Mimi Sue's Cottage

A home is much more than a house built of lumber, brick, or stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. We are responsible for the homes we build. We must build wisely, for eternity is not a short voyage. There will be calm and wind, sunlight and shadows, joy and sorrow. But if we really try, our home can be a bit of heaven here on earth. Thomas S Monson







Monday, February 9, 2009

Junk Yard Finds

The other day I told you about my trip to the junkyard with my new friends Janis and Sue. I found a few things to take home with me but what I really needed to do was find bits and pieces for the shed we'll be building in our backyard this spring. But how could I drag home a french door in her little car? When things thaw out and dry out a little I'll be going back for the big ticket items. I did find these cute mailboxes. Well, they will be cute soon.

This sign that says Sunday, well, duh. I'll hang that somewhere outside maybe on a fence or by the potting area or the new shed. We've got a lot of plans for the spring! A pay phone sign. Will my grandchildren know what a pay phone is? A bottle to decorate and a light globe. I like to buy unique globes (I find a lot of them at thrift stores), then I attach a wire around the neck and another wire to hang it with.
I then put a tea light in it (citronella candles work well) and hang it from a tree or shepherds crook in the garden. We had a wedding reception for one of the daughters and hung a bunch of these around the yard and it looked magical. Be sure to bring these in if you think it's going to freeze or you'll find a pile of broken glass. I learned that the hard way.
The junk yard doesn't have prices on anything. You take what you want up to the register and they tell you what they think it's worth. So if you go, wear your old clothes and look poor and pitiful, maybe you'll get some great deals.

16 comments:

Nanette Merrill said...

Love the stuff. I thought Utahns used everything up and there was nothing left ever! Seems like it. There are so many antique stores and junk type places in other areas. It is hard to find a place like this locally. Thanks for the find. Really wonderful stuff. I may wait for the spring though - yipes digging around in the snow is only for the very brave.

Sue said...

Mimi Sue,
,Just love those signs,I like signs too but I have trouble finding them. I just love the advise about the dressing part I think I will try it, and start practicing up on my looking pitiful.LOL!!!!!I always enjoy visiting with you.
Blessings,
Sue

Lorilee said...

I love the old light globe idea. I don't have too much trouble looking pitiful! haha!
Blessings,
Lorilee

trish said...

Oh my! You are so lucky! I would have scrambled to get one of those mailboxes just as soon as I saw them! :o) I have always wanted to hang something like that outside my childrens doors. :o) What a great place to go, it would be like a treasure hunt!! :o) I can't wait to see your Spring plans in action. Isn't it so wonderful to look forward to nicer weather and anticipate the projects? :o) Love it!!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I can do that LOL! Nice finds!
I have some little red signs that say "go to church sunday"

Beca said...

Ha Ha! I like your treasures. That's a good idea about the light globes. Those are always popping up at yard sales.

Sue said...

I have no problem looking poor and especially pitiful....but it usually doesn't work..

Donna said...

Hi Mimi Sue,
Sounds fun, and you got some great things. I like the hanging globe candle idea. How cute!

Hugs,
Donna

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

My Heck! I'm so going there with a truck! When my oldest daughter got married she wanted a different back drop than the norm. What we used were 5 old doors hinged together and stood up accordion style. It was so fun. I had my beady eyes on all the doors I could see from your pictures. LOL I love your "treauses" ! ♥Lewaina

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

plus and also......I love the light idea! I want to do it. (NOW of course!)......and the old bottles....and....and....LOL
ps,
if you are a fudge lover, you should go next time your guys are headed that way, and get some Moose Drool! :-)............
♥ Lewaina

Aubrey said...

Cool finds--that glass globe you got looks exactly like one I found in our shed when we moved in. It had a DI sticker on it and I figured it didn't need to go back there and I THREW IT AWAY! I never claimed to be smart. Maybe a junk yard digger found it.

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

Wonderful finds!

Annie said...

How fun! Good finds. Can't wait to see you next week.

Nana said...

That is awesome. I can do pitiful real well.

cherry said...

I LOVE those old signs...especially the Sunday one! What a cute heart tablecloth too. cherry

nikkicrumpet said...

LOL I always look poor and pitiful so I am READY TO GO. Great finds...now show us what you have up your sleeve to do with them!