Now that the kids are back at school and the steady stream of visitors has been reduced to an occasional drip, I’ve had the time to venture out.
We all know what happens when I’ve got a few hours on my hands and I’ve got the itch to treasure hunt.
Yes, I’m talking about my love of a leisurely Goodwill Bins outing.
Regular readers and Portlanders are familiar with these Goodwills, but for those unfamiliar, here is where thousands of pounds of donated merchandise ends up in these giant stores. Nearly everything is sold by the pound (with books and videos sold individually).
It can be a lot of work to scavenge through these bins, but the bargains and treasures you can find are worth the effort. Now hundreds of people in Portland alone now make a living by buying and reselling that which they pick up at the Outlets– clothes, books, housewares, and pretty much anything sellable you can think of.
I’m not doing my digging for profit- just for kicks and for sharing with those I love.
I’ve received countless emails from those of you who like me are vintage/scrappy/crafty/junky fans so this post is for you.
Let’s start with Halloween decorations I’ve found in the past month or so (and almost all from the Bins).
I don’t think this paper mache-like owl is vintage but he’s enormous and super cute on my mantle and I think I may put an votive in there.
This ceramic vintage witch looks right at home nearby.
(They probably each cost less than a dollar.)
I found this vintage cut-out at the Bins, too, and although he’s not in the greatest shape, I still love how he looks in my window.
I’ve also picked up a number of owls and they’ve been put to good use around my house and porch, too.
I think this blue one was intended as a trivet — but he looks happy on my porch.
This fella I paired with a rare Gurley candle I picked up at a vintage shop on the coast.
I picked up this Gurley candlestick candle (maybe manufactured in the 50’s) at the same time and paired it with another Bins owl.
My few Halloween pickups were just the tip of the iceberg.
I bought a red felted tote that’s ideal for storing food drop offs either to teachers or friends.
Something like this would fit in perfectly.
I love these little ceramics I stumbled upon amongst dozens of drinking glasses and jars.
I may just do something crafty with them or tuck them into one of the terrariums I have tucked around the house.
(Because they are glass — which is even less expensive–they were probably a dime each).
What else can I show you?
These glassine drinking straws were still in their original, unbroken packaging and they are so fragile yet the green is so vivid.
Perhaps I will offer them up to my friend Laurie, the crazy talented woman known to the blogosphere/crafty world/Instagram as Magpie Ethel. (I wrote a piece on her and her unbelievable house and craft cottage last year).
I adore Laurie and am so in awe of what she does with the odd vintage pieces like these straws, tiny glass ornaments or ornate ribbon spools… She’s a genius.
Speaking of Laurie and Halloween, once again I picked up a number of items at her epic, Insta-worthy annual garage sale this past June.
Among a huge pile of chosen items I came home with some Halloween themed framed wall art she’d put together.
This one looks like its vintage crepe paper and it looks wonderful in my kitchen this month.
Another framed piece I got from her has a vintage party invite and party hat?
It’s so cute.
I currently have a big box of odds and ends I’ve pulled from the Bins and estate sales just for her. There are some fun things in here and I can’t wait to see what she’ll do with them.
Let’s see what else I’ve picked up at the Bins.
Oh, I found a couple of cards tucked in an old box.
The vividness and sweetness of these vintage cards always made me swoon — and also a little melancholy as I look at the inscriptions inside and careful cursive writing.
How’d this darling card from Grandma end up in a pile of old clothes at the Bins?
Here’s another fun piece. I was tickled with this vintage paper cut-out and I’m sure I’ll be pulling this out in another month or so.
Also, I’m always thrilled to add more to my enamelware collection.
I found four bowls and two large dinner plates.
And here’s another thing I found Binning that I love.
It’s a 1950’s-60’s plastic tray (vanity organizer?) that I’ve converted to a countertop salt organizer.
It currently holds Maldon Smoked Salt, Lemon Flake salt and Fleur de Sel.
It’s such a great color that always makes me smile, and its proximity to my cooking means that I use these finishing salts a lot more often.
Like here in today’s early lunch.
Say howdy to saffron ramen with pork, asparagus, jammy egg and topped with Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, lemon salt and a flurry of Vietnamese cilantro leaves.
And now I’m off to enjoy off some of the killer biscuits I made for my crew.
Perhaps I’ll serve them up on the oilcloth tablecloth I also found at the Bins yesterday during a quick pop-in — all folded up and ready for purchase (again, for about a buck?).
Cute, right?
(Do you live in Portland and want to meet at the Bins? Email me. I’ve met perhaps a dozen of you there and enjoyed it every time.)
XO
Rebecca Ringquist says
My grandma had that same santa claus cut out. Every year someone got it taped to a present- it was always a surprise who was going to get it that year.
I’m happy to say that Santa now lives at my house and graces our mantle each year.
What a fun memory to see the same happy face on your blog.
See you soon, Sarah. 🙂
Sasha Kaplan says
I don’t live in Portland anymore.
But I do miss the bins.
And you Sarah dear, I miss even more.
Good finds!
Seattle is good for junkin’, though don’t get there too often. Well get to Seattle, but mostly to babysit my sweet grandjoy.
Happy Halloween, happy inspired thrusting and spreading goodwill which you do.every.day by your acts of culinary love.
Ill be back in mid December forma few days. Maybe we can get together.
Linda says
I’m so jealous…your bins have the greatest finds!
Sarah Kline says
It’s luck — and a dogged determination to find one fun thing every time. The bins are the best!
Gisela says
I live in Buenos Aires,, Argentina. There are no bins here nor goodwill with beautiful things to enjoy. Love your findings!
Sarah Kline says
Hello Gisela, thanks for checking in and the kind words. Cheers from one beautiful corner of the world to another!
Dale Emanuel says
Thanks for shopping with us beautiful Sarah!
Happy Halloween!
Sarah Kline says
Dale, it’s been years! Hope this finds you well and that we bump into each other soon.
Dale Emanuel says
We should make that happen! I’ll reach out directly. Xoxo
Laurie Romanaggi says
You truly do have the luck at the bins! Great finds and hope our paths cross soon.
(that is vintage crepe paper framed that you got at my garage sale)
Happy day!
Sarah Kline says
Hey Laurie, looking forward to it! Hope you’re able to find time in your busy crafting time to get out and enjoy this spectacular weather.
Nancy Kearsley says
Next time I am in Portland visiting my daughter, I would LOVE to go binning with you! You have gotten me hooked! Just wish I wasn’t so limited on what I can bring home!!!
Sarah Kline says
Love to meet up! Here’s my email: olivebred@aol.com. Shoot me off a note with “portland sampler reader” in the subject line (I get so much email I hate to miss it) with as much notice as you can muster and we’ll see if we can figure out a time that is good for both of us. FUN!