A history of thrifting

Wouldn't our great-grandparents be amazed at the luxuries that surround us today?  I remember my grandparents' farm house and the pot-belly stove that sat in the middle of their living room, providing heat for the entire house.   

My grandmother, Georgia Parkhill, was a remarkable woman who lived to be 97 years old.  Of Scottish descent, she believed in wringing 2 cents of worth out of every penny.  How could you raise 6 children during the Depression and not have the same belief?

Mamaw had a quote or Bible scripture for every situation.  One of my favorites:  "A woman can throw more money out the back door in a teaspoon than a man can bring in the front door in a wheel barrow."  She was the Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose Queen of Sand Mountain, Alabama, and today's repurposefullness is dedicated to her.

                                                  Source:  RefreshRestyle

Yes, that's a wine rack.  It was $6 at the Goodwill Store

and repurposed into a towel holder.  Not only economical

and space-saving, it's totally charming!

How adorable are these kennel crate end tables?!  Manufactured by Den Haus, a family owned Seattle-based company, you can access their amazing website at here . 

                             Source:  Roost

I've posted pictures of vintage work benches

before but this is one of my favorites.

                             Source:  Home Life

An antique door used as a transom - charming!

 Source:  WunderWeib

How many times have you tried to think of ways to recycle old desk or cabinet drawers?  The pastel treatment would make great shelving in a nursery.

                                Source:  Maison Reve

An antique fireplace mantle used as a

headboard - thrifty and romantic!

The darling idea of a teapot lamp was originally featured in Country Living.  Easy lamp conversion DIY videos can be viewed on YouTube.  This project would make an amazing Christmas gift.  Thrift stores and flea markets teem with vintage teapots, many under $5.      

So very fleaChic!

Source:  79Ideas

Repurposing doesn't have to involve a lot of imagination or work.  Simply using a vintage chair as a bedside table is not only economical but charming!

     Source:  The Vintage Wren
 Years ago old carpenters' tool carriers were easy to find but they're not quite as abundant today.  Go dig around in your father's garage and see if you can find one - they make excellent organizers.

Bob and I are packing our bags and heading back to North Alabama today for a family-filled week of Thanksgiving rejoicing.   It's been a long time since I've visited Mamaw's old farm house but I'm feeling some ancestral urgings to reconnect with my thrifty roots. 

Have a great weekend!