Staring at a Blank Wall?

Are you stumped on how to decorate a blank wall? You might be staring at a large wall, like in a room with a vaulted ceiling, or a long wall, like the hallway, or just a wall that needs to make a statement and need some inspiration. Our solution - empty picture frames! Goodwill is often the recipient of kindly donated pictures and picture frames. So we have grouped together some amazing ideas for decorating your space.
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We were inspired to do a blog on picture frames after seeing this idea put into practice by a new restaurant, Café Sabo,  in Paw Paw, Michigan (We have a Goodwill retail outlet right down the road!). They had a long hallway and beautifully filled the walls with empty picture frames in all shapes, colors and styles, and a few other objects tucked here and there. All of the pieces were bought at Goodwill!


Café Sabo

This is an eclectic style, and you don't have to do much to the frames other then maybe a little cleaning. Just group them as they are.


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Of course, painting them all one color will really pop and it doesn't matter if the style of the frame is modern or decorative. Love how some of the inspirational quote is "framed".


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Place your frame over something to highlight it like this stencil....


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Or a few branches...

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Or a bunch of fun little treasures...


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Empty frames can serve as a unique headboard.
Group frames together:

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Hang a single, elegant, decorative frame:

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The trio of white frames fit in nicely with this breezy charming bedroom:

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The wall behind your fireplace mantle can be a decorating challenge, and picture frames work well here too!

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So let the treasure hunt for picture frames begin!  This is our Alcott (Kalamazoo) Store's bounty of frames this week!

 

 

HAPPY TREASURE HUNTING!

Let's Dish! Fresh ideas for decorating with thrifted plates.

Have you seen the latest ideas in decorating with plates? We have gathered some fresh new ways to bring your thrifted, vintage or collectible plates into view. 

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Let's start of with something very unique:

These plates are arranged to mimic a grandfather clock! 

Upcycled pallets are everywhere these days. 
This pallet idea would be perfect for a country kitchen or cabin.

This plate display is made from a recycled dresser drawer. 

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Off the wall display ideas.

Plant your plates in the garden.

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Create this pretty vignette with another repurposed drawer to display thrifted plates and silverware.

                                                                       Display different plates as the seasons change.

__________________________          You will find ever changing merchandise at your local Goodwill Store.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    You will also find collectible plates on Shopgoodwill.com.                         Search key word "plate".


These plates are currently up for bid.
Copenhagen porcelain plate

Albion College Observatory, 1st edition wedge wood collectible plate.

"Motif #1" by Prescott W. Baston. 

HAPPY TREASURE HUNTING!

The Glass Pitcher - a simply perfect choice for serving and displaying

Whether you are serving fresh lemonade or arranging a centerpiece, the glass pitcher is a simple and affordable way to set a festive table.

Glass pitchers are simply perfect for spring and summer party drinks.

They are also a unique alternative for displaying spring blossom branches and fresh cut flowers. Even wildflowers will take on a special elegance when placed in a pretty pitcher.

We've gathered some pictures. drink recipes, and links for using your glass pitchers in new ways for spring and summer.

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DISPLAYING

Group pitchers for a big slash of color.

 

A white pitcher can be sweet and simple....

http://theinspiredroom.net

or simply elegant.

http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-tablescape-thursday-green-in-spring.html

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Pitchers can be used to decorate throughout the seasons.

 Spring

http://pinterest.com/pin/268316090271918320/

Summer

http://pinterest.com/pin/395050198533861432/

Fall

Winter

 http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2011/12/christmas-home-tour-2011.html

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Beyond flower arrangements

 

This pitcher is filled with flowers and wooden utensils that is both a bridal shower centerpiece as well as a gift for the bride.

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/395050198533831996/

Staying with the wedding theme, this charming photo shows the pitcher in a grouping with a bottle of wine and the table number.

 http://www.startingoutsavvy.com/2011/01/diy-wedding-detail-wine-bottle-menus/

Make a modern vignette by mixing a clear pitcher and other clear glassware with black and white photos placed inside.

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Let's not forget the original purpose of a glass pitcher - drinks!

Every day refreshments like juice, Crystal Light and sweet tea, are special when served in a glass pitcher.

Southern Sweet Tea Recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups water

2 family-size tea bags

3/4 cup sugar

7 cups cold water

Preparation

1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan; add tea bags. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

2. Discard tea bags. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 1-gal. container, and add 7 cups cold water. Serve over ice.

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Light and refreshing cucumber water with lemon and mint recipe:

Slice one cucumber and one lemon and place in a half-gallon pitcher of water. Add mint . Leave in the refrigerator overnight and it’s ready. 

                                                                           http://sanda-halcyondays.blogspot.com/2012/06/refreshing-drink-for-hot-summer-day.html

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Sangria 

http://pinterest.com/pin/57983913923018263/

Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (recommended: triple sec or Grand Marnier)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 unwaxed apple, cored, and cut into thin wedges
• 1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled

 

Directions

Combine everything but the sparkling water in a glass pitcher. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/sangria-recipe4/index.html

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Make sure to stop by the Goodwill Retail Outlets in Southwestern Michigan to find affordable glass pitchers.  Here are a few pictures of donated pitchers from this week! 

                          



 

Follow us on Pinterest and look for our board "Glass Pitchers" for more ideas.

http://pinterest.com/vtgtc

Click this link to the Goodwill Industries web page to learn more about shopping at Goodwill, The Donate Movement, and our mission.

goodwillswmi.org

 

Happy Treasure Hunting!



Pyrex Love!! Displaying, Using, & Collecting Vintage Pyrex

Vintage Pyrex kitchenware is a very hot item. 

Pyrex has been around since 1915 and was used as an every day item in the kitchen. 

Do you remember making brownies in a turquoise mixing bowl? Or being at a church potluck and spooning out a casserole from a pink baking dish?
Or Grandma's 70's printed coffee mugs?

Vintage Pyrex pieces are very trendy right now because they are pretty, colorful, and best of all functional and still very affordable.  If you are looking for a way to add a little charm and color into your kitchen- try vintage Pyrex!

Here are a few ideas to get you started displaying, using and collecting Pyrex:

Displaying

Add a pop of color to your kitchen by displaying pieces on your shelves.

Combine your Pyrex with a vintage tablecloth.



http://kitschyliving.tumblr.com/post/3565003992

 Showcase pieces above your kitchen cabinets.

 

 http://frecklednest.typepad.com/la/connect.html

Using

Bake, mix, serve!  This is a collectible that can be taken off the shelf and put to use!

 

http://www.incolororder.com/2010/06/pyrex-series-pyrex-in-action.html
 
Something Old/Something New Bridal Gift.
Give a pretty vintage baking dish (stick in a tried and true recipe written on a card), and add new dish towels and utensils. Unique and thoughtful!

Make a treat tower for a holiday party. 
This one is set for a Valentine's day gathering.

 

http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2013/01/be-mine-valentine-party-3-simple-diy-projects/

Collecting

 

http://www.pyrexlove.com/ is a great site to find a VERY comprehensive list of patterns, colors, and styles.

 

http://www.pyrexware.com is the official website and has great information about Pyrex safety.

Shopgoodwill.com is a great place to seek out vintage pieces.  Here are 4 pieces that were posted for bid this week:

 http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Pyrex-1-12-QT-Casserole-Dish-Without-Lid-13155169.html#des

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13154922

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13154792

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13145541

Also visit these four Goodwill Stores of Southwestern Michigan for pieces in their Treasure Chest Department - Alcott Street and Milham in Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Benton Harbor.
Click on this link for store directions and hours. http://goodwillswmi.org/shopping.php

Here is a collage of photos of vintage pyrex that are currently in stock at our Milham Retail Outlet in Kalamazoo!

 

Visit our pinterest board -  Pretty Vintage Pyrex!
http://pinterest.com/vtgtc/pretty-vintage-pyrex/

Thank you for your support of the mission of Goodwill by donating to Goodwill and shopping at Goodwill!

 Happy Treasure Hunting!