Rococo Regal For Under Five Bucks

In my last visit to Good Stuff Thrift of Fairless Hills, there were a few items that caught my eye. But the big score of the day was definitely this trinket box. I first spotted it while shooting photos for the blog entry and was worried it was picked up by another thrifter. But I came back to find it sitting safe and sound with the other bric-a-brac.  

And here are the thrift facts on this spectacular find: 

• That romanic scene is a satin print of "Spring" by Rococo artist Boucher.
• The intricate columns and the inside of the box are both lined with red velour.
• There's a delightfully vintage filigree pattern on the inner lid. 
• It cost $4.50, which I suspect is a steal given just how lovely this trinket box is.
• I'm putting it to good use. 

While I initially thought of listing this piece on my Etsy shop, I think for now it makes for a thrifty, yet regal storage piece for my growing collection of skeleton keys. I don't know... Something about this trinket box says clandestine affair to me, like slipping a secret lover the key to your boudoir.  

What do you think? 

This blog post is linked up with Sir Thrift-A-Lot. Check it out! 

The Resource Exchange of Philadelphia, PA

In the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia, within a red-bricked building a mere 20 minutes from my home, lies a business based entirely on creative reuse.

Since 2009, The Resource Exchange has salvaged tons, literally tons of what was once considered waste. From theatrical props and set pieces, to art supplies, fabrics, lumber and a miscellany of remnants from buildings and movie demolitions, The Resource Exchange will take it all in and sell it cheaply to Philadelphia artists and crafters. This cyclical rescue mission lessens the landfills, keeps the theatrical goods in Philly for creative reuse and makes for interesting browsing.

Here's just some of what The Resource Exchange had in store.

If you ever find yourself in the Philadelphia area and are looking for some creative inspiration when it comes to secondhand supplies, The Resource Exchange at 2829 Cedar Street is a must-see salvage center. 

Vintage Photo Friday: That Haunting Quality

There's just something spooky about this shot of Bobby. 

Ordinarily, 1950s polaroids of children named Bobby don't give me the creeps. But since visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art a few days ago, I've been looking at my collection of found vintage family photographs in an entirely different light.

I paid visit to the museum specifically to see the exhibit of Ralph Eugene Meatyard, a somewhat obscure photographer who staged his family members in a choreographed creepy atmosphere with masks, dolls and dilapidated conditions. And the exhibit, aptly titled Dolls and Masks, was right down my dimly lit alley, let me just tell ya. 

Untitled. Ralph Eugene Meatyard 

It was unintentionally haunting, eerie, even disturbing. The youth of his children in the shadow of abandoned buildings and overgrown landscapes, surrounded by broken dolls was more than enough to absorb. But add the anonymity of the masks, the wrinkles and age spots in the illusion of old age. Just creepy, all around. 

And...well Bobby...He looks fit to wear one of the Meatyard masks, to cast away a broken doll in an abandoned property. Of course it only lends credence to the creep factor that Meatyard shot the above photo around the same time that this polaroid of Bobby was taken. Hmm. Interesting. 


What do you think?

         

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Let's Go Thrifting recommends...

Remember this one!?

Like Robots? You'll Love Heykillah!

I'm very excited to announce a special offer, just for the readers of Let's Go Thrifting! Thanks to Lynette, the lovely creator and artist behind the original prints, jewelry and toys of Heykillah! you can now treat yourself or someone you love to an adorable Valentine's gift. 

These 6" little robot plushies are hand sewn and ready for a new home. And crafted especially for fans and friends of Let's Go Thrifting! is this incredible offer from Lynette: 

If you buy one of these super-cute robot plushies, you will get this amazing 8.5" x 11" print, free, free, free! 

That's right! A robot print, FREE. When ordering your robot plushie from Heykillah! just leave Lynette a note during the checkout process stating simply "Robots with headphones print" and that's what you'll be getting. That's a $20 value....for free. Robots, plushies and savings! Who doesn't love this idea? 

Many thanks to Lynette from Heykillah! for this super offer! 

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 Photos and artwork are courtesy of Lynette May, owner Heykillah!