Friday, October 3, 2008

A Versatile Thrift Shop Find:Show and Tell Friday

Recently while in Hope Village Thrift store, I found this little wire basket for a dollar. I think the original use was as a napkin holder. I carried it around for a few minutes, then thought about putting it down since there was nothing else I found to buy. I guess I was too lazy to dig a dollar out of my purse, and I really didn't need it anyway!

But I talked myself out of putting it down and brought it home. I like the color which is kinda of bronzy looking, and the shape.
When I got it home, I tried using it several ways. In this first pic, it holds my Daisy Chain napkin holder, with salt and pepper shakers in front. I really like using it for this...makes it easy to move this stuff so I clean the counter top.
Here it is as a caddy for the dishwashing and hand soap by the sink.
And with 4 little clay pots planted with houseplants.....
With chocolates wrapped in seasonal paper... (This one could spell trouble for me-LOL)
As a holder for seasonal napkins....
As a perch for my dollar tree pumpkins and votives....
And finally as a container for fall leaves, berries, and a candle!
I don't know what it is about getting something so cheap and finding different ways to use it, but I really enjoyed playing around with it! Maybe it is the uncertain economic times. Going to the thrift store and finding something for almost nothing and really liking it keeps me out of the stores and saves money...right???? LOL
Or maybe it just gives me something to blog about!
Which way do you like it? I don't know which way I like it best- I think I like them all! As I write this post, it is on the kitchen counter holding the Daisy Chain napkin holder and salt and pepper shakers.

If you want to find Thrift Shops near you, visit the ThiftyShopper. You just enter your zip code or city and state, and this site will list them and rate them. The Hope Village shop that I enjoy going to is the only one is our area with 5 stars!

For more Show and Tell projects, visit Kelli at There's No Place Like Home.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day.

59 comments:

  1. Missy WertzOctober 2, 2008 at 10:58 PM

    Very nice 1 dollar find! Very versatile.

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  2. The Berry's PatchOctober 2, 2008 at 10:59 PM

    I think you better find more of those b/c they all look great. Sorry I'm no help. Great find though!

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  3. cherryOctober 2, 2008 at 11:31 PM

    THAT is lovely....love the patina..and I always love a dual use item. cherry

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  4. SarahOctober 2, 2008 at 11:58 PM

    Wow, very versatile!

    Here's mine...

    http://sarahlcc.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-post.html

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  5. Tamara JansenOctober 3, 2008 at 12:53 AM

    Isn't that a great find?! It's great when something has a dual purpose :)

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  6. KathyOctober 3, 2008 at 1:25 AM

    Love your little wire basket! It was a deal at $1. Everything you tried with it looked great but I loved the leaves, berries, and candle arangement!
    Kathy

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  7. Hootin AnniOctober 3, 2008 at 5:03 AM

    I like all the 'jobs' it can do...especially having all the contrasting oranges of Autumn...Very VERY pretty.

    My show n tell is Halloween, solar lights since most all my visitors have been asking for some of my halloween decorations I've been setting up...and a set of kitchen linens that match my blog's header that I found! Come on by if you can find time...Happy Friday!

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  8. DawnOctober 3, 2008 at 5:03 AM

    The last one is my favorite as well. It's looks beautiful with the candle in it. That was a great find for a dollar!! Do you have plans to paint it?

    take care,
    Dawn

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  9. BoOctober 3, 2008 at 5:25 AM

    Hi Diane...I'd have bought that one too...and especially because it was only $1...the candles, leaves and berries win the choice for me right now and all of the others anytime... ;-) Bo

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  10. GrammyOctober 3, 2008 at 5:40 AM

    How wonderful to be able to use it so many diffrent ways. Thanks for the ideas.

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  11. SmilingSallyOctober 3, 2008 at 6:16 AM

    It is versatile. I like it best as a holder for the Daisy Chain napkin holder and salt and pepper shakers.

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  12. PamelaOctober 3, 2008 at 6:37 AM

    What a great find for a dollar! It's awesome that you have found so many different ways to use it. I'm partial to the napkin holder with salt and pepper shakers as well. I know what you mean about the convenience of being able to just life one thing when you wipe off the table.

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  13. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 6:51 AM

    Diane,

    That little holder is adorable and for $1.00. I love everything you were able to do with it.

    Gretchen

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  14. PicketOctober 3, 2008 at 7:19 AM

    All those great looks with just a simple $1 item!!!! I love it...my favorites were the clay pots with greenery and the last with the candle and Fall leaves! Either way you got your money's worth and then some! lol Have a great weekend sweetie!

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  15. GoneOctober 3, 2008 at 7:22 AM

    Great job, Diane...and great $1 find!!!

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  16. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenityOctober 3, 2008 at 7:58 AM

    What a fun find. And you can't beat the price. My mom used to have several holders that looked very similar to yours. Hers all held casserole dishes. I like the ideas you've come up with for your new addition.

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  17. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 8:01 AM

    Wow! I love things like this! Things that are so versatile and were inexpensive to begin with. Great displays too!

    Manuela

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  18. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental JourneyOctober 3, 2008 at 8:03 AM

    Hi Diane, That turned out to be a very versatile little tray.

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  19. nikkicrumpetOctober 3, 2008 at 8:08 AM

    What a little treasure for a dollar!!! You found some terrific uses for it too. I liked them all but hey...I'd go for the trouble making chocolate any day! Thanks for the website link...I'm gonna try that!

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  20. MarieOctober 3, 2008 at 8:21 AM

    How funny! I was at the thrift store yesterday and carried around a little wire basket but ended up putting it back. If it was as cute as yours, I'd have totally bought it. GREAT find!!!

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  21. Darlene - Our Creative LifeOctober 3, 2008 at 8:33 AM

    I love it! What a great deal too!

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  22. Jerri Lynn @ Southern SassynessOctober 3, 2008 at 8:41 AM

    You got that for a buck? No way! I love all the different things you put in it - such a versatile piece!

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  23. bjOctober 3, 2008 at 9:14 AM

    WELL...I'm telling you....this is one great find and, gosh, all those different uses for it!! I love it and I love all of what you did with it.....You have a good eye for things like this...I need you to come to West Texas and...let's go shoppin'...
    love, bj

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  24. bjOctober 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM

    OOPS...me again...I forgot to VOTE for my favorite use of this little piece! In ONE WORD....

    C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.

    heh heh heh....

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  25. Grandma FaithOctober 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM

    I had so much fun looking at all the ways you can use your new treasure. I share your love of treasure hunting at bargain stores. I inherited it from my mother. Take care.

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  26. CarlaOctober 3, 2008 at 9:25 AM

    I love your thrift store link. How neat you decided to try so many ways to use it! I like them all.

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  27. Shell in your PocketOctober 3, 2008 at 9:51 AM

    Wow..you thought of a lot of things to do with this iron basket..how fun and creative are you on this Friday!
    Love it!
    -Sandy toes

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  28. Shell in your PocketOctober 3, 2008 at 9:52 AM

    Wow..you thought of a lot of things to do with this iron basket..how fun and creative are you on this Friday!
    Love it!
    -Sandy toes

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  29. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 9:56 AM

    Hi Diane.I loved this post.I love thrift shopping also.And I think you're right,in these uncertain times,it's awesome to enjoy a find,especially for $1.00.
    And how creative are you,to find soooo many ways to use it.Aren't you glad you didn't put it back....Ann

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  30. CIELOOctober 3, 2008 at 10:11 AM

    I love your new versatile treasure... perfect for so many things and places...

    Wishing you sunshine and bird songs... and a happy weekend!

    cielo

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  31. The Beauty BargainistaOctober 3, 2008 at 10:39 AM

    oh my gosh, I LOVE all of your ideas, and I can't believe it was only $1!!!!!

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  32. DarleneOctober 3, 2008 at 10:57 AM

    I absolutely LOVE that little thrift store basket...wow and you have used it in so many ways!! I'm so glad you didn't put it back!

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  33. Nancy RosalinaOctober 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM

    Oh Diane, You just gave me an idea...I just bought a sq. shaped decorative dish at a yard sale this morn. and had no idea what I would do with it...but now I do...Thanks for sharing your idea. I'll have to show you what I'm talking about...I'll post about it one day. Thanks for this tip of the thrifty shopper too! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!! Nancy

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  34. Lamp TrampOctober 3, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    I love that napkin holder thingy, what great uses you came up with!

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  35. RhondiOctober 3, 2008 at 11:45 AM

    Hi Diane
    What a great little find and I am amazed at all the creative ways you found to use it.
    Hope you hve a great weekend.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  36. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 11:47 AM

    I have been a thrift store lover for years--ever since the day I found a BRAND NEW Liz purse for 1.48---the shoes I bought to match it cost LOTS more ;-)

    It may be the economy, but I think it's just the fun of finding something dirt cheap and putting it to use in unusual ways. YOU did an outstanding job!!

    Dana

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  37. Scooterblu's Whimsy~RhondaOctober 3, 2008 at 12:37 PM

    I love a bargain, especially one that is so versatile! You found a great one! :) ~Rhonda

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  38. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 12:38 PM

    Diane, i don't know anyone who can figure out so many ways to use $1.00. Good thinking. I think I like the S$P and napkins the best. It is easy to move it to the table etc.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  39. CarlaOctober 3, 2008 at 1:22 PM

    I really like the last pic. And when fall is over, you can put it to one of it's other uses.

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  40. Lady KatherineOctober 3, 2008 at 1:23 PM

    That was one dollar well spent. I love your find.

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  41. KelliOctober 3, 2008 at 1:42 PM

    What a sweet basket and I love all of the ways you used it! The plants are so pretty and I love the candle display, too!
    ~Kelli

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  42. TJOctober 3, 2008 at 2:11 PM

    That is beautiful! I love the different displays.

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  43. TJOctober 3, 2008 at 2:11 PM

    That is beautiful! I love the different displays.

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  44. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 2:23 PM

    Hi Diane! Looks great everyway!lol I like the soap one but since I'm craving sugar I guess right now I'll say the candy one!lol Have a great weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

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  45. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 3:14 PM

    It's a great find, Diane. I love the ways you found to use it.

    Thanks for the link!

    Have a great weekend.

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  46. joyh82October 3, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    Very neat wire basket. I am a big
    basket lover.

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  47. One Shabby Old HouseOctober 3, 2008 at 6:00 PM

    You definatley got your moneys worth. Wow, I love each way that you used your find.
    I think I like the salt and pepper because it is so practical.
    Great find!
    Becky

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  48. nancyOctober 3, 2008 at 8:25 PM

    That is just Huge! I love it when you can find so many attractive uses for a beautiful bargain.
    Nancy

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  49. ChristieOctober 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM

    Hey Dianne! I just love the basket! Aren't you so glad you didn't set it back down. I love all the different ways you had fun with your pretty basket. I just cant' pick a favorite. You did the right thing back running with this treasure. I tell ya, I've learned the hard way that everytime I put something back that I thought I wanted....I end up wishing I'd gotten it later. I usually just pick it up when it peeks my interest now, and it never fails, I get home and am delighted to find a perfect place for it! LOL! Great find Diane! Have a great weekend!
    xoxo,
    Queenie

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  50. CherylOctober 3, 2008 at 9:48 PM

    Diane,
    I think you should have have about a dozen more of those baskets. I love everything you did with it! Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.
    Cheryl

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  51. AnonymousOctober 3, 2008 at 11:02 PM

    Found you through my Friend Lidy at French garden house. I love treasure hunting. Sometimes you find nothing....but who knows what tomorrow may bring? Nice find.

    Good ideas too.

    KAREN EILEEN

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  52. JoyOctober 4, 2008 at 12:44 AM

    Wow, you found several terrific ways to use that little item. And I like how you used your bottles and holder to make the pretty fall arrangement. You're so creative!

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  53. Laura @ the shorehouse.October 4, 2008 at 12:46 AM

    I mean...you HAD to take it home with you for a buck. ;-)

    You came up with a slew of great uses, but I'm going with clay pot/plants as my fave, and fall leaves/candle as a close second.

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  54. AnonymousOctober 4, 2008 at 1:02 AM

    Eiane,
    I was unable to visit you earlier this week to tell you that I awarde you...come on over to get your award...Your Blog Rocks...Have a great day Katherienllen

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  55. GayleOctober 4, 2008 at 3:22 AM

    You are so creative to think of so many uses! I like the first photo...holding the shakers. You can see the basket and it is useful.
    My Show & Tell

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  56. NeabearOctober 4, 2008 at 8:43 AM

    I like that last idea the best with the fall arrangement, then you can change it for the seasons. But then the chocolate idea is good too....hmmm...

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  57. RamonaOctober 4, 2008 at 8:15 PM

    That is so cool. I really like what you have done with it...and thanks for the link to the thrift store finder...I am all over that!

    Smiles ~ Ramona

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  58. santamakerOctober 4, 2008 at 9:44 PM

    They were all great ideas, but my fav was the pumpkins and candles..so perfect!

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  59. KatieOctober 5, 2008 at 12:06 PM

    i love that, great find!!

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Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post. Your comments are welcome. Please come back, and I'll stop by to visit you too!
Diane