Free Stuff

Unwanted

clothedwithjoy 10 Comments

I trash pick.

I’m not even ashamed of it – unless I get caught by the owners of the trash, that is. The TRUTH is – I love it. I talk to anyone and everyone about it because I ❤ Treasure Hunting. If the treasures are among the unwanted and thrown away – so be it.

It’s incredible what people throw away.

Recently my neighbor died. (Read about that here.) His adult daughter came and cleaned out his apartment. She bagged up everything, marked it as trash and left. I’m not gonna lie – I dug through every single bag. The result was, I now have six large black trashbags of good (some new) clothes to go to a charitable thrift store that supports an organization I love.

I had four bags of good men’s pants, shirts, blankets, and socks that I handed out to the homeless last Saturday.

I have enough stuff for an entire yard sale.

I also found actual money; brand new, in the package AA batteries, several ebay-able items and enough kitchen wares to stock a kitchen.

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Hand Painted Rochard. There were two of these in a box marked “Trash.” Oh yeah, they’re already on ebay.

Unwanted. -Not by me.

And since we’re on this topic – this is one of my most favorite blogs: http://garbagefinds.com/2014/04/23/public-relations/

Blog Series – Free Stuff – Vintage Jewelry…

clothedwithjoy 2 Comments

The best things in life are free, of course. Love, friendship, forgiveness, family, salvation, laughter… The list goes on. We all know this. What I’d like to explore are those things in my life that may not be the best  but they’re still free (or close to it) AND bring me joy.best

Vintage Lapis Lazuli Brooch.

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I love just about everything vintage, but my passion is vintage jewelry. Specifically, I love to SELL (and repurpose) vintage jewelry. Check out my Etsy shops for what’s available. (shameless plug)

Two years ago I helped my Dad with an estate clear out of an elderly woman’s property. Soon after, I was charged with selling her costume jewelry, of which she had a ton. So entered I into the wonderful world of eBay.

I do adore research, so I enjoyed learning all about vintage jewelry makers and the quality of the pieces. There is nothing quite like putting an item on a seven day eBay auction and watching the price just keep on rising. I get a thrill every time.

PicMonkey Collage

Stuff I’ve sold.

I rarely keep pieces, but this little lovely lapis lazuli brooch was just too exquisite to part with. I purchased it at a yard sale with several other items. The price: 30 cents.

Is it real? I don’t know and, frankly, I don’t care. I love it.

Free Stuff – No Job is Finished…

clothedwithjoy 7 Comments

paperwork

The best things in life are free, of course. Love, friendship, forgiveness, family, salvation, laughter… The list goes on. We all know this. What I’d like to explore are those things in my life that may not be the best  but they’re still free (or close to it) AND bring me joy.best

No job is finished til the paperwork is done!!

paperwork 2

Amen. I wish someone would convince my 7 year old of this.

I got this lovely vintage bathroom wall art from an estate. My dad is an estate Executor and I am often dragged in to help with clean outs. It’s amazing the stuff family members – if there are any – leave behind. Half my house is furnished (and decorated) with free stuff, much of it from estates. 

This morning my five year old brought down a small jewelry box that, yes, came from an estate. She asked me if it belonged to the “dead girl.” 

Yes, my love, most of what we own once belonged to currently dead people.

Free Stuff – Picture Frame

clothedwithjoy 4 Comments

best

The best things in life are free, of course. Love, friendship, forgiveness, family, salvation, laughter… The list goes on. We all know this. What I’d like to explore are those things in my life that may not be the best  but they’re still free (or close to it) AND bring me joy.

Welcome to my very first “Free Stuff” Blog post!

My friend at the post office gives me stuff. Over the years some of the things he’s given me include: Pineapple Upside-down cake, a Betty Boop collapsible side table, old peoples’ returned mail that contained things like free calculators, pens, pads, gloves, greeting cards, calendars and stickers. Expired food items (left over from a food drive, I guess) and this magnificent frame with a 3D Hebrew Home Blessing.

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I hoped to use the frame for a family portrait. It’s gorgeous and huge and ornate – and expensive. I figured I could sell the 3D Home Blessing on eBay.

frame

Ultimately, the blessing could not be removed without completely destroying it. It now lives behind our family portrait. I’ll take all the blessing I can get.