame:

And then to Jo-Ann's to buy a yard of muslin (think "linen-look") for $1.39. I crafted a "faux matte" by covering the backing of the frame and pulling the edges (tightly!) out the back and around the wood:

Now Victor will be residing at the shore house, mere steps from where he reduced an audience to tears. Without offending them, naturally. And I'm certainly not offended by the finished product's price, which came in at under $30 for everything.

Speaking of auctions and vintage finds, look what I got in the mail:

Can you feel my excitement?