Thursday, May 16, 2013

Brass is where it's at

This week we have lots of BRASS! (and copper!) Just check out some of these photos!



These brass and copper pieces make great accents to book cases, mantels, and coffee tables. As a group  it can appear to look like a pile of junk, but just single one piece out and it becomes a treasure! Pick an interesting shape or sillhouette, or an object that is interesting to you such as an elephant or sea shell. Look at photos below to see how I have used little brass pieces to add some interest to my decor. 



You can also get creative and up-cycle some old candlesticks by painting them with bright spray paint. Here is an example from HGTV:

...and a similar idea 
to view a tutorial on this, go to centsationalgirl.com
So remember, looking at a giant piles of things at estate sales may be overwhelming, but try and see what shapes or pieces catch your eye and let your imagination go wild!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Spring Inspiration

Spring really is here, even if the snow is fooling you! We have some wonderful things at this weekend's sale to get you in gear for spring. I have included pics of our items, with inspiration ideas. 
Inspiration

Gypsy Sale Item

Inspiration

Gypsy Sale Item
Inspiration 

Gypsy Sale Item

Gypsy Sale Item

Inspiration
Inspiration

Gypsy Sale item




Thursday, April 18, 2013

TOOLS! TOOLS! AND STUFF!

When is the last time you bought a high quality, brand new tool from the hardware store? Expensive, right? Even things that are priced affordably add up when you are doing a home improvement project.

3 years ago my husband and I bought a house (our first), and I have fully stocked my entire garage with tools I purchased at a Denver Gypsy Boy's sale!
(OK, I admit... I already owned the neon pink level)
We got gardening equiptment, painting supplies, wallpapering supplies (cause one day I WILL wallpaper my hallway), leaf blowers, weed wackers, shovels, rakes, garage shelves, and TONS of tools! All for a FRACTION of what I would have spent at the big home improvement store.

Garage shelving helps organize!

These types of items are built to last.... so buying the second hand at an estate sale is usually a sure bet.

This weekend there is a garage filled with stuff! Take this opportunity to stock up your garage. Try and remember all the times you have been working on a project and thought to yourself, "Dang, I wish I had a thing-a-ma-bob". Make a list and carry it with you to Gypsy Boy Sales and start saving!
My Week Wacker with price still on it from last summer!
Everyone needs 'em!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Vintage Curtains

First off... sorry I was absent a while. But, I am back in action! Today's post is about my latest Gypsy Boys Estate Sale find...... VINTAGE CURTAINS.

I LOVE vintage curtains. The patterns can sometimes be tacky... gaudy.... hippy... just CRAZY. And that is just how I like it. So when I found this pair of curtains, I knew I had to have them.

First of all, the turquoise, gray and white color scheme fit into my dining room perfectly! Only one problem. I needed 4 panels, and there were only two. Well sometimes when you find something that is ALMOST what you are looking for... you have to make adjustments. Since I have such a wonderful view, I knew my curtains were more about decoration than practicalness, so I realized they would not have to be wide enough to cover the window. I busted out my scissors and cut each panel in half. (Way more nerve-wracking than it sounds!) I now had 4 panels! Instead of hemming the new cut, I decided to add some silver tassel trim. Why be drab, when you can be fab!! To top it off, I added some vintage turquoise tassel tie-backs. (Another Gypsy Boy find).



Ain't nobody got the same curtains as me! These wouldn't suit everyone's taste... but that is the point. It is my personality reflected in my home. This is what makes vintage SO GREAT! Not only are you repurposing something from the past, but you are adding flair and style that can not be easily copied.


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Vintage clothes ROCK!

That's me rockin' a vintage dress I bought from a Denver Gypsy Boys Estate Sale. I have a closet full of them!
This week we have some sweet vintage looks available at the sale. Check them out below.





Vintage clothes = original style & amazing quality
When you buy vintage, you are sure to get a unique item that can't be bought by everyone else at a chain store. As we all know, fashion styles from the past are always being redone and imitated in current trends. Why not own the original? 
Some vintage items are so classic, they will never go out of style. A faux fur trench, or a well tailored dress will be a staple of your wardrobe for years to come. 
And don't worry guys.... you won't be left out! Retro ment's shirts and jackets are coveted items these days... and they are available for anyone who wants to put some swank in their step. 
Visit our website for more pics!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Everything old is new again



Is the paint peeling? Is the wood chipped? Are the crevices dusty? These signs of age are priceless! Items that some people may pass over as junk, can actually be wonderful additions to your decor. When something old is mixed in with your new decor, it adds character, history, and charm! 

Here are some ideas inspired by items available at this weekend's sale.

Use an old chair for storage! Stack towels on it, or use it as a plant stand!

Available at Denver Gypsy Boys
Houzz.com


Old kitchen step stool chairs are great for craft rooms or art studios.
Available at Denver Gypsy Boys 
Houzz.com
Trunks are great to use for coffee tables.
Available at Denver Gypsy Boys


Old cast iron bases for a plant stand...
Available at Denver Gypsy Boys

Old painted stools are great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Available at Denver Gypsy Boys
Houzz.com


So don't pass up those old pieces. Rescue them and give them a new life!






Thursday, January 24, 2013

Decorating with Books

Have you seen how many books are at this weekends sale! Tons and tons and tons. Here are just a couple of pics from the sale...

Books are great for  ...ummm  ...reading! But guess what? They are also fabulous for decorating! 
Use book stacks to add interest to bedside tables, coffee tables,  kitchens, and of course, book shelves! Books are great for adding color, texture, and different height levels for items on display. 
There are a few different ways you can arrange them. 
1) By theme - In my kitchen I have vintage cook books and entertaining books. I use them to prop up collectables, and add interest. Since my kitchen has a red cherry theme, I try and find books with a touch of red on the title or cover graphics. 
2) By color - Collect a stack of books that are in a color scheme of your decor. I used a stack of bright orange books in my hallway, and a stack of neutral books in my guest room.
3) By title or subject matter - I helped my husband decorate his boring office shelves with some books and knick-knacks. He is a chemical engineer, so I used a variety of books about geology, math, science, and minerals. All of his actual work related materials are cold and new looking. So adding worn in, canvas covered vintage books helps warm up the place a bit, and adds a homey feel.

You can also arrange books by the title... which really makes the book hunting fun! I have a stack of books that all have the word "Love" in the title written down the spine. Another stack I have is a little more tongue and cheek - all titles about murder and death. 

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Here are a couple more pics of books stacks in my home. 

This weekend's sale is the perfect place to start. Remember, part of the fun is the hunt! Mix and match books to create the look you are after. Remember to look under book jackets, sometimes a beautiful binding is hiding under a paper jacket. 





Monday, January 7, 2013

Vintage tupperware is always a great find. And I swear, I have seen it at EVERY Denver Gypsy Boys Estate sale. Wether you fancy the pastel colors from the 1950s, or the Harvest colors from the 1970s, you can find it out there.

Tupperware came about when inventor Earl Silas invented plastic containers with airtight tops. Soon food storage was revolutionized when people started using tupperware instead of glass, pottery, or wooden containers. But the true popularity came in the 1950s when Brownie Wise conceived of the home Tupperware Party.

Usually people collect Tupperware that makes them nostalgic for their childhood. I grew up with Tupperware from the 1970s in the Harvest color scheme: Brown, yellow, orange, and avocado green. So that is what I collect... and boy, do I have tons of it thanks to the Gypsy Boys!





My prize possession is my childhood set of Tupperware, recently mailed to me by my mom. I had no idea she still had it!

Tupperware stands the test of time. Even though my pieces are 30-40 years old, they are still in excellent condition, and keep my food fresh! And when you buy pieces at an estate sale, it ends up being cheaper than modern disposable plastic ware. Yuck! Who wants that, when you can have useful, colorful, collectable TUPPERWARE!