The Thrift Store Decorator

My Holiday Tree!

2012-01-31T07:54:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas, I had to buy a new Christmas tree, as the old one had seen better days and was sent off to the thrift store. The old tree was 6 1/2' tall, so I went to my trusty Wally-world (Walmart) to see if I could get one at a low price!! When I looked at the 6 1/2' trees, they looked so short and skimpy......maybe mine was taller?? So, I bought the 7 1/2' tree in that little skinny box they come in.

When I got the tree home, and opened it....I pulled out all of the branches and began sorting them by color. Each branch had to be unfolded and formed to look right before it could be put into it's proper slot. Four days later....I was able to start adding lights and decorations!!! This thing reached my ceiling!!! It was huge!!!

Christmas came and went, and New Year's Day was upon us. Normally, I take down my tree that day, and store it away in the box until next Christmas. This year, I had a problem. There was NO WAY that huge tree was going back into that box that was about 4' long and 12" square!!! Okay, I can put it into totes....several totes....but where am I going to store them?? Every extra bit of space I have is taken up with my ebay & Addoway business!!! And on top of that, our son is living with us temporarily, so the downstairs bedroom & closet are out of the question!!!

So.....to solve my problem, I now have a "Holiday" tree...(I know, I hate CHRISTMAS TREES being called "Holiday trees".....but my tree is no longer JUST a Christmas tree!!! I added red cardinals, birdhouses, white "snowball" balls, icicles, snowflakes....and it became a "Winter Tree"!!

Yesterday, I removed some ornaments and added red heart lights and stuffed animals holding hearts, red & pink heart ornaments....and now....ta-da!!!! I have a Valentine's Day tree!!!! :-) All of the things on the tree came from a local thrift store, and cost me about $10 total!!!

I have already begun the hunt for St Patrick's Day goodies to put on my Holiday Tree for March!!! I have a bag started with shamrock lights & strings of green beads......now......where can I find some Leprechauns????

The Shabby Boutique at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-07-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

Romantic decor for your home!! Stop by and browse over 450 items now!!
http://www.addoway.com/Sandy_Tomsu_Faust/storefront

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

SILENT NIGHT/STILLE NACHT

2010-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

A Thrift Store Christmas

2010-12-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

While my three children were growing up, and for several years after, I always had a traditional red & green decorated Christmas tree. We went through the stages of making all of the decorations ourselves and then the "Antique Santa" theme.

Once I changed the decor of my home, and with all the children gone from home, I decided to do something a little different. I wanted a Christmas tree that fit perfectly into my Shabby Chic/Romantic Country home!! This meant that I had to start from scratch with all of the tree decorations, plus all of the other decorations I put throughout the house. This could be quite expensive, and by now, you should know that I do not like to spend alot of money on anything!! lol!!

I headed off to scour all of the thrift stores in my town, looking for decorations in pink, rose, sage green, silver, white & crystal. It was amazing how many I found!!! I found the ornaments in the colors I wanted, still in the boxes each with a price of $1.99 or less!!! I found bags of crystal icicles and crystal & pearl garland beads to put around the tree. I found a silver Angel for the top of the tree for $1.99 in perfect condition! It took about a month prior to Christmas to find everything I wanted for my tree, and I never spent of $3.00 for any one thing!! Here is my beautiful thrift store Christmas tree!

I have always collected the Antique looking Santa's, and found several in the rose, pink, & white colors to fit with my new theme. The most I paid for any of the santa's was $5.99, and that one is 2 feet tall! I also found beaded mirrors, a silver sparkly reindeer, centerpieces and pink poinsettias to decorate for the holidays!
Here are a few photos of the things that I have found, just by spending a little time looking through the thrift stores.

Remember, there is no need to spend tons of money if you want to change up your theme for Christmas, or even if you want a second or different Christmas tree in every room! There is something there for everyone's taste.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and very Happy Holidays!!
Sandy

A Fun, Quick & Easy Project

2010-10-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

I have this adorable black & white cat named Abby. Abby is slightly overweight....like she weighs 22 lbs!!! Abby is now 9 years old, and is having some problems getting up onto the higher places that she loves to snooze on, especially my bed!!

I decided I needed something for her to get onto that was just slightly lower than the bed, so I started my search at the local thrift stores for a bench that I could put at the foot of my bed. I have to admit, I needed something to sit on when putting on my shoes!!! Seems Abby & I are both getting old!!! lol!

I found this wonderful little bench, already painted white, with a little bit of paint chipped off here & there, which was perfect for my decor! It was covered in this ugly dark purple fabric, but it was only $6.95!

All it needed was to be recovered!! Now, I don't buy too many things new, so I started to think of what I could use to cover the seat on the bench, when I realized I had purchased 4 chenille pillow shams a couple of months ago, and one of them would be perfect for this project! I paid $2 for all 4 of the pillow shams.

First, I took the screws out of the bottom of the bench to loosen the seat.

I removed all of the old staples with pliers, and removed the fabric that the seat was covered with, and was left with the cushion and the board.

I then turned the pillow sham inside out, and ripped the seams so that I had the front piece of the sham to cover the seat with. Putting the sham over the cushion & board, I centered the design on the sham, and holding it tight, turned it over. Using a good stapler, I started stapling the pillow sham fabric to the board, starting with one side, then doing the opposite side. This keep the pattern on the sham even. I then folded over the sides and stapled them, stretching them a bit to make sure they were snug.

After it was all stapled, I had a perfectly covered bench seat, ready to be put back on the bench frame.

I then turned the bench over after making sure the top matched up perfectly with the frame, and put the screws back in the bench, tightening them to make it secure. I now had a bright, new bench that matched my bedroom perfectly, and all for the cost of $7.49 and about 1/2 hour of work!! So easy, so simple.

This system can be used to cover benches, footstools, and even dining room chairs! If you want the chenille look that I got, you can find chenille bedspreads at the thrift store (use the remainder for pillows) or spreads or pieces of one can be purchased on ebay for very small amounts. Otherwise, look through the pillow shams, draperies, throws etc at the thrift stores for a fabric that you like. No need to go to a fabric store and spend big bucks!!! :-)

Alternative to Buying New Cushions

2010-08-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have 2 wicker chairs in my living room that came with floral chair cushions that don't quite match my decor. I am not good at sewing, and didn't want to purchase new cushions, as they can be quite expensive. So, as an alternative to either of those, I found a way to cover my cushions so that the covers can be removed and washed when needed, and the cost was amazingly reasonable: Less than $1! And the complete process of covering each cushion took less than 5 minutes!

I started by scouring the local thrift stores for standard size pillow shams. Most thrift stores sell them as a pair. I found exactly what I wanted, in a pattern that really goes well with my Romantic Country decor, and the cost was only $ .98 for the pair!! Always check the fabric for stains or tears before purchasing.

This is the front of the pillow sham.

This is the back side of the sham with the opening.

Slip one end of the cushion into one side of the sham. It will probably fit snuggly. Pull the other half up and over the rest of the cushion.

Turn it over, and shake the cushion down so that it is completely at one end of the sham. Place it on the floor or table and smooth out the top.

You will have part of the pillow sham that is empty. Fold it over to the underside of the cushion, and place it back on the chair. Fold under any part that is hanging out in the back of the cushion.

You are finished!!! How quick is that??!! The best part is, that you can remove the cover for washing whenever needed, and you can purchase other sets of shams from thrift stores so that you can change the looks of your chairs anytime you wish! The pillow shams are available in different sizes from standard to king size, so check to make sure which size sham you will need for your cushion.

I hope you enjoyed this little tip!! It is a great way to save money & yet decorate your home the way you wish! :-)

Finished chair!

Add color to your space!

2010-02-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Is your space blah, dull and all neutrals? The easiest way to spruce up a room is to add color. You can have neutral walls, neutral furniture, neutral carpet, but adding splashes of color using throw pillows, vases, flowers or candles works wonders! And, you can get ALL of these things at thrift stores and garage sales!!

In the following photos, you can see how this neutral room was brighten by adding items that were found at the thrift store for between $2.00 & $5.00!

As you can see, purchasing a variety of throw pillows in different shapes and patterns, but the same color family, can make a plain beige couch pop with color! These pillows were purchased at a thrift store. (Be sure to check them out well for damage, spots and give them the "smell" test.)

The larger pillows are actually firm bed pillows in removable tailored pillow shams. These are great to use for lying against or putting your head on while watching tv. You can always replace the pillow if it gets out of shape, and the shams can be washed.

The orange bird plate was purchases for $1.99 at a thift store! See how it makes an otherwise dull brick fireplace pop!! The black wrought iron mult-candle holder was also purchased used. Lighting the candles gives the effect and warmth of a burning fireplace without the heat or the mess.

Take a look around and see what you can change to make your space pop with color!! :-) Thank you to my daughter, Tracey for letting me photograph her thrift store treasures!!!

New Online Store!! The Shabby Boutique!!

2010-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

Come visit my new online store, The Shabby Boutique! I am adding new merchandise every week, so be sure to check back often. In this store, I am offering great items that can be used in the Shabby Romantic Country decor; silverplate, depression glass, handpainted plates, antique floral plates, linens and more.

Sandy Tomsu Faust - Addoway.com Homepage

Vignettes are important!

2010-02-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

When you are putting together a vignette, or better known as a grouping of related items, be sure to put more than just one or two together. The best is to have a uneven number of items, like 3 or 5 grouped together.

Sometimes, especially with Romantic Country decorating that rule is broken!! With this style of decorating, more is better. The rule is to stil choose wisely! Make sure the items are all in the same color families, and go together well.

Below,is a 1930's buffet that I bought at an auction for $27.50. It was brown, with all the original hardware, and in really great condition. I painted it white, using my standard kitchen & bath paint. On top, I put a white antique scarf with crocheted edges, purchased at a thrift store. The "shaving mirror" on top was a $2 find at a garage sale!! The girl had purchased it for $40 at an antique shop and was changing her decor. She just wanted it gone!!! My lucky day!!! It was already painted white!!!

Everything you see in this vignette was purchased at thrift stores, with the exception of the oil lamp (it came from an auction & cost $20) and the cake candle on the cake stand. Using a cake stand as a candle holder is a very unique way to display a large 2 or 3 wick candle. The rose flower ring came from a thrift store, as did the green depression glass pieces. I paid less than $5 for the cake stand, and not over $3 for the green glass!!! I added some crystal Christmas beads that I had, to add a little sparkle to the display. Draping the beads from the cake stand and pooling them into the green sherber "connects" the display and pulls it together.

The large floral soup tureen was also purchased from a thrift store for $4.99!! What a find!!! The handpainted piano trinket box was also a thrift store find for less than $2.

I really need to talk about the print above this display. This is an original Carolyn Blish water color print, signed and numbered. I contacted the artist herself to make sure it was an original. She confirmed that it was. I purchased this wonderful print at my favorite thrift store for $19.97!!! Ms. Blish informed me that the value is over $300.00!!!! And it was already framed in the white frame with shabby look!!!

This vignette was not completed overnight. It took weeks, to get it just how I wanted it, and to find the pieces I liked. But it was well worth it in the end.

Always visit your thrifts stores more than once a week if possible. They are adding items daily! You never know what you may find!

Why Should You Shop At Thrift Stores??

2010-01-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

I know there are some people out there, who absolutely refuse to walk into a thrift store, let alone purchase anything from one!! They mistakenly believe that there is nothing but "junk" and "discarded garbage" in these shops. Others say they would not buy or wear anything that came from a thrift store because someone else had used/worn the item before. This always makes me laugh!!! Do you ever travel?? You stay in a hotel or motel? Do you realize that you are sleeping on bedding and using towels that have been used by countless people before you??? They have just been laundered, which is what you would do with anything that you purchase from the thrift store!!!!

There are people who believe that only the "poor" shop in thrift stores. This is so far from the truth. Once I encountered a young lady with a cart full of wonderful looking business suits, blouses, in-fashion shoes and purses. We began talking, and she told me that she was a lawyer in a large law firm, and always shopped in this particular thrift store because they had expensive name brand clothing and shoes for very low prices!!!

In today's economy, everyone regardless of financial status, is looking for ways to cut expenses and save a little. When you are decorating your home, why not do the same??

My daughter Tracey, a Real Estate Agent, is also a very avid thrift store shopper. Below are a few items that she has purchased to help decorate her home. We have purposely left the price tags on to show you what these items cost. What a savings!!!! Put that extra money you would have spent on expensive pillows etc, in a savings account towards your next vacation!!!
Happy shopping!!!

One of the wonderful pillows my daughter purchased for $1.99!

It was from Pier One Imports, and normally sells for over $20!!! This pillow is in new condition!!

Several decorator pillows shown on a loveseat that was also purchased at a thrift store, in excellent condition for $50!!!

Renewing an old piece of furniture

2010-01-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

My style of furniture is a little different than most, but this can be applied to any style. I was in need of a dresser for my bedroom that we were redoing. With my style being Romantic Country, I was looking for something antique, not in perfect condition, as I was planning on painting it white. While visiting one of my favorite thrift stores, I found the perfect dresser!!! Small enough to fit in my bedroom, but yet big enough for what I needed!! It even had all the original hardware which is a huge plus.

The best part is, it was only $9.00!!! I couldn't turn it down!!! I purchased it and took it home to be cleaned with murphys oil soap, and given a couple of coats of white paint. I always use a white kitchen & bath paint that is good for woodwork and cabinets. This allows for the furniture to be wiped down with a damp cloth, and it doesn't scratch easily.

I wanted a large shelf to hang above the dresser to make it look more like a hutch. Scouring through my decorator magazines, I found a shelf that I liked, so took it to my husband, who in turn made the shelf for me using scrap wood from his job!! (free wood) The back of the shelf is rough boards to make it look old. He added the bar to hang jewelry or whatever I wanted. The shelf was made within a couple of days and turned out beautifully!! And the best part, cost $0. It now proudly hangs above the thrift store dresser and holds my collection of goodies also purchased from the thrift stores!!

You can do this with any piece of furniture. Don't look at the piece the way it is. Imagine in your mind what you can do with it. Paint is cheap! Upholstery can be changed on seats of chairs easily, using nothing more than scissors and a staple gun. Look for fabrics in the linen department of the thrift stores. Heavy draperies make great upholstery!

Use your imagination next time you see that piece of furniture that catches your eye! Remember, you don't have to use it for the purpose it was built. Be creative!

Repurposing an item.

2010-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

During the summer months, the surrounding neighborhoods have lots of garage sales, beginning on Thursdays and ending on Sunday. At times, the whole neighborhood will get in on the sales!!!

I was checking out garages sales in my own neighborhood, and found this wonderful very old concrete cherub birdbath. The paint was peeling off the lower half, and the large "bowl" on top was cracked in several places. Other than that, it was in great shape!! Perfect for that "Shabby" look that I love! I checked the tag, and found it selling for $2.00!!!! That birdbath was now mine!!!

Not sure of what I was going to do with it yet, I took it home. I could have put it out in my Victorian garden, but I already had 2 birdbaths, and this one wouldn't hold water. Then it came to me! This would make a wonderful plant stand in my dining room!!!!

Now I have a wonderful, antique "plant stand" that looks great with my white painted furniture, and it only cost me a total of $2.00!!!

Decorating Using Thrift Store Finds

2010-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Sandy, and I love home decorating! It doesn't matter how much money you have to spend, you can change the look of your home with a little footwork and patience.

My home is a 1970's raised ranch. I have always wanted an old Victorian house, but they have always been either in the wrong area, too expensive, or needed alot of updating (which can be very expensive).

Instead, while glancing through a few decorating magazines, I saw a "look" that struck me! I call it "Romantic Country". Some refer to it as "Shabby Chic". Either way, my home was almost completely decorated with thrift store and garage sale finds.

In this blog, I will give some great decorating ideas, and alternate uses for everyday finds, that can be picked up for less than five or ten dollars. Some for even less.

It doesn't matter what your style is, you can do it on a shoestring, and make it look like you spent a fortune!

Hope you will visit here often, and if you have any ideas, you are welcome to tell us about them.