What to do with those yardsale finds?

In spite of my traveling so much these days, I've still managed to hit a few yardsales in between. And that has caused a few little changes around the house, some much needed and good changes. A few months ago I saw something in a magazine that got my attention. It was red painted sticks that looked a lot like coral. So, when I found this bundle of sticks for 50 cents last year while yardsaling, I tucked them away with that in mind. Just 2 weeks ago I found the pretty glass vase for $1 at another sale and those shells were in that big jar of shells I found a few weeks ago for $2. Are you with me so far?
So, I got out some leftover Ralph Lauren red paint that I had in my stash (I actually think I picked it up for free at a yardsale somewhere, can't remember). It's a pretty brick red and is the perfect color for red coral.
Painted the sticks, added the shells in the bottom of my inexpensive vase and now I have a whole new look for my Tuesday AM wall shelf. Total cost: $3.50
Here's the long shot of the whole wall. I had a large topiary there before that I made a long time ago, but I'm slowly changing out some of my old silk things for these that are a little airier and fresher. And I'm loving the new look! Hope this gives you a whole different way of looking at those yardsale items. You never know when you pick something up where it might come in handy. Those sticks had been in my stash closet for about 6 months when I finally got them out and the lightbulb went on. Which leads to the next little yardsale project..... This table is ever-changing these days. I moved my silk arrangement that had been here for so long and added this stack of books that I've collected (mostly from yardsales). With the addition of my little bird that was found recently for $2 and the glass vase for 50 cents, I have another vignette for this table. Not a bad price either.
Oh, and the sticks? I got those when I was still working and we had that big Open House. Remember those huge live floral arrangements that were on the tables? Well, I got a big bunch of the sticks when the flowers were tossed and brought them home. I love the airiness of sticks in a vase and am seeing a lot of this in magazines lately.

Perfect in the livingroom in that glass vase. Someone asked about buying more and more at yardsales and when was it enough, but I figure when you can recycle and refresh, it sure doesn't hurt to keep looking and buying within reason. Especially when it's so little money.
I love these little changes and it was time to retire some of the silk florals.
Change is inspiring! I hope I've inspired YOU to get out there and look for those bargains. They are out there, just waiting to be found.

We are heading home on Friday and while traveling has been fun, I'm ready to be back at our Home Sweet Home. See you soon!

Go and visit Cielo over at House of Roses for her dessert carnival that just started today! You'll get some wonderful dessert ideas and the pics are very inspiring!