Monday, August 31, 2009

Shopping, thrift store style!

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I was in the mood to hit some garage sales on Saturday but it was so hot on Friday (about 102 degrees), I think everyone that planned on having a garage sale changed their minds because I hardly saw any garage sale signs as I was driving around. I decided to hit the thrift stores instead and I found some really nice things! I found that planter above. I have quite a few of these in all different shapes and sizes. I get so excited each time I find one! It was $7.99 but everything in the store was 30% off so I got it for $5.59 with tax! I bought that hydrangea at the grocery store a couple weeks ago for $5.99. It was a perfect fit inside the new planter!

I found this white enamel pot at The Salvation Army for $7.50. I love that this can go from stove top, to oven, to table top! I polished the brass knob on the lid with some brass polish but then decided I liked it tarnished better so I didn't polish the side handles. I really love this! I'm going to leave it out on top of my stove for awhile so I can enjoy it!

I was so happy when I found the huge mixing bowl above. I wish it were a vintage one but it's not. It's marked "Made in China" on the bottom. Oh well...it was $6.99 minus 35% off! What a deal! I wanted to bake some bread so I could put the dough in the bowl to rise but since it was 100 degrees outside I decided not too!
I found this adorable blue bird platter at The Salvation Army for $7.50. It's really stained. I thought I would be able to get those stains out with a good soaking but I couldn't. I hung it in my dining room but I'm not sure the neat-freak inside me likes looking at those stains...

It was a good thrifting day...lots of nice things for hardly any money!

I'm joining in on Rhoda's (Southern Hospitality) Thrifty Monday today. Stop over there to see everyone's thrifty treasures!

Regarding my last post about Susan Branch. She sent me an email and said she loved reading all your comments and she would love to reply to them all but she's busy writing her next book. I can hardly wait for that to come out! I just adore her work. I have almost every one of her books and I have her calendar hanging in my cubicle at work!
I can't believe I was emailing back and forth with her! So exciting!

83 comments:

cheapdiva said...

try making a paste with baking soda and lemon and leave it on the stained areas of the plate for a few hours. sometimes I have luck with this.

Anonymous said...

You found some really nice things. I have heard trying denture cleaner
but it didn't work for me on stained dishes. The grease gets in the cracks of the crazing and its hard to get out.If you find something please let us know. Good Luck.
Hope you have a good day:^)

Anonymous said...

Sorry forgot to put my name. still in learning mode.

Marilyn said...

Cindy,

If you can't get the stains out just think of it this way, the piece was well-used and well-loved!

You found some beautiful treasures this weekend.

Marilyn (in Dallas)

Unknown said...

Great stuff, and I know what you mean about stains. I found something I didnt buy recently for the same reason, it was hm, like a teacup but with a spout, and beautiful as anything. But it had a hairline crack, repaired. and some staining... I dont know. If they werent charging what I thought was premium prices for it, maybe...

Anonymous said...

Martha Stewart says you get get some of the stains out with hydrogen peroxide. It's worth a try!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Cindy, great scores at the thriftstore, you did goo. Love that baking piece, that's so pretty. And your new hydrangea looks beautiful in the planter.

Janet said...

Cindy, love the treasures! Susan Branch e-mailed me after I signed up as a friend on facebook; made me feel so special. I can't wait for the new book!

Janet

Unknown said...

Cindy, I think you picked up some wonderful things, including the stained platter. I have an ironstone gravy bowl that has some crazing on it and it's one of my very favorites! I think of it as a badge of accomplishment. The piece has been around for so long that it is a little 'gray', if you will.
Tami E.

seanymph said...

I dont know if it works but I read somewhere about soaking stained dishes like this in milk. And I recently bought some Barkeepers friend cleanser cuz I heard it works miracles on stains too. I havent done either yet.

BellaBlushCottage said...

Hi Cindy....great finds....I would try watered down bleach on the plate....if this don't work, nothing will.....Have a great week...Linda ;)

Rosie said...

Nice finds, Cindy! I just got a platter with that very same blue bird pattern on it last week. It is now in my cottage kitchen. I love it!
rosie

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Ohhhhhhh.... wonderful discoveries. I liked them all, the white planter and the enamel pot especially.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Cindy - I have a sure fire way to remove those stains. Fill a plactic tub with hydrogen peroxide. Submerge the plate in the peroxide and set in the sun for the entire day. At the end of the day, the stains will be gone. You KNOW I buy tons of plates for my mosaics and I have never had this method not work.
xo
Penny

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

How funny! I was going to say the same as above for cleaning the stains! I did find that the baking soda and lemon worked. I would try all of the ideas- denture cleaner sounds possible, too! I love all of your treasures esp. the enamel pot-but what do I see that I love in the background? Using a pretty tea cup to measure flour! Perfect!
~Nancy

Kim said...

This is my favorite kind of shopping spree---fabulous stuff at fabulous bargains! I particularly love the covered pot...I'd leave it out to admire as well :)

Unknown said...

Good day! I didn't do very well today so it was good to see what you got. I love it when someone gets a deal. I have to leave something for others. I can't have it all.

Unknown said...

Cindy, the bluebird plate is so cute, maybe you can stick something in the middle, nice paper, photo, frame or linen.It is too cute to put away!
Sue

Sandra said...

I love your finds, Cindy! And I just saw your shelf with plates above it! I love it! I have a little sconce that I will definitely hang plates above it. :)
Blessings,
Sandra

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Was going to suggest teh same cleaning method as Penny. You can also put the ironstone in a very low oven instead of the sun after soaking in hidrogen peroxide....don't use bleach!

You may find this article useful. http://www.whiteironstonechina.com/careandcleaning.htm

Linda's Blue Gate said...

What great finds...... I love them all but that blue bird makes my heart patter. Penny....... Lavender Hill, Penny has a way of getting those stains out. I think she soaks them in hydrogen peroxide... then sits them in the sun .....but check with her she I am sure could help you..... it is too cute not to be seen.
HUgs
Linda

Deanna said...

Dear One,
Enjoyed stopping by and seeing what you are sharing.
Luv Thrift FINDS.
So very great!
d

RobinfromCA said...

Great finds! If you can't get those stains out you can always use the platter to hold a collection of small plants. Then the staining won't matter and you will still be able to see the cute blue birds!

Robin

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Great finds - I love the white enamel pot! What a great piece!

homespun1 said...

what a good eye for bargins you have. Things here in our local thrift stores are becomming very expensive because of the popularity of second hand now. I envy your bargains but enjoy drooling.

just a little bit shabby said...

Cindy,
You did great! I am in love with the blue bird platter! Even with the stains, it makes it look really old. I have several blue bird pieces and I love them all. My grandmother had a planter likethat one and it brought back memories of her. My lMom has some cookware sinilar to that is it Villery and Bosch? If so it was very expnsive when new. Hers has flowers on it but the shape is exactly the same. GOOD buys!
Sandy

Judi said...

Hi Cindy
You found some great buys at the thrift store. The pot for your hydrangea is really nice! It looks perfect in it and the pot with the lid. I'm glad you did leave it that way. I've never seen one like that.
Well...the heat continues your way and wouldn't it be nice if we had a bit of it this way...
thank you for sharing your Saturday buys
Judi

vintage girl at heart said...

Dunno if anyone left you this idea yet but peroxide sometimes works. Place the plate in the sink and pour the p over it and let it bubble for a bit.

Unknown said...

what a beautiful blog- I love your idea of using tea cups in your canisters- how clever...
Karen

Anonymous said...

Cindy- Awhile back there was something in Country Home or Country Living about gettting stains out of old stoneware. If I remember it was a paste of baking soda, peroxide and you left it on overnight , rinsed and repeated. I have also soaked in a bucket of bleach some plates I wanted to hang (but would never serve on) with fairly good results. Good Luck! Bramble

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

These are some great finds!! I love the big bowl and the bluebird platter. The stains are like it's history....think of all the wonderful things that were served on that pretty platter....

I'm just sayin'

Lou Cinda :)

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Great finds Cindy!! You might want to check the internet for methods of cleaning old china. Here is one link that may help, but I am sure there are many more!
http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/how-remove-stains-your-antique-china-pottery-and-porcelain

Good luck!

lisa mcilvain said...

You lucked out with the bluebird plate, I collect them and have paid $25! I love the stained look but if you don't try pouring bleach into the plate and letting it sit overnight.
Lisa

Becky from Tennessee said...

Cindy,

Your treasures are so pretty.
I never seem to have much
luck when I go to our thrift
stores. I know the saying,
"One man's junk is another's
treasure" but I really am
talking about Junk!! Maybe
I need to go on a different
day and time each week. Do
you have any suggestions???
Glad you had a great day!

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

That, my friend, is a great shopping day. I should really do that more.


cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com

Sharlotte said...

Cindy,
I've spent the last hour or so reading many of your posts. I absolutely love all your things and your home. The blue is so relaxing ~ as well as crisp and clean. You are so very inspirational...thank you for sharing all your treasures!
Sharlotte

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: If you put some bleach on a piece of cotton the stain will come right out. It will weaken the plate and it will not last more than a few more years, but for a thrift store find, it works for me. Love your post. Martha

beachvintage.com said...

I am in love with that mixing bowl. Well done.

rozetta said...

Ahhhhh, what's better than a good thrift store day.

~elaine~

Linda Q said...

You found some great finds, that is always fun. I love thrift stores too, sounds like a cooler alternative to the garage sales!
I have soaked in part bleach and 2 parts water before and gotten alot of stains out, things look like new when done. If not serving on it etc. then no problem if the bleach gets in a bit to the pottery etc.
Linda

Elaine said...

Love that white pot. It looks great on the stove. The blue bird plate is adorable. Can you cover the stains with a doily?

Ana~A Petite Cottage said...

Hi Cindy,
What awesome finds! I love the planter and the pretty bird plate! I'm not sure if anyone else has given you tips on how to clean your pretty plate, but I can tell you where I saw a good one. I saw it at Dawn's Cottage State of Mind blog. Here is the link if you are intrested:
(http://cottagestateofmind.blogspot.com/2009/07/metblue-mon-blue-birds-are-happy-again.html)

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings,
♥Ana

Lynn said...

Cindy, I love the white pot best of all, but you have such an eye for bargains. Since reading your blog I walk into the Salvation Army store and "try to think like Cindy", lol. I love that your blog has opened my mind to "seeing" beyond the present condition of an item. A little white paint, a little shinning up, an unusual way of using an item can really turn a bargin into treasure. Still wish I had you along on my "bargain hunts" but am learning, thanks to your inspiration and beautiful blog. Glad you car was fixed so you could find those bargains.

Anonymous said...

Hope you get those stains out, Cindy! Those bluebirds are too cute!

Did you mail my tea pot yet? ♥

Charmaine said...

All of your finds are amazing! I'm planning on doing a "Vintage Haul Sunday's" on my blog. That's the day I get to go hunting! I also put your button on my side bar, hope you don't mind. Your site inspired me to make my own. Now I have somewhere to share my interests! Thanks Cindy. :)

Linda K said...

Hi Cindy,
Love your blog, so inspiring. Try checking Martha Stewart's website for instructions on removing the stains on your platter. She did a feature on it on TV a long time ago. It was for dishes that were crazed and stained and had something to do with boiling in milk if I remember right. Keep up the good work and God Bless.

Linda K

Bendito Colibrí said...

hola cindy.... que genial es eso de las ventas de garage, acá no se hacen pues la gente no tiene aun esa cultura, a mi me encanta perderme en las tiendas de accesorios de segunda mano sobretodo de cosas para la casa, lo que se usa mucho acá en la capital de chile son las "ferias de las pulgas", se colocan en las ferias libres que son de frutas y verduras y venden cosas usadas he encontrado varias cosas lindas por ahi, se pone una los sábados en la calle de mi casa, me encanta ir a ella es mi paseo de los sábados jijij... pero no se encuentran cosas tan lindas como las que tu muestras... gracias por compartir tus momentos, experiencias, ideas y cositas lindas con nosotras, en agradable visitarte.
cariños mil.....

Joyce's Journey said...

It is so heartwarming to read everyone's comments with suggestions to get the stains off of that pretty bluebird plate. Bloggers are the best!! I also loved reading all of the Susan Branch commentary. I have to add her as a friend on Facebook. How cool is that?!

You run with some admirable souls, Cindy!!

Chanda said...

Hi Cindy, love your mixing bowl. I have the whole set and they are very nice and heavy aren't they. They are as good as an old one for sure. They were orginally sold at Target stores about 2001 and they cost about $45.00 for the set of three although they were sold seperately. I am a retired hairdresser and thrift store fanatic so I can give you a hint on how to remove that fungus from the old dish. (settle down now, it's a harmless fungus) it don't work everytime, but try alittle
4o% hydrogen peroxide developer. You can buy this at beauty supply stores. It's worth a try. I sorta like it. almost all my old Ironstone has this and I think it just looks old and well loved.
Good luck to you and it was nice visiting,
Shanda

Reginas Cottage said...

Hi Cindy,
I love your new white and blue bowl.
And your new hydrangea looks so nice
in that white pot.
Have a nice day,
Regina

Charmingdesigns said...

It was fun reading everyones idea of what will work on your charming plate. Let us know what you try and if it works. It is so darn cute!

Esther Sunday said...

Super finds, Cindy! Way to go! There is nothing like finding that perfect treasure when thrifting! Hard not to do a happy dance in the aisle!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Love the pot that you found! I hope that you can get that stain out but if it is not too bad then don't worry about it. Gives it character! Great finds, Cindy!
~Patti

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

"Lots of nice things for hardly any money" ---- those are my kind of words.

Anonymous said...

Love your blog...
Did you try using bleach water on your dish? It takes coffee stains out of mugs.
I love the bluebirds on the rim.
Suz in the Tules

FrenchGardenHouse said...

YOu do find the best best things! Your home is looking so sweet. I love the bluebird platter, those are actually very beloved by many collectors. The hydrogen peroxide is the way to go. Let us know if it works. :)xo Lidy

Pat said...

Cindy, Love your new "goodies!" And, stains or no.....LOVE the bluebird platter...it is so sweet and I bet it was much loved in a previous life. pat

Betsy said...

I'm loving those teacups in the canisters, too!!

faithful love said...

I love the stains color against the dining room wall color...it looks good...plus, it's kidda fun to think about those stain's stories...was it a thanksgiving story, or in the garden story, someone clearly loved it and used it often...don't you wish your treasures could tell you their life story? Great finds!!

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Cindy; Looks like you had a great day of finding some lovely things... even with out the garage sales... I so love your platter just gorgeous... maybe a little bleach and water to soak might do the trick... so let us know how it comes out if you try any of the suggestions, if nothing works I still thinks it is a lovely plate...

Hugs;
Alaura

A Southern Rose said...

Looks like you found some great bargains on some beautiful things! I'm like you with the platter...but when I saw it hanging on your wall...I think it looks so pretty there. Maybe it will grow on you.

Cindy said...

Cindy you found some great things. I love the bread bowl, I need one of those. I also love the plant holder. You sure did good! Hugs, Cindy S.

Glenda said...

Great finds. My sister knows how to get those stains out. I ask her and send it to you.

Ciao

Carousel222 said...

I love the blue bird platter. Actually, I like vintage china that has some crackling and discoloration. I think it makes it look more vintage. But, reading some of the other comments, I may have to try some of these ideas on any vintage dishes that look too bad.

Mary said...

So pretty...always love looking at your pretty home.

Mary

Gail Griner Golden at Gail-Friends said...

If the stains don't come out, you could put an oval shaped paper doily on it. I love your blog - and your pretty home

Denise Marie said...

love all your treasures! It was a great day to go out. I saw somewhere here that you can soak the stained dishes in a bucket of solution. I can't remember who or what to soak with. I have a set of blue onion that need the trick too.

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

Gorgeous finds! I LOVE those birds! So cute :)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wonderful finds, Cindy! Love the bowl, the pot, and the basket. I LOVE the hydrangea. I really liked your siver tray memo board too. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing all your loot.

Blessings,
Sandi

Penny Sue said...

Hey there,
Question. Is the enamel pot a cast iron enamel pot? It's really cool. I was just curious.
ps

Elaine said...

Cindy, Ironically I have the exact same platter and it also has the yellowing cracks in it. I find it gives the platter character. Mine is hanging on my dining room wall with many others I have found over the years. I am using my silver blackboard tray as a countdown for my daughters upcoming wedding. It's been so much fun to change the the number of days left each morning. I enjoy your blog.

Lauren1964 said...

Cindy,

What you did with the stained plate is very attractive! I use beautiful old stained plates and platters myself and I love the look.

Lauren from Florida

Ms. Bake-it said...

I love your finds, Cindy! I especially love the blue bird platter! I have not seen any like it but will now definitely be looking for it on my future thrift store forays! I will be making the rounds this weekend before I go to work because I am on the lookout for some linens.

~ Tracy

FEDERICA said...

I have to say that I really like your photos, which camera do you use?

Kathleen Grace said...

Cindy, I always love seeing the great deals you get on beautiful things and then seeing the lovely way you use them in your home! Thank you for sharing your pretty things with us:>)

Junkstylediva said...

Love the bird dish. Can you drop in a mirror or something like that to cover the stain? It really does not look that bad. Inge

Ginger said...

You found some great things when you were out thrifting. I wish our thrift stores had such neat things.
Boy, you are really having a heat wave!!

Anonymous said...

Cindy--

I love your blog!

Seeing your carrot mold thermostat cover reminded me: what do you think of using a springerle mold? (www.houseonthehill.net has a great selection)

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

I tried to get through all of the comments to make sure I'm not telling you something someone else already has, but as soak for several days in 40 or 50 volume hydrogen pyroxide put in a large plastic container that you can put a lid on followed by a bake in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes will take out any staining from ironstone or other similar china. Take it out of the oven and plunge it immediately into a hot soapy bath of dishwashing detergent. If it doesn't take enough of it out, do it again for a few more days. Works every time.

All the best,
Judy

Anonymous said...

So, make a chalk board out of the platter! I'm not sure if you can do this but perhaps a white background for blue or ther clred chalk? ...If you don't want to keep it, you could sell it like that easy!

Anonymous said...

Whoops.. M pst up there was meant to read- "other colored" chalk. My o's don't always show.

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Hey Cindy!
I just love your thrift store finds. That plate is so pretty with the little blue birds...I have found plates that I couldn't get the stains off of either. I am curious if there is a way to remove the stains. I haven't found a way yet. I wish I could though...LOL! Oh well, the stains add character anyway. Your's looks great hanging over your shelf.
I hope you and Lauren are feeling better very soon...I am sorry to hear that happened to y'all.
Big Hugs,
Queenie

gail said...

I am usually a green rather than blue decoration person but you are winning me over. Those tea cups in your glass canisters are such a great idea. I love the blue bird platter and love that it is stained and crackled. It gives it charm. Of course you have to do what you love. Thanks so much for sharing.