Scavenging Jackpot


Salvaged Rusty Parts

Last week I had the best scavenging week I’ve had in a long time.  It started out with this delivery of rusty gold.

Now to you it may look like trash, but to me it’s angel wings and angel legs. Yes, I’ve already started on my junk angel #2 (and 3 and 4).  How could I not? Hopefully, I’ll share her with you next week…right now she’s in need of a couple of arms.

While you may think I went to a dump and picked this stuff up, I actually paid good money for my lovely treasures.  This was a box lot on Ebay. That’s right Heaven in a box though I’m pretty sure that is not how it was advertised.

My husband actually asked me if I would rather have a box of treasure (see above) or a piece of jewelry.  He was not too surprised when I chose my box of treasure.  It really doesn’t take much to make me happy!  😆 

Salvaged Furniture

Now, I wouldn’t write a post on just one box of treasure.  The other half of my scavenging week was bringing home all this stuff for FREE!

On Saturday, my husband gets a text from his brother, Michael.  Michael has been active in theater for probably about 30 years, either acting or behind the scenes.  His theater group had been storing props, costumes and building supplies at an old elementary school for years. The elementary school had long ago stopped being a school and now housed community groups. 

The problem was, the elementary school was about to be flattened and they had to move all their stuff.  They had one day to do it.  

Anything left would be abandoned…would we be interested in seeing if there was anything we could use?

A half hour later, my hubby and I were picking through a room of props. The biggest problem was that we only had one car. 

Salvaged Furniture

A lot of the furniture were just theater props, not real furniture but we did manage to snag a few things. The car filled up very quickly.

Salvaged Furniture

This little buffet has seen better days but I can already see her with a fresh coat of paint.

Salvaged Furniture

Still will have to figure out what to do with the peeling veneer on top.

Salvaged Furniture

The whole trip wasn’t quite free, however, we did  invest a little sweat equity. The group that was cleaning up had been working since early that morning loading and packing and with no air conditioning they were showing major signs of  droop and sweat.  We couldn’t just leave without helping out a bit…so for the next hour we dragged all their bags down and helped load up their truck.

Our next stop was a snowball stand. Yum, raspberry.

Back home again, it’s hard to believe all this stuff actually fit into our car and you know I couldn’t wait…I’ve already started to paint the bench and the wooden panel in back.

Now what can I do with a couple of theater lights, they are heavy and awesome.

And Michael, you’re now my favorite brother-in-law.

Shared at Handmade Hangout, Wow us Wednesdays,

10 Comments

  • Lori says:

    I envy you. Great collection.

  • Cheryl says:

    Oh wow, what a score!! I’m in heaven just looking at all your wonderful finds!! Great BIL!! Can’t wait to see what you do!

  • Judy Pimperl says:

    Now, that’s the kind of phone call us junkers dream about! You snagged some good stuff!
    PS I would have chosen the rusty gold, too, over the jewelry!
    Judy

  • Deedra says:

    I love to repurp thing I find at a yard sale, it relaxes me. I have not been able to go out and look because of the heat, but once it lays off some- I will be out looking.

  • gail says:

    wow! that’s a great haul…. lucky you Joan!

    gail

    • Joan says:

      I am so excited, I have enough projects for at least a month. Don’t be surprised to find one of these castoffs over at your site.

  • Lori Chapman says:

    As one of those very hot, sweaty and tired workers on this day, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate yours and Brian’s help. You guys were amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do with our old props and furniture. I will be watching the site for updates. And hopefully Brian has deleted the sweaty picture of the 3 of us. LOL.

    • Joan says:

      I asked him to send me the picture but decided not to post it when none of us looked too great (ok, we looked bad). Would have loved to loaded up another car, it was a pickers dream!

      • Lori Chapman says:

        I know I looked bad. You guys looked great 🙂 Thanks for not posting. I am kicking myself for not taking some of the furniture. Your site has inspired me to start upcycking things. It was so great meeting you both.

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