My Lucky Day at the Thrift Store

Since I started reading blogs a few years ago, I've been going to thrift stores to see what treasures I can find.  I've snagged some good deals, although I swear our thrift stores have higher prices than the ones that I read about on the blogs from the southern States.  Anyway, I always keep my eyes open for original art, so that I can find a valuable lost masterpiece like they do on Antiques Roadshow.   


A few days ago when I popped into the thrift store I saw a picture that had one of the world's ugliest frames - a brilliant gold frame with a pink mat - around a picture of a some men at work launching a loaded boat.

I was so blinded by the frame that I almost put it back, but then I noticed that the signature looked like it was done in pencil and the blue background wash extended behind the mat, which probably meant it was an original. 

So right there in the thrift store I opened up the back of the picture to check.  Sure enough there were sketches on the back of the paper and it had obviously been cut by hand.

Bingo - it was an original pen and ink sketch.  I paid my $2.99 and took it home.  Once I had removed the picture from the awful mat and frame, it looked so darn cute.

I haven't decided yet how to frame it, but it won't be in a gold frame with a pink mat.  Sheesh!  I love little pieces of art and I'm looking forward to finding a great home for it.   

Linked to Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,
Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring,
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home,
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Junkin' Finds Friday at A La Carte
Thrifty Thursday at born-again crafter
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm
Twice Owned Tuesday at House of Grace