Monthly Archives: May 2012

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What’s In Your Trash?

One of the reasons I am inspired to share my old world lifestyle is to help people learn how to reduce their carbon footprint, simply. From hanging the laundry instead of running the dryer to shopping at a flea market where I find items that I can give a second life to, it helps ease my conscience knowing I am living a greener life. When I buy a piece of furniture or home accessory at a Flea market, it falls into one of two categories: it’s either for
1) Me and my home, or for
2) Someone else and their home
I see so many wonderful pieces with really good bones that are just lying in the furniture graveyard, victims of neglect, a little worse for the wear, but take these two sofas I rescued $125 each. Wait until you see the reveal. I”ll keep you posted with “after” pics. Not only will I save them, but I will make a profit that feels just right for my Etsy shop CREATiVE CONVERZeNS.

Haven’t we heard the warnings about pollution for too long? I know I have, ever since I was a kid, “Woodsy the Owl (the accidental acronym for Old World Living) says, Give a hoot, don’t pollute” (yeah I’m dating myself). What took us so long to gain environmental awareness? When did we reach the tipping point? Some say Americans only react when they should act. Or when it hits them in the wallet. What do you think?

I hope as a nation, we’re getting the message that too much consumption and consequently, all the waste that goes with it, can’t be a good thing (don’t even get me started on “Hoarders”). Seriously, look at this Infographic that details the story of waste. Nearly 90% of what we throw away could bypass the landfills, but hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic chemicals, plastics, and materials of all kinds make it in anyway.

Happily, the Fleas are part of my lifestyle that helps avoid the landfills. The original green business model that embodies the old world saying I live by, “waste not, want not”. It’s a mindset that’s also evident in the emergence of the “fix-it” society which is very closely related to the DIY tribe. While many of us grew up in a “disposable” society, perhaps the tide is turning.

Unlike last week’s posting, when I said I didn’t want to know “too much” about the Fleas, this week, I do want to take the mystery out of waste and share what I have learned about it with others who want to is know more about Old World Living. One of the best ways is to watch “The Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard. Knowing what goes into our economic systems of production and the consequences is taking responisbility for our actions. It’s really the gown up thing to do, isn’t it?

In the Netherlands, “repair cafes” have given traction to initiatives like the “fixers collective” in Brooklyn. Although it’s not representative of the average American city, it is still a culture shock to think that Americans are adopting a green mindset about our stuff — whether it’s consuming less, recycling, upcycling, or trying to fix it – ultimately this approach means less waste for the landfills and greener space for all living creatures.

Knowing the consequences of your actions, or inactions; where things come from and where they go, will make a tremendous difference in the survival of people on our planet. There’s a line in Eleventh Hour, and one of the scientists reminds us that we’re not adopting green living to “save the planet,” we’re doing it to save ourselves! Earth will be here long after it is uninhabitable. It will continue to spin and rotate around the sun, but it is we, humans, who will become extinct.
Pssst: Figured out last week’s “facebook” prompt?

http://dailyinfographic.com/whats-in-your-trash-infographic
http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/
http://repaircafe.nl/
http://fixerscollective.org/
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/the-emergence-of-the-fix-it-society/?ref=fc_more#comment-743462
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/world/europe/amsterdam-tries-to-change-culture-with-repair-cafes.html?_r=1
http://www.eleventhhourthemovie.com/

Tag Sell It Survey

Please take a moment to provide us with some feedback on our website, Tag Sell It and feel free to leave comments on how we can better serve you and improve our services! We’re holding a drawing and giving away several Amazon.com gift cards for anyone who completes the survey, details below! Create your free [...]

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Tips for Selling to Pawn Shops

Everyone knows selling goods to a Pawn Shop isn’t the best way to maximize your profit (if any), but when the need for cash arises, here are some tips that may help give you some leverage with the Pawnbroker.

1. Do your Due Diligence
In any business transaction, it’s important to first do your own due diligence. Having an idea of what the item is worth is a good start. Certain items like antiques, art, automobiles, jewelry and watches can be easily appraised for a reasonable price. Going to a certified appraiser to having your items checked out is a good start. Just having some knowledge of what your items may be worth will give you some leverage if the Pawn Shop tries to give you a low-ball offer.

2. They Don’t Need to Know
Where you got an item need-to-know basis, and they don’t need to know. Telling a Pawn Shop you found it at a tag sale is a green light for them to make a low offer because they think the item has no emotional value to you. It gives them the message that you’re perhaps more likely to part with it for a smaller profit since it doesn’t mean much to you.

Pawn Shops don’t need to know how much you paid for it, so if they ask, just politely decline answering them.

Remember, it’s the Pawnbroker’s job to determine an item’s value because they’re there to make a profit. If they’re really interested in buying your item(s), they’ll spend the money to have it appraised. Telling them how much it’s worth is not your job, they need to figure this out.

3. When it’s Time to Negotiate
If you share the amount you’re looking for on an item, it will most likely lead to the Pawnbroker getting the better deal in this transaction. Simply letting the Pawn Shop make the first offer, at least you can see if you’re in the same ballpark for the price you’re looking for. Remember, Pawn Shops need to make a profit, so many times they’ll make an offer at 1/2 price for what the item is worth.

4. Know when to Walk Away
Pawn Shops will never offer you retail price on an item, probably not even wholesale price. They are in the business of making money. If you don’t feel comfortable with an offer they’ve made and you’re too far apart, just walk away. If you think you can do better than taking your items to a Pawn Shop, try selling them online first using some free or low-cost websites.

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Decorating on a Dime: Vintage Finds

Today we’re excited to introduce Reyne Hirsch, an expert in 20th Century Design. Reyne acquires items for privates, corporations and museums. Reyne says, “In this industry, you are always in the hunt for the unique. Never limit yourself to just stores and shows. Flea markets and garage sales can often turn up great treasures!” Reyne also blogs about collecting for numerous national publications, and has spent 15 years on television appraising, and discussing what’s hot in collecting.

The rooms illustrated in each photo are rooms in clients homes that have incorporated vintage finds into their every day life. All items have been found at sales for $25 or less.

A dining room table housing numerous individual candlesticks can create a magical stage for a holiday feast. Here are a couple from Jasper Castle:

These shots are of random Italian and American mid century modern vases and bowls found at yard sales that can be used in the living room on a side table, or your coffee table as color to make a room pop!

A small corner that isn’t large enough for a chair can be the perfect spot for a mid-century modern vase.

Photo Credit: Craig Orkney

The coffee table is a great place to showcase Italian glass candy dishes, ashtrays and blown glass animals.

Reyne Hirsch – Appraiser, 20th Century Decorative Arts Expert, Interior Decorator
www.reyne.com

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Funny Yard Sale Signs

We thought we would bring some humor to this Friday afternoon by sharing some of our favorite garage sale signs that our friends have shared with us recently. Enjoy!

The "Caught Cheating" Yard Sale Sign

The "What the Crap?" Yard Sale - It may be good, it may be crap!

The "Big F-in" Yard Sale - Great attention grabber!

The "Quick & Dirty Divorce" Yard Sale Sign - Get it while it's hot!

The "Boyfriend For Sale" Yard Sale Sign - is he good looking?

The "His Loss is your Gain" Yard Sale Sign - Interesting, I guess.

Do you have any funny Yard Sale signs you would like to share with us? Let us know, we’ll feature them here! Comment below!

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Estate Sale Profiles: Xcntric Estate Sales

Today’s Estate Sale Profiles features Kim and Claire, founders of Xcntric Estate Sales based out of the Chicagoland area. Estate Sales are a sensitive business and required the utmost professionalism when conducting them. We are excited to be able to present some of the best, and share their background and a day in the life of an Estate Sale Professional. Check out their story:

Xcntric Estate Sales started business in 2009. Our passion and experience of things from the past lead us to create our company. We found that most people felt their estate was never truly an “estate” because they thought it had to be filled with valuables, antiques etc. and most of the time that is not the case. From teepees to mansions (and everyone in between), they all qualify to have an estate sale when left with belongings of a loved one or moving/downsizing and not being able to take everything with them.

Our firm is an Illinois licensed business, bonded and insured company along with a member of the Better Business Bureau which assists our clients in making the decision of who to elect to host their sale. We believe these credentials along with our extensive list of referrals helps put our clients mind at ease when picking and choosing a specialist.

We take great pride in our work and showcasing our clients possessions by carefully planning their estate sale thru methodical layout and organization. We most enjoy the stories the families share with us about the items they have collected over the years and how they acquired them. The “thrill of the hunt” always seems to be more exciting to them than the actual possession of the item.

Although our days can be long and strenuous we always find ourselves laughing and having fun while we are working and sorting thru things. It helps keep the momentum and work environment positive and upbeat. Our greatest find to date were some older original etchings that “eagle eye” Claire found in a secret panel of a vintage wardrobe trunk. Our motto is leave no stone unturned because folks back in the day hid things for whatever reason and our job is to find it for the family then decide which is the best way to sell it in order to maximize the proceeds for the family and their estate.

For us, we not only love what we do but we are driven by the passion to make sure many of these collections of the past get recycled and enjoyed by someone starting a collection or someone missing a piece from their current collection. The everyday items instead of being tossed away helps reduce waste and will be repurposed by families during these challenging times. We feel we make a difference for two reasons: We have liquidated our clients estate and generated income for the items they or their family members worked hard for over the years; along with watching our customers leave the sale with a smile on their face with a “new to me” item to brag about.

-Kimberly & Claire
Xcntric Estate Sales

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Things I Don’t Want To Know About Flea Markets

Week Two and an article I ran across in Smart Money “10 Things Flea Markets Won’t Tell You” (Grant, 2012) is vexing me. Not so smart either. As if the “old world” markets and bazaars are going to learn something about getting and spending from today’s consumer reporter. Really, can I find better prices at a yard sale, really? I feel relieved her advice will prevent me from getting fleeced at the fleas, really.

It’s not that I have anything against lists or tip sheets. Heck, I created a Flea Market Check List here for you TSI-ers, but the author writes like there’s a science to the Fleas. Which there probably is, but I don’t want to know about it. Doing the Fleas is a process. Like getting older and wiser. You can’t really rush it. It’s just not authentic. You can act as if you know how to haggle, but it has to be instinctive, in order to be a success, you know?

Still, this scientific understanding of things is fine, really. I do it myself. We all do it. It’s in our genes. Especially the the ones rooted in legacy we inherited from Greek civilization. Geographically, Greece is made up of hundreds of little island bits. Cultural anthropologists will tell you that the countries (like the Unites States) with a history marked by European immigration or settlements, have an “atomized” thought process, like those islands. We tend to demonstrate a profound curiosity to break things down, and to discover the “true” nature of a thing, like a flea market for example. Although we inherited this cultural trait honestly, I still don’t like the idea pulling back the curtain on the magic of the Flea market experience.

I rather like the fact that the Fleas are messy, unpredictable (and did I say disorganized?).They’re brining with art, antiques, and objects that can be unfamiliar, but that ultimately teach me something new about the place it originated, about artistry and design. Perhaps that’s just the gypsy in my soul naturally rebelling against grown up rules like being on time and organized. I like that they are none of that. They remind me of living in Europe, where I was comfortable without those boundaries, and every day was a new experience.

When I wander through the aisles, I am practically in a meditative state. Don’t know how I got to this stall, or why I am handling this fabric, before you know it, I can hear myself saying ohverynicehowmuch?

Yep, open-air markets and the Fleas have been around for thousands of years, since the dawn of civilization, and I can’t help but think that we really do know, instinctively, how to shop and bargain and haggle just like we know how to parent, even if it’s for the first time.

I also think that the sudden trending of Flea market mentality has not so much to do with thrift as it does with Facebook. Does anyone know where I am going with this idea?

Does anyone know where I am going with this idea? Post your comments on this page and the first one to “get where I’m going with it” gets a free Flea Market Fanatics tote (a $25 value!) because you gotta have something to put your loot in, right?

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Design on a Dime: Stretching your Dollar with Thrift Finds

Sarah Bradburn has been an interior designer for 7 years and began her career by designing model homes for various builders in the Phoenix, Arizona area. “I’ve always had a passion for utilizing yard sale and thrift store finds into my own home because they bring an instant sense of character and history to a space,” Sarah says. Sarah started her own business, Sarah Elizabeth Interior Design, last year to help others incorporate second-hand items into their own homes in a timeless and beautiful way that looks anything but cheap. These days we all want our dollars to stretch as far as they possibly can and scooping up thrift store, yard sale and estate sale treasures is a savvy way to get the look for less!

Today Sarah shares some of her awesome second-hand finds and takes us through their impressive transitions.

The headboard was FREE. My sister snatched it up from her in-laws who were preparing to take it to the dump. She had no use for it but just couldn’t bear to see it tossed away. Luckily I happened to see it in her garage and within minutes I had it loaded into my vehicle. It was initially an unattractive wood tone with plenty of chips and scratches. So I painted it light grey, sanded the edges to reveal a little wood tone underneath and accentuate the beautiful curved shape then finished it off with a little finishing paste to protect and seal it.

The two lamps were rescued from a local Salvation Army for six-dollars each! One of them was a dusty pink color straight out of the 1980′s and I hit it with a few coats of glossy white paint to match the ginger jar lamp. I recovered a pair of plain, white shades with a floral fabric and for less than 50 dollars I have a beautiful pair of custom lamps.

The blue and green bedspread you see at the end of the bed was from an estate sale and was the jumping off point for the entire color palette of the room.

The wood dresser was also from an estate sale. The knobs are original to the piece and are solid brass that had seen better days. I used a little Brasso to remove the years of buildup and now they shine like new. It’s gorgeous!

To learn more about Sara Bradburn and her Interior Design in Phoenix, Arizona, check out her website, www.sarahelizabethinteriordesign.com and her blog, www.sarahelizabethdesign.blogspot.com.

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Consignment Shop Directory

Hi Folks!

We’re excited to announce some cool changes to Tag Sell It!

We recently decided that Consignment Shops will no longer have to pay for an annual membership to remain listed on our site. Rather, we’re doing a one-time listing purchase. The price normally $20.00 but this week it’s 1/2 price – just $10.00! To take advantage of this special deal, complete the “Add Your Shop” form here.
Remember, there are some awesome benefits to adding your company as a “Premium Listing” on our site! It’s a great site for people to locate services like yours and learn more about your company!

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Decorating on a Dime: Effortless Glamor and Affordable Luxury

Amanda Gates is an interior designer and lifestyle expert out of Nashville, Tennessee. She opened her company, AB HOME Interiors in late fall of 2004 out of her studio apartment and has grown to a full service interior design firm, and online retail company. Amanda specializes in deceptively beautiful interiors that are both beautiful and functional for an active lifestyle. Many of her interiors include a mix of thrift store finds and high end furnishings.

Today we’re excited to share some of Amanda’s work with examples of items she has purchased at flea markets or estate sales and used in her high end design:

1) 1960′s American of Martinsville 9 drawer chest, purchased at an estate sale in Nashville, TN and installed in a formal dining room after having it professionally painted. Hardware was polished and cleaned up, furniture was restored.

2) Lee Industries, 1960′s Estate sale. Reupholstered and installed in a reading nook off of the kitchen for a client.

3) 1960′s cane chairs. Purchased in St Louis MO at a garage sale. Had reupholstered and painted for the November Southern Living Show house in Nashville TN.

To learn more about Amanda Gates and her company, AB HOME Interiors, INC. check them out online, www.abhomeinteriors.com