I went to Baltimore a few weekends ago to hang with my BFF. We did some MAJOR thrift store trips, including stopping by an incredible non-profit salvage yard called Second Chance that hires ex-convicts and trains them on how to remove architectural features from buildings facing demolition so that the pieces can be salvaged. It seems like a great program, and they had AMAZING stuff ranging from antique furniture to old wood ovens to giant mantlepieces. If you are in Baltimore or anywhere near, I recommend stopping by. They have 5 or 6 warehouses. FIVE OR SIX WAREHOUSES. You read that right.
It's hard to photograph hallways and stairways. No good angles.
Since I wasn’t looking to install a whole mantleplace in my apartment, I didn’t get anything at Second Chance. However, a few of the many thrift stores we hit up that day (three or four?) had some great stuff.
I have been looked for thrifted owl stuff for ages to no avail. On our second swing through the houseware/chotsky section, BFF found this guy (moral: always go through each section twice). She didn’t see the potential, but I had told her that if she saw ANY owls that I had dibs. It is plastic, about 12 inches tall, and has a wall-hangy thing on the back already. How much? $2.99. Maybe a little steep, but owls are hard to come by.
I know you don't see the potential, but just wait!
Well, first thing I did was spray paint my new friend gold.
After spray paint, before antiquing glaze. Starting to see it, huh?
Then to make it look like, well, an antique, I coated it with Valspar antiquing glaze, making sure to get the glaze into all the little nooks and crannies.
He looks so regal sitting on the wall, at the top of the stairs now, doesn’t he? He needs a name…. Hmm….Suggestions? What about Philbert? Eugene? Ooooh…. I am liking Eugene. I will let it ruminate for a little bit before I make it official, but I am liking Eugene.
Standing guard at the top of the stairs - always vigilant and always welcoming me home!
So now you are probably thinking that the painting below Eugene is a little weird. And you would be right. It’s a little weird. But the frame is awesome. I got the painting for the frame at another Baltimore thriftstore for $8. I almost passed it up, but so glad that I didn’t.
Nice size, lovely patina. Ignore the bizarre painting - you can change that.
I am actually planning to switch out the oil painting with one of my own. Guess what I’m going to paint!? Guess!
AN OWL!!! I’m gonna paint a little owl friend for Eugene and it will be awesome. Boyfriend may have called me the weird girl with lots of owls earlier today. But I only have two now. You haven’t met the other one yet (you will). But two owls does not a “crazy oil lady” make. Just saying.
Didn't need to do anything to this. Perfect as it is.
I got this mirror at the same thrift store as the picture frame. I think the mirror was $20. Which is WAY more than I like spending on thrifted good. But it was awesome. And I knew I would regret it. So I bought it. Super good decision.
Because now, the gold owl and frame, and this brassy mirror all hang at the top of my stairwell, making an interesting statement. Not sure what that statement is yet, but it’s interesting at least. 🙂
I dig it. You may or may not. But that’s OK. I have fun new pieces to talk about, and my new friend, Eugene.
Another shot of my new triptic of thrifted finds.
It’s really hard to get a good photograph in my stairwell. The light is terrible and the angles are impossible. Apologies.
I hope I have inspired you to get thrifting. But just remember, if you find something awesome, you should buy it. Because if you don’t, I will. And then you will see it on my blog all awesomized and you will kick yourself for letting it get away.
You have fair warning. Ready, set, thrift!
Love,
Rachel
I’m Partying Here:
My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia
A Beach Cottage (Though their linky party is a little glitchy today, and poor Mrs. Beach suffered a terrible bug bite. Get well soon!)
Suits and Aprons 
Yay owls! I got a bag (for all the critical junk in my purse) with owls on it in Japan a few months ago, and I just love it. apparently owls are big there right now.
Here are some super cute owls that I have been thinking of making, in case you are interested 🙂
Thanks for the sharing the pinterest link. I love owls!
thanks for stopping by blog. i love the michael miller prints and use them as much as i can. that quilt is a great size for a baby room. love all you finds from the thrift stores. the owl does have some real promise.
Visiting from Between Naps On The Poarch. I think Eugene looks fabulous in his new home. What a haul you made thrifting.
Thanks so much! I’m completely addicted to thrift stores.
I love Eugene’s transformation and I think Eugene is the perfect name for him. I’m always on the lookout for owls as well.
I will pass the compliment onto Eugene. Thanks for stopping by!
You had me at 5 or 6 warehouses. Swoon! Painting your new friend gold was a stroke of genius. Or maybe a spritz of genius since it was spray paint. First visit to your blog but it won’t be my last.
Thanks, Helen. You’re blog is hilarious, which makes the compliment from you that much better. I hope I don’t disappoint in the future!
Your owl is darling~Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday! Hope to see you again at this weeks party!
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