We picked these two over the weekend:

The table is solid wood and still has a functioning early 60's Singer sewing machine inside it that flips up when you open the top. We paid $10 for it. I've not yet decided whether I will paint the whole piece out a lacquered white or just refinish the top (there's a small spot where the finish worn). I guess it depends where it ends up at our next place. If it fits into our next bedroom I might put a mirror over it and turn it into a Manity (vanity for man ). It wouldn't necessarily be functional as one since I get ready in the bathroom and dresser like anyone else. I just think it would be bitchy.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/manity.jpg[/img:$uid]

The mid-century lamp needs to be rewired (easily done) and I repaired a hairline crack in the paper shade (which actually happened in the car on the way home ) But it's at the back on the bottom and not something you'd even see when displayed).
We paid a whopping $6 for it.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/2010_08310005.jpg[/img:$uid]

This dresser (also all solid wood) is in our bedroom now. We originally picked it up at a Salvation Army for $25 because I needed some storage in my studio back in Philly. I'm also considering painting this piece out white (especially if the sewing table ends up in the same bedroom at our next place) and replacing all the hardware with crystall or lucite.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/dresser.jpg[/img:$uid]

Great finds need not be of great value (don't even know the true value of the ones I just posted, I just know it's more than what we paid). Their value to me is in the fact that I love their look and in the fun of incorporating them into our home decor.

Photowhore your great finds!

[Edited 8/30/10 9:09am]

^ Love the lamp.

I collect 20th century ceramics and glass, these are two of my recent finds.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/nota051.jpg[/img:$uid] A 1970's Poole Pottery tray, approx 8inch in length. Very low price of £5.

[img:$uid]http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx218/MMikeyBee/nota052.jpg[/img:$uid] A horrific but brilliant late 1960's West German floor vase, approx 16inch high. A total bargain at £6.

I love those.

I love many kinds of pottery (Mexican, Polish, Italian...)

Oh, the Great Finds can be anything...not just furnishings/decor. Old or new.

[Edited 8/30/10 10:21am]

johnart said:

I love those.

I love many kinds of pottery (Mexican, Polish, Italian...)

Italian glass is a favourite of mine, however '60's and '70's Murano glass prices have increased a lot in the space of 10 years, so if you have any genuine Murano glass you are laughing.

MikeyB71 said:

johnart said:

I love those.

I love many kinds of pottery (Mexican, Polish, Italian...)

Italian glass is a favourite of mine, however '60's and '70's Murano glass prices have increased a lot in the space of 10 years, so if you have any genuine Murano glass you are laughing.

I love mid-century Italian pottery. Haven't started collecting any yet but I see it happening in the near future.

Agh, don't even think about painting the sewing machine table white. It would ruin it and make it look like some kind of cheap Ikea knockoff. It's definitely beautiful enough as it is, and I'm sure something as timeless as that would fit in with almost any other furniture.

It's been a while since I got a real bargain, pricewise. I'm just happy when I find something rare and I don't usually care if I have to pay a bit extra for it. Right now I'm hoping my sister will pick up a few pairs of socks for me in Norway. They're of a special brand that's very hard to find (no online sales either) but they're the most comfortable socks you'll ever wear, and they're reinforced in all the right places so they last at least five times as long as regular socks. I'm thinking of stocking up on a few and not use them at all, so that when they go out of production I'll still be able to take out a fresh, unworn pair. lol

retina said:

Agh, don't even think about painting the sewing machine table white. It would ruin it and make it look like some kind of cheap Ikea knockoff. It's definitely beautiful enough as it is, and I'm sure something as timeless as that would fit in with almost any other furniture.

It's been a while since I got a real bargain, pricewise. I'm just happy when I find something rare and I don't usually care if I have to pay a bit extra for it. Right now I'm hoping my sister will pick up a few pairs of socks for me in Norway. They're of a special brand that's very hard to find (no online sales either) but they're the most comfortable socks you'll ever wear, and they're reinforced in all the right places so they last at least five times as long as regular socks. I'm thinking of stocking up on a few and not use them at all, so that when they go out of production I'll still be able to take out a fresh, unworn pair. lol

I do think it currently (even without painting) works with the old dresser ( I've been back and forth on painting that also and was gonna tie the two with paint).

That's 3 votes for not painting it so far.

johnart said:

We picked these two over the weekend:

The table is solid wood and still has a functioning early 60's Singer sewing machine inside it that flips up when you open the top. We paid $10 for it. I've not yet decided whether I will paint the whole piece out a lacquered white or just refinish the top (there's a small spot where the finish worn). I guess it depends where it ends up at our next place. If it fits into our next bedroom I might put a mirror over it and turn it into a Manity (vanity for man ). It wouldn't necessarily be functional as one since I get ready in the bathroom and dresser like anyone else. I just think it would be bitchy.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/manity.jpg[/img:$uid]

The mid-century lamp needs to be rewired (easily done) and I repaired a hairline crack in the paper shade (which actually happened in the car on the way home ) But it's at the back on the bottom and not something you'd even see when displayed).
We paid a whopping $6 for it.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/2010_08310005.jpg[/img:$uid]

This dresser (also all solid wood) is in our bedroom now. We originally picked it up at a Salvation Army for $25 because I needed some storage in my studio back in Philly. I'm also considering painting this piece out white (especially if the sewing table ends up in the same bedroom at our next place) and replacing all the hardware with crystall or lucite.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/dresser.jpg[/img:$uid]

Great finds need not be of great value (don't even know the true value of the ones I just posted, I just know it's more than what we paid). Their value to me is in the fact that I love their look and in the fun of incorporating them into our home decor.

Photowhore your great finds!

[Edited 8/30/10 9:09am]

I love your pieces, John. But WTF is that thing under the manity? Did Stella(?) Lola(?), what's the dog's name? have an accident?

OMG I hate you for getting that lamp for six dollars! Awesome find, awesome lamp.

I haven't purchased furniture at garage sales in quite a while because I have everything I need/want. I've definitely found my share of great book shelves that way, though.

Mostly I go hunting (pretty regularly) for rare or interesting records, books and comics. It's become much more unusual to find rare comic books at garage/yard sales for some reason. But pretty much any weekend I can cruise the sales and only spend a few buck to buy some records or books that are either difficult to find, extremely rare or just interesting to me on a personal level. Especially old 45's, which people seem to think are worthless.

Oh. I've also purchased at least 1/2 of my nearly 500 Star Trek books at thrift stores! That's the best! A whole stack of books for less than the cost of one new one.

Ok here's the story/plan on the bedroom:

The direction started with our room at the Palazzo on our last Vegas trip:

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/pallux.jpg[/img:$uid]

We just loved it. It was/felt glamorous but it was still masculine.

I want to create that feel at home, maybe with a touch more Deco throwin in (not too literal).

I wanted an upholstered headboard bed (shut up Genesia ) but not a bed covered completely in fabric. And something easy enough to switch out should we change direction in a few years.

I found this bed:

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/5-4590-2401.jpg[/img:$uid]

The bed was originally $499 (reasonable), you can get it online for $399.

We went to the showroom to see it and since the line is on sale, they were looking to sell the floor model (which was in perfect condition). They actually reduced it one more time while we were there. They wanted to sell it with a nightstand, but I got them to throw in this bench

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/0-4500-0720.jpg[/img:$uid]

(originally $299, online $199) INSTEAD (I didn't want nightstands matching the bed) for a GRAND TOTAL of $312 (tax included).

At first I was thinking of painting the dresser because the wood of the bed is much darker plus I figured it might add a "boutique"-y accent. But, I gotta say that seeing them together, I don't at all mind the mixing of woods:

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/bed1.jpg[/img:$uid]

In the next place the walls will have this color:

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/colors.jpg[/img:$uid]

This mirror (my mother's, dated 1962 or 63 in the back) will be over the dresser and the Deco prints will move to a different wall.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/mirror.jpg[/img:$uid]

Excuse the crap on the table I just snapped the pic for this post.

Behind the bed will be something along the lines of this color:

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/0916fc5c-1dba-4442-a233-9e333089fbf8_300-1.jpg[/img:$uid]

Shyra said:

I love your pieces, John. But WTF is that thing under the manity? Did Stella(?) Lola(?), what's the dog's name? have an accident?

LMFAO! That's "froggy" He's got Asian designs on his back. I have nowhere else to put him right now. He's just chillin there for a bit.

We also love vibrant hand painted Talavera Mexican pottery.

Got "piggy" for $8!!!

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/2010_08310004.jpg[/img:$uid]

This water fountain (right now planter) was $40.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/2010_08310003.jpg[/img:$uid]

I will have a room accented all in Talavera at our next house. I'd love it to be a kitchen/breakfast nook.

^ I love the planter/fountain.

Love the plans for your bedroom... but did I mention that I hate you for getting that lamp for $6?

What's with the "next place" already? Movin' again?

NONONO...don't you dare paint those pieces white. Mixing wood is very Frasier Cranish.

I loved his apt. I hate things that 'match.' I love the eclectic look.

So no painting! Are we clear????

noimageatall said:

NONONO...don't you dare paint those pieces white. Mixing wood is very Frasier Cranish.

I loved his apt. I hate things that 'match.' I love the eclectic look.

So no painting! Are we clear????

If there was ever a post to convince me not to paint all the wood. THIS IS IS!!!

There 3 other folk said don't do it (and Ron was fine either way. He generally will go with what I want design-wise, he's just like "How much is it gonna cost me? ) but this post seals the deal.

YOU HAVE SAVED THE WOOD!

johnart said:

noimageatall said:

NONONO...don't you dare paint those pieces white. Mixing wood is very Frasier Cranish.

I loved his apt. I hate things that 'match.' I love the eclectic look.

So no painting! Are we clear????

If there was ever a post to convince me not to paint all the wood. THIS IS IS!!!

There 3 other folk said don't do it (and Ron was fine either way. He generally will go with what I want design-wise, he's just like "How much is it gonna cost me? ) but this post seals the deal.

YOU HAVE SAVED THE WOOD!

Cerebus said:

Love the plans for your bedroom... but did I mention that I hate you for getting that lamp for $6?

What's with the "next place" already? Movin' again?

Thanks! and I hate you too bitch.

Well, we love the location of this house (staying as close to it as possible) and we like the house but we now have Ron's mom's soon to be ex (maybe. this time, who the hell EVER knows anymore ) with us. I know, sounds weird, long story, maybe for orgnoting . In any case, we need a larger place that will acommodate us regaining privacy (not that he's not prefectly respectful of that or easy to live with). Looking for a place that will maybe allow for him to have a studio apt attached to the house or he can have a level of the house.

You know, life happens and you just gotta roll with it.

But now I'm on house-hunting/new place to decorate mode and psyched for it.

[Edited 8/30/10 13:02pm]

Wood looks cheap painted white... the rich tonesd are lost, even if you do an antiqued white. White wood reminds me of childrens furniture... the cheap shit you buy for little girls that comes with a four poster canopy bed with gold spray painted trimmings.

John... I am glad you are keeping the peices in its original color, the pieces are beautiful.

Oh! Are you going to re upholster the bench you bought? I would love to see a red silk to reflect that look in the Vegas suite.

johnart said:

Cerebus said:

Love the plans for your bedroom... but did I mention that I hate you for getting that lamp for $6?

What's with the "next place" already? Movin' again?

Thanks! and I hate you too bitch.

Well, we love the location of this house (staying as close to it as possible) and we like the house but we now have Ron's mom's soon to be ex (maybe. this time, who the hell EVER knows anymore ) with us. I know, sounds weird, long story, maybe for orgnoting . In any case, we need a larger place that will acommodate us regaining privacy (not that he's not prefectly respectful of that or easy to live with). Looking for a place that will maybe allow for him to have a studio apt attached to the house or he can have a level of the house.

You know, life happens and you just gotta roll with it.

But now I'm on house-hunting/new place to decorate mode and psyched for it.

Aahaahaa! I read this before you added the "I hate you too bitch" but I had to go mash and stir my marinara before I could respond. Bastid! Seriously though, in my neck of the woods there is no way that lamp would have been less than $20. And it's likely people would have been fighting over it at that price. I've seen lamps that weren't even that cool go for more than that. The Bay Area is serious about it's garage sales.

It's not at all uncommon these days (and it's becoming more common very quickly) for parents to move in with children, or children to move in with parents. I recently lived through the situation myself. So you don't need to explain any more about that.

However, dang! Seems like you guys worked really hard to get that place and have done a lot of work/improvements on it and the yard since you got it. I guess that will make it easier to sell, though! Good luck on the hunt, I hope you find the place with the attached studio!

And of COURSE you're excited to decorate again.

paintedlady said:

Oh! Are you going to re upholster the bench you bought? I would love to see a red silk to reflect that look in the Vegas suite.

OOH I hadn't even thought of that.

Being that we weren't going for a bench in the first place, it just happened I got all LETS MAKE A DEAL on spur of the moment, I haven't given too much thought to the bench yet. We have a blanket over it to protect the fabric from Lola, but I'd totally be into switching it up to something without threads that she'd catch and pull if she got frisky on it.

My priority once we move will be to get the paint on the walls and get drapery.

I was looking at these curtains yesterday. Nicer at the store than in pic.

Thanks for suggesting that! It will definitely be on my list of things to do once I get the others done.

[Edited 8/30/10 13:29pm]

johnart said:

paintedlady said:

Oh! Are you going to re upholster the bench you bought? I would love to see a red silk to reflect that look in the Vegas suite.

OOH I hadn't even thought of that.

Being that we weren't going for a bench in the first place, it just happened I got all LETS MAKE A DEAL on spur of the moment, I haven't given too much thought to the bench yet. We have a blanket over it to protect the fabric from Lola, but I'd totally be into switching it up to something without threads that she'd catch and pull if she got frisky on it.

My priority once we move will be to get the paint on the walls and get drapery.

I was looking at these curtains yesterday. Nicer at the store than in pic.

Thanks for suggesting that! It will definitely be on my list of things to do once I get the others done.

[Edited 8/30/10 13:29pm]

In Cypress? NICE! I loce the Spice color.... ya know.... you could buy an extra panel and use that to upholster the bench. Just a thought.

paintedlady said:

johnart said:

OOH I hadn't even thought of that.

Being that we weren't going for a bench in the first place, it just happened I got all LETS MAKE A DEAL on spur of the moment, I haven't given too much thought to the bench yet. We have a blanket over it to protect the fabric from Lola, but I'd totally be into switching it up to something without threads that she'd catch and pull if she got frisky on it.

My priority once we move will be to get the paint on the walls and get drapery.

I was looking at these curtains yesterday. Nicer at the store than in pic.

Thanks for suggesting that! It will definitely be on my list of things to do once I get the others done.

[Edited 8/30/10 13:29pm]

In Cypress? NICE! I loce the Spice color.... ya know.... you could buy an extra panel and use that to upholster the bench. Just a thought.

Yes Cypress. Of course that all depends what the room is like and what goes on what color wall. But I like the Cypress best for our scheme.

Love the Spice also, but we're doing silvery blues, browns, camels.

We picked up this set for winter. Look at the price.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/118842120471CZ.jpg[/img:$uid]

We got it for $79.98 cause the package was open. All the pieces are there and it's in new perfect contidion.

[Edited 8/30/10 14:21pm]

johnart said:

paintedlady said:

In Cypress? NICE! I loce the Spice color.... ya know.... you could buy an extra panel and use that to upholster the bench. Just a thought.

Yes Cypress. Of course that all depends what the room is like and what goes on what color wall. But I like the Cypress best for our scheme.

Love the Spice also, but we're doing silvery blues, browns, camels.

We picked up this set for winter. Look at the price.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/118842120471CZ.jpg[/img:$uid]

We got it for $79.98 cause the package was open. All the pieces are there and it's in new perfect contidion.

[Edited 8/30/10 14:21pm]

You bitch! You ripped that shit open then went to customer service!

J/K that is a great price!

paintedlady said:

johnart said:

Yes Cypress. Of course that all depends what the room is like and what goes on what color wall. But I like the Cypress best for our scheme.

Love the Spice also, but we're doing silvery blues, browns, camels.

We picked up this set for winter. Look at the price.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/118842120471CZ.jpg[/img:$uid]

We got it for $79.98 cause the package was open. All the pieces are there and it's in new perfect contidion.

[Edited 8/30/10 14:21pm]

You bitch! You ripped that shit open then went to customer service!

J/K that is a great price!

I LOVE BBB!!! If you sign up on the website they send coupons for 20% off all the time! Im always getting yankee candles there for 12.00!!!!!! They have then clearenced or 25% off, then I use my coupon!

paintedlady said:

johnart said:

Yes Cypress. Of course that all depends what the room is like and what goes on what color wall. But I like the Cypress best for our scheme.

Love the Spice also, but we're doing silvery blues, browns, camels.

We picked up this set for winter. Look at the price.

[img:$uid]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i9/jgascot/118842120471CZ.jpg[/img:$uid]

We got it for $79.98 cause the package was open. All the pieces are there and it's in new perfect contidion.

[Edited 8/30/10 14:21pm]

You bitch! You ripped that shit open then went to customer service!

J/K that is a great price!

STFU. I just PEED! That's some old school guttery shit right thurrrrrrrr.

tinaz said:

paintedlady said:

You bitch! You ripped that shit open then went to customer service!

J/K that is a great price!

I LOVE BBB!!! If you sign up on the website they send coupons for 20% off all the time! Im always getting yankee candles there for 12.00!!!!!! They have then clearenced or 25% off, then I use my coupon!

I used to not care much for it. But now that I got lovely bedding for that price and they got curtains I might want... I kinda like it again.

<--signing up.