Friday, October 31, 2014

How To Make A Country Bumpkin Pumpkin



While some people prefer to be elbow-deep in pumpkin guts, I thought I'd try a little something different from carving this Halloween. So I thought to myself, why not use some spray paint?

After picking the perfect pumpkin from Styer Orchard, I decided to take a look at my crafting supply chest and see what I could create with what I already had in stock. I wanted something country chic, something vintage-inspired, something classic. 









Supplies Used:

  • Rust-oleum Paint and Primer Spray in Navajo White
  • Rust-oleum Spray Grip
  • Tiger Bond Extreme Adhesive
  • Burlap Ribbon
  • Jute 
  • Small Wooden Letters
  • Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer 
  • Latex Gloves 




So I spray painted that pumpkin white. Note that I protected the stem with painter's tape (since I had something crafty in mind for that later). I also ended up doing a light second coat to touch up a few flaws, but was otherwise pretty pleased with the color.

After ample drying time, the pumpkin was ready for some shabby embellishments. I chose a wrap of burlap ribbon for the pumpkin itself, and a wrap of jute for the stem. Believe it  or not, the tiny wooden letters were an afterthought---but one I really like. 

I used Tiger Bond to adhere the burlap to the pumpkin, the letters to the burlap, and to secure the jute wrap to the stem. While at first, the glue seems pliable, Tiger Bond dries to a tight, permanent hold. So, be careful not to glue yourself...to yourself. And protect your working space with wax paper, aluminum foil, or old newspapers.

After all of your decorative additions are dry and secure, try using a light spray of Mod Podge or other brand of protective sealant to better hold everything together, and to keep your design shiny and new. 








Looking for a pumpkin design to use beyond Halloween? Why not try using an autumnal color palette, colorful Fall leaves coated in sealant, or vintage buttons as accents?

As for me, I think I'll keep this one around for a while! 





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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Revisiting Good Stuff Thrift of Fairless Hills, PA

While I don't get to the area as much as I'd like to, I've come to realize that Fairless Hills, PA is quickly becoming a secondhand hotspot. Not terribly far from Oxford Valley Mall, located just within a few miles of each other is a Salvation Army, a Goodwill, and an up-and-coming chain known as Good Stuff Thrift.

You may recall Good Stuff Thrift from my previous review. And again, the sales floor is neat and organized, and the seasonal spread of secondhand goods impressive. The staff is friendly, and believe in the importance of customer service as strongly as they do the Good Stuff philanthropic mission.


And while I'll always hit up the Goodwill and Salvation Army for the goods, I visit Good Stuff Thrift for the potential treasures and the design inspiration. Much like the Doylestown location, the merchandise is curated from run-of-the-mill donations and creatively staged. It's more than just suggestive selling. It's a collection of thoughtful vignettes, seasonal displays, and an elegant yet homey atmosphere in which to peruse the possibilities. 




In the 6 months since my last documented trip to Good Stuff Thrift, they've done some renovations that added an estimated 3,000 square feet to the sales floor. And though management admits that this does cut into some of the back room space initially designed for processing donations, the employees seem to be in their element. 

I will say that while those dreaded NFS (not for sale) signs sting just a bit in creative thrift store decor meant for display-only, I do appreciate the effort. I'm admittedly just a wee bit jealous that I don't own all of the pretty things. 


But I did score this goth-romantic filigree pattern mirror for $4! I didn't immediately have a space in mind for it. But as soon as my fingers grazed the intricate pattern, and my eyes caught sight of the price tag, I just knew it was coming home with me. As you can see, there's no shortage of lovelies for sale at Good Stuff Thrift.

Good Stuff Thrift is located at:
543 Lincoln Highway 
Fairless Hills, PA 19030

_______________________________________________

Have you entered the Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles Giveaway yet? 


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Monday, October 27, 2014

Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles Book Giveaway!












Welcome to the new and improved Let's Go Thrifting.

Now featured on the illustrious LetsGoThriftingBlog.com domain, LGT is the real deal. And to celebrate the first official day of the Let's Go Thrifting relaunch, I've decided to reward one of you loyal readers with a lovely prize! 

If you're a vintage enthusiast, a nostalgic home decorator, or a dedicated reseller of kitschy kitchen goods and housewares, then this book is an invaluable resource. It's colorful, informative, and chock full of coveted collectibles. And for one lucky reader, it's going to be a domestic dream come true. 


Open to all Let's Go Thrifting readers residing in the United States, this giveaway of C. Dianne Zweig's tome of treasured vintage wares is hot, hot, hot! Just link in your social media accounts and send me those tweets and comments. 

The rafflecopter flies away on November 10th, when a random winner will be selected. 

Good luck, everyone!




a Rafflecopter giveaway



Sunday, October 26, 2014

Shop Let's Go Thrifting: Etsy Discounts and Official Merch.




Greetings, thrifters! As a special thank you for reading, and to celebrate tomorrow's Let's Go Thrifting re-launch, here's a special treat. From now until November 1st, use the coupon code GOTHRIFT15 for 15% any item in the shop. 

And if you're looking for a bit of legit Let's Go Thrifting wares, check out the LGT logo merchandise just designed for Cafe Press. There are tote bags, trucker hats, tee shirts, mugs, and more! I just ordered me one of these bad boys. 


And for a limited time you can also get 15% all Let's Go Thrifting merch, and any other Cafe Press items with the code SCARY15 at checkout. Check out the shop and see if there's something that strikes your fancy. 

But enough of me peddling my wares. Tomorrow is the big day--the official move to a .com and with it, all of the glitz and glamour expected of a blog re-launch. I have posts of Halloween crafts upcoming, an exciting giveaway for all vintage enthusiasts, thrifted Fall fashions, and good ol' fashioned thrift trips documented for your reading pleasure. 

And it's all happening in just a few hours! So stay tuned and stay thrifty, my friends. 

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Thursday, October 16, 2014

Shop Let's Go Thrifting: An Etsy Sneak Peek Preview

Colorflo Mod Lucite Napkin Holder



Otagiri Sir Cat Creamer

Wallace Berrie & Co 3D Glass Silhouette

Napcoware Japan Floral Salt and Pepper Shakers

Jacquin Forbidden Fruit Liqueur Bottle 















See anything you like?

Great! Because these fresh new finds and more are on their way to the Let's Go Thrifting Etsy shop in the next coming week. Once everything is officially listed to my liking, I'll post another brief announcement and a special discount code for 15% off for all of you LGT readers out there in the blogosphere. And in related news, an exciting giveaway is soon to be announced! If you want a head start on gaining entries, be sure to like Let's Go Thrifting on Facebook and follow on Twitter too! 

As always, thanks for reading and thrift on with your bad selves. 


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Let's Go Thrifting Is Going Global!



After an extended absence granted me a long time to consider my many creative aspirations, from the book that I've been writing, to the other blog I've been designing, and anything else that has my synapses on rapid fire, I remembered one crucial thing.

The one constant creative outlet in my life that has true staying power is Let's Go Thrifting. 

And so, with a paid two week vacation from my day job in the very near future, I've decided to dedicate the time and effort to make this secondhand solo mission into something serious. 

On Monday October 27th, the Let's Go Thrifting blog is officially becoming a .com  

Following the design revisions already in progress, the fresh and exciting content I've been drafting, a giveaway and much more, LGT will be moving from its humble blogspot beginnings to the big time. So prepare yourselves for the grand Let's Go Thrifting re-launch.

As always, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for reading, commenting, sharing, emailing, hashtagging, Facebook-liking and all of your contributions. 

So stay tuned for more updates as the 27th draws nearer and stay thrifty, my friends. 

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