Inspiration hidden in the dust!

  Every now and again, I get a wild hair to go to a thrift store.  As much as I hate to shop in department stores, I love an exploratory run through other folks' castoffs.  Why?  I have no clue other than the fact that perfectly useful items can be had for a steal!  Thrift stores abound with discarded stuff that is far too good to toss in the trash but, for one reason or another, is not appealing to the current owner.  It all goes back to that "one man's trash is another man's treasure".  I like treasures. Just this past week, Mark chauffeured me to the thrift store. He really is not obligated to do this other than the fact that he keeps my shopping spree in check.  He knows that I might just buy the proverbial "white elephant" if I see it...and I usually do.  This time, however, I was on that annual thrift store run to search out possible clue hunt items. The Annual Clue Hunt on the Bayou is just weeks away and I am still lacking several crucial props.  I was on a mission and just so happened to drag Mark along for the ride!

  While I did succeed in finding a few possible props, I slipped several "interesting" items in my basket. One in particular stirred the crafter in me.  A small votive holder was bound to come home with me simply because it reminded me of a craft that Mark had done in the past. This votive holder was hand cut from a tin can.  Yep!  An ordinary tin can such as a bean can had been cut...perhaps with a torch...and now held a little glass cup.  Mark used to make doll furniture for Darling Daughter in much the same way.  His, however, were made using a homemade tool.  The art was a throwback from years ago when folks made use of everything.  Believe it or not, Folks, we used to not be such a wasteful society.  At one time, things were used, reused, remade, repaired, repurposed, patched, mended, or simply traded for some other needed item.  Now we use something once and toss it in a landfill.  Terrible!

 I do believe the little votive holder has spurred a notion in Mark's head. When our sweet granddaughter is a few years older, he can make her all sorts of nifty doll furniture!  I am sure that she will love what her PawPaw creates for her just as much as Darling Daughter loved the pieces back in the day.  Thrift stores are such great places!  Inspiration is hidden amongst the dusty items!  I think we need to go again....soon!