Think Outside the Box

Way outside.
Overflowing, extending, gushing, outside the box.
I did it. I got my garage sale feet wet this weekend.

And what did I find at 6:30 in the morning? Sequins and baubles. I literally drew an obnoxiously loud breath when the yard sale owner pointed out almost tens sheets, full sized mind you, covered in Christmas ornaments. I eventually exhaled when she led me towards the "bored housewife" ornaments from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

The unsuspecting sales lady had no idea that's what they were called. I think my "Oh. My. Goodness. Bored. Housewife. Ornaments!" exclamation remedied that dilemma for eternity.
Didn't your mom ever make these?
Mine did (hi mom!). I have one hanging on the tree each year to prove it.
Sigh. Heavenly.
How did they find the time? We're too busy nowadays.
Sweet little "Lefton" Christmas angel. She needs her kissing mate. I snagged her up, nonetheless. No idea why this was among the "ornament sheets".
Pixie elves. I do not like them, but customers do. Needs a bath, this one does.
My .50 cent handmade, 50 states (a penny for each state...ar, ar)with state flowers quilt. I'm not sure why the woman sold it to me for .50 cents so I did a quick Woolite soak, I did.
Old metal bread box and kitchen ephemera.
Darling wooden bowl with painted flowers. This taught me, yet again, to stop at every garage sale. I almost didn't because the woman only had about 5 items sitting on her table. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know..."
Heavy metal planter or shelving. I thought it was different so in to my truck it went.
What's a garage sale trek without a vintage tablecloth.
And fancy, dainties like this!
This is where I need reminding. I am a seller (say this three times, Deborah, click your heels...). But doesn't this old telephone table look simply lovely beneath my prayer sign? Can't you just see my devotionals on the little shelf?

Yea, I employed my husband to help me here. He's good at direct confrontation.
Almost missed this cutie at one particular sale. A cast iron bird feeder. Delightful!
I was so excited to find this little tea kettle! A "Berggren" designed piece was on my wish list for discoveries. Not a million dollar treasure, but I think her designs are adorable. I found a little blog with a bit of historical background. Quite the inspiration for industrious housewives if I do say so myself.
Apothecary bottles near the turn of the century. So what if I've got about 2 dozen bottles on the back porch? I liked them. I really, really liked them.
Never, ever, never judge a garage sale by it's owner and disorganized display. I stopped at a driveway with just a couple of tables and two boxes on the ground. Beneath the crumpled newspaper and random glasses I unearthed this vintage "Hull", Made in the U.S.A., chips and dip platter. Not one crack or chip. No, not one!

Kept my inhaled breath to myself on this one. As much as I could...
...because I found one more "Hull". Suuuwwwweeet!

Whew! So this marks the beginning of a new season. I've learned a few more things as far as self control, how to haggle, how to walk away. You might say that I've become a bit, persnickety. This is business, folks. Business.

O.K., so it's fun too. Really, really fun!