Thrift Store Culture - Part III: Golf Ball Mobile Wind Chime

I was at the thrift store last week and saw a golf ball mobile wind chime dangling off the end of a clothing rack.  I didn't have my camera, but let me try my best to explain.

We all know what a wind chimes looks like.

Image found here.

We all know what a baby mobile is.

Image found here.

We all know what a golf ball is for.

Now, imagine them sort've hand-made, tied and contorted to create a piece of beauty all its own.

When I saw this extraordinary piece of art, I knew it was time to write another chapter of

Thrift Store Culture.

I love thrift store people.  We make an interesting bunch; taking risks, going with the punches and digging through some pretty interesting stuff to find the good trash.

           I was out thrifting and took a moment to sit in rocking corduroy vintage love seat (priced at $49.99, if it was a little cheaper, I’ve might have been tempted to bring it home) to nurse the little girl.  On a side note, I don’t mind nursing in public as long as I have a nursing cover.  I’m a momma on the go.  I have to be willing to just go with the flow or this parenting thing would be a lot of stress.  I pull out my nursing cover and get the little princess situated.  Reef sits next to me with a book he’s found.  A lady’s in the store offers me a halfway smile while I enjoy some cuddle time with the kids.  At first I think her attention is because my kids are  just too adorable, but then I realize maybe the .02 cent smile is because she’s appalled I’m nursing in public.  As she walks by, she reeks of coffee breath that I can smell from across the aisle. 

I’m not the only one shopping with children.  Since the dressing rooms are full, a mother of several little kids pulls shirts off and on each one (over their clothing), making sure the clothes are going to fit.  She’s shopping with a few other family members as well.  The ladies pull sweaters, skirts and shirt off and on over their clothing.  It’s obvious they don’t have much.  They’re the type of family I’d like to buy all their items for.  I almost do, but I don’t want to embarrass them.

A woman looking like Jane Fonda walks by me and bosses her husband to follow.  Her raspy voice directs him to the other side of the store.  I can hear her barking orders while he follows like a little puppy.  He looks like the relationship has worn him out; head down, hands in pocket and permanent frown wrinkles on his face.  Maybe he should’ve insisted on staying home while she went shopping.  I think he’d be better off.  It’s a common known fact that men don’t enjoy the gathering experience of shopping as much as us women.  I think this guy would rather be hunting bears then looking over knick knacks in an old thrift store.

In the shirt section, the cutest grandma’s complete each others sentences.  I think they’re best friend forever.  Both have gray hair, but their giggling like school girls.

“Oh, what a beautiful blouse.  Won’t you look lovely in that,” one of the lady’s says to her BFF as she holds up a pink cotton ruffle shirt. 

The cashier speaks into the intercom with the voice of a nighttime D.J., reminding shoppers it’s dollar day.  The BFF’s looked at each other and giggle.

“Good gracious, a dollar.  Let’s see what else we can find,” and they walk side by side, pushing their shared cart down the aisle.

On dollar day, carts are sparse.  I’m into the habit of bringing in my double stroller for my babies.  Eden's propped up in a baby Bjorn while  Reef sits in the front of the stroller.  I use the back seat for my  finds.  It quickly fills with all sorts of clothing; a pair of American Eagle trouser jeans, a Fresh Produce beach dress, a pink Gap hoodie sweater, etc.  The stroller quickly becomes too heavy to maneuver easily.  With a full double stroller, I look like I’m trying to steer a semi-truck.  Reef insists on using the bathroom while we’re in the store.  I’m in a catch 22.  I can’t bring unpaid merchandise into the bathroom (not like the stroller would fit anyway), but if I leave the stroller out here someone might think it’s for sale and take it.  I recognize a woman I’ve seen shopping from weeks past and ask if she’d watch the stroller for me.  It’s worth making friends at the thrift store.

My kid’s and I have so much fun when we’re out.  I know Eden and Reef enjoy it too.  Eden and I tote around and she’s just as happy as, well, as a baby shopping dollar day with her thrift store-obsessed momma.  I call her my silent shopper because she’s silent while we’re shopping.  She’s so engaged, smiling at shoppers, cooing on prompt, like when we find Eileen Fisher jackets (which I found 2 of) or Flax skirts (found 3 of those).  She’s such a chill baby.

As long as I have a snack and sippy for Reef, he’s good to go.  We always find something for him to play with; a musical book, a light-up toy or a truck.  He talks about the things he sees.  I think it’s good for him to see so much diversity.

The store is decorated with used Christmas items, many of which are broke, old or freaky.  A large pottery glass Santa is propped up on a wire spring, flopping to and fro as people walk by.  Both of Santa’s hands are broken off.  No wonder this piece of Christmas joy hasn’t sold. Not only is Santa disabled, but he’s priced at $4.99.

Several used Christmas trees stand proudly on display, hoping to be purchased and used for another season.  They’re decorated with interesting ornaments.  It’s like the misfit trees, with odd mis-matched ornaments nobody wants.  Reef picks up a Snoopy stuffed animal sitting on the display in front of him.  Snoopy’s cute, wearing his Santa hat, but I quickly realize it’s a dog chew toy.  I place Snoopy back on the shelf next to a vintage snow globe.  Oh, that’s broken too, not because the glass is broken, but because there's no water in it.  I quickly distract Reef with a packet of fruit snacks and it’s a smooth transition back to the clothing racks. 

I find almost 50 articles of clothing to resell on eBay and I’ve had a nice time with my kids.  I stand in the line furthest away from the Cheeto display and look through my merchandise.  I check zippers, look for stains and make sure all the buttons are there.  Eden’s little fingers grab at everything I’m holding.  A pair of Hot Cotton pants I’ve picked look a little too faded for resale.  Begrudgingly, I put them on the hanging rack next to me. It is at this moment, that I bump into a golf ball wind chime mobile.  Reef reaches for it and I know what he’s thinking.

He plays with it while I pay the cashier.  Eden’s eyes grow bigger every time it chimes and by the time we leave, Reef’s lost interest in it.  I’m sure some lucky shopper will go home with it.  

To read Thrift Store Culture I, click here.

To read Thrift Store Culture II, click here.

Linking up to:

Trash To Cash Wednesday!

This week it was all about J.Crew and a wild card. I've always done well with J.Crew so I wanted to show off a few of my sellers this week.J.Crew size 4 tall black wool career pants sold for $8.00
J.Crew size 4 black career skirt sold for $9.00
J.Crew size 10 Tall black suit jacket sold for $15.50J.Crew size 4 blue floral silk dress sold for $21.00J.Crew New with tags size 12 green corduroy skirt sold for $20.50- and the wild card this week (no it's not J.Crew)

These Trina Turk (I had never heard of the brand) size 6 striped hippie pants. They sold for $13.50! I was impressed that they even sold, let alone the fact they received multiple bids- I guess one can never tell what will sell on ebay. Here's my weeks totals:

Ebay Profits:$494.93

Craigslist Profits:0

Costs: 37.00(clothes), 29.95(ebay fees), 36.35 (paypal fees)

Total Profit: $391.63

Looks like another great week! Don't forget the estate sale this Friday and Saturday in Mesa. I'll post some pictures and the address tomorrow. Love, Kelly.

Entrance Way Re-Do

Does anyone remember the dining room set I picked up in September for just $50? It included this table and 6 chairs... (filthy because the previous owner had it outside with their dogs)

and a buffet with hutch...The dogs got a little bored and chewed on two corners of the buffet...Well, this kicked off the desire to redo my entrance way. First thing I did was sold the table and chairs for $300 (just vacuumed them up and applied a little Old English oil to condition the wood) Then I sold the top of the hutch for $56. The buffet would become the center piece of my redo. It needed some repair because of the chewed corners so, Mr. Right removed the molding, recreated it using his fancy tools and I used wood putty to carve a new bottom corner. Here she is ready for paint...

I realized I didn't have any before pictures of the middle of my entrance- However, it was in the background of several pictures. Here's what the entrance looked like last Christmas...

And here's what it looks like today...I think it's a much more sophisticated look. Here's a peek at another corner...
And here's a different angle (a little blurry- but you can see the front doors- which I painted black)
If you missed my redo of the bench in the other corner go here. I absolutely love the transformation. Let me know what you think. Love, Kelly

Kindergarten Class Photo Christmas Ornament & Give-Away from Peppertowne

I think I’m finally growing into this.

And I think I like it.

I remember the first time I was published.

It was here in Phoenix, in a local newspaper.  I wrote a piece about Earth Day.

I found my story in the newspaper while I was working an Earth Day event out in Scottsdale called Sun Festival.

There was my name in print.  I put the newspaper in my purse, certain I’d keep it forever. 

I was over the moon.   My writing career was off and running. 

7 years later, I’m still writing, but I don’t know where I put that newspaper.  It’s lost in the hustle and bustle of life.  I’ve had a few more small pieces published.  I've jumped up and down, called the counselor at work talking so fast he didn't know what the heck I was trying to say because I was bubbling over with joy, but I’ve also matured.

Reality set in long ago.

Writing isn't all about getting published, is it? 

(que violin music)

Starting My Dear Trash was a way to combine several different loves into one outlet.  First and for most my love of writing.  Actually, it seemed silly to write about trash, but because of a dream I had (click here to read more about that), trash it was. Trash is the one thing all my friends want to talk about.   We’ll actually; they want to know how much money I’ve made recently off trash.  That’s were eBay and craigslist.com came aboard.  I can’t leave them out of the experiment.

I'm starting to see myself as a professional seller of trash, especially after working last weeks estate sale with Kelly.  I get it.  I can actually make money as often as I want off the trash I find out garaging and thrifting, working estate sales, running an eBay store, etc.  

In this economy, this is a huge blessing.  I'm living the American dream; to buy cheap; sell high.  

Wow, it really works.  

The work is steady.  If I need more, I go shopping.  It's out there if I go looking.

This year, I'm spending more time working trash on eBay then working on getting my novel published. It was hard taking a step back, but it's been good for me and pays much better then writing.

Last year, I had a great find right before Christmas (click here to read more about that).  While out garaging one Saturday, I walked into a garage sell where a woman and her grown son put together a gigantic Christmas tree in their front yard.  The goal was to get it displayed for their garage sale and get it sold.

“What a gorgeous tree,” I said.  “Is it for sell?”

“Yes, it is,” she said.  “I’ll give you the deal of the day.”

What I’ve learned when people say “I’ll make you a deal” is they really want whatever “the deal of the day is” gone, out of the house and never seen or heard of again.  They don’t care what you do with it.  Most likely, you don’t need or want it, but “the deal of the day” is hard to pass up.  Just look at Kelly's vintage buffet she picked up last weekend for $10.00.  That was "the deal of the day" too.

Anyway, back to the tree.  I had a modest 6 foot tree back at home.  I wasn’t really looking for a new one, but I could tell this one was nice and expensive.

“How tall is it?” I asked, staring up in to the sky.

“It’s 10 feet,” she said.  “I’ll sell it to you for $1.00 a foot.”

“$10.00?” I confirmed. 

That’s how I found my gorgeous 10 foot pre-lit super sturdy forever beautiful tree.

 At the same sale, I purchased a box of 60 collectible Hallmark ornaments for $40.00.

Yeah.  Merry Christmas to me.

I sold a couple on eBay and earned my $40.00 back.

This year, I was waiting for the Christmas garage sale karma to kick in again.

And it did.

With this little box of goodies.

A box of about 25 vintage Christmas Around the World 1980 ornaments that I purchased for $1.00.

Thank you Mayer, for decorating the tree this year while the rest of us sat around and watched.  You learned when you're 5 and do all the work, you get to pick if you want your kindergarten class picture displayed as an ornament.

More early Christmas presents for me?

I found ths vintage buffet with hutch for $30.00.  

I've been looking for something retro and huge.  This does the trick.  I want to paint it, but I want it up in my home for the holidays even more.  I know it will take me months to get around to painting it. Hey, we can’t all be like Kelly.

And Merry Christmas to you.  

Amy over at Peppertowne has offered the following give-away to a lucky reader of My Dear Trash.  She writes:

I would like to give away some of my custom photo Christmas cards. I came out with a new style of Christmas letters that I'd like to showcase and would like to give-away 25 custom cards to one person.  The winner can pick their favorite Christmas card from my shop, whichever one they like best I will customize, add their photo and mail them the cards.

Links:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61674585/5-printed-christmas-letter-cards-5x19
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61711247/5-printed-christmas-letter-cards-5x19
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61720063/5-printed-christmas-letter-cards-5x19

 Leave a comment below, become a follower of My Dear Trash and Peppertowne and your qualified to win.  Winner will be announced Friday.  Good luck.

Linking up to:

This weeks Garage Finds!

I was working the estate sale this weekend so no garaging for me! However, I wanted to show you what I picked up at the sale:

You know I love candy jars and this one matches a set I display art supplies in. The huge spool of macrame yarn makes the perfect ties for gift tags and it's what I use to make my cashmere pumpkins (go here to see them)

We had several silver and silverplate baby cups that didn't sell- Surprising. I picked up this cutie and the vintage oil can.

This wood spool with string is part of a vintage plumb bob- the actual plumb bob is missing, but I love the patina of this piece. The old lock doesn't have a key, but will look great on display, and being a retired teacher, I love to collect old school books.
Mr. Right picked up this hand drill and a few cameras (not pictured) The little metal car will look great in our toy room (display only!)
Years ago Mr. Right and I discovered Shelley China (we were really into victorian decor and antiques) He bought me one of their teacups for Christmas one year, but it met a terrible fate when my then two year old had a golf ball- enough said. Imagine how excited we were when we uncovered a replacement- different pattern, but that same dainty style we both love.
When this vintage door didn't sell after day one I decided I had to have it.Check out the original hardware. Can't wait to think of a project for this one. So, when I said I was working the estate sale and couldn't go garaging- that was a bit of a fib. The next door neighbor happened to be having a sale and when ours was over I couldn't resist taking a peak. Here's what I found...A beautiful antique buffet. This was marked with a "make an offer" sticker- but the owner quickly announced she would take $10 for it! $10? SOLD! I guess they sold it earlier in the day for $15 (still a steal) but the new buyer brought it back because it didn't fit in her house- her loss is my gain. I'll make sure to show you an after picture when she's all redone. So, great weekend! The estate sale was very successful and FUN! I've got another estate sale scheduled for this weekend so stay tuned- I'll post the address on Thursday. Also, I know I promised an entrance way tour for last Friday, but with the sale it just didn't happen. I've got it ready to show off for tomorrow (Tuesday) so come on back and take a look. Love, Kelly.

Craigslist

I recently received this question from a reader of My Dear Trash:

I manage to sell pretty well on eBay and I love reading through your blog. I've never sold anything on Craig's list but just came across the most incredible childs table and chair set at Uncle Sal's for $20. The stickers are still on it, the table alone went for $299. original. Any advice for posting on CL? Do you have a separate email account set up just for that? Do you have people contact you by email or by phone? Also, I do love people but I'm not letting strangers in my home, do you meet them outside? A nice post on CL advice would be awesome. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. 

Thank you for your email. I’ve been meaning to do another post on Craig’s list, so this is the perfect lead-in.

craigslist.org is a great place to get started to find out which site you should list on for your area.  For example, I post on phoenix.craigslist.org.   

A little about Craig's list as listed at craigslist.org/about/factsheet.  Worldwide, craigslist gets about 20 billion page views per month, making it the #7 worldwide most popular website. There are over 700 cites in 70 countries.  In 2004, eBay acquired 25% of craigslist equity from former shareholders.  Why is craigslist domain .org?  Because it symbolizes the relatively non-commercial nature, public service mission, and non-corporate culture of craigslist.

Craig’s list is such a great tool, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, be sure to always have someone with you when you allow a potential buyer into your home.  You can never be too safe.  One time I was selling a diamond ring for a friend of mine and I offered to meet a potential buyer at a McDonalds up the street from my home.  Of course, I took my big strong man with me.

I’m cautious about letting people into my home. Most of the time, I have the item for sale in my garage.  After greeting a potential buyer at my front door, I walk into the front yard with them and we walk together around to my garage.  I know nothing’s full proof, but this has worked for me.

Second, do not respond to emails offering cashiers checks.  Never give out bank information.  I get scams all the time from my Craig’s List listings.   Never link to a website in an email or download any information.  I once received an email from a woman asking if I’d link up to a site showing the picture of the type of couch she wanted.  “If your couch is similar to this one, then I’m interested in yours.”  That request seemed somewhat odd to me.  Trust your gut.  If it appears weird, then it probably is.  I recently received this email for several of the items I have listed on Craig's list:

reply i.f ur genuine 

Needless to say, I didn't reply.

With that said, I do use my personal email account for my Craig’s List postings. 

If you’ve found something really great to sell on Craig’s List, I would start with a Craig’s List search.  In your case, see what other kids table and chair sets are selling.  Check out the price range to get a feel where you should be starting. Personally, I would start at around $80.00.  This is a nice profit for you and a great deal for someone else.  Be willing to negotiate off your asking price.  In this case, I might go down to $70.00 or $65.00.

I’m always surprised to find furniture listings with no photograph.  I’d imagine these items do not sell very well. If you're going to take the time to list an item, it's worth taking photographs.  Take several photos of the item you want to sell.  Stage it in a way that appeals to its value.  Take the picture in a clutter-free area of your home (yeah, that’s not easy for me).  Make sure the images in the photograph are clear. 

I always list my phone number in my listing.  I want to make it as easy as possible for a potential buyer to get a hold of me.  This has worked out great because I’m not always on-line.  My email is automatically linked to my posting.

My secret to Craig’s List success while out thrifting/garaging?

If I see something beautiful, but have no need or room for, I buy it as a re-sale item.  If I find something that needs minimal repair or a paint job, I might take on the task (Kelly is so much better at this then I am, remember, I'm an as-is kind of girl).  I never know when I might make a nice little profit off my investment.  It’s fun to filter chairs, couches, bookshelves,  home décor, etc. in and out of my home (maybe that depends on who you ask).  Although my kids may have some sort of furniture detachment disorder in the future (my husband’s a counselor, but I don’t think he’s every diagnoadisorder in all his years of practice), they like to try new stuff too.

Currently on Craig’s List I have listed:

large solid wood dresser

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis People Magazine Commerative Issue

Large Wood Fold-out Buffet Table on Wheels

Beautiful Black Floral 8x11 Large Plush Area Rug

Christian Michele Size 0 Red "Bella" NWT $399 Formal Gown

Remember, Craig’s List has no seller fees.

Good luck and keep Kelly and I posted on your success.

Huge Estate Sale in Historic Phoenix Neighborhood

I had to share a few of the pictures of the estate sale with you. If you're in the area this is a do not miss sale. Last night I spent 3 hours unpacking all of the items from the attic. Take a look at these huge copper caldrons...This sale has it all! Tools for the men...
Decor for the decorator...
and tons of collectibles...
You can see more pictures here. The address is 3915 E. Roma Phoenix, 85018- Hope to see you there! Love, Kelly

Trash to Cash Wednesday!

I'm happy to report that business picked up a little on ebay this week. I didn't sell as many items as I normally do, probably because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but I had some nice big sellers. Let's take a look.Two weeks ago I picked up 3 pair of Big Star jeans at a garage sale- $4.00 each. You know I hate to pay more than $1.00 for clothes, but I was assured by my 21 year old that these jeans were from buckle, cost $90.00 and would do great on ebay. My daughter decided to keep one of the jeans for herself, but I listed the others on ebay. This size 31 long pair sold for 30.00.

Another pair of Big Star 31 long in a distressed style. They sold for $24.99

I originally bought these Nordstrom 100% Cashmere sweater pants as a wild card. Yes, they're cashmere, but who wears sweater pants. Apparently, lots of people wear sweater pants as these pants sold with 10 bids at $33.32.
You know how great we say Eileen Fisher can be. Well this weeks proves it again. These Eileen Fisher size Medium black knit crop pants sold for $35.00.
Another pair of Eileen Fisher size Large purple knit crop pants sold for $31.00. Here's how my week turned out...

Ebay Profits:$502.15

Craigslist Profits:0

Costs: 73.50(clothes), 78.83(ebay fees), 30.73 (paypal fees)

Total Profit: $319.09

Great week! Don't miss out on the Christmas rush- get your ebay items listed today. Also, I wanted to let those of you who are local know I'm hosting another estate sale this weekend in Phoenix. You don't want to miss this one. A house full of antiques and collectibles. You can get more information and see some great pictures here. I'd love to meet you. Love, Kelly.