Mod Lodge Alphabet: D for Deer, T for Thermos

Brass Deer Candle Holders $6

Well, once again, I have not made Monday for Thrift Share Monday but I am getting closer to it! It is a big week here at the ranch... our new 9' x 12' greenhouse arrived yesterday and today, as I am typing this, a new bamboo wood floor is being put down on our sun porch. I am thrilled. The only bad thing about it is when emptying the sun porch in preparation for the floor, I realized I have a LOT of stuff. It has invaded nearly every room of the house. I probably should pare down when we put the stuff back in but I don't see that happening. Which leads me to my purchases this weekend...

I am in estate sale and garage sale envy of all of you out there who have been hitting those the past couple of weeks. We hardly ever have an estate sale around here and it seems like garage sale season doesn't start until Aprilish. We do have quite a few thrift stores, antique stores, and flea markets so those happily work. Friday, I visited Valley Flea Market and Antiques in Warsaw (Missouri - not Poland) and found a few things to add to my collections including the brass deer candle holders pictured above. I can't find a makers mark on them but I think they are just fab - nice detailing. I especially like the doe who looks like she is drinking from a pond or possibly eating the corn I leave out for the deer we have on our property.

I scooped up another deer for my collection. This one is a wood-like carving and is marked Red Mill Mfg Handcrafted USA. After doing some internet research, I found out this about Red Mill Manufacturing: A unique blend of crushed pecan shells provided the look and feel of real wood, and each sculpture translated into an exact replica of its original carving. After being carefully removed from its mold, craftsmen highlighted and hand lacquered each collectible for added depth and color. Okay, so that's very cool. I have two more deer from this manufacturer already so I am excited to add a third! She cost me $4 but so worth it.

I almost couldn't get to this booth fast enough when I saw the Thermos' on the shelf. I have a small obsession with these, especially the red ones. These all happen to be Thermos brand -I wonder if Thermos is like Kleenex is to tissues except for the life of me, I can't think of what else to call these containers other than Thermos (oh, I see "insulated food and beverage containers" - whatever). Anywhoser, I quickly added them to my basket as I don't have any just like them. I love the small one because it has great color and the definition of the sun and snowflake symbolizing hot and cold. The Winchester plaid  is fun because of the cool graphics of the geese, bear, moose, rabbit, squirrel, and eagle incorparated into the design. And the other, well let's just say I had a "revelation" to buy it.  I purchased all three for $9.

So, how is your spring thrifting going? Found any treasures you can't live without? What's in your alphabet of collecting? I bet whatever it is, it's fantastic!