I is for Inspirational Ideas....

Everyday, I look around to find different ways of doing things. Now, I know, I know...there is nothing new under the sun..or so they say... but look at these inventive creations and tell me if they inspired you..the way they have me! (Click the links to read the stories behind the stories!)

1. A TP Holder - I know some of you are thinking "How can that be inspirational?" But hold on, and check this out. Sue Whitney of the fabulous JunkMarketStyle.com came up with this marvelous idea to make a toilet paper holder out of a brace. Go figure?! I owned one of these and was going to copy the idea but decided to pass my brace along in a junk swap. It will be fun to see what my partner makes with it!

2. Silver Lights -I was so inspired by this next project I made a whole slew of them. I will go more in detail when I get to "N" for nightlights! Janis Gurney of Rust & Ruffles blog made these wonderful lights out of teapots and crystal. Aren't they beautiful?!

3. Mirrored Tree House - This is not your norm craft, but, nevertheless it is incredible! When I saw this I became completely enthralled by the very idea. What could I make using this technology....hmmmm We will see....(insert mad scientist laugh) I wonder if the birds really do fly into it....hmmmmm.

4. Unusual Frame - No really, I've seen almost everything turned into a frame.... well take a look at this baby. This is what you get when you blend together a light fixture, 2 door knobs, some silver paint and an adorable picture! Sue Whitney of JunkMarketStyle.com has done it again. This lady never ceases to amaze me. You take a look and tell me what you think? Inspiring right?!

5. Family Reunion Heritage Tree - This 5th and final project is from yours truly....moi! I hope this inspires you as much as it has inspired me. This started from a junk swap I participated in on the JunkMarketStyle.com board. I sent out a large box of junkaliciousness and received a box full of goodies in return. One of the pieces was a rusty white plant stand. After turning the piece to and fro...upside down and around, I decided on my final project. Hope you like it!

This concludes Inspirational Ideas. I hope this post was (hee-hee) Inspiring! Please tell me what you think.

That Girl,

Ang

Thrift Store, Rummage Sales, Flea market, Yard Sales - which do you prefer?

UPDATE - POLL RESULTS!

1. Thrift & Garage/Yard Sale - Tied 1st place @ 25 votes a piece!
2. Estate & Rummage Sales tied 2nd place @ 16 votes each!
3. Flea Market/Swaps is 3rd placewith 14 votes.

*Auctions, Antique Shops, Classifieds & Consignments respectively rounded out the poll!

Although the poll is now closed ~ you may still weigh in via the comment section.

Thanks!
NJT
(edited 9/19/08)


____________________________________________________________________
I originally posed this question to a group of T2T message board members. While loving all the choices - most made great arguments for their preferences. They also introduced other venues* to the discussion.

So here goes.. which do you prefer when purchasing... (freecycle, curbside shopping & dumpster diving aside - I know free is best!) But which do you like and WHY? I invite you to answer the poll<== and add your comments!

Garage/Yard Sale
Thrift Store
Rummage Sale
Antique Shops*
Classifieds (Newspaper/Craigslist etc)*
Flea Markets
Swap Meets (where you buy)*
Estate Sales
Consignment Shops*
Auction*

--------------------- As originally posted-----------------

I am now realizing that I love thrift stores... especially when I make an ally of the owner/manager... but really any thrift shoppe will do...

BUT I love the Rummage Sale over the garage/yard sale any day.

Rummage sale folks are motivated to sell because they don't want to lug that stuff home or store at the (church or place of sale).

Flea markets are cool - but like yard sales.. these people are in it for the money - so it's more work to haggle the price down. However, flea markets have competition so - they are more motivated that yard/garage folk.

Yard/garage folk can get very annoyed if you haggle... Some will rather throw out an item (or put it back in the house) rather than give you a better price.. i know this cause i can get like that myself.. especially if I don't like the potential buyer (lol - just being real y'all)

So what's your favorite? Inquiring minds would like to know?

Here's my definitions (not law - just what I've noticed in my town & travels)

Thrift Shoppe - Usually open 3-5 days a week (maybe more) in the same store location). Used, sometimes new items in retail location.

Yard/Garage Sale - Usually a place of residence from Spring thru Fall seasons. (if don't live in warm climate places). Usually used or old never used items.

Rummage Sale - Usually held at Church or Rec Center.. maybe held twice a year. Usually used/vintage items.

Flea Market - Held more frequently that Rummage sales - Usually weekly year-around.. vendors often deal in antique, vintage and *new* items.

**Estate Sales - I consider these like a rummage since the motivation is to move the items in a short appt. time.**

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW? LOL