Cookie Jar Clown

Meet our new cookie jar clown. I bought him from Kelsey last month and he's been making himself at home around here.

Still trying to decide what to store inside 'cuz I'm relegating him to the studio (don't think even I could handle him hanging out in the kitchen!). Buttons, beads, random trinkets? Decisions, decisions! Of course Lizzie is insisting he be filled up with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

And I had to share one more picture 'cuz I loved their toothy twin-ness. Sounds like we may be baking cookies this week :)

The Bargain Barrel

The Bargain Barrel is a hidden gem for thrifter's here in Manhattan, Kansas. It's a small, second hand shop off the beaten path but is always chock-ful of surprises. You never know what you'll find among their varied selection and I have never left empty-handed or more realistically with an empty trunk!

It's family-owned and family-run by a father/daughter team, Phil Petty and Kelsey Currie (how cool is that?). In fact I learned that Kelsey is one of my loyal blog readers (*waves at Kelsey*) the last time I stopped in a couple weeks ago. She keeps the place in tip-top shape and has everything organized with fun labels so it's a pleasure to browse.

And...I cannot mention The Bargain Barrel without introducing Chicken, the shop's cat-in-residence. Chicken was adopted as a kitten when she was found in the dumpster at a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken. She's such a friendly-lickin' cat and adds character to the shop--there's even a sign on the front door warning customers that Chicken likes to lick (see first photo)!

I've amassed quite a collection of vintage beads which I love using in pieces like The Circus Wagon.

The glass cabinets are always fully stocked with vintage and antique treasures at very reasonable prices.

If you collect vinyls, this is definitely a place to browse. We even picked up some old records for our antique Victrola on a recent visit.

A couple of the aisles are stocked with random hardware, tools and old objects of interest. You know....the kind of stuff that appeals to assemblage artists.

Speaking of hidden treasures, this fun floral print was lining the drawer of a old wooden cubby. I resisted but it was kinda hard. Patrick says "NO MORE FURNITURE"!

A jar 'o buttons on the front counter. Need I say more?

Drool. Love the graphics. I may have to go back and get the Tiddly Winks 'cuz I keep thinking of that cute clown with his polka dot suit.

So....if you've lost your marbles or if your passing through The Little Apple be sure to stop in The Bargain Barrel and see what hidden treasures are waiting for you!

Vintage Hand Puppet

Earlier this week I made an spontaneous thrift shop stop and look what I spied on the counter as I was being rung out--this darling old hand puppet! Of course I had to add it to my pile of goodies. You know it's hard for me to pass up a clown--especially one with a paisley collar and a pointy red hat too. Happy weekend!

Darling Objects

We were out 'n about on Saturday and stopped into a small town antique store. I'm thrilled with the darling objects I discovered and am currently hemming and hawing over which to keep and which to share in the shop. There is one other treasure that I'm keeping for certain--stop back by tomorrow and I'll show it to you.

Full Color Finds

Vintage Billiard Balls

1940's Boy Scout Sash


Collection of Tin Teacups


Vintage Pincushion

Thought I'd share some vintage goodies picked up recently at a local thrift shop and antique dive. All of these full color finds are available at Sushipot Parts. Happy Friday!

Found In Books

Thought I'd share these bits of ephemera found in books brought home from my last thrift shop run. Sometimes these treasures are the best part of the book as they lend little hints of their past. The folded paper turned out to be a test (I think) tucked away in a old pharmaceutical book. I'll share the book with you later on this week as it has wonderful imagery.

Grand Ol' Trunk Thrift Shop

The Grand Ol' Trunk Thrift Shop of Manhattan, Kansas is one of my all-time favorite thrifting haunts (and I've been to a lot). This family owned second-hand establishment always has a great selection of stuff as their roadside marquee pronounces. Tucked away behind the main building is a little house turned bookstore (see last image) that is stuffed to the gills with old, used and vintage books. I never walk away from the Grand Ol' Trunk empty handed--it's every thrifter's dream.

Thrifted Goods

Remember that box of goodies I showed you on Monday? Here's a better looked at what I picked up on that quick thrift run. Everything you see here has been posted in the "parts" shop. I've been a busy bee!

Box of Goodies

This box of goodies, from a quick thrift shop run on Friday, sat in the trunk of my car over the weekend. I lugged it into the studio last night to sort through everything. Many of the little things you see here will be making their way into the shop later on this week.

Fun Finds

I've posted a selection of fun vintage finds over at Sushipotparts. This Changeable Charlie puzzle is a hoot and would make a great Father's Day gift!

A darling set of old-school animal alphabet letters. 

And...a pair of Little Red Riding Hood objects. You have no excuse not to start a collection!

Thifting Finds

A quick thrifting stop a couple days ago produced several charming finds. I couldn't resist these miniature watering cans. The smallest one is not much larger than my thumbnail.

This pair of retro Swinger albums were in great condition so I did not pass them up. They will most likely end up in Sushipotparts when I find time to add some new listings.

An old toy cap gun--perfect for a little cowboy. And...a folding autographic brownie camera circa 1917. I have no idea if it works but it's such a unique display piece.

I cannot believe I found this pair of antique silhouettes. The one on the left is a delicate paper cut and the right is a reversed glass painting. So charming!