Thrift Store Crafting Finds

[Joypup]

No one understands my joy, my real OMG LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!! _JOY_ over this find: 100 black wire bindings in the 3/4" size for use with my Bind-It-All machine... I got this opened box at the local thrift store for $5 I am besides myself with joy, and feeling like God is telling me to keep doing what I am doing... which is making "boutique" notebooks for a local craft fair. I had just used my last ones up! It is just amazing...

Has anyone else found amazing things in thrift stores that you use in your paper crafting? Care to share? I am sure we can all get ideas from each other. I never would have thought to look, but a friend called and told me she saw the box there... she wasn't sure if I could use them, but... :rolleyes:

I am sure that bags of old jewelry, mismatched earrings and the like will come up -- other things? Share your stories of great finds! I wanna hear!

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Congrats on your OMG find!!! That deserves a WHOO-HOO!!!

I love thirft stores and I find good deals but nothing that I go OMG over...

But I'm still looking!!! ;)

[okstamper]

Yes, actually my sister has. She found over 500 standard size envelopes for our cards that we make for $2.00. She was kind enough to split them with me. Now, I have tons of envies that will last me a quite awhile.

[MariLynn]

About 14 years ago I got a brand new set of 20 Christmas stamps at a discount store, because the stamp pad that was included in the set had dried up. It had been $30 but I got it for $5. I was so excited. I still love getting this set out at Christmas.

[BetzW]

I am always finding things that I can alter there. tins, bottles, picure frames etc. I have also found storage items there, like a hugh jar that use to hold those smelly beads that people put in cute little bags for their car. I got it for $1, it now holds my buttons. Spice jars, clipboards, you name it.

[queentomas]

I myself have not found anything but I did go look a couple of weeks ago. Now, I have heard on another forum of someone finding a Cricut for 14 bucks! Something about Target sending their returned things to Goodwill. I told my DH and he was like "let's go what are you waiting for?" I laughed. We did go but our Target doesn't seem to send their stuff to Goodwill here in town. Not that it matters because my Target doesn't sell the Cricut. So just a thought for you ladies.

[falconstamper]

I found 3 oak CD stands that I use to store my stamps and punches on for $5.00 each. I just found a lazy susan spice rack that I picked up for EP containers--not sure if it will work, haven't made it upstairs yet since my room is in a converted storage area of the garage and unheated.

[buggainok]

I love to go to thrift stores and check them out periodically. Congratulations on your great find! I know how thrilled you must be.

I haven't found any craft items lately, but have picked up some wonderful "like new" toys for my grandkids for Christmas. They are young, and the lack of the original box won't bother them at all.

[Angela1]

about 6 months ago I was perusing the clearance aisle at my local M's and found a Cuttlebug on the shelf. The box was marked display but inside everything was included and it was still all wrapped in the plastic wrap. It was only $25. I had wanted one but couldn't justify the expense since I have an old Sizzix, but for $25 I took it.
Needless to say the clearance aisle is always my first stop now.

[jeanstamping2]

That's an Awesome find!!!!

I "LOVE" going to Thrift stores. You never know what you're going to find.

We have ton's of Thrift stores in and around where I live.

My BF Brenda & I check out the Thrift stores at least 2 times a month.

Most of the time it's to see if there is anything new in the store.

I've found some Watercolor Paper for $2.00, Fiskar Personal Trimmer for $.90,

And a couple small Punches for $.10 each.


And yesterday I found some really Nice Jean's that I can wear right now. for $4.00.

I'm in between sizes right now as I am loosing Weight!!... Woo Hoo!!!!

[anniem888]

Not a thrift store, but I got a xyron 500 at a yard sale for 5$. The paper on the cartridge had broken so it didn't work. I bought if for my cousin we got a new adhesive refill works like a dream. I paid 35$ for mine years ago.

[okstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by queentomas

I myself have not found anything but I did go look a couple of weeks ago. Now, I have heard on another forum of someone finding a Cricut for 14 bucks! Something about Target sending their returned things to Goodwill. I told my DH and he was like "let's go what are you waiting for?" I laughed. We did go but our Target doesn't seem to send their stuff to Goodwill here in town. Not that it matters because my Target doesn't sell the Cricut. So just a thought for you ladies.

Neither does Oklahoma. I actually haven't found any good thrift stores since moving here. On the Kansas side, yes...all the time. I don't even bother to go here anymore, never anything there.:(

[wigginmama]

My SIL just found 2 unmounted SU! stamp sets at goodwill for $4 each!!

[PaisleyPrincess]

Target sends their defectives to a regional processing place and then companies buy the pallets (by weight if I remember) so they may or may not end up in your local area.

[Angelnorth]

In the UK we have things called "car boot sales" (boot = trunk to you guys). I guess it's kind of like a yard sale except that everybody with stuff to sell packs it into the trunk of their car and drives to the same place so if you're looking to buy, you get like a hundred yard sales in one place!

My mum is the absolute queen of car boot sales. She got a jar of ornate brass upholstery buttons (great as embellies with the backs clipped off) for about $5 - there were about 2000 in there! Then the ribbons she finds are just amazing, she'll get something like 10 yards of ribbon for the equivalent of a dollar or less sometimes - nice stuff too! I get a share in it sometimes if she ends up with too much!

My best thrift store find was a ceramic bowl full of sea shells and a tiny star fish for a couple of dollars. I used some of them to make push molds for paperclay embellishments - commercial molds are really expensive and mine are totally unique

[PBrown9624]

At a White elephant sale at our Senior Center I found a tin with a stampin up set inside and a wheel handle, 3 wheels and 3 ink catridges. They sold all of it to me for $1.00!!

[stampwithjoanne]

I find TONS at thrift stores............too many successful purchases to mention! ($1 recently for a snow globe wood-mount stamp set----9 stamps----not Stampin' Up but close---------YES, $1 ). Can you stand it????!!!

Ribbon is usually my next-best find.

I have quite a few in my area..........love hitting them (instead of the full-price stores) to grab a fun purchase or two!

[DLS881]

We have a great thrift store. I'm always finding different embellishments - I bought tons of star brads for .25 package (I make a lot of patriotic cards). I've bought different bins for holding all the embellishments I've bought. I've found stamps - some SU.

[sammsmom1]

I bought an old paper towel holder and an old lampshade for like a dollar total and made my own clip it up.

[troopersma]

I win this one...my hubby found me a set of 120 prismacolor pencils in the wooden case for $5.99! Then he found a big bag of "loose" pencils (many unsharpened) for $2.99. He brought it all home to me! I'll have pencils forever!

We've also picked up several stamp sets, a huge bag of decorative buttons, a sizzix sidekick, and a few other things at the thrift store.

Jane

[LisaCox1980]

yes that is a GREAT find. My Mom, My Sister and I go to the Local Goodwill Thrift Store allot. One day I couldn't go and my mom comes back with some stamps. She said Here I got these for you Isn't that too much for stamps??

She got a stamp set that was brand new still in wrapper that would have sold for over $8.00 for $1.99. I was like WOW Mom thanks This was a great find. I asked if they had more. She said yes but I didnt know if you could use them or if they cost to much. So The next day we went back and I found a Brand New House Mouse stamp that was marked $7.99 retail Value for $.99 I was like WOW. I found more to but that was the BEST find.

I like to go at least 2 times a week to see what they have. I have found lots of things there Punches, Paper,Stamps,Craft Storage,things to alter. Lots of great goodies there.

They even have a website were you can bid on auction and they have LOTS of SU stamps and huge lots.

Love my Goodwill stores.

[madstamper33]

Last month I found a box with 400 craft envelopes for $1.99.

[basurok]

I'm a thrift store junkie too....here are some things that I've found...vintage buttons, all kinds of twine/thread/ribbon/fibers, stamps, raffia, overhead transparencies, brown bag molds, paper making kit, flower drying kit, scrapbooks, envelopes, embellishments, fabric, etc.

I've even tried quilting and have trouble reading the patterns, end up tearing out crooked seams, etc. Now I look for lovely completed quilting projects at a fraction of the cost. So for about $5, I can surround myself with quilted items and no frustration! LOL

Your money goes a whole lot farther there....love it!

[Karen99]

My hubby and I were at a huge yard sale that a church was funding, and I found a zip lock baggie with an SY handle in it, the Party wheel, and an ink cartridge for it for 75 cents! Then at our Goodwill, I found a wonderful Angel stamp about 3x4 for $1. My best find though, also at a community yard sale, was a CROP n STYLE on wheels for 15$. they sell for about $100! Yippeee!!! Karen

[phunkymama]

I have several thrifts I love! Some of my goodies:

Napa Valley cassette rack for storing stamp pads $3 (got 2 of these)
Complete MahJongg set (ended up ebaying for $20) $2.50
UM SU sets $4
PSX set of 3 stamps $1
Box full of new golf pencils (great for adding to PostIt covers) $2
Florist sized spools of ribbon .50
Scrabble games (tiles are great for jewelry) .50-2.00 (I've bought many of these!)
Vintage flash cards--Very cool embellishments! 1.00


I find good clothing too. Last week I got a NWT Talbot's skirt for $4, fits perfectly. A few years ago, I bought a St. John suit for $12, which I Ebayed for $250 (it was too big for me). I've also found Diesel jeans for .50 which I Ebayed for $30. I had a lot more time before kids to do the thrift and Ebay thing!

[clpangels]

Always shop there. We have some nice ones here in Ohio. Recently I found 4 SU sets in like new condition at $2.99 each and another case with some awesome stamps in it too. Also found some scrapbooking sets too. Yeeeaaa for thrift stores. I'm all about them. Great for kids toys, clothes, etc. too.

[nani.jenn]

WOW - my local shops are nowhere near as great as yours, at least not for crafty stuff!

I have managed to get a few good things that I use all the time - like the stick pin for a nickle that I use to unclog my glossy accents, etc. and assorted ribbons and fibers (the worst of my papercrafting addictions, I think - I have almost as much ribbon as paper!) And a bottle of Archival Mist spray for $4...

I don't do too badly, but to get to a decent thrift store is a 45 minute drive, so the gas sort of blows the budget! lol

[onelightningchic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nani.jenn

WOW - my local shops are nowhere near as great as yours, at least not for crafty stuff!

I have managed to get a few good things that I use all the time - like the stick pin for a nickle that I use to unclog my glossy accents, etc. and assorted ribbons and fibers (the worst of my papercrafting addictions, I think - I have almost as much ribbon as paper!) And a bottle of Archival Mist spray for $4...

I don't do too badly, but to get to a decent thrift store is a 45 minute drive, so the gas sort of blows the budget! lol

Thrift stores are THE place for baskets to be altered and packed with goodies. Also, regularily find bags of ribbon, boxes of old buttons etc. Dont rule out estate sales either if you do garage sales. Think about it, when we die someone is going to go home from our sale going WOW! LOL My kids will have no idea what my stuff is worth and will most likely just give it all away to a thrift store or sell at an estate sale for the cash Also, it is the only place to get little glass jars, vases, boxes etc to alter. Last week I went to the Sallie and got 4 beautiful angora sweaters for $1.00 each, 6 baskets, 2 board games, a huge bag of ribbons and two jars to alter. All marked to come to about 7.00. When I checked out, he announced it was half price day so I got the whole mess for 3.50!!

[mickeysue1002]

Friend and family call me the clearence isle queen! I ALWAYS go there first and have found soooo many deal there. Thrift stores and a fav too but don't seem to find craft items too often - just save a ton on jeans. Whether times are tough or not, I think they are the best places to get those creative juices flowing!!

[onelightningchic]

Seriously! Why would anyone pay full price for anything when it will end up in the clearance rack in a month or two if you are patient

[delightfuldaisy]

I LOVE thrift stores! Haven't come across any stamps, though. :(

[stampwithjoanne]

Totally agreed! I can't remember the last time I paid full price!------
FOR ANYTHING.

=========================

BASKETS-----yes, I too, find those year-round (.25 to .50 each) and am now packing them with homemade greeting cards for sisters, MIL, neighbors, etc.
PEOPLE LOVE THEM.........and you got the 'gift wrap' (the basket they can keep) for cheap, too!!!!

[stampwithjoanne]

ok.............I'm really not trying to brag............but I got a Crop n Tote for
$7.50 at our Goodwill (it didn't even looked used!)

Someone got a NICE tax write-off and I got a great travel bag!

EVERYONE WINS!!!

[Karen99]

Wow Joanne!! You did better than I did then!! I pd $15 for my Crop n Style at our local community yard sale!! That's a great deal you got!! Mine had been used, but barely!! A little glitter was in it, but hubby took a dustbuster to it, and it looked brand new!! Even the wheels looked new!! Karen

[Joypup]

See? I am loving reading about all these FINDS! It makes me feel good knowing that even in times of economic woe, we are able to make things happen... and now I want to start a thread about beautiful handmade items we have found in people's homes ;^)* I want to know all the stories behind crafting and getting handcrafted items...

Thanks for sharing!

[dacpam]

Just have to say I am loving each and every post in this thread! I was thrifting yesterday and came home with nothing but I LOVE hearing about everyone's finds! This is fun. Almost as good as finding the bargain myself.

Keep it going so I can live vicariously through you!

[scrappy knitter]

Thrift stores are so hit-and-miss! There's been a dry spell for me for probably six months. I have often found hero arts and great impressions stamps for anywhere from 50 cents to $1.50 each. I found a crop and style storage box that sold at Michael's for $40 for $5. The find(s) that surprised me most were those Tilano Fresco kits where you can make photo tiles. I have now found 4 of the 8x8 kits and 2 of the 4x4 kits, complete, but opened. I paid anywhere from $1-3 for them, each. I guess people opened them and thought "too much work"! I too have found tons of alterable items. I've never found any stampin up items though. Happy hunting!

[NANCYRUTH]

I love thrift shops too. My best finds have been vintage buttons, ribbons, fibers and alterables. And most of my clothing is from *the thrift* too! I keep hoping I will go one day and find Wild Wild west, but no luck yet!

[madstamper33]

One of my best finds wasn't a craft item. It was a $400 leather coat that I got for $5. I took it home and gave it to my husband and he couldn't beleive I only paid $5 for it. He joked and said that I just robbed the Goodwill.

[jennik]

Some really great finds!! If only I could be so lucky!! I do have a friend who has found some great stuff at Goodwill, but I never have. Darn the luck!! ;(
What a great thread!
jennik