It's been a longetity long time since I've blogged about goodies scored on one of junk shopping trips. Junk shopping is one of my favorite things to do, as my family can attest. But I must say, I am much more discriminating these days. After several rounds of purging the studio and seeing stuff donated back to Goodwill with the original Goodwill price tag still on it, a girl learns a lesson or two. :-)
On Friday, Miranda and I made a stop at the Goodwill Outlet store aka "the bins," which is one of our favorite places to visit! It was a very successful trip for both Miranda and I. Miranda scored some boots, a waterproof jackets, and other assorted clothes. Here are my findings...just a few things but oh so thrilling...
Can you believe the little set of French postcards? I sure couldn't! Even the clerk who checked us out was flippin' out over these!
Turns out the trip to the bins was just a warm up because yesterday I attended the Portland Antique Show for the first time. Glen won a radio show "prize packet" that included tickets to the Antique Show so I decided this was my year! The prize packet also included two tickets to an advanced screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 tomorrow night - so cool!
I'd heard about the antique show for years but just like my friend Amy, I thought it would be "full of old lady furniture and pushy people" so I had no interest. Well, there was lots of old lady furniture aka "priceless antiques" as well as glassware up the wazoo, assorted junk, and lots of etc. But then there was the good stuff. And by "good stuff," I mean some really good stuff. Oh and there were very few pushy people, btw. I even saw my friend/workmate, Orin, and his family. Super added bonus!
When I arrived, I was happy happy happy to learn that for July's antique show (there are three Portland shows a year), there is an outdoor flea market in addition to the indoor antique show. Swoon and a half!
I had me one heck of a good time. Just me and my cart. Miranda was going to go with me but then she scored a free ticket to the Oregon Country Fair so went to that.
I didn't take any pictures while I was at the show, but I did take pictures of my loot!
See that old timey style accounting book? Oh man...serious good score. Here's a side view...
And then the contents...invoices dating back to 1929.
I seriously started hyperventilating when I saw this. But I kept my cool and got a good price.
And those French calling cards? PAH-lease!!!! I still cannot believe these are in my possession!
The Universe knows I have a standing request to attract Dennison labels when I go junkin' so I was very happy that some found me. :-) These were in one of those little desk sets and the vendor originally had it priced at $7. She said just before I walked up, she marked it down to $5. $5 for all this.
I did not negotiate. I paid her price and happily floated away in a state of red-bordered bliss!
A few other treats and a couple of button cards...
I just fell in love the with Barbasol Blades because of the Air Mail-like package design!
There some interesting milkcap action. I have a collection of milkcaps but I really wasn't looking for more. However, I do love things in quantity. So at two different booths, I was checking out the milkcaps because they were in quantity, contemplating the highest number I'd be willing to pay. At one vendor, he saw me look at the milkcaps, pick them up, put them down, walk away, go back, pick them up again...at that point, he called out a price lower than my highest price. Wha..?! Sold! At the second vendor, there was a ridiculous price on them. I still slightly fondled them, dreaming, because they were the groovy cool big ones. I sat them down and that's when the vendor called out to me, "What price do I have on those?" I said the crazy number with a tone of "good luck, buddy." He then said a new price. Better, but I didn't bite. Then he said that magic number that was in my head. Sold!
Of course, there were some buttons.
And then the mail! Upon seeing this picture, my husband said, "Is there another person alive that buys old mail like you do?" I smiled, knowing there's a whole blogland full of people like me!
And stamps. Gotta have stamps for all that mail. :-)
I actually left the Expo without going through every booth. Aside from the fact that I was tired and ready for some not convention center food, I was very content with what I found. It was a great day and I was fine with making my exit and leaving something for the next person. :-)
Oh and if any of you reading this are attending Rachel's Handmade U event that I'm teaching at in September, don't be surprised if you find a few of these treats in your class kit!
WHAT fun!
Posted by: Lisa H. | July 12, 2011 at 06:22 AM
Hi Lisa...
It was so fun and such a surprise! But the best part was all the cool treasures i found. Hope you and your family are well and having a sweet summer.
Best,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 14, 2011 at 08:45 AM
wow ...!!!!so glad to find your blog and just salivate over your finds ..I am headed out tomorrow to hunt!!!
Posted by: cathee stegall | July 15, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Oh Sweet Michelle, congrats on swooney finds! I'm right with you on everything, especially the letters! There's something about reading those old dated missives that get my heart pumping! Hugs to you,
Julie B.
Posted by: Julie B. | July 18, 2011 at 01:24 PM
Michelle, I am a huge fan of your work, I'd love to do a workshop someday with you! Love all your finds!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 26, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I come back every (other day)so often just to check out this loveliness...I hope to see some of those journal pages in the shop and wish I could be at your classes! (((((hugs)))))
Posted by: Gina | August 07, 2011 at 01:50 AM