Searching for Treasure - Garage Sales

Garage sales are amazing places to find that one of a kind item. Here is the first of a few tips from my personal adventures in shopping.

1. Dig
This is a must. When you get to a garage sale and see boxes that have not yet been unpacked take the time to dive in! Don't worry about dust or dirt because that can be easily remedied with a little soap and water. You never know what treasure is lurking under the newspaper wrapping!
*Remember to always be careful when you reach into a box of glassware because there may be broken items!*

2. Inspect your item
Once you have your treasure be sure to inspect it. If there are chips or cracks are they things that can be hidden by turning the item a certain way? If you have a vase that has a chip on the edge can it be hidden by putting flowers in it? Can you do a quick fix with some paint? If your item is chipped, cracked or otherwise imperfect but you know that the flaw can be disguised go for it! I have come across some amazing items for very little money because people were not visionary enough to realize that small flaws can be disguised.

You can see the chip in the ashtray.

I found a paint that matched the original color. Once the paint dried I put a little bit of clear nail polish to give is some shine and protect the paint.

This is the dish being used as a jewelry catch all.

3. Realize you can recover chairs, headboards, ottomans and anything else with material
This is another must for the garage sale, flea market and Goodwill divas! Always look at the bones of the item. That Gothic bordello fabric can be replaced easily in most cases. If you are unable to recover the items yourself but you know you love them and that they are worth it, make the investment in professional reupholstering. You will be glad you did each time you sit on your chair, couch or ottoman!
Below was one of my adventures in recovering. The ottoman had been in the home of a frisky cat that used it as a scratching post. The bones were good and it was solid so a few yards of material and a few hours later voila! 

Never underestimate that find. Just because someone else passed it up doesn't mean you do!