My Holiday Secret: Yard Sale Finds
Violet Blueberry Brakes For Yard Sales!I like yard sales. Don't get me wrong, I'm not passionate about them, but if I'm out and about on a Saturday morning, my little blue car, Violet Blueberry, has been known to point her wheels to the curb and refuse to move forward whenever we pass a likely-looking sale.
Most of all, I like yard sales when it comes to holiday gifts and giving ... and saving money on Christmas. Other people's clutter can be a treasure trove of basket containers, holiday ornaments, and crafts materials.
Looking at my gift closet stash, I realized that the past month has been a bonanza for holiday yard sale finds. In just three weeks, I've scored:
- Seventeen children's Christmas books. Discovered at a teacher's retirement yard sale, they're more than half of what I'll need to give my grandsons a "book Advent calendar" this year. Once I find 25 books, I'll wrap them in inexpensive Christmas gift wrap and tuck them in a pretty square basket. Beginning on December 1st, the boys will select, open and read one book each day to count down to Christmas.
One pretty bone china cup and saucer. I've been reading about teacup candles, and was hoping to find a colorful teacup to make a prototype. Look for an article upcoming at Organized Christmas about this easy way to create a pretty gift from recycled china.- Just for me: a retired Boyd's Bear named Henson. What can I say? If you're a bear-lover like I am, you make eye contact with a yard sale bear at your own risk. Henson is a reproduction of an early teddy bear, in perfect condition--and he's enjoying settling in with his pal Perry Bear Ewer. During the holidays, he'll join the rest of the Ewer bear family down by the Christmas tree, a bright holiday bow tied around his neck.
- Basket basics. Gift assortments just look better tucked into a nice basket--and I was lucky to find several good contenders for a dime apiece. I love the way baskets can be recycled and used again and again. If only they could talk, what Christmas tales would they tell?
August. I love it when I leave this month with the gift closet bulging! So do tell ... what are your favorite yard sale holiday finds?
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The teacup candles are a sure
The teacup candles are a sure hit! My mom found me a full set of Noritake teacups at a second hand store for 20 cents each (with the saucer!). I made them in three different colors and scents. I bought all my supplies through a company in Nevada called Cierra Candles. They are perfect for those smaller gifts to show you care, like the delivery lady, garbage collector, school secretaries! and they are quick and easy to do (I can do 24+ in about an hour). :) I do recommend buying the heat-shrinking bags to seal them in. It makes an extra special presentation and gives that professional touch.
P.S. We're also in the T-C's and yes, too hot, but glad it's cooling down now!!!