Thrifty Treasures and a Purple Cow

 

I never saw a Purple Cow,
I never hope to see one;
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one.

                                            Gelet Burgess, 1895

 

The purple cow was my final buy at a street long yard sale in a neighboring town. The woman I bought it from said her mother collected them and that there was a poem about purple cow's that she liked. I found it and some history about it and the author on Wikipedia here.

 

It was a gorgeous morning and I was at the first house at the sale when it opened at 9 a.m. I reluctantly had to leave at 2 p.m. If I didn't have to pick up my granddaughter Cassidy at school, I would have stayed longer! I had some shopping time alone before meeting up with my new thrifting buddy Kim.

 



 



I zeroed in on the pink 1950's trunk from the other side of the street. The woman selling it said it was her doll trunk when she was a girl. She revealed to me that she is now 66. Needless to say, I had to have it!

 

 

 

 

The round fruit basket tops (behind the trunk) have great, wide slats for stenciling, a renewed passion for me. Not sure what I will stencil but I picked up three of them for under $2. The cute sunflower mirror is a cheapy metal piece. I had to have it for my side porch for $1!

 

 

 

 

Lately I find that I am so drawn to the old clothespins of the 1950's. I picked a huge basketful at the last estate sale I attended. When I saw these two clothespin bags filled, I just wanted them. I don't even have a clothesline! The canvas bag is pretty ripped up and I am going to try and repair it or replace it all together. The old frame on it is great. The blue print bag is in great shape and may be listed in my Etsy shop, including the clothespins!

 

 

 

 

The two straw purses were a great find. The one on the right is trimmed in British Tan leather, including being lined inside with a pocket, all in the same leather. It has four painted wood ladybug beads on the front. The smaller one has yarn embroidery and raffia flowers. Both are listed in my Etsy shop, here and here.

 

 

 

I am also so drawn to stoneware pitchers lately. The jadeite colored green one had to go home with me to add as an accent in my kitchen. I also found a large roll of burlap ribbon and a vintage glass jar to make a miniature scene in.

The tomato covered pot is not old but is a keeper for  me! I found three shelves....an ivory metal one, a wrought iron one, and a retro wood knick knack shelf....all different and unique. A tin tart pan, an enamelware tray in yellow and a 1950's musical tree stand that rotates. My favorite find of the day and the one I am most excited about was actually spotted by Kim. I probably would have passed it by!

 



A whole box of National Geographic maps of the world, all in great shape, all dated in the 1960's. I know these are great for crafting. I have seen them used to line vintage trunks.....fabulous! Half price for the whole box of 18 wasn't bad either!

This little pitcher never made the group picture. It was inside the straw handbag for safe keeping. It is adorable and I haven't decided yet to sell it or keep it.

 

Out of all the items I picked that day I am keeping about eight of them, for now. Finding all these great treasures has recharged my desire to decorate my own home.

 

 



Sometime after Mr. Burgess wrote his purple cow poem he wrote a follow-up to it....

 

Ah, yes, I wrote the "Purple Cow"—
I'm Sorry, now, I wrote it;
But I can tell you Anyhow
I'll Kill you if you Quote it!

 

 

Oops! I think I'm safe....that was 120 years ago!

 

AnnMarie xoxo

 

 I am linking up with these fun blog parties:

Roses of Inspiration
Thrifty & Vintage Finds
Let's Talk Vintage
Thrifter Share
What's It Wednesday
Vintage Inspiration Party
Share Your Style
Home and Garden Thursday
Anything Blue Friday
Best of the Weekend
Pink Saturday
Vintage Bliss Tuesdays Linky Party