January 20, 2011

The Year in Thirft: Part Two

Continuing on from my last post...

6. Ironstone gravy boat. Cost: 25 cents

Provenance: St. Paul’s Rummage Sale, Ocean Grove



I bought this the day before “stuff-everything” day (see #5 on my list). It is in perfect condition and may be the best way I’ve ever spent a quarter (aside from on pinball). It’s been used for marinara sauce on pasta night and for caramel sauce on a dessert buffet, so yay for using!

7. Wall mirror. Cost: $3

Provenance: Yard Sale, Oceanport


Virtually everything at this yard sale was overpriced. Laughably overpriced, in fact. Except for this dandy mirror at a mere three bucks. Plus it weighs a ton, so that's really only pennies a pound. (Note how I rationalize my purchases.)

8. Annie Selke fabric. Cost: $5/yard ($10)

Provenance: Allaire State Park Flea Market



My friend Jim and I almost plotzed when we saw this Annie Selke fabric poking out from under a pile of bolts festooned with dancing rabbits, neon roosters and the like. The only shame of this is that I only bought two yards. It was a hot day and clearly I wasn’t properly hydrated. Had I been of sane mind I would have bought the rest of the bolt and made fabulous curtains. Live and learn, fellow thrifters. Live and learn.

9. Pair of Yugoslavian Roussell chairs: $3

Provenance: Estate Sale, West Long Branch


What are Yugoslavian Roussell chairs, and how do I know these are they? Well:


True, they're nothing fancy, but this definitely qualifies as a non-tchotchke practical purchase. Plus they’re so cute and vintage looking and we needed extra seating for al fresco dining on the porch (with my
vintage tablecloths, of course). And, hello: Three bucks a pair! Score.

10. “Mrs. Johnson.” Cost: $2

Provenance: Trinity Church Asbury Park Thrift Sale


This large oil on board portrait was the true score of the year.

I spent a lot of Saturdays rummaging and thrifting with my friend Jim in 2010. A LOT. And artwork just seemed to jump into our hands. We’ve amassed quite a collection of gems which probably deserve a post of their own. But Mrs. Johnson, oh Mrs. Johnson. Thank you for hopping out of a pile of crap and into my loving arms. And thanks to my friends Terry and Peter at Tumblety Howell Art for helping me put her damaged frame back together again.



At first I considered ditching the frame, but when I saw the artist signed it (along with signing the back of the painting) I realized it was original and really wanted to make it work.



I did a little online research and it turns out S.W. Peabody was Susan W. Peabody, who was a student at the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1920s. She had a couple of student exhibitions there, and appears to have been a benefactor to a number of museums over the years. Now whether or not she's related to the Peabody artsy patron family I don't know. But I'd sure like to think so!

I am so excited by this purchase I can’t even tell you. (Well, I guess I did tell you.)

I’d love to see your favorite thrifty find of 2010. Do tell!

12 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

I love depression glass, and have started to acquire some of it. In 2010, I found four pink depression saucer plates.I was looking for the cups but they were no where to be found. Wish I could remember how much they were. I also bought a green depression glass bowl, in which I keep w/lemons in it on the counter. Once I collect more of it, I will blog about it. I love the colors of depression glass. My girlfriend collects beaded glass. I'm sure you know what that is - just beautiful.
Keep blogging - I enjoy reading your posts.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Love it, Laura, but you are right... Mrs. Johnson is the score of the year. Anyone who studied at the Institute has got to have had talent to have gone there to even begin with, and clearly Ms. Peabody did. That is a nice painting. Mr. Magpie's great aunt was a listed artist, and she went there during the 1920's. Wouldn't it be somthing if the two of them knew each other???

XO,

Sheila :-)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It is so unbelievable that a signed oil painting of such quality would be sold for $2, Laura. I am constantly amazed by the mix of junk and true treasures that are being sold at estate and thrift sales. Glad Mrs Johnson now will live in your home!

The only thing I snagged this past year as a "fill a bag with as many books you can fit" for $6 at the Kent, CT, library sale. I posted a photo of the goodies I found.

Joyce said...

I want to shop with you! I love the fabric- this would look so cool on an vintage piece. Well since you only have 2 yards even a small footstool. Hugs my friend. xo

Unknown said...

Wow...you did great. I would think things would cost more way up north...but seems that isn't so!

Love the oil painting and that mirror was a steal at 3 bucks!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

What a great inspiration for thrift season 2011!! I am literally chomping at the bit!!!! Loved the Lady Liberty tooth paste holder and of course the painting is a find like no other. I have been trying to decide what to write about, and a wrap up of the previous year might just get me going again!
♥, Susan

Ina in Alaska said...

Hi Laura and thanks for stopping by my blog. We actually have a LOT in common! I am from NJ, born and raised there. My entire family is still there in fact, I am the ONLY one here.

I was in Jersey in Sept during the Allaire Flea Market but it was too crazy busy and we could not find a parking spot... but biked through the area... we would park at the Allenwood (?) General Store (DELISH CANDY!) then head out on the great bike paths. Then get some candy after... or coffee.. or both...

My mom lives in Brielle, my sister in Brick and brother in Belmar. My dad is up in Clinton/Annandale. I get to Jersey every year mostly in September (to see the Yankees)

Love the sweet things you picked up and I think Mrs. Johnson is fabulous! Glad to "meet" you!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, it's somewhere in the middle of the night. I just woke up and decided to blog. LOL! I wanted to drop back by and wish Mr. Shorehouse a Happy Birthday and you a very Merry Un-Birthday. Hope all is well there. I am finally well enough to travel after the month I spent battling a respiratory infection. I think I overdid, but boy what a relief to break free of my cabin! LOL!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Anonymous said...

Mrs Johnson is a treasure. I can't help but wonder when I see old portraits who they were, what that day held for them -- a fingerprint of a life.

Your Friend,
Deborah

Kristen said...

Holy cow! $3 for that beautiful vintage wall mirror~ you definitely hit the mother load :)

Unknown said...

So glad you linked to 2nd Time Around!
:)

Courtney said...

these are all fabulous, as usual. How FUN to see you blogging again, Laura! Woohoo!