Will Etsy.com rescue me?

I am a sucker for beautiful glass. I've been collecting art glass and making art out of glass all my adult life. So, when "not newing" exposed me to all the out-of-fashion vintage glass that looked like it might end up in a landfill, I had to rescue it. I've been making garden flowers, but really don't have any place to sell them. The craft fair I participated in was ill-attended and a pain in the butt. I'm hoping maybe Etsy will work: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247515142/art-glass-garden-flower-white-cobalt?ref=shop_home_active_1

I hope so, I have no room for all this bulky, heavy, fragile stuff. I should not let my heart overrule my head. Sigh.

My "new" dryer vent isn't working out.

Not only did the idiot who built our house position the dryer so that the ductwork has to go down one floor and across half the basement before it exits the house...they then built a deck right over the vent exit. Needless to say, it's about impossible to access the vent outlet. And the cheap plastic on dryer vents doesn't last 20 years.

Worse, the new dryer vents they are selling seem to have been redesigned to save the manufacturer money on plastic. There are now 3 louvers instead of 4 and they are about 1/4" shorter. Soooo...I had to buy two new vent covers to jerry-rig 4 louvers. Unfortunately, when I slipped them on, they seemed too heavy to blow open (the dryer is actually running in that last photo with the louvers closed...the bottom one is only open slightly because I found I could get it to stick that way). Grrrr! I suppose my only option is to get a square of hardware cloth or some other type of grid and try to tack it over the vent somehow and hope no insects try to build a nest there. If you've got a better idea, I'm all ears.

Creative repurposing even before going "not new."

As I was picking up the doddy doodoo today...our first really nice, dry day of the year, it occurred to me that I was in a "not new" mode even before deciding to buy nothing new this year. My dog poop container is the offspring's old diaper "pail." (I obviously didn't have to think to far outside the box on this one). It works great...a lid to keep odors down and flies out and a handle to carry it all over the yard. As I was filling my birdfeeders, I also noticed former repurposing that was a bit more of a stretch: the insert from the old potty chair is now the scoop I use in my sunflower seed container. Can't recall what happened to the chair itself.

My "not new" garden stake needs a little something.

Thought I'd try to create some repurposed garden art. This first attempt is both a win and a fail. It's a win because the construction techniques seem to be working. A fail because this one is kind of blah. I thought I could add some yellow wire between the two white dishes, but that didn't work out as a I had hoped. With just the two white dishes, it's a bit bland for anyone except the most extreme minimalist. I have an idea to bring some color to the center, but can't implement it until it gets warmer out (need to work in the garage to avoid the excessive fumes). I'll keep you posted how that turns out.

Full disclosure: while the glass dishes are used, I couldn't find any "not new" pipes and fittings...so the "stem" and attaching hardware are new.

Getting "nothing new" might get expensive

I'm worried I might make up in volume what I save on cost. Stopped into Savers the other day (it was a Tuesday...won't go unless I get my 25% senior discount) and picked up this Silkland blazer for $11. As you can see, it washed up nicely. (The tag said "dry clean only," but I never dry clean silk. I beleive it is not even good for it.) I didn't even have to iron it (hung it up while still damp).
I haven't quite gotten the hang of figuring out what I might need in advance, so I go into thrift shops regularly to peruse their odds and ends. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of living used soon, so I won't feel the need to do that.

Bought two tops at Savers 50% off sale...having regrets about one.

(This is the last post from my "stash." All future posts should be in real time.)
I really don’t NEED clothes. But, I fall prey to WANTING something new now and then. Add that to a 50% off sale at Savers (a thrift store) and all my resistance goes out the door. So…I got this plaid Geoffrey Beene number for $3.50 and I just love it. It's 100% cotton and such a soft, soft knit. Not the height of fashion, but I like the way it looks. The print top for $.1.50, I'm loving not so much. The thrill of 50% off blinded me to the fact that it has 3/4 sleeves, which I hate. But, buyer's remorse is a lot easier to handle at just $1.50. I also purchased several other items I will hopefully use in my mosaic art this summer. I had seen a $10 cashmere sweater the day before that I had hoped to grab up for $5, but when the sale opened, it was gone. Sigh.
Also purchased a book for the husband for Christmas (Savers books are pricey, but not bad at 50% off). It’s not part of my “nothing new” agenda, but I did pull out a bunch of MY tops to donate to Goodwill when I put these two my drawer. Trying to keep to only two drawers full of tops and one drawer full of pants (if I lost weight, it would be easier…and summers are easier).

Sign up for these services that send garage sale, estate sale and auction alerts...if you dare!

I picked up this Buffalo skull at a local (online) estate sale auction several months ago. The skull was in a lot with some longhorns I wanted. I payed more than I would for such as frivolous thing as longhorns because I intended to sell the buffalo skull for more than I paid for the lot, thus rendering the longhorns free. But, here's what actually happened: I fell in love with the big, durn skull and kept it. Getting longhorns and a great buffalo skull for $67 is still a bargain. But, it's still $67 more than I intended to pay. Not to mention whatever extra I'll eventually spend to redecorate around the skull. (Beware: the best-laid plans can go awry.) Still, if you think you have more spending restraint than I do, sign up with the services that email you notices of local sales: gsalr.com, estatesales.org, auctionzip.com

Christmas wrapping paper and cards were from the hoard, not the recycle bin

As a lifelong bargain hunter, I have a stash of cards and wrapping paper (and gifts for that matter) that I get at 75%-90% off every few years (when my supplies run low). So, I didn't have to think of any creative recycling. Have enough to last me through at least one or two more holidays. Probably enough bows to last forever (since I save them each year). Which may be a good thing: I am not the kind of crafty-ass gal who could make newspaper-wrapped presents look cute. I can barely get things to look nice with real wrapping paper. My dear grandmother saved used wrapping paper. The presents always looked like they'd been through a riot, but that never mattered much to us kids in the three seconds we saw them before we tore into 'em...though having to remove the tape neatly certainly slowed us down.

More "not new" entertainment bargains.

Well, it's slightly new. But, it is upcycling seats that would otherwise go empty. During shows at Helium Comedy Club, they ask you to text the club. Then you get on a list that will send out reminders of who is coming AND (this is the good part) offers for free admission to shows that are not selling well. That's a live, professional comedy show for just the price of two items to eat or drink (the house minimum). Certainly a bargain. And Helium's food is actually quite good and priced within reason. (At least, at the Buffalo location, haven't been to other clubs). I always check out the comic online before ordering the free tickets and can usually tell if I'm going to enjoy the humor. (Wondering why THAT pic? Dog is ROFL. Lame, but closest to "relevant" visual I could find.)

Got a great tip on "not new" entertainment.

The family holiday party yielded a great idea I'd never come up with myself. Seems one of the guests uses craigslist.com to find things to do. She looks for tickets and usually gets them deeply discounted for same-day performances. What a great way to add a little fun, mystery and savings into a night out...not to mention upcycling a seat that would otherwise have gone empty. It's the modern version of the Times Square discount tickets kiosk. Can't wait to try this out for myself.

Other great sources: Buffalo ReUse and Buffalo ReStore

Forgot to mention these two excellent options for finding things that are "not new." From furniture to appliances to building materials, these great re-sources have lots to offer (hopefully there are similar stores in your area). One (Buffalo ReStore, I believe...2 locations) is associated with Habitat for Humanity. I'm pretty sure the other is a nonprofit (seems to have a lot more going in the way of antique woodwork/fixtures/etc., but I think it's also a bit pricier...also only open on weekend due, I think to building code problems). I know the one associated with Habitat for Humanity also get some new merchandise...closeout-type stuff from stores/manufacturers. I get a lot of ceramic tiles and glass lamp pieces for my mosaic work at Buffalo ReStore. My friend, Jean, got a table there for a song and refinished it into a really nice piece (pictures of said table after refinishing).

Got the couch I needed. Thank you, Craigslist.

So, I haven’t had a living room couch for 17 years. I knew the (cranky) husband was not going to be happy about me spending money on one, but a pre-owned couch was an entirely different matter. How could he complain about $135 for a couch? (Well, he did, but the husband is a piece of work.) I had been looking on craigslist for about two weeks for a leather couch (used fabric furniture kind of skeeves me out, but I can clean leather enough to eliminate my queezieness). I saw an ad with no picture for a couch for $135 in my general area, so I asked the owner to text me a picture. It was the first couch I saw that I wanted to bother going to look at (the low price was a big motivator). And I liked the couch in person. Said couch is about 20 years old, but still in good structural shape. It must weigh over 400 lbs. I’m sure it was extremely expensive new. The owner was a really nice guy, so I didn’t try to talk him down in price. I probably could have since the couch needs a good bit of work…missing button, lots of wear, scuffs and a small hole. But, I’m just not a talker-downer. At least, not when the price is reasonable. Plus, the guy lived less than a mile from me. I won’t be able to recondition the couch until Spring. I’ll post how it turns out.

What's the best place to shop for stuff that's "not new?"

My best sources are charity thrift stores, charity bazaars, Savers, estate sales, garage sales (mostly multi-family), craigslist, etsy.com, and ebay. Of course, it depends what you are looking for. Estate sales tend to be pricey, but they can have low-end kitchen stuff and other odds and ends at fabulous prices, especially if you negotiate on the last day of the sale. I found far better prices on fur coats on etsy.com than I did on ebay.com or shopgoodwill.com. Thrift stores (especially Savers because it is so well organized, though I think much more expensive) are good places to go when you need a particular item fast. Craigslist is miraculous…you can buy almost anything there. Let me know your favorite places to shop for “nothing new.” (Image: a $2,000 armoire at an estate sale...wish I had the space and the money for it. Didn't sell.)

Adventures in Estate Sale-ing. (Replaced the broken toaster!)

It’s always a challenge as to where to shop. Garage sales usually have the best prices, but it can take a lot of gas per purchase…and you have to get up so early! Estate sales can be pricey, but then again, it depends what you are looking for. I went to the third and last day of an estate sale nearby (so, not a lot of gas) and found a toaster for $1. Estate sale shoppers are usually looking for fancier stuff than toasters. And the company running the sale was glad to get rid of the toaster. There was some Karma going on as the toaster I picked up was the same toaster (only in a 2-slice size) as the 4-slice toaster I gave to Goodwill last year. (I had downsized to a 2-slice, but then the offspring broke the new 2 slice.) Also, for my mosaic endeavors, I got some glassware and a huge, old grinder for a pittance (under $10 all), so this was a very good estate sale for me. Sometimes I go away empty handed.

Oh dear, I bought myself a vintage mink jacket.

Did I mention I can’t resist a bargain? When I discovered that affordable vintage fur jackets were to be had, well, my spending restraint was put to the test…and failed miserably. I would NEVER buy a NEW fur unless it was some sort of animal also used for food or very ethically raised, etc. But, a USED fur is a different story. I’m okay with wearing fur from critters that were dead before I was even born. I am extending their usefulness. And no one is going to look at my fat self (looking even fatter in a fur) and think: “what a great look, I have to go get myself a fur that makes ME look that huge.” Of course, finding a vintage fur that fits a fat lady is not an easy task. The women that owned fur coats in days gone by seem all to have been very petite. So, when I found a decent-looking, ‘50’s-era mink jacket for $225 on Etsy.com, it caught my eye. Fur is incredibly warm. I needed a dressy winter jacket/coat. And I liked the style. I was still going to pass up the jacket when I happened to notice the seller was running a 30% off sale. That did me in. $157 for a kooky, warm, luxurious jacket that would last me the rest of my life (it’s not like I have THAT many decades left). I took a big risk (because returns were not accepted) and ordered the coat. As luck would have it, it fits great (and I am built really weird so that is very lucky

Going "nothing new" is going to be tough with a clumsy teen.

First, he broke the blender. Now, the toaster. Aiieee! I’m going to go to social media right now to ask friends for castoffs. (next day) OK, the social media thing didn’t work. Sigh.

Selling finds on Etsy

I had opened an Etsy shop to sell some of my art glass collection (items for sale pictured). I am downsizing in anticipation of moving to a smaller place someday in the near future. As I am shopping "not new," I am finding so much really neat vintage stuff that seems destined to go otherwise unappreciated that I am going to try to resell some on Etsy.com. It will allow me to indulge my love of cool stuff and bargains while (hopefully) making a little bit of money and further “justifying” the gas it takes to drive around to garage/estate sales. I try not to drive too much, but, um, mileage happens. The name of my Etsy.com shop is ArtGlassAndMore. I also sell a little bit on ebay.com. Today I finalized the deal on a really nice (used) fur coat that I bought for myself, but never wore. I was hoping to break even, but I actually sold it for more than what I paid. Yipee!

I gave in and bought a new top on clearance for $10. Spank me.

I gave in. Shopping for “new” Christmas gifts for my friends (I determined I couldn’t gift “used”) put me too close to some really nice clothing bargains. I resisted the $85 Michael Kohrs top for $15. But, I couldn’t resist this $10 top. I adore border prints and only have one. It was a guilty splurge I vow not to repeat. Hopefully, I won’t have to actually go inside a TJ Maxx until after Dec. 31, 2015 (hoping to make most of my Christmas gifts next year…started going “nothing new” too late to do that this year).

Had to buy a snow brush and a leather needle

Sure, I could have cut down the handle on an old broom. Brooms work really well for snow removal. But, I really didn’t have a broom to spare. Plus, I’m getting too old to reach across the car with an ice scraper – I need one with a long handle, like the one on the snow broom I purchased. I live in the Buffalo, NY, area. It isn’t always snowy here, but when we get serious snow, you need a snow brush. You really don’t find them used…people keep ‘em until they are worn to death. Plus, it’s not like you can risk going out in the winter without a snowbrush for your car. This is one of those things you need to plan ahead for if you are going all-used. I also had to buy a leather sewing needle. I found a fabulous vintage Persian lamb coat I intend to repair. And I needed a special needle that would take too much time/gas/effort to find used.

Of all the things to have to buy new

(NB: Not posting in present time yet, this was written a couple weeks ago.) I went to put on my boots and the offspring had taken one of my shoelaces. We had just had a major storm that trapped us in our house for 5 days (driving ban plus impassable roads and 5’ of snow in the driveway). I needed to wear my boots and the thrift stores weren’t even reopened yet. Plus, I’d likely have to buy an entire pair of shoes just for the laces. I didn’t have any viable string or even leather I could cut into strips to make shoelaces. Not able to wait or wanting to waste time or gas money, I purchased new shoelaces plus some silicone waterproofing spray for our boots and metal shovels while I was at Target picking up groceries. While I’m on the subject of winterwear, let me rant about shopgoodwill.com. Some of the items on this site sell for ridiculously high prices. I’m happy the money goes to a good cause! I mean, $133 for a used rabbit fur jacket? It probably sold for less than that new (granted, inflation would alter that equation). Still, a good site for going used for the sake of recycling/charity, but not so good for going used and saving money. I’m as much about saving money as I am about saving the environment