Thrift Share - Going Global

Holiday Cheers...Christmas is almost here!  

(I've added lots of linky links on this weeks post so be sure to click & 

check out the background & details on some of my finds)

This is our Baby Tree in the living room with my favorite Thrifted Vintage Ornaments.

I was afraid our bad dog Lucy would eat the big tree if I put it up!

(Notice my mid century chair has yet to be reupholstered! lol.)

I'm excited for Christmas this year because I'm preparing for a trip to KY to see my family (and my Mommy..YIPEE)!!!  It's been over 3 years since I've been home for the holidays and I can't wait!

Unfortunately, I haven't even started shopping yet due to all kinds of craziness at work, 

but I have managed to stop at a few thrift shops recently and look at some of the goodies I've found.

It's funny how themes develop.  I've always enjoyed having a vintage globe or 2 sitting around the house, but in the last few weeks I've amassed several more for my collection.

This one is my favorite however, because it lights up and makes a rather beautiful statement at night!  It's a Readers Digest globe from the 1980s and is in excellent condition.  

I'm always buying art and really need to get the Thrift Art obsession under control...but I just couldn't pass up this lovely lithograph by LosAngeles/Mexican Folk Artist Esau Andrade.  It's large (18X24) and nicely framed and for only $5 at the Goodwill it was certainly a steal.

I suppose part of Frank Del Olmo's estate was certainly my treasure!

Can't wait to see what goodies your sharing this week too, so I'll be linking up to Sophie's Flea Market Finds and Selena's Thrift Share Monday!

Holiday Cheers ~ Lara

Thrift Art Gallery - Beautiful Mysteries

While I have some pretty cool noted artists included in my Thrift Art collection, there still remain some amazing paintings that for now belong in the Tomb of the Unknown Artists.

Can you help me Solve these Beautiful Mysteries???

 I've had this beautiful painting hanging in both of our homes & I really love it!

36" X 36" Oil Painting Signed Sandoval.  

There is an artist Robert Sandoval in Taos, but I was informed that this was not his signature...

This wonderful Geisha has been hanging as a centerpiece over the flat screen for a few months now.

She's just stunning & so masterfully painted.

12 X 24 Oil Painting of Geisha signed MFR?

I found this mixed media piece at an Antique Shop in Torrance, CA. 

I was drawn to the whimsy & petina of this amazing assemblage on thick block of wood.

The faces are drawn on rocks, and the small rock at the bottom is signed IRWIN.

I thought it may possibly be by Long Beach native & famous CA artist Robert Irwin.

I've sent out a few feelers to research the possibility, but still haven't been able to connect any dots.

Any ideas?

*****UPDATE****

I believe I've uncovered the mystery of the Irwin piece, and oddly enough have also bought another piece of his work.  I found this photo online on a Skinner auction page, and it just has to be the same artist.

Click HERE to learn more about Irwin H. Brown

Maybe someday the other makers will be revealed too, but for now I love them each the same.  All of these amazing works of art are proudly displayed around our home.

Cheers ~ Lara

Thrift Share - A few fun finds

I'm linking up with Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday post again...

and this week I though I'd show you some of the fun things I've run across lately.

I couldn't resist this vintage 1978 Optical Illusion Toy.  The Mirage 3D Hologram Maker was in it's original box & I found the instruction booklet laying astray on another table. 

Try to touch the object that appears on top of this fascinating optic mirage disc... there's nothing there! The object is actually below. Displays an unusual parabolic optical effect. 9" diameter. 

You can still get them new online, but I just love this vintage model.

I also came across this sweet set of prints a few weeks ago at a goodwill.

I wish I had a place to hang them. They would be perfect in a child's room.  

They are already matted & just need to be framed.  They will be a nice addition to the the shop.

I've been on the lookout to find a vintage scale, and finally came across one at a goodwill a few weeks ago.

It's a little bent & dinged, but seems to weigh accurately.  

Though I stuck to my guns this past week & didn't do any thrfiting...

I did do some dept store & online shopping to get ready for my trip to Europe.  

I hit the jackpot at Burlington Coat Factory.  There is a massive clearance area in the back of the store at DelAmo Fashion Center in Torrance.  I seriously spent $130.00 & got 13 shirts, a skirt & a pair of pants!!!  SCORE!

I'm so bummed though, I splurged on a this new pair of Frye boots for my trip & got em on eBay. 

They are black & flat & studded & so cute...but they KILL my feet.

I wore them to walk the dog the other night & got 2 big blisters the 1st time out.  

I guess I'll just stick to my old faithful Cowboy Style boots & be a happy footed traveler.

Just as a reminder my shop NowSoLA will be closed while I'm away, but I'll be back up and running with new finds in store after the 1st week in April!

Cheers ~ Lara

Rainbow on a Rainy Day

M. Saleh 1970s Oil Paintings

I stopped into the Salvation Army in Redondo Beach.  It was pouring rain for the 5th day in a row & these 1970s paintings brightened up my day!

Signed M. Saleh

Signed M. Saleh

I love the folk art feel of the pair and the fact that one sign painting says "Love" and the other "LB".  And I do love Long Beach!
The paintings measure 16" X 20" and are in amazing 21" X 26" frames (the picture doesn't do the frames justice).
They were a steal at only $20.00 each (a little over my usual limit, but I liked them)

I plan on repainting the mat with a flat black.  It will really make the colors pop!
I'll fill you in when the project is complete!