Sunday, February 27, 2011

The Promise of Spring

Wasn't today a gorgeous day....the warm sun on your face and the fresh, clean air...the colors are changing from grey to vivid spring colors.  Oh yeah, and Robins everywhere.  I know it's not here yet but there is the "promise of spring"!

My corner of Happy's is beginning to look that way also!  Let me show you what I mean...

Here is an "umbrella wreath" to hang on your front door...the umbrella was no longer useable so rather than throw it away, I found a new purpose.  Spring showers bring May flowers, so they say! 






































I put together a vase from Michaels (I found at a discount months ago) and flowers I found at Goodwill to show early spring blooms...looks like they were made for each other.



Here is an umbrella stand that was a little on the rusty side, so I spray painted it black. It could be used for dual purpose...umbrella stand or a large container for long stem artificial flowers...it has a very nice curvy shape and it is one of a kind...you don't see these everywhere.


Actually, I made this last fall and I can not believe it hasn't sold yet.  I found these LL Bean rubber boots at a yard sale and couldn't wait to find a purpose...so I made one into and ECU flower arrangement (which sold quickly) and the other is below.  You can hang it on your door or sit it on your hearth or anywhere really...it is colorful and whimsical and it makes me smile!


I am so thankful that God gives us the change of season...so make the most of every moment!


Remember,
God is always at work around us
and often shows Himself
in the most “unexpected” ways.      


         Pat

Friday, February 18, 2011

More Before and Afters

I have really been working hard lately but sometimes I don't have much to show for it.  I have many projects that require several steps...so I paint, wait to dry, come back for 2nd and 3rd coats, then coat with something that will protect the paint.  Some projects I have require purchasing plants or printing something from the computer.  So the last few days I have many projects started by nothing completed.  Let me show you some completed "before and afters"...

BEFORE


AFTER



BEFORE


AFTER


Here are some things I have recently sold...



I bought this pottery at an auction...it came from Canada.


I bought this bassinet at Goodwill...it sold for someone who has a neighbor that is getting ready for a newborn!

Here I painted the basket and found these blue and white plates at different times and I added the material...they looked great together...

Here are some things I found thrifting last weekend...


What do you think?  They may not look like much but there are some winners in this group.  You will probably see them again real soon.

I would be excited it you wanted to forward my blog to your friends...the more the merrier! 


Remember,
God is always at work around us
and often shows Himself
in the most “unexpected” ways.      


         Pat

Saturday, February 12, 2011

What is "repurposing"?


People ask me  all the time, "what do yo do with all your time since you retired?"  When I try to explain that I am selling things at Happys that I "repurpose", I get this blank look...like what does that mean and then when I go into detail I end up changing the subject because it seems too confusing.  I usually move the conversation along by saying, "I help take care of my grandson whenever needed and I volunteer with my church" (I think that is what they expect me to say).

Well if you notice on the sign above this is the description of what I do at a short glance. 

So what does it mean to "repurpose"?  The official definition is modifying an item to fit a new use, or using the item is in a new way....blah, blah, blah.  I also, refurbish, refashion, and reimagine things that I find at yard sales, thrift stores, clearance sections of stores, auctions, estate sales, and sometimes alongside the road.  Actually, the less money I spend on "repurposing", the less money I charge for my items...it's a win/win for everyone.

Let me show you what I mean...

 BEFORE

  AFTER                                   

 

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE


AFTER

So that gives you an idea of what I spend my time doing in my garage. 

But you know what, I think, God is using the next stage of my life to "repurpose" me...I think He is modifying me to fit a new use, or using me in a new way...Just like I search for these items, clean them up, get them ready to sale...I think God does the same for me...He searches for me (when I wander away), He cleans me up (when I fall short) and He gets me ready to serve (if I pay attention and allow Him to lead the way).  To tell you the truth it is an adventure everyday to see what He will do next.  I am glad I am a "repurposed" soul in this beautiful world He has created...I hope one day He will claim me as an UNexpected Treasure!

Remember,
God is always at work around us
and often shows Himself
in the most “unexpected” ways.      


         Pat


Monday, February 7, 2011

Have you ever been to an auction?

I have told you I work at Happy's on Wednesdays.  At Happy's, the front of the store is dedicated to items that different people make or find to sell in the shop.  The middle of the building houses "gently used" furniture and home decor.  At the very back is where auctions are held. 

I thought I would share how auctions go in case you have wanted to attend but was unsure of what to expect.  So here we go...







This is the front
of Happy's in Ayden
(534 Third Street in Ayden).  Sorry...this is a poor picture!







At Happy's the auctions are usually once a month on Sunday afternoons.  We have an email list of people who are interested and we notify them of the date and when they can view ahead of time.  Sometimes, people just go to  www.auctionzip.com and look us up. We post a list of the items to be auctioned and some photos and room views of things to be auctioned.  Many people view ahead of time because they can leisurely browse items to see condition and consider pricing prior to bidding at the auction.  Usually the auction is set up by Thursday before the auction on Sunday afternoon.

 You come through the door to the middle portion of the building...



At the end of the long counter there will be someone to take your name and give you a card with a number...

See the yellow cards in the left hand corner...you get one and  and find a place to sit.   If you want to bid on an item, you raise your hand or your card.  If you win the item by bidding the most the auctioneer will annouce your number as the winner.  There is someone sitting at a computer that inputs your number and the item and how much the item sold for...



 Pat Persinger is the auctioneer.  She is very funny and always says interesting things to keep the audience's attention.



There are people who walk up and down the aisles showing the items that are being auctioned (if they are not too big to hold).



 Some people come to the auction right from church, so they always have good food to eat...delicious hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, chips, and awesome desserts (like Dutch Apple Pie or Strawberry Shortcake or Banana Pudding).



 Here is the last of some rich, chocolate, cream cheese thing...it never lasts long.  We are thankful to Barney Barker for the grilled hot dogs and Janice Hardee for the desserts.
Notice!!!  They are not small servings.
 
 



 We also have Smoothies.  Once you see someone drinking one, you automatically want one yourself. 


Here is Pat pointing at someone who is bidding
and in the background is her daughter and business
partner, Laura Todd.




When you are ready to leave or the auction is over, you check out at the place you picked up your card.  If you use check or cash they charge a buyer's premium of 10%...with credit cards and  debit cards it is 13%.





The greatest thing about coming to an auction at Happy's is
you always

leave feeling like

you are FAMILY.



Remember,
God is always at work around us
and often shows Himself
in the most “unexpected” ways.      


         Pat