Have you ever gone into an Op Shop/Thrift Store or to a market and found exactly what you were looking for? I don't mean when you're hoping to find a few plates and get them, or a couple of toys and manage to pick some up. I mean when you find EXACTY what you were looking for? A very definite item, straight off your wishlist?
Well today it happened for me! A couple of months ago when aimlessly searching on eBay for a retro teapot I came across a listing for a Finel Arabia teapot in blue, made in Finland. It was love at first sight. The listing was at a "Buy it Now" price of $95 which I decided would be pretty hard to justify to my lovely husband so I have been hunting online ever since and have seen them in online vintage stores such as this gorgeous shop as well as eBay listings such as this. But I REALLY wanted to find my own. I knew the likeliness of finding such a specific item, a certain make in a particular pattern was highly unlikely but it went onto my mental wishlist anyway.
Then today, with a few minutes to spare before playgroup, we popped into my tiny, local Vinnie's to have a quick look. I didn't see anything of interest and was about to leave when I looked up and there on the top shelf, tucked in behind a couple of vases I saw a familiar blue spout peeping out. (Sharp intake of breath). Moving the vases aside, there it was in all its glory. (Jaw drops to floor). I take it down off the shelf and see it's in great condition (yes!!!) and then I find myself laughing at the unlikeliness of finding just what I was looking for in our own suburb.
Look at that beautiful blue enamel, retro shape and fab pattern? How could I not fall in love with it? And the best bit? It cost $7!!! So so happy :-)
27 comments:
OMG A, what an amazing story. ANd what a beautiful tea pot it is. Looking forward to catching up over Xmas break, I'll call you tomorrow to tee up a time.
E
xx
That's amazing. It is in perfect condition. Wow - you clearly had op shop karma on your side. I love it and the colour is just spectacular. Lucky you. I did have a similar experience a while back when visiting a garage sale and coming across two vintage printer drawers I'd been searching for for ages. So very excited to snuffle them for $20 bucks when they were $120 on ebay!
Well done, and what a bargain, too; it looks brand new! That really IS amazing, and it was obviously meant to be found by you. That story reminds me of my cherry bowl hunt finally paying off after almost 40 yrs searching!
Well done, and what a bargain, too; it looks brand new! That really IS amazing, and it was obviously meant to be found by you. That story reminds me of my cherry bowl hunt finally paying off after almost 40 yrs searching!
Fantastic! It's really lovely and looks in top notch condition - I could feel the anticipation as you described getting it from the shelf.
Thats a gorgeous little find, and wow, so lucky considering you were looking at one for $95! Well done :)
Sheesh - it was meant to be!!!
My parents use everyday the Finel saucepans that they received as a wedding present in the early 1960s! The fish pattern instantly takes me back to my childhood and all sorts of 70s comfort food dishes! This kettle is a true gem of a find! Well done!!
Was there a light shining down and did you hear the angel choir? Wow, $7, what a steal. It is an adorable teapot. Great find!
merry christmas a little early!
Wow is all I can say! Your teapot is gorgeous and what a wonderful story. I agree a Christmas present to you!
so exciting! that happened once to me with my aqua typewriter :) best feeling ever.
What a beautiful teapot and a great story.
Earlier this fall I had my thirft store Gotchch moment. Last time I moved I carefully packed away my Honey Bunch books from my childhood. I have not seen them since, and we are talking decades.
I was running an errand and hit a thrift store at end of day. The book shelf lady had gone home and had just set out 5 Honey Bunch books that I swear may even be mine. (I had a few more.) My feet did not touch the ground as I flew to pay for them.
I went back the next day early (requiring a change of schedule and a long drive)to see if more showed up the next day but have seen none since.
WOW!!! you lucky girl!
Yay for you! The thrifting gods were smiling down on you that day for sure. Now if only I could have a pink Pyrex god watching over me I would be set :)
How inspirational for us fellow thrifters!
I can't say that that's ever happened to me, sadly... but I'm really pleased for you - living the dream ;)
I'm a big fan of Arabia stuff so I'm also really jealous.
Are you kidding me? That's exactly the type of kettle I've been keeping my out for! You would have to be one of the luckiest op shoppers in the world!
I soooo hope I find one like this soon.
NO WAY!!! That is the find of the century you lucky girl. Megan xx
what a great story! and a beautiful teapot :) probably about the same odds as winning the lottery - lucky girl!
I sold one just like it in my Etsy shop! It was so gorgeous, I was sorry to see it go but it sold for over $100. What a great story, good karma for sure!
Ah, the force is strong in this one.
Haha, yay, thats so awesome and it really is one beautiful teapot! I felt that way when I found my Saltwater sandals in perfect condition in just the color I wanted last summer.
That there is some seriously good op shop karma.
I love it when that happens! That is soooo fun! And at 7$ quite a deal my thrifty friend :)
It's definitely a beautiful piece, and the price cannot be beaten. Thrifting throws us wonderful surprised...but only when we don't expect them.
Can I ask what your local vinnies is? And your favourite op shop in sydney?
Post a Comment