Thrift Store Finds.

I hit five thrift stores yesterday and managed to find 4 cool vintage pieces. It's getting harder and harder to find vintage, at least here in Los Angeles. I remember years ago leaving one thrift store with bags full of great finds.  Now, I leave empty handed on most trips.

Here's what I bought...

Fred Press Cheese Plate

I have several like this and they don't sell well in my shop but I just can't pass them up.  I figure I could always use them for entertaining if no one else wants them.

Wednesday Thrift Store Finds

Actually it was Craigslist that got me out of the house today.   I came across a 1960's bookshelf on Craigslist last night for $25. It's a design I've always loved so I wrote to see if I could pick it up today.  I figured at $25 it would already be gone but nope, I am the lucky new owner. I drove about 20 minutes today to grab it then made some thrift-stops on the way home.

Pardon the bad picture. It's so bright in my living room with the afternoon sun.  I can't wait to arrange this with new mid century smalls. For now I threw on whatever I could find laying around so it wasn't bare. 

I just love this multi tier look and the openness of the design.  West Elm and Crate and Barrel do modern designs similar to this original 60's look. 

What else did I find today?  

This cool little guy caught my attention. Not sure what it is - there is a hole in the top, but I just like it.  Very 60's native, tiki, folk arty huh?

Mid Century glass Blendo bowl.  It was a strange find because I already have one exactly like it!  This one will go in my shop. 

Lotus fine china cake plate.  Design by Georges Briard. I love the retro greek geometric look.  I love this design on rugs.  

I also picked up this awesome large glass bowl that says "Munchies" on it in a cool retro type.  I had to give it to my husband as his new popcorn bowl.  Why?  Because one of his many pet names is Munchies.  Don't ask, long story! 

I just love these lazy susan style dishes. I see them often and usually pass them up but I love the pink and aqua colors of this set and they're in perfect condition. They're stamped Classica Original Made in USA.  

Lastly, I found this little triangle Mersman table.  Unfortunately the previous owner painted it brown but I'm confident I can restore it to its former glory.  

Not a bad day thrifting!

Saturday Estate Sales. So What Happened?

So after some deliberation I decided to go for sale #1 with the pair of end tables by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, as discussed yesterday.   I was out of the house by 6:30 which is GREAT for me.  I made it to the sale around 6:45 and put my name on the list.  #9 - not bad.  I hung out for over an hour.

While waiting, the owner of the estate sale company came out and said "Are you the one who called me"?  Yes, I was.  I called last night to ask a couple questions about the sale and see if I could get any idea of the price on the PL tables.  I could not squeeze any info out of her.  Oh well, the call still served me some good though. I told her yes it was me.  She remembered I asked about the tables.

So, 8am, I get inside and run to the PL tables, as did everyone else!  Asking price?  $850.00!!!  Really?!  Retail price?  Pass!  On to the other things on my wish list.  In general the sale was so-so and very overpriced.  That mini green TV I wanted? $30!  It should have been $5 bucks.  I still filled 2 bags with smalls so all was not lost.

On my way out the estate co. owner stopped me and asked, "What will you pay for the tables"?  I told her the price was waaaaay off for me.  She persisted;  "Make me an offer".  Ok then, "$400".  She asked to take my number. I thought, no way will she call me.  But, about half hour later, guess who called?  Yep.  She offered them at $500.  I countered at $450 and she accepted.  I head back to make the big purchase!

Oooooh kaaay..... upon first look at the tables I had beer goggles on.  I was in love and did not examine them closely.  At $850 asking price, I had to just move on. But, now we're talking $450.  I looked closer.  BAH!!!  They were in need of some refinishing. One side had what looked like a huge burn mark and a some serious scratches and dings. The other was in better shape but would need some sanding too on the legs and top - and that means trying to match the stain - and what THAT means is refinishing the entire thing x 2.  No thanks. I tried to work her down in price even more considering the damage but she couldn't budge, per the owner.  I had to walk away.  The tables would have been a huge pain to refinish.

It's so weird to have had them in my grasp and then poof, I'm driving away.  Oh well!!  I will certainly come across other great pieces in my many, many more years of estate sale-ing.   It just did not feel right.  $450 was still very steep for them but I was willing to go for it - but not in that condition.

The day was not lost.  I hit sale #2 (from yesterday's post) next and got a bag full for $10. Now we're talking!  It turns out this might have been the sale to hit first.  It started at 7 am so by the time I got there I could tell it was picked over.  The house had a TON of stuff.  Then I was off to 2 thrift stores where I found a few more cool things.

Oh yeah, sale #2, the bedroom set asking price was $975!  Really?!  I see complete sets on Craigslist for $500 and below.  What is it with estate companies lately?

Fun Monday Finds.

I stopped into 2 thrift stores this afternoon on my way home from a meeting (yes I ALWAYS work thrift stores into my day) and I found a few cool things.

Flying brass birds attached to a piece of wood.  These sculptures are too cool.  Very Jere-esque right?  I think I'll keep this one.  Check out the other one I found awhile back, which is for sale in my shop currently. 

Mid Century Modern Upholstered Bench. 

Look at that vinyl - it's in perfect condition!  It's heading for my shop this week. 

Fun retro digital alarm clock with 2 alarm settings and push button "technology".  I love old clocks but this one will be for sale in my shop soon.

Happy Monday! 

Mid Century Paintings and Wall Art.

This weekend was so busy that I did not have the time, um actually the energy, to post.  Friday was a really busy day then it was up bright and early Saturday morning to hit the sales.  It was a good day for shopping!   Sunday was all about errands, cleaning, shooting pictures, etc.

Saturday: The first sale we (my Mom and I) hit was a jack pot!  Not only was it close to my house but it was pure mid century and everything was el-cheapo! The woman and her 2 sons running the sale were so nice and fun.  I just love that!  My mom and I bought so much we filled up the back of my Ford Explorer.  We had to go back home and unload before we could hit more sales.  We made it back home around 2 pm, just beat.  That's 6 hours of estate sail-ing!

One of my favorite purchases from Saturday (the first sale) is this pretty mid century oil painting of a woman in a flower field. Though I tend to favor cityscapes and abstracts I just  love the bright yellow color and the mysterious woman.  If I had a place for it in my home I would keep it.  It's signed B. Alba, or at least that is what it looks like.  I have not been able to find any information on this person.

Here is the painting. It's huge at just over 3' x 3'.  This post inspired me to share the artwork in my home and find a few favorites on Etsy too:

and others living in my home currently...some of these you've seen in previous posts...

Huge oleograph by Edgar A. Stareck.  For sale!

Original oil by Ozz Franca. 

Adorable retro yarn picture.

Marina/cove print. I cannot make out the signature.  Dated '60.

Huge mixed media abstract in my dining area.

My beloved big-eyed dog and cat oleographs by Gia. Sorry for the crappy picture. The little doggy is not washed out - it's a weird light reflection. 

Original oil city scape. I cannot make out the signature.

Chip art picture.  I  found this one a couple of weeks ago.

Gigantic metal flying bird wall sculpture. One of my favorite thrift store finds!  I don't believe it's actually mid century but it's my version of Jere flying birds until I can acquire the real-deal.

Syroco wall plaques. My aunt sent these to me from Utah. Thanks Charlotte!  

My big-eyed Keane girls.  I have yet to find space for these!

and my favorites from Etsy:

Mid Century Modern Abstract by Casari $595 @ Dejavu Long Beach

Eddie Powell Taogaea "Terra" Mid Century Abstract Painting $465 @ Back Garage 

Mid Century Abstract $100 @ Shop Thrifted 

Abstract Mid Century Acrylic $385 @ Back Garage 

What are your favorites? 

Flock O Birds and a Little Lane Table

Check out this gorgeous mid century flock of birds wall art I found!

And.....this little Lane end table with dovetailing. It was just sitting there looking pathetic, waiting for someone to come along and save it. It's a wreck but I've already started sanding it and it's going to be beautiful. I'll post after pictures and I think it will be for sale in my Etsy shop.

Mid Century Desk - What a FIND!

I swung by my favorite Salvation Army today "just to see" what there was. I literally can't help myself. If I'm out on a quick errand and there is a thrift store nearby, I'm there. Today was one of those wonderful days when I just quickly dropped in and made a great, unexpected find.

Check out this fabulous long peg leg mid century desk. I plan to begin restoration in the next few weeks.

Back from SLC, Utah!

I'm just back from a working vacay in Salt Lake City with three generations of women in my family. Needless to say, I came back with gigantic bags full of fun new vintage and retro for my shop (and some for my personal overflowing collection). I should have driven home to bring more! We all share a love for, ehem, addiction to, antique, thrift, garage sales and second hand. It must be in the blood!

Here's my sweet little Mom with all my bags at LAX. Oh my, maybe I went overboard!



New things will be added to my shop all week so check back often! Looking for something in particular? I might have it stored away or I can keep an eye out for it on my frequent hunts. Convo me on etsy or write me at rhandesign@gmail.com.



Check out my Mom's new vintage Etsy site too! FatCatVintage

Cute Retro Prints and Vintage Talk at Apartment 528

Check out these cute retro-esque prints by www.apt528.com



What a great store and blog about all things vintage. A girl after my own heart! She also sells adorable pillows, fun and modern home accessories, and fabulous clocks - oh the clocks are oh so cute!

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Wow. Antique Wheelchair!

How cool is this? I came across this at one of my favorite thrift stores on the Central Coast of California.

I wanted to buy it just because it's so unique and old. Then reality set in and I thought, "aaaand where would this go in my house"? Plus, I could only imagine the look on my husbands face. "Really? A wheelchair". I get away with a lot but I thought this might cross that fine line. Besides, I couldn't fit it in my car. Did you catch the real reason it didn't make it back to LA with me?