Monday, May 23, 2011

Out and About- Goodwill

I was running into Goodwill the other day to try and find a bundt cake pan for my American Crafter competition entry and this guy totally caught my eye.  Clearly I was not on the hunt for a giant dirty elephant but isn’t that when things always appear…when you’re not looking (Don't they say this about men too, not that I need one!).  So I took a picture and kept moving because do I really need an elephant?  Probably not! 



I found my budnt cake pan and left the store, with a nagging feeling that I should have grabbed Dumbo!  Didn’t I learn my lesson the hard way with this chandelier!?! 

So I go home and can’t get him out of my mind so what do I do but call Goodwill to see if they will hold it for me until my rugrats wake up from their naps and we can go get our new pet!  She tells me NO we don’t hold things over the phone.  I eventually make it back and probably to no one elses surprise but my own it’s still there!!!  I’m sure not many people could see the beauty behind the layer of gunk or want a random giant elephant. 

I took it home and got out the 409 and a toothbrush to clean him up.  Then I primed him and spray painted him in Laquer then a clear gloss.  I'm thinking about adding a small glass piece to act as a table top. 

After
(sorry for the dark photo!  Garage lighting-not ideal!):


I found this very similar version online after googling "elephant table"  It's a crazy $725!!! 



SO I am toying with the idea of renting a space at a local antique store and selling some of my redo’s.  I just can’t keep everything I find or I will seriously be A. Bankrupt and B. Institutionalized for hoarding.  If I do, I’m hoping Dumbo will be one of my first sales!  Although I'm still not sure I can give him up.  I become so attached to all the stuff I bring home and give a new life...they are kind of like my babies...okay, someone call Dr. Phil...I have issues.

I'll keep you updated on the space rental.  Would love to hear from anyone who has done this.

Linking up here!
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/

15 comments:

  1. Good luck if you decide to rent a space! I've thought about doing it but have never pulled the trigger :)

    Pass It On on Lakeside used to rent booths for something like $40 a month! So cheap! Be sure to check them out :)

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  2. So much better in white! I, too, keep thinking about selling. My husband is afraid I'm a hoarder - the garage is packed with furniture projects. Good luck. I would love to hear your experiences.
    Sarah

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  3. A space rental would be so cool!!! It's totally one of my goals to have one someday. :))) LOVE your Mr. Elephant. You are too funny. :)
    xoxo
    Cat@BudgetBlonde

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  4. sometimes i think that renting a place would be amazing! i LOVE your redo's, so i think that would be amazing for you! i found a "thing" at Goodwill today & i'm thinking it will a be perfect part to your "lamp turned pedestal table- anthro knock off.." you can see it on my post today!

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  5. I'm so jealous of your cute elephant. Until you said you went back and got him I was going to ask you which Goodwill you left him in, so I could try and snag him tomorrow. I shop at the Mechanicsville one mostly. I have left stuff and gone back to get it later to find someone else has already bought it. On the other hand, I also have a closet of things I've bought and haven't done anything with! I'm with you on the going broke/hoarding thing! Goodwill is addictive!

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  6. I need to stop hoarding my finds tooo....also I love when I'm looking for something completely different from what I end up finding at the thrift stores...that's when I get the best stuff! The elephant is fantastic!

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  7. Love your new pet, I mean table. Renting a space sounds like a great idea. I thought the same thing today when I wanted to buy a giant piece of furniture at Goodwill. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

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  8. Your blog seriously inspires me! What a great find..it's amazing that you found one similar that costs $700+..wow! I can't wait to see what you do when you rent out the space (which I think would be a great idea).

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  9. HAHAHAHAHAHA! You crack me up! I think you should totally do it...I wish I lived there, I would TOTALLY buy your stuff! They are all amazing!!! I'm glad that elephant was still there!

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  10. Like Amy, I was going to ask which Goodwill because I like it too! (*loves elephants*) He looks sooo much nicer all freshly painted in white. I think he would look great painted in a rich color as well (turquoise, deep purple), with some gold braid hot glued around the top of the saddle.

    If you start selling at an antiques store you'll have to let us know so we can all come and shop at your booth!

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  11. I love it! And you should totally do that and rent some space and sell your thrifted and rehabbed finds. My dear friend in Minnesota has done this with great success.

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  12. LOVE the elephant! I'm a huge fan of the idea of you renting a space...just love all of your projects and think you'd be very succesful!! :)

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  13. I have an elephant! It's brown and gold, in my den with a plant on it. Love it!

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  14. I have to say that I probably would have passed the little guy up too. But I am so glad you went back and got him. Now I know what to do if I see one...LOL

    I think the booth rental is a great idea. I say go for it.

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  15. How big is Dumbo? I love the idea of you renting a booth, but please don't tell me where since I will probably go buy everything!!!

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