.one of my favorite things.

One of my favorite things to do on Friday mornings is go garage sale shopping.  It has become an enjoyable summer pastime for me.  Many great items have been found "treasure hunting".  It is amazing what you can find!  Seems crazy, but there are literally garage sales everywhere you turn in Grand Forks.  I get overwhelmed too excited!

A few of my recent finds ~
They have fit into my home nicely. 

 

                                                                                                                                            I purchased both birdcages for $4.  I have big plans for them.  They will make great lights.  The bird cage I purchased prior at an antique store was a bit more expensive.  Here is a picture of my light.  Click on my archived post, .this lil' light of mine. July 10, 2011 to view the process.

The white mirror, plate rack, canning jar, and vase (not sure what it to call it?) found a home in my kitchen.



.I painted and distressed these shelves, found in our garage.  A cream votive candle was just the touch this little jar needed.  The white frame and cream Fiestaware found a new spot.

.There I go with branches again.  I tried using some of my brighter colored dishes, but really liked this combination of cream, white, and silver.

I stole the goblets/candle holders from my dining room.  They are silver.  However, they almost look gold in this picture.  Sorry guys, I am not a photographer.

I have been purchasing jars and old milk bottles at garage sales and thrift stores for this next project.  It has been my mission to find different sizes and shapes.  I purchased a flat-bottomed light bulb at Hobby Lobby that I thought was interesting.  Here is my accumulated collection of jars, etc.

 

I convinced my husband to let me use an old silverware drawer he had in our garage.  I will show you how I incorporated it shortly.

Pour about 1/4 cup of Elmer's School Glue into two containers.  To the bowl on the left, I added 1 drop of blue food coloring.  I mixed in 1 drop of blue, and 1 drop of green to the bowl of glue on the right.  Mix well and add in a few drops of water until your consistency is thinner, but still workable.  

Paint on the mixture.  You won't believe how forgiving this process is.  It will look patchy and uneven until it dries.  Here is my first coat of the process.

          I painted, let dry, and repeated this step a couple of times until I was happy with the look of them.  My finished product~ 



 I added this glass knob from Hobby Lobby.

 

A friend of mine suggested planting grass seed in the bottom of jars, fish bowls, etc.  I think that is a terrific idea and this would be the perfect opportunity to try it!  Thank you, Elly for sharing that with me.




The old, Turquoise Ball jars are so popular now.  This project is a neat way to achieve a similar look on a budget.  The original jars can be much more costly.  I purchased the one I have for $6, and it is pretty small.  Here is a Ball jar displayed on my shelf.

 

Hopefully, this week of treasure shopping will be as successful!  I will keep you posted...  Heather