January “Junking” – Finding Art Work

Recycled Champagne Bottle, Centerpiece

January “Junking” – Finding Artwork

Ok, Farmhouse Magic Blog Readers, I’m making up a word to describe one of may favorite things to do and that’s to go “junking.”  This rainy afternoon, I visited a church run junk store.

I really like this economical New Years’ Eve centerpiece which uses a recycled empty champagne bottle.

It looks like it was easy to make by adding a top sparkle bow and a cluster of faux grapes.  The top of the gold foil was artistically bent to balance the look.  You might also add glass weights inside the bottle to keep it from tipping over.

Assortment of Stemmed Glasses

There doesn’t appear to be any complete glass sets here.  This is where you have to use your imagination and mix and match when buying stemware for setting a table.  These glasses were priced reasonably.

Some glasses are obviously more expensive by being etched or cut glass.

Before buying any stemmed glassware, hold it in your hand to see if you like the feel of it.  Don’t buy anything that seems too light, too cheap or awkward.

Porcelain Figurines with a Wire Motorcycle Work of Art

Selecting Art Work

I want to discuss in this blog the different types of art work or decorative piece you can find reasonably priced in a second hand stores.  Art work doesn’t need to be a painting.

Take a look at the wire motorcycle figure on this page.

It is very masculine and would look great on a desk or a book shelf in a den.  The price is right for only $4.00.

$50. Blue Glass Vase

This blue vase is priced at $50.  This was the most expensive piece of art I saw while out junking.

The cobalt blue color is quite lovely.  The circular colored glass bits incorporated in the blue glass make a nice pattern.  To my eye, this piece is hand blown.  Interesting to note is the inside of the blue vase is white.  You would need a nice place to show this artistic vase, perhaps displaying it on a wooden pedestal or showcase.

Extra Note on Murano Glass Milleflori Blooming Flower Vases:

Upon doing a little internet research, this vase looks very much like a Murano Glass Milleflori Blooming Flower vase.  They are known for their exotic-looking blooming flowers over cobalt blue glass and are made in Venice.

I’m not sure how you can tell an original Murano Glass Milleflori from a fake.  This vase could have some type of marking on the bottom, if it did, I did not handle it so I’m not sure.  To me it seems, like the Murano Glass Millefloris I saw online were a little larger and the glass was more curved and pulled.  The vases being sold online were priced in the hundreds of dollars range.  This one is smaller but it does have the interesting white glass lining.

Hand Made Large Green Glass Dish

This green glass dish is also a work of art.  It was located in the locked display case at the junk store so I know it is more expensive than the items I can handle.

I have a smaller dish very similar to this one.  This particular green dish would look great on a coffee table.

Tall Glass Candle Stick Holders

The charity run junk store always has a big supply of glass candle sticks.

These clear glass candle stick holders look rather formal.  They could be used to set off your artwork or a grouping of candle stick holders would make a special Valentine’s Day dinner.  They are also inexpensive in the dollar or two range.

Buy Your Art Work in the Junk Store?

The thing about art is if it appeals to your inner self, then it is a good purchase.  If you love it, you will display it in your home no matter if the cost is $1 or $1,000.

Be selective and keep junk store Junking for that magical artistic piece that will make you and your home happy.

Pyrex Bowls and Candle Stick Holders

What Did I Buy?

I only have three cereal bowls so when I saw these Pyrex bowls for $2.00 each, I decided to buy them.

I figured they would, also, be useful if I need to warm up something in the microwave.

The clear glass candle sticks had a red dot on them so that means they were on sale for 50% off.  I paid only a dollar each for them.

Rainbow Colored Pipe Cleaners

I, also, purchased this new package of Rainbow Colored Pipe Cleaners.  They were also red dotted, so again, 50% off.  I only paid 50 cents for them.

I like having some pipe cleaners around the house.  Sometimes they are nice to tie things up like Christmas tree decorations or a sagging plant limb.

I have also donated pipe cleaners to the schools as they often use them for craft projects.

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