Thrift Store Finds - Staffordshire Ironstone, and Porcelain Farmhouse Pitcher

 




I truly believe that when it comes to discovering amazing finds at thrift stores, timing is everything. There are three shops in my town that I frequently patronize: Habitat for Humanity Restore, ARC Thrift, and Goodwill. All three stores are on my way home from work, so it's easy just to pop in. I don't always find something when I visit. However, it's always fun to browse, and sometimes I return for another look in the next day or two if I don't feel like going right home. Just something fun to do, and it helps me unwind from my job. It's often that second day visit that is the charm. Something has just been put out that day, and I'm fortunate to be the one who's on hand to claim it. My vintage french country night stand is a great example of an amazing "second day" find. 


I usually find good deals at ARC thrift store on Saturdays. That's the day they offer 50% off four of the five price tag colors they use. I always  check out their serving pieces -- platters, bowls, sugar and creamers, etc. Especially the white ones. I am particularly on the hunt for ironstone, which I never find. So imagine my surprise when I spotted this vintage Staffordshire White Mist ironstone creamer and sugar set.




They were priced at $4.98 each, which I thought was an unbelievably great price. The price tag color wasn't one of the colors on sale for 50% off, and that was fine. But get this. I had also picked up a few little items that were all 50% off, and when the clerk checked me out she gave me everything including the ironstone for 50% off. It wasn't a mistake. She let me know exactly what she was doing. 


When I got home I did an online search to see what the Staffordshire White Mist Creamer and Sugar Set might be worth. Turns out an Etsy shop has a set priced at $40. And that set has a little crazing. The set I bought is pristine. Needless to say, I'm pretty jazzed at having found this beautiful ironstone.


Earlier this month I discovered a white porcelain farmhouse pitcher at Goodwill that made its way into my cart.




I think Target sells a pitcher like this for $14. This one was $6.99, which is a little more than I would normally pay for a thrift store pitcher unless it's one that is in perfect condition, has great style, and is priced lower than one I can buy new. This gorgeous pitcher checked all the boxes. I know I'll enjoy it for a long time.




These new acquisitions have brightened my kitchen. All part of my after Christmas refresh.


Are you refreshing your home?


Hugs,



18 comments

  1. My goodness you found some GREAT deals didn't you? I haven't found a whole lot at the Goodwill I stoped at a couple of times. I need to find more thrift stores around here for more of a selection.
    I posted photos of our new bathrooms today. I did put a few things into the master bath after I took the photos. There is a frame full of seagull photos we took on the Oregon coast. I also thought with all of the gray it would look good to have a jar of seashells we collected and a Japanese fishing float found on the beach on top of the medicine cabinet. I like how it looks!
    I've been trying to conciously do some decluttering the past few days. It's very hard. I like the things we have.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. I love coastal photos, Betsy! My late husband and I lived in Southern California for 18 years, and spent many happy hours walking the beach, picking up shells and enjoying the seagulls, not to mention the waves. (sigh) I miss the ocean. I've been to the Oregon coast several times. Much different topography from So Cal, and just as beautiful. Hugs.

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  2. Oh, my word! I LOVE, love, love your bargains!! I have a small collection of white pitchers, and they just blend so well with a farmhouse/primitive theme. You can use them in so many neat ways, too, for so many creative purposes. I'm so happy you had such great success!

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  3. Hi Nancy,
    Thrift stores are the best!!!! When I need to relax I love to browse around. It's all in the thrill of the hunt. Somedays you hit the jackpot and others you go empty handed. AND it's all good fun.
    You really hit the jackpot this time!!! Lovely pieces.
    Also, whenever I really hit it, it always seems that I am lighter on my feet and kinda of dance out of the store!!!! It just is fun and feels so good!!!

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    1. I absolutely agree with you, Addie. I often ask myself where else I can go to have so much fun for so little money. :D Happy hunting! xx

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  4. I'm doing my thrifting happy dance for you . . . great finds. :)

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  5. Great finds Nancy. And bargins to boot. It sounds fun for you to have a bit of
    a walk around the 3 shops for unwind time and then possibly find a hidden treasure.
    The pitcher is similar to an antique I inherited from my maternal Grandmother. White
    pottery from early 1900. The style is always simple and elegant. Lynn and Precious.

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    1. How fortunate to inherit a pitcher from early 1900! I think it's especially wonderful to own an heirloom rather than buy one from an antique store because there's that sentimental attachment that comes with it. I'm sure your grandmother's pitcher brings you joy. xx

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  6. Great finds Nancy! Love the ironstone sugar and creamer. We did have a Restore here but it closed.. got alot of good things from them. We have 3 other thrift stores here that I occasionally go into, but until I'm ready for a total "refresh" (and get rid of some things), I can't add anything else to my "collection"! I've add a couple of new things and want to do more.. pretty soon.. after Val. Day as am making paper things for the shop here in town. She's also a "second hand" or "gently used" store full of wonderful surprises! If I make any money on my items, I usually turn around and spend it at her store! Enjoy your finds! Marilyn

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    1. Yup. That's precisely what I would do if I were in your shoes. Spend the money I make on things found in the "gently used" store. :) The great thing about thrifting is that doing a total refresh doesn't break the bank. Have fun, Marilyn! xx

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  7. You always find the most amazing deals! I guess I need to add going to thrift stores to my weekly trips.

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    1. I highly recommend thrifting, my friend. It's great therapy! :)

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  8. Wow you found some good treasures. Our Goodwill here is not very good. I will have to go back to where we use to live that Goodwill had some great things. Have a good Friday and wonderful weekend. xoxo

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  9. Well done Nancy, your bargains are beautiful. I bought a lovely new sofa a few weeks ago, it's due for delivery some time next month, then I will be renewing a few items that are old and worn. My friend M is very lucky at finding bargains in charity shops, me not so. As you said, timing is everything :-)

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  10. beautiful additions to your home, nancy.
    i love white/cream/beige .. and have some
    sweet pieces here and there t/o my space.
    have been thinking on grouping them
    together in one general area..

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  11. When we lived in a bigger city I frequented thrift stores regularly. Our very small country town thrift stores aren't very satisfying. You found some great buys. I'm new to your blog and I'll need to add you to my feedly. I blog here https://happywonderer.com/
    Willow was my walking buddy when we both lived in Camarillo, California...over 10 years ago. Blessings!

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  12. What fun. You were really lucky. So happy for you.

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  13. I'm only a month behind! I love the ironstone you found. You and I would have a problem if we thrifted together!! We would both want the same things and that might not work out. But I know we would come to an agreeable conclusion!
    ~Adrienne~

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