Wednesday, April 19, 2023

To Thrift or Not to Thrift--3 Pro Thrifting Tips

If you haven't noticed or are new here, I LOVE thrifting!

Why, you might be asking? I love finding vintage and antique items at a good price. Finding unique objects while helping to keep them out of the landfill is another plus. BUT, there are some thrifting pitfalls. I am sharing with you THREE things you should ask yourself before you buy an item. I am going to share some recent thrift store art finds, and how to tell if a piece of art is an antique or vintage. The THREE rules can apply to any thrift store find--clothes, furniture, dishes.

The first question:
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
There is a whole lot of stuff out there in thrift world. It is easy to get caught up in the latest, greatest, hot item. But, if you don't love it, I mean really have happy, warm, and fuzzy feelings for it, don't buy it. I know some people buy items to resell (including me). I still want to love and be excited about what I am selling. I can't make things anymore that I wouldn't use in my own home. I mean, I can paint something in a color I don't use, but I am not making signs with cute sayings because I don't love them and don't decorate with them.
vintage watercolor paintings
I bought these watercolor paintings because I loves them. They aren't great masterpieces, but vintage amateur art makes y heart go pitter-patter. 
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
These came in new frames, but I could see a signature and date, '72, so I knew they were old. I also could tell their age by the yellowing paper and tape once I got them home.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
This painting, a study of vanGogh's Irises, is not old.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
Even though this isn't old, I loved the colors and the amateur quality. I can tell from the edges and back that it isn't old. I am not sure why it is double signed, but I liked that too.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
To determine if I really love something, I ask myself, "Would I buy this item if it were full price?" I especially apply this question to clothing.

Rule #2 is:
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
This might seem like the same as rule number one, but there is a difference. There is a lot of stuff out there that I love, but it doesn't fit my style or home. I can appreciate the items that aren't me and leave them for someone else to buy. The exception to this rule is if you are going to resell it. As long as you love it, even if it isn't your style, if you are a reseller you probably want to buy it.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I do not decorate with wildlife art. I still loved and bought this painting entitled Bull. I love the simple style, the Montana wilderness, and the information on the back. I bought it to resell.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I can tell by the handwriting and the back of the canvas board that this art piece is definitely vintage. It was painted in Browning, which is the location of a MT reservation, so I am guessing it was painted by someone from the Blackfeet tribe, which I appreciate.

Vases and glassware are gaining in popularity for thrifters. And even though there are some beautiful vases out there, decorating with them is not my style. I have no desire to try to resell them, so I don't buy them.

Rule #3 is:
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I thrift for deals! If I want to pay full price for something I will go to an antique store. Thrift stores have really raised their prices. Some sell used drink bottles for $5! Make sure what you are buying is a price that you are happy with and that you feel you are getting a good deal. If I absolutely love something and it is for me to use in my home, I might be willing to pay a little more. People always ask what something is worth and is it a good price. That varies greatly from place to place. In the antique business we would always say that something is worth what someone is willing to pay.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I love this old oil landscape, it totally can fit in with my home style, AND it was $3.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I can't tell a lot about it, but it is signed on the front, and again with a pen on the back. It is stamped Italy.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
And it has an inspected stamp on the back.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
If something is beyond repair, stained, ripped, you probably don't want to buy it. And a side note, please don't donate it either. If you couldn't get the stain out, don't expect someone else to either. 
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
This, what appears to be, original, abstract flower painting met my three criteria: I love it, it fits my style, and it was a good price at $4 and in good condition. (Thankfully the price tag you see in the upper right corner came right off. Why, thrift stores, why??) I did take a picture of it while I was in the thrift store shopping and did a quick google search. Based on what I found and the signature, I might have thrifted a rather valuable piece.
To Thrift or Not to Thrift--Thrifting Tips
I am still researching, but had this painting not met my first two rules, I wouldn't have bought it. I don't and won't buy something JUST because I think it may be valuable. When trying to look up prices of items, remember to look for SOLD prices, not simply listed. 

Y'all, there are some fabulous finds out there at thrift stores, second-hand shops, and estate and garage sales. Don't get caught up in buying ALL the things by asking yourself the three questions that I use: do I love it, is it my style, is it a good price for its condition? It is okay and even fantastic to leave some wonderful items for other shoppers. 

1 comment:

  1. This is good advice. I used to buy way too much on special sale days, but found myself not wanting to even resell most of the things bc I wasn't very fond of the styles. Wish I'd used this criteria.
    I've been finding great deals on handmade pottery (esp w lids lately) and using them for kitchen storage containers.
    Love the prints you're keeping 👍

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!