Friday Finds.....From My Inventory Stash.

Since I did not source anything this week, I went into my stash of thrifted items for resale.  Below is a picture of several items I pulled out.

I pulled out a vintage PYREX white milk glass covered butter dish with blue snowflake pattern.  I paid $2, comps are between $20-$30.  I plan on listing it for $30.  

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I pulled out 3 pieces of  Bakelite handle serve ware, each cost $1 each. One is a meat fork, a knife sharpener, and a steak knife.  I am not sure on how to price these, comps include a slicing knife which I don't have.  I need to research these pieces more comps for a single knife sharpener were $4-$10, these may end up in future antique booth.

 

I have a 1995 Longaberger kiddie basket purse with floral fabric liner, I paid $4, comps were from $10-$55, I plan on listing it for $30.

I picked up the Pampered Chef  bread tubes, star and flower.  I paid $2 for each.  Comps are all over the board from $1-$20.  I only have the two tubes one with its box, the other no box.  I am going to list them together for $12.

Along with the Pampered Chef bread tubes, is a Pancake shaker bottle, a sandwich crimper, and a corn on the cob butterer  Pancake shaker comps are $10-$12.  The sandwich cutter comps $10-$15, the corn on the cob butterer comps are about $1-$5.  I plan on listing as a group for $20.

Not in the photograph above, I pulled out a vintage PYREX covered divided glass baker oval, Blue Horizon pattern milk glass lid with a blue flower pattern garland.  I paid $2 for it years ago, comps are between $25-$35, I plan on listing it for $30.  I added a photo below.

Lastly I have a gallon size zip lock bag of vintage aluminum cookie cutters, I paid a $1 for the bag.  I am going to sort them out, there are doubles of the cutters, and create smaller lots.  These I will need to research a bit more, I saw sold comps with similar cutters ranging from $25-$40  I did not realize these old cookie cutters could be worth that much.  

My Bucket List Of Items I Want To Find In The Wild

Since I don't have a thrift flip ready to share, I will share my treasure hunt bucket list.  My list consist of  items I hope to find in the wild, meaning at a thrift store, garage sale, etc.  I noticed many of the resellers I follow have bucket list of items they hope to one day find in the wild.   Here is my current bucket list.

1.  Fenton Glass Hand Painted and Signed.  I have found Fenton in the wild just not any of the hand painted and signed pieces.  Like the glass birds, the cats, or vases.

2.  Burmese glass

3.  Fenton Fairy Lamp.  I have found a fair lamp, it is an Indiana Glass large amber stars and bars fairy lamp.  I am admiring it for now.  It will eventually be listed.

4. Victorian Glass bridal basket with its metal base

5. Victorian Glass Pickle castor

6.  Tiffany & Co, where its jewelry, crystal, art glass any would be a welcomed find.

7.  Waterford Crystal

8.  Lalique

9.  Baccarat antique glass

10.  Miriam Haskell jewelry

11.  Weiss jewelry

12.  Czech glass

13.  Murano glass, I did find a Murano paperweight.  Not 100% sure it's a real Murano Italy one or not. 

14.  Belleek 

15.  Sterling Silver Candle sticks

16.  Sterling Silver serving dishes

17.  Art Pottery, Weller, Van Briggle, Roseville, Moorcroft

18.  Rose Medallion

19.  Copper Cookware English or French

20.  Le Creuset cookware

21.  Lundberg studio art glass

22. Lucite candle holders.  I did find Lucite candles a matching pair at Goodwill.  I sold them for $35.

23.  Lucite flowers and napkin holder.  I have found Lucite trivets.  I sold one for $10.

24. Eickholt art glass vase.  I found an Eickholt paperweight at an indoor flea market.  I still am admiring it, it too will eventually end up being listed.

25. Larson pottery animal

26. Eldrith salt glazed pottery baby Jesus and animals for the nativity, I have the rest of the figures.

27.  Artesania Rinconada ceramic animal figurine

28.  Wade pottery

29.  Rosemaling, Norwegian folk art.  I have a decorative wooden spoon and a set of candle sticks.  I collect Scandinavian folk art, glass, and pewter.

30.  Fire and Ice 

31.  Glassy Baby

As I check off an item, I will add something new to the mix.  

What's on your bucket list, leave a comment below!

Wednesday Work: Tackling Inventory Not Yet Listed

 Let's focus on inventory for reselling.  My inventory has gotten out of hand. I only buy a few pieces each which have added up to storage totes full of inventory to process.  I currently have to many totes more than 10, of items to resell, not yet listed.  

I have sorted 2 totes so far, I pulled everything out.  I Googled Lensed each piece, wrote on a post it note what I found about about it, what the piece is selling for, what I paid for it, and assigned it a number.  While I am doing this I am writing down each piece on a sheet of paper with the corresponding number, including a brief description, price and purchase price.  This helps me when I go back to the tote and I can see what exactly is in there.  My goal is to get through the remaining totes this summer.  I also note whether the item will be on Etsy or Poshmark.  My paper list will come in handy when I list the item and then added to my spreadsheet of listed items.  My spreadsheet is broken down by platform, it helps me keep track of what is currently listed and which items have sold.  I am learning what does better on each platform.  During this sort I am pulling out anything damaged as well.

As I am going through my inventory I take this time to really decide if it is worth the time to list the piece.  Not every item I buy ends up being listed.  I will make multiple purges of inventory as I work through it.  These purged items could ended up being donated back to the thrift store, put on a garage sale, or offered online a bulk lot.  For instance, I have 10 to 15 Vera Bradley purses and bags, some I purchased to resell and some are from my closet.  Vera's do not sell well unless they are brand new with tags, retired, or the vintage originals made in the USA from the 80's and 90's.  I know there are platforms just for selling bulk lots to other resellers.  I will need to research this option before jumping in.  As I sort through my inventory, I keep empty boxes near by for sorting, one box is just for pieces I want to list soon, one for damaged and one for items I am not sure about anymore.  If I am lucky, I will have an empty tote when I am done.  When I ended up with a box for donating, I take it right away to the thrift store.  

Inventory can easily get out of control.  I am on the verge of that happening, I really want to move stagnant inventory out and fresh in to my listings.  For this reason I have cut my sourcing to only the best of the best, which I have not found much of lately.  Yesterday I had several paper weights I found thrifting, I put all of them back.  All where priced at $6.99.  Only one I could identify the maker, and sold comps where anywhere from $12 to $40, it was not a $40 or $30 paper weight.  These really where not worth it to me right now to buy.  I have two paper weights in my inventory not yet listed.

You may not see any thrift finds being posted once a week.  You may see a weekly post on finds from inventory.  I may have to start a  coming soon to my Etsy or Poshmark weekly post.

As a reseller you have to decide what is right for you.  I do not have a lot room for large amounts of inventory, I have to keep it to a smaller manageable amount.  I am working on being more selective on what I pick up for resale.  Remember you have to do what is best for you.

How Do I Identify Makers Of Items.

 Identifying who made a vintage or antique item can be difficult.  I would say fifty percent of items I pick up in the thrift store are unmarked.  Researching any unmarked item is time consuming and often leads to dead ends and the item is still unidentified.

My first go to is Google Lens on my phone, it always with me and is pretty simple to give me a quick idea of what the items and potentially a maker.  I try not use Google Lens to get an idea of what the item is worth, some returns may included the list price.  If I see several returns with a similar list price I then go on my mobile browser and look on eBay or Poshmark.  I will search for the item and then filter the results to sold or completed listings.  This step gives me a rough idea of what the item is actually selling for, it is easy to fall for listings with high asking prices.  Take a screenshot of any listings that give you the information your looking for, this helps when creating a listing.

After all the quick research on my phone, I have to decide if I am going buy it.  If I decide to buy it, I will do a deeper dive into the piece at home on the computer.  For instance, I bought a milk glass collection in May. figured all of the pieces where Fenton the pattern, hobnail, all matched from piece to piece.  The research showed me, before 1970 Fenton hobnail milk glass did not have any imprinted mark in the glass.  They used paper sticker labels.  The piece made 1970 and later all have a Fenton mark in the glass.  Many of the older colored glass piece that were hand painted are generally signed on the bottoms and dated.  This helped me to decern that all the pieces are indeed Fenton. 

When I am researching at home I will look through the listings of the item on eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark.  I will compare the measurements with my item, condition, color, etc.  If I am lucky to find a listing with the maker identified, I then use Google to research it even more.  

When Google strikes out, there are websites for glass, pottery, porcelain collectors and identification.  There are also Facebook groups for identifying and some will even give valuations.

There are paid subscription websites like Worth Point to help identify and even give what the item has sold for online.  According to Google, a monthly subscription can cost between $28.99 to $46.99, it is tier based and the higher tier gives full access to all features on the website. There is also an option for annual membership.  

You may never find out who made an item or even when it was made.  I look every now and again with Google Lens, you never know when you will have success.  You can still make money selling items with unknown maker, it may take a bit longer to sell.  

Monday Market Trends

 Good Monday Morning!

Here is a look at what is trending over the past 7 days.  I am going to start of with googles results of what is trending in searches.

1. Men's vintage boot cut jeans

2. Nike track pants vintage

3. Vintage shower curtains

4. Vintage mine dress

5. Vintage sideboard buffet

6. Vintage outdoor lighting

7. Vintage women's watches

8. Vintage fabric by the yard

9. Vintage Halloween sweater

10. Vintage chest of drawers

Now two of the above are furniture, however you can sell furniture on Facebook marketplace and eBay with local pick up.  The shipping on these items would be outrageous.

Now on to what I see trending on Poshmark.

1. Cowboy boots both modern and vintage.

2.  Vintage nick knacks

3.  Vintage wall art/wall hangings

4.  Vintage jackets

5.  Native American Sterling Silver jewelry

6.  Vintage sunglasses

7.  Vintage belts

8.  Vintage coffee mugs

9.  Vintage Corning Ware Coffee Percolators, Spice of life, Blue cornflower, Country festival, and Wildflower patterns.

10.  Vintage Brass, art glass, and ceramics still selling

I hope these help you in your reselling, I have a few of the above I need to get photographed and listed.  

Friday Finds The Week of June 15th 2025

Sorry I am a day late posting, to much going on yesterday.  Here is what I found this week while thrifting.  

First is this Michael Kors Gansevoort large sig nature monogram should bag, I paid $4 for it.  I have not decided where or not to sell it, I like this style of shoulder bags.  Sold comps are at $30-$42.

2.  Is this Andy Warhol clutch style bag with three stands of beads handle.  I didn't know Andy Warhol had purses.  I paid $1 for it, I have not found in comparable sold comps I will probably list it for $24 and see what happens.

Lastly, is a studio pottery candle stick and a vintage pumpkin clip on plush.  I paid $2 for the pottery and $1 for the pumpkin plush clip on, it is probably from the 1990's early 2000's. The pottery candle stick is signed, I plan on listing it for $14 and the pumpkin clip I need to do some research on it before I list it.

Happy Hunting!

Thrift Flip/Upcycling

 

Milk glass hand painted Bridal boxes

I come across bridal/wedding cake glass boxes from time to time at the thrift store. The two pictured above are Westmoreland milk glass.  I picked these up at Goodwill in the past year.  

front view

To create this planter, I used a Styrofoam block from Dollar Tree and several succulent stems from the Dollar Tree along with a few I had on hand.   You can find faux succulents at the craft stores and at Walmart.  I had to cut the block down about 1 inch to fit into the short box.  The taller box I had to cut of a little bit of each side to fit into it.  

 

block and succulent stems

Once I had the foam fit into the box, I took the succulents and removed them from their picks.  Some had wire on them and some had plastic.  I pushed the ends into the foam, rearranging until I liked their look.  I add one small hanging one to cascade over the edge of the box. You could add some deer moss or Spanish moss first over the top of the foam, this will hide the foam from peeking through.

front view

.  

top view

With the taller box I added the foam to it, I ended up using a greenery candle wreath.  A candle can be added to the piece.  You could use any candle wreath to fit your decor or season.  If faux plants are not your thing you could use wet foam for fresh flower arrangements.

front view

These cake boxes can be used to hold candles, small potted plants, or even a knickknack. You could plant real succulents in one.  They make great serving pieces for candy or nuts.  You will need to hand wash them if you use them for food or planting.  I don't recommend submerging these old glass boxes in soapy water.  I gentle wipe the inside with a damp soft cloth with a mild soap and I wipe again with a clean damp soft cloth with water only to remove the soap.  I usually let them air dry or I dry them off with a clean dish towel.

These bridal/cake boxes come in different colors, sizes, and designs.  If you see one, rescue it, added it to your home decor and enjoy it.

Wednesday Work: Research

 One of the hardest aspects of reselling is research.   Figuring out where to being your research can be a struggle.  My first step is using google lens on my phone.  It is a good place to start in identifying the item.  Once I know what it is or who made it, allows for a deeper look into the item.  Google has been my go to source for research.  Sometimes I get lucky and I am able to obtain a general idea on when it was made, where it was made, what material it is made from.  This information is helpful in creating a listing.  When Google does not give me any additional information I look for the item on eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, or Mercari.  When I spot listings I look through each one for details about the item, sometimes other sellers will list the maker, age, etc., you will find listing with no additional information too.  When this happens I move on to Pinterest.  

Pinterest has been somewhat successful for me in research an item, pins will show up in Google lens returns.  Pinterest can also be hit or miss with information about vintage/antique items too.  I have had success in unlocking information about items.  One thing to note is on Pinterest the pins I have looked at are predominately listings from reselling sites like Etsy, eBay, Cherish, Ruby Lane to name a few.  I still look at them, you never know when one listing will give you what your looking for.  You may even find old catalog pages showing the item, for instance Fenton glass or Viking glass, there are old catalog images from the manufacturer and department stores on Pinterest.  The Stretch Glass Society has Fenton catalogs, I linked the catalogs from 1970-1989 on their website.  Which I found on Pinterest.  I found Viking catalog pages being shared by Vintage Glass Identification Library on Pinterest, which has boards for the different glass companies.  Pinterest is great for identifying vintage costume jewelry too.  You can find old advertisements and catalog pages for Coro and others.

You can search Facebook for groups offering identification help with glass, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, and more.  Most of the groups are private and will require you to join.  Most have strict rules about posting and requirements for how to photograph the item, even the age of the item.  These groups will have a limit to the number of post you can share each day.  The post will go through an approval process before it will be added to the group.  Be aware your item may not get any responses, I would say half the post go unanswered.  I have only had two items be identified by a group for vintage and antique glass, pottery, and ceramics.  I posted a photo of my Bauer Pottery strawberry pattern recipe box on a group.  The piece was not marked, google lens return identified it as Bauer, the group confirmed it was Bauer.  The other item was a pair of candle sticks, poured ceramics, with a matte finished.  I could not tell if the design was leaves or shells.  Turns out the candle sticks are Rumrill pottery, sea shell design, made sometime between 1933 and 1940, before Red Wing began making Rumrill pottery.

When your striking out on the internet and you know who made your item, your local library may be an option.  Most library have books on antiques, collectibles, and more.  I have looked through identification books on Roseville art pottery, Hull pottery, even a book on mid century glass identification.  You will find books covering vintage and antique jewelry, porcelains, crystal, and even clothing.  This resource books maybe limited depending upon the size of the library, it can't hurt to look.  

Good luck in your detective work!

What Should I Price My Flips?

 When it comes to reselling pricing can be tricky and time consuming.  What I do first is research the item on eBay, I look at what sellers have the item listed at.  Then I filter the results to completed and sold.  This gives me an idea of what the item had sold for.  Now the sold prices usually are in a range of dollar amounts.  I make note of the range and then look on Poshmark.  On Poshmark I search the item and see what sellers are currently asking for the item.  I then filter to sold listings.  There will also be an range of sold prices, I make a note of the range.  One thing I have noticed is some items sell for a higher amount on one platform verse the other platform.  One example is milk glass, some milk glass sells for a higher amount on Poshmark than it does on eBay.  You may find that to be the case with your items.  I will set my price generally in the middle or towards the highest price.  I can always drop the price as time goes on or consider offers.  

You have to consider all your cost, like packing materials paper, bubble wrap, tape, and boxes.  Sometimes going 4x or 5x what was paid will help is covering the additional cost of supplies.  You could always break down what it costs you for each sheet of packing paper, each sheet of bubble wrap used, each box, etc, this is a lot to remember.  When selling on Poshmark, everything ships USPS Priority mail, which you can get the boxes for free from the post office.  I order mine online and they deliver them for free too.  With Poshmark you can use either regular priority or flat rate priority boxes or envelopes.  With Etsy buyer has the option to ship regular first class if it fits the requirements, priority, or ground.  I keep a small stash of boxes and padded mailers on  hand just for Etsy.  You can pick up packing materials at Dollar Tree, I buy my packing paper sheets there, bubble mailers, and sometimes bubble wrap, $1.25.  Sometimes you can find small boxes too.  For boxes I will buy them at Walmart.  The prices are low on small boxes there.  I will buy bubble wrap there too, it tends to be the lowest price locally.  

Now if your pricing to sell in a local mall or at a market, you can consider the amount x a number, like $1 x4, meaning the price would be $4, you could do 5x the amount paid.  Some resellers will look at what the item is selling for online and price it for less than online.  Pricing is a tricky game, there may be someone else selling the same item for a much different price. Take a look at what items are going for locally in the antique malls.  It helps in figuring out what to price your item.

Monday Market Trends.

 Happy Monday!  Here is a short list of what I am seeing selling on Poshmark.

1.  I am still seeing vintage clothing, dresses from the 1950's through the 1990's.  Denim is still showing up in the sold listings.  I noticed some western themed clothing and jewelry selling as well.  For men I spotted vintage button up shirts, western themed pearl snap shirts, cowboy boots, and sterling sliver rings with a southwest style.

2. I spotted vintage holiday decor, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter to name a few.  Holiday decorations usually sell all year long.

3.  I am still seeing brass home accents, MCM colored art glass, Fenton art glass, and clear glass.

4.  I noticed several sales of country geese/ducks decor items.  This was popular in the late 80's into the 90's.  Usually you will see two white geese wearing a blue ribbons around their necks.  I have seen this mostly in kitchen items and decor.

5.  I am still seeing ceramic and porcelain figurines selling.

6.  I noticed a few decorative collectors plates in the sold listings.  The majority where of wolves, and few floral prints. 

7.  I saw several vintage wall hangings, art prints, wall decor.

This is just a small overview of what I am noticing on Poshmark.  Poshmark's home page has a Today's Trends, which today is noting crotched clothing and bags as trending on the site.  I didn't see those items in the sold listings, I don't know how they come up with the trends noted.  

Be sure to search the different platforms to see what is selling there, most have a filter for sold items to search.  Etsy does not have this feature.  

Friday Finds

I did get manage to stop by two thrift stores on Wednesday.  The first stop had some selves packed, I picked up a bunch of items.  I did find quiet a few items for reselling, I did have to edit my cart down to a manageable amount of pieces.  I narrowed my selection down to the four items.

First is a Shibata Japan Ceramic square serving bowl, pattern is "China Garden", paid $2.99 will list it for $34. In the last photo.

Second, is a Boxing Kangaroo Dresser/Vanity caddy by Fine Ent. Inc, USA, 1956.  When I got it home I discovered a little chip in the glaze on it's one ear. I paid $1 for it, comps range from $30 to $100 depending on the platform.  I plan on listing it for $34.  Google lens said this particular piece was seen in the movie "Pulp Fiction".  I saw in listings Fine Ent. Inc maybe a part of McCoy pottery.

Third is a ceramic/redware folk art cat, with a speckled spongeware finish.  I paid $1 and plan on listing it for $14  No makers mark on it, price sticker did pull away some of the glaze along the bottom edge.  

The fourth piece is a small redware mini pitcher or creamer by Prinknash Pottery England, luster gun metal finish, paid $1.  I found a few comps on Poshmark, different shape at $20.  I will be listing it at $20. 

Fifth item I picked up was a vintage 1950's white Santa with rosy cheeks mug, I paid $1 for it and will list it for $26. I only found one like it that had sold on eBay for $24 and one on Etsy for $28.  Both sold with some flaws to it, this one also has some flaws.

At the second thrift store I found a cute pair of white ceramic kittens with colorful bows by Homeco.  I paid $1 each.  I will list them as a pair for $15.  

I found a new Hydro flask 10 oz Rocks tumbler for $1.  I will be keeping it, its perfect for keeping my cup of tea warm.

I picked up a Disney Hallmark Winnie the Pooh mug for $1.  I am not sure if I will be selling this one or not, my sister asked me to get it.  She collects Winnie the Pooh coffee mugs.  Comps on eBay were from $9 to $23.  

Happy Hunting! 

Learning As I Go

Just completed a full year of reselling online I am still learning the ins and outs.  I am learning how to use social media to grow sales.  I just recently started an Instagram account for Big Woods Vintage.  Learning how to use it to share listings, share recent finds, and growing my business.   I am not comfortable in front of  camera, I do not know how to edit videos, I am still learning how to use my camera and my phone camera is a work in progress.  If you have any recommendations or suggestions for learning these skills leave links in the comments.

Reselling is a constant learning curve.  Not everything you pick will sell nor sell for a profit.  Not everything has a fast sell through rate.  Not everything picked is worth what you paid for it, a constant learning curve.  Also, learning to really exam each item carefully for defects, I still miss a chip or crack.

Learning how to price items effectively based on platform performance and sold comparisons.  I have heard from other resellers, never list an items for less than what your willing to take for it.  Meaning if you have an item you paid $5 for it, don't run an auction starting at $1, especially if it usually sells for $50, start it at $20 or more if that is the lowest amount you are willing to let it go for.  Same is can be said for listing on a non auction selling site.  I am learning to price items to keep them competitive with other listings. 

I am learning to find the right amount of items listed that is manageable for me.  I don't have a ton of room to store lots and lots of items.  I have a storage tote for my Etsy listings and I have 2 18 gallon totes and a smaller tote for my Poshmark listings, so far this has been manageable.  What has become unmanageable is the new inventory I have purchased, I am closing in on 6 totes of items I have sourced, which has slowed my sourcing to only a few items.  

Lastly, learning all about profits and hidden costs.  Hidden costs cut into profits, packing materials/shipping supplies, additional transaction fees i.e. credit card payments.  I am learning to include the cost of packing materials into my pricing.  How may sheets of packing paper do I need, how many sheets of bubble wrap do I need, will I need an additional box for added protection.  Cannot forget about boxes, I sometimes have to buy a box to fit an items. I am learning to keep better track of my expenses, I have designated accordion folder just for receipts.  Receipt's for my finds and receipt's for my shipping materials.  

  

Thrifted Refresh

I few years ago I picked up this wicker shelves at the thrift store, cost $2.  I knew I wanted to eventually add it to one of our bathrooms.  The piece was dusty and dirty.  I put it up in the garage until this past weekend.  The time had come to give it a refresh.

First I vacuumed the piece with a brush attachment, and I used the can of compressed air to loosen the dust in the twist of the wicker.  

Next I took a fine grit sanding block to it, this help remove chipping paint and smoothing out the bumps from a previous paint job. 

Then I used warm water and a squirt of ECOS dish soap unscented and a old soft rag.  I made sure to wring out all the excess water from the rag, you do not want to saturate the wicker.  I proceeded to wipe down the shelves, trying to get into all the twists and folds of the wicker.  After which I repeated the process with just clean water and a clean rag, wringing out all the excess water.  Wiping down the piece to remove any remaining dust and soap residue.  I left it to dry in the sun for several hours.

Lastly, I applied Rust-Oleum American Accents 2x Ultra Coverage Paint + Primer, Flat White spray paint to it, outside using disposable gloves and mask. I allowed the piece to dry between applications of spray paint. It took 2 coats to fully cover it.  I need to apply a little glue to one piece of the lattice piece at the top, it came loose during the cleaning process.

I can't wait to get it hanging up.

I will have to update when it is finally hanging on the wall.

Wednesday Work and What Not

Have you ever been to an estate sale?  I have been a to a few, I had to get past an awkward feeling of walking around some else home and picking up and looking at other people's belongings.   Estate sales are a way for liquidating a loved ones personal belongs whether due to downsizing, nursing care, or death.  

I have been to an estate sale being run by family members trying to sell the contents of the home and I have been to estate sales run by a company who comes in and prices all the items, organizes it, and runs the sale.  Some maybe cash only and some will take cards too.  Be on the lookout for signs with this information on it and any other details, if you don't see anything ask.

In my area, most estate sales run Friday through Sunday.  Sunday everything is usually discounted up to 50% off.  Always check with the people working the sale about how long will it run and if the last day is discounted.  To find estate sales in your area check out estatesales.net.  

Keep in mind the prices will be all over the board and they have done their homework on the value of most items.  I saw once items with eBay listings printed out next to it.  Just be prepared for the pricing you will encounter.

At an estate sale you can find everything from holiday decorations, to kitchenware, to linens, to clothing, shoes, and tools, plus everything in between.  Look around in every space, dig through the piles.  Carefully look over the items you want to get for damage.  Estate sales are usually all sales final.  You may find a hidden treasure.

Lastly, bring a reusable shopping bag with you for your purchases.  There may not be in bags or boxes available at the sale.  Happy Hunting!

Tales From The Thrift

 Have you ever found an amazing treasure at the thrift store?  Get it home only to discover the piece was damaged under the price sticker.  That happens to me quit a bit, especially at one of the largest thrift store chains in the country.

Last year I stumbled upon a beautiful Victorian art glass double handled vase, cased glassed white and pink, with a herringbone pattern in the glass, hand blown glass, with a few imperfections in the glass and a small chip in the glass.  I found thrift store gold, that didn't last long.  When I removed the price sticker at home there was a very large chip in the outer glass.  I was so bummed out, now in my area we cannot return items to our large chain thrift stores so I am the proud owner of this vase.  If you are lucky enough to return your thrifted item, would you return it?

The vase is absolutely beautiful, I am still unsure of the maker.  Google lens returns comeback as Fenton, Thomas, Webb, Mount Washington, and Stueben.  I am still researching the possible maker.  I highly doubt it is Stueben.  

As you can see the large chip

I have added this vase into my collection of glass and art pottery vases.  I don't thing the damage is forgivable.  I think it would be difficult to resell this beauty with this damage.  A  small chip is easier to over look than a very large and noticeable one.   

When your out thrifting for resale, give each item a once over when you pick it up, feel the price sticker press into it, does it feel smooth, is it uneven, is it sharp?  Look at the item from different angles, hold it up to the light.  Look over each item again before you check out.  Check each item again when placing on the checkout.  I find flaws this way and I tell the cashier I am not going to take it due to the damage.

Would you still pick up a piece, like this vase, if you saw damage to it?  Would you keep it for yourself?   Let me know, leave a comment.

Market Trends

Happy Monday to you all.  I looking at what is trending in the resale market of vintage and collectible items I noticed a few new items,  I am still seeing PYREX, and brass.  Here are a few categories I spotted.

1. Porcelain/ceramic figurines; mostly girl figures.  Napco and Enesco to begin with.  I noticed several figurines of animals most identified as made in Japan.  

2. Vintage boardgames; spanning from the 1960's to the 1990's.  The search results do not show detailed descriptions of the listings only the titles, most do not disclose if the games are complete or not.

3. Vintage beaded purses, most looked like their from the  1960's-1990's.  .  

4. Collectible glass, colored glass and clear glass.  I spotted Fenton, L.E. Smith, Empoli, Anchor Hocking, and Westmoreland to name a few.  The glass pieces are most likely mid century to the 1990's with older pieces scattered in.  I spotted several sold comps of Swedish art glass too.

5.  Vintage swimwear mostly 1980's-1990's, it is that time of year.

6.  Vintage clothing; 1960's-1970's dresses, Men's button down pearl snap shirts with and with out a western flare.  Men's leather jackets and jeans.

7.  Vintage Kids clothing; baby girl smocked, embroidered, floral, and frilly.

Hope this is enough of a snippet at what is currently selling.  I only researched Poshmark for this list since it is the only platform I uses that shows sold comps.  Etsy does not show sold items in the searches.

Friday Finds

This week I did not find much, I am getting over a cold.  I only made it to one thrift store.  I just have to say, what is up with the pricing at Goodwill.  The prices on some pieces were much higher than sold comps on eBay and higher than an antique mall.  For example a small double handled PYREX mixing bowl, with remnants of it green color for $6.99.  The damage far exceeded the price, maybe $.99 price tag would be more appropriate.  You won't even find one that damaged in an antique mall.  

I did find two Christmas items.  A pair of mice salt and pepper shakers, in their original box, $2.99 and half off.  I pick up a faux greenery in a basket accent piece with a flocked Santa pick, plastic candycanes, ornaments, and packages for $1.49.  I may take it apart to create some assemblages.  Plus, Christmas in July is coming!

Wednesday Work

 Summertime equals Garage Sale, Yard Sales, Rummage Sales, and Flea Markets.  All excellent event to source items for resale.  My favorite is garage sales, generally items are priced low in order to move them.  You really want to buy low sell high.  Keep in mind you may many garage sales that are a bust, items priced way to high, all kids toys (which can be profitable if that's your niche), everything is damaged, or there nothing of interest.  

In my area most garage sales are not advertised in the newspaper, either due to the cost of running an ad or the newspaper has gone all digital.  I know that there are certain weekends in May two nearby towns hold a community wide garage sale weekends.  I missed one last month due to my oldest graduating college.  I did however manage to hit a few garage sale another weekend, where I picked up what remained of  a vintage Fenton Hobnail milk glass collection.  Facebook has been a good place to find garage sales by searching for sales near me.

Rummage sales are a good source as well, if you do not like crowds do not go on the first day when it opens.  In my area it is usually churches that host rummage sales.  All items are donated and sorted by volunteers.  Depending upon what your looking for, prices will vary from a $1 up to $50 or more.  These tend to be hard to locate, I usually  search on Facebook for church sales or rummage sales near me.  

Flea markets/antique markets are a good option for sourcing.  If you're lucky to have a large flea market that sets up at a local county fair grounds one weekend a month with a minimal entrance fee, you would be in luck.  Flea markets will have both old and new items, pristine to junk items covering all price points.  Wear good walking shoes, have cash on hand, bring a wagon/cart or a large bag to carry your finds.  

While your looking check over the items you find.  Run your finger around the edges, sides, bottom feeling for chips, rough spots, cracks.  Hold glass up to the light see if there are scratches or cracks.  Make sure all its components or parts are there.  Make sure you have items protected for the car ride home, keep extra bags or a few boxes in your vehicle to provide some extra protection.  I have had several items get damaged on the car ride home.  If need be ask seller or store if they have any paper or bubble wrap to wrap up delicate items in.  

What Is The Difference Between Antique Vs. Vintage?

Not everyone will agree on what makes an item "antique" or "vintage".  Based off my experience "vintage" is usually applied to items that are at least 25 "I researched the term "vintage" most resources used the benchmark of at least 25 years old up to 100 years old.  To me an item that is 90 years old is antique, but I get why they use these years to determine which term to use.  Typically vintage items evoke a sense of nostalgia, maybe from childhood, high school, or even college.  The term "vintage" can be attributed to a style or a cultural resonance than age.  Also in general "vintage" items tend to be more accessible and affordable than "antique" items, there are exceptions.

The term "antique" is generally applied to items of 100 years old or older, valued for its rarity, craftmanship, or historical significance.  Antique items often carry stories of bygone era and prized for the condition and authenticity.  

Whether you’re drawn to the historical weight of antiques or the nostalgic charm of vintage, understanding their definitions helps you shop smarter and appreciate the stories behind each piece.  

What Sold In The Month of May.

Sales have been slow on Poshmark and on Etsy so far this year.  I just hit my one year anniversary on Poshmark.  

Poshmark Sales

1. Lot of 5 Vintage skeins of Bernat Venetian yarn, sweet lavender.  I paid $2.50 for all 5 skeins and sold them for $22, after selling fees my profit was $15.10.

2. Set of 4 Emile Henry France, Cobalt Blue Ceramic Ramekins.  I paid $4 for the set and sold them for $31, after selling fees my profit was $20.80.

3.  Longaberger Pottery American Craft Ivy mixing bowl, 8".  I paid $4 for it at a local goodwill, it sold for $23, after fees, profit was $18.40.

Etsy Sales 

1. N.I.P Winnie The Pooh Cross Stitch Kit Daydreaming Pooh and Piglet.  I don't know what it originally cost, it sold for $10, after fees, profit was $8.16

2. 1930's Brush McCoy pottery bulb/planter tray, shell motif, a rare piece.  I paid just $.50 for this piece at a local church charity shop.  I sold it for $52, after fees, profit is $47.48.

 

10 Market Trends

It is always a good idea to see what is selling in the resell world.  

First trend I am seeing, is brass, figures, candlesticks, wall hangings, vessels.  Brass is picking up in sold comps, especially on Poshmark.   You can generally pick up brass pieces at the thrift store priced anywhere from a $1 to $4 or more and at garage sales.  Research what similar pieces are selling for on eBay or Poshmark.   Google lens will be your friend, it is a good way to identify possible maker and give you a general idea of  asking prices.    Always go to the platforms website to search the item, filtering the results to show sold or completed sales.  The trick is to buy low and sell high.  

Second trend is vintage PYREX, it is still selling.  I see pieces continually selling on Poshmark.  Now you can find pieces at the thrift store still, though the prices may seem high.  Check the sold comps, make sure the pattern is a highly sought after one.  You can sometimes find the vintage pieces at garage sales too.  Make sure the color is bright and not dull, make sure there is minimal wear to the exterior and interior, you can tell which pieces have been through the dishwasher.  PSA do not put vintage glass kitchen vessels whether PYREX, Fire King, or Glass Bake in the dishwasher, it will destroy its exterior finish.  I only hand wash my vintage glass.  I have two examples of vintage PYREX, it had it's lid which had minor wear.  I bought it for a $1 and listed the lid for $14 and it sold.  I knew the lid would sell as a replacement piece I made a profit $10 which is bad.  Always check to see what the lids are reselling for on pieces with paint loss.  Sometimes you can get lucky and find just the lids in the thrift store for a $1 or $2.  Dealers and collectors are always looking for lids to complete a piece/set.  Second example, I purchased a 5 quart double handled Amish butter print blue mixing bowl for a $1 had some minor wear to the paint, I sold it for $25, my earnings was $20, not to bad profit of $19.  

Third: is vintage Y2K, 1990's clothing, check your closets you may still have some pieces hanging around.

Fourth: Iconic band T-shirts, single stitch vintage always seem to sell.  

Fifth: Folk Art items

Sixth: Art Deco and Art Nouveau decorative items

Seventh: Vinyl Records

Eighth: Vintage Toys

Nineth: Classic Denim Jackets

Tenth: Vintage Jewelry with Brand recognition