I’ve been trying to cut back on my thrift store purchases. Trying to only buy things I really want or can use.

Unless it’s fabric. All bets are off if I find fabric I love.

This Braun submersion blender fits the bill nicely. I’ve been pricing them at the big box stores and could never justify purchasing one for about $30. So when I found this guy for $8 I couldn’t walk away without it. It looks like it’s brand new and has never been used. BONUS!

The plan? I’m going to use this little guy to make crock-pot apple butter this fall. Oh yeah.

I’m always open to purchasing more bird cages. I’m not sure why I like them but I do.

I actually got this to spray paint and hang outside in the garden but once I got it home I notice that it’s in really good shape and has lots of little googaws that make for a nice little bird home. (you use the word googaws, don’t you?)

I’ve been tossing around the idea of getting a bird as a studio mascot but I’m not quite ready for that yet. Still, I hate the idea of painting it when it’s still got a lot of good use left in it. You know, just in case I DO decided to get a bird.

It was marked $30 but I got it for $12.

And finally, the big curio shelf in the upper right I bought to display small bits of art and some of my favorite or seasonal rubber stamps. So that they are within reach when I want them. It was marked $30 and I got it for $18.

Oh, and all that cleaning and sorting I’ve been doing? Here is PROOF! I can see my table. Whoohoo!

This is my mixed media table. It’s 6 feet long, has lots of light, is close to the water and my “paint booth” where I spray paint, adhesives and such.

I’m also setting up an area for jewelry making and sewing. Both of those areas have 6 foot tables as well.

Photos of those areas to come once I’m finished cleaning. 🙂

There is nothing like cleaning, organizing and purging to make you want to be more careful about what you spend your thrifting dollar on but I think I did pretty darn good on this trip.

What has been your best deal or purchase lately? Any fabulous finds or great deals you couldn’t walk away from? I love to hear about a good thrift store haul so be sure to share in the comments below!