Thursday, April 22, 2010

My beautiful finds at the Victorian Cottage Sale

I am finally getting around to my finds at the sale last Sunday! It was so much fun wandering around the old cottage and finding a few goodies to bring home with me. I was shocked there was anything left, as the sale started on Saturday but I was able to find a few treasures. It was the funniest thing, the lady looking after the sale had me nailed, I think. I was picking up and touching what most people would consider trash. I went for the yummy old fabrics and laces that had passed through many hands that weekend and were still lying there. When I asked the price she said just set them aside dear and we will figure that out later. Next up was the wonderful (junk) costume jewelery, I was in heaven and again when I asked about the price it was the more you take the cheaper it is..lol..not a good thing to tell me. Next stop, beautiful old books, I didn't even bother asking and just added them to the pile. By this time I was a bit irritated because I didn't have my camera with me, never take it with me when I am going to work. SIGH!!! You should have seen the old, old, gorgeous paintings and the frames. Paintings of real people, very pricey, out of my league. There was one as soon as you walked in the door, a lady, it was old and it was fabulous. They said she had been haunting them all weekend, maybe she didn't want that sweet cottage emptied out. I wonder what happened to those painting, they said someone was coming by later to check them out. Anyways I made my way upstairs, so many neat old beds and goodies, lots have sold on them waiting to be picked up. I wandered into a room and found this beautiful old cloth doll with a painted face and the most beautiful old dress on. She was tattered and torn with a rip on her face near her left eye but I love her and wanted her to come home with me so bad. I left her sitting there and wandered off into another room and yikes, I saw the most incredible leather hat box, oh my, it was full of stuff, but the case was awesome. I knew I had to have it. I ran down those stairs and made the lady come up with me. I needed to know the price of the hat box and the cloth doll. I told her I may have to leave and hit a bank machine as I didn't have much cash on me..she just looked at me and said if you have $20.00 take it all. I told her I knew I had $15.00 and not sure how much change but when I dug around I came up with the $20.00. I thought she had lost her mind, I was so excited to get all the beautiful items for 20.00. After I paid her, she just out and out asked me if I was an artist, I looked at her liked she was MAD, how could she know that. I told her I was a mixed~media artist, me...those words came out of my mouth like I really knew what I was talking about...I asked her how she knew, and she said it was the things I was looking at and setting aside, all those things no one else had any interest in. She told me she thought I was a good little shopper and she liked watching me while I was shopping and that is why she didn't give me a price on anything and just kept having me add to the pile, she enjoyed watching me so much and that is how is came up with the grand total of $20.00. Fun stuff, huh????? I got my treasures loaded in my vehicle fast and headed out of there because I thought for sure someone would be coming after me. I sorted through everything when I got home and set everything outside to air out, threw fabrics and what I could in the dryer with fabric sheets and they all smell really nice and fresh now.

My Treasures

The Crown Jewels

Checkout this fab leather hat case, love it

inside of leather case

look at my sweet dollie

isn't she wonderful

I love her

look at this fur shawl thing that was in the hat case, could live without it

but now look at the other side of it with all that yummy, vintage cheese cloth

the lace and linen with the jewels, what do you think that rusty bit is? the lid opens, it is great

the old books the top one The Birthday Oracle from the early 20's, awesome and filled with lots of handwritten dates

more pretties

all together in the case

another shot of the case

isn't the old hat fab, I turned it inside out and it is the most gorgeous velvet, yum! I also got yards and yards of old brown velvet but the pic didn't turn out well.

I love this pic.

and this one

this is the footstool from the silent auction.



The only thing in the pics that didn't come from the little cottage is the footstool that I won at silent auction on Tuesday at our local thrift shop. Anything antique they run silent auctions on and I have been bidding on this for almost a month. I just happened to stop in there on my way home from work and they told me that they had left a message that morning that I could come by and pick it up.

Look at this awesome powder puff wand that arrived in my mail today. I think it is so fabulous and beautiful. I got it from Lori over at http://myfaeriewindow.blogspot.com/ go check her out, awesome blog.

the gorgeous powder puff from Lori, I stole this pic from her blog and I have Miss Jodie over at http://jodielejeune.blogspot.com/   to thank for introducing me to these fab puff wands.
If anyone out there is nervous about starting a blog go check Jodie's link out, she will get you going, I also have her link on my sidebar, she would love to get you started, she will push you over the edge for sure. And she is so darned sweet and awesome, you will love her. I know I do.

76 comments:

Sylvia said...

Oh what great finds...that black hat box is to die for...looks great all filled up too. Thanks for coming by my blog...
Sylvia

Lisa said...

WOW!! I am so impressed - and I must admit, a bit jealous! What a tremendous experience and so many wonderful things to remember it by.

Riki Schumacher said...

Oh you did good Debby!! Yummmm. And really, $20? Wow. Great job. Thanks for stopping by! Take care, Riki

Jan Hennings said...

WOW!!! Awesome finds and WHAT A DEAL! That's my kind of shopping!!
Love your doll and those old books look like real treasures!

Liz Revit said...

Debby, I love your vintage finds. My boyfriend just bought me a bag of vintage keys from an auction this evening. When I get them all sorted, I'll have to post some of them on my blog.

Enjoy your weekend.

Terri said...

Oh Debby! I can feel your excitement over your fab finds! How thrilling. Your items are just precious, and I am so happy for you that you came upon them...and for 20 bucks! That has got to be a record or something.
Hugs,
Terri

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Debby,
I want to come to an auction with you, you found some amazing items! Love the jewels, doll and old grater too. Have a lovely weekend.
~Tracie

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Oh my goodness, Debby, you hit the jackpot with that hatbox and everything else! What a sweet lady to give you such a great deal on all those lovely finds! Have fun with your new treasures and the sweet puff!
Hugs,
Julia

Tina said...

Great finds Debby - love those old books, and the jewelry too. Is that a Nutmeg grater - great.
Love those puffs from Lori too - she´s so talented.
xo Tina

Lori said...

Debby, i am so glad that you like your puff...it got there so quickly too...the last ones i sent to your part of the world took forever to arrive...you really scored BIG time at the sales you went to...my goodness, what a treasure trove of goodies you came home with...i just LOVE that case, and it looks gorgeous all filled up with your treasures!!! have a beautiful weekend!!!

Lululiz said...

Lots and lots of wonderful treasures, and at such a bargain price, thats fabulous!

Diane said...

Debby, your a girl after my own heart! I'm like you--when I go to yard sales--I look for the stuff that no one else wants. Sometimes I wonder what the people think when I buy this stuff. We have a few garage sales going on tomorrow, not alot, but enough --there's even a block sale going on--I'm very excited!

Healing Woman said...

I love sales like that. Sometimes I feel guilty cutting up these old items that have so much meaning hidden away. I like to think I give them new life. It will be fun to see what you do with the jewelery.

Anonymous said...

Incredible finds, Debby! Each and every one! You must be estatic! Lori's puffs are gorgeous and are popping up in homes all over the blogsphere! :)
Wishing you a happy weekend,
Zuzu

Tristan Robin said...

what fab finds!

vintage brown velvet??? mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Lynn said...

AWESOME!!!!!! I can imagine your heart racing with excitement when you were at the sale, you did get a lot of beautiful things, and I just love the foot stool.
The powder puff is new to me, never seen those before, just lovely and I was viewing your other post below with all the other goodies, you really do have so much to be inspired by, hope your studio is going to hold it all LOL.
Really enjoyed reading about your time at the sale , great post sweetie pie :)

Frieda Oxenham said...

How I wish I could have been there with you, Debby, but then again, we might have wanted the same treasures! What great finds, I was leaning right in close to read the titles of the books!!

Paula said...

Hi Debby,
Wonderful finds and at such a great price! What a blessing!!! I enjoyed reading the story behind your finds and seeing your gorgeous photos of everything! The footstool is beautiful and I love the gorgeous powder puff Lori made!!! Have a beautiful weekend! Love, Paula

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Now this is a great story. Just goes to show. And to think some people perusing your blog would think you were out of your mind for paying for all that "junk." They are the ones who left this valuable finds for you. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend, Debby.

Lisa said...

Dang Debby,
Hold on a minute while I pick my jaw up off my keyboard! Geez Louise! Girl, you hit the mother load of all estate sales! Days like that are what keeps up going, don't you think? Those are the stories we tell our friends forever. 'I got all this stuff for $20' LOL I wish you could have shown the brown velvet, okay maybe not. I really would have died then. Everything you got it a dream. Lisa
PS I would for sure use the cheesecloth side of that fur. It is so cool with the funky stitching & all. So prim!

Lisa said...

Me again, I got so carried away by your finds that I forgot to say that Lori is the BEST! I bought one of her felted bunnies at Easter. My friend Jodie has a puff too & even let hold it for a minute. LOL Lori is a true artist. Lisa

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Debby:
Such a lovely place to visit! I've joined your followers so that I can come back again and again and explore!
Thanks always for visiting Brynwood and leaving such sweet comments. They're very much appreciated.
xoxo
Donna

Terri Kahrs said...

Fabulous, fabulous, FAB-U-Lous treasures. Every one of them. The little rusty tin thingie looks like a vintage nutmeg grater. The powder puff is STUNNING! Lucky YOU!!! Hope you have a super weekend! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Ooh Debby, What great stuff you rounded up and at $20....whoohoo!!

I love that old hat box and the doll and all the other goodies.
You can really let your imagination run wild with all this good stuff.

Love your puff. Gonna have to get me one from her.

hugs

Sissie

Anonymous said...

That box really is TDF...empty...
and then with all of your filling goods...wowo!!!

great job finding it all and putting it all together!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

The Victorian Parlor said...

Wow! You hit the jackpot with those finds! I still can't believe you got all of it for only $20! I can't wait to see all of the wonderful things you will create:).

Blessings,

Kim

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU REALLY SCORED WITH THAT STASH OF TREASURES! LOVE THE DOLLY TOO, THE POOR DEAR. NOW SHE HAS A NEW MOMMY.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

WOW - you found some FABULOUS treasures!!! I can't believe all these great vintage goodies. I really and truly need to find more interesting shops to forage. I always seem to leave empty-handed.
Have a wonderful weekend! Theresa

Marlynn said...

Just one word for this adventure, WOW. WOW. WOW - ok three words, girlfriend. Just too cool. Hugs

zandra said...

WOW, how great was all that for $20 I spent alot more than that today for my little bitty stash! I'll have to come and shop with you one day. ;o)
Thanks for always leaving such sweet comments.
Hugz, Z

In the Light of the Moon said...

So many wonderful treasures.Congrats on all your finds at a great price.Warmest Regards,Cat

Glitzy Glass said...

Very nice to meet you. It is always great to find people who love art. Thank you for saying hi to me.

Joanna said...

What a wonderful haul, doesn't it all look so lush sitting together for the pics?! Enjoy :O)

Jo
x

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

OMG, what absolutely beautiful treasures! LOVE that hat box!!!

One of these days I am going to get one of those powder puff wands. They are so delicious!!!

xxoo

Sea Witch said...

Oh man, I am sea green with envy. what a haul you found missy. Everything you brought home is what I would have brought home. I love days like that. Thank you also for your kind words on my blog today. I still find it hard to believe that it has been a year of blogging for me. So many blessings received and so many new friends discovered. What a wonderful world this truly is. Sea witch

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Beautiful finds! I think that rusty thing with the lid may be a Victorian era match strike??? I have one that's a different shape but it's got a rough area on it where you would strike the match. Just a guess. It's neat looking whatever it is! I love the shape of the case and all that jewelry is awesome!

Mari said...

HELLO,
WHAT AMAZING ITEMS YOU GOT AND TO THINK ALL FOR 20 BUCKS WOOOHOOOO WHAT A SALE :) LUCKY GAL YOU.....LOL YOUR POWDER PUFFS ARE AWESOME, ILL HAVE TO GET ONE OF THOSE BEAUTYS!!!!!

Birgit said...

Oh Debby -- I am so happy for you! What wonderful finds -- such great treasures. You must be in mixed media heaven. :)

Happy creating,
Birgit

raggygirlvintage said...

Hi Debbie, such gorgeous treasures, right up my alley!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier, I've signed up to follow yours!
Tracey

Oxana said...

Hi Debby! So beautiful finds!!!
Thank you very much for your kind comments in my blog!
Hugs
Oxana

Dorthe said...

Hello Debby,
How could I have missed this post of yours,
such a load of fantastic things, and all for only 20 dollars, my goodness, you did a great buy,-
I so love your doll, and all the jewels, and books--well everything....
Hugs,Dorthe

Anonymous said...

What great finds. Enjoy!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Great goodies, love the hat case and books, and Jodie!

debi lynn mattingly said...

Hi sweetie!
thanks for droppin' by! Okay, it is obvious that you and I would be grabbing the same things if we went shopping...LOL You hit pay dirt my friend, and what a loving story! Have a beautiful and creative week...xo...deb

Unknown said...

I am just so envious of you! What incredible treasures and the way you displayed it has me drooling! You must still be ecstatic over your finds! Love your blog!

ByLightOfMoon said...

What fabulous finds Debby! It is hard to find that kind of wonderment jewelry and look at you! I love the doll too and that fun things just might turn into great things!

Oh, I am a book freak also and that stool is beautiful. Too bad no camera for pictures of the Cottage, it sounds beautiful!

Thanks for visiting my blog and I am glad it led me to yours!

Smiles, Cyndi

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Hi Debby~ I just discovered your fun blog...and I love it! All those wonderful finds~ you shop how I shop~ and I love Lori's puffs too...she just does beautiful work! I'm happy to have found a new blogging friend!

My Creative House said...

OH WOW Debby so many many beautiful things you have found and bought, you've been very lucky, the little doll is so sweet, thanks for nice comment on my cuffs.
Anni

Anne Lorys said...

Wow Debby, where to begin?!?
What an amazing haul!
I love it all, but I have a soft spot for your sweet dolly, what a treasure. :-)

Have a wonderful evening!
Anne

Finding Grace, Going Mobile said...

Debby,
First, thank you for commenting on my blog post at the French Cupboard. Second, I would give my eye teeth for that hat box, lol. And twenty dollars for the lot, God was smiling down on you. What a blessing. I am adding you to my favorites. Your post was so descriptive, it drew me in!
Regards,
Theresa @ Cottage Violets

Anonymous said...

Isn't it great that the other shoppers didn't like tattered things! You did good! And not only with the goodies but the price!
Lovelies!!

Blessings,
Diane

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Buongiorno Debby,
I love your treasures especially the rhinestones. Thank you for stopping by mammabellarte. Have a great week

Auntie Joy said...

You picked exactly what I would have! Great deal! I love it when I go somewhere that other people just plan do "get it"!
Have a great week.
JOY!

Unknown said...

I just have one word to say......
SCORE!~

Anonymous said...

So, where was this sale, anywhere near Welland...I love all the great stuff you got, but I already told you that, right!

ciao neighbour!!! well, you know what I mean!

creative carmelina


like your music btw!

The Tin Rabbit said...

Oooh, I love it all! Especially that sweet doll!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Wow...I love the jewels!! Thank you for visiting!!

Tara said...

Oh the glories you found! This is the best kind of shopping. I am glad you had such a great time and seem to have met a kindred soul!

Wildflowerhouse said...

What a wonderful magical day you had. I love all your finds and the sweet well loved doll. You rescued her. The lady just knew you, didn't she. I love your treasures and thank you for sharing. I fely like I was there in the corner watching.

June said...

Oh my goodness girl...you hit the jackpot!!! Amazing treasures!!!
I love Lori's puffs. And yours is beautiful! I think she was so inspired to create these darling things.
hugs

luckygirlgifts said...

Wow, what fabulous goodies you grabbed. I love them all displayed in the case.
Have a lovely day.
Cari b.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

What a kind and gracious woman to give you such wonders at such a great price. I'd love to meet her.

Unknown said...

Hi Debby! You found some really amazing things!!! What a fun place that must be to shop!

:) T

creativelenna said...

my goodness, debby! what a LOT of finds : ) beautiful, have fun with them!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

That footstool is worth waiting a month for!

Christine said...

Hello Debby! Thanks for visiting my blog, I just love your vintage finds! Lucky you! The powder puff is the coolest!
Have a great week~ Christine

Lorraine said...

wow that collection is boss (Liverpool word for superb!lol)...I really love that hat box and would just leave it the way it is as I love the texture. Enjoyed reading your post and I love the lace, beads everything..lucky you. thanks very much for your comment on my poetry tote

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Debby,
oooooooh,what beautiful treasures
you found - lucky girl.
Have a great dday.
Hugs
Marie

peggy gatto said...

I just love posts like this, full of treasures and things others love, I always enjoy seeing other artists special things!!
Thanks!

William Bezek said...

OOOOOOOOOOO! Yummy Stuff!

carylsrealm said...

Wow Debby, you got quite the findings! Cool stuff!

.Trudi Sissons said...

Great stuff Debby! I felt like I was with you shopping you described it so well. Now I have the itch to go hunting for some bargains.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

You found some great treasures. Thanks for stopping by, Thereas

Dianie said...

Oh, Debby! I want to go to your cottage sales! You found the most precious finds. Where I am from, these treasures are only found in our dreams :)
My favorite is the dollie. I love old dollies.

Take care,

~Diane

A Fanciful Life said...

OH my gosh, what fun you must have had! Your treasures are wonderful and so much so when you get them for a bargain price. Thanks for sharing!
Sharon :-)

Gini said...

Wow you got a fantastic deal there.
Your rusty thing is an old nutmeg grater. You store the whole nutmeg in the top container under the lid at the top.
I have a not rusty one in my kitchen!
In England you can buy these new still. Freshly grated nutmeg is the best so much better than pre-grated shop bought stuff.
Happy Creating with your new stash Debby!
Gini
xx