Do you frequent thrift stores and look for treasures?  I do!  I know it can seem dirty and a way to bring germs into your home, but there is nothing a little sanitizer, Clorox wipes, bleach bath, or hot run in the washer can’t fix!  I have two short lists for you that can help you break into this world of thrifting.

5 on my Thrift List

1.  Frames

I am always using a frame for something.  I bought a ton of frames for my wall of art.  I have found that you can find great wood frames with character for cheap!  Most frames I buy are just a $1.00 or $2.00.  I add a little paint and a light sanding job and voila!  You have a vintage frame.

This past weekend I went thrifting with Erin, and I found this 3D type frame.

I have been wanting one just like this to spruce up and make a tray like this one that The Lemon Tree Creations made.  For a full tutorial go see the great post Patrice wrote up on her coffee table tray!

2.  Pillows

I love making pillows and you can’t beat the feather inserts being only a couple of bucks at a thrift store.  I always check to see if there are nice pillows for their inserts, but every once in a while I run across a pillow I don’t want to do anything to (except wash it).  Thus was the case when I found this rug/velour flower type pillow (in the center) for only $2.92!?!

3.  Toys

Toys can be so expensive, and I have found you can really find some nice inexpensive ones at a thrift store.  I have found some of the best monster trucks and action figure guys for my boys at a fraction of their normal cost.  This past weekend, I found a baby stroller for my little Reagan and I was so excited.  I had been wanting one ever since she freaked out over the one we gave her just a few weeks ago for her birthday, but it was plastic and cheap and broke quickly.

This new one looked brand new and was only $2.92!  Plus, check out the double seating, canopy, and basket below.  She was giddy and thanked me all afternoon, after I gave it to her.

4.  Linens

I love looking at the sheets, table clothes, place mats section.  I usually buy these for their fabric.  Cheap sheets make incredible “liner” fabric for pillows or other sewing projects.  Just place mats can be great to change the scene on your table or transformed into small throw pillows.  I recently bought this vintage flower sheet for $1.00 and have been using it as a tablecloth.

5.  Baskets

We are always needing more creative ways to keep us organized and baskets can be so cheap!  Check out this huge basket Erin got for $5 on our thrifting adventure.  To see all of her recent thrifting finds click over to the plans for her boys’ room makeover.

**I also browse the furniture section and drool over fun pieces like these chairs (pictured below) I found last week.  Currently, I don’t have any room for more furniture, so I passed on a set of these chairs at $6 each!  I was happy a sweet reader was able to snatch them up from this instagram picture.  You can get such a great deal on furniture that is old and rich in character-that just needs a little lovin’.

5 tips to Thrift

1.  Have an ongoing list

My list is always changing of things I want/need.  It helps me to write the things down, so I have a game plan before walking in and my imagination running wild.  It is easy for me to see an item that I wasn’t looking for and wasn’t on the list and buy it.  Without my list, I will get home with a new treasure (that requires more items for “the list” since it needs a little lovin’), but my original items, I totally forgot to look for.

2.  Know the days for special discounts or find the coupons

Most thrift stores have color codes.  For example, the tags on all the items through out the store might be written on a piece of color card stock or have a letter written below the price that represents what color tag that item would be.  Some days the red (or any other color) tags might be 50% off the price listed.  So, look for items with that color tag to get the best deal.

One of my favorite thrift stores sends out coupons in the mail, and I always cut them out and try to go on the day listed.

3.  Have a prepared car

You don’t want to find the perfect dresser and have a carload of kids or stuff that makes you have to pass the item by.  I go thrifting a couple of times a week.  Most of the time I have my kids, but there is usually one day where I can swing in by myself and get a look for anything that is calling out to me! Some stores will allow you to purchase your item and come back for it but I have also found some want the merchandise taken with you.

4.  Know the days they restock

So, Erin is more gutsy than me and figured out the restocking day for one of our favorite thrift stores.  Wednesdays and Fridays would be the best days to shop for the new items before they get really picked over.  Don’t be afraid to ask for these details!

5.  Use your imagination!

Something make look old, dirty or weird but with a little imagination an old junky item can become your new treasure!!  All this talk of thrifting has me excited to go again in the morning!  What is on your thrift list?